Episodes
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Alexis Morton wanted to get together with other women on the Seacoast.
However, as a stay-at-home mom during the pandemic, she couldn't find any groups of women who wanted to partake in fun Seacoast activities.
So she started that group herself: Well Lived Women, a Seacoast-based women's group that's attracted nearly 1500 attendees since 2022. In this group, women of all demographics gather at various Seacoast businesses to support local, have fun, and most importantly, realize how powerful a room can get when it's filled with well-intentioned women.
From her estate in Stratham, Lex -- who has 33,000 Instagram followers -- joins host Troy Farkas to discuss the Well Lived Women origin story, the magic that happens when women gather, the playful way she met her husband, the painstaking process of undergoing IVF, dealing with negative comments online, living in New York City, and more.
CHAPTERS:
How Lex met her husband (00:00)Lex's hellish IVF journey (06:30)Successfully having two kids (21:17)Sponsor: 3 Bridges Yoga (24:16)Sponsor: JOBTALK LLC (25:44)Amassing 33K IG followers (27:28)The origins of Well Lived Women (35:50)Well Lived Women's mission (42:32)Advice to younger self (55:21)To learn more about upcoming Well Lived Women events, visit WellLivedWomen.org or give them a follow @welllivedwomen on Instagram.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING OUR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH PROGRAMMING:
3 Bridges Yoga: New members get one FREE class with code "STORIES" at digital checkout all March! If you're an existing customer, email [email protected] to arrange a custom discount with Stephanie.JOBTALK LLC: Get 50% off JOBTALK Academy courses with the code "SEACOASTSTORIES50" for the rest of 2025!There's still a few tickets left to our "Seacoast Stories" dinner Thursday at Ore Nell's Barbecue! Learn more information and snag your ticket here.
For more "Seacoast Stories" episodes straight to your phone every Monday, FOLLOW the show for free here on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts pages.
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Kira Lew wanted out of radio.
After working in an environment that didn't bring out the best in her, she considered leaving the industry she had fallen in love with a few years prior.
But she decided to stick it out. And then everything started falling into place. A few years later, Kira made history by becoming the first female morning show lead in the 54-year history of WOKQ, the Seacoast's No. 1 country music station. Alongside Logan Sherwood, she co-hosts "Kira and Logan in the Morning," and it's one of the most popular radio shows in the region.
From her estate in Hampton, Kira joins host Troy Farkas to discuss her untraditional path, navigating a male-dominated industry as a woman, toxic work conditions, podcasting vs. radio, Taylor Swift's historic performance at Gaslight (and why she thinks Taylor doesn't like Travis Kelce), and of course, her favorite Seacoast spots for pizza, Mexican food, cocktails, and more.
CHAPTERS:
Kira Lew's radio path (00:00) The harsh realities of show business (11:30) Why "Kira and Logan in the Morning" works so well (17:46) Taylor Swift's performance at Gaslight (25:57) Sponsor: JOBTALK LLC (30:04) Sponsor: 3 Bridges Yoga (31:58) Favorite Seacoast Italian joints, cocktails, etc. (33:23) WTF is beach pizza? (42:23) Why does N.H. hate Mass.? (51:00) Advice to younger self (56:15)To support Kira, listen live to "Kira & Logan in the Morning" every weekday from 5:30 - 10am on 97.5 WOKQ. You can also follow her on Instagram @kiralewwho.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS FOR SUPPORTING OUR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH PROGRAMMING!
JOBTALK LLC: Get 50% off JOBTALK Academy courses with the code "SEACOASTSTORIES50" for the rest of 2025! 3 Bridges Yoga: New members get one FREE class with code "STORIES" at digital checkout all March! If you're an existing customer, email [email protected] to arrange a custom discount with Stephanie.For more "Seacoast Stories" episodes straight to your phone every Monday, FOLLOW the show here on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts pages.
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Missing episodes?
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Will Myska always wanted to be an executive chef.
But with three kids at home, he doubted whether he'd have the ability to go all in on the restaurant of his dreams. So instead, he stayed the course, choosing to work and learn under some of the top chefs on the Seacoast perhaps longer than he needed to.
Until one day, chef David Vargas (Vida Cantina) sat Will down and asked him, "What's next for you?"
And that was the day everything changed for Will.
