Westwood Living Podcast Network

Tom Leyden
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Tom Leyden interviews local business owners and residents to learn more about their journeys and missions. Join the Westwood Living Business Network and start connecting in a meaningful way with others in Westwood and beyond.

  1. Sep 15

    You Aspire, We Listen | Trevor Laubenstein's Collaborative Approach to Architecture

    What makes great architecture work? For Trevor Laubenstein of WestWood Architecture, it starts with creativity, problem-solving and, most importantly, listening to the client. On this edition of the Westwood Living Podcast, Tom Leyden sits down with Trevor at The Muffin House to talk about his journey from an art-loving student to Cornell University, a career designing major commercial projects, a transition into high-end residential architecture and, ultimately, the decision to launch WestWood Architecture. Trevor shares the story behind the transformation of his own Westwood home, which was recently featured in Westwood Living’s Home & Garden section, and explains how an architect thinks about a home from both the outside in and the inside out. The conversation also explores the long road to becoming a licensed architect, Trevor’s years working on large-scale commercial projects, his shift toward residential design, and the leap of faith required to start his own firm. One of Trevor’s core beliefs is simple: there’s an architect for everyone. Whether the project is a bathroom renovation, an addition, a new home or a commercial space, he believes having an experienced professional who listens, asks the right questions and advocates for the client can make a significant difference. Trevor also talks about navigating the relationship between architect and client, why inspiration photos don’t always tell the whole story, and how good design often comes from discovering what a client truly wants rather than simply reproducing something they’ve already seen. It’s an inside look at the art, science and communication behind architecture, and at the philosophy Trevor is bringing to WestWood Architecture. 🎙️ The Westwood Living Podcast Hosted by Tom Leyden Featuring Trevor Laubenstein, WestWood Architecture Subscribe for more conversations with the people, businesses and organizations that make our community special.

    You Aspire, We Listen | Trevor Laubenstein's Collaborative Approach to Architecture

  2. Sep 12

    Let’s Find Jeff a Kidney | Kristi Noone’s Remarkable Story of Family & Hope

    Jeff needs a kidney. His sister Kristi Noone is determined to help him find one. Kristi joins Tom Leyden on the Westwood Living Podcast to share the remarkable story behind Westwood Living’s September cover feature, “A Chain of Hope,” and to explain why her family's search for a kidney donor has become so urgent. More than a decade ago, Jeff’s kidney disease progressed to the point that he needed a transplant. Family members and friends were tested, but none was a compatible match. Kristi, however, was healthy enough to donate. Through the National Kidney Registry, Kristi became part of an extraordinary paired kidney donation chain. She donated one of her kidneys to another recipient, and Jeff received a compatible kidney from another donor. What Kristi initially imagined might be a simple exchange ultimately became a nationwide chain involving 35 donor-recipient pairs, 70 people and approximately 25 hospitals. The transplant gave Jeff nine good years. But, as Kristi explains, a kidney transplant is a treatment, not a cure. Jeff’s transplanted kidney eventually began failing, and he has now been back on dialysis for approximately two years, three days a week. Kristi wishes she could donate again. “I don’t have any more extras.” So now she's doing everything she can to find someone who can help her brother. Jeff is 48, lives in Quincy and is a childhood cancer survivor. In a remarkable full-circle chapter of his life, he now works at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the place that helped save his life as a child. Despite dialysis and everything he is facing, he continues to work and move forward. “He’s definitely the strongest person I know,” Kristi says. In this conversation, Kristi explains how kidney donation works, what life has been like for her after donating, how paired donation can help when family members aren't compatible, and why someone interested in helping Jeff can confidentially learn more without making an immediate commitment. Most importantly, you do NOT have to live in Massachusetts to potentially help. Could you, or someone you know, be the person Jeff is looking for? LEARN MORE ABOUT DONATING: nkr.org/WAF939 Follow “Let’s Find Jeff a Kidney” on Facebook and Instagram. And please SHARE this episode. The person who can help Jeff could be anywhere in the country, and reaching that person starts by spreading the word. 🎙️ Westwood Living Podcast 🎤 Hosted by Tom Leyden 📖 Kristi Noone is featured on the cover of the September 2026 edition of Westwood Living.

