Cultivate with Alex Canavan

CNY Women's Network

Success rarely happens overnight. Instead, it's cultivated over time through different experiences, relationships, and conversations. On Cultivate, host Alex Canavan — founder of the CNY Women’s Network — sits down with builders, creators, and visionaries to share the stories behind those experiences. New episodes drop every Monday. Ready to Cultivate? Hit the Follow button. Business and sponsorship opportunities - partnerships@cnywomensnetwork.com Guest feature inquiries - podcast@cnywomensnetwork.com

  1. 6D AGO

    #126: CNYWS Welcome Reception ft. Alex Canavan & Elena Bombardier

    This week, we're doing something a little different — and it's one you won't want to miss.In this special live recording, host Alex Canavan flips the script at the CNY Women's Summit Welcome Reception, stepping out from behind the mic and into the hot seat. Elena Bombardier takes over the interview, turning the lens on Alex herself for a rare, unfiltered look at the woman behind Cultivate and the CNY Women's Network.What started as a simple idea pitched to a boss at 22 years old — a celebration for International Women's Day — turned into the largest event for women leaders in Central New York. Now heading into its fifth year, the CNY Women's Summit has grown from a scrappy 160-person happy hour into a full-day experience drawing hundreds of women professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders from across the region. But the journey there has been anything but linear.In this conversation, recorded live in front of a room full of the very community Alex built, she gets honest about the fear, the doubt, and the moments she found herself scrolling Indeed wondering if she should just give up. And she shares what kept her going anyway.💬 Topics we cover:-The origin story of the CNY Women's Summit — and what Alex was really looking for when she started it-How loneliness and a desire for community became the unexpected fuel behind the CNY Women's Network-What it actually feels like to grow year over year — and how fear gets bigger the more you have to lose-The evolution of the summit from networking happy hour to immersive, full-day experience-Alex's biggest leadership lessons, including getting honest about money and the things she's been avoiding-Showing up visibly and authentically — and why your people will always find youThis one is personal, vulnerable, and packed with the kind of honesty you rarely hear from the person who's usually asking all the questions.New episodes drop every Monday. Ready to Cultivate? Hit Subscribe. Follow Cultivate on ⁠Instagram⁠ Learn more about this episode's sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Central New York Community Foundation⁠

    43 min
  2. MAR 23

    #125: From Nursing to Entrepreneurship ft. Gwen Crossett

    In this episode, host Alex Canavan sits down with Gwen Crossett — registered nurse, eldercare expert, and founder of ConstantCare247, a company born from a deep commitment to putting patients and families first.With over 25 years of experience in healthcare — more than a decade of which has been dedicated specifically to eldercare — Gwen has become a trusted guide for families facing one of life's most emotionally complex transitions: finding the right care for an aging loved one. She doesn't just understand the healthcare system. She knows how to cut through the noise, navigate the complexity, and deliver solutions that truly honor each client's unique needs and wishes.What sets Gwen apart is the rare combination of clinical expertise and genuine compassion. She's an advocate, a problem-solver, and someone who actually listens — and she built ConstantCare247 because she saw the gaps in eldercare that too many families were falling through alone.In this conversation, Gwen opens up about what inspired her to make the leap from nurse to founder, the realities of eldercare that don't get talked about enough, and her vision for giving Central New York families something every one of them deserves: peace of mind.💬 Topics we cover:-Gwen's 25+ year journey through healthcare and what led her to eldercare-The gaps she identified in the system — and why she felt called to fill them-What ConstantCare247 does and who it's designed to serve-How to navigate care decisions for aging loved ones without feeling overwhelmed-Leading with integrity, compassion, and advocacy in a complex industryIf you're caring for an aging parent, planning ahead for a loved one, or simply want to understand how to get better support from the healthcare system — this conversation is exactly what you need to hear.New episodes drop every Monday. Ready to Cultivate? Hit Subscribe. Follow Cultivate on Instagram Learn more about this episode's sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Central New York Community Foundation⁠

    53 min
  3. MAR 16

    #124: Stronger Than You Think ft. Sara Grace Nickle

    In this episode, host Alex Canavan sits down with Sara Grace Nickle — owner, head coach, and the powerhouse behind SGP Fight Club, a female-focused fight program right here in the Syracuse area. With 30 years of martial arts experience spanning boxing, kickboxing, and Muay Thai, Sara Grace has channeled a lifetime of discipline and dedication into building something truly special for women. And here's the thing — you don't have to want to fight to belong here. Whether you're walking into a gym for the very first time or you're ready to step into the ring, SGP meets you exactly where you are.This is a space built on self-defense, getting strong, forming real friendships, and finding a community of women who are genuinely showing up for themselves. It's empowering, it's welcoming, and it's exactly what this area needed.In this conversation, Sara Grace opens up about her journey from fighter to coach, what it really takes to build a program rooted in women's empowerment, and why she believes every woman deserves to feel confident and capable in her own body.💬 Topics we cover:-Sara Grace's 30-year martial arts journey and how it led her to coaching-Building a female-focused fight program from the ground up-Why SGP is for every woman — beginner to competitor-The role of community in keeping women consistent and confident-What true empowerment looks like inside and outside the gymWhether you're looking to get stronger, find your people, or just reclaim a little power in your everyday life — this one is for you.New episodes drop every Monday. Ready to Cultivate? Hit Subscribe.