From Ore Nell's Barbecue in Kittery, M.E., host Troy Farkas sits down with Will to discuss his love for cooking, what it was like working alongside top Seacoast chefs Evan Hennessey (Stages), Jethro Loichle (Ristorante Massimo) and Vargas, the tough conversation that led Will to open Ore Nell's BBQ in 2018, the keys to making authentic Texas brisket, meeting boxing legend Mike Tyson at The Wilder, and more.
CHAPTERS:
Will Myska's Texas cooking background (00:00) Working at Ristorante Massimo, Vida Cantina & Stages (07:18) Opening Ore Nell's BBQ in 2018 (18:44) Tell a friend about the show! (27:25) The day-to-day of Ore Nell's (28:27) How to make authentic Texas brisket & chili (33:23) Ore Nell's catering services (42:32) The toll of Ore Nell's on Will's personal life (46:55) Meeting Mike Tyson (49:53) Advice to younger self (55:30)Born outside of Houston, Ore Nell's Barbecue chef owner Will Myska spent the first 19 years of his life in Texas. After attending culinary school in Dover, N.H., he worked at Seacoast staples like Stages, Ristorante Massimo, and La Vida Cantina. In 2018, he partnered with Jay McSharry to open the first Ore Nell's Barbecue location in Kittery, M.E. The father of three children, Will is also a massive sports fan.
To learn more about Ore Nell's menu, community nights, catering services, or second location in Biddeford, M.E., visit OreNellsBBQ.com or follow them on Instagram @OreNellsBBQ.
For more "Seacoast Stories" episodes straight to your phone every Monday, FOLLOW the show here on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts pages.
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Ankati Day gave up the blueprint.
After years spent searching for her purpose in the deep woods of The White Mountains, the open fields of Missoula, Mont., and the jungles of Costa Rica, the now-yoga teacher eventually returned home to Maine with the realization that the linear path society bred her to take was simply not for her.
From Shiloh Farm in Eliot, Maine, host Troy Farkas sits down with Ankati to candidly discuss her many lives, and how the road led her to become a spiritual force in the area. Plus, Troy tells Ankati about his bizarre experience at her ecstatic dance, and why modalities like ecstatic dance may just be the cure to some of society's problems.
CHAPTERS:
Who is Ankati Day? (00:00) Eating disorder battles (02:00) Working for the AMC (08:34) Moving to Montana (13:36) A life-changing yoga experience in Costa Rica (17:23) "Seacoast Stories" merch! (32:28) Teaching yoga on the Seacoast (33:55) What is ecstatic dance? (41:00) Troy's ecstatic dance experience (45:12) Why we're so lonely (57:22) How to know yourself better (01:02:50) Advice to younger self (01:10:07)Born and raised in Maine, Ankati Day is a beloved Seacoast yoga teacher (Barre & Soul, 3 Bridges Yoga, Shiloh Farm) who also leads yoga retreats, sound healings, cacao ceremonies, and ecstatic dance.
To learn more about Ankati's many healing offerings, please visit AnkatiDay.com.
To acquire some "Seacoast Stories" merchandise, shoot us a DM on Instagram @SeacoastStories.
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In this special Valentine's Day bonus video episode, host Troy Farkas welcomes Dover's own Kelly Anderson of the "Significant Lovers" podcast to talk all things love, dating, breakups, relationships, and of course, Seacoast coffee shops.
From the cozy confines of the Portsmouth Public Library, the two discuss:
Seacoast networking (00:00) Why we LOVE love (02:40) Why breakups suck (07:24) Dating red flags (12:10) Keys to successful relationships (17:00) Favorite famous couples (22:30) Top Seacoast coffee shops (24:34)To hear more stories of famous couples, check out the "Significant Lovers" podcast on Spotify. They're also on Instagram @significantlovers.
Kelly Anderson is the co-host of the very popular "Significant Lovers" podcast, a show where Kelly -- alongside her cousin and sister -- conduct extensive deep dives into the relationships of famous couples, including pairs like Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, Olivia Rodrigo and Josh Bassett, and so many more. After spending several years in Boston and then New York City, Kelly now lives in Dover, N.H.
Will you help us make "Seacoast Stories" the Seacoast's go-to destination for hearing stories? To do so, please consider FOLLOWING the show on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts pages.
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Nissa Bagelman grew up in the book business. In fact, she spent many childhood days at a popular indie bookstore, Reedmor Books, in Center City Philadelphia in the early 90s.
It was the family business. Her great grandfather opened Reedmor in 1928, and he passed it down to generations of Bagelmans.
But when buying books online became commonplace, the Reedmor business suffered. In the early 2000s, the Bagelmans made the difficult decision to close down their stores.
