Good Neighbor Podcast: Bergen

Doug Drohan

Bringing together local businesses and neighbors of Bergen County

  1. Ep # 182 - Hormones And Longevity Made Simple

    1D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Ep # 176 - From Hallways to Fairways: How TGA Brings Golf, Tennis, and More to Bergen County Kids

    FEB 26

    Ep # 176 - From Hallways to Fairways: How TGA Brings Golf, Tennis, and More to Bergen County Kids

    What if your child could learn real golf fundamentals in a school gym and graduate to the fairway by summer? That’s the promise Kevin Rooney delivers with TGA of Bergen County, a school-based sports program that teaches golf, tennis, pickleball, volleyball, and more—where kids already are. We sit down with Kevin to unpack how TGA transforms hallways and cafeterias into safe learning spaces, why their GASP method (grip, aim, stance, posture) beats hit-and-hope camps, and how partnerships with rec departments, YMCAs, indoor simulators, and local courses open doors for every family. Kevin shares the story behind launching TGA two decades ago and why not being a tour pro is a secret advantage for teaching kids. You’ll hear how the curriculum scales by age, how soft-flight balls and portable nets create instant setups, and why values like respect and integrity travel from putting mats to course play. We cover the fastest-growing programs—especially volleyball—and map out the pathway from after-school enrichment to clinics, leagues at River Vale, and summer camps at Rockleigh and Old Tappan. If your town’s offerings start too late or skip golf, you’ll learn exactly how TGA fills those gaps, including late-August specialty camps when most municipal programs shut down. We also highlight where parents can jump in now: public sessions at indoor simulators in Paramus, River Edge, Upper Saddle River, Fair Lawn, and Rutherford; school partnerships rolling out spring schedules; and open rec registrations that often accept non-residents. Whether your child is swinging like a baseball slugger at the tee box or just needs a confidence lift, this episode shows how fundamentals-first coaching builds skills that last. Ready to bring TGA to your town—or find a session near you? Listen, share with a neighbor, and subscribe for more local stories that help families discover great programs close to home. And don’t miss the 20% listener discount with code GOODNEIGHBOR20. TGA of Bergen County Kevin Rooney (201) 375-7406 krooney@playtga.com playtga.com

    20 min
  8. Ep # 175 - How Bergen Cleaning Solutions Built Loyalty Through Systems, Service, And Care

    FEB 20

    Ep # 175 - How Bergen Cleaning Solutions Built Loyalty Through Systems, Service, And Care

    A clean home can change your whole day, but what if the real value isn’t the shine—it’s the sigh of relief when you walk in the door? We sit down with Brian Aragonez of Bergen Cleaning Solutions to unpack how a neighborhood cleaner became a trusted partner by treating service like hospitality. From Hackensack roots to serving Bergen County and Rockland County, Brian shares why his team doesn’t sell “just cleaning.” They deliver a consistent experience built on structure, communication, and care. We dig into the playbook: flexible scheduling that fits school runs and work hours, add-ons like laundry folding and pantry organization, and trained teams sized to finish quickly without disrupting family routines. Brian’s corporate background shows up in the best ways—processes, leadership, and accountability that turn quality into a repeatable promise. We also explore eco-friendly, pet- and kid-safe products that keep homes fresh without harsh odors, and how clear communication overcomes the language gaps that often frustrate clients in this industry. Resilience threads through Brian’s story. He explains how the company supported long-time clients during the 2008 downturn with flexible plans, then navigated a two-month pandemic halt before demand spiked for sanitization and safety. Gloves, procedures, and empathy rebuilt trust and accelerated growth. For founders on the fence, Brian offers Stoic-fueled guidance: start, expect setbacks, learn, and keep moving. What stands in the way becomes the way—and when you put customers first, the market remembers. If this conversation helps you rethink service, share it with a neighbor who could use a reset at home. Subscribe for more local business stories, leave a quick review to help others find us, and tell us: what turns a good service into a great experience for you? Bergen Cleaning Solutions 2 University Plaza Dr #100, Hackensack, NJ 07601 (201) 538-0123 bergencleaningsolutions.com

    23 min

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Bringing together local businesses and neighbors of Bergen County