Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein

Ron Klopfanstein

0.0 (0)
Arts
Updated Weekly

Ron Klopfanstein spotlights writers, actors, musicians, artists, performers, podcasters, influencers, journalists, and other content creators and talks to them about their work, inspiration, and passion for art, media, and popular culture. Hot Seat: Media Monday is broadcast live on 95.5 FM "The Heat" Utica Phoenix Radio every Monday at 5 pm

5d ago

S2:E47 | Spencer K · DJ Roscoe Red · United Way · Stella Explores CNY

DJ Roscoe Red joins Ron Klopfanstein as celebrity co-host for this week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday on 95.5 FM The Heat. The show begins with Ron’s feature on 14-year-old Central New York musician Spencer K, who recently released his self-titled debut album. Then Roscoe takes a seat in the studio to talk about DJing, entertaining crowds, community, and the experiences that have shaped him. In Segment 2, Christine Perez and Haley Edick from United Way of the Mohawk Valley join Ron and Roscoe to preview The United Games, a community event happening Saturday, August 22, at F.T. Proctor Park in Utica. Then Nate Olsen of Stella Explores CNY joins the conversation — along with Stella herself — to talk about exploring Central New York with a service dog, accessibility, inclusion, and the adventures they share through Stella Explores CNY. Hosted by Ron Klopfanstein. Audio Engineer: Jonathan Brooks (DJ J-Easy) Photojournalist & AI Content Producer: Jim Hale Entertainment Correspondent: Nabil Khan Correspondent: Lily Christopher Hot Seat: Media Monday airs Mondays from 5–6 p.m. on 95.5 FM The Heat in Utica, NY. Watch stories, interviews and full episodes at: UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday #MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday
5d ago

S2:E47 | Spencer K · DJ Roscoe Red · United Way · Stella Explores CNY

S2:E47 | Spencer K · DJ Roscoe Red · United Way · Stella Explores CNY DJ Roscoe Red joins Ron Klopfanstein as celebrity co-host for this week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday on 95.5 FM The Heat. The show begins with Ron’s feature on 14-year-old Central New York musician Spencer K, who recently released his self-titled debut album. Then Roscoe takes a seat in the studio to talk about DJing, entertaining crowds, community, and the experiences that have shaped him. In Segment 2, Christine Perez and Haley Edick from United Way of the Mohawk Valley join Ron and Roscoe to preview The United Games, a community event happening Saturday, August 22, at F.T. Proctor Park in Utica. Then Nate Olsen of Stella Explores CNY joins the conversation — along with Stella herself — to talk about exploring Central New York with a service dog, accessibility, inclusion, and the adventures they share through Stella Explores CNY. Hosted by Ron Klopfanstein. Audio Engineer: Jonathan Brooks (DJ J-Easy) Photojournalist & AI Content Producer: Jim Hale Entertainment Correspondent: Nabil Khan Correspondent: Lily Christopher Hot Seat: Media Monday airs Mondays from 5–6 p.m. on 95.5 FM The Heat in Utica, NY. Watch stories, interviews and full episodes at: UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday #MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday
Aug 13

S2:E46 | Something Wicked, Ripcord, Autism, Robojango & Utica Royalties

Creativity, community, technology, and self-expression come together on this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday. Ron Klopfanstein and Photojournalist and AI Content Producer Jim Hale visit Something Wicked, a two-day festival where local musicians, artists, vendors, and attendees celebrate individuality, creativity, and the freedom to be yourself. Then, Suzanne Rodio, Denise Morganti, and Gaetano Fornino discuss DramaSphere’s production of David Lindsay-Abaire’s Ripcord. The comedy follows two very different women sharing a room in a senior living facility. Beneath its escalating pranks and battle of wills, the play explores friendship, vulnerability, aging, and continuing to embrace life. Autistic brothers Justin and Ryan join their mother, Christine, for a personal conversation about their very different experiences with autism. They discuss anxiety, sensory overload, communication, coping strategies, advocacy, and the importance of recognizing each autistic person’s individual strengths and support needs. Finally, returning guests James Nason and Hawa Peters join Ron for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity and human potential. James shares the latest on Robojango and discusses resilience, discipline, mentorship, and helping young people discover their abilities. Hawa previews the Utica Royalties Talent Show, where Ron will serve as one of the judges, and discusses the organization’s youth programs and upcoming Royal Roots and Rhythms Festival. WATCH THE FULL SHOW: YouTube: https://youtu.be/0RxSX74yhMo WATCH THE FEATURE STORIES: Something Wicked: https://youtu.be/D-utnNIvkLU A Conversation About Autism: https://youtu.be/Olv3eqqLENk FEATURED EVENTS: Ripcord Grace Church, 6 Elizabeth Street, Utica Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15 at 7 p.m. Sunday, August 16 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $20 https://dramasphere.ludus.com Utica Royalties Talent Show Sunday, August 16, from 5–7 p.m. 730 Broadway, Utica Open to all ages and all forms of talent. The winner receives $250 and an opportunity to perform with Utica Royalties at the New York State Fair. ABOUT THE SHOW: Hot Seat: Media Monday airs Mondays at 5 p.m. on 95.5 FM The Heat and streams at: https://955TheHeat.com Full episodes stream Wednesdays at 9 p.m. at: https://UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday Hosted and produced by Ron Klopfanstein Audio engineering by Jonathan Brooks/DJ J-Easy Photojournalism and AI content production by Jim Hale Entertainment Correspondent: Nabil Khan Journalist and Producer: Lily Christopher All the stories. All the culture. All in one show. #MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday #955TheHeat #UticaNY #SomethingWicked #Ripcord #AutismAcceptance #Robojango #UticaRoyalties #CommunityJournalism
Aug 6

