Pamela Howard, Historic Albany Foundation Executive Director

Hon. Carolyn McLaughlin, Albany Co. Legislator

Albany County Legislator Carolyn McLaughlin represents the 1st Legislative District and sits down to discuss the personal and professional trauma of 2020 that's encouraged her to connect even more with her constituents. Carolyn speaks about her routine of physical exercise and its benefits -- especially prominent during a global pandemic -- and her profound understanding of how she's seen COVID-19 impact her constituency, community, and even family as the Capital Region struggles to cope and redefine connectivity amidst our new normal. For more on Carolyn McLaughlin's distinguished background, visit: https://www.albanycounty.com/government/county-legislature/legislator-list

Pamela Howard, Historic Albany Foundation Executive Director

Pamela Howard serves as the Executive Director for the Historic Albany Foundation, an organization focused on salvaging and promoting the City of Albany's long and proud history as the longest continuously chartered city in the United States. Founded in 1614 as Fort Nassau by Dutch traders and settlers, then named Fort Orange, Albany is one of the United States' first settlements and played a key role in both the French and Indian Wars, as well as the American Revolution. Pam Howard herself has overcome tremendous obstacles and grief in her personal life, going so far as to write a book about her experiences entitled 'Out of the Blue', which she hopes will help others cope and heal from what has been a tough year full of loss -- but also hope, as Pam exemplifies and discusses in this episode. To learn more about Pam and purchase her book, 'Out of the Blue', visit: https://www.amazon.com/Out-Blue-Pamela-Howard/dp/1688572937

Hon. John McDonald, Member of the NYS Assembly

First elected to the New York State Assembly in 2012, my legislative colleague John McDonald and I work closely on a number of issues affecting the City of Albany and the broader Capital Region. A former mayor of the City of Cohoes and owner/pharmacist of the independent Marra's Pharmacy, John brings with him a unique perspective to his work in the state legislature and discusses how he's remained more connected than ever during COVID-19 with his constituency. We take a dive into how the ongoing pandemic has reshaped our own lives, and the lessons we can learn from it for the future.

Rachelle Pean, Owner of Root3d

Rachelle Paen is the owner of Root3d, a holistic mind, body, and spirit wellness center with BIPOC-focused outreach in Albany. Amidst a chaotic 'new normal' and an ongoing global pandemic, many of us have struggled with our mental health more than ever but may not know where to turn for help or how to seek it out. Pat sits down to discuss the state of our mental health with Rachelle and how Root3d has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic's effects.

Executive Director of United Way GCR Peter Gannon

Peter Gannon serves as the Executive Director for United Way of the Greater Capital Region, a nonprofit that's been critical in the Capital Region's collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic locally. They've set up donation drives, assistance for small businesses, and more, helping many families weather the worst of the ongoing crisis. Pat sits down to discuss the macro-connectivity side of things and how this has impacted many Capital Region residents personally and professionally. To read more about Pete Gannon: https://www.unitedwaygcr.org/peter-gannon