Podcast

The WNY Rocks! Podcast

Music, Music Interviews, Society & Culture

A podcast about the music, people & places of Western New York.

Episodes
7
Releases
Twice a week
Typical length
1 hr 26 min
On air since
2026
Latest episode
23 hours ago

Episodes

7 episodes, newest first

  1. The WNY Rocks! Podcast - 'Mobbed Up Batavia', the true Story of How a Series of cold Blooded Killings shattered a Small American Town with Author David Kinney

    Episode 7

    Show notes

    On this week's episode Michael Kenneth is joined by author David Kinney, who wrote the true crime book, 'Mobbed Up Batavia', The true Story of How a Series of Cold-Blooded Killings Shattered a Small American Town. In the 1930's, a series of cold and calculated killings shattered the quiet routine of Batavia, New York. What appeared to be isolated acts of violence soon revealed a deliberate and precise pattern that is impossible to ignore. At the center of it all were Batavia's bookmakers. Men who had built their own criminal network and, for a time, thrived outside the reach of the law and larger criminal organizations.
    We also discuss how David came to write the book, the research that went into his writing, and what he learned as a result of the writing of 'Mobbed Up Batavia.'

    1 hr 56 min
  2. The WNY Rocks! Podcast - Episode 6 - The Lady & the Leaf - The Business of Legal Marijuana w/Shelly Wolanske, owner of Mrs. Green's Cannary, A legal NYS marijuana dispensary located in Western New…

    Episode 6

    Show notes

    Summary

    In this episode of the Western New York Rocks podcast, host Michael Kenneth speaks with Shelly Wolansky, owner of Mrs. Green's Cannery, about her journey into the legalized marijuana business in New York. The conversation explores the cultural shift surrounding cannabis, the challenges of navigating the licensing process, and the stigma that still exists around marijuana use. Shelly shares her personal experiences, the struggles of starting a business in a newly legalized industry, and the support she received from the community. The episode highlights the complexities of running a cannabis dispensary and the evolving perceptions of marijuana in society. In this episode, the hosts discuss the journey of women in the cannabis industry, focusing on Shelly's experience as a 100% women-owned business owner. They explore the challenges and triumphs of opening a legal cannabis dispensary, including the importance of support and collaboration. The conversation transitions into a tour of Mrs. Green's Cannery, showcasing the variety of cannabis products available and the educational aspects of cannabis consumption. The hosts delve into the science behind edibles versus smoking, THC levels, and the significance of encouraging women to pursue careers in cannabis education. In this episode of The WNY Rocks! Podcast, hosts Shelly Wolanski and Chris Van Dusen discuss the multifaceted opportunities within the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of community perception and the challenges faced by small businesses in a saturated market. They address the stigma surrounding cannabis use, the legal landscape in New York, and the impact of corporate competition on local dispensaries. The conversation highlights their commitment to changing perceptions about cannabis and their vision for the future of their business, Mrs. Green's Cannery.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Legalized Marijuana Business

    03:36 Shelly's Journey into Cannabis

    11:19 Navigating the Licensing Process

    17:04 Challenges and Stigmas in the Industry

    23:33 The Impact of Legalization on Business

    30:09 Reflections on Success and Community Support

    31:05 Empowering Women in the Cannabis Industry

    35:13 A Tour of Mrs. Green's Cannery

    39:30 Understanding Cannabis Products

    44:43 The Science of Edibles vs. Smoking

    51:57 Navigating THC Levels and Strains

    60:40 Encouraging Women in Cannabis Education

    61:40 Opportunities Beyond Growing in Cannabis

    64:42 Changing Perceptions: The Community Impact of Cannabis

    67:58 Addressing Addiction and Stigma in Cannabis Use

    71:51 Navigating the Legal Landscape of Cannabis

    75:42 Challenges and Competition in the Cannabis Market

    79:57 The Future of Mrs. Green's Cannery

    1 hr 26 min
  3. The WNY Rocks! Podcast - Episode 5 - Christian Rock Band Remedy Three 'Band of Brothers' with band members Ray Eighmey & Mark Fuerbacher

    Episode 5

    Show notes

    On this episode we talk with Ray Eighmey (bassist), and Mark Fuerbacher (guitars) of the Christian hard rock band Remedy Three.
    We talk about they're shared faith, brotherhood, and the songs behind their debut EP, 'Remedy Three, What's Happened to Me?'

    We talk about all this and more on this weeks WNY Rocks! Podcast - Episode 5 - Remedy Three 'A Band of Brothers'

    Show Notes:

    All songs used on Episode 8 were written, and produced by Remedy Three from the EP, titled Remedy Three, What's Happened to Me?

