Tell Me Your Story

Anthony Richichi author, illustrator and official Star Wars sketch card artist

I was introduced to award-winning author, artist, and illustrator Anthony Richichi through Vicki Addesso Dodd, owner of Saratoga Springs Publishing Company, by another Children’s Book author. His artistic star continues to rise from comic book kid to artist, illustrator, author, producer, and director.  Our latest meeting, after being wowed by his work with The Daily Gazette and his illustration of the newspaper mascot, Newsie, brought us together in another galaxy. Richichi created his 30th trading card original artwork series, this time distributed by the Topps Company in the Star Wars Smugglers Outpost series.  A few days from Saratoga Comic Con, where the trading card illustration opportunity first found him, I sat down with him in his Glens Falls studio. It is a story from not long, long, ago and not too, too far away, but enjoy the journey.

Michael Belloti - Man of La Mancha at Schenectady Light Opera Company

Michael Belloti has several hats to wear on stage at Schenectady Light Opera Company when Man of La Mancha opens -- Cervantes, Don Quixote, and Alonso Quijana. But that is nothing new for the current mechanical engineer, retired Navy officer, husband, and father. Full disclosure - Man of La Mancha is my all-time favorite play, so it was a thrill to have him on the 'Tell Me Your Story' podcast. Learn more about this talented actor, veteran, and tremendous talent.

Nancy Bambara, Vice-President, COO of DZ Restaurants

A casual Saturday night at a favorite restaurant in Saratoga Springs led Nancy Bambara to a conversation about her work and expertise.  Restaurateur David Zecchini knew both food and talent, took her in as a bookkeeper, and has never looked back ... because she was always looking ahead.  Now the Vice-President and COO of DZ Restaurants, including Chianti Il Resorante, Forno Bistro, and Boca Bistro, in Saratoga Springs, sat down before another holiday weekend, another track season, and talked about her career and the industry she loves.

Lisa Elovich, attorney, boxing promoter and founder One With Life Organic Tequila

Is there anything Lisa Elovich hasn't done? The question may be, what does she want to do next? This long-time friend is a parent, a former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney, and one of the only female boxing promoters in New York State before she started her latest adventure - One With Life Tequila founder. We sat down before the holidays and before she returned to a sunnier climate, but the hour went by fast as we talked a lot about boxing, memories that we cherish almost 20 years later, her tequila brand, and what could be next. Because she isn't done.

Tom Nardacci CEO Regional Food Bank of Northeast NY

For the past three years, Tom Nardacci has been CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Northeast NY. Sounds big? The organization serves 23 counties from the Canadian border down to Rockland County, and nothing has been easy - Nardacci just makes it appear that way. He is a storyteller and a talker, the ideal guest for this podcast, but take in every word. He is sincere about his mission, his vision, and the future in his role.