Tag Archives: “06880” podcast

“06880” Podcast: Mike Hayes

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.

“06880” Podcast: Dave Grossman

Dave Grossman is the rowing director and boys head coach at Saugatuck Rowing Club.

His rowing career began there in 2005. He quickly began coaching too. Dave was a 4-year member of the Hobart College team. He competed at the Head of the Charles Regatta, national championships and Henley Royal Regatta.

The other day, Dave came ashore to the Westport Library. We looked back, in this 25th anniversary year for Saugatuck Rowing Club’s modern facility, at its growth and evolution (and the role the Winklevoss family has played). We talked about the sport of crew: who it attracts, what it takes to compete, and the impact it has on rowers of all ages.

We talked too about Dave’s life, on and off the water. Click here or below, for a fascinating half hour.

“06880” Podcast: Bill Harmer

For several years, “06880” has taped bi-weekly podcasts at the Westport Library. The Verso Studios crew — David Bibbey, Travis Bell, and their volunteer helpers — ensure that we look and sound professional, and as if we know what we’re talking about.

We’ve welcomed guests from all across Westport: town officials, religious figures, artists and musicians, educators, and many others.

Our most recent guest is the man responsible for it all: Library director Bill Harmer.

As he celebrates his 10th anniversary in charge of one of the most remarkable libraries everywhere, we set out to learn the story behind the story.

Click here or below to discover much more about the director, his work, and the future of it all.

“06880” Podcast: Janice Egan

Janice Egan is senior director of development and philanthropy at MoCA CT.

But her route to Westport’s arts center began at Brooks Brothers. it continued through 2 decades working at Lafayette College.

What ties those experiences together is her passion for connecting people through shared values, and an interest in art and culture.

The other day, Janice visited the Westport Library’s Verso Studios, for a chat with “06880”‘s podcast. Click here or below, to learn (much) more about our town’s vibrant art scene.

“06880” Podcast: Emily & Tim Zobl

Emily and Tim Zobl are the founders and owners of The Clubhouse.

Their new spot on Post Road East (in the old Pane e Bene space) offers golf and other sports simulators, high-tech darts, 2 karaoke rooms, a full restaurant and bar with enormous TV screens, a rooftop deck, and more.

It’s a unique business. The other day, Emily — a native Westporter — and her husband stopped by the Westport Library, to talk about it.

You can learn more about The Clubhouse — and what’s it’s like to open a new business in Westport, while raising 2 young kids, along with the couple’s University of Michigan collection — here, or in the podcast below.

“06880” Podcast: Jeff Dunkerton

Jeff Dunkerton is Westport’s town clerk.

If you don’t know what that is, or why it’s important: Watch our podcast below.

And if you think “town clerk” is a boring interview subject: Think again.

I learned a ton the other day, when Jeff left his very busy office to chat at the Westport Library. We talked about many town clerk-related subjects: upcoming elections, dog licenses, technology … Jeff covers it all.

If you have any interest at all in town government — how it functions, and what goes on behind the scenes — you’ll find our conversation very enlightening.

I guarantee: You’ll never look at Town Hall the same way again.

Click here or below to see:

“06880” Podcast: Brian Lewis

Brian Lewis is the highly respected chef and owner of 2 legendary Westport restaurants: The Cottage and OKO.

He’s also a James Beard Award finalist, and a key figure in the Fairfield County culinary scene.

But he’s also a dad — and much more. The other day, Brian made the short trip to the Westport Library, to chat about his work, his life (and his sons). Click here or below, to enjoy our wide-ranging conversation.

“06880” Podcast: Rick Benson

Rick Benson wears many hats. He is “Mr. Rotary” in Westport, overseeing everything from LobstersFest to projects around the world.

He has also served on many town boards, the United Way, YMCA, Boy Scouts, and not one but two Congregational churches.

I could have listed many more accomplishments when I introduced him at our recent “06880” podcast, but I preferred to spend the time chatting.

Click here or below, to hear the many things we talked about.

“06880” Podcast: Addison Moore

Addison Moore is the youngest guest we’ve ever had on our “06880” podcast.

He’s also one of the most interesting.

A 2023 Staples High School graduate, and a rising senior at Lafayette College, Addison started one of Fairfield County’s largest youth community service groups.

He is living proof that young people today do care about much more than themselves (and their phones).

Now Addison is taking his activism one step further. He’s planning a run for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — the youngest candidate ever.

The other day, Addison stopped by the Westport Library, to chat about his love for this town, his service to it, and his future here. Click below to hear his well-spoken, passionate insights.

 

“06880” Podcast: Charles Mallory

Charles Mallory is the founder of Greenwich Hospitality Group.

Their new Delamar Westport is the latest addition to luxury properties like the Delamar Southport and Greenwich Harbor, and others in West Hartford, Mystic and Traverse City, Michigan.

The other day, Charles and I chatted about our town’s newest hotel; the company’s others; hospitality in general, and of course many other Westport topics.

Click below to learn more.