The Donna Drake Show

A Nail Is Driven Out By Another Nail. Habit Is Overcome By Habit With Sophia Williams - #222

Donna talks to Sushma Halthore, DMD about Grove Dental Center and Enform Mind Body Wellness? Grove Dental Center [https://www.google.com/searchviewer/10?svid=CAwSGxIZCgNwdnESEkNnc3ZaeTh4ZG5BM05IQnFkQRgK&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiorfGl8c2UAxXNkokEHf6yJtsQqdYPegoIAggACAEIBhAD] is a comprehensive dental practice located in Jersey City, NJ, providing general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. EnForm Wellness (also referred to as Enform Mind Body Wellness) is a specialized aesthetic and body rejuvenation suite operated within the Grove Dental Center, offering non-invasive, technology.     Donna chats with Robert Rockwood Founder of Repelnish Plus. Robert Rockwood is the Founder and President of Replenish Plus, a skincare company based in Pelham, New Hampshire. He created the brand to formulate all-natural, vegan, and water-free skincare products after a 30-year career in the global manufacturing industry exposed him to toxic chemicals commonly used in cosmetics.     Donna talks with Sophia Williams the owner of Napa Soap Co. Sophia Williams is the co-owner of the Napa Soap Company, a luxury personal care brand based in California. In late 2023, she and her husband, Garrett Williams, acquired the business from its original founders, Sheila and Gib Rockwood, who had operated it since 1999     Donna chats with Mary Kate Santulli, Owner of The Curious Heart Shop. Mary Kate Santulli is a certified clinical aromatherapist, Reiki master teacher, and certified crystal healer. She is the owner and founder of The Curious Heart Apothecary & Spiritual Center.      Donna chats with Bryan Harris a 4th Generation Cattleman from Harris Happy Cow. Bryan Harris is a fourth-generation cattleman from Jerome, Idaho, and the founder of Harris Happy Cow, a family-run brand specializing in natural tallow skincare. He transitioned from his family’s traditional livestock background to create handcrafted, small-batch skincare products using grass-fed beef suet, a tradition rooted in his family's ranching heritage       Donna chats with Jessica Hicks CEO of Happy Hearts Naturals. Jessica Hicks is the founder and CEO of Happy Hearts Naturals, an all-natural personal care and home products company based in Grant, Michigan. She launched the business in September 2014 following her mother's diagnosis with ovarian cancer, which motivated her family to seek out chemical-free lifestyle alternatives.         Donna talks to Dr. Howard Robins Chief Medical Officer and Founder of Doctor’s Biome. Dr. Howard F. Robins is the Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Doctor’s Biome [https://doctorsbiome.com/pages/about-us?srsltid=AfmBOoo4_fNvFWgRwzVOP35TghVEPOf5x8tpEw8y6u69J_SDTotqShHR], a doctor-formulated, liquid-based probiotic brand. A graduate of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, he is a highly regarded practitioner of functional medicine, nutrition, and bio-oxidative therapies.       Finally, Donna talks to Dr. Michael Guarnaccia Associate Director of New Medical Director and Dr. Gad Lavy Medical Director and Founder of New England Fertility Institute. The New England Fertility Institute (NEFI) is a state-of-the-art fertility clinic in Stamford, Connecticut. Led by renowned reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Gad Lavy, it offers a comprehensive range of assisted reproductive treatments, including IVF, IUI, egg freezing, gestational surrogacy, and LGBTQ+ family-building.

Life Is Very Interesting. In The End, Some Of Your Greatest Pains Become Your Greatest Strengths with Jessica Hicks - #221

