Good Neighbor Podcast: Bergen

Doug Drohan

Bringing together local businesses and neighbors of Bergen County

  1. Ep # 177 - Chiropractic Care For Every Stage Of Life

    23H AGO

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

    1D AGO

    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
  3. 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
  4. Ep # 174 - How Early Orthodontic Care Builds Healthier Smiles And Confidence

    FEB 20

    Ep # 174 - How Early Orthodontic Care Builds Healthier Smiles And Confidence

    What if a calmer chair, a kinder voice, and smart timing could change a child’s smile—and their confidence—for life? We sit down with Dr. Adar Finkel of River Vale Orthodontics to unpack the human side of orthodontic care and the science that makes it work. From the first friendly hello to a bite that finally feels right, this conversation shows how clear guidance and early checks turn fear into progress. We start with the real timeline parents rarely hear: why age seven is the right moment for an orthodontic consultation. Dr. Finkel explains how early views of jaw growth, crossbites, and crowding shape better outcomes, and how the window for expanders narrows as the palate matures. You’ll hear why classic brackets and wires remain the gold standard for kids, how rubber bands can speed treatment when worn consistently, and where modern tech—3D scans, digital photos, sharper diagnostics—makes visits easier without adding fuss. Adults get practical answers too. We compare Invisalign and ceramic brackets for busy lives, tackle the common “I lost my retainer” crowding story, and lay out the crucial rule for smile makeovers: align the bite before investing in veneers or crowns. Doing orthodontics first protects cosmetic work, reduces fractures and edge wear, and extends longevity. It’s not just about straighter teeth; it’s about stable function, long-term oral health, and confidence that shows. Woven through is the behind-the-scenes journey of building a neighborhood practice. Dr. Finkel shares candid lessons on hiring, community outreach, and leading with authenticity—treating every patient like your own child. You’ll hear how a warm, low-pressure consultation with photos, x-rays, and a 3D scan sets a clear plan, whether that means starting treatment or smart monitoring. If you care about your child’s comfort, your own smile, or how to choose between braces and aligners, this episode offers grounded, actionable insight. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s orthodontic-curious, and leave a review with your top question—we’ll feature it in a future show. River Vale Orthodontics Dr. Adar Finkel 688 Westwood Ave, Suite 2 River Vale, NJ 07675 (201) 613-1100 rivervaleorthodontics.com

    25 min
  5. Ep # 173 - Implants, Comfort, And Care Explained

    FEB 19

    Ep # 173 - Implants, Comfort, And Care Explained

    What if your next dental visit felt easier, smarter, and genuinely comfortable from start to finish? We sit down with Dr. Cara Minichetti of Englewood Dental to unpack how modern technology and a comprehensive care model can transform your experience—no goopy impressions, less anxiety, and clearer, faster paths to a healthier smile. Dr. Cara shares how dental implants work in plain language—the titanium root, the abutment, the crown—and who benefits most, from adults replacing failing teeth to younger patients who’ve lost a tooth after a root canal. We talk candidly about maintenance after implants, the difference between cosmetic upgrades like veneers and true tooth replacement, and why prevention beats waiting for pain every time. The conversation also digs into the art of dentistry: the eye for symmetry, the dexterity that shapes natural-looking restorations, and the training that helps clinicians balance science with aesthetics. Beyond the chair, we explore the mouth-body connection. Dr. Cara explains how gum disease starts, why gingivitis is reversible, and how chronic oral inflammation can worsen heart health, diabetes, and even cognitive decline. We tackle the flossing vs water pick debate, offer realistic ways to restart healthy habits, and highlight digital dentistry advances and comfort tools that make appointments less daunting. Finally, we turn to sleep apnea and TMJ, showing how custom oral appliances and bite-aware care support better sleep and jaw health without relying solely on CPAP. If you’ve put off a cleaning, are curious about implants, or want practical steps to protect your gums and overall health, this conversation gives you the playbook. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge to book, and leave a review with the dental habit you want to master next. Englewood Dental Dr. Cara Minichetti 370 Grand Avenue, Suite 200 Englewood, NJ 07631 (201) 871-3555 info@englewooddental.com englewooddental.com

