Good Neighbor Podcast: Bergen

Doug Drohan

Bringing together local businesses and neighbors of Bergen County

  1. Ep # 184 - Modern Blacksmithing In New Jersey

    2D AGO

    Ep # 184 - Modern Blacksmithing In New Jersey

    A blacksmith shop in 2026 sounds like a time capsule, until you hear what EK Artisan Blacksmith is really building across New Jersey. We talk with Eldad Kaganov, an artisan blacksmith based in Hawthorne, NJ near Bergen County, about the custom ironwork hiding in plain sight around homes and historic buildings, and why “made to order” can look and feel completely different from what you grab off the shelf. We get into the practical side of architectural ironwork: railings, fences, gates, entryways, and window grills built for real homeowners and real building codes. Eldad explains how metal choice affects strength, longevity, and cost, and why some projects require old-school joinery instead of defaulting to welds. If you’ve ever wondered why two quotes for a railing can be thousands apart, this conversation makes the tradeoffs clear without the hype. Then we go deeper into the science. We talk oxidation, patina, and why low carbon steel can be a smart choice outdoors. Eldad breaks down what wrought iron actually means, how it was historically produced, and why some centuries-old ironwork still holds up today. We also cover galvanic corrosion and what happens when you mix dissimilar metals like iron and brass, plus how a skilled craftsperson designs around those risks. If you care about craftsmanship, home design, or simply want your house to have one detail no one else has, you’ll leave with better questions to ask and a clearer sense of what’s possible. Subscribe for more local maker stories, share this with a neighbor who’s renovating, and leave a review with the most unique metal feature you’d add to your home. Eldad Kaganov 845-533-3294 Eldad@njsteelbarron.com

    21 min
  2. Ep # 183 - Chiropractor House Calls In New Jersey

    APR 27

    Ep # 183 - Chiropractor House Calls In New Jersey

    A chiropractor shows up at your door, sets up a table, and helps you get back to moving well, without the waiting room. That’s the idea behind HomeVisitNJ, and Mark Goldstein joins me to explain why in-home chiropractic care is suddenly one of the most logical models in modern health and wellness, especially for busy Bergen County households and anyone juggling work-from-home schedules.  Mark breaks down how he thinks about chiropractic adjustments in straightforward terms: when the spine is out of alignment, it can irritate nerves and impact how the body feels and functions. We talk about musculoskeletal pain, posture, and why consistency matters if you want lasting results, not just a one-time fix. We also get into the questions people really ask, including whether adjustments might influence issues beyond back pain, and what realistic “maintenance care” looks like over months and years.  We also go behind the business of health care. Mark shares what he’s seen change since starting practice in 1999, why insurance and rising deductibles create friction for both doctors and patients, and why he chose a private-pay concierge chiropractic approach that prioritizes time, simplicity, and individualized attention. If you’ve ever put off getting care because scheduling feels like a hassle, this conversation will hit home.  Subscribe for more local business stories, share this with a neighbor who needs easier care, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show. NJHomeVisit Mark Goldstein 917-533-3197 njhomevisit@gmail.com njhomevisit.com

    21 min
  3. Ep # 182 - Hormones And Longevity Made Simple

    APR 8

    Ep # 182 - Hormones And Longevity Made Simple

    Feeling older isn’t just about the number on your birthday cake. It shows up as low energy on cold mornings, slower recovery, stubborn weight, brain fog, and a sex life that suddenly feels complicated. We sit down with Shellinie Muneshwar,, nurse practitioner and owner of Ageless 2gether in Ridgewood, New Jersey, to talk about what “regenerative” wellness can actually mean in real life and how people can feel better while they age. We get specific about hormone optimization and longevity, including how hormone levels tend to decline each decade and why balancing testosterone, DHEA, estradiol, and progesterone can impact energy, mood, muscle, metabolism, and sexual wellness. Shellinie also shares why her practice often focuses on couples: when one partner improves and the other doesn’t, relationships can feel out of sync, so treating the whole picture matters. Then we dig into practical options: sexual wellness support for erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, orgasm challenges, and incontinence; weight loss plans that combine GLP-1 medications with hormone support to help preserve muscle mass; and IV therapy topics like high-dose vitamin C and NAD IV for patients seeking recovery, inflammation support, or sharper focus. We also talk about what it’s really like to leave traditional medicine, start a clinic, and build trust in the community. If you care about healthy aging, hormone health, sexual wellness, IV therapy, and sustainable weight loss, you’ll take away a clearer roadmap and better questions to ask your provider. Subscribe, share this with someone who’s trying to feel like themselves again, and leave a review with the biggest health goal you want to tackle next. Ageless 2gether Shellinie Muneshwar 551-310-4771 584 NJ 17 North ridgewood NJ 07450 shellinie@ageless2gether.com ageless2gether.com

