Monthly Archives: November, 2024


Funky Foodies Episode 302: The Funkies Get Super Stealthy

Published - November 30, 2024

The Funkies raid Glow’s closet for disguises they plan to wear to the Fast Fashions R Us clothing store at the mall so they can get the scoop on fast fashion without being discovered. Funky Foodies is a podcast for kids, and it’s produced right here in Central New York. Tween foodies Frankie, Fern, and Zara share a passion for food and its impacts on the environment. Adventures follow after they form an alliance called Funky Foodies, Inc., pledging to, “Save the Planet, One Veggie Burger at a Time.” Kid-friendly recipes reflecting the theme of each episode are included.

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The Plate Show: “The Big Flip!”

Published - November 30, 2024

I flip, you flip, we all flip for…pancakes! Join Spoonie as she explores different types of pancakes from all over the world. Spoonie is all ready to make super fluffy buttermilk pancakes – yum!- but will friend and fellow utensil, Spatty the spatula be able to get over his nerves in time to flip Spoonie’s pancakes for “The Big Taste”? Special guest Reem Kassis joins and tells us about qatayef asafiri, stuffed pancakes eaten during the month of Ramadan, and kid guest, Anoushka, who shares her favorite appam pancakes from Kerala, India too! Reem Kassis is a Palestinian food and

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Giving Tuesday – December 3

Published - November 30, 2024

This Giving Tuesday, give back to the high-quality programming you know and love. After a weekend of celebration, shopping, and gratitude, take this moment to support nonprofits like WCNY—organizations that make a lasting impact in the Central New York community every day. Be part of this global movement to reimagine a world rooted in shared humanity and profound generosity. Make your gift today at wcny.org/donate or call 800.451 9269. Your support makes a difference!  

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S09 Ep14: Songcatchers, Part 2

Published - November 30, 2024

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” – Marcus Garvey   Musicology – the study of music.  A simple definition for a vast subject.  Whether approaching it as performance practice, cultural musicology, or any other of a myriad of avenues, the four women we’ll meet in this episode are definitely making their mark.   “Songcatchers, Part 2” Traditional:  Barbara Allen Edward Flower & Joel Brown, guitars “Chords & Thyme: English Folksongs for Guitar” Dorian 90204 Josquin des Pres:  Ave Maria, gratia plena The Hilliard Ensemble “Codex Specialnik” ECM New Series

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Checkup From the Neck-Up, Episode 24 – De-stressing the holidays!

Published - November 29, 2024

On this episode of Checkup From the Neck-Up, Dr. Neckup psychologist Rich O’Neill is de-stressing his holiday season by taking a day off and passing the hosting reins to Ms. Nicole Christina (who also hosts our award-winning show Zestful Aging). Nicole interviews a mystery guest, an expert in stress and de-stressing. They talk about what makes things stressful, how we think and what we do to make it worse, and what we can think and do to use our time, energy, money and expertise to partner with others wisely. Listen in to learn how to make less stress and more joy and

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From Suarez’s Basement – From Concept to Screen: A Producer’s Journey!

Published - November 29, 2024

In this captivating episode we sit down with the multi-talented Tom Verica, an actor, director, producer, and head of Creative Production for Shondaland/Netflix. He is known for his remarkable work on beloved series like Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte, and Inventing Anna, among many other successful TV shows. Join us as Tom shares his unique insights into the world of TV production, revealing what it’s really like to direct a hit show steeped in period drama and romance. Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or a devoted fan of TV drama, this episode is a must-listen, offering a wealth of inspiration and insider

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WCNY’s TravelAuc Getaways Returns December 10!

Published - November 29, 2024

Give the Gift of Travel this Holiday Season! Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 10 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14 at 9 p.m. on WCNY-TV for the December TravelAuc Getaways Show! Discover the perfect getaway or gift one to a loved one this holiday season. Tune in for a sneak peek of these exciting getaways, each starting at 55% off their value! Don’t miss out on these incredible discounts! The online auction opens on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 9 p.m. and closes on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 9 p.m. Browse through all the great trips we’re offering this holiday season at wcny.org/travelauction. Please feel free to share

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ARISE: The Benefits of the VDC Program

Published - November 27, 2024

The ARISE podcast comes to WCNY Community FM from ARISE in Syracuse. Hosted by CEO Tania S. Anderson, each episode introduces listeners to someone in our community supporting access and independence for those with disabilities. In this episode: we are coming up on the first anniversary of ARISE’s Veterans Directed Care program. Tania chats with Judy Wirt, the wife of Air Force Veteran Karl Wirt, and Gabrielle VanDuser, a Person Centered Counselor in our VDC program. Judy shares how the program has been a lifeline for her and Karl during some challenging times.

