Being Frank
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Episodes
Women's History Month w/ Dr. Lizzette Ruiz-Giovinazzi, Superintendent of Nyack Public Schools
Cait Conley, Democratic Candidate for Congressional District NY-17
Celebrate Irish Culture with Author Sam Young
Being Frank Celebrates Irish Culture with Author Sam Young. Taped LIVE from Northern Ireland, Sam discusses his new novel "Dance Hall Days", about growing up during "The Troubles", and how much Ireland has changed. Amazon links to Sam's Books: "Dancehall Days" by Sam Young – amazon.com 1068643102 "The Cruellest Month" by Sam Young — amazon.com 1068643110
Women's History Month: Women in Jazz w/ Eric DiVito
When most people think of Jazz, they generally think of Men. But it would be a big mistake to not acknowledge the Women who have contributed so much to this truly American music genre. Joining Frank to celebrate WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH is Special Guest Eric DiVito. Eric is a musician, educator, and jazz historian, and they discuss the Top Women Jazz Artists Of All TIime! Starting April 10th and every 2nd Friday of the Month: The Eric DiVito Group will be appearing Live @ Maura's Kitchen in Nyack. ...
Black History Month w/ Playwright Samuel Harps and The Penguin Plunge w/ Barbara Noyes
Frank's guest is Samuel Harps, Playwright and Artistic Director of The Shades Repertory Theater in Haverstraw, NY. Also joining Frank is Barbara Noyes, who coordinates the Annual Penguin Plunge, a charity event that raises money for local children's medical needs. The event takes place Sunday, March 1st at Memorial Park in Nyack, NY, from12 noon until 2pm.
Celebrate Black History Month with the film “Losing Ground” by Kathleen Collins
Frank discusses the 1982 film “Losing Ground,” one of the first feature films to be directed by a Black woman, Rockland County resident Kathleen Collins. Joining Frank is the filmmaker's daughter, Nina Collins, and Rivertown Film's Vera Aronow. The film is being screened by the Rivertown Film Society, at the Nyack Center, 58 Depew Ave, Nyack, NY on Wednesday, February 25, at 8pm. For tickets and more information go to rivertownfilm.org
Black History Month w/ Dr. Dana Greene Stilley and Bill Batson
Join Frank and his very special guests, Dr. Dana Greene Stilley, the 1st African-American woman elected to the Rockland County Legislature, and artist, educator, and community organizer Bill Batson as they celebrate Black History Month with some Intelligent Conversation. On Wednesday. February 25, 7-9pm, Rockland County Legislator Dr. Dana Greene Stilley will be the Guest Speaker at the Nyack Chamber of Commerce After Hours Social. The event takes place at My Father's House, 12 North Broadway, N...
The Safety and Dignity for All Act and What it Means for Rockland County
There is a proposal being floated to make Rockland County a so-called Sanctuary County by enacting The Safety and Dignity for All Act. What exactly does that mean and what could be the ramifications? Frank is joined by 3 proponents of the legislation: Beth Davidson, Rockland County legislator and D candidate for NY's 17th Assembly District, Dr. Dana Greens Stilley, Rockland County legislator, and Joseph Rand, Nyack mayor and D candidate, NYS Senate.
John Gromada, Former Chair of the Rockland Democratic Party
A recent poll claims that only 36% of registered Democrats approve of their party’s leadership. Frank is joined by former Chair of the Rockland Democratic Party, John Gromada, for some INTELLIGENT CONVERSATION on this issue, and more.
"No One Cares About Crazy People" - Addressing Mental Illness in America
"No One Cares About Crazy People" is a feature documentary film about the tragedy, crisis and chaos of severe mental illness in America, and a burgeoning national crusade to do something about it. Joining Frank are filmmaker GAIL FREEDMAN, ALYSSA SCHMIDT, LMHC VP of Mobile Support Services, Greater Mental Health of NY, and VERA ARONOW of Rivertown Film, to discuss this important topic.
A Tribute to Bob Weir w/ Danny Mager
Award-Winning Author, Psychologist, and Grateful Dead Afficianado Danny Mager discusses the Life and Legacy of Bob Weir.
Human Trafficking Awareness Month w/ Stefany Ovalles, Esq.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Joining Frank to discuss this topic is Stefany Ovalles, Esq., Deputy Program Officer for The Center for Safety & Change in Rockland County. Stefany will also be on hand for a special screening of the film "Trafficked in America" followed by an expert panel disussion at The Nyack Center on Sunday, January 11 at 4PM. For those unable to attend the event, the film can also be seen here: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/documentary/trafficked-in-am...
Top 10 Media Stories of 2025 w/ Dr. Paul Levinson
A Very Special Holiday Edition of Being Frank
Nyack Mayor Joe Rand, Candidate for NYS 38th Senatorial District
Blank-Fest XXIX
Kenn Rowell and Yvonne Sotomayor are once again bringing a full day of FREE MUSIC to the The Hudson House in Nyack, NY, for Blank-Fest XXIX, on Sunday, Dec.14, from noon until late! Yvonne and Kenn are joined here on the podcast by special guests, Patti Rothberg and Chuck DeBruyn for lots of FUN and INTELLIGENT CONVERSATION!!!! And all YOU have to do is bring a blanket that will then be distributed to the less fortunate in NYC on Christmas Eve.
Carlos Martinez, CEO and Executive Director of BRIDGES
Frank talks with Carlos Martinez,CEO and Executive Director of BRIDGES, an organization dedicated through advocacy and leadership to the premise that EVERYONE deserves to live an independent life.
Journalist Phil Ittner gives his Unique Perspective on the Situation in Ukraine
Celebrating the Life of Jimi Hendrix w/ Documentarian David Kramer
Feeding Rockland's Hungry w/ Diane Serratore, Exec. Director of People to People
Preserve Piermont
Frank is joined by members of "Preserve Piermont" Kate McCabe, Jeff Gordon, Dennis Hardy and Robert Zitt, who are all fighting to save the character of their picturesque and historic Rockland County village.
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month w/ Alessandra Francisco & Brooke Malloy from the RCPC
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with Alessandra Francisco, Director of Youth & Young Adult Services, and Executive Director Brooke Malloy from the Rockland County Pride Center in Nyack, NY.
Michael Parietti, Independent Candidate for Rockland County Executive
Celebrate Italian Heritage Month w/ Italian-American Scholars Anthony Julian Tamburri & Steve Cerulli
Celebrate Italian Heritage Month with Italian-American Scholars Anthony Julian Tamburri and Steve Cerulli from the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute.
Iraqi Combat Veteran Karl van der Heyde discusses Veteran's Affairs
Dr. Paul Levinson discusses Free Speech and The First Amendment
Filmmaker Greg Mitchell & Matthew Seig from the Rivertown Film Society discuss "Cover-Ups, American Style"
Frank and his guest, Filmmaker Greg Mitchell discuss "Cover-Ups, American Style" - a viewing from 4 of his most impactful films taking place at The Nyack Center on 9/24/25. Joining the conversation is Matthew Seig from the Rivertown Film Society.
Author Mitch Rosen discusses his life and new book "Columbus Day"
Frank discusses the new play "Castling" with its writer & cast members
Frank and his guests, writer Anthony Goss and cast members, Lamar K. Cheston and David Roberts, discuss their impactful new play "Castling" at The Penguin Rep Theatre, 7 Crickettown Road, in Stony Point, NY. The show runs until 9/7/2025. For Tickets and Showtimes visit www.penguinrep.org or call 845-786-2873