Monthly Archives: November, 2025

Zestful Aging – Discover the Fascinating World of Glass Eyes

Published - November 30, 2025

Do you know what an ocularist is? Neither did Nicole until she went to a talk by today’s guest, author Dan Roche. Nicole never would have known about Dan or his book about glass eyes unless she was friends with the illustrator of his new book: “Eyes By Hand”. And it is fascinating. In this episode, we learn about the obscure world of glass eye making and talk about the psychological and emotional healing that such service brings to someone who has suffered the very visible trauma of eye loss. Check out his fascinating book here: EyesByHand.com.

Read More

S19 Ep13: Patchwork Quilt, Part XLX

Published - November 29, 2025

  “Music is the shorthand of emotion.” – Leo Tolstoy Let’s put together another Patchwork Quilt episode! “Patchwork Quilt, Part XLX” Iris Elezi: Improvisation on Albanian Folk Songs Iris Elezi, piano “A Scarlet String of Fire” Ieosous Records 99878 Hilda Jerea:  Roumanian Dances (on folk motives collected by Bartók) Kobayashi/Gray Duo “Listen! Hear Her Voice” Albany 1999 Shuying Li:  Out Came the Sun Boston Modern Orchestra Project; Gil Rose, conductor “The Last Hive Mind” BMOP 1106 Ketty Nez: through the light Gabriela Diaz & Lilit Hartunian, violin Samuel Kelder, viola; David Russell, cello “through the light” Albany 1991 Traditional Breton: 

Read More

Funky Foodies Episode 409: The Funkies’ Garden Gets Washed Out

Published - November 24, 2025

After a storm destroys the community garden, the Funkies want to give up, but some unexpected visitors show up and surprise them by offering encouragement and pitching in. 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.

Read More

There’s More to That from Smithsonian magazine: Why Are There So Many Shipwrecks in the Great Lakes?

Published - November 24, 2025

Tamara Thomsen is a maritime archaeologist with the Wisconsin Historical Society’s Maritime Preservation and Archaeology program. Her job is to investigate and survey shipwreck sites. In this episode, host Ari Daniel speaks with Thomsen about how she took up this profession, why she views shipwrecks as time capsules, why so many vessels met their watery grave on the Great Lakes, and how one stays warm at depth when diving for these wrecks for hours at a time. New to WCNY is There’s More to That from Smithsonian magazine. What’s the local connection? WCNY’s Genevieve Sponsler is the executive producer of

Read More

Check It Out Best of Part 5: Why Airports and Books are the BEST

Published - November 22, 2025

It’s been almost two years since the Onondaga County Public Libraries started their Ready Runway at SYR; grab a free book before you get on the plane! Also, hear what’s coming next for the SYR Community Art Program from our guest, Matt Szwejbka, Public Communications Officer for the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority.

Read More

S10 Ep12: It’s a Percussion Thing

Published - November 22, 2025

“Percussion is physical, as most instruments are.  The body must function well in order to play the instruments well.”  – Evelyn Glennie   There are certain characteristics that identify an instrument as a piano – a keyboard, pedals, etc.  Or a flute.  But what is “percussion?”  This episode shares works and performances from women specializing on the marimba.   “It’s a Percussion Thing” J.S. Bach:  Prelude & Fugue No. 1 from “The Well Tempered Clavier, Book I” Beverley Johnston, marimba “Marimbach” CBC 1033 John Thrower:  Aurora borealis Katarzyna Myćka, marimba Franz Bach, Thomas Keltch, Michael Schuller – percussion “Marimba Dance” Audite

Read More

Nov. 21, 2025: Neave Trio at CMSU

Published - November 21, 2025

    The Grammy-nominated Neave Trio returns to the stage for the next Chamber Music Society of Utica concert.  Host Diane Jones spoke to cellist Mikhail Veselov and pianist Eri Nakamura about the concert, their programming, and the world premiere performance of their commissioned work by Jennifer Higdon. Visit the Chamber Music Society of Utica website here. Learn more about the Neave Trio here.