    The songs used on this episode were used with exclusive expressed permission from Remedy Three

    Songs on this weeks episode from the EP include:

    Tears in a Bottle

    Further

    1C924

    Remedy Three is:

    Ray Eighmey - Bass
    Mark Fuerbacher - Guitar
    Ron Wickings - Vocals
    John Falkowski - Drums

    Follow Remedy Three at remedythree.com
    and on facebook.com/remedythree

    Chapters

    00:00 Faith and Music: The Spiritual Connection

    01:57 The Journey of Remedy Three: Formation and Growth

    06:48 The Meaning Behind the Name: Remedy Three

    12:06 Musical Identity: Blending Genres and Messages

    18:16 Community Impact: Giving Back Through Music

    21:08 Songwriting Process: Collaboration and Creativity

    31:29 The Art of Songwriting

    35:20 Collaborative Creativity in Music

    37:44 Exploring Themes of Addiction in Music

    42:52 The Power of Music and Personal Connection

    49:48 Faith and Music: A Personal Journey

    60:58 Life Experiences Shaping Faith

    63:26 Life-Changing Experiences and Faith Awakening

    68:40 The Journey of Music Creation

    72:32 Recording Techniques and Collaboration

    80:03 The Importance of Physical Media

    85:06 Influences and Inspirations in Music

    91:08 Band Dynamics and Future Plans

    1 hr 39 min
  4. The WNY Rocks! Podcast - Episode 4 - The Legends of the Fall, Flyfishing for Salmon, Big Browns & Steelhead on the Rivers & Tributaries of Lake Ontario with Salmon River & WNY Guide, Jay Peck

    Episode 4

    Show notes

    An interview with Jay Peck, Western New York Flyfishing Guide on the Salmon River & Tributaries of Western New York. We discuss Fall Flyfishing for Salmon, Big Browns & Steelhead. Jay shares 40 years of his experience guiding & Flyfishing the rivers & tributaries of Lake Ontario, and the Western New York region. We also discuss the 'epic' Salmon run of 2026 on the Salmon River in Pulaski, New York.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Salmon Run

    06:18 Fishing Techniques and Challenges

    10:51 Species of Salmon in Western New York

    13:31 Ideal Conditions for Salmon Runs

    16:33 Timing for Brown Trout and Steelhead

    18:07 Crowds and Fishing Pressure

    22:01 International Interest in Western New York Fishing

    25:14 Public Access vs. Private Waters

    26:47 The Impact of Resource Regulations on Fishing

    28:02 Stocking Programs and Their Effectiveness

    29:59 Understanding Fish Forage and Population Dynamics

    31:03 Essential Gear for Salmon Fishing

    37:16 Choosing the Right Reel and Rod

    42:04 Line Selection and Leader Setup

    51:14 Egg Drift Technique for Salmon and Trout

    52:50 Understanding Indicators in Fishing

    54:57 The Science of Egg Patterns

    56:50 Essential Fly Patterns for Salmon Fishing

    59:56 Nymph Patterns and Their Importance

    63:10 Choosing Colors for Effective Fishing

    66:01 Timing and Conditions for Steelhead Fishing

    68:57 Exploring Local Creeks and Tributaries

    71:57 Water Management and Its Impact on Fishing

    74:58 Advice for New Fishermen in Western New York

    78:30 Choosing the Right Fishing Guide

    81:08 Understanding Fishing Techniques and Gear

    82:32 The Thrill of Catching Fish

    84:04 Conservation and Watershed Management

    87:07 Public Access and Fishing Regulations

    90:01 Resources for Fishing in Western New York

    92:27 Personal Fishing Experiences and Preferences

    94:29 Future of Fishing and Guiding Services

    1 hr 26 min
  5. The WNY Rocks! Podcast - Episode 3 - The Rise of Harvey & Corky 'When Buffalo Was A Rock & Roll Town' w/Buffalo Music Historian, Rick Falkowski

    Episode 3

    Show notes

    Welcome to Episode 3 of the WNY ROCKS! Podcast. I'm Michael Kenneth, and on this week's episode we talk about the Rise of Harvey & Corky and how Harvey and Corky Productions turned Buffalo, New York into a Rock & Roll town in the 1970's and early 80's.

    With me as my special guest is Buffalo music historian Rick Falkowski. Rick is an author of many historical books on the people and places of Western New York. But most notably he is known for his book on 'History of Buffalo Music & Entertainment. Rick is with us to share his knowledge and insight into the Harvey & Corky years.

