Buying Local Podcast

Hosted by Michael Nelson

Business

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Episodes

137

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Buying Local is a podcast dedicated to showcasing the small businesses, local food markets, and makers that make Saratoga, Warren, and Washington County shine. Hosted by Mike Nelson, each episode uncovers the fantastic goods, services, and stories hidden in your very own community. We’re here to support local economies—and spotlight the people behind the products and companies you love. Buying Local Podcast is powered by Five Towers Media.

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60 recent

August 14, 2026Episode 8731 min

Saratoga Comedy Festival Brings 64 Comics to Saratoga | Buying Local #87

Travis Stealey, comedian and founder of the Saratoga Comedy Festival, joins Buying Local to discuss his journey from bombing at open mics to producing one of the Capital Region's biggest comedy events. Travis shares insights into writing comedy, crowd work, entrepreneurship, and what attendees can expect from the Saratoga Comedy Festival on September 11-12 at the Saratoga City Center. Connect with Travis at travisstealey.com and learn more about the comedy festival at saratogacomedyfest.com . 0:00 Introduction & Saratoga Comedy Festival Overview 0:15 How Travis Stealey Got Started in Comedy 1:05 Bombing at His First Open Mic 2:23 Learning What Actually Makes People Laugh 4:00 Adapting Material to Different Crowds 5:10 The Rise of Crowd Work Comedy 6:09 Performing for Tiny Audiences 8:08 When Crowd Work Goes Too Far 9:18 A Nun on Tinder & Other Crowd Stories 11:14 How Comedians Build and Refine Material 13:11 Knowing When to Retire a Joke 15:29 Six Months of Failure Before Progress 16:35 Mentorship, The Comedy Bible & Getting Better 19:24 Why Travis Didn't Quit Comedy 22:06 Launching the Saratoga Comedy Festival 23:12 Festival Format, Headliners & What to Expect 25:16 64 Comics, Local Talent & National Acts 28:40 Tickets, Promotions & Festival Details 29:58 Managing the Logistics of a Major Comedy Event 30:27 Final Thoughts & Event Information Want more Buying Local?Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter/X: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal #SaratogaComedyFestival #TravisStealey #BuyingLocal #ComedyPodcast #SaratogaSprings

August 7, 2026Episode 8622 min

Don Lehman: Why Local Media & Journalism Still Matter | Buying Local #86

Join host Mike Nelson as he sits down with Don Lehman, a Freelance Writer of 30+ Years and Director of Public Affairs for Warren County, New York, to discuss the evolution of local journalism and PR. Don shares his incredible journey from spending 27 years at the Post Star to managing critical county communications and doing PR for Kelly's Angels. Connect with Don Lehman on LinkedIn and learn more about Kelly's Angels at kellysangelsinc.org . 0:00 Mike Nelson introduces Don Lehman 1:22 Reflecting on a 27-year career & the decline of print news 3:08 How Don's past reporting inspired Buying Local 4:27 The power of local business blogs 6:08 Dealing with the fragmentation of local news 7:32 Don’s introduction to sports journalism 8:17 Getting involved with Mark Mulholland and Kelly's Angels 9:47 How Kelly's Angels provides scholarships and grants to families in need 11:53 Shifting out of COVID-19 protocols 13:48 Overcoming obstacles with press releases 15:46 Building two-way relationships with local media 17:12 Why accuracy must take priority over speed in government public relations 18:03 Handling tragic news stories 20:02 The strict deadlines of daily print journalism 20:57 Where to find Don 22:09 Final thoughts and episode wrap-up Want more Buying Local? Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter/X: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/ #BuyingLocal #LocalJournalism #PublicRelations #WarrenCountyNY #SmallBusinessSupport