Now, 20+ years later, Reedmor is back ... with a twist.
From the brand new Reedmor Books & Brews in downtown Portsmouth,host Troy Farkas sits down with Nissa to discuss how and why she's reopened the family business in Portmouth, the nitty-gritty of the book business, why it's so difficult for indie bookstores to survive (and why this store will buck the trend), and so much more.
CHAPTERS:
Reedmor's extensive history (00:00)Nissa's work in the publishing industry (02:50)Why indie bookstores fail (16:25)The motivation for re-opening Reedmor (20:02)How Book 'N Bar's end led to Reedmor's rebirth (24:14)The chaotic re-opening of Reedmor (28:50)The Seacoastonline article that blew up Reedmor (32:16)Reedmor's break from traditional bookstores (34:25)How the Seacoast has received Reedmor so far (44:00)Reedmor's big plans for 2025 (47:15)Advice to younger self (53:51)Nissa Bagelman is the owner of Reedmor Books & Brews, a popular new bookstore located in the former Raleigh Wine Bar in downtown Portsmouth. The great granddaughter of the original founder of Reedmor in Philadelphia, Nissa reopened Reedmor late last year following the closure of Book 'N Bar. A veteran of the publishing industry, Nissa dreamt for years about opening her own indie bookstore.
To stay up-to-date with the latest from Reedmor, give them a follow on Instagram@reedmor_books or visittheir web site.
For future "Seacoast Stories" events, please follow us onour new Eventbrite page.
Will you help us make "Seacoast Stories" the Seacoast's go-to destination for hearing stories? To do so, please consider FOLLOWING the show on ourSpotify orApple Podcasts pages.
RELEVANT LINKS:
TheSeacoastonline article on ReedmorExtensive Reedmor backstoryThe Press Room live podcast -
Paige Lindsey is ... a lot.
(Those are her words.)
The 34-year-old, who has nearly 18,000 Instagram followers, is a self-described member of Gen Z trapped in a millennial body. She's full of energy, feels deeply, loves intensely, and is unlike anyone you've ever met before.
And on today's episode, the Exeter-based artist tells host Troy Farkas about the rollercoaster that's led her to become one of the most popular artists on the Seacoast. The two discuss the many obstacles placed in Paige's way, from a failed college art class, to complicated family dynamics, to falling out of love with painting, and also a miscarriage.
But, perhaps because of her stubborn New Jersey roots, Paige never allowed any of these obstacles to prevent her from creating her dream life, a life she's now living with her little family unit on the Seacoast.
CHAPTERS:
Meeting Paige Lindsey (00:00) College hook-up stories (02:15) Paige's early days in art (05:26) Life in Seattle during COVID (20:20) Paige's miscarriage (25:51) Moving to the Seacoast (33:00) Advice for creating killer social media content (35:20) Paige's Seacoast art workshops (42:00) Life as an artist and mother (45:50) Advice to younger self (53:34)Paige Lindsey is a popular Seacoast artist, workshop planner, live event painter, and podcast host. A New Jersey girl at heart, Paige studied art at the University of New Hampshire. She's lived in Boston, Seattle, and now resides in Exeter with her husband Sam and son Bodhi. Loved for her flamboyant behavior, Paige also creates content on Instagram for her fast-growing audience of nearly 18,000 followers.
To stay up-to-date with Paige's crazy life, you can follow her on Instagram @paigelindseydesign, visit her web site, subscribe to her Substack newsletter, or follow "Paige's Pod" on Spotify.
Will you help us make "Seacoast Stories" the Seacoast's go-to destination for hearing stories? To do so, please consider FOLLOWING the show on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts pages.
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Jay Collins left his house every morning at 2:45 to get to work.
In his eyes, that's what obsessed people do.
And it's that grit and dedication which led him to create MaxEdge Fitness, a beloved Seacoast gym that lasted 11 years before the pandemic wiped it away.
Then, standing in the ruins of the business he and his family poured everything into, Jay emerged from the pandemic with a vision. A vision that was bigger and better than anything he'd ever done before:
Flight House Gym, a one-of-a-kind workout facility in Rye that houses $750,000 of state-of-the-art equipment.
And on today's episode, Jay joins the show to tell host Troy Farkas about the obsessive early days of MaxEdge, why he believes in betting on himself, the toll his dedication took on his family, learning how to delegate, navigating the pandemic, the challenges of starting Flight House, why he thinks he's the Seacoast's biggest psychopath, and so much more.
