Norm chats with artist Nadine Robbins about her French-American upbringing and artistic journey. Nadine shares memories of childhood in southern France and growing up bilingual.
The conversation covers Nadine's artistic evolution from painting oysters inspired by her Charleston coastal roots to her career breakthrough when an unsolicited gallery submission launched her professional success. She discusses how an eye injury transformed her painting technique, pushing her work toward hyperrealism with enhanced texture. Nadine explains her transition from gallery exhibitions to commissioned portraits, drawing on her graphic design background to create pieces that blend realistic detail with bold colors and rebellious elements. She shares her creative influences and approach to capturing familiar subjects with unexpected twists. They wrap up with Nadine discussing her latest politically-charged series inspired by music and her upcoming participation in the Upstate Art Weekend open studio event. Throughout, Norm and Nadine explore how heritage, artistic vision, and creative process shape her evolving work.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

Send comments to comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org

From Brooklyn to global stages and now Milan, NY-he's a former globe-trotting DJ, a community events organizer and a brand-new dad: please welcome the always charming Zev Le Wolfe.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

Send comments to comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org

Norm sits down with Tanvir Alam to explore an extraordinary immigrant story that spans continents and cultures. Tanvir opens up about his path from Bangladesh to America, beginning with his family's early days in tight quarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and his formative years in a multicultural community. Their conversation weaves through the challenges of finding one's place between worlds—the push and pull of maintaining heritage while embracing new opportunities.
As both an engineer and attorney, Tanvir reflects on the unexpected turns his professional life has taken, while also sharing deeply personal moments, including his cross-cultural marriage to a Hindu woman that challenged traditional expectations on both sides. The discussion ventures into philosophical territory as Tanvir discusses how Albert Camus' philosophy of absurdism and the Stoic principle of 'Amor Fati'—embracing one's destiny—have shaped his perspective on navigating life's complexities and uncertainties.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

Send comments to comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org

Norm chats with Bebe Ochs Miscedra about her distinctive name and life in Rhinebeck. Bebe reflects on her childhood, early political influences from Bobby Kennedy, and her strong opinions about Nixon and Trump. They explore how Rhinebeck evolved from a working-class town to a commercial hub, sharing local history and personal memories. Bebe discusses her educational path, career working with people with developmental disabilities, and a brief stint in California that didn't suit her. The wide-ranging conversation covers personal beliefs, family relationships, and concludes with heartfelt appreciation between them.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

Send comments to comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org

Norm chat with Susan Ray. They discuss her time as an ordained monk at a California monastery, her husband Nicholas Ray's acclaimed but controversial film career, and their collaboration on the experimental film 'We Can't Go Home Again.' Susan opens up about navigating grief, her husband's alcoholism and AA recovery, and her spiritual exploration after his death. She also shares her current projects: writing an autobiographical novel, running a cleanse business, and preserving Nicholas Ray's legacy through their foundation

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

Send comments to comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org

Norm welcomes Robert Donaldson, a retired educator and local historian who dedicated decades to teaching at Rhinebeck High School, where he specialized in Law and European History. As a distinguished expert on the region's bluestone industry history, Bob takes listeners through his remarkable journey from his early days serving in the Coast Guard Reserve to his fulfilling career as an educator beloved by students and colleagues alike.
During their conversation, Bob discusses his deep involvement with the mock trial program and his genuine passion for legal education. He shares insights from his extensive research documenting Ulster County's bluestone industry, work that has contributed significantly to preserving the region's industrial heritage. The discussion also touches on personal aspects of his life, including his family's rich history, his connection to the Marist Brothers, and memories of growing up in the Bronx.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

Send comments to comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org

Norm sits down with veteran map publisher Eric Riback from his Bronx childhood dreams of radio stardom to founding two successful map companies, Eric's story weaves through game show tapings, National Geographic collaborations, and map-selling ventures in Maine. Eric shares tales of his Russian revolutionary grandparents, his parents' communist connections, and his current work boosting viewership at PANDA, the local public access television station in Northern Dutchess County. Eric shares the "Burnt Trailer" cocktail, popular in Maine, is a simple mix of two parts Moxie to one part Allen's Coffee Brandy. It's considered a Maine tradition.

Produced by Norm Magnusson and Matty Rosenberg
Ececutive Poducer Jennifer Hammoud

A prodution of Radio Free Rhinecliff

radiofreerhinecliff.org

Send comments to comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org

Norm interviews Emily Sachar, editor and founder of The Daily Catch, a hyperlocal newspaper covering Red Hook and Rhinebeck. They discuss her journey from a curious 11-year-old taking a bus to downtown St. Louis to becoming an intern at The Washington Post under Bob Woodward. Sachar shares insights into the challenges and rewards of local journalism, including the ethics of non-partisan reporting and the community's response to her work. They also touch on current local issues, including a boat club eminent domain case and a failing wastewater treatment plant. Sachar reveals personal anecdotes about her upbringing, her diverse career path, and her recent Parkinson's diagnosis, illustrating her resilience and dedication to her community.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

Send comments to comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org