Norm sits down with the one and only Misty Decker - singer, mother of two, tireless booster of Rhinebeck schools, beer aficionado, COBOL evangelist, and mainframe modernization expert known as "Darth Misty the Mainframe Sith." They kick things off with a cocktail recipe from Cooper's Daughter distillery, then dive into Misty's journey from math major to her current role at Kyndryl, where she consults on mainframe modernization. The conversation covers the complexities and human dynamics of the field, why mainframe systems still matter across industries, and how AI is changing the modernization game. Misty also shares her passion for singing with the Capella Festiva Chamber Choir.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Join Norm in conversation with Joan Berland, a former teacher with over three decades of experience, including at CLS in Rhinebeck. Together with her husband Warren, they discuss Joan's unique teaching methods, her work inspired by the book 'Brain Gym,' and a transformational classroom experience that reached global recognition. Joan also shares stories from her varied teaching career—from Charlottesville to St. Martin and the profound impact of her spiritual journey. Closing the chapter on her teaching career, Joan delves into her newfound loves of quilting and cooking.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm talks with Dave Leonard, Rhinebeck-based podcast host of 'Hudson Valley Unleashed,' DJ, business owner, dedicated family man, and truly amazing friend who just ran his first NYC Marathon. Dave traces his path from college radio at Denison through creating the 'Unleashed' format and building his own DJ business. The conversation gets personal as Dave opens up about surviving a near-fatal car accident, his path to sobriety, and what keeps him passionate about music after all these years. He also shares what he's working on now with his podcast and the community events he's committed to supporting.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm chats with Debbie Hecht as she shares her journey into local politics, her recent election to the Rhinebeck Town Board, and her dedication to community activism. A knitter, teacher of knitting, mom and dog mom with a PhD in Classics from Columbia University, Debbie discusses how she co-founded BeckHook Pride and her experiences growing up in New York City during pivotal moments in LGBTQ history. The conversation highlights Debbie's knitting passion, protest involvement, and the joys and challenges of moving to Rhinebeck.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Join Norm for a conversation with Mickey Haggerty and Suzanne Kelly, fixtures at the Rhinebeck Farmer's Market where they sell saffron, turmeric, and other crops raised on their Green Owl Farm. They discuss how Mickey, a retired trust and estates attorney and the farm's official "farm hand," connected with Suzanne, author and retired professor who serves as "owner and grower," when he helped her purchase a house in Rhinebeck. They share their journey from becoming friends to establishing Green Owl Farm and advocating for green burial practices. They also cover Mickey's historical ties to Poughkeepsie and Suzanne's transition from academia to farming and becoming a cemetery administrator.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm welcomes Sam Simon, host of the new podcast "Technocracy for Dummies" and a Bard art history major specializing in experimental humanities. Sam explains the evolution of technocracy from its origins as a vision of scientific governance to today's reality of tech billionaires wielding unprecedented power over government and society.
Norm delves into Sam’s interest in avant-garde art and the work of video art pioneer Nam June Paik and his collaborator Charlotte Moorman, exploring the gender dynamics in the art world of the 1960s and 70s. They also discuss their generational perspectives on data privacy and social media's omnipresence, with Sam giving a Gen Z perspective on how digital platforms shape expectations and identity.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm is joined by Rhinebeck's own Adele Abide. Raised in the Mississippi Delta as a Lebanese-American, Adele shares her journey of culture shock upon arriving at the Rhode Island School of Design to study fashion. She reflects on creating her own line of dresses, transitioning to become creative director at a garden furniture company, and eventually establishing an interior decorating firm alongside her husband. Throughout the conversation, Adele discusses the influence of her family, the unique experience of growing up in a small southern town, and her winding path through fashion, art, and design, a journey that led her to finding both personal and professional fulfillment in the Hudson Valley.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm sits down with Sheri Sceroler, a dynamic presence in the Hudson Valley who brings Louisiana charm to upstate New York. For 26 years, Sheri has made the region home, zipping around town on her bike or in her vintage MG convertible complete with racing number, playing competitive tennis, and building a thriving real estate career in Rhinebeck. Hailing from a culinary family in Baton Rouge, Sheri shares her journey from growing up in her family's French seafood restaurants to her varied pursuits in the Hudson Valley—including her time at the Omega Institute exploring spiritual practices and running a pet sitting business before transitioning into real estate.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

Send comments to comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org