Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein

🎙️ This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday, we spotlight independent creativity, community, and perseverance across the Mohawk Valley.🎬 Pete Colter, creator and producer of the upcoming retro horror anthology Carrion Creek, joins us to discuss bringing the series to life, launching its Kickstarter campaign, and why he's bringing back the classic 22-episode TV season.🌮 Then we sit down with Sarita Ruiz, owner of Sarita's Food Truck, to talk about entrepreneurship, Puerto Rican cuisine, building a successful food truck business, and overcoming the challenges of running a small business.🕊️ We also take you to Voice of the Voiceless' Reese Peace Day, where community members gathered to honor the memory of Reese Howard while promoting peace, healing, and unity. Photojournalist & AI Content Producer Jim Hale and I were there with this special report.📞 Plus, Sarah Swan from Utica Creative Reuse joins us to preview this year's Trash to Treasure art exhibition celebrating creativity through recycled materials.Guests• Pete Colter – Creator & Producer, Carrion Creek• Sarita Ruiz – Owner, Sarita's Food Truck• Sarah Swan – Utica Creative Reuse📻 Hot Seat: Media MondayHosted by Ron KlopfansteinBroadcast Mondays at 5 PM on 95.5 FM The Heat and streaming worldwide at 955TheHeat.com.🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch past episodes at:https://UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday#CarrionCreek #FoodTruck #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #UticaNY #MohawkValley #IndependentFilm #PuertoRicanCuisine #Community #VoiceOfTheVoiceless #ReesePeaceDay #MediaMonday #MeetMeInTheHotSeat

This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday...☕ Jeff Miller from Coffee, Tea & a Ph.D. joins us to discuss his innovative lecture series at The Tram, lifelong learning, and the history of segregation in Upstate New York.🎵 Musical guest Citizen Lou returns with two original performances, including a song written especially for Hot Seat: Media Monday.🎤 Lily Christopher and I speak with the children of Edgar Lopez-Duran about the emotional and financial toll his criminal case and ICE detention have had on their family.✊ Plus, I take you to Utica's 10th Annual Juneteenth Celebration, where community members share what the holiday means to them and why its message remains important today.📻 Listen live every Monday from 5–6 PM on 95.5 FM The Heat or stream at 955TheHeat.com.🎧 Watch and listen anytime:▶️ YouTube🎙 Spotify🍎 Apple Podcasts❤️ iHeartRadio📚 Past episodes:UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday👍😎 #MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday #Utica #MohawkValley #Juneteenth #CitizenLou #CoffeeTeaAndAPhD #JeffMiller #LocalNews #CommunityJournalism #EdgarLopezDuran

This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday, Ron Klopfanstein brings together comedy, music, culture, creativity, and community.The episode features comedian Brandon Ciotti, who talks about stand-up comedy, joke writing, stage confidence, bombing, improv, and his upcoming comedy night at Players of Utica on June 27.Recording artist Amanda Marie, also known as Batmanda, joins the show to discuss her music, her songwriting process, buying beats, blending genres, and her upcoming hip hop album. She also shares the story behind the name Batmanda and the message behind her song “Grateful.”Ron also takes listeners to International Fairy Day at Dunham Public Library in Whitesboro, where artist Lorraine Kreimeyer hosted a celebration filled with young fairy fans, magic cookies, invisible painting, and glimpses into a magic mirror.Photojournalist and AI Content Producer Jim Hale and Ron visit the Puerto Rican Day Cookout at Proctor Park in Utica, highlighting food, family, music, culture, Puerto Rican pride, Dominican support, and the importance of knowing where we come from.Lily Christopher closes the episode with a feature from Young Einstein’s Preschool, where she talks with Maria Lallier about the Reggio approach to early childhood education and how children show curiosity, intelligence, creativity, and personality through their artwork.Hosted by Ron Klopfanstein.Guests and Features:Brandon CiottiAmanda Marie / BatmandaInternational Fairy Day at Dunham Public LibraryPuerto Rican Day Cookout at Proctor ParkLily Christopher with Maria Lallier at Young Einstein’s PreschoolPhotojournalism and AI Content Production by Jim HaleAssociate Producer: Lily ChristopherEntertainment Correspondent: Nabil KhanAudio Engineering: Jonathan Brooks / DJ J-EasyMeet me in the Hot Seat.#MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday

“Stories are what make us and shape us.”This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday, we celebrate Pride, creativity, identity, and the power of telling your own story.We take you to the Oneida County Pride Festival at the Clinton Arena, where the community came together for a celebration of diversity, inclusion, equality, and belonging.Then artist Lorraine Krameyer joins us with our own Jim Hale to talk about International Fairy Day, inner-child creativity, Mr. Figgby, and how AI animation is helping bring her fairy realm to life.Later, JWatch and Jose “King Joker” Rivera stop by to talk about Body of Art, a tattoo exhibition and photo shoot built around fatherhood, identity, storytelling, and the artwork people carry on their bodies.

Hot Seat: Media Monday on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥 | S2:E36This week:⚡ Thomas Roy, the Oneida-Madison Electric Cooperative's 2026 Student Scholarship Award winner, joins us to discuss his recent trip to Washington, D.C., where he advocated for rural electric cooperatives and learned firsthand how grassroots organizations work with government leaders to address issues affecting local communities.🕌 We visit the Utica Masjid Eid Al Adha Carnival, where families, volunteers, and community leaders come together to celebrate one of Islam's most important holidays. Along the way, we learn about faith, charity, tradition, and the spirit of giving that supports programs throughout the Mohawk Valley.🎙️ DJ J-Easy joins us to preview the 3rd Annual James Street Festival, a free two-day community celebration featuring live music, food, vendors, and activities focused on bringing people together and promoting positive alternatives to violence.Also:• Upcoming Pride Month events• Juneteenth celebration information• Community announcements from around the Mohawk ValleyFeaturing:Thomas RoyDJ J-Easy (Jonathan Brooks)Lily ChristopherPhotojournalist and AI Content Producer Jim HaleWatch the full show:YouTube:[INSERT LINK]Listen on:SpotifyApple PodcastsiHeartRadioHot Seat: Media Monday airs live Mondays at 5 PM on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥#MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday #UticaNY

Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥Watch the full episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/o3OVMLZ-TqEThis week’s episode brings together Pride Month, local history, original music, and a big-picture conversation about artificial intelligence, robotics, and the future.Ron opens the show with Ace Morreale of the Oneida County Pride Alliance for a conversation about Pride Month events across Oneida County, including the Oneida County Pride Festival at the Clinton Arena, Pride social events, Rainbow Prom at Jervis Public Library, the Stonewall anniversary event, and the importance of LGBTQIA+ visibility at a time when rights and representation remain under pressure. The episode also features musical guest Millie Szmurlo, who performs original songs on ukulele, including “The Friends Song,” “The Crow,” and “Mr. Moneybags.” Ron also heads into the Spring Woods in Westmoreland for a personal local-history feature, searching for the long-lost spring his family had talked about for generations — and, with help from historian Victor Edick and research from Sheila Hoffman, finally finds it. In the final segment, Ron talks with James Nason, who describes himself as a “scientist of life,” about robotics, artificial intelligence, androids, education, the singularity, and what rapid advances in AI could mean for jobs, medicine, and the future of human life.

