Good Neighbor Podcast: Bergen

Doug Drohan

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LEISURE

Bringing together local businesses and neighbors of Bergen County

JAN 8

Ep # 161-Brains Over Bots

What if convenience is quietly shrinking your mental edge? We sit down with Dr. Kaplan of Kaplan Brain and Body to unpack how AI, GPS, and always-on devices are shifting core cognitive work away from our minds—and how to take that work back with targeted brain training. Instead of waiting for forgetfulness to become a crisis, we map out simple, science-backed steps to strengthen memory, focus, coordination, and mood. Dr. Kaplan explains how structured neuroplasticity turns daily practice into lasting change. We break down QEEG brain mapping and VNG eye tracking to show how noninvasive tools reveal strengths, weaknesses, and progress over time. From hyperbaric oxygen and neurofeedback to cold laser and far infrared therapy, you’ll hear how a modern brain rehab toolbox supports oxygenation, regulation, and healthier signaling—while the real engine is consistent, precise exercises tailored to your baseline. We also explore why music locks in memories, how emotion cements recall, and what to do when names and keys start slipping. You’ll learn why prevention should begin earlier than most people think, how to spot meaningful warning signs, and why you can still get sharper at 50, 60, and beyond. Plus, we make the case for physical books over screens at night—more senses, better eye engagement, and calmer brainwaves—especially when reading with kids. If you’re ready to be the 1% that chooses training over passive decline, this conversation gives you a clear plan: move your body, challenge your skills, anchor new facts with emotion, protect your sleep, and measure what matters annually. Want more? Grab Dr. Kaplan’s Boost Your Brain Power at kaplandc.com or reach out to the Emerson or West Village clinics for in-person and virtual care. If this episode sparks a new habit, share it with a friend, subscribe for more insights, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Kaplan Brain and Body Dr. Kaplan of Kaplan Brain and Body 85 Kinderkamack Road Suite 100 Emerson, NJ 07630 New York: 212-620-8121 New Jersey: 201-261-2150 Text Us: 646-221-6738 Email: info@kaplanbrainandbody.com kaplandc.com

22 min
JAN 6

Ep # 160-Party On Wheels

The party doesn’t have to be across town when it can roll right up to your driveway. We sit down with Amado Galasso, owner of Entertainment On Wheels in Wyckoff, NJ, to unpack how mobile entertainment turns birthdays, graduations, town days, and milestone celebrations into effortless, high-energy events. From climate-controlled video game trailers that seat up to 32 players to racing wheel simulators and photo booths, Amado shares how his team builds experiences that keep kids engaged and let parents actually enjoy the moment. We go deeper than consoles. Amado explains why casino nights—blackjack, roulette, craps, and Texas Hold’em—are perfect for 40th, 50th, and 60th birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs, and corporate socials without the complexity of real-money play. You’ll hear the nuts and bolts of outdoor movie nights with 16–20 foot inflatable screens, big sound, and concessions, plus smart licensing tips for private screenings. For schools and towns, we talk high-throughput inflatables—soccer darts, Velcro hatchet toss, sports targets—and modular obstacle courses that fit different spaces and move big crowds fast. What really stands out is the adaptability. When indoor trailers were off-limits, Entertainment On Wheels pivoted to pop-up, distanced gaming stations so kids could celebrate safely. Today, the warehouse is packed with new ideas: foam parties for summer, gaga ball for gyms, portable mini golf requested by schools, and a “stick catcher” reaction game loved by young athletes. With trained attendants for casino nights, laser tag, photo booths, and game trailers, plus strict cleaning and prep, the team keeps events smooth, safe, and memorable year-round. Planning a winter birthday, spring graduation, or backyard cinema night? Get inspired by the practical tips on booking windows, capacity, and tailoring activities by age and theme. If you had the party come to you, would you choose a movie night, a casino floor, or a head-to-head obstacle course? Subscribe, share with a friend who’s planning an event, and leave a review to help more neighbors discover local businesses bringing joy to the block. Entertainment On Wheels Amato Galasso 825 Windham Court North, Suite 1 Wyckoff, NJ 07481 (201) 444-0045 eowparties@gmail.com entertainmentonwheels.com

22 min
JAN 6

Ep # 159-Guidance Through Dementia And Senior Care

A sudden diagnosis can turn a normal week into a crisis. We sit down with care manager Anette Lipman of Lipman Cares to unpack a practical, humane way to navigate aging, dementia, and long-term care without losing your balance—or your budget. From the first signs that living at home is no longer safe to the moment you compare assisted living and memory care, Anette shows how a structured assessment turns fear into a plan. We explore the building blocks of effective care: clear evaluations of ADLs and IADLs, medication management, home safety, and caregiver capacity. Annette explains how to match needs with options—enhanced support at home, independent living with services, assisted living, or dedicated memory care—and when to bring in specialists. Her curated network includes elder law attorneys, geriatricians, neurologists, social workers, and move managers, making it easier to manage costs, avoid rushed decisions, and protect dignity. She also shares why ER advocacy is essential for people with dementia, and how a trained professional can de-escalate chaos while securing the right care. We talk openly about cost, planning, and trust—how to time legal documents, what families misunderstand about long-term care, and why it’s never too late to plan with an expert. Annette outlines her model: an upfront assessment and care plan followed by hourly support tailored to each family—anything from companionship and care team check-ins to full placement guidance and ongoing coordination. With roots in assisted living leadership and advanced dementia training, she brings both empathy and execution to complex situations across North Jersey and Rockland. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a parent’s changing needs, this conversation offers a steady hand and a clear map. Listen, share it with a sibling or spouse, and subscribe for more local stories and expert guidance that turn hard choices into confident steps forward. Lipman Care Management and Consulting Anette Lipman Hackensack, NJ (201) 515-2500 Anette@lipmancares.com