    25 min
  6. Ep # 172 - From Prosecutor To Defender In Bergen County

    FEB 5

    Ep # 172 - From Prosecutor To Defender In Bergen County

    If your stomach drops at the words license suspended or criminal record, you’re not alone—and you’re exactly who this conversation is for. We sit down with Fair Lawn trial attorney Josh Reinitz to unpack what really happens when courtroom drama meets real life, from the first flashing lights in your rearview to the moment a judge decides your future. Josh traces his path from a Bergen County clerkship to municipal prosecution and on to defense, explaining why he traded research stacks for courtroom work and how that shift shaped his people-first approach. We break down the nuts and bolts of New Jersey DWI law—why it’s DWI here, how implied consent works, and what refusing a breath test actually triggers. We also tackle cannabis DUIs without a reliable roadside THC test, the role of drug recognition experts, and what observations hold up when policy changes limit probable cause. If you’ve wondered where hard science ends and legal judgment begins, this is the clarity you need. We widen the lens to theft cases as big-box retailers deploy AI and facial recognition, changing the evidentiary game in shoplifting prosecutions. Josh explains when technology strengthens the state’s case, where defense can probe weaknesses, and why mitigation often beats a brawl. Above all, we focus on choosing the right attorney: reviews and referrals, price versus experience, and finding a style you trust when your name and future are on the line. Josh’s mantra—law that listens, defense that delivers—runs through practical tips on expungements, handling traffic stops, and aligning strategy with what matters most: work, immigration status, license, and record. Hit play to get smarter about your rights, your options, and your next move. If you found this useful, subscribe, share it with a friend who could use a steady voice, and leave a quick review to help more neighbors find the show. Josh Reinitz Law Josh Reinitz 0-100 27th Street Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 josh@reinitzlaw.com (201) 345-6262 josh@reinitzlaw.com reinitzlaw.com

    22 min
  7. Ep # 171 - Preventive Care, Personal Attention

    FEB 5

    Ep # 171 - Preventive Care, Personal Attention

    Tired of racing through a 15-minute appointment and leaving with more questions than answers? We sit down with Dr. Galit Steinberg, founder of Younique Health in Closter, NJ, to unpack how boutique, personalized care restores time, trust, and real prevention. From the first hour-long visit to a plan that spans sleep, nutrition, stress, movement, and relationships, Dr. Galit shows why treating the whole person produces better outcomes than chasing numbers or quick fixes. We dig into lifestyle medicine as a practical toolkit for reversing prediabetes, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol without jumping straight to lifelong medication. Dr. Galit explains how deeper lab work uncovers micronutrient issues and hidden drivers of fatigue, frequent illness, and weight gain, and why coaching plus accountability beats the “pill for every problem” mindset. She also clarifies scope: men and women benefit from functional and lifestyle medicine, while hormone therapy focuses on women in perimenopause and menopause with evidence-based options that improve quality of life. Beyond prevention, we explore non-invasive aesthetics that support function and confidence, including facial toning, radiofrequency microneedling for collagen and skin tightening, and vaginal rejuvenation that addresses dryness and urinary symptoms. Dr. Galit shares her path from hospital-employed medicine to entrepreneurship, the challenges of marketing a mission-driven practice, and how speaking multiple languages builds cultural trust and better outcomes. If you’ve been craving a doctor who knows your sleep patterns as well as your lab results, this conversation offers a roadmap to care that actually fits your life. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who’s stuck in the 15-minute loop, and leave a quick review to help others find us. Younique Health Dr. Galit Steinberg 277 Closter Dock Rd. Suite 3 Closter, NJ 07624 (201) 975-3844 contact@younique-health.com younique-health.com

    23 min
  8. Ep # 170 - Handmade Design, Local Roots, And A Purpose-Driven Path

    FEB 5

    Ep # 170 - Handmade Design, Local Roots, And A Purpose-Driven Path

    The best businesses don’t start with a pitch deck. They start with a moment you can feel—like buying a house in December, hosting Christmas, and realizing there’s no table for the family to gather around. That urgency became a spark for Natalie and Julian of The Carpentry Shop, and it led to a purpose-driven studio known for showstopping custom furniture, warm wood countertops, and full-home millwork that turns houses into homes. We talk through the leap from government work and outdoor builds to a thriving workshop in Northvale, NJ, and how COVID forced the team to slow down and sharpen their craft. Natalie shares what separates a handmade piece from a mass-market lookalike: careful sourcing, joinery you can trust, and wood with a past. You’ll hear how they rescue lumber from across the U.S. and South America, why pricing is shaped by tariffs and supply shocks, and how to educate clients on value without the jargon. We also explore their growing partnerships with designers and builders, from custom vanities and kitchens to built-ins that fit the exact life of a room. Community runs through everything they do. The showroom doubles as a space for local artists like Andrew Weatherly, with proceeds supporting Infinity Equine Therapy Center. There’s a live epoxy demo, curated small-batch goods from independent makers, and an open invitation to discover how furniture is actually made. Natalie also gets personal about building a company with her spouse, raising daughters who aren’t afraid of a drill, and the hard truth every founder faces: purpose is what gets you up the mountain when the plan meets reality. If you love design, small-batch craft, and stories behind the wood, this conversation will stick with you. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves handmade pieces, and leave a review to help more neighbors find the show. Then tell us: what would your dream custom piece be? The Carpentry Shop Natalie Dion 190 Veterans Drive, Northvale, NJ 07647 (646) 933-0736 info@thecarpentryshopco.com thecarpentryshopco.com

    26 min

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Bringing together local businesses and neighbors of Bergen County