CHAPTERS:
Jay's intro to group training (00:00) Reinventing himself at 40 (03:50) Starting MaxEdge Fitness (10:45) When MaxEdge took off (20:15) The end of MaxEdge (26:52) The birth of Flight House (32:00) Why exercise is essential (38:38) Advice to younger self (49:40)
Jay Collins is the founder and owner of Flight House Gym, a massive fitness facility located at 6 Airfield Dr. in Rye, N.H. Formerly the owner of beloved gym MaxEdge Fitness, Jay has also served in the military, coached football, and worked as a mortgage broker. A lifelong New Hampshire resident, the father of seven operates Flight House alongside his wife, Nancy, and son, Jack.
Check out FlightHouseGym.com for information on memberships, class schedules, and more.
Will you help us make "Seacoast Stories" the Seacoast's go-to destination for hearing stories? To do so, please consider FOLLOWING the show on our Spotify or Apple Podcasts pages.
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Mackenzie Logan vowed to never open a restaurant.
A veteran of the hospitality industry, she understood the extremely taxing nature of the business. She knew she wanted to run her own business one day, but she promised she'd wait until the Universe presented her with the right opportunity at the right time.
That opportunity came during the throes of the pandemic, when Mackenzie finally found the business idea she'd been searching for all along:
Flamingos Coffee Bar.
On today's episode, the popular coffee bar's owner explains why she opted to get back into the hospitality business anyway, why Flamingos caught on so quickly, their very unique approach to making coffee, their Instagram-able coffee flights, and yes, the viral Yelp review that launched Flamingos into another stratosphere of popularity.
CHAPTERS:
Mackenzie's hospitality background (00:00) How Flamingos got started (04:20) "Support your local caffeine dealer" (14:22) The famous coffee flights (18:27) Flamingos' staying power (25:04) Opening the Exeter location (30:45) The "Disgustingly Pro-Women" story (34:40) How Flamingos gives back to the Seacoast (42:28) Flamingos' impressive social media (51:00) Living with Celiac disease (54:46) Advice to younger self (01:01:18)
BIO: Mackenzie Logan is the 31-year-old founder and owner of Flamingos Coffee Bar, a popular Seacoast coffee shop with locations in Hampton and Exeter. A lifelong N.H. resident, Mackenzie opened Flamingos on Hampton Beach in 2021 shortly after ditching her job in the corporate world. After dropping out of the University of Vermont to return to the restaurant industry, Mackenzie would later graduate from UNH with a business degree.
SUPPORT: To check out Flamingos, pay their coffee bar a visit at 56 Lincoln St. in Exeter, or 27 B St. in Hampton. You can also follow them on Instagram @flamingoscoffeebar.
This podcast is hosted, written, researched, and produced by Troy Farkas. FOLLOW the show on Apple or Spotify to make sure you never miss an episode.
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Evan Hennessey wanted to come back home.
After working in some of the most famous fine dining restaurants in New York City and Chicago, the Dover native felt the Seacoast pleading with him to return to the place that raised him.
And when he returned in 2012, he opened a restaurant unlike anything Dover had ever seen before.
Stages, located at One Washington in downtown Dover, offers a progressive tasting menu experience that showcases the bounty of ingredients native to New Hampshire through globally-influenced techniques and flavors.
From the cozy confines of the tucked-away The Living Room at Stages, Evan Hennessey and Troy Farkas discuss:
Troy's Stages experience (00:00)Dover's evolution (02:40)Falling in love with fine dining (06:43)The experience at Stages (12:40)Sourcing only NH ingredients (27:58)Problems with the restaurant industry (31:28)Food Network superstardom (37:42)The staging program at Stages (40:38)Hiking the presidential traverse (49:13)Advice to younger self (51:09)
To make a reservation at Stages, visit this page. If you or someone you know is interested in their world-class staging program, you can fill out this Google form.
Dover native Evan Hennessey is the chef/owner of Stages at One Washington in downtown Dover. A 2014 James Beard Semifinalist and 3x champion of The Food Network's "Chopped," Evan has been spearheading the fine dining game for over a decade. After stints in renowned restaurants in New York City and Chicago, Hennessey decided to return to his hometown of Dover to open Stages in 2012.
This podcast is hosted, written, researched, and produced by Troy Farkas. FOLLOW the show on Apple or Spotify to make sure you never miss an episode.