This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday 🔥An exclusive interview with a juror from the Mid-State Correctional Facility beating death case.Plus: Real People Real Lives Podcast, Westmoreland’s Hometown Heroes, and a JavaScript Game Development Camp for students.Watch the full episode now.#HotSeatMediaMonday #MediaMonday #UticaNY #MohawkValley #LocalNews #CommunityStories

This week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥 brings together community, culture, comics, summer movies, horror, and creativity.We open with a feature story from the Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration at Parkway Recreation Center, hosted by the Midtown Utica Community Center. It was a beautiful celebration of food, music, dance, family, culture, and tradition — with performance videos courtesy of Brian Lazore and Lazore Photography.Then 95.5 FM Entertainment Correspondent Nabil Khan joins me for a summer entertainment preview, including the big movies coming this season, the return of horror as a major box-office force, parody comedy, IMAX controversies, streaming, and what audiences are looking for now.We also visit Free Comic Book Day, where comic fans, families, collectors, and readers came together to celebrate imagination, art, storytelling, and the joy of reading.Then I sit down with Pete Colter, author and multimedia content creator, for a candid conversation about his latest projects, filmmaking, writing, career momentum, agents, networking, supporting other artists, and what it takes to keep creating while building a life in entertainment.This episode covers a lot — but the thread running through all of it is storytelling: cultural stories, comic book stories, movie stories, and the personal stories that shape creative work.Chapters:00:00 — Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month07:12 — Cultural Connections and Keeping Traditions Alive14:07 — Summer Blockbusters and Big Releases18:01 — Horror Films and a Year of Thrills24:04 — Comedy, Commentary, and Parody Films26:44 — Upcoming Movies and the IMAX Conversation33:48 — Free Comic Book Day37:23 — Pete Colter’s Creative Journey46:57 — Navigating the Entertainment Industry📻 Hot Seat: Media Monday airs Mondays at 5 PM on 95.5 FM The Heat🌐 Stream live at 955TheHeat.com📺 Watch the live feed on my Facebook pageMore ways to watch/listen:🎧 Spotify: [add link]🎧 Apple Podcasts: [add link]🎧 iHeart: [add link]▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/gGDDIFctYLk?si=pQ0E9VxAa2cANDnp#MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday #955TheHeat #UticaNY #AAPIHeritageMonth #FreeComicBookDay #PeteColter #SummerMovies #HorrorMovies #PopCulture

Hot Seat: Media Monday S2:E32 — Catstock 6, May Day, CFLR Open Mic & Biker Brotherhood🎥 Watch the full show here:https://youtu.be/2xuypWbh4vgThis week on Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥, we bring together music, animal rescue, workers’ rights, recovery, motorcycle culture, and community.We open the show with John Chesebro, who previews Catstock 6, a major local fundraiser built around music, food, vendors, raffles, family activities, and support for groups working to help stray, feral, and abandoned cats. John talks about how the event has grown from a small idea in 2021 into a full-day gathering with bands, acoustic acts, crafters, food vendors, adoptable cats, and community partners working to slow down the growth of local cat colonies.Next, we feature our news story on May Day 2026: Workers Over Billionaires, where local organizers, workers, artists, and neighbors gathered in Utica as part of a national call for workers’ rights, immigrant protections, economic justice, and people over billionaire power. The story includes voices from Citizen Action of New York, local organizers, and Jonathan Brooks, DJ J Easy, who talks about the role music can play in spreading messages of solidarity and hope.Then Ron is joined in studio by John “Cowboy” Bourbon from the Unpunished Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, along with frequent guest and biker Dave Paul, for a conversation about motorcycle culture, brotherhood, charity rides, defensive riding, and the deeper sense of freedom and focus that comes from life on two wheels. Cowboy describes riding as “wind therapy,” while Dave explains the awareness, risk, and physical connection that come with being on a motorcycle.In the second half of the show, Photojournalist and AI Content Producer Jim Hale and Ron visit The Center for Family Life and Recovery for the one-year anniversary of its monthly Open Mic nights. The story highlights music, poetry, performance, grief, healing, recovery, and connection — including organizer Matthew Cushman’s powerful reminder that “sobriety isn’t the opposite of addiction. Connection is.”The episode also continues the conversation with Cowboy and Dave, including more about the Unpunished LEMC, its “we before me” philosophy, the national and international reach of the club, and the way motorcycle communities build family through service, loyalty, and shared purpose.This episode also includes recognition from the Syracuse Press Club Awards, where Ron took second place for Best Interview for his original interview with a family separated by ICE, and Jim Hale and Ron received honorable mention for their coverage of transgender rights issues.Featured in this episode:John Chesebro previewing Catstock 6May Day 2026: Workers Over BillionairesJohn “Cowboy” Bourbon, Unpunished Law Enforcement Motorcycle ClubDave PaulCenter for Family Life and Recovery Open Mic one-year anniversarySyracuse Press Club Awards recognitionHot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥📻 95.5 FM💻 955TheHeat.com📺 Facebook Live🎥 YouTube🎧 Podcast platforms#MeetMeInTheHotSeat#MediaMonday👍😎

This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥, we explore resilience, grief, faith, history, science, creativity, and the power of sharing our stories.We begin at Grace Episcopal Church in Utica with a feature story on its rare Henry Holiday stained glass windows — priceless works of art connected to Helen Munson Williams and her daughters, Rachel Munson Williams Proctor and Maria Watson Williams Proctor, whose philanthropy helped shape Utica’s cultural foundation.Then Becky Nemo joins Ron to talk about #BrettStrong, her son Brett Sutton’s serious illness, and how social media has helped rally love, prayers, cards, donations, and community support around him and his family.Colleen Campbell shares a deeply moving conversation about losing her husband Alistair to glioblastoma, raising children through grief, and using Facebook to write honestly about loss, love, memory, and survival.And Moe and Sarah Lalonde, retired science teachers and children’s book authors, talk about Meet the Germs, The Germ Files, teaching, STEM, lesson planning, art, retirement, and keeping a sense of wonder alive.It’s a powerful episode about how stories help us survive, connect, remember, teach, and keep going.#MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday

This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥, we move from myth and identity, to 4/20 community culture, to a deeply powerful conversation about trauma, healing, and survival.We begin with writer A.S. Galbraith, whose work explores fairy tale, folklore, queerness, neurodivergence, chronic illness, and life at the margins. We talk about why ancient stories still resonate, how fairy tales can be rewritten to include people too often left out, and how finding language for identity can transform both a life and a body of work.Then 95.5 FM The Heat CEO Cassandra Harris-Lockwood, Photojournalist and AI Content Producer Jim Hale, and I head to Puff Theory Cannabis for a special 4/20 feature story. We talk with owners, vendors, and community members about celebration, education, cannabis wellness, freedom, and the changing culture around marijuana right here in our community.Later in the show, Dan Clark joins me in studio for a raw and powerful conversation about military service, firefighting, toxic workplace culture, survival, suicide prevention, plant medicine, breath work, and the search for healing for veterans, first responders, educators, and others carrying enormous pressure.

