Advertise on podcast: 716 Together

Musician and financial advisor Tony Tripi joins the show to discuss how the loss of his grandson inspired a deeply personal musical project aimed at opening conversations about grief and healing. Tony shares how his upcoming album blends original songs and collaborations with accomplished musicians while supporting scholarships for healthcare workers receiving grief-care training. The discussion explores loss, resilience, faith, creativity, and the importance of creating spaces where people can talk openly about grief and support one another. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Tammie Lee Demler talks with Tracy Snyder about the mission and impact of Buffalo's Theatre of Youth as it enters its 55th season. The conversation highlights the organization's upcoming productions, including The Pigeon Gets a Big-Time Holiday Extravaganza, The Magical Closet Mystery, and a world-premiere adaptation of The Little Engine That Could. Snyder explains how the theater goes beyond performances by offering educational workshops, scholarships, camps, field trips, and youth development opportunities that help children build confidence, creativity, communication skills, empathy, and leadership. The discussion also explores how live theater can nurture literacy, strengthen family connections, and provide meaningful experiences for young audiences throughout Western New York. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of 716 Together, host Tammie Lee Demler interviews Katie Diebold, Vice President of Behavioral Health and Wellness Programs at Jewish Family Services of Western New York. The conversation highlights the organization's wide-ranging services, including behavioral health care, refugee resettlement, care coordination, employment support, and assistance for underserved populations. Diebold discusses innovative programs such as Critical Time Intervention, which helps individuals with serious mental illness transition from hospital care back into the community, as well as counseling and medication management services. The episode also explores volunteer opportunities, fundraising efforts, and JFS's mission of providing compassionate, inclusive support to anyone in need throughout Western New York. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tammie Lee Demler speaks with Jen Swan-Kilpatrick, Executive Director of Arts Services Inc. (ASI), about the organization's role in supporting artists, cultural organizations, and creative professionals across Western New York. Swan-Kilpatrick explains how ASI provides funding, leadership development, networking opportunities, and public engagement programs that strengthen the region's arts community. The discussion focuses on the upcoming Spark Awards, an event celebrating outstanding artists, educators, administrators, and organizations that contribute to the local arts sector. The episode emphasizes the importance of creativity, community collaboration, and recognizing the diverse artistic talent that enriches Western New York. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of 716 Together features Tiffany Pavone, Director of Victim Services at Child and Family Services, discussing Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the critical resources available to survivors. The conversation highlights the services provided by Haven House, Erie County’s only confidential domestic violence shelter, the growing demand for shelter and support services, common warning signs of abusive relationships, and the importance of safety planning when leaving a dangerous situation. Pavone also emphasizes community initiatives aimed at improving survivor support, encourages victims and their loved ones to seek help without fear of judgment, and shares information about upcoming awareness events and the 24-hour hotline available to those in need. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of 716 Together, Lisa Robertson of Parachute Credit Counseling discusses how the nonprofit organization helps individuals manage debt, student loans, credit issues, and budgeting through free or low-cost counseling services. She emphasizes the importance of addressing financial challenges early, creating realistic spending plans, monitoring credit reports, and seeking trusted guidance rather than falling victim to predatory services. The conversation offers practical advice for building financial stability and reducing money-related stress. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of 716 Together, host Tammie Lee Demler speaks with Anne Nowak, a volunteer leader with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), about suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and the organization's annual Out of the Darkness Walk in Western New York. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing changes in behavior, checking in on those who may be struggling, and challenging common myths about suicide. Anne discusses AFSP's educational programs, including Talk Saves Lives, the role of community support in prevention and healing, and resources such as the 988 Crisis Lifeline. The episode also explores respectful language surrounding suicide, support available for loss survivors, and how events like the Out of the Darkness Walk foster hope, connection, and healing for individuals and families affected by suicide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this inspiring episode of 716 Together, host Tammie Lee Demler speaks with pediatric cancer survivor Riley Greene and his mother, Kellee Greene, about the mission of Riley’s Warriors, Inc. Founded after Riley’s own battle with Burkitt’s lymphoma, the nonprofit supports local