In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we couldn't be more excited to welcome Tim Dougherty to the pod! As the visionary leader behind Project Lean Nation, Tim has built more than just the fastest growing meal prep service in the country—he's created a movement that transforms lives through nutrition, community, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. His approach goes far beyond delivering meals; it's about fostering a lifestyle that empowers people to achieve their health and wellness goals while buil...
Jul 21, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 2Ep. 45
In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Katie Mahaffey to the show! As the Front of House Client Relations Manager at Aqua Spa Float Center, Katie is often the first person guests see—and she makes every interaction count. With a background in public relations and a passion for wellness, Katie brings warmth, clarity, and connection to both client experiences and brand messaging. A SUNY Oswego graduate with a degree in PR and a focus on leadership, Katie has experience in mark...
Jul 14, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 44
In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Susan Crossett to the show! Susan is a bold force for transformation in Central New York—whether she’s leading organizational change, elevating community partnerships, or helping businesses evolve with purpose. As the Owner and CEO of Sapphire Recruitment, Susan recently rebranded the longtime firm CPS Recruitment and is now spearheading its relocation to Syracuse’s Inner Harbor, placing it at the center of the region’s next wave of gro...
Jul 07, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 43
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we couldn't be more excited to welcome Coach Jack to her first ever podcast! Felisha Legette-Jack is leading a new era of Syracuse Women's Basketball—one defined by grit, heart, and history-making wins. In just two seasons at the helm, she's transformed the Orange from the bottom of the ACC to a national contender, earning back-to-back 20-win seasons, a trip to the NCAA Tournament, and the title of 2024 ACC Coach of the Year. A Syracuse legend both on and off th...
Jun 30, 2025•59 min•Season 2Ep. 42
In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Holly Conti to the show! As managing partner of Full Swing Public Relations, Holly is helping reshape the media landscape—one mission-led story at a time. With a background in journalism and a drive to create meaningful impact, she co-founded Full Swing with a bold vision: to help purpose-driven brands turn visibility into influence. In just a few short years, she and her business partner Caitlin Copple scaled the firm to seven figures—...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 41
In this second SOLO episode of Cultivate CNY we're excited to welcome our fearless host, as well as Founder and CEO of the CNYWN, Alex Canavan. From her early days as a professional makeup artist to launching a fast-growing community for women in Central New York, Alex’s journey is all about building what didn’t yet exist. In 2023, she founded the CNY Women’s Network with a mission to connect, promote, and empower women across the region—and it’s become a movement. In this second solo Q&A ep...
Jun 16, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 40
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we’re excited to welcome Patrick Griffin to the show! Patrick brings a rare blend of financial insight, negotiation mastery, and entrepreneurial vision to everything he does. As a Partner at NegotiationTraining.com by TableForce, he teaches leaders how to approach negotiation with confidence and clarity—backed by data, experience, and practical tools. He’s also the co-author of a widely used textbook on working capital management and the founder of Morrigan Stra...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 41 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we’re excited to welcome Dr. Amy St. Croix to the show! With a career that spans the classroom, school leadership, and executive strategy, Dr. Amy St. Croix brings a rare blend of instructional depth and systems thinking to the world of education. From teaching high school English to directing curriculum and special education at the district level, Amy has dedicated her life to making education more inclusive, effective, and equitable. Today, she leads Scolastic...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Season 2Ep. 38
In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Dr. Rebecca Alexander Carey to the show! As a physical therapist with a specialty in pelvic rehabilitation and a deep background in orthopaedics, Dr. Rebecca brings a holistic, patient-first approach to healing. Her work is grounded in advanced training in biomechanics and pain science, and uniquely shaped by more than a decade of teaching yoga—blending movement, mindfulness, and medical expertise into her everyday practice. Rebecca’s c...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Welcome back to Cultivate CNY, in today’s episode, we couldn't be more excited to welcome Kate Houck to the podcast!For nearly a decade, Kate Houck has been the heart and driving force behind David’s Refuge—a Central and Western New York organization dedicated to supporting parents and guardians of children with special needs or life-threatening illnesses. Under her leadership since 2015, David’s Refuge has not only expanded its reach and impact but has also been recognized as one of Central New...
