Free Daily Podcast Summary
This is Beacon: Daily Summaries Delivered
by I Am Beacon
This Is Beacon offers a captivating glimpse into the heart and soul of a city, told by those that call it home. Serving as the audio scrapbook of the community, join us as we discover Beacon's history, celebrate local heroes, and dive into issues impacting our community.Presented by I Am Beacon, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving and empowering the Beacon community.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago1h 25m
Ep. 123| Untitled, for now: Keeping up with the City Council
In this episode of “Untitled, for now”, Rueben, Brooke, Rob Lanier, and producer Brandon continue their ongoing discussion about city government, civic engagement, and the future of Beacon.The conversation begins with a passionate public comment from longtime resident Theresa Craft, whose remarks spark a deeper discussion about transparency, public participation, and the current structure of City Council meetings. The team examines concerns about workshop discussions and votes occurring on the same night, the challenges residents face when trying to stay informed, and the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for public input.Topics discussed include:• The current City Council meeting format and concerns about rushed decision-making• Public access to information and meeting materials• Communication between elected officials and residents• The role of transparency in building trust within local government• The transition of leadership within City Hall and questions surrounding the City Administrator position• The importance of civic engagement and resident participation in local government• Beacon’s upcoming Comprehensive Plan and Capital Plan processes• Community concerns regarding project priorities• The Rail Trail and Greenway Trail discussions• The ongoing call for a community center in Beacon• The role nonprofits, volunteers, and residents play in shaping the future of the city• Why informed citizens make stronger communitiesThe panel also reflects on the value of community leadership, volunteerism, and collective action, encouraging residents to stay engaged, ask questions, and make their voices heard as Beacon plans for the future.Special RecognitionThe episode concludes with a tribute to former Beacon Police Chief John Johnson Sr., honoring his service, leadership, and lasting impact on the Beacon community.Community Event: An Evening with Don PruittJoin This Is Beacon host Rueben for a special live conversation with author Don Pruitt.Date: June 28, 2026Time: 6:00 PMLocation: Howland Public Library, Beacon, NYRueben will sit down with Don Pruitt to discuss his writing journey, published works, and connections to the Hudson Valley.RSVP TodayReserve your spot through the Howland Public Library website:www.beaconlibrary.orgStay ConnectedHelp more people discover conversations that matter in Beacon:• Subscribe to This Is Beacon on your favorite podcast platform• Rate and review the show to help it reach new listeners• Share episodes with friends, neighbors, and community membersSponsor or Support the ShowInterested in sponsoring an episode or partnering with This Is Beacon?Email:iambeacon.info@gmail.comSupport the mission of I Am Beacon and help strengthen local storytelling and community engagement:www.iambeacon.orgThank you for listening and for being part of an informed, engaged Beacon community.
- Apr 27, 20262h 0m
Ep. 122| Untitled, For Now: What’s Really Happening in Beacon
Beacon is changing fast. The question is, do residents fully understand how and why?In this first episode of a new series, the team breaks down what’s happening across the city and why so many people feel like decisions are moving faster than they can keep up with.Joined by longtime resident and former zoning board chair Robert Lanier, the conversation pulls back the curtain on leadership transitions, City Council dynamics, and the real impact of the Comprehensive Plan.The episode digs into what residents are seeing and feeling every day:Fast-tracked leadership decisions and what that means for transparencyA new City Council navigating complex issues at a rapid paceParking pressure as a sign of deeper planning challengesRising housing costs and what “affordable” really meansA recent public safety incident and the impact of limited communicationThis is not about politics. It’s about understanding how decisions made at City Hall show up in your daily life.If you’ve ever asked, “How did we get here?” this episode is for you.
