Spreading Kindness and Mental Health Awareness in Ithaca In this episode of Good News York, the host discusses the excitement around NFL draft day and welcomes special guests, including longtime friend and bandmate Daryl Harrington from Be Kind Ithaca, as well as Sandra Sorenson from NAMI Finger Lakes, and Samantha Shoemaker from Free Hugs Ithaca. The conversation delves into Daryl's journey of creating Be Kind Ithaca, a grassroots initiative that began with making wooden heart signs during the pandemic and has since grown into a nonprofit organization promoting kindness and mental wellness. Sandra shares her personal story of coping with her husband's bipolar disorder and subsequent suicide, emphasizing the support she found through NAMI's family-to-family classes. Samantha talks about the impact and emotional rewards of the Free Hugs Ithaca initiative. They all highlight the importance of mental health support, community connections, and upcoming events like the NAMI walk in May. The episode concludes with a fun anecdote about attending a recent Metallica concert and a sneak peek of the host's Buffalo Bills-themed music video. 00:00 Welcome to Good News York 00:30 Special Guests Introduction 01:52 The Origin of 'Be Kind' 03:00 Spreading Kindness During the Pandemic 04:46 Be Kind's Growth and Impact 10:32 Free Hugs Ithaca Collaboration 20:51 Starting a New Perspective 21:37 Mental Health Advocacy and Personal Struggles 22:47 Introduction to NAMI Finger Lakes 23:10 Personal Journey with NAMI 25:50 Becoming Executive Director of NAMI Finger Lakes 27:31 Collaborations and Community Events 32:01 Support for Caregivers and Mental Health Awareness 36:35 The Sophie Fund and Community Impact 42:41 Closing Remarks and Upcoming Events

Good News York Special: 2025 NFL Draft Analysis and Predictions In this special edition of Good News York, host Mike Brindisi, without his co-host Matt Masur, dives deep into the 2025 NFL Draft. Mike shares his comprehensive analysis of the first round, discussing the top talent and providing his best, favorite, and sleeper picks for each position. Joined by producer Danny Tripodi, the episode engages with viewer questions, covering topics such as potential team trades, the Buffalo Bills' draft strategy, and intriguing players and teams. Mike also discusses various scenarios and hot takes, providing an in-depth look at the upcoming draft. 00:00 Welcome to the NFL Draft Special 01:02 First Round Highlights and Analysis 02:48 Quarterback Picks: Best, Favorite, and Sleepers 07:55 Wide Receiver Picks: Best, Favorite, and Sleepers 10:20 Tight End Picks: Best, Favorite, and Sleepers 12:03 Running Back Picks: Best, Favorite, and Sleepers 13:07 Offensive Tackle Picks: Best, Favorite, and Sleepers 14:25 Cornerback Picks: Best, Favorite, and Sleepers 15:04 Defensive Tackle Picks: Best, Favorite, and Sleepers 16:14 Defensive End Picks: Best, Favorite, and Sleepers 17:08 Safety Picks: Best, Favorite, and Sleepers 18:42 Teams Likely to Trade Up or Down 24:05 New York Football Teams Overview 24:14 Buffalo Bills Draft Needs 25:18 Cornerback Prospects for the Bills 26:05 Defensive Tackle Prospects for the Bills 29:11 Wide Receiver Prospects for the Bills 31:12 Teams and Players That Intrigue Me 36:29 Quarterback Class Analysis 49:05 Hot Takes and Scenarios 52:42 Conclusion and Social Media

Good News York Ep. 26: Podcasts, Greek Yogurt, & Gaming Revelations In this episode of Good News York, host Matt Masur, founder of Growth Mode Technologies, and his co-host, affectionately called 'Teal Mike,' delve into various topics from their new podcast format to remarkable news about the state of New York. The hosts celebrate their milestone of reaching the 26th episode, discuss the importance of including the entirety of New York State in their podcast content, and shout out local podcast ‘Living Local 315’ on their 200th episode. They highlight major business expansions in New York, such as Chobani's new production facility in Rome and United Auto Supply's growth in Onondaga County. The episode also delves into nostalgic topics like the return of ground round restaurants and reminisce about bands like Guar and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Matt shares his unique dream of filling a massive commercial space with varied ventures, underscoring his entrepreneurial spirit. The episode wraps up with producer Danny Chapi providing exciting news about the remastered release of the classic game 'Oblivion.' Tune in for good news, interesting discussions, and some hearty laughs. 00:00 Welcome to Good News York 01:00 Podcast Highlights and Platforms 02:23 Celebrating Podcast Milestones 04:41 Defining Upstate New York 05:46 A Funny Story About Poughkeepsie 06:17 GUAR Concert Experience 12:58 Local News and Updates 13:21 Chobani's Expansion in Rome 16:26 United Auto Supply Expansion 17:45 Ground Round Nostalgia 21:39 Saranac Brewery Achievements 25:16 Red Hot Chili Pipers at NY State Fair 27:06 Discovering the Chili Pipers 28:17 State Fair Lineup Surprises 31:45 Guess the Pedophile Game 33:50 Carmelo Anthony's Cannabis Brand 43:33 Retro Game Con and Oblivion Remaster