The Highlands Current Podcast

The Poet Next Door: James Hoch

April is National Poetry Month and, in a new episode, Current editor Chip Rowe shares a conversation he had last year with James Hoch, a Garrison resident who has been a professor of creative writing at Ramapo College since 2006. Hoch’s most recent collection of poetry, Last Pawn Shop in New Jersey, was published in February.

A History Of Secession Movements, With Richard Kreitner

Kreitner, of Philipstown, is the author of Break It Up: Secession, Division and the Secret History of America's Imperfect Union. He discusses with Current Editor Chip Rowe the many attempts at secession in the U.S., the state he suspects will be the first to break away, and the logistics of Philipstown seceding from Putnam County.

Beacon Noir, With Writer Peter Ullian

Arts Editor Alison Rooney speaks with the Beacon writer, whose recent work includes a short story included in an anthology of crime fiction. 

Remembering Newburgh’s Anthony Mancinelli, World’s Oldest Working Barber

Bonus episode: Anthony Mancinelli, who passed away in 2019, cut hair for 97 years. He held the Guinness Record for oldest working barber, having started his career at the age of 11. This interview was recorded by Highlands Current reporter Michael Turton and videographer Gregory Gunder when Mancinelli was 106.

Roasting Coffee, With Big Mouth Owner Alex Finkelstein

Finkelstein is on a mission to provide Highlands residents with excellent coffee in an unpretentious setting. He talks with Current reporter Michael Turton about the ins and outs of coffee growing, roasting, grinding and serving that perfect cup of joe.    

Devastated By COVID, With Maya Fasulo

At just 20 years old, Beacon native and former Haldane student Maya Fasulo lost both her mother Cecile Fasulo and grandmother Marie Anne Halleux to COVID-19 within a month of each other. She tells her story in this interview with Highlands Current reporter Leonard Sparks. 

Adventures In Obstacle Course Racing, With Gwendolyn Bounds

By day Gwendolyn Bounds is the chief content officer of Consumer Reports and a writer of such works as a book about the gone but never forgotten Guinan's Pub. But in her off-hours, Gwendolyn is an obstacle course racer who competes in Spartan Races nationally and internationally. In this episode, she talks about the tribulations and rewards of participating in these extremely challenging events. 

Introducing The Highlands Current Podcast

To celebrate our 500th issue, The Highlands Current is excited to kick off a new podcast. Subscribe and listen in as our reporting team speaks with newsmakers, artists and other people of interest from Beacon, Cold Spring, Garrison, Nelsonville and Philipstown, New York.