    Let’s Find Jeff a Kidney | Kristi Noone’s Remarkable Story of Family & Hope

  3. Sep 5

    Nature for All, Forever: Hale Education Celebrates a Generational Conservation Achievement

    More than 1,100 acres of Hale Education land are now permanently protected, marking the culmination of years of work and what Executive Director Dr. Aaron Morehouse calls a “generational achievement.” In this conversation with Westwood Living’s Tom Leyden, Morehouse explains what it took to complete Hale’s historic conservation restrictions, why the process was so complex, and how Hale worked to protect not only the ecological importance of the land, but also something equally central to its mission: keeping people connected to it. From hiking, mountain biking and swimming at South Beach to outdoor education programs serving more than 200 schools and 16,000 participants, Hale has become an extraordinary resource for Westwood and the Greater Boston region. “If the land is healing the people, then we also need to do what we need to do to heal the land,” Morehouse says. Now it’s time to celebrate. 🌲 Hale’s Fall Equinox Celebration 📅 September 24, 2026 📍 Cat Rock Field at Hale Education 🎶 Live music, food, community and a celebration of everyone who helped make this historic accomplishment possible. Morehouse also talks about what he learned through the lengthy conservation process, Hale’s unique commitment to active access and experiential education, and why the phrase “Nature for All, Forever” perfectly captures what this moment means. 🎟️ Space for the Fall Equinox Celebration is limited. Visit Hale Education’s website at www.hale.education for event and ticket information.

    Nature for All, Forever: Hale Education Celebrates a Generational Conservation Achievement

  4. Aug 21

    Westwood’s Biggest Summer Party Is Almost Here! | Summer Bonanza 2026

    ONE NIGHT. ONE COMMUNITY. ONE BIG SUMMER CELEBRATION. ☀️🎶🍻 The Westwood Living Hale Education Summer Bonanza is back Thursday, August 27 from 5–9 PM, and we want YOU there! Presented by Kadeema Rentals & Ian Brown Land Design, the Summer Bonanza has become one of our favorite Westwood traditions, bringing families, friends, neighbors and local businesses together for an unforgettable night at beautiful Hale Education. 🎶 Live Music from South Street Six 🔥 BBQ from Pollard’s Test Kitchen 🍷 Beer & Wine from Decanted Mobile Bar 🍦 Bubbling Brook Ice Cream 🎨 Face Painting ✏️ Caricatures 📸 Professional Photos & The ARCH Orthodontics Photo Booth 🎯 Lawn Games & Activities ✨ Chair Massages from Panacea Mobile Massage 🌲 A beautiful summer night at Hale More than 900 people have joined us during the first three years of the Bonanza, and we're getting ready to do it all again. This year's celebration also helps support Dana-Farber and our friend Diana Bezdedeanu, giving us another great reason to come together. Don't wait until Thursday to decide. Grab your tickets, invite some friends, bring the family and COME JOIN US! 🎟️ TICKETS & DETAILS: Get Your Summer Bonanza Tickets at http://bit.ly/summerbonanza26 📅 Thursday, August 27 ⏰ 5:00–9:00 PM 📍 Hale Education | 80 Carby Street, Westwood Summer's almost over. Let's send it out the right way. #WestwoodLiving #SummerBonanza #WestwoodMA #HaleEducation #Community #FamilyFun #SummerInWestwood