MENTIONED LINKS:
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In front of a SOLD OUT crowd at The Press Room in downtown Portsmouth, it's the first episode of Season 2, and the first podcast in the history of one of Portsmouth's most beloved locations. In this very special episode, host Troy Farkas opens the show by speaking to past guests Rae and Ryan Lambert about the Seacoast dance community, people's intense desire to connect with one another, trying to contact MrBeast, and more.
Then, in the first edition of Seacoast Trivia hosted by past guest Alex Bynum, three randomly selected audience members compete for a prize gifted by a previous guest of the show.
After that, Krystal Hicks of JOBTALK LLC makes her podcast debut to discuss the strange way she left her position at Lindt Chocolate, how the pandemic changed the role of work in people's lives, Gen Z in the workplace, and the mistakes she made dating "b*tch a** men."
Then, two audience members compete for money in the Seacoast Stories Cash Cube, which leaves the winner with far more money than expected. Plus, a matching donation to a beloved Seacoast nonprofit is made.
To close the show, Studio One Cycle owner Katy Marshall drops breaking news about the future of her business, and she also talks about her freewheeling nature and why she came back to the Seacoast after teaching in several spin studios across the country.
Plus, Q/A with every person who joined the stage tonight.
The opening video (00:00) Troy Farkas joins the stage (03:40) Rae and Ryan Lambert (09:28) Seacoast Trivia with Alex Bynum (32:31) Krystal Hicks (55:06) The Money Machine (01:18:05) Katy Marshall (01:30:20) Q/A (01:52:55)Raechel and Ryan Lambert are the co-founders of River, an in-person meeting and event platform that's designed to get like-minded people together.
Krystal Hicks is the owner of JOBTALK LLC, an inclusive career counseling practice.
Katy Marshall is the owner of Studio One Cycle, a boutique fitness studio with locations in Dover and Portsmouth.
This episode is presented by LANEY & LU, an inspired eatery with locations in the West End Yards of Portsmouth, and a flagship location in Exeter. Get 20% off online orders using the code "STORIES" during the month of January.
Special thanks: Musician Jeff Line, photographer Susan Plungis, videographer Adam Flaherty, Kate Lamie, and the entire production staff at The Press Room.
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*UPDATE* If you don't have your ticket yet for Thursday's LIVE podcast at The Press Room, please arrive at 6 p.m. when the doors open to try to get a standing room-only spot.
For the first 20+ years of her life, soccer was all that Katy Marshall knew. It was her entire identity.
But when reality set in that she wouldn't play professionally, panic ensued. What was her purpose without sports, and where should she go to find it?
Over the next few years, Katy asked herself these questions as she left the Seacoast in search of self-discovery. She eventually found the answers she craved, but she found them in the most unlikely of places.
In her first podcast interview, Katy opens up about life before, during, and after the founding of Studio One, the Dover-based cycling studio that gives Katy everything she's searching for in this life.
In today's conversation from the Studio One lobby, Katy and I discuss:
Live podcast update (00:00) Katy Marshall's Seacoast Story (02:20) How Katy lost her sense of self after school (10:10) Katy's path to becoming a spin instructor (16:20) Studio One's CRAZY origin story (19:55) Building culture and community at Studio One (39:58) What's your mission? (45:43) The Final Final Question (48:29)Katy Marshall is the owner and founder of Studio One Cycling, Dover's first indoor cycling studio. Originally from Eliot, ME, Katy played Division III college soccer, worked barista jobs in Seattle, and taught spin classes in Nashville and California before eventually returning to the Seacoast to start her business in late 2020.
--To learn more about the various fitness classes Katy's studio offers, please visit StudioOneCycling.com.
--To support the telling of more incredible Seacoast Stories like Katy's, please FOLLOW this podcast on our Apple Podcasts and/or Spotify feeds.
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"Seacoast Stories" was born the night that Troy Farkas hosted "The Found Generation" live at The Music Hall Lounge in downtown Portsmouth on March 25, 2024.
After that night, Troy realized he needed to do something different, which led him to create a show that would focus only on the amazing people of the Seacoast.
On today's episode, we air the ENTIRE live show from that special night, which gives a sneak peek of what to expect for the first live edition of "Seacoast Stories" Jan. 9 at The Press Room. The following guests join the show:
The beloved owner of 3 Bridges Yoga, Stephanie Paolini, talks to Troy about how she started teaching yoga, illegally buying a home in Maine, getting robbed at gunpoint, her battle with cancer, and so much more.
