Kaatscast spoke with Cornell University researchers about their latest investigations into New York State bobcat population abundance and the discovery of avian influenza (bird flu) in these wild felines.

Featuring Jenny Bloodgood, a wildlife veterinarian, and Haley Turner, a Cornell graduate student, the podcast explores their collaborative efforts to assess bobcat abundance and health using GPS collar tagging and camera trap stations. The discussion highlights various diseases affecting bobcats, including avian influenza, which has been detected in several sampled animals. The conversation also touches on historical challenges faced by bobcats, conservation efforts, and the implications of their findings for wildlife management.

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00:00 Introduction to Bobcat Research

01:41 Meet the Researchers

04:35 Bobcat Population History

05:41 Research Methods and Findings

12:43 Health and Disease in Bobcats

17:09 Impact of Avian Influenza

29:30 Human Influence and Conservation

37:21 Conclusion and Future Research

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Cover photo courtesy of Joshua Twining

Exploring the Magical World of Mushrooms with Catskill Fungi's John Michelotti

In this episode of Kaatscast, host Brett Barry interviews John Michelotti, mushroom maven and founder of Catskill Fungi. John draws listeners into the enchanting and complex world of fungi, sharing his journey from an outdoor guide to becoming an enthusiastic mycology educator. Recorded at Catskill Fungi's commercial kitchen in Pine Hill, the episode delves into the life cycle of mushrooms, their ecological roles, cultivation methods, and the mysteries of mycelium. John discusses the various types of mushrooms found in the Catskills, including edible, poisonous, and even mind-altering varieties. The episode also highlights the health benefits of mushroom extracts from varieties like Reishi, Lion's Mane, and Chaga. John is one one of the Catskill Center's "50 Stewards of the Catskills." Oh, and he's a super "fun-guy." Mwah-ha-ha!

00:00 Introduction to Seasonal Mushrooms

00:26 Meet John Michelotti: The Mushroom Maven

01:37 The Journey to Mushroom Mastery

05:55 Understanding Fungi and Mycelium

08:43 The Ecological Role of Fungi

16:51 Mushroom Cultivation Techniques

18:58 Edible and Toxic Mushrooms

23:57 Mushroom Identification and Walks

24:41 Mushroom Foraging Adventures

25:17 Fungi Cultivation Workshops

25:57 Diversity of Edible Mushrooms

26:19 Mushroom Production in the US

27:36 Identifying Edible and Poisonous Mushrooms

29:14 Psychedelic Mushrooms in the Catskills

32:03 Processing Mushrooms into Extracts

38:26 Health Benefits of Mushroom Extracts

44:23 Conclusion and Contact Information

Newly appointed Ulster County historian Eddie Moran discusses the role of a municipal historian and emphasizes the importance of presenting a complete and accurate history that includes all groups, with one such focus on the indigenous Lenape people. Moran, a SUNY New Paltz graduate and descendant of the region's Huguenot and Dutch colonists, shares his experiences working with various local organizations to expand the historical narrative. The episode also features a tour of the Ulster County Hall of Records led by archivist Jonathan Palmer, exploring the extensive archival collections and discussing the preservation and digitization efforts.

00:00 Introduction and Context

00:27 Meet Eddie Moran: Ulster County's New Historian

01:38 Eddie's Journey and Passion for History

06:55 The Role and Responsibilities of a County Historian

10:54 Challenges and Goals in Historical Narratives

16:50 Exploring the Ulster County Hall of Records

19:34 Preserving History: Techniques and Challenges

27:38 Significant Historical Documents and Their Stories

38:55 Conclusion and Credits

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Audio recording by Izzy Schuyler

Behind-the-scenes video by Ruby Zuckerman

The Overlook, a new nonprofit newspaper, describes itself as "community journalism serving Hunter, Hurley, Olive, Saugerties, Shandaken and Woodstock."

At a time when newspapers in America are disappearing at a rate of about 2.5 per week, The Overlook is attempting to buck that trend with community coverage and investigative reporting, served up weekly, in a free subscription model.

Join us for a conversation with its inaugural Editor-in-chief, Noah Eckstein, who's taking the lead in shaping a promising new publication in a part of the Catskills where news coverage is sparse.

Listen to the end, where we hear from 3 Kaatscast listeners who called in with reaction to our last show, "Wireless Watershed," about major communications gaps in the region.

Please keep in touch, at kaatscast.com, and on Instagram: @kaatscast

In a new effort to enhance communications in the Catskills, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is partnering with New York's ConnectALL initiative to expand wireless and broadband access throughout the New York City watershed.

The initiative was motivated by operational challenges faced by DEP staff due to poor cell coverage, and a recent Request for Information (RFI) seeks input from telecommunications providers and other stakeholders on how to eliminate cell phone dead zones.

In this episode, DEP Commissioner Rohit "Rit" Aggarwala and Water Supply Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush join host Brett Barry for a discussion about the RFI; why a robust communications network is increasingly crucial; and how a network could be built to benefit everyone in the region.

To put the complicated NYC/Catskills relationship into context, we check in with Lize Mogel––producer of the podcast series, Views from the Watershed––for a fascinating historical perspective.