This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥, we bring you a show packed with creativity, community impact, and local achievement.First, Photojournalist and AI Content Producer Jim Hale, Associate Producer Nick Phillips, and I take you to Utica University for a look at Armada, an early modern swashbuckling stage combat spectacle written and directed by Jim Drake. Then Cassandra Garcia from United Way of the Mohawk Valley joins us in studio to talk about the upcoming Impact Award Honoree Breakfast, the organization’s work across our region, and why celebrating leadership and service matters. Next, podcaster Glo stops by to discuss his show Welcome to the Trap, his passion for spotlighting underground artists, and the importance of building platforms for independent voices. Finally, we turn the spotlight on one of our own as Associate Producer Nick Phillips talks about winning an award from the Raymond Simon Institute at Utica University and his growth as a writer, broadcaster, and young journalist.Full show online tonight at 9 PM at UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday#MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday 👍😎

This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥, we bring you a powerful episode about leadership, service, joy, and human dignity.First, I sit down with Cassandra Harris Lockwood — owner of 95.5 FM The Heat, CEO of For The Good Inc., longtime activist, artist, journalist, and community leader — to talk about her life, her work, and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.We also take you to the Utica Zoo’s Eggstravaganza, where Associate Producer Lily Christopher and I talked with families, organizers, and performers during one of the zoo’s signature spring events.Then in our final segment, Associate Producer Lily Christopher, Photojournalist and AI Content Producer Jim Hale, and I bring you a moving report from the Morrow Warming Center in Utica, where JWatch’s April Fools-themed show offered music, encouragement, and something even deeper: a reminder that people going through hardship still deserve to be seen, heard, and understood.

This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥, we bring you a show packed with heart, resilience, and voices from across the Mohawk Valley you need to hear.Associate Producer Nick Phillips brings you his first solo feature story for the show as he takes us to Utica Royalties’ Eid celebration in downtown Utica. Then we sit down with Kristy Russitano of Finding the Next Step Together and Dave Paul for a powerful conversation about turning pain into purpose, helping families through life-changing diagnoses, and using passion to make a real difference. In our third segment, Photojournalist and AI Content Producer Jim Hale and I take you to No Kings Day 3 in Rome and Utica, where hundreds turned out in the bitter cold, snow, and wind to stand up and speak out.There’s a lot in this one — community, courage, conviction, and some deeply personal moments you will not want to miss.This week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥 streams below. Watch it. Listen to it. Share it. 👍😎 #MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday

This week’s 95.5 FM Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥 is now streaming!From neon lights and dance floors to history, health, and human rights — this episode covers it all.We take you inside the Electric Garden Dance Party at 16 Stone Brew Pub, where Cleo Qupid is building something special for the Mohawk Valley nightlife scene — and proving that yes, radio still brings people out. 👍😎In the studio, we meet Cotton Candy the Clown and Roz Shue (aka Noodles/Willow), who show how performance, humor, and creativity can connect people across generations in ways you might not expect.We also sit down with author J.N. Cheney to explore the powerful story of immigrant women who stood up to brutal working conditions during the 1912–1913 Little Falls textile strike — a piece of local history that still echoes today.Plus, we’re on the ground at a Trans Rights Rally in Utica, where community members speak candidly about visibility, healthcare, and the right to simply exist.And we stop by the Roots & Culture Cafe, where Chef Kim Crooms shows how healthy eating can be simple, affordable, and community-driven.

What do the Oscars 🎬, Ukrainian Easter eggs 🥚, HBCU football 🏈, and a neon dance party 💃 have in common?They’re all on this week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein on 95.5 FM The Heat 🔥.🎨 A look inside Pysanky egg-making at the Kirkland Art Center🏈 Author Bruce “Moon” Martin on The Four Horsemen🎧 Cleo Qupid’s Electric Garden Dance Party🎬 Nabil’s Oscar wrap-upIt’s all about community, culture, and the stories bringing people together right now.

Ron is also joined in studio by Dave Roberts, author, adjunct professor of psychology at Utica University, and host of The Teaching Journeys Podcast. Roberts shares the powerful personal story that shaped his life’s work after losing his 18-year-old daughter to cancer in 2003. In a moving conversation about grief, resilience, and spirituality, Roberts reminds listeners that “we get through grief by remembering, not forgetting,” and that even the deepest pain can carry lessons about love, connection, and meaning.Plus, Ron and Photojournalist and AI Content Producer Jim Hale visit the newly installed Sebilj fountain along Utica’s Parkway, a traditional Ottoman-style fountain inspired by the famous Sarajevo landmark and built by the Bosnian American community as a symbol of heritage, gratitude, and belonging in the Mohawk Valley.

Sometimes the best stories come from the people you meet by accident.This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday on 95.5 FM The Heat, my husband Jim and I were having lunch at Wendy’s in Rome when we met the incredible members of Girl Scout Troop #20010. They were out selling cookies and learning real-world skills like leadership, teamwork, and even cybersecurity—all while raising money for a trip to Legoland. 🍪Then we head to one of my favorite Saturday night hangouts: Two Cousins Pinball in Marcy. What started as a late-night purchase of an Indiana Jones machine between cousins Kevin and Matt has grown into a 40-game pinball hall filled with nostalgia, laughter, and community. 🕹️✊ Ace Morreale joins me in the studio to talk about Social Workers for Justice and the push to remove barriers so more social workers can serve communities across New York.👗 And Christine Golden from Proctor High School shares the mission behind Cinderella’s Closet and Prince Charming’s Closet, providing free dresses, suits, and tuxedos so every student can show up to prom or a formal event feeling confident and included.This week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday is now streaming!👍😎

This week on 95.5 FM’s Hot Seat: Media Monday, I’m joined by Jermiko Thomas (author of the Adventures of Walter series) and JWatch (writer, poet, and community producer). Jermiko talks about his new fitness planner and guide, built around motivation, hydration, and structured goals for every level, plus his new ASL children’s book inspired by sign language being his first way to communicate. JWatch shares what drives his work: helping people be seen, heard, and understood—and building a legacy rooted in purpose.We also visit a Purrs and Whiskers cat colony in Utica, where volunteers brave winter weather to provide food, water, insulated shelters, and life-saving TNR efforts. Movie expert Nibil Khan breaks down this year’s Oscar race, and poet Jai Cady closes the show with a powerful story of survival and healing—using art to turn pain into purpose.