    24 min
  4. Ep # 181 - How To Offer Real Sympathy When Someone Is Grieving

    MAR 23

    Ep # 181 - How To Offer Real Sympathy When Someone Is Grieving

    The hardest part of grief is often the moment before we speak. We want to help, but our brains grab the same worn out lines, and suddenly our support sounds like a script. We’re joined by Mari Timpanaro, founder of Of Grace and Grief, to talk about a surprisingly practical skill: learning how to offer sympathy that actually lands for the person who’s hurting. We dig into why “I’m sorry for your loss” can feel both true and totally insufficient, and how to move toward personalized condolences, specific support, and words that sound like you. Mari explains how her work differs from grief therapy or a traditional grief group and why so many people need a collaboration space when they’re staring at a card, drafting a text, or trying to support a boss or coworker after a death, a breakup, a job loss, or another life changing disappointment. We also talk about how social media condolences can unintentionally erase meaning, and how one thoughtful message can matter more than a dozen automatic replies. The conversation gets real about pet loss grief and why bereavement support should match the bond, not other people’s assumptions. We also touch on gender expectations around grief, why many men hesitate to reach out, and what “showing up” can look like when face to face talks feel intense. If you want better tools for grief support, sympathy messages, and workplace condolences, you’ll leave with ideas you can use immediately. Subscribe for more local stories, share this with someone who wants to support a grieving friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show. What’s one condolence that helped you most when you needed it? Of Grace and Grief Mari Timpanaro Located in Bergen County, NJ ofgraceandgrief.com

    25 min
  5. Ep # 180 - How A Norwood Florist Wins With Care Over Clicks

    MAR 20

    Ep # 180 - How A Norwood Florist Wins With Care Over Clicks

    A bouquet isn’t just decor. It’s an apology, a celebration, a thank you, a quiet show of support and sometimes the only words someone can’t find. We talk with Joanne from K Flowers And Design in Norwood, New Jersey, about what really happens inside a neighborhood flower shop and why the most important ingredient isn’t a rare rose or a trendy ribbon, it’s care. Joanne shares her family’s path through the floral industry, from early days selling in Manhattan and Queens to running a storefront in Haverstraw, New York, and finally opening K Flowers And Design in Norwood about five years ago. We dig into the practical reality of running a small local business, competing with online flower delivery sites, and building loyalty through thoughtful floral arrangements that fit any budget. You’ll hear how her mom’s warmth and attention to detail turn quick transactions into relationships, and why that matters when flowers are tied to real emotions. We also get into changing customer trends: recurring flower deliveries for partners, dads shopping with kids, and the shift from big weddings to smaller, more intimate events with simpler centerpieces. If you’ve ever called yourself a “brown thumb,” we cover plants too, including how to choose low maintenance houseplants and what to ask for so your greenery actually survives. Listen, share with a Bergen County neighbor, and if you enjoy the show, subscribe and leave a review. K Flowers And Design 540 Livingston St Norwood NJ 07648 201-525-8477 K.flowersanddesign@gmail.com kflowersanddesign.com

    18 min
  6. Ep # 179 - How A Lodi Hair Salon Stays Relevant After 35 Years

    MAR 17

    Ep # 179 - How A Lodi Hair Salon Stays Relevant After 35 Years

    A great haircut looks effortless, but the work behind it is anything but. We’re joined by Chris Marino and Annie Mees of Headhunters Salon in Lodi, New Jersey, a 35-year mainstay that’s still busy in an industry where trends, products, and client expectations change fast. They share how Chris went from a stylist with a line out the door to building a salon that has lasted in the same location for decades, and why staying “good” is never enough if you stop learning. We dig into the reality of modern hair trends and how they echo the past: big 80s styles, grunge straight hair, the return of perms, and today’s shags and wolf cuts. Annie explains why continuing education matters, from mastering color with Goldwell to brand education with GK Hair, and how a stylist’s job is part technique and part translation. A client might ask for a trend name, but their hair type, face shape, and daily routine decide what will actually work. Then we get practical about what keeps a local service business healthy: clear consultation, honest communication during the cut or color, and a plan for busy seasons like weddings, graduations, communions, and prom. Chris and Annie also talk staffing challenges after COVID and how salon marketing shifted from pure word of mouth to a real social media presence on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, plus community involvement and online booking. If you care about finding a trusted Lodi NJ hair salon, or you’re a business owner trying to stay relevant for the long haul, this conversation is packed with grounded advice. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s due for a cut, and leave a review so more neighbors can find the show. Headhunters Salon Chris Marino & Annie Mees 100 Church st, Lodi, NJ 07644 (973) 916-1636 headhunterssalon100@verizon.net Website

