Off Track Saratoga Podcast

Noel McLaren & Zac Denham
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Society & Culture

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. Oct 13

    Is Saratoga Losing What Makes It Special? Historic Preservation, Demolition & What Comes Next

    Send us Fan Mail A proposed shake-up of Saratoga Springs’ historic preservation rules has locals asking, "what's next?" Samantha Bosshart of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation joins Noel and Zac to explain what's on the table, what could change, and what it might mean for the city's future. They unpack the proposed changes to Saratoga’s historic preservation and demolition rules, what they could mean for the city’s character, and why the conversation is bigger than old buildings. From historic homes and downtown development to affordable housing, neighborhood character, and the future of Saratoga’s iconic streets, we’re breaking down what’s being proposed, what’s at stake, and how residents can make their voices heard. Plus, Samantha shares her architectural hot takes in a round of This or That: Architecture Edition—from brownstones versus painted ladies to historic mansions versus modern design. Because preserving Saratoga’s past and building its future don’t have to be mutually exclusive. The question is: how do we do both? In this episode: What the proposed changes to Saratoga Springs’ demolition rules could meanWhy the city’s historic and architectural review districts matterThe balance between preservation, development, and affordable housingWhat residents can do to get involvedSamantha’s architectural hot takes in This or ThatListen in, get informed, and decide where you stand. This is one local conversation worth having. Support the show

  2. Oct 6

    Your Hot Disabled Bestie Takes Over Off Track Saratoga: Accessibility, Dating & Life in Saratoga

    Send us Fan Mail Zac is away, so Noel has a new co-host for this episode—and she is ready to talk. Meet Morgan, aka Your Hot Disabled Bestie, a Saratoga resident, disability advocate, and unapologetic professional yapper who joins Noel for a very honest, funny, and completely Off Track conversation. Morgan opens up about living with Adams Oliver Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, and what it's really like navigating everyday life with a disability in Saratoga Springs. She and Noel talk about accessibility around Saratoga, local restaurants and businesses, getting around downtown, dating, confidence, fitness, and the importance of simply asking questions instead of being afraid to say the wrong thing. Morgan also shares how getting active at Max Level Fitness helped her regain strength and independence, introduces us to her service dog, talks about her dream of appearing in Sports Illustrated, and explains why she wants to be the best friend she wishes she had growing up. It's an honest look at Saratoga through a different lens—and a reminder that there's a lot more to a person than what you see at first glance. Follow Morgan on Instagram: @yourhotdisabledbestie Support the show

  3. Sep 29

    Saratoga’s Most Haunted? 👻 A Psychic Medium Spills the Tea

    Send us Fan Mail Is Saratoga haunted? 👻 We’re asking a psychic medium! Katie Manning Hilton joins Noel and Zac for a seriously fun—and occasionally very spooky—conversation about Saratoga’s most haunted places, psychic abilities, haunted mirrors, spirits, signs from loved ones, and the incredible things kids sometimes say. Plus, Katie gets personal with Noel and Zac, shares some unexpected insights, and leaves us with one big reminder: slow down, stay present, and choose gratitude over worry. Things get weird. Things get emotional. And yes… we finally answer Zac's question from last episode...do you take your outfit with you to the afterlife? Is there such a thing as a ghost outfit? 👻 Support the show

  4. Sep 22

    Do I Even Belong Here? Inside Glisten's Mission to Make Fitness Fun

    Send us Fan Mail Glisten Up... Do you ever walk into a workout class and immediately think, Do I even belong here? 😬 That’s exactly what Meghan McFerran, founder of Glisten Studio in Saratoga Springs, wanted to change. On this episode of Off-Track Saratoga, Noel and Zac head to Glisten for a conversation about making fitness feel less intimidating, more inclusive—and a whole lot more fun. Meghan shares how she went from professional dancer to personal trainer, entrepreneur and founder of Glisten, blending dance, music and fitness into workouts designed to leave you feeling stronger, happier and maybe even looking forward to your next class. And yes… Noel and Zac actually do the workout. Things get sweaty, Britney Spears-inspired arms make an appearance, and the three attempt to conduct a conversation while simultaneously squatting, pulsing and trying not to lose their breath. Meghan also talks about building a business while raising a family, giving yourself grace when you can't do it all, her experience working on In the Heights with Lin-Manuel Miranda, her time as a fitness trainer on the TODAY Show, and what could be next for Glisten. Plus, Noel, Zac and Meghan get into some very important hot takes: Crocs, airplane outfits, workout trends, and the ultimate post-workout treat. Whether you're a dedicated fitness person, someone who would rather do literally anything else than work out, or you're just looking for a welcoming local community in Saratoga, this episode might convince you to get your Glisten on. Off-Track Saratoga is your guide to the people, places, businesses and conversations making Saratoga Springs and the Capital Region worth talking about. Sometimes we're on track. Sometimes we're a little off. But it's always worth the listen. Support the show