21 min
12/20/2025

Ep # 158 From Clogged Vents To Confidence: How Green Cleaning Improves Indoor Air

Ever notice your eyes sting when the heat kicks on or your dryer takes two cycles to finish a load? We sat down with Alfredo Valentin, owner of Green Air Solutions, to unpack the real-world playbook for cleaner indoor air, safer laundry rooms, and a healthier home without harsh chemical scents. From botanical cleaning products to practical timelines, Alfredo brings clarity to a space full of myths and guesswork. We start with air ducts: why a good filter isn’t a silver bullet, how dust and pet hair still make it into blower motors and coils, and why a three-year cleaning cadence keeps both your lungs and your HVAC system in better shape. Alfredo explains why they choose botanical solutions with either a fresh, natural scent or truly neutral deodorizers, so families—especially those with asthma or scent sensitivity—can stay in the home during service. We talk signs you shouldn’t ignore, like watery eyes and sudden dust when you switch seasons, and why waiting until symptoms appear usually means a deeper, more costly cleanup. Then we turn to dryer vents, the overlooked fire hazard hiding behind the appliance. You’ll learn how vent length and every 90-degree elbow reduce airflow, why long runs can require six-month cleanings, and the red-flag clue of condensation drips at a joint. Alfredo breaks down straightforward timelines, typical service durations, and the huge energy savings that come from restoring proper exhaust flow. Alfredo also shares his journey from technician to tri-state business owner, launching during COVID with $500, used gear, and a commitment to transparency. We dig into what sets his team apart—competitive pricing, free estimates, and a strict policy of explaining findings and getting approval before any added work. It’s a refreshing approach that turns one-time jobs into long-term trust. If you care about indoor air quality, energy efficiency, and preventing dryer fires, you’ll walk away with clear steps you can take this week. Subscribe, share this episode with a neighbor who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review to help more homeowners breathe easier. Green Air Solutions Alfredo Valentin New York · Connecticut · New Jersey (914) 320-8325 service@gogreenairsolutions.com greenairsolutions.org

22 min
12/16/2025

Ep # 157 How A Bergen County Electrician Built Trust, Tech, And A Team That Shows Up

Tired of contractors who ghost after the estimate and leave you guessing about what’s behind your walls? We sat down with Gladiator Electric’s owner, Mike Pecoraro, to unpack how a modern trades business earns trust: clean, code-compliant installs, fast and clear communication, and a team trained to solve problems the right way the first time. From a single van to 800+ five-star reviews and an award from Orange & Rockland for top EV charger installs, Mike shares the systems and mindset that keep customers coming back. We dig into the realities of home EV charging that dealers rarely mention. Panel capacity, route length, copper costs, permits, and utility programs all shape your total project price and safety. If you’ve got a standby generator, you’ll hear why load shedding is essential. Mike explains how to choose the right equipment, which pitfalls to avoid, and why licensed, inspected work pays off over the long haul. You’ll also learn how small jobs—fixing a dead circuit or swapping a fixture—can be a chance to plan for bigger upgrades like Level 2 charging or backup power. Beyond outlets and panels, Gladiator Electric builds convenience into the whole home: permanent holiday lighting that stays up year-round, smart-home integrations, low-voltage networking, cameras, and even Panasonic ductless mini split systems installed by techs with universal refrigerant licenses. The new push into monitored burglar alarms centers on reliability over bargain kits, with central station partnerships that prioritize fewer false alarms and longer service life. Mike’s through-line is simple: scope clearly, show up on time, do neat work to code, and make safety non-negotiable. If you care about dependable electrical work, smarter EV charging, or a home that’s future-ready, this conversation will save you time, money, and stress. Enjoy it, share it with a neighbor who’s considering an upgrade, and subscribe for more local stories that help you hire better and live safer. Gladiator Electric Mike Pecoraro 111 W. Madison Ave. Dumont, NJ 07628 201-381-6942 mike@gladiatorelectric.com gladiatorelectric.com