- Mar 9, 202649 min
Ep.121 “Rooted, Unbothered, and Leading: Beacon’s Women Making History”
In this special Women’s History Month episode of This Is Beacon, Brooke, Reuben, and Brandon welcome guest co-host Tara Simmons for a conversation celebrating the women shaping Beacon’s past, present, and future.The episode kicks off with the city buzzing after the Beacon High School Varsity Boys Basketball team’s Sectional Championship win, while also highlighting the incredible leadership behind Beacon’s girls basketball program, led by Christina Ricottilli and Maritza Anderson.The hosts reflect on the lasting legacy of women in Beacon—from trailblazing educators to Beacon’s first female mayor, Clara Lou Gould—and recognize the strong presence of women-owned businesses throughout Main Street. They also acknowledge the legacy of BJ’s Restaurant, a longtime community staple run by Barbara and Brenda Sims.Guest Tara Simmons introduces her new faith-based women’s initiative, Rooted and Unbothered, focused on personal growth, resilience, and building authentic sisterhood in a time when many women are seeking deeper connection and support.The conversation also highlights the upcoming EmpowerHer Women’s Health Event, hosted by Les Soeurs Amiables Civic Club, taking place March 21 from 10am–2pm at St. Andrew & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Beacon. The event will feature sessions on women and wealth with Jasmine Vasquez, navigating menopause with Thomasina Brock of M.E.A.N. Girls, and yoga and meditation with La’Shawn Martinez, creating space for women to prioritize their health, knowledge, and wellbeing.The episode wraps with ways to get involved locally—from supporting women-owned businesses to showing up for community moments like EmpowerHer, the Parade of Green, and other events that bring Beacon together.Because when women lead and communities show up for one another, Beacon thrives.
- Oct 27, 202551 min
EP. 120 ICYMI | Backpacks, Running Shoes, Community Fridges
In this ICYMI episode of This Is Beacon, Reuben and Brandon are joined by Jamie from Faregrounds to recap a some community work in action. They highlight the Back 2 School Block Party, 138 supply kits distributed, and the 14th Annual I Run Beacon 5K securing their fundraising goal for their Making a Difference scholarship. They introduce Turkey on Every Table and discuss what’s next with community fridges.Want to support local community fridges or need food today? Visit Fareground.org or contact Jamie Levato at (845) 375-7194
- May 27, 20251h 23m
EP. 119 #Jointheconversation Series: Building Villages | Understanding Family Peer Advocacy with Shandi Speller
In this episode of This is Beacon, hosts Reuben and Brandon engage in a deep and insightful conversation with Shandi Speller, a seasoned family peer advocate with CoveCare Center for over eight years. Shandi shares her journey from being a classroom teacher in the South Bronx to becoming a family peer advocate. She discusses the importance of addressing children's behavioral issues by involving the entire family, the role of community resources like public libraries and recreation departments, and the necessity of building robust support systems for effective advocacy. Shandi also emphasizes the critical need for parental involvement in special education and the benefits of persistence in navigating available services. Her inspiring stories and valuable advice shed light on how communities can come together to support the mental health and well-being of families.00:00 Introduction and Hosts00:43 Meet Shandi Speller: Family Peer Advocate01:02 Shandi’s Journey to Advocacy04:21 Hobbies and Personal Interests10:47 Building a Village: The Importance of Community14:31 Challenges and Strategies in Family Support22:39 Advocating for Special Education34:09 Success Stories and Community Impact40:20 Teaching Life Skills and Community Engagement42:29 The Importance of Community Centers45:02 Supporting Families and Youth47:46 Community Resources and Services53:22 Challenges and Success Stories55:43 The Role of Empathy and Advocacy58:53 Final Thoughts and Reflections
- May 20, 20251h 26m
Ep. 118 #Jointheconversation Series| "Building Bridges in Mental Health: A Conversation with Courtney Rovere"
This episode of 'This is Beacon' features Brooke, Reuben, and Brandon welcoming special guest Courtney Rovere, PhD, LCSW(NY), LICSW(MA) as part of the #Jointheconversation series. The conversation centers around the importance of mental health, wellness, and Courtney's journey in the field. Courtney shares her experiences working in the Hudson Valley, her education in Boston, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her decision to return home. She highlights the need for systemic change in the mental health field, particularly emphasizing the role of women who constitute a majority of the workforce. Courtney discusses her research and thesignificant issues like burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and workforce turnover.She suggests solutions such as creating safe and affirming workspaces,elevating the voices of those with lived experiences, reducing rigid fundingconstraints, and focusing on collective care. The episode underscores theimportance of small, everyday efforts to foster community and support mentalhealth.
