Doug and Patti Brill are a well-known, popular Westport couple.
They’ve lived here for 33 years, raised 4 children, and are involved in many local activities, from Meals on Wheels to the YMCA.
But Doug and Patti have a story unlike any other couple in town — perhaps the world.
This is one of the most remarkable, honest, raw and important interviews I’ve ever done.
I’ll let them take it from here. Click here or below to view.
Owen Daniel is the youngest guest we’ve ever welcomed to our “06880” podcast.
The Weston High School senior balances schoolwork* with performing, songwriting and producing music events.
His songwriting draws inspiration from artists like Noah Kahan, Lewis Capaldi and Olivia Rodrigo, blending introspective lyrics with an acoustic sound.
This fall, Owen heads to Berklee College of Music in Boston. Before he goes — and the world learns about him — he stopped by the Westport Library, for a wide-ranging chat.
It was a great morning. My only regret is I forgot to ask him to bring his guitar.
Click here or below to hear Owen’s take on his life, his music, and the performing and recording world in general.
*Though as a 2nd semester senior, that’s probably now just an abstract concept.
Alex Giannini is a very busy man.
As director of programs and events for the Westport Library, he’s neck-deep in preparations for this year’s Verso Fest.
But last week he walked downstairs, sat on the Forum stage, and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the 5th annual music/media/and more festival.
Alex described not only what’s happening, but how. Who chooses the musicians and panelists? How is each day’s schedule balanced? Who is the target audience, how are they reached, and what are their reactions?
Alex’s interview offers a very cool look at a very cool event. Click here or below to see.
PS: Want to learn more about VersoFest ’26, with Wyclef Jean, Ani DiFranco and a lot more? Click here!
Christina Scherwin is the chief operating officer at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
She’s perfect for the role.
A 2-time Olympian in the javelin for her native Denmark, Christina competed in the 2004 and ’08 Olympics. She was a finalist at the 200t World Championships.
In 2002 she was inducted into the NCAA Hall of Fame. Christina has also served on the Danish Olympic Athlete and World Athletics Commissions.
The other day, Christina and I chatted at the Westport Library about her years as a competitive athlete, her work at the Y, and much more. Click here or below, for our wide-ranging conversation.
Marina Drasnin is a different kind of “06880” podcast guest.
She’s not in town government. She does not lead an interesting business, non-profit or organization.
What Marina is is a very excited new resident of Westport. She’s been here just a year, but she loves everything about this town.
She sees it through fresh eyes, and offers an intriguing perspective. The other day we chatted about Westport — what brought her here (spoiler alert: It involved the LA wildfires), what she expected, what she found, and much more.
Click here or below to see this place through very special eyes: Marina Drasnin’s.
Allyson Stollenwerck is an 8-year veteran of Westport’s Board of Finance, including service as vice chair.
She spent 2 decades at international non-profits, managing multimillion-dollar budgets. She began her career as a corporate securities lawyer, and served as counsel to the Deputy Attorney General of the United States.
Allyson is a graduate of Stanford University and Yale University Law School, and has lived in Westport for 23 years.
Last week, we chatted at the Westport Library. Our conversation ranged from the Board of Finance — what it does, how it does it, what the public should know about it — along with specific spending items, the capital forecast and more.
We also spoke about Allyson’s life in Westport, and her life beyond the BOF. Click here or below, to learn more about this important board, and this longtime member.
Posted in Economy, Local politics, Media
Tagged "06880" podcast, Allyson Stollenwerck, Board of Finance
This is Robin Moyer Chung’s second time on our “06880” podcast.
I interviewed her a couple of years ago, as editor of Westport Lifestyle magazine.
Now she’s back — as “06880”‘s culture correspondent.
The other day, we chatted on the Westport Library stage about all things cultural. The Westport Country Playhouse, Mo\CA, Staples Players — you name it, Robin knows it.
We talked too about our reputation as an “arts town.” Is it still true? Where do all the new arrivals fit in? What’s ahead?
Click here or below, for our very cultured conversation.
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Posted in Arts, Library, Media, Westport Country Playhouse
Tagged "06880" podcast, Robin Moyer Chung
Mike Hayes spent 20 years as a Navy SEAL. He served in South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia — including the conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He received 2 Bronze Stars.
Mike was also a White House fellow, in the Bush and Obama administrations.
After 2 decades of military service, Mike worked for Bridgewater Associates here in Westport, as chief of staff to the CEO and COO. He is currently managing director of Insight Partners, a global software investment firm.
Mike is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a founding board member of the National Medal of Honor Museum. He is fluent in German and Spanish — and is the author of 2 books about leadership. All profits go to the 1162 Foundation, a non-profit he started that pays off mortgages for Gold Star widows and children.
There is much more — and you’ll hear all about it in the podcast below. The time I spent last week with Mike at the Westport Library was educational, inspirational, and impactful.
I don’t guarantee many things. But I am certain you will also be inspired and motivated by his insights, passion and positivity.
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