💪🏾 Movement. Mental Health. Momentum.This week on 95.5 FM’s Hot Seat: Media Monday, we spotlight community, empowerment, and open conversations that matter.First, I sit down with Shawnda McDowell, founder of SistasNMotion, and Gaelon Woodard, Director of BrothasNMotion, along with Assistant Director Brother Kaseem, to talk about fitness, mental health, and the power of showing up for one another.What began as workout groups has grown into something much deeper.SistasNMotion creates a supportive, judgment-free space where women focus on physical wellness, confidence, and personal transformation. Shawnda shares how consistency, encouragement, and accountability can truly change lives.BrothasNMotion offers men a safe place to move their bodies, clear their minds, and speak openly about what they’re carrying. As Gaelon put it, “Workout clears the brain.” The group emphasizes inclusivity, confidentiality, and real support — because sometimes what someone needs most is simply to be heard.One theme that continues to emerge on my show is the importance of open discussions about men’s mental health — how stress, expectations, and life experiences impact us. I’m deeply grateful to the men who are willing to sit in that space publicly. It sets a powerful example of strength and leadership for other men and for the boys who are watching and learning what healthy masculinity can look like.Author Pete Colter also joins the conversation, sharing exciting updates about upcoming multimedia projects and adding his voice to the discussion around growth, creativity, and purpose.And we also feature a special Galentine’s Day story — celebrating women supporting women, creativity passed down through generations, and the kind of community energy that reminds us we’re stronger together.From empowerment to healing to celebration, this episode is about one simple truth:“Don’t give up. Keep going.”“If you need help, ask for help.”“We want everybody to win.”🎧 This week’s all new 95.5 FM Hot Seat: Media Monday is now streaming! 👍😎

This week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday is about keeping culture alive — through language, craft, and community.I talk with Jen Rizzio (Gen X), creator of Curious About Welsh, about the Welsh word hiraeth and how learning Welsh became part of her healing journey through PTSD, neurological illness, and autism. Language as resilience. Creativity as therapy.We also visit the Oneida County NAACP’s Black History Month celebration, where local youth shared what legacy and pride mean to them — and why passing history forward matters.Then I’m joined by Emily Hansen, founder of The Quilty Witch, who reminds us that quilting and herbal ritual aren’t just hobbies — they’re storytelling, resistance, and intentional self-care stitched into everyday life.Culture survives when we participate in it.

This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday, we go behind the scenes with Soul Mine, the veteran R&B/funk band with over 20 years of experience. Vocalists Shelly Harris and Jenn Klemenz, along with keyboardist Fred Shattell, share their musical journey, influences from 60's R&B to 80's synth pop, and how they keep audiences energized with fresh, dynamic performances. We also celebrate a big milestone for Stefan Rubitski, making his debut as a field correspondent, covering local winter media habits and bringing a fresh perspective to our community stories. Plus, we highlight the impact of United Way of the Mohawk Valley and wellness initiatives like Sistas in Motion and Brothers in Motion, showing how local organizations and creative projects inspire connection and change.

This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday, I sit down with author Peter A Colter to talk about his powerful new novel Home, plus his journey through writing, faith, creativity, and mental health. We also connect with Brian Lazore from Lazore Photography about content creation and social media, spotlight the grand opening of Utica Creative Reuse, and talk about JetLab Studios with Shane MagikVisions and John to talk music, podcasting, and building opportunities for local artists. Also, I'll take you clubbing at Exit 33 at Turning Stone and we'll meet reality TV star Johnny Bananas. One thing I especially appreciated this week: hearing men openly and honestly discuss mental health, growth, and vulnerability — breaking stigma, encouraging real conversations, and reminding others they’re not alone. From storytelling and perseverance to community, art, and authenticity, this episode is packed with inspiration and real talk. This week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday on 95.5 FM the Heat streams below. 👍😎🖥 YouTube: https://shorturl.at/HNvaS#MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday #HotSeatMediaMonday #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #BreakTheStigma #UticaNY #MohawkValley #LocalCreators #CreativeCommunity #SupportLocal #CommunityMedia

This week on 95.5 FM’s Hot Seat: Media Monday, host Ron Klopfanstein takes listeners from community celebrations rooted in tradition to thoughtful conversations about creativity, identity, and compassion in the Mohawk Valley.The show opens with coverage of the Mohawk Valley Latino Association’s Three Kings Day celebration, a vibrant event filled with food, music, and joy that highlights the cultural traditions many families carry forward year after year.From there, Ron sits down with Ravin Wormwood, publisher of the fashion zine Overzealous, for a wide-ranging conversation on fashion as cultural language. The discussion explores the power of color, the difference between body neutrality and body positivity, and how personal style reflects both individual identity and the society we live in.The episode also features Rabbi Stephen Galilie of The Upper Room, who shares how music and spirituality intersect, and how sound and reflection can deepen human connection.Rounding out the show is an update on the Humane Society of Rome’s plans for a new, state-of-the-art facility, highlighting the long-term commitment behind a project designed to better serve animals and the community.From cultural celebration to creative expression and community care, this episode is about the many ways people in the Mohawk Valley come together with purpose and heart.

This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday on 95.5 FM The Heat, Ron Klopfanstein sits down with Nabil Khan and Cassandra Powers, the creators of the horror audio drama podcast Holiday Fear, to talk fear, storytelling, and the grind of creating something from scratch. The conversation digs into why horror works, how fear pulls people together, and what it takes to build a podcast through collaboration and improvisation. Things take a local turn with a great PJ Calkins bowling story, a look at bowling as a symbol of family legacy and community, and a shoutout to New Year’s Eve in Downtown Utica — proof that shared moments still matter. From unsettling stories to real-world connections, this episode is about creativity, community, and facing what scares you head-on.

This week’s episode of 95.5 FM’s Hot Seat: Media Monday with host Ron Klopfanstein brings together community, creativity, and reflection as we celebrate the season and look ahead to what’s next. The conversation highlights the success of the Lavender and Lights event in Remsen and how accessible art can create meaningful new traditions for families, previews the free, community-focused New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Utica with Barry Sinnott, Senior Vice President of the Bank of Utica, and includes a conversation with Cleo Qupid about her burlesque event Happy New Rear (please note that a portion of her audio was unfortunately lost). Astrological insights into 2025 and 2026 are explored with Mikenzie O’Grady of The Alchemist Metaphysical Supply & Gift Shop, and the episode also features a moving musical performance by Milly Szmurlo, showcasing the emotional depth of the ukulele, along with reflections on journaling, authenticity, artistic expression, and a heartfelt tribute to General Hospital’s Tony Geary, honoring the lasting impact artists have on our personal lives and shared cultural stories.

