Norm sits down with Lillian Lin for an intimate and wide-ranging discussion, exploring the extraordinary tapestry of her life experiences. Lillian discusses her medical odyssey, beginning with a stage four neuroblastoma diagnosis as an infant that recently led to kidney transplant surgery. She reflects on how her health journey has shaped her relationship with her teenage son, whose interest in pursuing medicine stems partly from witnessing his mother's medical experiences.

Norm and Lillian explore the complexities of organ donation, including the emotional challenges that accompany the process. Shifting to lighter territory, Lillian recounts how a chance job as a cocktail waitress became the gateway to her finance career, leading her through the high-pressure worlds of Kidder Peabody and Goldman Sachs trading floors, as well as her professional time in London.

Personal milestones weave throughout their conversation, from meeting her former husband through work to navigating the complex journey of surrogacy, complete with its legal and financial complexities. Lillian's worldview comes into sharp focus as she describes her volunteer work at orphanages across Africa, Guatemala, and Vietnam, experiences that provided profound contrast to her finance career's intensity. She talks about her transition into real estate, her move to Pine Plains attracted by a property with prohibition-era history, and her current pursuits including piano and pickleball. Through it all, Lillian's story is one of resilience, the importance of maintaining perspective, and how life's unexpected turns can lead to meaningful discoveries about ourselves and our capacity for growth.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm sits down with graphic designer extraordinaire and jetsetter; Dairo Chamorro “Mayor of Amtrak.” They share Japanese vodka cocktails while exploring Dairo's colorful journey from Reuters journalist to scotch whiskey entrepreneur, discussing his global travels, family stories, business challenges including tariffs and logistics, his talent for befriending strangers from Amtrak trains to international destinations, and his surprising passion for Watford football and Kingston Stockade soccer.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm chats with artist Nadine Robbins about her French-American upbringing and artistic journey. Nadine shares memories of childhood in southern France and growing up bilingual.
The conversation covers Nadine's artistic evolution from painting oysters inspired by her Charleston coastal roots to her career breakthrough when an unsolicited gallery submission launched her professional success. She discusses how an eye injury transformed her painting technique, pushing her work toward hyperrealism with enhanced texture. Nadine explains her transition from gallery exhibitions to commissioned portraits, drawing on her graphic design background to create pieces that blend realistic detail with bold colors and rebellious elements. She shares her creative influences and approach to capturing familiar subjects with unexpected twists. They wrap up with Nadine discussing her latest politically-charged series inspired by music and her upcoming participation in the Upstate Art Weekend open studio event. Throughout, Norm and Nadine explore how heritage, artistic vision, and creative process shape her evolving work.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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From Brooklyn to global stages and now Milan, NY-he's a former globe-trotting DJ, a community events organizer and a brand-new dad: please welcome the always charming Zev Le Wolfe.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm sits down with Tanvir Alam to explore an extraordinary immigrant story that spans continents and cultures. Tanvir opens up about his path from Bangladesh to America, beginning with his family's early days in tight quarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and his formative years in a multicultural community. Their conversation weaves through the challenges of finding one's place between worlds—the push and pull of maintaining heritage while embracing new opportunities.
As both an engineer and attorney, Tanvir reflects on the unexpected turns his professional life has taken, while also sharing deeply personal moments, including his cross-cultural marriage to a Hindu woman that challenged traditional expectations on both sides. The discussion ventures into philosophical territory as Tanvir discusses how Albert Camus' philosophy of absurdism and the Stoic principle of 'Amor Fati'—embracing one's destiny—have shaped his perspective on navigating life's complexities and uncertainties.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm chats with Bebe Ochs Miscedra about her distinctive name and life in Rhinebeck. Bebe reflects on her childhood, early political influences from Bobby Kennedy, and her strong opinions about Nixon and Trump. They explore how Rhinebeck evolved from a working-class town to a commercial hub, sharing local history and personal memories. Bebe discusses her educational path, career working with people with developmental disabilities, and a brief stint in California that didn't suit her. The wide-ranging conversation covers personal beliefs, family relationships, and concludes with heartfelt appreciation between them.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm chat with Susan Ray. They discuss her time as an ordained monk at a California monastery, her husband Nicholas Ray's acclaimed but controversial film career, and their collaboration on the experimental film 'We Can't Go Home Again.' Susan opens up about navigating grief, her husband's alcoholism and AA recovery, and her spiritual exploration after his death. She also shares her current projects: writing an autobiographical novel, running a cleanse business, and preserving Nicholas Ray's legacy through their foundation

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm welcomes Robert Donaldson, a retired educator and local historian who dedicated decades to teaching at Rhinebeck High School, where he specialized in Law and European History. As a distinguished expert on the region's bluestone industry history, Bob takes listeners through his remarkable journey from his early days serving in the Coast Guard Reserve to his fulfilling career as an educator beloved by students and colleagues alike.
During their conversation, Bob discusses his deep involvement with the mock trial program and his genuine passion for legal education. He shares insights from his extensive research documenting Ulster County's bluestone industry, work that has contributed significantly to preserving the region's industrial heritage. The discussion also touches on personal aspects of his life, including his family's rich history, his connection to the Marist Brothers, and memories of growing up in the Bronx.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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