Episode #153: The Third Annual Hot Wings Challenge Fundraiser

#BeAGoodFriend and check out episode #153 of #FeeneyTalksWithFriends for The Third Annual Hot Wings Challenge Fundraiser.

It was great to talk and eat hot wings with my good #friends, Avi, Allie, Chris, Linda and Jorge. 

We talked about:
Round 1: Valentina’s Extra Spicy Hot Sauce (minute 1)
Avi lost his dad to pancreatic cancer (minute 2)
Cheers to The Ron Foley Foundation (minute 3)
Chris from West Hartford Chamber of Commerce (minute 4)
What does The RFF mean to Allie?  (minute 5)
Linda from PeoplesBank  (minute 6)
We Care Computers  (minute 7)
Alex from Luna Pizza (minute 8)
Past podcast guests, Lisa Lazuras & Ball 4 a Cure (minute 9)
Round 2: Rogue Blood Orange Scorpion Pepper Hot Sauce (minute 10)
Learning from mistakes (minute 11)
Desmond is a good friend!  (minute 14)
Ryan & Allie are dancing together (minute 16)
“Erica is a good #friend!” - Allie  (minute 17)
“Marty is a good #friend!” - Avi  (minute 18)
“Colleen is a good #friend!” - Chris  (minute 19)
Special podcast guest, Barbara Foley with some kind words (minute 20)
Round 3: Hot Ones Rojo Hot Sauce (minute 24)
What flavor wing are you? (minute 25)
West Hartford is the best because __________ (minute 29)
Suggestions for future podcast guests (minute 30)
Round 4:  Melida’s Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce (minute 33)
How ya been, Jorge? (minute 38)
Avi received 107 donations for the Ron Foley Foundation (minute 41)
Chamber members everywhere! (minute 43)
Round 5: Da Bomb Beyond Insanity Hot Sauce (minute 45)
Tell us a time when you got out of your comfort zone (minute 46)
Closing remarks from Avi (minute 51)
Upcoming events (minute 53)
Closing remarks from Jorge (minute 54)
Group selfie minute 55)

Creators and Guests

Host

Eric Feeney

After teaching for nearly a decade at his alma mater in Waterbury, in 2014, Eric Feeney began teaching at Wolcott Elementary in West Hartford. Shortly following, Sam Sohn, the father of one of his students, passed away suddenly from a heart attack. He left behind four beautiful children and a loving wife, Nancy Wallace-Sohn. Eric saw first-hand the toll this took on the family as they navigated their way through this unthinkable tragedy. The following year, Rashad Collier Sr., another father of a student in Eric’s class, passed away in Hartford as a result of gun violence. Rashad left behind two fantastic children and a loving wife, Denise Villegas. The impact of these tragedies weighed on Eric and motivated him to build an organization that could provide assistance for similar situations. With that, Friends of Feeney was born. In 2019, Friends of Feeney Inc. became an official 501©(3) nonprofit organization, allowing more funds to be raised and expanding the range of services provided to children and families in need. Today, over a decade since Eric’s idea to build a community organization dedicated to supporting our friends in need, Friends of Feeney has burgeoned into a reputable and recognized organization capable of providing financial and resource support to numerous families and individuals across greater Hartford and beyond. Through this work, an incredible community of children and families has been recognized, who care for and appreciate each other’s kindness.

Producer

David Chmielewski

David started his video career in the early 1990s working on video crews as an independent contractor for such companies as Martha Stewart Living, IBM and Xerox. After graduating Southern Connecticut State University with the degree in Corporate Communications, David continued his video production career and accepted a position at WFSB in Hartford, CT. Within a few years the news and production studios became his charge and David designed, installed and maintained the televisions sets for the various programs at the station. At the end of 2013 David founded DirectLine Media, a video production company that specializes in creating memorable and compelling video content for businesses.

Editor

Stefania Sassano

Stefania's acting journey began as early as the fourth grade, where she took on the role of Scarlett O'Hara in a stage production of Gone With the Wind. This early experience sparked a lifelong passion for the arts. With a background in musical theater fueled by her love of music and singing, Stefania stepped into larger roles, such as Fraulein Kost in Cabaret during her sophomore year at the University of New Haven. This performance earned her a nomination for the prestigious Irene Ryan Acting Award at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival—an honor she would receive again in her junior year.

What is Feeney Talks With Friends?

Eric Feeney talks with #friends! Eric is the founder of the nonprofit organization Friends of Feeney. Their mission is to help children and families who need assistance after heartbreak and tragedy. www.friendsoffeeney.com

Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio and Matthew
McConaughey want to do a movie?