Donna talks to Allison Massa, CEO of Bloom with Alam. llison Massa is the founder and owner of Bloom with Alma (often referred to as Bloom with Alma [https://bloomwithalma.com/]), a holistic wellness practice focused on helping women reclaim their health through functional nutrition and lifestyle changes. Based in East Setauket, New York, Massa transitioned into wellness after managing her own chronic health issues, including migraines and digestive problems,.   Donna chats with Jenenne DeBois Author and Assistant Brand Marketing Director, Random House Children’s Books. Jeneanne DeBois (often referred to as Jena DeBois) is an author of children's literature and a marketing professional at Random House Children’s Books. In November 2025, she was promoted to Assistant Director, Marketing, Brand, and Licensed Publishing.      Donna talks with Jay Mota, Founder of Divorce Logic. Jay Mota is a nationally recognized divorce financial expert, forensic accountant, and the Founder of Divorce Logic [https://www.divorcelogicllc.com/about-jay-mota]. He specializes in helping individuals and attorneys navigate the financial intricacies of divorce, including business valuations, executive compensation, forensic asset analysis, and long-term financial modeling.         Donna chats with Darin and Brooke Aldridge  a Musical Band. Darin and Brooke Aldridge are an award-winning, husband-and-wife musical duo hailing from Cherryville, North Carolina, known for their soaring harmonies and captivating blend of contemporary bluegrass, traditional country, and gospel music.        Donna chats with Jessica Hicks CEO of Happy Hearts Naturals. Jessica Hicks is the founder and CEO of Happy Hearts Naturals [https://happyheartsnaturals.com/], an all-natural personal care and home products company based in Grant, Michigan. She launched the business in September 2014 following her mother's diagnosis with ovarian cancer, which motivated her family to seek out chemical-free lifestyle alternatives.         Donna talks to Cathy McCoy Collier, author of Braver Than I Knew. Cathy McCoy Collier is a retired educator, literacy specialist, and author primarily known for her work in spiritual self-reflection and early literacy. She often writes about navigating major life transitions, such as "gray divorce," through a lens of faith and resilience. .         Donna talks to James Thristino, Forward for ASC, NY and Jim Kilmesde, General Manager and Managing Partner of ASC NY. American Soccer Club New York (ASC NY) is a semi-professional soccer team competing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). Nicknamed the "Fighting Tomcats," the Long Island-based club was founded to develop local talent and regularly hosts home matches at college facilities across the region, including Hofstra University's Captains Field.       Finally, Donna chats with Dr. Claire Gill the CEO of Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. Claire B. Gill is the Chief Executive Officer of the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (formerly known as the National Osteoporosis Foundation). She has been with the organization since 2013, serving in various leadership roles—including Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Mission Officer—before officially taking over as the CEO in May 2020.

The First Step Toward Success Is Taken When You Refuse To Be A Captive Of The Environment In Which You First Find Yourself With Iliana Guibert - # 220

Matt Nuccio talks to Crazy Aaron and visits his factory. Aaron Muderick (born March 31, 1976), known as "Crazy Aaron," is an American toy inventor and entrepreneur who founded Crazy Aaron's [https://www.crazyaarons.com/], a company best known for creating Thinking Putty. Based in Pennsylvania, he revolutionized the classic putty concept in the late 1990s by developing unique, high-quality, and sensory-driven compounds like color-shifting, magnetic, and glitter putties.    Donna talks to Camille K. Camille K (Camille Kociuba) is a Philadelphia-based pop singer-songwriter, musician, and actor known for her appearance on Season 17 of America's Got Talent (2022). A multi-instrumentalist who began performing at age 11, she blends soulful R&B influences with classic rock, and has opened for artists such as Flo Rida, Ja Rule, and Lit.    Donna talks to James Hausmann. James Hausmann is the President of the AT Tax Advisory division of Assessment Technologies, LTD and Judie Saantoianni. Judith (Martinis) Santoianni is a January 1982 graduate with a B.A. in Gerontology. She currently works for the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs Long Term Care Division, and is also the Department's Aging with Developmental Disabilities Resource Specialist.     Donna chats with Juliana G. Kumar Co-Founder and COO of MyFitStrip. MyFitStrip is a personalized health platform offering non-invasive, 10-second saliva test strips and functional chewing gums designed to boost nitric oxide (NO) production, improve oral microbiome health, and manage metabolic wellness. It helps users monitor salivary nitric oxide, pH, and uric acid levels to drive dietary choices and increase cardiovascular, immune, and brain health.    Donna talks with Jen Calonita. Jen Calonita is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for writing over 40 popular middle-grade and teen books, including the Fairy Tale Reform School series and entries in Disney's A Twisted Tale series. A former entertainment journalist for Teen People, she creates engaging fiction for young readers, including her 2025 series Isle of Ever.     Donna chats with Maggie Szyluk and  Andy Kucharski Cp-Founders and CEO of INFINITY CUP. The Infinity Cup is a patented 3-in-1, BPA-free hydration bottle designed for active lifestyles, allowing users to carry three separate drinks in one compact container. It features separate compartments, making it suitable for managing protein shakes, electrolytes, and water simultaneously without mixing them until needed.      Donna chats with Iliana Guibert. Iliana Guibert, a graduate of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute took a career detour spending her early years in the corporate sector gaining business skills she now applies to her work as an actress and expanding to writing, producing and directing.     Donna chats with Gina Esposito. Gina Esposito is a children's book author known for her 2026 debut, Mia & Margie: Silkworms, which highlights themes of nature, friendship, and curiosity. A BFA in Theatre graduate, she draws on a background in television and her family's 80-year-old business to create heartfelt stories. She lives in Long Island, NY.       Finally, Donna talks to Chad Hackenbracht, President of Tastee Apple Inc. Tastee Apple, Inc. is an Ohio-based producer of gourmet caramel, chocolate, and candy-coated apples, operating since 1974. Known for using crisp Granny Smith apples and small-batch kettle-cooked caramel, the family-owned company supplies retailers nationwide, including Walmart and Publix, and has sold over 250 million items.

