The Pod Where it Happens

In my 16th episode, I am joined by our new Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Lisa Chen. She discusses her background, passion for education and her entry plan into the Burlington school system. I came away very impressed with Dr. Chen and am looking forward to all of the great things she will do for our schools. Enjoy!

In honor of Mental Heath Awareness month, my Episode 15 guest is the Burlington Police Department’s Mental Health Clinician, Karen DiRienzo. During this episode, we discuss the detrimental effects mental health issues are having on our country and our psyches. We also touch on breaking the stigma, warning signs, suicide, the importance of reaching out and also the many resources available to everyone not just nationally, but locally as well. Karen provides some really great information and it is definitely worth a listen.

Thank you Karen for joining me to discuss this very important topic.

After a seven month hiatus, The Pod Where it Happens is back with my 14th episode! I’m very happy with how this one came out. My very special guests are Edo and Warmillon who are exchange students living with me for the 2022-2023 school year. We discuss their time in Burlington over the past seven months and their exposure to American culture. In true TPWiH fashion, I get a little emotional and revealing at the end of this one. It is a testament to how much I have truly enjoyed this experience and how much Edo and Warmillon mean to me. Enjoy!

In Episode 13, my guest is Burlington’s own Tim Binnall! He is the news editor for Coast to Coast AM, a nationally syndicated radio show which is devoted to the paranormal. Our discussion goes all across the paranormal spectrum including the existence of Big Foot, UFOs, ghosts and the Loch Ness monster. Tim also shares a freaky story that leads me to believe that Burlington High School might be haunted.

I’m fascinated by this stuff and I’m truly proud of how this one came out. Enjoy!

In my 12th episode, I discuss the greatest sequel in the history of film and a few other movie related topics. Also, I reveal who has the best movie popcorn around and an underrated film that I cannot stop watching. I hope you feel the need, the need for speed. Enjoy!

In this episode, I chronicle my night at the 3/30/2022 Chris Rock show at the Wilbur Theatre in Boston. It was his second public appearance since the "slap heard 'round the world" on Oscar Night three nights prior. I also touch on my thoughts regarding "the slap heard 'round the world" in this episode. It really was an amazing night and surprisingly, elicited a lot of raw feelings and emotions. It also taught me some new life lessons as well. Enjoy!

After a four month hiatus, "The Pod Where it Happens" is back! In my 10th episode, my friend Jess and I discuss all things reality TV. We talk about the history of reality TV, how "real" it really is, Jess' favorite shows and Mike's love of the Bachelor. We also talk about a new potential dating site for Mike to try out. The tribe has spoken. Enjoy!

I’m baaaaaccckkkk! In my 9th episode, I discuss the greatest football player of all time, Tom Brady. I touch on his legacy, my top five Tom Brady games, his relationship with Bill Belichick, his departure to Tampa Bay and my game prediction for his return to New England this Sunday night. Enjoy!

In my 8th episode, Mike Giardi from NFL Network was kind enough to join me on the pod by phone. In this episode, we discuss Mike's career and his road to becoming a national sports reporter (2:00), what it was like to cover Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the greatest dynasty in the history of sport (35:00) and his outlook for the 2021 Patriots (54:50). I’m really proud of this one and how it came out. A million heartfelt thanks to @MikeGiardi for the time. Enjoy!

In my 7th episode, I talk about the best show I watched during the pandemic, TED LASSO. This is a show with heart, hope, and unwavering positivity. I also throw out the "Ted Lasso Challenge" where I give it the Pod Where it Happens guarantee. Enjoy!

In my 6th episode, I catch up with Ajay Matai from The Cargotiator. The Cargotiator is a car buying concierge service that helps people navigate the entire transaction of buying or leasing a car. Ajay’s service takes all of the pain out of something that most people do not like. He makes it very easy to acquire the new ride you are looking for. I was very happy to learn about this great service and will definitely be using The Cargotiator the next time I buy a car. Enjoy!

In my fourth episode, I chat with Tran Lee about her restaurant, Viet Citron. It's an amazing story about how she left her career as an architect to pursue a lifelong dream. What she didn't anticipate was the state being shut down one week after her soft open! Viet Citron is the product of a lifelong passion resulting in amazing cuisine paired with careful, intelligent planning. The fact that they were able to survive (and thrive!) during the outset of a global pandemic is a true credit to Tran, her supportive family and friends and her dedicated staff. Enjoy!

In my first episode, I discuss growing up as a first generation Filipino-American. This is my journey in which I learn to accept, appreciate and then eventually love my ethnicity. Enjoy!

Join me as I explain what “The Pod Where it Happens” is all about and how it came to be. With the creation of the new podcast studio at BCAT, I have been inspired to channel my creative juices into a brand new podcast. Hope you like it!