In this holiday-season episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, host Ron Klopfanstein hangs out with Gio Gump, host of Eat Local, and comedian Trippy Hippie for a warm, spirited conversation about food, comedy, creativity, and community. They talk about why local cuisine feels like home, the value of consistency in media and entertainment, and the unseen work producers do to bring meaningful stories to life. The episode also features two seasonal community spotlights: Brian Lazore’s photography workshop for Utica Royalties, highlighting creativity and connection, and Heidi Nestved’s A Christmas Story-themed holiday display in her Westmoreland front yard, a neighborhood tradition that blends nostalgia, craftsmanship, and joy. Altogether, the episode reflects the heart of the season—people coming together, sharing stories, and keeping local culture bright. It’s a reminder that during the holidays, the stories that stay with us are the ones rooted in home, heart, and community.

In this episode of Media Monday, host Ron Klopfanstein hangs out with blogger Richard Weems to discuss his work documenting Utica’s vibrant and often overlooked arts scene and the role independent storytelling plays in preserving moments mainstream media often misses. The episode also features ✨ Revealed: The Art of Burlesque ✨, an on-the-ground report from The Portal in Utica, where six students completed an eight-week immersive burlesque course led by Cleo Qupid of Qupid’s Arrow Productions, culminating in a bold showcase blending sensuality, humor, vulnerability, and disciplined craft rooted in history and self-possession; photojournalist and AI content producer Jim Hale and Ron were there to capture the story. Rounding out the episode is a spotlight on an upcoming photography workshop taught by renowned local photojournalist and guest Brian Lazore and offered by Utica Royalties, directed by guest Hawa Peters, giving youth and adults hands-on photography skills while strengthening creative community ties.

Hot Seat: Media Monday; Aaron Woodman, Lisa Fazio, Cleo Qupid, Utica D.I.Y. Shows Concert/Toy Drive and Alliance Classical Players’ “Downton Abbey Christmas” 12-8-25 S2:E14This week's 95.5 FM "Hot Seat: Media Monday" spotlights civic engagement, folk medicine, local music, and Utica’s performing arts scene. Aaron Woodman breaks down his “Becoming the Change Maker” series and the importance of youth empowerment through Project Rise. We head to the Utica DIY Shows punk/emo/death-metal toy drive for ICAN, then talk Italian-American folk healing and herbalism with author and folkloric witch Lisa Fazio. The Alliance Classical Players bring holiday warmth with their Christmas at Downtown Abbey concert, blending classical carols with creative AI-generated interludes. Finally, Cleo Qupid previews upcoming burlesque and cabaret events from Qupid’s Arrow Productions, celebrating community, performance diversity, and local artistry.

On this week’s 95.5 FM "Hot Seat: Media Monday," host Ron Klopfanstein opens with a powerful World AIDS Day reflection before delivering an emotional report on a Herkimer family torn apart after ICE agents detained both parents without presenting a warrant, leaving their children navigating fear, separation, and a difficult legal battle. The family’s attorney urges community members to write letters supporting the parents’ release, and Ron shares how the community can help. The show then shifts to a lighter, uplifting second half as clarinetist Colleen Reilly O'Neil and flutist Elizabeth Evans of the Alliance Classical Players preview their free Downton Abbey –themed concert at the Rome Art And Community Center, discussing their instruments, classical repertoire, and the importance of keeping live music accessible to all.

This week on 95.5 FM Hot Seat: Media Monday, Cait Devin and Bailey Sharron from Kate’s Character Corner join us for a fun and insightful conversation about the art of bringing today’s most beloved pop-culture characters to life at children’s events, from the Frozen Princess and Wednesday Addams to Rapunzel and even Taylor Swift, with a focus on authenticity, confidence, and creating true magic for kids. We also feature a segment from a local LGBTQ+ rights rally in Rome, NY, highlighting voices calling for equality and safety in our community. Cait performs a special acoustic version of her original song “Windows” live in the studio, and entertainment correspondent Nabil Khan stops by to break down the upcoming Wicked sequel, the timeless appeal of Oz, and trending fan culture including the rise of K-pop.

This week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday with host Ron Klopfanstein spotlights community resilience and creativity — from Utica University’s new sensory room supporting student wellbeing, to local cheerleaders Madison Krupa and Diva’Nae Brown preparing for national competition, to filmmaker Jacob Lasher whose documentary series The Other Side centers healing through storytelling; the episode also highlights Transgender Day of Remembrance and features Utica D.I.Y. Shows and their upcoming toy-drive concert boosting young musicians and families in need.

This week’s 95.5 FM Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein spotlights four remarkable women and one non-binary guest whose work reflects strength, creativity, and intelligence across very different fields. The hour features Chelsy Plows, who will be the first female in New York State to graduate from P-TECH’s civil engineering program; Tina Betz, whose Drawn in Glass exhibit highlights her extraordinary skill as a glass artist; and Jessica and Jennifer Lawrence, the twin musicians behind Ophelia’s Looking Glass. The show also includes Ace Morreale from the Oneida County Pride Alliance, who shares updates on local LGBTQ+ events and advocacy.

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday (11/3/25), Ron Klopfanstein spoke with environmental advocate Charlie Perrotta about New York’s Proposition One, which has since passed, allowing 323 acres of the Adirondack Forest Preserve to be used for expanding the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex. Perrotta explained how the measure retroactively legalized prior illegal construction and warned that it could set a dangerous precedent for future development in protected lands. He spoke passionately about the Adirondacks’ ecological significance—an area on track to become one of the world’s few temperate rainforests—and raised concerns about deforestation, habitat loss, and repeated environmental violations by the Olympic Regional Development Authority. Even though Prop One passed, Perrotta’s words remain a powerful reminder of the need to keep the Adirondacks truly “Forever Wild.”

This week's Hot Seat: Media Monday brings together three stories that celebrate creativity, community, and civic courage. The show begins in New Hartford, where twin sisters Ella and Reagan Sullivan take on the contrasting lead roles of Beetlejuice and Lydia in their junior high production of Beetlejuice Jr. Director Susan Nackley Mojave shares how nearly 100 students collaborated onstage and behind the scenes to bring the Halloween-themed musical to life, showing how youth theater builds confidence, teamwork, and lasting skills. Next, the spotlight turns to the Happy Haggs Dance Troop of Central New York, a grassroots women’s group inspired by Germany’s Wolfshäger Hexenbrut, who spread joy and empowerment through dance while donating their proceeds to local women’s charities such as the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley. The episode concludes with photojournalist Jim Hale’s report from the No Kings rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, where thousands of peaceful protesters voiced concerns about democracy, justice, and healthcare. His coverage explores the “3.5% rule,” the idea that when a small but determined portion of the population engages in sustained nonviolent protest, meaningful change can follow. Together, these stories highlight how art, compassion, and activism intertwine to strengthen community and inspire hope. 