Read More

Nov. 20, 2025: SO – Meet Stephen Mulligan

Published - November 20, 2025

    Stephen Mulligan returns for his second concert with the Syracuse Orchestra, as the search for the next music director continues.  Stephen spoke with host Diane Jones about his background, of getting to know the Syracuse Orchestra, and the valuable lessons he learned as Assistant and Associate Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Find out more about the Syracuse Orchestra season here. And about Stephen Mulligan here.

Read More

Talk CNY – The Power of Giving

Published - November 20, 2025

  We’re heading into the giving season and CenterState CEO is lucky to receive support from so many people across the business community. Their generosity enables the programs and strategies that help us create a region where businesses thrive and all people prosper. On this episode of Talk CNY, presented by NBT Bank, we speak with a founding contributor to our Growth +Equity Fund, John Peter and Executive Director of the CenterState CEO Foundation Kelly Fumarola about the impact giving can have in helping people achieve success.

Read More

Nov. 19, 2025: Ebb and Flow with CCO Ithaca

Published - November 19, 2025

  It’s a special concert this weekend from the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, as they welcome Grammy-award winning violinist Johnny Gandelsman for Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto.  We spoke to CCO Executive Director Sarah Chandler and Music Director Guillaume Pirard about the concert, and the pre-concert chat, MasterClass*, and how the orchestra is ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience this live performance. (*please note:  The MasterClass will be given by Maestro Guillaume Pirard)   More about the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra is available at their website.

Read More

ARISE – EFR Podcast – Scott Pecoy, Ramp Coordinator

Published - November 18, 2025

The ARISE – EFR podcast comes to WCNY Community FM from ARISE in Syracuse. Hosted by CEO Bruce Drake, each episode introduces listeners to someone in our community supporting access and independence for those with disabilities. On this episode Bruce Drake sits down with Scott Pecoy, Ramp Coordinator for their community mobility program. Discover how this incredible volunteer-driven initiative designs, builds and installs modular access ramps so individuals with mobility challenges can continue living independently in their homes. Learn about the building process, the partner churches and corporate volunteers, and the impact behind the 500-plus ramps built to date.

Read More

Nov. 17, 2025: Diocesan Festival Chorus sings Beethoven

Published - November 17, 2025

    The Diocesan Festival Chorus and Orchestra is preparing for a performance of Beethoven’s Mass in C Major this weekend.  Director Peter Ciarelli and chorus member Kevin Moore stopped into the studios to chat about the concert, the shared experience of creating such a remarkable event, and the community that will benefit through Music for the Mission.   More about this concert can be found at the Music for the Mission website.  

Read More

Syracuse (On)Stage, Episode 35 – From Screen to Stage, Movies That Are Also Plays

Published - November 17, 2025

In anticipation of Syracuse Stage’s upcoming production of “A Christmas Story,” Michelle DiBernardo, the Executive Director of the Syracuse International Film Festival, speaks with Joann Yarrow about how film intersects, inspires and creates new versions of the same story for audiences on stage.  

Read More

North Words: November 2025

Published - November 16, 2025

Katherine Scott is leading an effort at a tiny museum in rural Ontario to repatriate objects from its collection to indigenous tribes in the U.S. and Canada. Plus, the little-known story of the first New York subway – built in secret under Broadway and powered by air. From North Creek to South Colton, from Old Forge to New Bremen, North Words brings you interviews, on-site recordings, and special features that remind us what makes the North Country region so special. WCNY Community FM is pleased to present this monthly show from our colleagues at North Country Public Radio.

Read More

Funky Foodies Episode 408: The Funkies Plot Out Planting Plans

Published - November 15, 2025

Figuring out what plants need in order to grow is top of the Funky’s to-do list. Thanks to Zacky Z, they’re on the right track to an abundant community garden. 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.

Read More