Creativity, community, technology, and self-expression come together on this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday.

Ron Klopfanstein and Photojournalist and AI Content Producer Jim Hale visit Something Wicked, a two-day festival where local musicians, artists, vendors, and attendees celebrate individuality, creativity, and the freedom to be yourself.

Then, Suzanne Rodio, Denise Morganti, and Gaetano Fornino discuss DramaSphere’s production of David Lindsay-Abaire’s Ripcord. The comedy follows two very different women sharing a room in a senior living facility. Beneath its escalating pranks and battle of wills, the play explores friendship, vulnerability, aging, and continuing to embrace life.

Autistic brothers Justin and Ryan join their mother, Christine, for a personal conversation about their very different experiences with autism. They discuss anxiety, sensory overload, communication, coping strategies, advocacy, and the importance of recognizing each autistic person’s individual strengths and support needs.

Finally, returning guests James Nason and Hawa Peters join Ron for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity and human potential. James shares the latest on Robojango and discusses resilience, discipline, mentorship, and helping young people discover their abilities. Hawa previews the Utica Royalties Talent Show, where Ron will serve as one of the judges, and discusses the organization’s youth programs and upcoming Royal Roots and Rhythms Festival.

WATCH THE FULL SHOW:

YouTube:
https://youtu.be/0RxSX74yhMo

WATCH THE FEATURE STORIES:

Something Wicked:
https://youtu.be/D-utnNIvkLU

A Conversation About Autism:
https://youtu.be/Olv3eqqLENk

FEATURED EVENTS:

Ripcord
Grace Church, 6 Elizabeth Street, Utica
Friday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15 at 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 16 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $20
https://dramasphere.ludus.com

Utica Royalties Talent Show
Sunday, August 16, from 5–7 p.m.
730 Broadway, Utica
Open to all ages and all forms of talent. The winner receives $250 and an opportunity to perform with Utica Royalties at the New York State Fair.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Hot Seat: Media Monday airs Mondays at 5 p.m. on 95.5 FM The Heat and streams at:
https://955TheHeat.com

Full episodes stream Wednesdays at 9 p.m. at:
https://UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday

Hosted and produced by Ron Klopfanstein
Audio engineering by Jonathan Brooks/DJ J-Easy
Photojournalism and AI content production by Jim Hale
Entertainment Correspondent: Nabil Khan
Journalist and Producer: Lily Christopher

All the stories. All the culture. All in one show.

#MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday #955TheHeat #UticaNY #SomethingWicked #Ripcord #AutismAcceptance #Robojango #UticaRoyalties #CommunityJournalism