July 31, 2026Episode 8531 min

Building Community Through Music, Marketing & Mental Health | Buying Local #85

How is AI reshaping local marketing, SEO, and the future of community building? In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Chuck Copenspire, Digital Marketing Consultant at Copenspire Unlimited and founder of the MindBlown Music Festival, to discuss AI search, Google Business Profiles, authentic branding, and why human connection matters more than ever. They also explore the growing local music scene in Glens Falls, how independent festivals are creating opportunities for emerging bands, and why music, storytelling, and community events can become powerful tools for mental health awareness and local economic growth. Learn more about Chuck and his various projects at chuckcopenspire.com . 00:00 - Introduction & MindBlown Festival recap 01:00 - Why Buying Local started a print publication 03:00 - Chuck discovers the power of earned media 04:45 - The story behind MindBlown Music Festival 06:00 - Organizing a grassroots music festival 08:20 - Mental health, suicide prevention & community connection 10:00 - Why loneliness is growing despite social media 12:05 - Building belonging through music and local events 14:00 - Lessons learned from year two of the festival 16:20 - Local music scene, Roblox Tycoon & young musicians 18:05 - What's next for MindBlown Festival Year Three 19:35 - Chuck's marketing career and Identity Pending 22:00 - AI SEO, Google Business Profiles & the future of search 25:40 - Authentic marketing vs AI-generated content 28:25 - Why supporting artists still matters in the AI era 29:45 - Where to find Chuck Copenspire & final thoughts Want more Buying Local? Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter/X: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/ #LocalBusiness #DigitalMarketing #SEO #AISearch #BuyingLocal

July 24, 2026Episode 8425 min

How 2 Local Business Owners Fed 600 Families | Buying Local #84

Discover how local entrepreneurs Ryan Holderman and Chris Mastantuono turned a grassroots Thanksgiving food drive into a massive community movement that fed over 3,000 people. In this episode, host Mike Nelson explores the inspiring launch of their brand-new nonprofit, 518 Great, a charity dedicated to providing year-round hope for the community. Tune in to uncover the chaotic logistics behind their massive giving efforts and learn about their upcoming charity Color Run and Back to School backpack drive. Check out Ryan's business, The Gym, 518 at thegym518.com and Chris's ventures at hecarshoppeny.com and requalify360.com . 0:00 Introduction of Chris and Ryan. 1:00 Chris’s entrepreneurial background and ventures. 2:01 Ryan’s history, background, and The Gym 518. 3:24 The origins of the Thanksgiving turkey drive. 5:18 Community kids helping assemble the food boxes. 6:15 The logistics of organizing tractor-trailers full of food. 7:32 Announcing the launch of the 518 Great nonprofit. 9:28 Details on the upcoming charity 5K Color Run. 10:00 Planning the Back to School backpack initiative. 12:00 Navigating the challenges of setting up a new nonprofit. 14:34 How busy business owners find the time to help the community. 16:49 What to expect at the upcoming Color Run event. 18:15 Sourcing massive amounts of food from local stores like Walmart and Hannaford. 21:13 Brainstorming future holiday toy drives and parades. 23:59 The mission to help families year-round beyond the holidays. 25:02 Final thoughts and how viewers can get involved. Discover more Buying Local Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal #BuyingLocal #518Great #CommunitySupport #LocalBusiness #CharityRun

July 17, 2026Episode 8336 min

How David Globerson Built a Career as a Full-Time Illustrator | Buying Local #83

Meet David F. Globerson, founder of DFG Illustration, as he shares how he built a full-time career creating custom pet portraits, fine art, brewery labels, children's book illustrations, and more. He also discusses the future of artists in an AI-driven world, why human-made artwork still matters, and how relationships helped grow his business in Upstate New York. Learn more about David and commission artwork at www.dfgillustration.com . 0:00 Introduction to David F. Globerson & DFG Illustration 0:43 Becoming a full-time commission illustrator 2:21 How pet portraits unexpectedly became a business 5:00 Creating meaningful artwork for clients 6:00 Gallery shows, original artwork & commissions 7:10 Building DFG Illustration during the pandemic 9:48 Dave's portrait painting process from photo to canvas 12:42 Improving the client experience through better systems 14:03 The pressure of delivering meaningful artwork 16:04 How long custom paintings actually take 18:22 Beer labels, children's books & saying yes to opportunities 21:51 Networking and growing through relationships 25:29 Why human-created art matters in the age of AI 32:48 The future of DFG Illustration 34:34 Where to find David and his artwork Follow Buying Local: Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/BuyingLocalNY Instagram: instagram.com/BuyingLocalNY Twitter/X: x.com/BuyingLocalNY LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/ #BuyingLocal #DFGIllustration #PetPortraits #Illustration #UpstateNY

