Buying Local Podcast

Hosted by Michael Nelson

Business

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Episodes

128

Latest episode

Jun 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

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 Leuzinger00:51 Lauren's role as a special education teacher02:20 Teaching communication and language development04:29 How Lauren found her calling in special education06:49 The structured TEACCH teaching approach08:31 Why literacy became Lauren's passion09:24 Can nonverbal students learn to read?11:08 Real-world literacy success stories13:42 Making reading fun and stress-free14:35 Understanding AAC communication devices18:13 How educators assess understanding in nonverbal students19:19 "Behavior is communication," explained21:10 Supporting new special education teachers23:28 The biggest literacy misconception Lauren wants to change25:29 Resources for teaching literacy at any age27:30 Literacy opportunities for autistic adults30:16 Why spelling unlocks communication potential33:54 "Presume competence" and setting high expectations34:34 How to connect with Lauren and Nourishing Minds TutoringFollow Buying Local:Website: buyinglocal.usX (Twitter): x.com/buyinglocalnyFacebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalnyInstagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalnyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/

June 8, 2026Episode 7723 min

Inside the Ballston Spa Farmers' Market 2026 Season | Buying Local #77

Mike Nelson sits down with Steve Miraglia, Market Manager and Board Secretary of the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association, to discuss the 2026 market season, local vendors, Peach Fest, community events, and why Ballston Spa continues to be one of the Capital Region's most vibrant destinations.Learn how the BPA supports local businesses, attracts visitors downtown, and creates experiences that bring residents and visitors together throughout the year. Whether you're looking for fresh produce, artisan goods, live music, family activities, or local food vendors, this episode highlights everything happening at the Ballston Spa Farmers' Market and beyond.Connect with Steve and learn more about the Ballston Spa Farmers' Market at ballston.org/farmers-market.00:00 Introduction and Meet Steve Miraglia00:27 What the Ballston Spa BPA Does01:12 Supporting Downtown Businesses02:08 Why Ballston Spa Continues to Grow03:55 Membership Benefits and Community Involvement04:57 Major BPA Events Throughout the Year05:53 Movies in the Park and Summer Concerts06:16 The Popular Way We Were Car Show08:17 How the BPA Organizes Community Events09:31 Ballston Spa Farmers' Market Overview10:26 Vendors, Food Options and Live Music11:28 Why Ballston Spa Has Such a Unique Small-Town Feel12:20 Market Size and Vendor Participation13:24 Local Farms and Longtime Market Vendors14:17 How Peach Fest Helped Grow the Market15:34 Why New Businesses Choose This Market17:02 New Vendors and Yoga at the Market18:34 Peach Fest and Autumn Fest Return in 202620:24 Craft Vendors, Soaps and Artisan Products21:27 Opening Day Details and How to Attend22:02 Where to Follow the Market and Get UpdatesFollow Buying Local:Website: buyinglocal.usX (Twitter): x.com/buyinglocalnyFacebook: facebook.com/buyinglocalnyInstagram: instagram.com/buyinglocalnyLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/buyinglocal/

May 8, 2026Episode 7632 min

The Secret to Repairing Bad Credit | Buying Local #76

In this episode of the Buying Local podcast, Mike Nelson sits down with Chris and Ron to uncover how everyday Americans are combating the affordability crisis by repairing their credit scores. Discover expert strategies for disputing report inaccuracies, understanding credit utilization, and taking back your financial buying power.To learn more about improving your financial health, visit Chris Mastantuono and Ron Monaco at Requalify 360: requalify360.com.0:00 Introduction to the Buying Local Podcast0:24 Meet Chris and Ron1:20 Introducing Requalify 3603:26 How Credit Impacts Affordability4:57 The Credit Coaching Process6:50 Why Free Credit Apps Are Stale9:16 Credit Score Compression Explained11:01 The Impact of Credit Utilization12:05 Turning Car Rejections into Solutions14:42 Overcoming the Fear of Checking Credit16:38 Deep Dive: The Credit Audit18:27 Formulating a Financial Blueprint20:53 The Missing Education in Financial Literacy23:45 Building a Path to Financial Freedom26:35 How to Start Responsibly29:37 Where to Find Requalify 360