May 12, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we're excited to welcome Yarden Carroll to the podcast! Yarden is the founder of Crowned Creative, where she believes resilience and creativity aren’t just nice-to-haves—they're the driving forces that transform businesses and lives. Growing up with humble beginnings, raised by a single mother of four, and deeply inspired by her dad’s creative dreams and her mom’s unstoppable drive, Yarden learned early that passion and grit can carve a path through even the tou...
May 05, 2025•1 hr 8 min
In this special SOLO episode of Cultivate CNY we're excited to welcome our fearless host, as well as Founder and CEO of the CNYWN, Alex Canavan. Alex Canavan is a former makeup artist turned founder and CEO of the Central New York Women’s Network. As a young woman with an entrepreneurial spirit, Alex recognized a lack of opportunities in Syracuse for women to gain visibility and build connections. Understanding the power of a strong network, she founded what is now the CNY Women’s Network in 202...
Apr 28, 2025•57 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Jessica Montgomery and Tommy Lincoln of Stay Fresh to the show! For over a decade, Tommy has been the creative engine behind Stay Fresh—a bold and vibrant Syracuse-based agency that blends photography, branding, web design, and public art into unforgettable visual experiences. From massive murals that transform city blocks to brand identities that help local businesses stand out, Tommy’s work is a colorful thread woven through the fabri...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 32
In this episode of Cultivate CNY , we’re excited to welcome Megan Thomas to the show! As an attorney, educator, and passionate community advocate, Megan has built a career rooted in leadership and service. A proud graduate of Syracuse University’s College of Law and the Maxwell School of Citizenship, she brings a deep commitment to justice and mentorship—whether she’s in the courtroom, the classroom, or cheering from the t-ball sidelines. Megan’s impressive career spans litigation, public servic...
Apr 14, 2025•49 min•Season 2Ep. 31
In today’s episode, we couldn't be more excited to welcome Michael Sgro to Cultivate CNY! Michael has built a career dedicated to unlocking human potential and empowering professionals to thrive. As an educator, minister, coach, and recruiter of superheroes, he helps individuals elevate their leadership skills, career readiness, and emotional intelligence—all through the power of connection and “people math.” Born, raised, and educated in Syracuse, Michael made a name for himself in higher educa...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 19 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we’re thrilled to welcome Kate Flannery to the show! Kate has dedicated her career to serving the Central New York community in impactful ways. As the executive director at Syracuse University’s Office of Community Engagement Planning, she plays a key role in fostering connections between the university and the region. Her passion for service is also evident in her time as the director of mission outreach and education at Francis House, a beloved community care ...
Mar 31, 2025•54 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we're excited to welcome Tammy Wilkinson to the show! As the owner of Aqua Spa and a dedicated Float Ambassador, Tammy believes personal wellness should be a part of everyone’s journey—and she’s made it her mission to share the bliss of floating with the world. Alongside her life partner, Terry LeRoi, Tammy oversees the daily operations, growth, and vision of Aqua Spa, creating a space where relaxation meets transformation. Tammy also runs a local dinner theatre...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we're excited to be joined by Alex DeRosa and Matt Reed, the creators of Spatchcock Funk, a show that blends food, drinks, and storytelling! What started as a YouTube series has exploded into something bigger—Spatchcock Funk now airs on TV stations in Syracuse, Rochester, and even PBS stations across the country. Named after the technique of spatchcocking a chicken to lay it flat, and infused with the energy of funk music and culture, the show is all about break...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 4 min
In this special LIVE episode of Cultivate CNY we're excited to welcome our fearless host, as well as Founder and CEO of the CNYWN, Alex Canavan to the podcast! Alex Canavan is a former makeup artist turned founder and CEO of the Central New York Women’s Network. As a young woman with an entrepreneurial spirit, Alex recognized a lack of opportunities in Syracuse for women to gain visibility and build connections. Understanding the power of a strong network, she founded what is now the CNY Women’s...