We also hear from local Town Clerk Joyce Grant, whose anecdotal evidence illustrates just how dangerous cellular dead zones can be in the remote Catskills, where land lines and cable internet can also be scarce. Grant is frustrated by what she characterizes as a minority of residents who are opposed to cell towers marring the mountain landscape.

Referring to a proposal for a tower to be built in Shandaken, she says, "It's going to be a pole that's 85 feet tall, and it may be viewable above the trees... but it's a pole... that could save lives. We have to look at it like that."

For more than a century, the Catskills have provided New York City with billions of gallons of clean drinking water. Will NYC be the unlikely partner that –– finally –– brings wireless coverage to the Catskills?

00:00 Intro

00:26 NYC DEP's Wireless Communication Initiative

01:44 Joyce Grant's Pursuit for Better Communication

07:17 Challenges of Cell Service in the Catskills

10:34 Community Efforts and Future Plans

15:12 The Catskills and NYC Water Connection

16:15 The "Takings" and Eminent Domain

19:06 The 1990s MOA and Water Quality

23:29 Controversial Land Acquisition Program

24:24 City's Land Ownership and Broadband Infrastructure

24:56 New York City's Evolving Relationship with the Catskills

25:37 DEP's Land Purchase Strategy

27:46 Recreation and Utility Easements on City Land

29:11 Challenges and Opportunities for Broadband Expansion

32:06 Future of Wireless Communications in the Catskills

34:41 Funding and Implementation of Broadband Project

36:22 Historical Context and Technological Evolution

38:50 Public Engagement and Relationship Building

43:42 Climate Change and Water Supply

45:36 Personal Reflections and Memories of the Catskills

49:37 Conclusion and Podcast Information

Exploring the Legacy of Clayton 'Peg Leg' Bates: The One-Legged Dancing Legend

In this live episode of Kaatscast, recorded at theEmerson Resort & Spa on November 8, 2024, host Brett Barry engages in a detailed discussion with Elinor Levy,Folk Arts Program Manager at Arts Mid Hudson, about the life and legacy of Clayton 'Peg Leg' Bates.

The show explores Bates' inspiring journey from losing a leg in a cotton gin accident at the age of 12 to becoming one of the most celebrated tap dancers, performing on Broadway and appearing on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' at least 21 times.

Elinor shares insights from her research, Bates' entrepreneurial venture in establishing an interracial resort in the Catskills, and his impact on the Black community. The episode includes personal anecdotes, clips from a documentary about Bates, and audience Q&A, enriching the narrative of Bates' remarkable resilience and contribution to the arts.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:38 Discovering Peg Leg Bates

01:36 Clayton Bates' Early Life and Career

03:07 Elinor Levy's Journey with Peg Leg Bates

04:53 The Peg Leg Bates Exhibit

06:45 Peg Leg Bates' Performances and Legacy

13:11 The Peg Leg Bates Resort

18:32 Community Impact and Personal Stories

24:56 The Decline of the Resort

30:44 Audience Q&A

41:06 Closing Remarks and Credits

Links:

⁠The Dancing Man documentary⁠

⁠Arts Mid-Hudson Folk Collection on Peg Leg Bates⁠

⁠Saints of Swing with David Winograd and Miss Rene Bailey⁠

Justin Kolb is an accomplished pianist who began playing at the age of four. Now 82, Justin continues to practice almost daily and performs intimate house concerts called "From the Bench," showcasing music "by living American composers as well as music that lives in undeserved obscurity."

Justin shares vivid memories from his early competitions to his debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and recounts his time in the military where he balanced service with a budding concert career. After a successful stint in the business world, Justin returned to his passion for music, performing globally and conducting house concerts that are always a sellout. Tune in to hear about Justin’s extraordinary journey and his deep connection to the piano, culminating in a life dedicated to evoking emotion through music.

00:00 Introduction to Justin Kolb

01:04 Early Life and First Piano Lessons

02:19 Competitions and Early Success

05:04 Military Service and European Debut

08:54 Post-Military Career and Business Ventures

10:44 Return to Music and Retirement

13:10 From the Bench Concert Series

17:54 Reflections on Music and Practice

22:16 Conclusion and Contact Information

Grilled Cheese with a Twist: Lunch and Jam with New York First Lady Silda Wall Spitzer

Join us for a delightful culinary and conversational journey with Silda Wall Spitzer in her Hudson Valley home. In this episode, we explore Silda's gourmet jam business and taste a unique grilled cheese featuring brie and blueberry elderflower jam. Silda shares memories of how her jam-making journey began, her experiences as the former First Lady of New York, and her ongoing passion for sustainability and community service. Discover the blend of flavors in Silda's Jam, the ethos behind her entrepreneurship, and the stories that continue to inspire her work.

00:00 Introduction to a Gourmet Grilled Cheese

01:06 Meet Silda Wall Spitzer

01:42 The Origins of Silda's Jam

05:43 From First Lady to Jam Entrepreneur

06:29 Balancing Public and Private Life

10:05 Sustainability Initiatives in the Executive Mansion

13:18 A Diverse Career Beyond Albany

15:29 Innovations in Jam Making

17:53 Local Ingredients and Community Impact

19:19 Conclusion and Tasting the Grilled Cheese

21:44 Final Thoughts and Farewell