Hey Stamford! Podcast

What’s Next for Stamford? Mayor Caroline Simmons on Growth, Community & Leadership

Season 2 of the Hey Stamford! Podcast kicks off with an exciting guest, Mayor Caroline Simmons, Stamford’s first female mayor. We discuss city growth, housing affordability, small business support, infrastructure, and what’s next for Stamford. Hear her insights on leadership, her second term priorities, and the vision shaping the future of our city.
Follow Mayor Caroline Simmons on Instagram, click here: https://www.instagram.com/mayorcarolinesimmons/ 
Follow the City of Stamford on Instagram, visit: https://www.instagram.com/cityofstamfordct/ 
For more on the City of Stamford, visit: https://www.stamfordct.gov/ 
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The Hey Stamford! Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 
Hey Stamford! The Store: Your go-to for local goods, gifts, accessories, and more. Stop by in person at Stamford Town Center (4th Floor) or shop anytime online at https://shop.heystamford.com/  
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How Connecticut is Defining Its Brand—with CMO Anthony Anthony | Hey Stamford!

Connecticut’s first-ever Chief Marketing Officer, Anthony M. Anthony, joins the show to talk about building the Connecticut brand from the ground up. As the state’s top marketer, he’s leading bold initiatives that celebrate local pride—like declaring Connecticut the Pizza Capital of the U.S., launching creative tourism trails, and shining a spotlight on communities like Stamford.
We explore how statewide marketing works, what it takes to define a place as a brand, and how storytelling, food, and culture are helping Connecticut stand out as one of the best places to live, work, and play.
Follow Anthony M. Anthony on LinkedIN, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonymanthony/ 
Follow Connecticut Office of Tourism on Instagram, click here: Instagram.com/CTVisit 
Keywords: Connecticut podcast, Anthony Anthony, Connecticut tourism, Stamford, Connecticut pizza, Pizza Capital, Basketball Capital, Connecticut marketing, state branding, Connecticut travel, Connecticut pride, CT CMO
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The Hey Stamford! Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 
Serafresca at the IC: Plan your holiday celebration at Serafresca at the IC—where elegant ambiance and exceptional service make every party unforgettable. Book now at https://serafrescaic.com/
Hey Stamford! The Store: Your go-to for local goods, gifts, accessories, and more. Stop by in person at Stamford Town Center (4th Floor) or shop anytime online at https://shop.heystamford.com/  
Subscribe to The Friday Newsletter for the best of Stamford lifestyle, events, and local buzz—delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.heystamford.com/
Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heystamford
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00:00 Introducing Connecticut's First CMO
01:08 Early Impressions & Changes in Connecticut
03:30 Why a State Needs a CMO
04:24 Team Mentality & State Pride
05:01 How to Measure Marketing Success
08:08 Connecticut's Growing State Pride
11:51 Culture, Community, and Brand
15:14 Stanford's Role in Connecticut's Image
18:21 Celebrating Local Pizza—Connecticut's Claim
21:44 The Connecticut Pizza Campaign & Buzz
23:33 Basketball Capital & Other Playful Campaigns
26:45 Food, Filming, and Signature Trails
30:29 Shining the Spotlight on Stamford
33:49 Tourism's Growth & Community Connection
36:01 What's Next for Connecticut's Brand
37:21 Connecticut's Strengths & Final Thoughts
39:25 Where to Learn More About Connecticut

Behind the Magic of the Holidays | Hey Stamford!

In this episode, we sit down with Joel Jeske and Shereen Hickman to hear about their journeys through acting, Clown College, the circus, and Cirque du Soleil — and the magic they bring each year to Holiday Wish Express here in Stamford.
Joel Jeske is a three-time Drama Desk–nominated actor, writer, teacher, director, and multi-disciplinary clown, with creations for Ringling Bros., Cirque du Soleil, and The Big Apple Circus. Locally, he’s known as Phineous Flywheel, Santa’s Master Toy Maker — the guy who keeps the holiday magic running like clockwork (and occasionally off the rails).
Shereen Hickman is a world-traveling performer best known for creating and starring in iconic Cirque du Soleil roles, from Las Vegas to Broadway to the big top. She’s currently touring nationally as “Grandma” in The Addams Family. Every November, she returns to Holiday Wish Express in a role that keeps her very close to the Big Guy in Red… if you catch our drift. 
Learn more about The Holiday Wish Express at https://theholidaywish.com and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/holidaywishexpress/ 
Follow Joel at https://www.joeljeske.com 
Keep tabs on Shereen at https://www.shereenhickman.com 
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The Hey Stamford! Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 
Serafresca at the IC: Plan your holiday celebration at Serafresca at the IC—where elegant ambiance and exceptional service make every party unforgettable. Book now at https://serafrescaic.com/
Hey Stamford! The Store: Your go-to for local goods, gifts, accessories, and more. Stop by in person at Stamford Town Center (4th Floor) or shop anytime online at https://shop.heystamford.com/  
Subscribe to The Friday Newsletter for the best of Stamford lifestyle, events, and local buzz—delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.heystamford.com/
Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heystamford 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@HeyStamford  
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyStamford 
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@heystamford 
X: https://x.com/HeyStamford 
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00:00 Meet the Guests: Joel & Shireen
03:19 Path to Holiday Wish: Acting & Comedy Journeys
04:46 Joel's Clown College & Circus Background
07:00 Life on the Circus Train
08:08 Cirque du Soleil Careers: Shireen's Story
13:00 Inside Cirque Shows and Themes
15:27 Circus Skills & Performing Arts
17:24 Character Work: Bringing Magic to Holiday Wish
19:05 Transformative Holiday Memories
21:19 Journey Through Holiday Wish: The Experience
24:01 Special Rooms & Events at the North Pole
27:00 Unique Holiday Wish Activities & Traditions
30:07 Creative Character Building: Phineas Flywheel
34:09 Family Traditions & Heartwarming Stories
38:05 Holiday Wish: Returning Magic This Year
39:01 What's New at Holiday Wish
40:10 Wrapping Up & Inviting All to Experience the Magic

