Bare Wires

Bridging Beyond Party Lines

In this episode, we sit down with Congressman Mike Lawler, the Republican representative for New York’s 17th District.  We explore his journey from growing up in Rockland County to becoming a "straight-shooting" moderate leader in Washington.  Lawler discusses how his local roots in the Hudson Valley fuel his commitment to his constituents, even as he navigates the national spotlight.
 
​Lawler’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. After a high-stakes victory over the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the 39-year-old lawmaker quickly secured influential roles on the House Committee on Financial Services and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, where he chairs the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa.  We discuss how he balances these heavy-hitting global responsibilities with being a regular, bipartisan voice on major networks like Fox News and CNN.
 
​We also dive into a landmark victory for the Hudson Valley: Lawler’s successful work with the Trump administration on the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act.  He breaks down how he fought to quadruple the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000, delivering on a key promise to provide long-term tax relief for families in high-cost districts.  Join us for an engaging look at a leader navigating the highest levels of government while remaining deeply rooted in his hometown.
 
 

The Harmony in Hardship

In this episode, we hear from Andrew "Ace" Greenspan, a musician from Nyack, NY, whose life has been defined by a relentless drive to move forward.  Ace’s path hasn’t been easy—navigating life with autism while fighting a private battle with addiction.  For a long time, the weight of those struggles threatened to pull him under.
But this isn't a story about staying down.  It’s about what happens when a person finds the one thing they were truly meant to do.  For Ace, that was music. It became more than just a creative outlet; it became the bridge that led him out of his darkest chapters and into a life of purpose.
https://andrewace.irmbooking.com/home

Time Won’t Last Forever

If you saw Josiah Dyer working at his father’s business in Charleston, Maine, you’d see a hardworking 20-year-old in his element.  But the moment he opens his mouth to sing, everything stops.  Josiah possesses a deep, powerful voice that seems far beyond his years—a voice that “doesn’t fit” his young age.  It’s exactly this contrast that leaves people in awe the first time they hear him.  From the quiet woods of Maine to the high-pressure stage of American Idol and the award podiums of Nashville, Josiah is proving that soul isn’t about age—it’s about heart.
 
https://www.josiahdyer.com
 

From Poverty to Possibility

Today, we’re heading to Newburgh, N​Y—one of the poorest cities in the state, a place marked by systemic poverty and unrelenting violence, and too often defined by what it lacks rather than what it holds. Our guest is Father Mark Connell, who leads San Miguel Academy, an independent, 100% scholarship-driven initiative working to break the cycle of poverty through education. San Miguel provides a safe, structured, and positive learning environment where students receive a high-quality education—and the long-term support needed to change the trajectory of their lives. This isn’t just a story about education—it’s about presence, persistence, and what it means to show up when it matters most. This is Bare Wires. And this is Father Mark Connell.
 
https://newburghsanmiguel.org/

Listener Powered, Rule Free

Welcome to Bare Wires—where we trace the signals that keep culture human. Today we’re talking with Ken Freedman, the longtime steward of WFMU, ​the oldest freeform radio station in the ​United States: 100% listener-supported, zero corporate sponsors, and DJs who play whatever the hell they want. For ​over 40 years, Ken has helped build not just a station, but a community—an oasis for ​e​ccentrics, artists, and curious minds chasing ​frequencies beyond the norm. We’ll dig into how he found his way into radio, what shaped his restless creativity, and why—now more than ever—live human DJs matter in a world run by algorithms.

Roots, Responsibility and Rockland

Welcome to Bare Wires.  Today’s conversation is deeply rooted—literally.  Sheriff Lou Falco didn’t just grow up in Rockland County, he grew with it.  A lifelong resident who knows its history, its people, and its challenges, Sheriff Falco approaches his role with humility, accountability, and a deep respect for the public trust.  He doesn’t take the badge—or the voters—lightly.  From honoring Rockland’s past to building its future, this is a conversation about service, responsibility, and what it really means to protect the place you call home.

Priest to Politician

Today's guest has walked a path few dare to tread. George Hoehmann began his journey as a Catholic priest, dedicating his life to service, faith, and community.  But his calling didn’t stop there.  In 2015, George was elected Town Supervisor of Clarkstown NY, stepping into the political arena with the same purpose-driven mindset — but with very different tools.  Since taking office in 2016, he’s focused on cutting government spending, reducing debt, and launching forward-thinking initiatives from solar energy fields to life-saving community programs.  In this episode, we dive into the contrast between spiritual leadership and public governance, explore what it means to truly serve — whether through sacraments or streetlights — and find out what led George to trade the collar for a campaign.  This is a conversation about transformation, leadership, and the many forms public service can take.  Let’s get into it.

Childhood Interrupted

This episode is nothing short of inspiring.  At just 13, Carlos “Coca” Bernard was diagnosed with leukemia.  After two grueling years of treatment, just when things seemed to be improving, he was hit with an even rarer diagnosis: aHUS—an ultra-rare autoimmune disease that affects fewer than 1,000 people in the U.S.  But what makes Carlos truly extraordinary isn’t just his resilience—it’s his heart.  When Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley offered him a wish, he didn’t ask for something for himself.  Instead, he chose to give back, launching the Coca Strong 5K/10K to raise awareness and support for others with rare diseases.  This conversation is powerful, emotional, and filled with hope.  A must-listen that reminds us of the strength of the human spirit—and the difference one person can make.

Broken Crystals

In this gripping episode, we had the honor of welcoming a special guest Pedro Santana — the brilliant author behind Broken Crystals, a powerful, loosely autobiographical novel that delves into the life of Yoel.  The conversation was raw, insightful, and thought-provoking, much like the book itself.  Yoel's journey — marked by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, existential musings, and collisions with society — mirrors the author’s own struggles and revelations.  As we unpacked the story’s layers, our guest spoke candidly about the real-life circumstances that inspired the narrative, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the emotional and psychological depth behind each chapter. Whether you're a fan of literature, personal transformation, or just love stories that challenge the way you think, this episode is a must-listen. Expect to question your own beliefs — and maybe even your path — by the time it's over.

From the Dark to the Light

Corey Wray shares his remarkable journey - a story of redemption, perseverance and everything in between - from a tough childhood to becoming a successful business owner.