    Westwood’s Biggest Summer Party Is Almost Here! | Summer Bonanza 2026

  5. Aug 21

    Massage That Comes to You | Becca Primeau of Panacea Mobile Massage

    What if the massage came to you? On this edition of the Westwood Living Podcast, Tom Leyden sits down with Becca Primeau of Panacea Mobile Massage to talk about bringing professional massage therapy directly to clients and making relaxation, recovery and self-care more convenient. Becca shares the story behind Panacea Mobile Massage, her approach to working with clients, and why massage can be about much more than simply relaxing for an hour. From relieving everyday stress and muscle tension to helping active people recover and feel their best, massage can become an important part of an overall wellness routine. Tom and Becca also discuss the advantages of mobile massage therapy, including one of the biggest: when your massage is finished, you’re already home. No driving, no rushing back into the day and no immediately losing that post-massage feeling. In this episode: The story behind Panacea Mobile Massage Why Becca chose the mobile massage model Benefits of regular massage therapy Stress relief, recovery and muscle tension Who can benefit from massage What clients can expect from an in-home session Making wellness and self-care more convenient If you’ve considered massage therapy but have trouble finding the time, this conversation may change the way you think about fitting it into your life. Subscribe to the Westwood Living Podcast for more conversations with the people, businesses and organizations that make our community special. #WestwoodLiving #PanaceaMobileMassage #MassageTherapy #MobileMassage #Wellness #Recovery #SelfCare #WestwoodMA

    Massage That Comes to You | Becca Primeau of Panacea Mobile Massage

  6. Jul 30

    Trina Holland - The Bella Boutique Spa

    Meet Trina Holland, a Westwood resident and owner of The Bella Boutique Spa in Newtonville, Massachusetts, and discover how her passion for skincare grew into a welcoming destination for facials, massage therapy, relaxation, and self-care. In this conversation with Tom Leyden of the Westwood Living Podcast Network, Trina shares her journey from working at a dermatology clinic to becoming an aesthetician and business owner. She also explains what makes The Bella Boutique Spa different from a traditional med spa, including its hands-on approach to helping clients achieve healthier skin. Trina discusses: • Customized facials and long-term skincare • Dermaplaning, microneedling, and microdermabrasion • Relaxation, hot stone, and CBD massage therapy • The importance of sunscreen and regular skin checks • Creating a peaceful escape from everyday stress • Her journey from County Galway, Ireland, to Newton • Her favorite recommendations for visiting Ireland The Bella Boutique Spa features six private treatment rooms and offers personalized services designed to help clients look better, feel better, and take meaningful time for themselves. Learn more or book an appointment: thebellaboutiquespa.com Call The Bella Boutique Spa: 617-796-7920 Subscribe to the Westwood Living Podcast Network for conversations with the people, businesses, and organizations making a difference throughout Greater Boston.

    Trina Holland - The Bella Boutique Spa

  7. Jul 13

    Joe & Jackie Bethoney - Discover Properties

    Tom Leyden connects with the father/daughter team of Joe & Jackie Bethoney at the offices of Discover Properties in Dedham. Joe has been in real estate for almost four decades and Discover Properties is a family-owned business. Jackie joined the team three years ago, and they now work together with a number of clients in the region. Tom, Joe & Jackie talk about the lessons learned over four decades, the most important things Jackie has embraced since joining the team, some of the projects the team is working on throughout Dedham, Westwood and Norwood, and why exactly you should consider working with them in the future. Learn more about the JB Team by visiting http://www.discoverproperties.com

    Joe & Jackie Bethoney - Discover Properties

  8. Jul 10

    Domenic Esposito - The Opioid Spoon Project & Villa Monarca Tuscany

    Tom Leyden catches up with Domenic Esposito, an accomplished sculptor and founder of The Opioid Spoon Project. Domenic will be showcasing his work in Miami this December and is working with a team to produce a manuscript and screenplay that captures the last 5-6 years of his life. Tom and Domenic also discuss Villa Monarca Tuscany, a luxury villa in Italy owned by Domenic and his wife, Monica, that's available for rentals. Learn more about the Opioid Spoon Project by visiting http://www.theopioidspoonproject.com and learn more about Villa Monarca by visiting http://www.villamonarcatuscany.com

    Domenic Esposito - The Opioid Spoon Project & Villa Monarca Tuscany
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Tom Leyden interviews local business owners and residents to learn more about their journeys and missions. Join the Westwood Living Business Network and start connecting in a meaningful way with others in Westwood and beyond.

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