    20 min
  7. Ep # 178 - Benaquista Construction-Building Curb Appeal That Lasts

    MAR 10

    Ep # 178 - Benaquista Construction-Building Curb Appeal That Lasts

    A century-old phone number and a crew that still shows up in person—this is the story of a family company that turned roadbuilding roots into driveway mastery and backyard artistry. We sit down with a fourth-generation pro to unpack real-world choices homeowners face: asphalt or pavers, quick fixes or lasting builds, curb appeal or short-term savings. We start with the origin: a grandfather arriving from Italy in 1919, learning by doing, and laying the groundwork—literally—for Northern Valley streets and neighborhoods. That legacy carries forward today with a residential focus, where one-on-one service beats low-bid, high-red-tape institutional work. From driveways to patios, seating walls, outdoor kitchens, and fireplaces, the team handles design through build, calling in licensed trades only when needed and staying on-site to answer questions in real time. Then we get practical. Asphalt remains the lower entry price, but its lifespan can be unpredictable, often requiring resurfacing inside a decade. Pavers demand more up front, yet they win on longevity, easy repairs, and design flexibility. If a section settles or a pipe needs attention, you lift, fix, and reset—no scars. We dig into polymeric sand, the must-have joint material that locks pavers, resists weeds, and separates pro installs from corner-cut jobs that fail early. We also get candid about gravel: charming for period homes, but it drifts, complicates snow removal, and needs grooming; use it as an accent, not your main surface. Backyards are booming. What used to be a concrete square is now a full living space with lighting, bars, grills, and fire features. To reduce guesswork, the crew uses 3D renderings built from site photos and satellite views, so you can see the layout, flow, and appliance placement before any ground breaks. That preview helps balance taste, budget, and long-term maintenance, preventing costly changes mid-build. If you care about craftsmanship, curb appeal, and honest guidance from people who still sign their name to the work, you’ll find a ton of value here. Subscribe, share with a neighbor who’s planning a project, and leave a review to tell us which surface you’d choose for your own driveway. Benaquista Construction Al Benaquista 170 Rockland Ave, Norwood, NJ 07648 (201) 768-2326 benaquistaconstruction@gmail.com benaquistaconstruction.com

    22 min
  8. Ep # 177 - Chiropractic Care For Every Stage Of Life

    FEB 26

    Ep # 177 - Chiropractic Care For Every Stage Of Life

    A healthy spine is more than comfort—it’s communication. We sit down with Dr. Wendi Polhemus-Rodgers , a family chiropractor with 26 years in practice, to explore how precise, gentle adjustments help the nervous system coordinate everything from posture and muscle balance to immune response. Starting as a teen patient who noticed fewer illnesses after care, Dr. Wendi explains why alignment can change how the body adapts to daily stressors and why relief often arrives before long-term correction. We dig into the modern posture puzzle: tech neck, screen time, and kids carrying heavy backpacks. You’ll hear practical ways to reduce strain—wear both straps, keep the load high and close, align your ears with your shoulders, and raise screens to eye level. Dr. Wendi breaks down the science of that infamous “pop,” clarifies why children and prenatal patients require ultra-gentle, specialized methods, and shares how she adjusts care for infants with soft, developing spines. If the idea of neck manipulation makes you nervous, her approach centers on specificity over force, using drop tables and light pressure to restore motion safely. Beyond technique, we trace chiropractic’s roots to 1895 and the field’s evolution toward measurable outcomes. Dr. Wendi reflects on building a community practice, partnering with midwives and doulas, and steering through COVID with clear communication, sanitization, and resilience. Whether your back feels “stuck,” your child’s posture is slipping, or pregnancy has shifted your center of gravity, this conversation offers straightforward guidance and realistic expectations about one-time fixes versus consistent care. Subscribe for more local expert stories, share this episode with a friend who needs posture help, and leave a review to tell us which spine-saving habit you’re trying next. Hands on Family Chiropractic Dr. Wendi Polhemus-Rodgers 21 Broadway, Ste E Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677 (201) 505-0001 info@handsonfamilychironj.com handsonfamilychironj.com

    24 min

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Bringing together local businesses and neighbors of Bergen County