Tag Archives: “06880” podcast

“06880” Podcast: Christina Scherwin

Posted on February 23, 2026 | 9 comments

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.

9 Comments

Posted in Media, Sports, YMCA

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“06880” Podcast: Marina Drasnin

Posted on February 10, 2026 | 1 comment

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.

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Posted in Westport life

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“06880” Podcast: Allyson Stollenwerck

Posted on January 27, 2026 | 2 comments

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.

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Posted in Economy, Local politics, Media

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“06880” Podcast: Erik Barbieri

Posted on January 12, 2026 | 4 comments

Erik Barbieri is nearing the end of his first year as director of our Parks & Recreation Department.

It’s a key job — and he’s earned plenty of praise for his leadership. He’s visible. He’s proactive.

And he seems to be enjoying himself, and the town.

The other day, Erik joined me at the Westport Library. We chatted about what got him to Westport; what he expected; what he found; where the department is going — and much more.

Click here or below, for a very informative look at our town’s recreational scene. And the man who runs it.

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Posted in Beach, Local politics, Longshore, Media

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“06880” Podcast: Robin Moyer Chung

Posted on December 30, 2025 | Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Robin Moyer Chung

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

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“06880” Podcast: Mike Hayes

Posted on December 15, 2025 | 3 comments

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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Posted in Media

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“06880” Podcast: Dave Grossman

Posted on December 2, 2025 | 1 comment

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.

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Posted in Media, Sports

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“06880” Podcast: Bill Harmer

Posted on November 17, 2025 | Comments Off on “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.

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Posted in Library, Media

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“06880” Podcast: Janice Egan

Posted on October 20, 2025 | Comments Off on “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.

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Posted in Arts, Media

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“06880” Podcast: Emily & Tim Zobl

Posted on October 6, 2025 | 4 comments

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.

4 Comments

Posted in Local business, Media

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