Welcome To Connecticut

Luca Manfe was the winner of Season 4 of the popular Fox cooking show MasterChef. He sits down with Ken to talk about his culinary background, the entire MasterChef experience, how winning the show changed his life, as well as his current career and future ambitions. This episode is brought to you by PWInsider (PWInsider.com) and King Pong (KingPongShop.com). The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Mitch Hallock rejoins Ken in the home office for what has become a June tradition on the podcast. Ken and Mitch sit down for their annual conversation about comics, movies, television and, of course, TerrifiCon; which is happening August 19th – 21st at the Mohegan Sun Arena.  The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Chef Prasad Chrinomula is an extremely accomplished chef whose restaurants have been a staple in Connecticut for the last 20 years. His newest restaurant, INDIA, recently opened up in New Canaan. Chef Prasad sits down with Ken to discuss the development of INDIA, as well as his career and the challenges of making Indian food approachable to all palates. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Stephanie Simoni is a reporter and anchor for WTNH News Channel 8. She sits down with Ken to talk about her career and how she ended up in New Haven; from her early days waiting tables while trying to get her first break in front of the camera, all the way to today where she’s become a pivotal part of the WTNH news team. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Chaz and AJ have been a staple to Connecticut radio for close to two decades, hosting the popular Chaz and AJ In The Morning radio program on various stations across Connecticut. Ken sits down with Chaz and AJ to discuss their beginnings, how they’ve adjusted to the changes in radio over the years and their process of putting together a show. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Che-Val is the Connecticut based husband and wife musical duo of Kenny and Laura Cash. Their new album Waterproof just dropped this year. Ken sits down with Kenny and Laura to discuss the creative process behind that album, their development as performers, Laura’s challenges balancing a teaching job with the band, the Connecticut live music scene and more.  The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Aspetuck Brew Lab is taking beer to a higher place. Located in the Black Rock area of Bridgeport CT, Aspetuck Brew Lab is making waves in the Connecticut beer community by having some extremely tasty liquid and a unique brewery aesthetic. Peter Cowles and his wife Tara sit down with Ken to chat about the overall concept behind the brewery, Peter’s homebrew background, teaching macro-drinkers about craft beer and more. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Alzheimer’s is a horrifying disease that not only effects those who suffer through it, but also the family and friends close to the victim. The Alzheimer’s Association of CT is an organization whose mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Ken sits down with Ginge, Nancy and Cristin from the Alzheimer’s Association of CT to discuss the disease, their organization and the Celebrating Hope fundraiser; happening April 29th at L’Escale in Greenwich. Tickets for the event are available at ALZ.org/CT. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Dennis Dunaway is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and one of the founding members of Alice Cooper. Known as one of the most influential bass players of all time, Dennis has co-wrote some of music’s most classic songs such as School’s Out and I’m Eighteen. Nowadays Dennis lives in Stamford, and he sat down with Ken to discuss his career with Alice Cooper, tells stories about his time with Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison, and runs through the process of writing his new book; Snakes! Guillotines! Electric Chairs! The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

This episode was recorded on location at One Night Only, a benefit for Community Plates which took place at The Spread in Norwalk CT on April 4th 2016. The event featured amazing food from Chef Carlos Baez, as well as wine from Paradise Hills Vineyard in Wallingford, and proceeds went to benefit Community Plates. This episode features conversations with Chef Carlos Baez from The Spread, Margaret Ruggerio-Mena from Paradise Hills Vineyard and Kate Albrecht from Community Plates. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Two conversations in one episode. If this podcast weren’t free it would be like double your money’s worth. First off, Ken sits down with Kevin Mullins, the Executive Director of Community Plates. They discuss the great work Community Plates does across the state, as well as the upcoming One Night Only charity dinner happening at The Spread in South Norwalk on April 4th. After that Ken sits down with Senator Richard Blumenthal, the first political guest and the first US Senator to sit down for a conversation on the show. They discuss his background, his inquisitive nature and more. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

No Worries Brewing is one of the newest additions to the Connecticut beer community. Located in Hamden CT, No Worries Brewing brings a laid back feeling and vibe to the Connecticut beer scene. Ken sits down with Kevin Mark, one of the founders of No Worries, to discuss the genesis of their brewery, how they plan on standing out amongst a constantly growing Connecticut beer scene and more. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

