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In Episode 35 of Crazy Real, hosts Jenn and Marissa welcome Syracuse recording artist, music creator, and host of the Les Connect Podcast, Les, into the studio for an authentic look inside Central New York’s creative ecosystem.

From writing and recording his own music to stepping behind the microphone as a platform host, Les shares his personal journey navigating the modern independent music scene, developing his signature sound, and carving out space in Syracuse’s cultural landscape. Jenn and Marissa dive deep into the gritty realities of independent podcasting, the discipline required to stay consistent, and what it truly means to use your platform to uplift local talent, support community initiatives, and give back to Syracuse. Plus, Les opens up about his major artistic achievements to date, lessons learned from creative setbacks, and his forward-looking roadmap for both his music and the future expansion of the Les Connect brand.

Social Links

Podcast YouTube: @LesConnectPodcast

Podcast Instagram: @lesconnectpodcast

Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lesconnectpodcast/

Streaming Platforms: Search "Les Connect Podcast" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music

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In Episode 34 of Crazy Real, hosts Jenn and Marissa sit down in the studio with Kailee Buller, candidate for New York’s 22nd Congressional District, for an unfiltered conversation on Upstate life, the economy, and the future of Central New York.

Recorded right before Donald Trump’s regional visit to endorse local candidates—where Kailee was on the ground during his tour—this episode looks beyond political headlines and soundbites. An Auburn native, working mom of three, and former Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Agriculture overseeing massive food and farm operations, Kailee shares her perspective on kitchen-table economics, energy bills, childcare shortages, and maternal health. Most importantly, Jenn and Marissa explore her approach to practical governance: finding common ground across party lines to solve real problems for New York families.

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In Episode 33 of Crazy Real, hosts Jenn and Marissa welcome Onondaga County Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael J. Manfredi into the studio for an eye-opening conversation on the realities of the local justice system.

Having served in the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office since 2007, Manfredi brings nearly two decades of courtroom trial experience as Grand Jury Bureau Chief and Felony Trial Bureau Chief. In this episode, Jenn and Marissa dive into what really happens behind closed courtroom doors, his frontline work coordinating mental health diversions and youth justice steering committees, and what drives his campaign for New York State Supreme Court Justice across the 5th Judicial District. Tune in for a grounded, candid discussion about fairness, community safety, and the human side of the legal system.