July 10, 2026Episode 8222 min

Pelvic Floor Therapy Explained with Emily Dumont | Buying Local #82

Emily Dumont, owner of Poppy Physical Therapy, joins Buying Local to explain pelvic floor therapy, common symptoms people ignore, why pelvic floor dysfunction affects both women and men, and how personalized treatment can improve quality of life. Learn why leaking, pelvic pain, back pain, hip pain, and other symptoms are not simply "part of life" and what treatment options are available. Learn more about Poppy Physical Therapy at poppyphysicaltherapy.com and discover more local business stories at buyinglocal.us . 0:00 Introduction to Emily Dumont & Poppy Physical Therapy 0:28 What pelvic floor physical therapy actually treats 1:16 Why Emily opened her own practice 2:00 The limitations of traditional healthcare & insurance 3:43 Why longer appointments lead to better patient outcomes 4:53 The surprising connection between foot mechanics and pelvic floor issues 6:24 Why treating the root cause takes time 8:02 Why pelvic floor therapy is finally becoming mainstream 10:21 Cash-pay vs. insurance: how Poppy Physical Therapy works 13:25 Running a new healthcare business while treating patients 16:13 Moving into a larger office and expanding treatment space 17:21 Symptoms that could signal pelvic floor dysfunction 19:59 Emily's mission to help more patients recover 20:54 Where to find Poppy Physical Therapy 21:22 New patients, appointment availability & closing thoughts Follow Buying Local Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter/X: / x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal #PelvicFloorTherapy #PhysicalTherapy #WomensHealth #SaratogaSprings #BuyingLocal

July 3, 2026Episode 8137 min

How Saratoga Changed the American Revolution | Buying Local #81

Join us as Bill Teator, Executive Director of Campaign for Saratoga 250, dives into America's monumental 250th anniversary and the pivotal role the Battles of Saratoga played in the Revolutionary War. Discover how the new Saratoga Revolutionary Experience app uses augmented reality to bring local history to life, connecting families with the courageous figures who shaped our nation. Learn more about upcoming local events and initiatives by visiting the Campaign for Saratoga 250 at saratoga250.com . 0:00 Introduction to Bill Teator & America's 250th Anniversary 2:22 The Courage Required to Sign the Declaration 4:15 Patriot vs. Loyalist Perspectives in New York 7:43 Reconnecting With the Ideas of the Founding Era 10:07 Launching the Saratoga Revolutionary Experience 13:13 Utilizing Augmented Reality for Historical Storytelling 16:08 Remembering the Massive 1927 Bicentennial Gathering 18:16 General Burgoyne's Advance Down the Hudson Valley 21:59 General Kosciuszko and the Defense at Bemis Heights 23:49 Benedict Arnold's Charge and the First Surrender 26:26 The Global Impact: What if Saratoga Was Lost? 29:06 How the Victory Secured the Crucial French Alliance 32:13 Upcoming July 4th and Saratoga Race Course Events 34:06 Darley Newman's PBS Event & Fall Reenactments 36:16 Concluding Thoughts and Where to Listen Connect with Buying Local: Website: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny Twitter/X: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal #Saratoga250 #AmericanRevolution #SaratogaSprings #BuyingLocal #LocalHistory

June 26, 2026Episode 8022 min

Caribbean Cuisine Meets Billiards in Queensbury, NY | Buying Local #80

In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Neelo Jaikeran, co-owner of Queensbury Billiards & Café, to discuss building a family-friendly billiards hall, restaurant, and event venue in Queensbury, New York. Neelo shares how she and her husband, Kevin, turned a passion for pool into a growing local business known for leagues, tournaments, private events, and authentic Caribbean and Guyanese cuisine. Learn about entrepreneurship, community networking, local business growth, and what it takes to run both a pool hall and a full-service restaurant in Warren County. Learn more about Queensbury Billiards & Café at queensburybilliards.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram ! 00:00 Introduction and meeting Neelo Jaikeran 00:49 What is Queensbury Billiards & Café? 01:51 Bringing Caribbean food to Queensbury 03:18 Why Kevin started a billiards hall 04:20 Leaving a banking career for entrepreneurship 04:58 Transitioning into the business full-time 05:53 Wearing every hat as a small business owner 06:49 Networking through local chambers of commerce 08:40 Authentic Guyanese and Caribbean menu items 10:19 Learning the restaurant business from scratch 12:10 Family-friendly billiards and community engagement 13:02 Pool leagues, tournaments, and local competition 15:00 Private parties, team building, and special events 16:44 The challenge of marketing a local business 17:58 Why networking matters for entrepreneurs 19:08 Growth, future plans, and business outlook 19:39 Where to find Queensbury Billiards & Café 21:43 How good is Neelo at pool? 22:19 Final thoughts and community appreciation Connect with Buying Local buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny X/Twitter: x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal #QueensburyNY #SmallBusiness #CaribbeanFood #WarrenCountyNY #BuyingLocal