May 1, 2026Episode 7524 min

30 Years of Impact: Inside Ndakinna Education Center | Buying Local #75

In episode 75 of the Buying Local podcast, James Bruchac returns to the show to talk about over 30 years of youth camps, survival education, and cultural storytelling at Ndakinna Education Center. From wilderness skills to Native traditions, he shares how hands-on outdoor experiences are shaping more confident, capable kids in today’s world.Learn more about Ndakinna Education Center and their programs at ndakinnacenter.org.0:00 Welcome back James Bruchac1:10 Celebrating 30+ years of youth camps2:20 How the camps grew organically3:05 Core skills: shelter, fire, and nature awareness4:18 Summer camps overview and age groups5:29 Teaching fire-making safely6:06 Creating a full sensory outdoor experience7:00 Family ancestry and Abenaki heritage8:33 Preserving stories and cultural knowledge9:42 Why these skills matter more than ever10:10 Post-COVID growth and shifting age groups11:10 Martial arts programs and expansion12:41 Student and athlete success stories14:22 Sunday Survival Series and adult classes17:17 Field trips, community programs, and events22:11 Summer camp logistics and how to sign up

April 24, 2026Episode 7444 min

How Jay Ingleston Emotionally Connects With Readers | Buying Local #74

In episode 74 of the Buying Local podcast, Author Jay Ingleston returns to the show to talk about his latest book, “Just for Today: Small Words for Heavy Days”, his evolving writing process, and the emotional impact of creating work centered around grief, growth, and connection. The conversation dives into everything from self-publishing and AI tools to the challenges of writing fiction and the mindset shifts that have shaped his career.Find Jay Ingleston and his books on Amazon, and follow him on social media by searching “Jay Ingleston” for his latest writing and content.0:00 Intro and Jay’s return to the show2:00 Audiobooks, AI voices, and recording struggles4:00 Writing challenges, dyslexia, and early books6:00 Commas, punctuation, and evolving as a writer8:00 Using AI for editing and proofreading10:00 How Jay’s writing process has changed over time12:00 Editing struggles and maintaining story continuity14:00 Writing fiction vs. quote-based books17:00 Developing his psychological thriller19:00 Burnout, breaks, and the writing grind21:00 The emotional impact of “The Dad Clock”23:00 Letting go of outcomes and mindset shifts26:00 Grief, loss, and personal experiences shaping writing28:00 Reading excerpts from Just for Today30:00 How the grief book came together33:00 Book performance, rankings, and validation36:00 Self-publishing challenges and Amazon process38:00 TikTok growth and content strategy40:00 Where to find Jay and closing thoughts

April 14, 2026Episode 7332 min

Inside the World Awareness Children’s Museum | Buying Local #73

In episode 73 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Bethanie Lawrence to explore how the World Awareness Children’s Museum is bringing global culture and creativity to kids in the local community. They dive into nonprofit leadership, navigating challenges like the pandemic, and the importance of arts education in childhood development.Learn more about Bethanie Lawrence and the World Awareness Children’s Museum on their website at worldchildrensmuseum.org. You can also find them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn by searching for the World Awareness Children’s Museum.0:00 Intro and guest welcome2:00 History and mission of the museum4:00 What makes the museum unique (arts vs STEM focus)6:00 Age ranges and who the museum serves8:00 Bethanie’s background and move to the area10:00 Becoming executive director12:00 Leading through the pandemic14:00 Running a nonprofit like a business16:00 Revenue streams and community support18:00 Leadership style and managing teams20:00 School partnerships and outreach programs22:00 Annual gala and fundraising efforts24:00 How local businesses can contribute26:00 Summer hours and tourism impact28:00 Summer camps and youth programs30:00 Final thoughts and how to get involved

April 10, 2026Episode 7226 min

Declutter Your Life & Mind with Brandon Dewyea | Buying Local #72

In episode 72 of the Buying Local Podcast, Mike sits down with Brandon Dewyea as she shares how her work as a stylist and wellness professional helps people feel more confident, organized, and mentally at ease. From decluttering your environment to experiencing vibroacoustic therapy, this conversation explores how rest and simplicity can transform your daily life. Find Brandon on her website at findyourmoxie.net or email her directly at inquiretomoxie@gmail.com to book a session.0:00 Intro & guest welcome0:30 Brandon’s background & business (Moxie)1:10 From personal training to styling & organization2:10 Discovering vibroacoustic therapy3:00 What vibroacoustic therapy actually is4:30 Benefits: anxiety, sleep, nervous system reset6:00 What a session feels like7:10 Choosing tracks & first-time experience9:55 What you hear during a session11:00 Frequencies & how they affect the body12:30 Meditation, relaxation & shutting off your mind14:30 Adding red light therapy16:45 Locations & how sessions work18:40 How Brandon ties all her services together22:50 Business philosophy & trusting the process24:45 Where to find Brandon & closing thoughts