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, host Ron Klopfanstein covers the No Kings protest, a nationwide pro-democracy movement that united millions in a call for civic action and accountability. Featuring guests Mark Hemmingdinger and Pat Selzer, along with voices from protesters across Central New York, the conversation explores family engagement in activism, the importance of youth participation, and the emotional landscape of standing up for democratic values. From heartfelt stories of resilience to the humor and honesty of the Death Cafe segment, the episode connects the fight for justice with deeper reflections on life, death, and what it means to live purposefully in turbulent times. This powerful broadcast invites listeners to reflect, engage, and be part of the change toward a more compassionate and democratic future.Jonathan Brooks/ DJ J-Easy is the sound engineer. He is online at Facebook.com/easyatm315, Instagram.com/j_easy315/, and https://on.soundcloud.com/XGKd3e4AZeNtrD2X9Jim Hale is the AI Content Producer and photojournalist. He is online at Jim Hale (@instanteon) • Instagram photos and videos Nabil Khan is the entertainment correspondent for Hot Seat: Media Monday. Nabil is online at Letterboxd.com/1andonlynabk/and Instagram.com/instanab.k/.Ron Klopfanstein is an award-winning multimedia investigative journalist, news and producer for 95.5 FM “The Heat” broadcast and streaming. He hosts Hot Seat: Media Monday every Monday at 5 pm, broadcast on 95.5 FM and streaming at 955TheHeat.com. Podcasts at: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbrIF49K56OxbPljuw1Lv?si=7e000e7279f54c2a Like him at Facebook.com/ReadRonKlopfanstein, Follow him at Bsky.app/profile/ronklopfanstein.bsky.social, Threads.net/@RonKlopfanstein, Instagram.com/RonKlopfanstein, Tiktok.com/@ronklopfanstein, and subscribe to his channel at YouTube.com/@RonKlopfanstein. Read all his work at Muckrack.com/ron-klopfanstein.

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, host Ron Klopfanstein spotlights the voices and stories that strengthen our community. Guests Sonia Martinez and Sonia Marte from the Mohawk Valley Latino Association share insights on Hispanic Heritage Month, Dominican culture, and the immigrant experience, reflecting on the importance of unity, food, family, and cultural pride. Poet Mathew Cushman discusses performing at JWatch’s Open Mic for the Morrow Warming Center at Cornerstone Community Church, where art becomes a bridge for compassion and change. Additional stories feature the Oneida County Pride Alliance’s Coming Out Day celebration at the Jervis Public Library in Rome and Cleo Qupid’s Graveyard Cabaret Burlesque show in Little Falls—each event celebrating inclusion, expression, and local creativity.

Hot Seat: Media Monday Jack Cooper, author of Pain Before the Rainbow, Pete Colter, author of The Endless Fall, and the 20th Anniversary of Uticon 10-06-25 S2:E5by Ron KlopfansteinIn this episode of “Hot Seat: Media Monday,” we present a powerful mix of storytelling, art, and community engagement. The show begins with author Jack Cooper, who discusses his autobiographical anthology Pain Before the Rainbow and reflects on growing up gay in the 1970s and ’80s amid social and political oppression. Through his unique “biomythographical” approach—blending biography, mythology, and autobiography—Cooper explores grief, resilience, and the ongoing struggle against hate, urging compassion and protection for LGBTQ+ youth. The broadcast then spotlights the 20th anniversary of Uticon, the popular Utica comic convention benefiting the American Cancer Society, where Marvel artist Cory Smith and other creators share insights into the art and community of comics. Finally, author Pete Colter joins to discuss his novel Abused, a haunting yet hopeful story about mental illness, trauma, and forgiveness. This week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday illuminates the healing power of storytelling and showcases how creativity and kindness continue to bring people together in the fight against pain, prejudice, and despair.Jonathan Brooks/ DJ J-Easy is the sound engineer. He is online at Facebook.com/easyatm315, Instagram.com/j_easy315/, and https://on.soundcloud.com/XGKd3e4AZeNtrD2X9Jim Hale is the photographer and records the show for video and podcast streaming. He is online at Jim Hale (@instanteon) • Instagram photos and videos Nabil Khan is the entertainment correspondent for Hot Seat: Media Monday. Nabil is online at Letterboxd.com/1andonlynabk/and Instagram.com/instanab.k/.Ron Klopfanstein is an award-winning multimedia investigative journalist, news and producer for 95.5 FM “The Heat” broadcast and streaming. He hosts Hot Seat: Media Monday every Monday at 5 pm, broadcast on 95.5 FM and streaming at 955TheHeat.com. Podcasts at: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbrIF49K56OxbPljuw1Lv?si=7e000e7279f54c2a Like him at Facebook.com/ReadRonKlopfanstein, Follow him at Bsky.app/profile/ronklopfanstein.bsky.social, Threads.net/@RonKlopfanstein, Instagram.com/RonKlopfanstein, Tiktok.com/@ronklopfanstein, and subscribe to his channel at YouTube.com/@RonKlopfanstein. Read all his work at Muckrack.com/ron-klopfanstein. #MeetMeInTheHotSeat#HotSeatMediaMonday#StorytellingHeals#ArtAgainstHate#ProtectLGBTQYouth#ComicsForACause#MentalHealthAwareness

Hot Seat: Media Monday  burlesque performer/producer Cleo Qupid, NYS Supreme Court candidate Elizabeth Snyder Fortino, performer/producer JWatch, and  Royalty & Rogues Renaissance Festival 9-29-25 S2:E4by Ron KlopfansteinThis week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday, hosted by Ron Klopfanstein, blends arts, community, and local politics in a lively lineup of stories and interviews. Burlesque performer and producer Cleo Qupid discusses the empowering, inclusive, and body-positive history of burlesque while introducing her upcoming confidence-building class. Judicial candidate Elizabeth Snyder Fortino explains the role of the New York State Supreme Court as a broad jurisdiction trial court, shares her 24 years of legal experience in mental hygiene law and disability advocacy, and emphasizes fair, community-minded decision-making. Ron and Lily Christopher report from the Royalty & Rogues Renaissance Festival at the Rome Art & Community Center, highlighting its colorful costumes, crafts, and performances. The episode closes with comedian and poet JWatch, who previews his show at The Morrow shelter, using art and storytelling to support unhoused and marginalized communities.Jonathan Brooks/ DJ J-Easy is the sound engineer. He is online at Facebook.com/easyatm315, Instagram.com/j_easy315/, and https://on.soundcloud.com/XGKd3e4AZeNtrD2X9Jim Hale is the photographer and records the show for video and podcast streaming. He is online at Jim Hale (@instanteon) • Instagram photos and videos Nabil Khan is the entertainment correspondent for Hot Seat: Media Monday. Nabil is online at Letterboxd.com/1andonlynabk/and Instagram.com/instanab.k/.Ron Klopfanstein is an award-winning multimedia investigative journalist, news and producer for 95.5 FM “The Heat” broadcast and streaming. He hosts Hot Seat: Media Monday every Monday at 5 pm, broadcast on 95.5 FM and streaming at 955TheHeat.com. Podcasts at: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbrIF49K56OxbPljuw1Lv?si=7e000e7279f54c2a Like him at Facebook.com/ReadRonKlopfanstein, Follow him at Bsky.app/profile/ronklopfanstein.bsky.social, Threads.net/@RonKlopfanstein, Instagram.com/RonKlopfanstein, Tiktok.com/@ronklopfanstein, and subscribe to his channel at YouTube.com/@RonKlopfanstein. Read all his work at Muckrack.com/ron-klopfanstein. 