Then, Portsmouth-born musician Sam Robbins performs original music before discussing the state of the music industry and the superstardom of Taylor Swift.
To close it out, LANEY & LU owner Jennifer Desrosiers talks about the origin story of the Exeter location, what good leadership is, the cost of ambition, and so much more.
Jan. 9 live show update (00:00) "The Found Generation Live" opening monologue (05:35) 3 Bridges Yoga's Stephanie Paolini (12:19) Portsmouth musician Sam Robbins performs (49:47) Sam Robbins hates on Taylor Swift (01:04:50) Jennifer Desrosiers on the origin story of LANEY & LU (01:25:00) Closing message (01:53:30)Tickets to Seacoast Stories Live are SOLD OUT! But, The Press Room will release several standing-room-only tickets the night of the event on Thurs., Jan. 9. To claim a spot, please arrive when the doors open at 6 p.m.
FOLLOW SEACOAST STORIES:
Spotify Apple Podcasts Instagram Facebook -
In the final episode of Season 1 of "Seacoast Stories," host Troy Farkas revisits 10 of the top moments from the season, offering his own insights about the behind-the-scenes of the podcast, the friendships he's made through the show, the impact the show has had on the Seacoast community, and so much more.
The top 10 moments are as follows:
Season 1 finale intro (00:00) Comedian Nick Callas needs friends with boats (01:35) Photographer Andrea Schwanbeck's health struggles (05:33) Artist Amy Tilton wants you to get out of your own way (09:24) Soul Models' Carrie Penna's career crossroads (13:03) How yoga teacher Sarah Oleson got her sh*t together (15:44) Manifesting with Studio One's Katy Marshall (18:10) Vernon Family Farm's mental health battles (21:40) How Carley Crain's work is saving lives, including her own (25:44) Eric Cacciatore is sticking to his principles (30:10) Emily Spencer's preparation for Miss America (34:33)"Seacoast Stories" is a podcast about the businesses, people, and newsmakers of New Hampshire and Maine. Hosted by renowned podcast producer and author Troy Farkas, this show is quickly becoming the area's go-to resource for learning about the people behind the Seacoast, a true hidden gem of America.
Tickets to Seacoast Stories Live are SOLD OUT! But, The Press Room will release several standing-room-only tickets the night of the event on Thurs., Jan. 9. To claim a spot, please arrive when the doors open at 6 p.m.
FOLLOW SEACOAST STORIES:
Spotify Apple Podcasts Instagram FacebookMENTIONED LINKS:
Beer: The Seacoast Stories IPA at Loaded Question Brewing Book: Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties by Troy Farkas -
Troy Farkas listened to his first podcast when he was a depressed 21-year-old.
Exhausted, lonely, and purposeless while working at ESPN in Bristol, Conn., Troy dreamt of the days he could create his own blogs, books, and podcasts while traveling the world. But, rather than let his hopelessness destroy him, Troy took the opportunity to learn from the very best in the world so that one day, he'd be ready to do his own thing.
Now, seven years after he first stepped through the doors at ESPN, Troy feels he's finally ready to create something of real meaning, something that will fulfill his dream of bringing people together via his creations.
That something? The "Seacoast Stories" podcast.
On today's episode, previous guest Alex Bynum turns the tables around on Troy, interviewing the host in a feature that will become a staple of the show toward the end of podcast seasons.
From Empowering Path in Portsmouth, Alex and Troy discuss:
Who is Troy Farkas? (00:00) Working at ESPN (04:10) Troy's beginnings in podcasting (09:06) What inspired "Seacoast Stories" (17:42) Reflecting on Season 1 of the show (22:30) The live podcast on 1/9/25 (28:56) The Seacoast Stories IPA (30:50) Guest booking for "Seacoast Stories" (34:50) Biggest lessons from Season 1 (39:15) What's your mission? (43:30)Troy Farkas is the Executive Producer of the "Seacoast Stories" podcast. And in addition to producing for The Ringer, a sports and pop culture podcast network owned by Spotify, Troy is an author, public speaker, fitness fanatic, and Type 1 diabetic. Formerly a producer at ESPN, Troy has also lived in several places throughout the world, including Denver, Boston, London, Glasgow, and O'ahu. He now lives in Portsmouth, and is originally from upstate New York.
Alex Bynum is a world-renowned spiritual guide, and she is the owner of Empowering Path in Portsmouth.
