Off Track Saratoga Podcast

Noel McLaren & Zac Denham

Off Track Saratoga Podcast is THE DESTINATION for local hot topics, diving into the people, places, and stories shaping Saratoga and the Capital Region. Hosted by Emmy Award- winning journalist Noel McLaren and local business owner Zac Denham, the show explores local news, hot topics, businesses and community conversations- sometimes on track, sometimes off, but always worth the listen. 

  1. 2d ago

    Summer Fatigue, Nostalgia & a Little Bit of Chaos

    Summer is winding down in Saratoga, and Noel and Zac are feeling all the feelings. From celebrating Standard Fare’s first birthday and trying to embrace a little summer whimsy to the return of puzzles, bedazzling, family computers and other ways to escape the doom scroll, this episode is all about slowing down and enjoying what’s right in front of us. Then things take an Off Track turn with a D23-inspired game of “Remake It, Reboot It, or Leave It Alone?” as Noel and Zac debate which movies and shows deserve a second life—and which ones should be left alone. Plus: SPAC, back-to-school, emotional support water bottles, the great Crocs debate, and a revealing round of Inside the Actors Studio-style questions that gets surprisingly personal. It’s summer in Saratoga, it’s a little chaotic, and it’s very much Off Track. Support the show

  2. Aug 11

    What Happens When You Can’t Tell What’s Real? | Saratoga Dispatch & the Future of News

    What happens to journalism when AI can create convincing images, videos and even “evidence”? And in a world where social media algorithms increasingly decide what we see, how do we know what’s actually real? This week on Off Track Saratoga, Noel and Zac sit down with journalist and Saratoga Dispatch founder and editor Abby Tegnelia for a fascinating conversation about the changing world of news—and what it means for local journalism in Saratoga. Abby shares why she launched Saratoga Dispatch, how journalism has changed since her days in traditional newsrooms, and why she believes newsletters may be one of the ways local news can survive in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.  Subscribe to Saratoga Dispatch: saratogadispatch.com The show is hosted from Stirrup Saratoga, a brand-new curated vintage destination, where owner Matt Acevedo explains why a Ralph Lauren-focused shop makes almost too much sense in a horse town like Saratoga. We talk vintage, sustainability, and why the in-person shopping experience still matters. Plus, we debate “grandma hobbies,” talk dream celebrity guests for Saratoga, and get some very strong opinions on AI. It’s a conversation about the future of news, the return of real-world connection, and two very different ways of keeping Saratoga connected—all from inside one very cool new shop. Support the show

  3. Aug 4

    Know behind the glow | An Unfiltered Conversation with Afterglow Sunless Tans

    This week on Off Track Saratoga, Noel and Zac sit down with Kristen, owner of Afterglow Sunless Tan, for one of the funniest and most surprisingly heartfelt conversations of the season. Kristen shares what it's like to have one of the most unique jobs in Saratoga—including why she jokes she's seen half the town naked. But beyond the laughs, she opens up about the trust her clients place in her, the confidence a great spray tan can bring, and the journey of building a thriving local business from the ground up. Along the way, you'll hear: • The funniest (and most awkward) moments from inside the spray tan room • Why clients often treat their spray tan appointment like a therapy session • The challenges of opening a business in Saratoga—and the community that helped it grow • Expert tips for getting the perfect spray tan that actually lasts • Rapid-fire "Hot Takes" featuring wild client stories, bridal drama, and unexpected questions Whether you're a longtime Afterglow client, curious about spray tanning, or simply love hearing the stories behind Saratoga's local businesses, this episode is packed with laughs, heart, and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments. If you're enjoying Off Track Saratoga, be sure to follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share this episode with someone who loves discovering the people and places that make Saratoga Springs so special. Support the show

  4. Jul 28

    Behind the Curtain: An Exclusive Look Inside SPAC at 60

    What does it take to bring one of the country's most iconic performing arts venues to life? In this episode of Off Track Saratoga, Noel and Zac get an exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Joined by SPAC President Chris Shiley, we go backstage to explore the remarkable history, traditions, and future of one of Saratoga Springs' most beloved landmarks. You'll get an inside look at: 🎭 The massive three-day New York City Ballet load-in 🎼 How SPAC transforms from ballet to rock concerts and back again 🎻 The original 1966 dressing rooms, orchestra pit, and backstage spaces 🌲 Why performing in the heart of Saratoga Spa State Park makes SPAC unlike any other venue 🎆 Family-friendly summer traditions, from the Philadelphia Orchestra's Tchaikovsky Spectacular to live orchestra movie nights 🎤 What it takes to preserve SPAC's rich history while preparing for the next 60 years Whether you've spent countless summer nights on the lawn or have always wondered what happens behind the curtain, this episode offers a rare look at the people, planning, and passion that make SPAC one of Saratoga's most treasured institutions. Plus, Noel steps onto the legendary stage and takes listeners into areas that few members of the public ever get to see. New episodes of Off Track Saratoga drop every Tuesday. Support the show