22 min
12/16/2025

Ep # 156 Mayor, Tech, And The Future Of Northvale

What happens when a town’s mayor also leads an IT consultancy built to supercharge small organizations? We sit down with Joe McGuire, Northvale’s mayor and chief solutions and revenue officer at MTMG, to explore how smart partnerships, clear outcomes, and community focus can transform both city blocks and business backbones. Joe breaks down MTMG’s four-pillar model—fractional CIO and project leadership, technology sourcing, revenue growth for MSPs, and cybersecurity and compliance—and explains the vendor-paid approach that keeps clients from footing the bill for discovery and matchmaking. You’ll hear how his years in wireless and channel sales shaped a “many tools, one goal” philosophy, why MSPs and boutique IT firms can scale faster through collaboration, and how right-fit providers beat one-size-fits-all platforms. We also dive into Northvale’s evolution: industrial spaces turning into sports hubs, the reality of state-driven affordable housing, and the push to upgrade parks like Hogan’s Field and Veterans Park. Joe shares local updates, from the closure of a beloved climbing facility to a proposed high-end shooting range, and unpacks demographic shifts including a growing Korean community and an influx of post-COVID movers drawn by the NVOT school district. Community shows up in the details—tree lighting festivities, winter village vibes, and food pantry support at St. Anthony’s and Wholsome Pantry—backed by a reminder that need exists even in well-regarded suburbs. If you’re a business owner navigating cybersecurity, mobility, or cloud decisions, or a resident curious about where your town is headed, this conversation offers grounded takeaways. Subscribe, share this episode with a neighbor or colleague, and leave a review telling us the one upgrade your town or team needs most. Borough of Northvale NJ Mayor Joseph McGuire 116 Paris Avenue Northvale, NJ 07647 201-767-3330 jmcguire@northvalenj.org www.northvalenj.org

22 min
12/16/2025

Ep # 155 QuickBooks Won’t Save You, But A Good Bookkeeper Might

What if your books could talk—and actually tell you how to grow? We sit down with Allocate Financial Services founder Ken Rigby to unpack how clean, timely bookkeeping paired with practical advisory turns confusion into clarity for small business owners who juggle too much and decide too late. No fluff, just the systems, rhythms, and decisions that move a business from fragile to resilient. Ken shares why he built a B2B bookkeeping and advisory firm after a hard lesson in real estate investing, and how that experience shaped his no-nonsense approach to forecasting, margins, and cash flow. We walk through the mistakes many owners make—DIY QuickBooks that never stays current, year-end scrambles that inflate costs, and a blind spot for reading financial reports—and replace them with a monthly cadence that highlights what matters: cash on hand, aging receivables, cost of goods sold, and realistic runway. You’ll hear how his team flags early warnings, models scenarios, and helps owners choose between hiring, pausing, or pricing differently before pressure turns into crisis. We also dive into today’s headwinds: tariffs, supply delays, and uneven hiring. For import-reliant retailers and restaurants, Ken emphasizes liquidity, tighter inventory turns, and vendor negotiations. For service businesses like contractors and clinics, he covers value-based pricing, deposits, and scheduling that protects margins. And we tackle the classic question: is marketing an expense or an investment? The answer lives in the numbers—tie spend to outcomes, adjust quickly, and keep what works. If you’re launching or leveling up, Ken outlines a simple foundation: form the right entity, secure three to six months of capital, set up your chart of accounts properly, and commit to monthly closes with a brief advisory review. That’s how you stop guessing and start steering. Want to build profit on purpose and sleep better at night? Subscribe, share this with a fellow owner, and leave a review with the one metric you plan to track every month. Allocate Financial Services Ken Rigby Elmwood Park, NJ, USA (551) 326-8389 allocate42@gmail.com allocatefinancial.com

21 min
12/16/2025

Ep # 154 Reversing The Weight Loss Script

A surgery date on the calendar. A lifetime of diets that never stuck. And then a small, defiant experiment: two weeks of low carb that changed everything. Amy joins us to share how she lost 220 pounds, reversed worrying lab markers, and rebuilt her life with a science-first, patient-centered approach that challenged decades of advice. We dig into the mechanics of metabolic health—why constant hunger and cravings sabotage willpower, how a ketogenic or low-carb pattern can quiet the noise, and what happens when lab results and lived experience don’t fit a familiar script. Amy talks candidly about canceling bariatric surgery, finding a physician who actually listened, and discovering that sustainable weight loss is less about punishment and more about alignment between biology, habits, and support. We also walk through the Toward Health model: direct primary care, intensive medical weight loss, and programs designed to deprescribe when possible—without leaving patients on their own. You’ll hear how continuous glucose monitors, real-time messaging, and thoughtful adjustments make adherence easier. We unpack heart health screenings that reveal risk beyond standard cholesterol panels and explain why so many heart attacks occur in people without high cholesterol. Plus, we address hormone therapy for men and women, rejecting gaslighting and focusing on symptom-driven, evidence-based care. If you’re tired of “eat less, move more” and ready for a plan that respects your reality, this conversation offers tools, context, and a path forward—whether you’re local or remote. Subscribe for more stories that put people first, share this with someone who needs a hopeful nudge, and leave a review to help others find the show. Toward Health Amy Eiges Senior Vice President, Corporate Wellness toward.health

22 min

Bringing together local businesses and neighbors of Bergen County

Creator

Doug Drohan
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

160
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Good Neighbor Podcast: Bergen
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Good Neighbor Podcast: Bergen