This week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday brings together a wide range of stories that highlight creativity, culture, and community. The episode opens with Chris Duck, Ellie Hadity, and Roxie Yasilopoulus from the Arc of Oneida Lewis County’s inclusive production of Alice in Wonderland, showcasing how theater empowers adults with disabilities through performance, costume design, and set building. Entertainment correspondent Nabil Khan follows with updates on Marvel’s new Magic: The Gathering set, Batman’s 86th birthday, and a rare Batman–Deadpool crossover, reflecting the enduring influence of comics and gaming. The conversation then turns to Washington, D.C., where Lily Christopher shares observations of a more right-leaning political climate, marked by heightened security, and the panel discusses the topic of press freedom and Jimmy Kimmel’s return to television. Finally, members of the Mohawk Valley Astronomical Society invite listeners to explore the cosmos at the Barton-Brown Observatory, offering insights on stargazing, telescopes, and the awe of seeing planets firsthand. The program closes with reflections on optimism, kindness, and treating others with respect in uncertain times.Jonathan Brooks/ DJ J-Easy is the sound engineer. He is online at Facebook.com/easyatm315, Instagram.com/j_easy315/, and https://on.soundcloud.com/XGKd3e4AZeNtrD2X9Jim Hale is the photographer and records the show for video and podcast streaming. He is online at Jim Hale (@instanteon) • Instagram photos and videos Nabil Khan is the entertainment correspondent for Hot Seat: Media Monday. Nabil is online at Letterboxd.com/1andonlynabk/and Instagram.com/instanab.k/.Ron Klopfanstein is an award-winning multimedia investigative journalist, news and producer for 95.5 FM “The Heat” broadcast and streaming. He hosts Hot Seat: Media Monday every Monday at 5 pm, broadcast on 95.5 FM and streaming at 955TheHeat.com. Podcasts at: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbrIF49K56OxbPljuw1Lv?si=7e000e7279f54c2a Like him at Facebook.com/ReadRonKlopfanstein, Follow him at Bsky.app/profile/ronklopfanstein.bsky.social, Threads.net/@RonKlopfanstein, Instagram.com/RonKlopfanstein, Tiktok.com/@ronklopfanstein, and subscribe to his channel at YouTube.com/@RonKlopfanstein. Read all his work at Muckrack.com/ron-klopfanstein. 

Hot Seat: Media Monday Scott Carr and John Stemen “100 Years of WIBX Radio,” Utica Creative Reuse “Trash to Treasure” exhibition, and Saturday Night at the Tram 9-15-25 S2:E2by Ron KlopfansteinThis week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday marks the 100th anniversary of Utica’s WIBX radio, with host Ron Klopfanstein joined by veteran broadcasters John Steman and Scott Carr. The conversation traces the station’s beginnings in 1925, its heyday in the 1980s and 90s with a robust newsroom and local sports coverage, and its more recent shift to syndicated programming under economic pressures. Alongside reflections on the radio’s resilience, the decline of live local voices, and the ongoing importance of truthful journalism, the episode highlights community culture through Utica Creative Reuse’s "Trash to Treasure" art exhibition and the Tramontane Café. This beloved arts venue remains active despite reduced hours. The broadcast blends nostalgia, personal stories, and cultural snapshots, emphasizing the enduring value of local media and creative spaces in shaping community identity.

This week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday brings together stories of creativity, activism, and healing. Tina Parzych and Ashley Pace from the Pride of Westmoreland Marching Band share their 80s-themed murder mystery fundraiser, blending nostalgia with community support. Utica Creative Reuse’s Stone Soup project shows how discarded items become collaborative art, promoting sustainability and neighborhood pride. Aaron Woodman of the Oneida County NAACP highlights how video and social media drive civil rights outreach and upcoming events. The program closes with author Pete Coulter, who discusses his novel The Endless Fall, inspired by his journey through addiction and recovery, while comedian JWatch reflects on the healing power of creating art from trauma. Together, the episode celebrates fundraising, activism, and storytelling as powerful forces for resilience and positive change.Jonathan Brooks/ DJ J-Easy is the sound engineer. He is online at Facebook.com/easyatm315, Instagram.com/j_easy315/, and https://on.soundcloud.com/XGKd3e4AZeNtrD2X9Jim Hale is the photographer and records the show for video and podcast streaming. He is online at Jim Hale (@instanteon) • Instagram photos and videos Nabil Khan is the entertainment correspondent for Hot Seat: Media Monday. Nabil is online at Letterboxd.com/1andonlynabk/and Instagram.com/instanab.k/.Ron Klopfanstein is an award-winning multimedia investigative journalist, news and producer for 95.5 FM “The Heat” broadcast and streaming. He hosts Hot Seat: Media Monday every Monday at 5 pm, broadcast on 95.5 FM and streaming at 955TheHeat.com. Podcasts at: https://open.spotify.com/show/4nbrIF49K56OxbPljuw1Lv?si=7e000e7279f54c2a Like him at Facebook.com/ReadRonKlopfanstein, Follow him at Bsky.app/profile/ronklopfanstein.bsky.social, Threads.net/@RonKlopfanstein, Instagram.com/RonKlopfanstein, Tiktok.com/@ronklopfanstein, and subscribe to his channel at YouTube.com/@RonKlopfanstein. Read all his work at Muckrack.com/ron-klopfanstein. 

Hot Seat: Media Monday Hot Seat: Media Monday filmmaker Muna Crescent, Shawn Essafi from Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement, Summerween! Roller Derby Double Header and Mohawk Valley Latino Festival 8-25-25by Ron KlopfansteinThis week's Hot Seat: Media Monday features a discussion of the silent short film BonniRabbit by filmmaker Muna Crescent, who uses art to explore and cope with OCD while challenging stereotypes about the disorder. Alongside Muna’s candid reflections, the show also captures the energy of the Summerween! Roller Derby Double Header, and the vibrant cultural unity of the 19th Annual Latino Festival in the Mohawk Valley. Then, Shawn Essafi describes the lifelong learning opportunities offered by the Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning and Retirement. Together, these stories highlight how creativity, community, and education can foster resilience, reduce stigma, and strengthen connections across diverse groups.