FOLLOW SEACOAST STORIES:
Spotify Apple Podcasts InstagramMENTIONED LINKS:
Beer: The Seacoast Stories IPA at Loaded Question Brewing Live podcast: Seacoast Stories Live at The Press Room on 1/9/25 Podcast: The Found Generation with Troy Farkas Book: Surrender: A Guide to Living Your Best Life in Your Twenties -
*The first "Seacoast Stories" LIVE podcast is Thurs. 1/9 at The Press Room in Portsmouth! Expect special guests, major discounts, cash prizes, and merchandise. Snag your tickets here to guarantee a seat.*
Eric Cacciatore was sleeping in his listeners' backyards.
That's all he could afford to do.
A podcast host with only a few dollars in his pocket in the late 2010s, Eric committed himself to traveling the country and producing multiple episodes a week of a podcast that's centered on talking to restaurant industry folks about the secrets behind their success.
It's certainly not the path to wealth, but it's the path Eric is steadfastly dedicated to, and it's his unique sense of mission that's carried him for 10 years of hosting "Restaurant Unstoppable."
From the Portsmouth Public Library, Seacoast native Eric Cacciatore and I discuss:
How I met Eric Cacciatore (00:00) Past life as a pilot (04:02) How Eric discovered podcasts in the early 2010s (10:30) 10 years of Restaurant Unstoppable (14:50) Seacoast Stories LIVE details (27:40) Eric's commitment to the podcast (29:00) Why Eric doesn't just take money from anyone (36:27) Challenges of living on the road (41:12) Issues with the food industry (48:00) What's your mission? (57:15)You can listen to "Restaurant Unstoppable" on Apple or Spotify, or watch full video episodes on YouTube. For even more information about the mission Eric is on, please visit RestaurantUnstoppable.com.
Eric Cacciatore is the host of the Restaurant Unstoppable podcast. Started in 2014, this twice-weekly show seeks to educate and inspire folks in the restaurant industry. One of the most listened-to podcasts in this space, Eric hosts and produces this podcast while traveling the country in his camper van. Before starting this podcast, Eric worked as a commercial pilot. He is originally from East Kingston, N.H.
This podcast is hosted, written, researched, and produced by Troy Farkas. FOLLOW the show on Apple or Spotify to make sure you never miss an episode.
MENTIONED LINKS:
Power and Progress book -
*The first "Seacoast Stories" LIVE podcast is Thurs. 1/9 at The Press Room in Portsmouth! Snag your tickets here to guarantee a seat.*
For small businesses on the Seacoast, a strong social media presence is a non-negotiable.
However, staying relevant in a content-saturated world is becoming increasingly difficult. Furthermore, the social media platforms constantly change the rules. What worked last year doesn't work this year, and what works this year won't work next year.
To help small Seacoast businesses navigate the tricky social media waters, I've called upon a trusted former colleague to set the record straight on how small businesses and content creators can best utilize social media to capture attention, build their brand, and drive revenue in 2025.
From the comforts of our cozy home studios over the holidays, my old friend and I discuss:
Live podcast details (00:00) The evolution of media in 2024 (01:00) TikTok tips for success (09:40) Gen Z's love of Snapchat (21:52) Instagram tips for success (23:44) How to capture attention in 2025 (29:05) Biggest mistakes on Instagram (35:22) Is X worth your time? (42:55) Why Facebook is a must on the Seacoast (47:41) How to win on LinkedIn (51:09) What's your mission? (56:08)You can catch Eric live on "The Ariel Helwani Show" YouTube channel live every Monday-Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern. To follow along with Eric's thoughts on all things social media, check him out @NewYorkRic on X, where he has 23,000 followers.
Eric Jackman, commonly known as NewYorkRic online, is an Executive Producer at Uncrowned, a combat sports web site that operates in partnership with Yahoo! Formerly a Social Media Director at MMAFighting (Vox Media) and a Social Media Manager at ESPN (Disney), Eric is one of the foremost experts on social media in the world. A father of three, he is a lifelong New Yorker and (sadly) has never visited the Seacoast.
This podcast is hosted, written, researched, and produced by Troy Farkas. FOLLOW the show on Apple or Spotify to make sure you never miss an episode.
MENTIONED LINKS:
The 2023 State of Social Media Conversation The 2022 State of Social Media Conversation The 2021 State of Social Media Conversation -
Raechel and Ryan Lambert want to get people together.
Human beings are wired to connect with one another in real life. However, as our lives become increasingly digital, we're also getting more lonely. And today's guests, two Silicon Valley standouts who now live on the Seacoast, are on a mission to address this urgent problem.