- May 13, 20251h 35m
Ep. 117 #Jointheconversation Series|Building Mental Wellness: Insights and Practical Strategies with JoAnne Streany
In this episode of This is Beacon, part of the #Jointheconversation series, hosts Brooke, Rueben, and Brandon sit down with Licensed Mental Health Counselor JoAnn Streany, whose work spans New York, New Jersey, Florida, Connecticut, and Delaware. JoAnn brings over two decades of experience as a former school counselor and now runs a remote private practice specializing in Integrated Nutrition for Mental Health.She shares how nutrition, movement, and sleep play a foundational role in mental wellness and elaborates on how she supports clients using Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) in partnership with Journey Clinical. Listeners will learn how KAP differs from traditional talk therapy by targeting healing at both the biological and psychological levels.This episode explores:JoAnn’s transition from school counseling to private practiceThe intersection of nutrition, sleep, and movement with mental healthThe science and safety of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)What Journey Clinical is and how it partners with providersKAP’s psychiatric medication management modelKey FAQs on KAP, including pricing, modalities, and insuranceReal-life applications of KAP in areas like mental health, athletics, and eating disordersThe importance of adaptability in leadership and communicationHow policy, training, and emotional regulation play a role in educational and workplace environmentsWhy modeling contentment and resilience mattersWhether you're a mental health professional, a leader, or someone seeking better self-care, JoAnn offers practical insights and thoughtful strategies that foster understanding, connection, and growth.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Special Guest JoAnn02:47 JoAnn's Professional Journey and Insights32:34 The Culture of Productivity and Its Impact38:53 Balancing Mental Health and Workplace Expectations40:28 Reevaluating Workplace Priorities42:26 Balancing Professional and Personal Life01:01:39 Addressing Emotional Regulation in Education01:04:09 The Importance of Policies and Training01:17:20 Understanding Skill Deficits and Choices
- May 6, 202557 min
Ep. 116 #Jointheconversation series| Building Voices: Rachel's Journey in Film and Disability Advocacy
In this episode of 'This is Beacon's #jointheconversationseries, hosts Reuben, Brandon delve into an insightful discussion with actress, writer, and director Rachel Handler. As a disability advocate and a recent participant in the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, Rachel shares her inspiring journey in the film industry, her relocation from Jersey City to the Hudson Valley, and the profound impact of authentic disability representation in media. The conversation covers the challenges and triumphs of her career, the significance of the Disability Film Challenge, and the crucial need for inclusiveness in Hollywood. Rachel also highlights her personal experiences and creative endeavors, providing a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptability, and artistic passion. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:33 Meet Rachel: Actress, Writer, and Advocate01:03 Life in Beacon and Personal Background09:19 Challenges and Triumphs in the Film Industry13:01 The Disability Film Challenge Experience18:53 Community Support and Filmmaking in Hudson Valley28:51 Backlash and Representation in Media29:48 Authentic Casting and Inclusivity31:25 Challenges and Stereotypes in Hollywood33:04 Intersectionality and Disability34:08 The Disability Film Challenge37:10 Promoting the Film Challenge39:21 Impact and Opportunities from the Challenge43:24 Personal Experiences and Microaggressions45:33 Behind the Scenes of Filmmaking49:05 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
About This is Beacon
This Is Beacon offers a captivating glimpse into the heart and soul of a city, told by those that call it home. Serving as the audio scrapbook of the community, join us as we discover Beacon's history, celebrate local heroes, and dive into issues impacting our community.Presented by I Am Beacon, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving and empowering the Beacon community.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from This is Beacon in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's This is Beacon daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of This is Beacon as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the This is Beacon podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official This is Beacon product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by I Am Beacon.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
What topics does This is Beacon cover?
This is Beacon covers topics including Business, Non-Profit. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting This is Beacon summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.