  5. Sep 15

    We Stomped Grapes! A Fall Day at Old Tavern Farm in Saratoga

    Send us Fan Mail What do you get when you mix a beautiful Saratoga farm, wine, whiskey, flowers, horses, fall vibes… and two podcast hosts attempting to stomp grapes? A riveting episode of Off Track Saratoga Podcast! This week, Noel and Zac head to Old Tavern Farm in Stillwater for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the Capital Region’s most unique destinations. We talk with Nicole Borisenok about her family farm's evolution from a thoroughbred breeding operation into an agricultural village featuring a flower farm, Tea House Flower Café, distillery, vineyards and more — plus what’s coming this fall and beyond.  We also get into our Fall Overrated or Underrated debate: pumpkin spice, Uggs, Halloween decorations, apple cider donuts, apple picking, pumpkin picking and the return of the classic pillowcase trick-or-treat bag. And because this is Off Track, Zac considers a seasonal wig. Then, Zac and Noel become your local Lucy and Ethel, while stomping grapes with questionable technique but plenty of laughs. If you're looking for things to do in Saratoga this fall, love discovering local farms, food, drinks and hidden gems, or just want to hear what Noel and Zac are getting themselves into next, this episode is for you. Off Track Saratoga is your local podcast for Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County and the Capital Region — covering the people, places, businesses, events and conversations that make the area worth talking about. Come for the local scoop. Stay for the grape-stomping. Support the show

  6. Sep 8

    Saratoga County's Animal Shelter Is at Capacity — And They Take Tarantulas?!

    Send us Fan Mail Saratoga County Animal Shelter is at capacity, and they need some help from the 518! Noel and Zac sit down with Carly from the Saratoga County Animal Shelter to talk about what’s behind the backlog, and—most importantly—how the community can help. We’re talking fostering, volunteering, adopting, and the surprisingly adorable program where kids can read to shelter cats. We also learn about the Senior to Senior adoption program, how the shelter helps families keep their pets during tough financial times, and why fostering may be much easier and more flexible than you think. And then things get a little… Off Track (per usual).  Because the shelter doesn’t just see cats and dogs. They’ve also welcomed rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, bearded dragons—and yes, tarantulas. 🕷️ Plus, Noel and Zac get a tour of the shelter and meet some of the animals currently looking for their forever homes. It’s an important conversation about a real need in our area, but as always, we have a few laughs along the way. Come for the animal shelter. Stay for the tarantulas. Support the show

  7. Sep 1

    Off Track On Track | Travers Weekend Edition of Local or Tourist

    Send us Fan Mail Noel and Zac take Off Track on Track...but do they ever really stay on task?  This week the duo welcomes Jene Sena of WNYT's Capital Region Lifestyle after appearing on her show. They talk the Spa Summer's grand finale, Track Fashion, and once again, Zac's issue with Crocs. Did he find a better alternative? Plus, a special track edition of Off Track's favorite Summer Game, Local or Tourist!  Support the show

  8. Aug 25

    Off Track: We Really Went There | The Best of Off Track Saratoga

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when you go back through the archives and pull together some of the best, funniest, most unexpected moments from Off Track Saratoga? You get this episode.  This week, Noel McLaren and Zac Denham are doing things a little differently and taking a trip through some of their favorite moments from the first two seasons of the podcast — from Saratoga stories and local history to parenting, summer fatigue, pop culture, strong opinions and conversations that went completely off the rails. Hear the story behind Saratoga's legendary buglers Tony and Carson Gambaro, discover the surprising history behind a Saratoga home that refused to disappear, get a behind-the-scenes look at SPAC, revisit the origins of The Pearl, and relive some of the conversations that made Noel and Zac laugh the hardest. There's also a spray-tan question that went very wrong, a passionate Crocs debate, a few questionable musical choices, and a surprisingly meaningful conversation about confidence. It's funny. It's nostalgic. It's very Saratoga. And, as always, it goes a little Off Track. If you're new to the podcast, this is a great place to start. If you've been listening since Season 1, consider it a highlight reel of some of the moments that made us love doing this show. New episodes every week. Support the show

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Trailer

5
out of 5
17 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
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Off Track Saratoga Podcast
  • Show Website
    Off Track Saratoga Podcast

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