Their solution?
River, an app that brings like minded-people together. Think Meetup, but more efficient and user-friendly, and also less weird.
From their apartment in the West End of Portsmouth, Raechel, Ryan, and I share their wild story with me. We discuss:
How I met Raechel and Ryan (00:00) Raechel and Ryan's love story (03:30) The book that changed their lives (07:34) Living and working in Silicon Valley (10:22) Becoming digital nomads after leaving SF (19:18) Why like-minded people are desperate to get together (29:08) How Raechel organized podcast meetups across the world (33:11) Meeting the founder of Meetup (38:05) Working with Tim Ferriss (42:21) Moving to Portsmouth in 2023 (52:08) What is community? (54:28) What's your mission? (01:00:00)Raechel and Ryan Lambert are the co-founders of River, an in-person meeting and event platform that's designed to get like-minded people together. The two New England natives spent most of the 2010s living in San Francisco, where the two worked together at various Silicon Valley-based startups. After leaving San Francisco, the couple spent time in New York City, Miami, Portugal, and other destinations before deciding to make Portsmouth their home last summer.
For more information on River, check out the app or visit their web site.
This podcast is hosted, written, researched, and produced by Troy Farkas. FOLLOW the show on Apple or Spotify to support the show. It's free :)
RELEVANT LINKS:
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss The Tim Ferriss Show The All-In Podcast Who is Bryan Johnson? The Uber-Waymo drama -
Japan...9/11...and farmer's markets?
Most Seacoast stories don't involve these components.
But for Jonathan Blakeslee, the owner of the very popular White Heron Tea & Coffee, they're critical elements of a story that you have to hear to believe.
From the roasting room at White Heron located in the West End of Portsmouth, founder/owner Jonathan and I discuss:
Jonathan's Japan experience (00:00) Living and working in the Pacific Northwest (06:20) The origins of White Heron (09:41) Organic, fair trade, and sustainably sourced (16:10) Follow the podcast (22:13) Opening in Portsmouth in 2013 (23:48) Advice to future shop owners (31:38) Jonathan's concerns about the industry (35:54) Opening in Eliot in 2020 (47:58) What's your mission? (53:03)Jonathan Blakeslee is the founder and owner of White Heron Tea & Coffee. Born in Portsmouth in 1969, Jonathan also spent his formative years in North Hampton and South Berwick. In lieu of attending college, Jonathan spent two years with the Coast Guard in Japan. After that, he spent several years working at top-ranked restaurants in Seattle and Portland (OR) before returning to the Seacoast in the mid-2000s to start White Heron.
This podcast is hosted, written, researched, and produced by Troy Farkas. FOLLOW the show on Apple or Spotify to support the show. It's free :)
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Competent. Clear. Compelling.
According to Michael Cinquino, these are the traits of an effective communicator.
He calls it the 3C Method, and it's a philosophy that he swears by. A combination of lessons learned from his world-class acting teachers, four years in the U.S. Navy, a past career advising CIOs, teaching at UNH, and running his own small business, the 3C Method is the North Star for a man whom I believe may just be the most interesting man on the Seacoast.
On this Veterans Day, Michael Cinquino joins me at the Portsmouth Public Library to discuss:
How I met Michael Cinquino (00:00) Michael's Navy background (03:55) Pursuing a career in acting (16:53) How to support "Seacoast Stories" (21:34) How acting changed Michael's life (22:45) The lost art of listening (28:48) Gen Z's communication skills (36:36) The 3 Cs of effective communication (44:32) How to get more confidence (54:18) What's your mission? (01:03:12)Michael Cinquino is the CEO of Soho Creative Studio, a remote agency that captures content and designs strategies for small businesses. A veteran with four years of Navy experience, Michael graduated with a MFA from Rutgers, a degree he took to New York City to then pursue a career in acting. He moved to the Seacoast in 2020, and he now also works as an adjunct professor at the University of New Hampshire. Michael also hosts the "Performance Anxiety" podcast.
To find out more about Michael's services, please visit SohoCreativeStudio.com or @michaelcinquino on Instagram.
This podcast is hosted, written, researched, and produced by Troy Farkas. To support this show, please leave a review of "Seacoast Stories" on our Apple Podcasts page. Details on last week's contest will come out Wednesday on the @seacoaststoriespodcast Instagram account.
*For tickets to support Troy at the Catapult Seacoast "10 to Watch" event on Wednesday at The Press Room, click here.
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