    58 min
  4. MAR 9

    #123: Betting on Yourself ft. Laura Capparelli

    In this episode, host Alex Canavan sits down with Laura Capparelli, the woman behind Pausa Coffee — a coffee shop and cocktail lounge in the heart of downtown Syracuse that is truly unlike anything else in the area. Inspired by European café culture and the art of slow living, Pausa is by day your go-to for beautifully crafted espresso drinks, seasonal lattes, and fresh pastries — and by night, an intimate lounge with curated wines, craft cocktails, and small plates. It's warm, it's elevated, and it's exactly what this city needed. But the story behind it is anything but simple. Laura came to this not from a business plan, but from burnout — a health crisis that forced her to stop, slow down, and completely reimagine her life. What followed was a trip to Europe, a philosophy shift, and the vision for a space where others could do the same. 💬 Topics we cover: How a mental health crisis became the unexpected catalyst for PausaBuilding a brand rooted in intentionality — and educating a market on why that mattersBringing European slow-living culture to Upstate New YorkBalancing a full-time career while launching and growing a businessHiring for heart over experience, and building a team that believes in the missionIf you're building a business, growing a career, or simply trying to create a life with more intention — this one's for you. New episodes drop every Monday.Ready to Cultivate? Hit Subscribe. Follow Pausa on Instagram Learn more about our sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Central New York Community Foundation⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be a guest on Cultivate CNY Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY on her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Cultivate CNY on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow the CNY Women's Network on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   / cnywomensnetwork  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This episode is brought to you by the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠CNY Women’s Network.⁠ CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York. Email alex@cnywomensnetwork.com to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diam Media Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    47 min
  5. MAR 2

    #122: Faith, Fertility, and Rethinking Everything ft. Dr. Robert Kiltz

    In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Dr. Robert Kiltz, founder and director of CNY Fertility — one of the most innovative fertility practices in the country. Board-certified in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, Dr. Kiltz has spent more than two decades helping families grow right here in Central New York while completely reimagining what fertility care can look like. His path to medicine was anything but straight — growing up in LA, kicked out of school, father in jail, couldn't read. What carried him forward was passion, grit, and a work ethic forged young. Today, CNY Fertility draws patients from around the world, yet remains deeply rooted in the community he's called home for nearly 30 years. Dr. Kiltz doesn't just practice medicine — he challenges it. His approach blends cutting-edge reproductive science with faith, holistic wellness, and a deep belief in the carnivore diet as a tool for reducing inflammation, restoring hormonal health, and supporting mental clarity. This conversation goes far beyond fertility — it's about mission, purpose, and rethinking the way we live. 💬 Topics we cover: From gangs and school expulsion to building a nationally recognized medical practiceIntegrating Eastern and Western medicine to transform patient outcomesThe carnivore diet, fertility, and its connection to chronic inflammationFaith, fasting, and the mindset shift that changed everythingWhy he believes most chronic illness starts with the wrong diet Learn more about CNY Fertility Connect with Dr. Kiltz on Instagram Learn more about our sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empower FCU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Central New York Community Foundation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be a guest on Cultivate CNY Ready to gain access to exclusive discounts on some of our favorite women-owned products and services in Central New York? Introducing the 2025-2026 CNYWN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Member's Card⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! SHOP & SAVE AT 30+ women-owned businesses ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY on her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Cultivate CNY on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support this podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow the CNY Women's Network on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   / cnywomensnetwork  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This episode is brought to you by the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠CNY Women’s Network.⁠ CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York. Email alex@cnywomensnetwork.com to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diam Media Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1h 16m
  6. FEB 23

    #121: What Your Numbers Are Telling You ft. Andriana Cannon

    In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Andriana Cannon, Syracuse native and founder of Cannon Advisory Group, a boutique accounting and advisory firm helping business owners gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances. A LeMoyne College graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Andriana put herself through college working in the hospitality industry, an experience that gave her the people first mindset and multitasking grit that still defines her practice today. Before launching her firm in 2023, Andriana spent three years in private auditing and two years as Accounting Manager for a fast growing startup, where she learned to build financial foundations from the ground up. What started as a flexible work from home venture quickly took off, and today Cannon Advisory Group is a thriving team built on two decades of trusted relationships. Andriana is also deeply rooted in the CNY community. She leads Greek dance classes at St. Sophia's Church and is working toward financial literacy programming with the Girl Scouts of America. 💬 Topics we cover: The journey from bartending and serving to founding an accounting firmWhat working at a high growth startup taught her about building her own businessHow hospitality shaped her client first, relationship driven approach to accountingBuilding a team rooted in trust and years of real world relationship buildingWhy she's intentional about staying boutique and never losing the personal touchHer 2026 goal: bringing financial literacy to young women through the Girl Scouts Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Andriana on LinkedIn Learn more about our sponsor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Empower FCU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be a guest on Cultivate CNY Ready to gain access to exclusive discounts on some of our favorite women-owned products and services in Central New York? Introducing the 2025-2026 CNYWN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Member's Card⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! SHOP & SAVE AT 30+ women-owned businesses ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY on her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Cultivate CNY on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support this podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow the CNY Women's Network on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   / cnywomensnetwork  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This episode is brought to you by the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠CNY Women’s Network.⁠ CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York. Email alex@cnywomensnetwork.com to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diam Media Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    53 min
  7. FEB 16