Ryan Kristafer did everything he possibly could to get himself noticed early in his career, from creating his own YouTube videos  to putting together concepts for game shows and television programs. His hard work and hustle eventually paid off, as Ryan is now the co-host of CT Style, weekday mornings at 9am on WTNH News Channel 8. Ken sits down with Ryan to discuss the unique path that led him to becoming one of Connecticut’s most recognizable television personalities. This week’s episode is brought to you by ONE NIGHT ONLY, a benefit evening for Community Plates, happening April 4th at The Spread in South Norwalk CT. For more information on that event, please visit the events page on WelcomeCT.com. The theme song for the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast is “I Know Where You’ve Been” by Forget The Whale (www.facebook.com/forgetthewhale).

The disc golf community is insanely passionate and constantly growing, OTC Disc Golf is one of the pillars of that community. OTC Disc Golf is the only dedicated disc golf retail store in the state, and Ken sits down with one of the owners of OTC, Pat DiCaprio, to discuss the ever-growing world of disc golf. This week’s theme song is “Wednesday Morning” by Slackstring.

Treehouse Brewing might not be a Connecticut based brewery, but beer enthusiasts from the Nutmeg State are always talking about their brews, and making the trek to Monson, MA to take home their beer. Ken visited Treehouse and sat down with Dean Rohan to talk about the history of their brewery, the reputation they have within the beer community, their plans for expansion and how they meet the high expectations people have for their liquid. This week’s theme song is “Purple Haze” by The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Neville Wisdom is a New Haven based fashion designer, originally from Jamaica, who risked everything to pursue his dream of working in fashion. Neville sits down with Ken Tuccio to talk about his inspirational story about leaving a secure job in the medical industry in order to chase down a career as a fashion designer, and the struggles and challenges he faced while doing it. This week’s theme song is “Fashion” by The Royal Concept (www.TheRoyalConcept.com).

This is the 100th episode of the Welcome To Connecticut Podcast. It’s a pretty big event, and to celebrate the milestone Ken decided to put together a special episode where he brought back some past guests who have been extremely important to the growth of the show in the last few years. Ken’s producer Don Salzarulo, Scott Vallely from Charter Oak Brewing and the incomparable Chef Plum join Ken for a very special program that celebrates 100 episodes of the show. You can get more information about Welcome To Connecticut at WelcomeCT.com. Welcome To Connecticut’s theme music is “Catch The Ball” by The McLovins (TheMcLovins.com).

Bob Backlund is a two time WWE World Champion and in 2013 he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame who lives in Glastonbury CT. Bob came to the home office and sat down with Ken for a candid conversation about his wrestling career, including what it was like working for Vince McMahon Sr., the creation of the Mr. Backlund character, his thoughts on Hulk Hogan, his new book and more. You can get more information about Welcome To Connecticut at WelcomeCT.com. Welcome To Connecticut’s theme music is “Catch The Ball” by The McLovins (TheMcLovins.com).

Casey, Matt and Jamie are the guys behind The Blind Rhino in Norwalk, a sports bar that has been the talk of Fairfield County since it opened its doors in 2015. Ken sits down with the trio and discusses the journey that led them to the Rhino, the building and development of the bar, how they attempt to stand out in Norwalk and amongst other sports bars. They also discuss SONO BOWL, an event which Ken is working together with The Blind Rhino to develop. This episode is brought to you by SONO BOWL, taking place February 7th at The Blind Rhino in Norwalk CT. Tickets are available now at WelcomeCT.com. You can get more information about Welcome To Connecticut at WelcomeCT.com. Welcome To Connecticut’s theme music is “Catch The Ball” by The McLovins (TheMcLovins.com).

Robert Pellegrino is a New Haven based author who has been involved in the field of race relations for over 25 years. His new book, I See Color, is a white perspective on identifying, understanding and reducing society’s hidden racism. Ken sits down with Robert to discuss the topic of race, why many don’t discuss it comfortably, his experience working in the field of race relations and how it all led to his new book. This episode is brought to you by SONO BOWL, taking place February 7th at The Blind Rhino in Norwalk CT. Tickets are available now at WelcomeCT.com. You can get more information about Welcome To Connecticut at WelcomeCT.com. Welcome To Connecticut’s theme music is “Catch The Ball” by The McLovins (TheMcLovins.com).