pediatric cancer patients and their families through holiday room-decorating kits, hospital starter bags, personalized “Smile Packs,” and special seasonal gift programs. The conversation highlights Riley’s remarkable resilience, the challenges faced by families navigating childhood cancer, and the organization's efforts to bring comfort, hope, and a sense of normalcy to children during treatment. The episode also promotes an upcoming Buffalo Bills-themed fundraiser that helps sustain these impactful programs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of 716 Together, host Tammie Lee Demler interviews Jill Redman, founder of HopeBridge Collaborative Western New York, a unique nonprofit focused on helping individuals and families who fall just above traditional poverty guidelines and often do not qualify for government assistance. Through a community thrift boutique in Hamburg, HopeBridge uses proceeds from donated clothing and goods to help residents overcome financial emergencies such as car repairs, utility bills, work-related expenses, and educational costs. Redman shares inspiring success stories, discusses the organization's mission of preserving dignity and self-sufficiency, and explains how community members can support the effort through donations, volunteering, and fundraising initiatives See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Tammie Lee Demler welcomes ecologist and Stewardship Director Josh Balisteri of the Western New York Land Conservancy. Balisteri explains the Conservancy’s mission to permanently protect and manage lands with significant ecological value, from wetlands and forests to agricultural properties. He discusses conservation easements, trail design, wildlife management, invasive species control, and the challenges of balancing public access with environmental protection. The conversation also explores the importance of biodiversity, the impact of deer overpopulation on forest health, and the Conservancy’s effort to protect the ecologically significant Bear Lake property in Chautauqua County. Listeners are encouraged to support conservation efforts through volunteering, attending the organization’s Conservation Celebration event, and helping preserve Western New York’s natural landscapes for future generations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Tammie Lee Demler speaks with Chef Tom Herrick of Big Big Table, Buffalo’s pay-as-you-can community café. Herrick shares how his experience witnessing food waste in the hospitality industry inspired him to join an organization focused on food rescue, community connection, and dignified dining. He discusses Big Big Table’s unique model, where guests can pay what they can, volunteer in exchange for meals, and enjoy restaurant-quality food made from donated and rescued ingredients. The conversation highlights the importance of reducing food waste, creating meaningful volunteer opportunities, and fostering human connection through shared meals. Herrick also discusses the organization’s upcoming Big Big Bash fundraiser and encourages community members to get involved through donations, volunteering, or food contributions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Kauffman, founder of 5 Loaves Farm, shares how an urban farm in Buffalo's West Side has become a hub for fresh food, youth development, community connection, and spiritual renewal. The conversation explores the farm’s origins, youth internship programs, farmers market, community meals, educational opportunities, and upcoming Harvest Festival. Kauffman explains how Five Loaves Farm uses agriculture to cultivate hope, provide job skills, promote food justice, and bring diverse neighbors together through service and shared experiences. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Co-curators Mary Brenna Taylor and Ellen Martin discuss I Was There: Unknown Stories of Vietnam, a moving exhibit dedicated to preserving and honoring the experiences of Vietnam veterans. They share the inspiration behind the project, details about accompanying events, veteran roundtables, the Moving Wall memorial, and the exhibit’s thoughtful, trauma-informed approach. The conversation emphasizes gratitude, remembrance, and the importance of giving veterans an opportunity to share their stories while helping communities better understand the lasting impact of their service. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Moore, Director of Niagara Falls Outreach Ministry, and ministry participant Kianna discuss how faith-based outreach is transforming lives in Niagara Falls. Kianna shares her powerful personal journey through addiction recovery, health challenges, and spiritual growth, describing how the ministry's fellowship dinners, discipleship programs, and supportive community helped her regain hope and purpose. Together, they highlight the importance of compassion, encouragement, and creating safe spaces where people can heal, connect, and rebuild their lives. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tammie Lee Demler welcomes Tim Collins and Terry Farrell of 7th Magnitude to discuss astronomy events and public stargazing opportunities. The guests highlight the August 12 Perseid meteor shower, expected to provide excellent viewing conditions, and promote a free astronomy event at Knox Farm State Park featuring sky tours, presentations, telescope observing, and meteor watching. They also explain meteor showers, satellites and space debris, the challenges of measuring vast cosmic distances, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, all while making complex astronomy topics accessible to the general public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.