Be Not Afraid Of Growing Slowly; Be Afraid Only Of Standing Still With Dr. Jen-Yu Haung - #219

Donna talks to Dr. Jen-Yu Haung Founder of Lypid Kitchen and Phoebe Hsiao, Marketing Director of Lypid Kitchen. Lypid Kitchen [https://lypidkitchen.com/] is a plant-based food brand and subsidiary of food-tech startup Lypid [https://www.lypid.co/] that offers authentic, premium comfort foods, specifically specializing in vegan dim sum like Bao buns. Utilizing Lypid's proprietary PhytoFat™ technology, they create sustainable,,, and savory alternatives to traditional animal-based pork belly and BBQ pork.      Donna talks to Levanes Bertos, Owner of Cranford Station House. Cranford Station House [https://cranfordstationhouse.com/] is a highly-rated family-owned restaurant in downtown Cranford, NJ, located at 7 North Ave E across from the train station. Known as a top breakfast and brunch spot, it offers a "modern classic" diner experience with an inventive menu and a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.      Donna chats with Alexander Duran the owner and CEO of Soláz Mediterranean Cuisine, Travis Duran the Director of  Operations of Soláz Mediterranean Cuisine and David Burke the Cuilnary Director of of Solaz Mediterranean Cuisine. Soláz Mediterranean Cuisine is a waterfront Mediterranean restaurant and entertainment venue in Jersey City, NJ, featuring cuisine led by Chef David Burke, signature cocktails, and Full Swing Golf Suites. Opened in Nov 2025 by restaurateur Alexander Duran, it offers a "social dining" experience, combining bold Mediterranean flavors with interactive, technology-driven, high-end golf simulators.      Donna talks with Nicholas Perrotti the Co-Owner of Perrotti’s Quality Meats, David Perrotti Jr. Co-Owner of Perrotti’s Quality Meats and James Capodice the Butcher of Perrotti’s Quality Meats. Perrotti’s Quality Meats [https://www.perrottiscranford.com/] is a family-owned and operated Italian butcher shop in Cranford, New Jersey, serving the community since 1967. They offer custom-cut meats, homemade sausages, and a wide selection of premade Italian meals. Known for their quality and tradition, they also operate a location in Far Hills.    Donna chats with Konstantionos Dragonas Chief Operations Officer, Antonio Dragonas the Owner and Founder of Tony Dragon’s Grille. Tony Dragon’s Grille is an iconic, long-standing food truck in New York City (often found at 62nd & Madison) serving authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Founded in 1986 by Antonio Dragonas, it is known for high-quality, fresh-to-order dishes including souvlaki, gyros, burgers, bowls, and salads, catering to the lunch crowd.

Meaning Is About Making a Difference, Not Having An Audience With Jocelyn Potthoff- #218

Donna talks to Roger Branco the Co-founder and Lead Groomer of the Puppy Tale Lodge.  The Puppy Tale Lodge is a family-owned pet salon and care facility in New York City's Upper East Side, offering professional dog grooming, daycare, boarding, and retail services. Founded by an award-winning groomer, it focuses on safe, compassionate, and cage-free socialization, with services often used for daily care or overnight stays in the city.     Donna talks to Jocelyn Potthoff founder of CleanLeash. CleanLeash is a branded, multifunctional attachment for dog leashes that combines a waste bag holder with built-in hand sanitizer, designed to make dog walking more sanitary and organized. It is a "grab-and-go" accessory that clips onto standard leashes to prevent messy hands during cleanups. It is often referred to as a "poop bag holder" or "clean leash attachment.       Donna chats with Kat Dupre VP of Marketing and Co Founder of Lunchbox. LUNCHBOX® is Real Food for Dogs! These are human grade meals for dogs that are complete and balanced nutrition, forget about the mush in a bag, we are talking REAL FOOD! Food that looks and smells so delicious that even you'll want to eat it, and you actually CAN!     Donna attends The NYWIFT 2026 Muse Awards. Donna talks to Kuye Youngblood NYWIFT Board of Director,  Hwather Brittain Vice Chairman of the Garden State Film Festival, Lauren Concar Sheehy Garden  State Film Festival Executive Director, Rafael L. Espinal of Madein NY Commissioner, Nancy Giles Mistress of Ceremonies, Maysoon Zayid, Actor and Comedian, Maria Soccor, Actor and Producer, Rebecca Damon Sag/Aftra Executive Director, Jamie Brewer, Actor and Model,  Joy Reid Journalist, Author and  Producer and Izzy Harrison WNBA Athlete. Donna attends The Marvels of Media Festival 2026 and talks to Dani Bowman, Celebrity Ambassador of The Moving Image, Josh Sapan, Founder of Marvels of Media, Jackson Tucker-Meyer, Playwright and Filmmaker, Beardsley Roseberry, Fimmaker, Arabella Hayward, Filmmaker, Susanna Hunt, Writer and Director, Steven Fraser, Director and Animator, Aziz Isham Executive Director of MoMI, Miranda Lee, Film Programmer of MoMI, Tamir Muhammad, Associate Director of MoMI and Autistic Barbie, Special Guest