Mar 10, 2025•30 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we’re excited to be joined by Kristy Mandour, the creator of Sow to Speak and a seasoned communication and public speaking coach. With a unique specialization in emotional intelligence and actionable mental wellness, Kristy is on a mission to rehumanize the workforce. Her deep understanding of human behavior isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifelong pursuit. With decades of curiosity and experience in human dynamics, Kristy brings a transformative approach to coaching ...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 22 min
In today’s episode, we’re honored to welcome Melanie Littlejohn—a visionary leader, dedicated changemaker, and President and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation. With a career spanning nearly three decades at National Grid, Melanie has been at the forefront of customer and community engagement, championing initiatives in economic development, social equity, and corporate responsibility. Before that, she led the Urban League of Onondaga County, advocating for community empowerment an...
Feb 24, 2025•53 min
I am really excited for you guys to hear from Lauren Ippoliti! Lauren Ippoliti is an Advanced Certified Imago Therapist, EMDR specialist, and relationship expert who has dedicated her career to helping people heal, grow, and build thriving connections. Her journey into this work was deeply personal—after facing her own relationship challenges, she became committed to understanding what makes relationships truly fulfilling. Through years of education, professional training, and personal experienc...
Feb 17, 2025•56 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we’re thrilled to be joined by Arel Moodie, a dynamic professional speaker, bestselling author, entrepreneur, devoted father, and husband. With an incredible career that has taken him across 48 states and five countries, Arel has spoken to over 750,000 people, inspiring audiences with his journey and insights. Beyond the stage, he has played a key role in building multiple seven-figure businesses, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship along the way. ...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 4 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we're thrilled to be joined by Danielle Mercuri, a dynamic restaurateur, creative entrepreneur and dedicated community leader. Danielle’s journey over the past year has been one of immense challenges and inspiring resilience. From her success in the restaurant industry to navigating the closure of multiple establishments, she has faced personal and professional setbacks with unwavering determination. Her story is a testament to the power of “failing upwards” and...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 16 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, we’re honored to be joined by Melissa Murphy, a highly respected Aging Life Care Professional®, Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Certified Care Manager. As the Founder and CEO of Aging Advocates, Melissa has dedicated over a decade to guiding families through the challenges of eldercare with expertise and compassion. Beyond her organization, Melissa is also the proud co-founder and vice president of 'Living with Dementia,' a nonprofit providing resources, ed...
Jan 27, 2025•52 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, Alex sits down with Crystal Paolelli. Crystal is the Marketing Director of Feldmeier Equipment, Inc. and Meier's Creek Brewery. Crystal continues to have an amazing career in Upstate New York having formerly worked as a Senior Director of Marketing at del Lago, and a Marketing Project Supervisor at Turning Stone Resort and Casino. During the episode Alex and Crystal discuss Crystal's career in marketing, some of the amazing projects she's leading at Feldmeier an...
Jan 20, 2025•50 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, Alex sits down with Elena Bombardier. Elena is a certified holistic health coach and certified life coach. She helps women who want to get healthier and become the best and healthiest version of themselves. Elena is also a digital creator specializing in user generated content. During the episode Alex and Elena discuss Elena's interest in leading a consistent, healthy lifestyle, and helping other women feel more confident and in control. They also talk about con...
Jan 13, 2025•47 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, Alex sits down with Francesca Scutari, Board Certified Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Medicine Based Beauty. Medicine-Based Beauty is an aesthetic medicine practice in Upstate New York with locations in Syracuse, Skaneateles, and Ithaca. Offering luxury beauty treatments like botox, filler, laser treatments and cosmetic dermatology, MBB stands behind our philosophy of “Beauty Backed by Science®” with true evidence-based aesthetic treatments to leave you feeli...
Jan 06, 2025•44 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, Alex sits down with Daniele Backus, who after her son’s autism diagnosis began her journey leaning into becoming an accessible education advocate and a champion for autonomous communication on AAC (augmentative alternative communication). This past year Daniele officially opened her business, Accessible Education Advocate, assisting families of other neurodivergent children alike who need help and guidance collaborating with schools on IEP’s with neurodiverse af...
Dec 30, 2024•47 min
In this episode of Cultivate CNY, Alex sits down with Emily Gozy, an accomplished registered dietitian, and virtual nutrition coach. Emily is also the Founder and CEO of Nourished with Emily where she is passionate about helping men and women ditch dieting for good and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. During the episode Alex and Emily talk about starting Nourished With Emily, the history of dieting, social media and so much more! Mention CNY Women’s Network and get a bonus 10 minute co...
Dec 23, 2024•55 min