  5. Jul 21

    The 90s Summer Is Back + Local or Tourist

    Is the "90s Summer" making a comeback? In this episode of Off Track Saratoga, Noel and Zac talk about slowing life down, letting kids be kids, and why an unstructured summer might be exactly what families/ all people need. Noel shares stories from the Jersey Shore, a commercial-grade waterslide that almost took over her front porch, and the joys (and occasional hornet stings) of raising two adventurous boys. Zac reflects on finding balance, rediscovering free time, and why adults might need a little "90s Summer" too. Then it's time for the debut of a brand-new Off Track Saratoga game: 🎙️ Local or Tourist? We hit the streets of downtown Saratoga Springs during racing season to see if we can tell who's local and who's just visiting. Some guesses are spot-on... others are hilariously wrong. In this episode: ☀️ Why the "90s Summer" trend is taking off 🌊 The great waterslide debate 🐝 Surviving a hornet sting 🛶 Summer in Saratoga, Lake George, and the Jersey Shore 🎠 Saratoga Race Course tips—including why breakfast at the track is underrated 🎤 The very first edition of Local or Tourist If you've ever spent a summer in Saratoga—or just miss the carefree summers of childhood—this one's for you. New episodes every Tuesday. Support the show

  6. Jul 14

    Behind the Bugles: The Story Behind Saratoga's Legendary Sound

    Welcome back! Season 2 of Off Track Saratoga is officially underway, and Noel and Zac are kicking things off from the porch of the National Racing Hall of Fame with two of Saratoga's most recognizable voices—the Saratoga Buglers, Tony and Carson Gambaro. Every racing day, thousands of fans hear their iconic "Call to the Post," but few know the incredible father-son story behind the tradition. In this episode, we talk about: 🎺 How they unexpectedly became the Saratoga Buglers after the legendary Sam the Bugler 🏇 What it's like performing before every race at Saratoga Race Course 🎶 Their favorite songs to surprise fans with—including Eminem, Careless Whisper, Mission Impossible, and more 👨‍👦 What it's like sharing one of Saratoga's most cherished traditions as a father and son 🎤 Behind-the-scenes stories from Travers Day, Belmont, birthdays, celebrity encounters, and unforgettable moments around the track Plus, we're introducing a brand-new "Porch Sittin'" series, where we'll be recording from some of Saratoga's most iconic front porches all season long. If you love Saratoga Springs, horse racing, local history, or simply great stories, this is the perfect way to kick off Season 2. 🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday. Be sure to subscribe, follow, download, and leave a review—it helps us reach even more listeners throughout the Capital Region and beyond.  Follow us on Instagram: @offtracktalk #SaratogaSprings #SaratogaRaceCourse #Saratoga #HorseRacing #SaratogaBuglers #CallToThePost #NYRA #Travers #OffTrackSaratoga #CapitalRegion #Podcast Support the show

  7. Jun 2

    Off Track Gets Shucked: An Exclusive First Look Inside The Pearl Oyster Bar with Ronnie Solevo

    Scallions may be gone, but something exciting is taking its place. In the Season 1 Finale of the pod, Noel and Zac go Off Track with local restaurateur Ronnie Solevo for an exclusive first look inside The Pearl, the highly anticipated seafood restaurant and raw bar opening at the former Scallions location on Lake Avenue. Ronnie shares the inspiration behind the concept, how fresh oysters and seafood make their way from the coast to Saratoga in as little as 12–18 hours, and why this project feels like the most authentic expression of who he is. We talk restaurant design, preserving the spirit of Scallions, creating a space that feels both coastal and Saratoga, and some of the surprises guests can expect when The Pearl opens later this year. Follow @thepearlsaratoga for updates and get ready to discover Saratoga's newest gem. Support the show

  8. May 26

    Quiet Luxury & Loud Opinions with Local Fashion Editor Tiina Loite

    Noel and Zac go Off Track with Saratoga Living fashion editor Tiina Loite for a funny, honest, and relatable conversation about fashion, confidence, and personal style. From The Devil Wears Prada 2 and quiet luxury to Saratoga track fashion, denim struggles, athleisure, vintage shopping, and finding your style through different stages of life — nothing is off limits. Plus: strong opinions on Crocs, socks with sandals, white after Labor Day, department stores, and why “getting dressed” still matters. Follow, rate, and subscribe for new episodes every week! Support the show

See All (21)

Trailer

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Off Track Saratoga Podcast is THE DESTINATION for local hot topics, diving into the people, places, and stories shaping Saratoga and the Capital Region. Hosted by Emmy Award- winning journalist Noel McLaren and local business owner Zac Denham, the show explores local news, hot topics, businesses and community conversations- sometimes on track, sometimes off, but always worth the listen. 

Information

  • Creator
    Noel McLaren & Zac Denham
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Off Track Saratoga Podcast
  • Show Website
    Off Track Saratoga Podcast

You Might Also Like