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In this episode of Living the Good Life, Deb and Steve welcome Major General Reginald A. Centracchio, a RI retired adjutant general and lifelong musician, who now leads big band performances and coordinates live music for Scituate’s 250th anniversary celebrations.The General shares how he blends military discipline with musical passion, organizing parades, concert series, and community events that bring residents together - from flag-filled parades to fireworks at Hope Jackson.He also offers candid military analysis on Iran, Israel, NATO, and U.S. readiness, emphasizing the importance of live intelligence, public trust in the armed forces, and civic engagement through voting.

In this episode of Living the Good Life, Deb Morais speaks with Lauren Fogarty, Rhode Island program coordinator for RI 250, about how the Ocean State is commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. Lauren highlights Rhode Island’s outsized role in the American Revolution - from the burning of the Gaspee and early independence from the Crown to the First Rhode Island Regiment and General Nathanael Greene. She also walks listeners through this year’s July 4th celebrations, including the Bristol parade, rare public viewings of Rhode Island’s copies of the Declaration of Independence, and family-friendly events across the state. Deb and Lauren close by discussing the statewide grant program, Liberty Tree plantings, ongoing community events through 2027, and how residents can get involved via RhodeIsland250.org.

On this week's episode Deb and Steve spoke with Rick Simone, the Deputy Director of the Providence Tourism Council, President of the Federal Hill Commerce Association, President of the RI Small Business Coalition, and a member of the Board of Directors of Waterfire. Rick discussed Rhode Island's summer events, highlighting the St. Joseph's Feast on Federal Hill, which drew 50,000 people over three days, and Al Fresco on the Hill, a 10-week event with 34 participants. He emphasized the PVD Fan Zone, an official FIFA fan site with 39 days of activities, including live entertainment and food trucks and the Summer of Soccer tailgate events on Federal Hill. He also noted the increased Waterfire lightings and the 250th U.S. anniversary celebration on July 4. Then the conversation shifted to the importance of reading - a quieter activity, noting a resurgence in interest with a recent reading party at a New York public library.

In this episode of Living the Good Life, Deb Morais and Steve Kass tackle a trio of timely topics affecting everyday families. They start with a candid look at airline “junk fees,” sharing a recent Breeze Airways experience and a clever workaround for avoiding extra seat charges. The conversation then turns to education, as they explore how lowered academic standards and opaque reporting can mislead parents about how well their children are really doing—and why parental involvement and independent checks matter more than ever.   Deb and Steve also discuss the emotional toll of immigration policies that separate children from their parents, amplifying concerns raised by psychiatrists and pediatricians, before wrapping up with a nuanced look at pricey weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic, weighing their benefits against the financial strain they place on cities and towns. They close with a preview of upcoming episodes celebrating Tanglewood, classical music, and the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra.

Catch this segment as the topics range from the selection of the new Fed Chairman, to Melania in the movies and hosting a premier gala of A-listers at the White House, to AI as the go-to source for today's youth grappling with relationships. We discuss the decisions made in each scenario, the pros and cons, the optics, and the consequences. Join us.

In this episode of Living The Good Life, hosts Deb Morais and Steve Kass shine a light on two urgent and seemingly unrelated issues shaping the moral and social landscape of our time: child marriage in the United States and the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in daily life and education.First, Deb and Steve unpack the disturbing truth that child marriage remains legal in more than 30 states, often enabled by loopholes that override minimum age requirements. Drawing from a recent New York Times article by Nicholas Kristof, they explore the legal, social, and religious factors that perpetuate this practice - and the devastating consequences for young girls deprived of agency, safety, and opportunity. The conversation calls for greater public awareness, policy reform, and community vigilance to protect vulnerable children.The discussion then pivots to another complex modern issue: the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence on education, creativity, and human independence. The hosts examine how tools like ChatGPT are reshaping classrooms, professional writing, and even parenting, sometimes at the expense of critical thinking and academic integrity. They weigh the benefits of AI for research and organization against its potential to erode authentic learning and creativity. 

In this inspiring episode of Living The Good Life, the hosts share an extraordinary story of compassion, science, and second chances. Dr. Rachel Gilardetti a Rhode Island dentist, used her professional expertise in an unexpected way — performing a life-saving dental-style repair on a peregrine falcon’s broken beak. Using dental acrylic and composite bonding, Dr. Gilardetti restored the bird’s ability to eat and preen, giving it a new lease on life.The falcon, rescued near Rhode Island Hospital and identified as a tagged local bird, is now recovering at The Congress of the Birds in Chepachet, RI. Under the leadership of Sheida Soleimani the organization rehabilitates more than 2,000 wild birds each year and depends on community volunteers and donations to continue its vital work.In the second half of the episode, the hosts shift gears to discuss the growing risks associated with “Buy Now, Pay Later” financing services — a trend that’s leaving many consumers trapped in mounting debt despite its convenience. The conversation emphasizes the importance of mindful spending, budgeting, and awareness of fine print before clicking “pay later.”

In this episode of Living the Good Life, hosts Deb Morais and Steve Kass bring you two conversations that highlight service, leadership, and the essential role of community. First, they welcome Melissa Cherney, the new CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Melissa shares her personal journey from a childhood in North Dakota marked by food insecurity to leading one of the state’s most vital organizations in the fight against hunger. She offers an inside look at how the Food Bank is adapting to rising demand and dwindling donations, while continuing to prioritize culturally responsive and nutritious food for all Rhode Islanders. From the Senior Food Box program to SNAP outreach, Melissa underscores the power of volunteers and partnerships in making sure no one goes hungry.In the second half, Bill George, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association, joins the discussion to talk about the “AM for Every Vehicle Act” and what it means for public safety and local news access. Bill shares his perspective on the changing media landscape—how broadcasters are navigating digital disruption, artificial intelligence, and consolidation—while still serving as a trusted voice for the community. He also outlines current legislative efforts to protect advertising tax deductibility and the potential risks of new ad taxes to local businesses.Key TakeawaysLeadership with lived experience: Melissa Cherney’s background brings empathy and purpose to her leadership of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.Adapting to new realities: Food banks face growing needs and fewer donations, requiring innovative approaches to sourcing, outreach, and education.Protecting public access: The “AM for Every Vehicle Act” ensures that emergency and community broadcasts remain accessible in a digital-first world.Local media matters: Despite industry disruption, Rhode Island broadcasters continue to play a vital role in informing, connecting, and protecting communities.

In this episode of Living the Good Life, hosts Deb Morais and Steve Kass tackle some of the most pressing and difficult issues facing our nation today. The conversation begins with reflections on the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk and the troubling rise of politically motivated violence. Deb and Steve examine how divisive rhetoric - especially around sensitive topics like transgender rights - can escalate into dangerous outcomes, and they stress the urgent need for civil discourse and understanding.The discussion then broadens to the state of political dialogue and media in America. From Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial remarks to concerns about government pressure on media outlets, the hosts explore the fine line between free speech, censorship, and responsible communication.Deb and Steve also consider the challenges today’s younger generations are facing - affordable housing, a difficult job market, and increasing exposure to online hate speech. They highlight the role social media plays in amplifying polarization and point to schools’ emerging efforts to limit its influence.Throughout the episode, the hosts underscore the importance of education, conflict resolution skills, and shared responsibility in creating a healthier civic culture. They close with a call to action: embrace civility, foster understanding, and find hope in working toward a less polarized, more compassionate society.