S2:E45 | Avenue Q · Metal at the Marina 3 · Alliance Classical Players

HOT SEAT: MEDIA MONDAY S2:E45Avenue Q, Metal at the Marina & Alliance Classical Players From Broadway puppetry and heavy metal to timeless classical compositions, this episode celebrates music in many of its different forms. AVENUE Q Claire Bosley, Carl Neff and Zach Swistack of the Pioneer Theatre Alliance at Utica University preview their upcoming production of Avenue Q. The performers introduce their puppet costars—Kate Monster, Rod and Princeton—and explain how they act, sing and express emotion through their characters. They also discuss the humor and heart behind the adult musical and its surprisingly relatable exploration of identity, relationships, acceptance and the uncertainty of becoming an adult. Avenue Q, directed by Justin Jones, runs August 13–16 at Strebel Auditorium at Utica University, with evening performances Thursday through Saturday and a Sunday matinee. Tickets and additional information are available through Utica University and Eventbrite. METAL AT THE MARINA 3 Ron Klopfanstein and Jim Hale take viewers to Metal at the Marina 3 in Frankfort, one of the Mohawk Valley’s biggest free heavy-metal festivals. Organizer Austin Evancheck, musicians, vendors and fans discuss the power of heavy metal and the community surrounding it. They describe metal as a source of energy, emotional release, self-expression, friendship and even calm. The report also features Alex from The Omen Machine, who explains the band’s white-collar-crime concept, satirical image and collaborative creative process. ALLIANCE CLASSICAL PLAYERS Colleen O’Neal and Kristin Kelly celebrate 20 years of the Alliance Classical Players and their tradition of bringing free chamber music to the Mohawk Valley. The two clarinetists discuss what makes classical music timeless, how classical instruments and musical styles have evolved, Mozart’s influence on the clarinet and what their instrument allows them to express. They also preview the Alliance Classical Players’ free outdoor anniversary concert at 6:30 p.m. Monday, August 17, at the Rome Art and Community Center, 308 West Bloomfield Street in Rome. Audience members should bring their own seating for the outdoor concert. The performance will move indoors in case of rain, and a free reception will follow. FEATURED PERFORMANCES • Arthur Bird’s Suite in D, Movement 4• Handel’s Water Music Suite No. 2, “Bourrée” VIDEO CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome and episode preview01:06 – Avenue Q with Claire Bosley, Carl Neff and Zach Swistack18:28 – Metal at the Marina 325:47 – Alliance Classical Players celebrate 20 years30:23 – Arthur Bird’s Suite in D, Movement 432:04 – Why classical music remains timeless46:40 – Handel’s Water Music Suite No. 2, “Bourrée”50:35 – Closing credits and concert reminder Hot Seat: Media Monday originally aired August 3, 2026, on 95.5 FM The Heat. PRODUCTION CREDITS Host and Producer: Ron KlopfansteinAudio Engineer: Jonathan Brooks/DJ J-EasyPhotojournalist and AI Content Producer: Jim HaleEntertainment Correspondent: Nabil KhanCorrespondent: Lily Christopher Listen live Mondays at 5 p.m. on 95.5 FM The Heat or at 955TheHeat.com. Watch, listen and learn more at UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday. #MeetMeInTheHotSeat 👍😎 #MediaMonday
Jul 29

S2:E44 | Ilion AI Data Center Protest • Comic-Con 2026 • Sentient VI • Carrion Creek

S2:E44 | Ilion AI Data Center Protest • Comic-Con 2026 • Sentient VI • Carrion Creek This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday, Ron Klopfanstein is joined by entertainment correspondent Nabil Khan to break down the biggest announcements from Comic-Con 2026, including the latest Marvel, DC, Spider-Man, and blockbuster movie news. Then, Ron heads to Ilion, New York, where residents gathered to protest a proposed AI data center at the former Remington Arms site. Hear directly from community members as they share their concerns about noise, infrastructure, environmental impacts, and the future of their village. Also on the show, Mark Lewis and R.C. of Sentient VI discuss their music, the band's concept album based on the stages of addiction and recovery, and what it's like creating high-energy metal after 50. Finally, writer and producer Pete Colter returns with an update on Carrion Creek, the upcoming Central New York horror anthology series, and explains how local actors, musicians, and creatives can get involved. Comic-Con 2026 highlights with Nabil KhanThe Ilion AI data center protestSentient VI's music and concept albumCarrion Creek production updateNew music from Sentient VIHost: Ron KlopfansteinEntertainment Correspondent: Nabil KhanFeatured Guests: Mark Lewis, R.C. (Sentient VI), Pete Colter New episodes of Hot Seat: Media Monday air Mondays at 5:00 p.m. on 95.5 FM The Heat and are released each week as a podcast and on YouTube. In This Episode
Jul 23