Hot Seat: Media Monday Hot Seat: Media Monday Central New York Roller Derby, Ladies Death and Derby Society, 56 Fridays, and DJ J-Easy at Levitt AMP Music Series 8-18-25by Ron KlopfansteinThis week's Hot Seat: Media Monday features three dynamic segments. First, an introduction to modern flat-track roller derby with Megan “Chaos Reigns” Lyman from the Central New York Roller Derby and  Rachel “Raggedy Anguish” Dunbar from the Ladies Death and Derby Society. Then, a spotlight on the newly formed alternative rock band 56 Fridays, and its founding members, Amanda Costello, Tyler Babcock, and Alex Borczuk. Followed by a musical performance by DJ J Easy at Levitt AMP Music Series. The roller derby discussion dives into gameplay, strategy, and the strong sense of community within the sport, while the 56 Fridays interview highlights the band’s origins, creative process, and future plans. DJ J Easy closes the show with insights on his musical journey and upcoming album, For the Love. Altogether, the episode blends sports, music, and local culture, showcasing the energy and creativity thriving in Central New York.

Hot Seat: Media Monday Nabil Khan and Drew Allen (Drew’s Magic and Balloons) with comic/gaming/entertainment news, Hawa Peters and Utica Royalties Talent Show, and Lily Christopher shops Clinton  8-11-25by Ron KlopfansteinThis week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday on 95.5 FM The Heat, celebrates the arts, culture, and community spirit of Utica and beyond. Entertainment correspondent Nabil Khan recaps Boston’s Fan Expo with stories of celebrity encounters and fan culture, while magician and balloon artist Drew Allen shares his creative approach to engaging audiences and staying current through platforms like TikTok. Reporter Lily Christopher spotlights Clinton, NY’s unique shops, So Sweet Candy Shoppe and Thriftish, capturing the charm of its candy store and vintage boutique. Hawa Peters of Utica Royalties and Ebrima Jallow of the United African Association preview two major local events—the annual Utica Royalties talent show and the 2nd African Festival featuring African music, food, and traditions—both aimed at fostering unity and youth involvement. From pop culture and street magic to small-town shopping and cultural celebrations, the show underscores the transformative power of creativity in building vibrant, connected communities.

This episode of Media Monday, hosted by Ron Klopfanstein, explores the power of healing, creativity, and community through three engaging segments. Photographer Charlie Perrotta shares how nature and night-sky photography support his mental health and personal growth, offering group walks to help others connect with mindfulness and wonder. A visit to Sylven Beach Amusement Park captures summer nostalgia and local pride, highlighting its historic rides and family-friendly charm. Finally, Tiffani Beth Gager previews the inclusive, trauma-informed Sci-Fi Horror Fest, where cosplay, celebrity guests, and explained how fandom can foster mental wellness, creativity, and belonging. Together, these stories reveal how art, nature, and community spaces offer meaningful paths to connection and well-being.

On this episode of Hot Seat on Media Monday, host Ron Klopfanstein explores the intersection of politics, PR, and performance art. Utica locals weigh in on the Republican response to the Epstein scandal, followed by a compelling interview with Jack Pflanz, who breaks down the strategy behind nonprofit marketing and media outreach. Artist and producer JWatch joins to discuss building authentic, community-rooted live shows, while the team reflects on media training, grassroots promotion, and relationship-building with journalists. The episode also features a report from the creatively spooky “Creepy Christmas in July” at Wood Creek Hollow Farm. It closes with a tribute to soap opera icon Eileen Fulton, who played Lisa on As the World Turns for 50 years. She died this month at age 91. 

This week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday offers a vibrant and multifaceted look at community life in Utica, blending activism, art, inclusivity, and charity. It opens with a “Good Trouble” pro-democracy rally inspired by John Lewis, where speakers call for activism rooted in love and understanding. Other segments spotlight a size-inclusive pop-up at Almost Local thrift store, a soulful interview and live performance by bluegrass artist Lou Altman, “Citizen Lou,” and a colorful cabaret showcase at the Utica Fringe Festival. The show also features the cherished annual St. Mary of Mount Carmel Italian Festival and an exciting and inspiring interview with biker Dave Paul, who’s riding this weekend to raise funds for families with seriously ill children. This week’s episode weaves together stories that highlight the power of community storytelling, cultural preservation, social justice, and collective action.Listen to Lou Altman (“Citizen Lou”) on YouTube: citizen lou - Topic - YouTube and Spotify. Click here to help Dave Paul raise money to help kids and families in need: https://www.findingthenextsteptogether.org/event-details-registration/dave-paul-cny-riders-for-kids Finding the Next Step Together is online at https://www.findingthenextsteptogether.org/ 

This week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday explores the intersection of community, culture, and media through three compelling segments: a moving report on a New Hartford butterfly release honoring loved ones, a thoughtful review of the new Superman film that reframes the hero as an immigrant symbol of kindness and identity, and a deep conversation with former WIBX journalists John Steman and John Swan about the evolution of local radio news. The butterfly event showcases how symbolic rituals help communities heal, while the Superman discussion highlights director James Gunn’s fresh take on heroism rooted in empathy and social relevance. Meanwhile, the journalists reflect on the golden age of local reporting, lamenting the decline of in-depth coverage and warning of the dangers posed by shrinking attention spans and media consolidation. Together, these stories illustrate how modern storytelling—whether through film, ritual, or journalism—shapes our understanding of grief, heroism, and the role of citizens in staying informed.

International Journalist Brendan Maslauskas Dunn, artist Lorraine Kreimeyer, SNUG Peace Rally, Trump Tax Bill local impact, and Lily Christopher at the New Hartford Farmer’s Marketby Ron KlopfansteinThis week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday features a dynamic mix of investigative reporting, global perspectives, and local community voices. We begin with a deep dive into the Republican “Big Beautiful Bill,” exposing its devastating Medicaid cuts and the threats they pose to rural healthcare, maternity services, and chronically ill patients in the Mohawk Valley. International journalist Brendan Maslauskas Dunn shares harrowing experiences covering activism in Egypt and draws parallels to the rise of authoritarianism in the U.S., emphasizing the need for fearless journalism. The episode also includes moving stories from a SNUG peace rally against gun violence, an uplifting profile of artist Lorraine Kramer’s fairy-themed healing art project, and a cheerful spotlight on the New Hartford Farmers Market as a hub of local culture and creativity. Altogether, the program weaves together urgent issues and hopeful responses, underscoring the power of media, art, and grassroots action to foster justice and resilience.Read Global March to Gaza Violently Repressed by Egyptian Authorities by Brendan Maslauskas Dunn at: https://unicornriot.ninja/2025/global-march-to-gaza-violently-repressed-by-egyptian-authorities/