The 495 Podcast

#31 From broke bartenders to restauranteurs: The Tap Room story

The guys sit with James Bonanno, a Blue Point native, who shares how he and his business partner David Johnson went from dead broke to running five-plus restaurant/bars on Long Island. 

#30 From Mt. Sinai to the World Series with Dana Cavalea

Mount Sinai's Dana Cavalea discusses his journey from being a lifelong Yankees fan to winning World Series with the team as a strength and condition coach in 2009. He also talks about his new book and shares some great life lessons and business wisdom. 

#29 The Human iPod

Long Island singer Fred Maloney, AKA the Human iPod, knows between 2,000 to 3,000 songs. And because of his audiographic memory, it only takes him minutes to learn new songs. In this episode — which was taped at Destination Unknown Beer Company in Bay Shore — the Human iPod talks about his nickname, performs music ranging from artists such as Andrea Bocelli to Drake, and everything in between. 

 

#28 Talking Marcus Stroman, Eddie Trap and a little wiffel ball with Anthony Frascogna

After being a baseball coach for 19-plus years at Patchogue-Medford High School, Anthony Frascogna has become a staple in the community.

Frascogna joins The 495 Podcast to talk about his time as a coach, the news of his former player Marcus Stroman being traded New York Mets recently, as well as his band Eddie Trap.

The episode, recorded at Patchogue's Donatina's Pizza Cafe, was hosted by Greater Long Island's content manager Nicholas Esposito and GreaterSayville's executive editor Brian Harmon.

#27 L.I.'s Jake Carlock's journey to the New York Giants

Long Island's Jake Carlock has turned his dream into a reality. 

Following the 2019 NFL Draft, the Babylon native signed with his childhood favorite team, the New York Giants. 

Carlock, who plays linebacker and long snapper, is now in the midst of fighting for a roster spot for the 2019-20 regular season. 

"I never really thought I'd be in the position I always hoped," he said. "But once you are there it is a little different."

The 495 Podcast sat down with the LIU Post product to talk about his journey to the league. He also talks about his hometown, college days, and his interactions with star teammates like Eli Manning. 

 

#26 Brewing in Bay Shore

With four breweries, Bay Shore has become a destination for great beer on Long Island.

Last month, we rounded up the people behind the local breweries Great South Bay Brewery, Brewers Collective Beer Company, and the soon-to-be-opened HopWin's Brewery, for a fun-filled episode.

A representative from Bay Shore's fourth brewery, Destination Unknown Beer Company, wasn't able to make the taping.

In between the laughs, each brewery talks about their backgrounds, the latest trends in the biz, as well as collaborations with their South Shore counterparts.

#25 Meet the North Fork Doughnut Company

The North Fork Doughnut Company, known by many as NoFoDoCo, was founded by lovebirds Jimmy Lyons and Kelly Briguccia in June 2018.

The two, who first met at a Dunkin Donuts in Port Jeff, decided years later to combine their passion for cooking and baking to create their hit doughnut shop in Mattituck.

In this episode, you'll learn all about the doughy treats, NoFoDoCo's collabs with breweries, and some hints to where they will be opening their second location on Long Island. 

 

#24 The Skoolie Experience on L.I.

Apt.84 is a 2001 school bus turned into a beach house on wheels.

For the uninitiated, when a school bus is converted into a tiny home it is known as a Skoolie.

It took over six months for the Lindenhurst team, consisting of builder Jose Rivera and designer Catherine Ovejas, to finish the transformation. 

Listen to all the fun and creative things they are doing with their home on wheels on Long Island. 

#23 Bellport's Jordan Gowins readies for NFL

Lifelong Bellport resident Jordan Gowins is laser-focused on making it to the NFL. After a successful career at Stony Brook University, the 6-0, 240 running back has trained non-stop for his NFL Pro Day. In this episode, Gowins talks about his football journey, what it was like living in a low-income community, and how he wants to inspire and help the next generation of Bellporters. 

 

 

#22 In the ring with Vargas Boxing

With the help of his dad, Bellport's Alex Vargas went from boxing at 7 years old to sporting a perfect 3-0 professional record. Both Alex and his father Mike joined The 495 to talk about Alex's journey, as well as the boxing program they host in Patchogue at Finest Fitness.