    You can also follow Rick and purchase his books at Buffalo Music History.com, Amazon, and follow him on Facebook as well.

    We are currently building our subscriber base here, so, if you like what you hear on the WNY ROCKS! Podcast. Please give us a subscribe and follow for all the latest content. You can also follow us on our website at wnyrocks.transistor.fm and on our Facebook page at Western New York Rocks. You can also check us out on Youtube @ The WNY Rocks! Podcast @wnyrocks. If you would like to give us a shout, our email is
    wnyrocks716@gmail.com

    Really enjoyed having Rick for Episode 3 - The Rise of Harvey & Corky 'When Buffalo was a Rock & Roll Town on this weeks episode of the WNY ROCKS! Podcast.

    Hope your all having a good one!

    Michael

    Chapters

    00:00 The Rock and Roll Era in Buffalo

    03:01 The Rise of Harvey and Corky

    05:49 Concert Promotion Beginnings

    09:04 The Century Theater and Its Impact

    11:54 Memorable Concerts and Artists

    14:55 The Evolution of Buffalo's Music Scene

    17:48 The Legacy of Harvey and Corky

    20:49 The Influence of Local Talent

    23:53 Buffalo's Place in Music History

    26:51 The Future of Buffalo's Music Scene

    37:57 Promotional Strategies of the Past

    40:08 The Evolution of Concert Promotion

    41:59 The Vinyl Revival

    43:10 Concert Experiences and Nostalgia

    46:12 The Rise of Harvey and Corky

    49:08 Challenges in Modern Concert Promotion

    52:22 Memorable Concert Moments

    55:17 Legal Battles and Venue Access

    58:31 The Transition to Miramax

    61:01 Reflections on the Music Scene

    65:26 Rick's Literary Contributions

    1 hr 12 min
  6. The WNY Rocks! Podcast - Episode 2 - The Independent Guitar Shop 'The Last of a Dying Breed' w/Jeremy Logan & Paul Runfola of Logan Music

    Episode 2

    Show notes

    This week, we talk to two of the 'good guys' in the music biz, independent guitar shop owners Jeremy Logan & Paul Runfola of Logan Music in Batavia, New York. We talk about the daily operation of running a small guitar shop and competing in the musical instrument marketplace in an era of big retail guitar chains, one click buying on music gear websites from your smartphone or laptop and the competition of marketplace scrollers.

    So, is Logan Music, and independent guitar shops like them the 'Last of a Dying Breed? Find out on this week's episode of the WNY Rocks! Podcast, Episode 2.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Birth of Logan Music

    05:52 Vision and Values of the Store

    12:12 The Appeal of Secondhand Instruments

    18:07 Setting Up for Success

    24:07 Community Connection and Customer Care

    31:39 Lessons from a Great Mentor

    34:44 The Legacy of Rose's Music Store

    35:37 The Art of the Luthier

    39:11 Guitar Repair and Maintenance

    40:26 Teaching Philosophy and Approach

    51:34 The Value of Personal Instruction vs. Online Learning

    54:28 The Influence of Music on Guitar Playing

    56:51 Understanding Music Theory and Its Importance

    60:27 The Journey of Learning and Teaching Music

    62:34 Experiences in the Music Industry

    69:27 Reflections on Success and Happiness in Music

    70:04 Future Aspirations for Logan Music

    72:19 The Role of Local Music Stores

    75:25 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

    1 hr 20 min
  7. The WNY Rocks! Podcast - Episode 1 - Wicked Sacrifice 'A Tribute to the Music of Creed & Stone Temple Pilots' - w/Peter Cecere & Eric Wlazlack

    Episode 1

    Show notes

    An interview with lead vocalist Peter Cecere & rythym/lead guitar player, Eric Wlazlack from the Creed/Stone Temple Pilots band 'Wicked Sacrifice.' We talk about the origins of the band, emulating the vocals of Creed's Scott Stapp, and Scott Weiland, and what it's like to prepare for, & be in a tribute band. Also, the personal satisfaction of playing the music of Creed & Stone Temple Pilots, and the reactions of fans that have come to see their live shows.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Wicked Sacrifice

    02:11 The Journey of Wicked Sacrifice

    04:39 Authenticity in Tribute Bands

    14:31 The Importance of Presentation

    19:08 Preparation and Rehearsal

    25:18 Audience Reception and Engagement

    27:12 The Legacy of Creed and STP

    28:41 Favorite Songs and Performance Highlights

    32:01 Commitment to Live Performance

    36:24 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

    46 min