    #120: Entrepreneurship and Affordable Housing ft. Ryan Benz

    In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Ryan Benz, Founder and CEO of Redev CNY, a Syracuse-based real estate development firm transforming affordable homeownership across Central New York. A Syracuse University Whitman School of Management graduate, Ryan has built a career around creating real pathways to ownership for moderate-income households and ensuring long-term residents share in their neighborhoods' economic growth. As Chair of the Syracuse Housing Authority and Vice Chair of the United Way of Central New York, Ryan's impact extends far beyond development. His team made history as the first in New York State to utilize HCR's Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program—innovation that earned him the 2026 Crystal Ball Award. When he's not reshaping housing policy, you might find him at Oh My Darling or The Fitz, the downtown Syracuse restaurants he owns with his wife Leigh Ann. 💬 Topics we cover: Redefining affordable homeownership and equitable developmentLeading the Syracuse Housing Authority and addressing CNY's poverty crisisBeing first in NYS to use the Affordable Homeownership Opportunity ProgramThe creative, entrepreneurial spirit behind community revitalizationBalancing development, board service, and restaurant ownershipWhy now is the time to take the entrepreneurial leap Learn more about Redev CNY Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn Learn more about our sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Empower FCU⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be a guest on Cultivate CNY Ready to gain access to exclusive discounts on some of our favorite women-owned products and services in Central New York? Introducing the 2025-2026 CNYWN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Member's Card⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! SHOP & SAVE AT 30+ women-owned businesses ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY on her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Cultivate CNY on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support this podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow the CNY Women's Network on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   / cnywomensnetwork  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This episode is brought to you by the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠CNY Women’s Network.⁠ CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York. Email alex@cnywomensnetwork.com to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diam Media Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    42 min
  8. FEB 9

    #119: Decades on Air ft. Amy Robbins

    In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Amy Robbins, Morning Show Co-host and Executive Producer of the Ted and Amy Morning Show on WNTQ Radio in Syracuse. With nearly four decades on the air, Amy has become one of Central New York's most trusted and beloved voices. A Camden native and Ithaca College graduate, Amy shares her remarkable journey from small-town girl to radio icon. She opens up about what it takes to stay relevant and authentic for 37 years, how families have grown up listening across generations, and why community connection has always been at the heart of everything she does. Inducted into the New York State Broadcaster's Hall of Fame in 2019, Amy has dedicated her career to lifting up Central New York — from serving as the official voice of the New York State Fair and emcee of Syracuse's St. Patrick's Parade to hosting the beloved Amy's Slumber Party and supporting countless local causes. 💬 Topics we cover: Building a 37-year career in morning radioCreating generational impact through local mediaThe power of authenticity and kindness on airCommunity advocacy and giving back to CNYBreaking into broadcasting and staying powerThe future of radio and doing it on your own termsAmy's Slumber Party and connecting with women in the community Learn more about the Ted and Amy Morning Show Connect on Instagram Learn more about our sponsors: ⁠⁠⁠Cannon Advisory Group⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Empower FCU⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apply⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be a guest on Cultivate CNY Ready to gain access to exclusive discounts on some of our favorite women-owned products and services in Central New York? Introducing the 2025-2026 CNYWN ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Member's Card⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! SHOP & SAVE AT 30+ women-owned businesses ACROSS CENTRAL NEW YORK Connect with Alex Canavan, the host of Cultivate CNY on her ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Cultivate CNY on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Support this podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow the CNY Women's Network on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow the CNY Women's Network on TikTok:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   / cnywomensnetwork  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This episode is brought to you by the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠CNY Women’s Network.⁠ CNY Women’s Network is a Syracuse-based media company that prioritizes community and collaboration between woman-owned businesses. We connect, promote, and celebrate businesses in Central New York. Email alex@cnywomensnetwork.com to learn more about how CNY Women's Network can amplify your brand. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The Collective by CNY Women’s Network, a membership community for growth-minded women.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use the code: CULTIVATE10 for 10% off your first month or your first year with The Collective. This episode is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Diam Media Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    1 hr
5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Success rarely happens overnight. Instead, it's cultivated over time through different experiences, relationships, and conversations. On Cultivate, host Alex Canavan — founder of the CNY Women’s Network — sits down with builders, creators, and visionaries to share the stories behind those experiences. New episodes drop every Monday. Ready to Cultivate? Hit the Follow button. Business and sponsorship opportunities - partnerships@cnywomensnetwork.com Guest feature inquiries - podcast@cnywomensnetwork.com

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