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Central Current Radio, Ep. 59 – Alicia Ernest Discusses Civic Engagement

Published - November 27, 2024

What does it really mean to be civically engaged? How does someone learn to run for local office, study local government, or find volunteer opportunities in their community? Alicia Ernest of FOCUS Greater Syracuse joined hosts Dr. Rick Wright and Maximilian Eyle to share how her organization empowers CNY residents to understand and participate in the structures that make our region run.   

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Science Today with Dr. Rich Kopecky – Episode 30

Published - November 27, 2024

The remarkable new drug Semaglutide continues to impress. In addition to its rapidly growing use for diabetes and weight loss, new indications may be on the way. Also in this month’s Science Today, Dr. Rich Kopecky tells us about AI chatbots which may counter conspiracy theories, where meteorites come from, and a surprisingly simple strategy to combat global warming.    

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Built to Serve, Episode 29 – Hope for the Holidays

Published - November 27, 2024

There are a couple of cultural constants that remind us that the holidays are upon us: Old Newsboys’ “Hope for the Holidays” Campaign and the Red Kettles from The Salvation Army. Both groups bring help and hope to people who are struggling, especially at this time of the year. For nine decades, the Syracuse Post-Standard has been raising funds by selling a special edition of the newspaper. Chairman Tom Brown is looking for groups of volunteers to assist in hawking the paper for their drive taking place throughout the community on December 6th and 7th. The funds from that special

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CNY Heroes, Episode 26 – “The Matt and Monica Podcast”

Published - November 26, 2024

On this episode of CNY Heroes, Dan talks with a Central NY veteran and his wife who host their own podcast with inspiring stories about overcoming adversity.  “The Matt and Monica Podcast” is produced by Matthew and Monica Spellicy.  They tell Dan how their own life stories led to the creation of the podcast, and how their guests, with both military and non-military backgrounds, give witness to the power of resilience in the face of life’s obstacles.  

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Repeating History, Episode 6 – Dr. Junko Takeda, Professor of History

Published - November 26, 2024

  On this episode of Repeating History, our guest is Dr. Junko Takeda, Daicoff Faculty Scholar  and professor of History at Syracuse University. She has written two books, “Between Crown and Commerce: Marseille and the Early Modern Mediterranean” (Johns Hopkins, 2011), and “The Other Persian Letters: Iran and a French Empire of Trade, 1700-1808” (Liverpool University Press, Oxford University Studies in the Enlightenment, 2020). Bob and Professor Takeda discuss America’s immigration history from the very first Naturalization Act in 1790. Using her and her family’s harrowing ordeal as undocumented immigrants from Japan, the conversation touches on the persistence of racism

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Classic FM Winter Fundraiser – Dec. 9 & 10

Published - November 26, 2024

WCNY will host its Classic FM Winter Fundraiser on Dec. 9 and 10 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The two-day event will feature special programming, gifts, and voices that are typically only heard behind the scenes at WCNY. This annual event is critically important to WCNY’s ability to offer new programs and crystal clear classics on our FM station and livestream. Friends of WCNY can make donations online at wcny.org/supportclassical or by calling 800-451-9269, now through Dec. 10. Donate early (before Dec. 9) and we’ll send you a 2025 Classic FM Pocket Calendar. Each gift will strengthen WCNY’s commitment to providing exceptional

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Innovate to Educate, Episode 27 – The Power of Curiosity – Teaching Inquiry-Based Learning Skills

Published - November 26, 2024

Isaac and Stephanie Budmen and their students from the Keenan Center dive into the transformative power of curiosity and how it drives education. Focusing on inquiry-based learning, they share insights into how encouraging students to ask questions and explore new ideas leads to deeper understanding and engagement in STEAM and beyond. Join us as we explore practical strategies for fostering a mindset of curiosity and how these skills equip students to become lifelong learners and problem solvers in today’s rapidly evolving world.    

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