Mike Squires: Appearing on MrBeast, Turning Down Jelly Roll & Rebuilding After Loss | Hey Stamford!

On this episode of the Hey Stamford! Podcast, we sit down with hometown creative Mike Squires—filmmaker, storyteller, and entrepreneur—whose journey took him from making soccer and comedy videos on YouTube to directing music videos, launching his own business, and collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Mr. Beast and famously turning down a job offer from Jelly Roll. Mike opens up about overcoming personal adversity, betting on himself, and using creativity to inspire community and impact beyond music.
The Hey Stamford! Podcast is proudly sponsored by:
Serafresca at the IC: Plan your holiday celebration at Serafresca at the IC—where elegant ambiance and exceptional service make every party unforgettable. Book now at serafrescaic.com 
Hey Stamford! The Store: Your go-to for local goods, gifts, accessories, and more. Stop by in person at Stamford Town Center (4th Floor) or shop anytime online at https://shop.heystamford.com
Subscribe to The Friday Newsletter for the best of Stamford lifestyle, events, and local buzz—delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.heystamford.com/
 

Columbus Park & Community: A Conversation with Michael Marchetti

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Marchetti, owner of Columbus Park — a beloved Stamford dining institution. Michael shares stories from behind the kitchen, his deep ties to the community, and his work supporting local events and organizations. Tune in to hear how one restaurateur is serving up more than just great food in Stamford.
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The Hey Stamford! Podcast is proudly sponsored by: 
Juice Kings: Juice Kings inspires healthy living with fresh, feel-good blends. Try Hey Stamford’s Finest, visit: https://www.juice-kings.com
K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel K9 Resorts in Stamford offers award-winning care in a luxury, state-of-the-art space. Give your dog the pampering they deserve—visit: https://www.k9resorts.com/stamford
Subscribe to The Friday Newsletter for the best of Stamford lifestyle, events, and local buzz—delivered straight to your inbox.
https://www.heystamford.com/
Grab your favorite locally inspired gear—anytime, anywhere. Shop Stamford! 
https://shop.heystamford.com/ 
Follow Us on Social Media:
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X: https://x.com/HeyStamford

Leading Downtown: Michael Moore on the Future of Stamford’s Downtown | Hey Stamford!

Michael Moore, the new President of Stamford Downtown, joins us to talk about the future of the city’s most dynamic district. From housing growth and small business support to event programming and pedestrian-friendly spaces, we explore what’s next for Stamford’s city center.
With 25+ years of urban development experience, Michael shares his vision for building a vibrant, livable, and connected downtown.
🎯 Highlights: • 1,500+ new housing units since 2021 • 1.3M+ annual visitors • 110+ bars & restaurants • Big ideas for Bedford Street, events & more
------ The Hey Stamford! Podcast is proudly sponsored by:
Juice Kings: Juice Kings inspires healthy living with fresh, feel-good blends. Try Hey Stamford’s Finest, visit: https://www.juice-kings.com
K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel K9 Resorts in Stamford offers award-winning care in a luxury, state-of-the-art space. Give your dog the pampering they deserve—visit: https://www.k9resorts.com/stamford
Subscribe to The Friday Newsletter for the best of Stamford lifestyle, events, and local buzz—delivered straight to your inbox.
https://www.heystamford.com/ Grab your favorite locally inspired gear—anytime, anywhere.  Shop Stamford! https://shop.heystamford.com/
Follow Us on Social Media:
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Elm Street Diner Owner Talks Viral Shakes, Over-the-Top Eats & Family Legacy | Hey Stamford!

What happens when you leave the corporate grind to run a local diner—and turn it into a viral sensation? John Moshos did just that. From jaw-dropping milkshakes to burgers that break the internet, he’s behind one of Stamford’s most talked-about spots, featured on Food Network, The Cooking Channel, and countless influencer feeds. We talk about building a brand, embracing social media, expanding to Norwalk, and what it really takes to keep the magic (and the milkshakes) flowing.
 
The Hey Stamford! Podcast is proudly sponsored by:
Juice Kings: Juice Kings inspires healthy living with fresh, feel-good blends. Try Hey Stamford’s Finest, visit: https://www.juice-kings.com
K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel K9 Resorts in Stamford offers award-winning care in a luxury, state-of-the-art space. Give your dog the pampering they deserve—visit: https://www.k9resorts.com/stamford
Subscribe to The Friday Newsletter for the best of Stamford lifestyle, events, and local buzz—delivered straight to your inbox. https://www.heystamford.com/
Grab your favorite locally inspired gear—anytime, anywhere. Shop Stamford! https://shop.heystamford.com/
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Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heystamford
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@HeysTamford
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeyStamford
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