June 19, 2026Episode 7937 min

The Future of AI for Small Business with Severus AI | Buying Local #79

What if your business never missed another lead, email, or customer call? In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Christopher Crowd, Founder of Severus AI, to discuss AI receptionists, workflow automation, AI agents, and how small businesses can use artificial intelligence to save time, improve customer service, and scale without adding overhead. Chris shares real-world examples of AI-powered phone systems, automated workflows, email management, and the future of personal operating systems for entrepreneurs. Whether you're a solopreneur, contractor, service business, or growing company, this conversation offers practical insights into how AI is changing business operations today. Connect with Christopher Crowd on LinkedIn and learn more about Severus AI at severusai.com . 00:00 Introduction & Meet Christopher Crowd 00:48 Chris's Background in Software Development 02:28 Building Custom AI Workflows for Small Businesses 03:41 Never Miss Another Lead with AI Phone Systems 05:06 How Conversational AI Receptionists Work 07:16 Can Customers Tell They're Talking to AI? 09:18 AI Scheduling and Calendar Management 10:38 Common Business Workflows Being Automated 12:16 Saving 10+ Hours Per Week with AI 12:55 The Biggest Limitation to AI Adoption 15:16 Solving Email Overload with AI Agents 17:02 AI Agents vs ChatGPT, Claude & Gemini 20:02 Semi-Autonomous AI Systems Explained 24:40 Will AI Replace Employees? 28:29 How AI Helps Businesses Scale Faster 32:15 Upcoming Severus AI Products 34:49 The Vision for a Personal AI Operating System 36:34 How to Connect with Severus AI Follow Buying Local: buyinglocal.us Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny X (Twitter): x.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/ #ArtificialIntelligence #SmallBusiness #BusinessAutomation #AIForBusiness #Entrepreneurship

June 12, 2026Episode 7836 min

The Literacy Breakthroughs Changing Special Education | Buying Local #78

What if every child could learn to read—even those who are nonverbal? In this episode of Buying Local, special education teacher and literacy specialist Lauren Leuzinger shares how structured teaching, communication devices, and a "presume competence" mindset are helping autistic students unlock literacy and independence. Learn why reading is never out of reach, how AAC devices support communication, and what parents and educators can do to create meaningful learning opportunities. Connect with Lauren by sending her an email at lauren@nourishingmindstutoring.com and learn more about Nourishing Minds Tutoring at nourishingmindstutoring.com . 00:00 Introduction to Lauren Leuzinger 00:51 Lauren's role as a special education teacher 02:20 Teaching communication and language development 04:29 How Lauren found her calling in special education 06:49 The structured TEACCH teaching approach 08:31 Why literacy became Lauren's passion 09:24 Can nonverbal students learn to read? 11:08 Real-world literacy success stories 13:42 Making reading fun and stress-free 14:35 Understanding AAC communication devices 18:13 How educators assess understanding in nonverbal students 19:19 "Behavior is communication," explained 21:10 Supporting new special education teachers 23:28 The biggest literacy misconception Lauren wants to change 25:29 Resources for teaching literacy at any age 27:30 Literacy opportunities for autistic adults 30:16 Why spelling unlocks communication potential 33:54 "Presume competence" and setting high expectations 34:34 How to connect with Lauren and Nourishing Minds Tutoring Follow Buying Local: Website: buyinglocal.us X (Twitter): x.com/buyinglocalny Facebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalny Instagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalny LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/