S2:E42 | Howard Miller Jr., Velocity Soccer Club, Home Visitor, Doubly Mad & Hoops & Dreams

“It’s gotta be a dream.” Utica City FC professional Howard Miller Jr. shares what it really takes to reach the professional level—from passion and constant training to mental focus and discipline. Velocity Soccer Club founders Kayla Fazekas and Josh Lewin explain how they’re working to make advanced youth soccer training more accessible, while young players share how the sport builds confidence, friendships, and teamwork. Plus, Hoops & Dreams brings families together while continuing Patrick Johnson’s legacy; Thomas Townsley reads his surrealist poetry and joins William Welch to discuss Doubly Mad; and Mordechai Rosenblatt of Home Visitor performs “Weezer Tattoo” and “I’ve Got Nothing.” This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday S2:E42. All the stories. All the culture. All in one show. 👍😎 #MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday #UticaCityFC #VelocitySoccerClub #HoopsAndDreams #DoublyMad #HomeVisitor #UticaNY
Jul 16

S2:E41 | Carmelo Joubert, Adriana Primadonna & Srebrenica Walk

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, Ron Klopfanstein brings together music, community, and remembrance. Event producer Carmelo Joubert joins Ron to preview “A Day Up in Heaven,” happening Friday, July 17, from 5–10 p.m. at Proctor Park. Singer, songwriter, and producer Adriana Davis Sumter—also known as Adriana Primadonna—discusses her creative journey and shares her music, including “10 X 10,” “Might as Well Be Spring,” and “Potential.” This episode also features Ron and Jim Hale’s report from the Bosnian American Community Association’s Srebrenica Walk at the Sebelj in Utica. The community gathered to honor the more than 8,000 people killed in the July 1995 Srebrenica genocide and to help ensure their stories are never forgotten. Watch the Srebrenica Walk feature story: https://youtu.be/6lb9BJR936A Host and Producer: Ron Klopfanstein Photojournalist and AI Content Producer: Jim Hale Audio Engineer: Jonathan Brooks, DJ J Easy Correspondents: Nabil Khan and Lily Christopher Watch past episodes: https://UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday Listen Mondays from 5–6 p.m. on 95.5 FM The Heat: https://955TheHeat.com #MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday #Srebrenica #AdrianaPrimadonna #CarmeloJoubert #UticaNY
Jul 8

S2:40 | Carrion Creek Creator Pete Colter, Sarita's Food Truck & Voice of Da Voiceless'Reese Peace Day

🎙️ This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday, we spotlight independent creativity, community, and perseverance across the Mohawk Valley. 🎬 Pete Colter, creator and producer of the upcoming retro horror anthology Carrion Creek, joins us to discuss bringing the series to life, launching its Kickstarter campaign, and why he's bringing back the classic 22-episode TV season. 🌮 Then we sit down with Sarita Ruiz, owner of Sarita's Food Truck, to talk about entrepreneurship, Puerto Rican cuisine, building a successful food truck business, and overcoming the challenges of running a small business. 🕊️ We also take you to Voice of the Voiceless' Reese Peace Day, where community members gathered to honor the memory of Reese Howard while promoting peace, healing, and unity. Photojournalist & AI Content Producer Jim Hale and I were there with this special report. 📞 Plus, Sarah Swan from Utica Creative Reuse joins us to preview this year's Trash to Treasure art exhibition celebrating creativity through recycled materials. Guests • Pete Colter – Creator & Producer, Carrion Creek • Sarita Ruiz – Owner, Sarita's Food Truck • Sarah Swan – Utica Creative Reuse 📻 Hot Seat: Media Monday Hosted by Ron Klopfanstein Broadcast Mondays at 5 PM on 95.5 FM The Heat and streaming worldwide at 955TheHeat.com. 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch past episodes at: https://UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday #CarrionCreek #FoodTruck #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #UticaNY #MohawkValley #IndependentFilm #PuertoRicanCuisine #Community #VoiceOfTheVoiceless #ReesePeaceDay #MediaMonday #MeetMeInTheHotSeat

Ron Klopfanstein spotlights writers, actors, musicians, artists, performers, podcasters, influencers, journalists, and other content creators and talks to them about their work, inspiration, and passion for art, media, and popular culture. Hot Seat: Media Monday is broadcast live on 95.5 FM "The Heat" Utica Phoenix Radio every Monday at 5 pm

Creator

Ron Klopfanstein
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

89
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Ron Klopfanstein