April 3, 2026Episode 7130 min

Visual Storytelling: The Creative Journey of Todd Bailey | Buying Local #71

In episode 71 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson catches up with creative powerhouse Todd Bailey to discuss his fascinating evolution from a performing musician to a Forbes-published photographer and fractional CMO. They dive deep into the impact of AI on content creation, the wild world of muscle cars, and why small businesses benefit immensely from fractional marketing leadership.You can connect with Todd and check out his extensive portfolio at tbphotopix.com.0:00 Introduction and Welcoming Todd Bailey0:43 Todd's Creative Journey: From Music to Photography1:36 Evolving into Video and Digital Marketing3:07 The Value of High-Quality vs. Mediocre Content4:29 Getting Published in Forbes Magazine5:34 The Ingenuity of Composite Team Photography7:46 Balancing Photo, Video, and Marketing Services 9:48 Navigating AI in the Content Creation Space 13:37 The Dangers of Bad AI Headshot Generators 15:50 Saratoga Auto Museum and the Don Yenko Muscle Car Project18:35 Thoughts on the Tesla Cybertruck19:28 Returning to Music: From Retirement Homes to Rock Shows21:46 Working with Big Brands vs. Small Businesses 23:25 Exciting Video Projects: Hanging off Trucks and YouTube Channels 26:12 What is a Fractional CMO and Why Do You Need One?

March 27, 2026Episode 7041 min

Smarter IT and Cybersecurity with Jared Humiston | Buying Local #70

In episode 70 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Jared Humiston of Adirondack Technical Solutions to talk about how businesses can better manage IT, strengthen cybersecurity, and avoid costly disruptions. Jared shares practical insights on common tech mistakes, proactive solutions, and why having the right IT partner is essential for growth.Learn more about Jared and Adirondack Technical Solutions at adktechs.com.0:00 Introduction0:42 Meet Jared Humiston and ADKtechs1:35 What Adirondack Technical Solutions Does4:15 Early Challenges Working with Small Businesses5:42 The Most Common IT Problems Companies Face8:28 Break/Fix IT vs Managed Services Explained09:55 The Hidden Cost of Waiting for Things to Break12:40 Cybersecurity Risks Small Businesses Overlook15:32 Phishing and Human Error Vulnerabilities18:20 How ADKtechs Helps Prevent Attacks22:30 What Happens When You Lose Your Data23:55 Supporting Remote and Hybrid Workforces25:20 Cloud Systems and Accessibility28:05 When to Upgrade Your Systems29:30 Working with Local vs National IT Providers33:35 Budgeting for IT the Right Way36:10 Simple Steps to Improve IT Today37:25 Jared’s Advice for Business Owners38:40 Future Trends in IT and Cybersecurity39:45 How to Get Started with ADKtechs40:30 Where to Find Jared and Outro

March 20, 2026Episode 6925 min

Simplifying Payroll: Why Smart Contractors Are Turning to PEOs | Buying Local #69

In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Nick Schkrioba of Peoplease to break down how Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) help businesses simplify payroll, workers’ compensation, compliance, and HR operations. Nick explains how outsourcing back-office tasks allows business owners to focus on growth while gaining access to better insurance rates, risk mitigation, and nationwide support.Learn more about Nick and Peoplease at Peoplease.com.0:00 Introduction0:27 Meet Nick Schkrioba and Peoplease1:08 What a Professional Employer Organization Does1:53 Why Peoplease Focuses on Blue and Gray Collar Industries2:37 Nick’s Career Journey and Returning to New York3:58 Breaking Down the Core Services of a PEO5:00 Why Compliance Is Harder Than Ever for Business Owners6:00 The Rise of Outsourcing Back-Office Operations06:38 The Limits of Traditional HR Departments7:27 The Buying Power Advantage of a PEO8:53 How Employee Pools Lower Insurance Costs10:11 Nationwide Coverage for Multi-State Businesses11:08 Clearing Up the Employee Ownership Misconception13:46 Do PEOs Help With Hiring and HR Strategy?15:14 How Risk Mitigation and Workers’ Comp Savings Work17:12 Keeping Contracts with a Better Workers’ Comp Mod20:04 Payroll, Compliance, and Safety Training Support24:20 How to Connect With Nick and Peoplease