Clooney says, I'll direct.

Leo says I'll act.

McCartney says.

All right, all right, all right.

All right, all right.

This is Feeny Talks with friends
episode 153.

I'm very excited.

We're in a great place.

Luna. Pizza hut.

Yeah.

The third annual Hot Wings podcast.

I'm so excited to be here.

This is a running thing
that we got going on the podcast.

I want to thank my friends
Avi, Chris, Linda, Allie for being here.

They're going to get progressively hotter.

Are we ready, my friends?

We are so ready. Absolutely.

My name is Eric Feeney, founder
and president of Friends of Feeney.

Our mission is to help
children and families

in need assistance
after heartbreak or tragedy.

And I use this podcast.

Feeny talks with friends,
and I talk to a wonderful people

in the community
that are doing great things.

So you guys all great in your own
way? We'll get into that.

But this is round one.

Anyone want to talk about our wings

sauces?

This is your sauce so I do. You do.

Well all right. Great.

This is a, Valentina sauce.

We as a family,
we were using the mild version of this.

And then one day,
I found out that an extra spicy version.

And my boys really like to try extra
spicy things, Erica as well.

So this the extra spicy?

This is the extra spicy
version of Valentina.

I looked on the starting with an extra
spicy.

We're starting with this extra, as I say.

Oh, yeah.

Oh, yeah. Well,
you know, he's not nervous.

No, I'm not nervous.

I just thought we
we got to get you warmed up quickly.

Yeah, yeah, I will.
I think you'll be all right.

Anyways, yeah,
I think it's going to be delicious.

I don't know, I've ever had it on a wing,
though, so.

And as we, eat, these wings will do.

Cheers. But, Chris, we're not going to.

Cheers, Chris. Yeah, yeah.

Cheers. Maybe.

Please share.

You shared a wonderful story

while you're here about your dad
and what this means to you.

So while we're enjoying, why don't you
go on and tell us a little something?

Something. But.
All right, we're going to eat.

Cheers.

Well,
we lost dad in 2022 to pancreatic cancer.

And, soon after, I was,
connected with someone from the chamber

named Tony who got me involved
with Iran Foley Foundation, which was,

It's absolutely,
absolutely a phenomenal organization.

I, I he gave me some stats.

I know they've raised over $660,000 for,

for people going through
pancreatic cancer, for family support.

And it's, I don't know, I just found a
really nice community there, in support.

And they also have a, a lovely event
coming up on November

the 20th, where,

right over in Veterans Memorial Center
and on North Main, in Farmington.

And, that's where they

they give the names of people
who have passed from pancreatic cancer.

And there's a lot of,

I don't know, we went a couple times
to it's called the Vigil.

And,

it was just, I'm getting goosebumps

just talking about it,
thinking about the evening.

So. Yeah, that's that's
where we're at with,

let's get a cheers for the Ron
Foley Foundation, everyone.

Cheers.

If you
can't hear, they're in the building.

Ron Foley, are you here?

Ron Raleigh foundation. Oh,

bomb the RF, Ron Foley Foundation,

and we have a special guest, Barbara.

We'll get on the mic later.

But thank you, Barbara, for being here
and your whole crew.

These guys are good friends.

Barb is going to get her own
special podcast someday,

but she's going to pop on
to this one as well.

I don't know.

That's a good start, Ellie.

Come on, those aren't bad at all.
No, no, no, no, it's not bad at all.

It's actually really good.

Are we going to eat all you one of each?

I am all right, all right.

Thank you, sir. All or every one of each.

Yeah, I mean, I like
I actually like this flavor a lot.

And Chris, what's it mean for you
to be here two years in a row?

Well, it's just great.

You know, we started this, boat.
You guys did the.

I think you and I are the only ones
who've done all three.

You invited me into the fold last year,
and I was just happy to be invited back

and, supporting the Ron Foley Foundation,
and supporting Friends of Feeny.

Thank you for being here.

And how's the how's the chamber going?

Chambers going right.

The man, the myth, the legend.

Chris, thank you so much.

I say it all the time.

The chamber has been instrumental
to Friends of Feeny

catapulted us in the right direction.

So we appreciate everything you're doing.
You're good friend.

I hope to continue the partnerships
and the collaborations.

All right.

Ali Eric Baluchi, Blue Jeans creative.

How are we doing? We're doing great.

What does the Ron Foley Foundation
mean to you, Ali?

Oh former podcast guest Lisa.

What's up Lisa.

She's going to get some wings in to.

All right. Sorry.

So this was actually my second year
running the five

K for the Hartford Marathon for the Ron
Foley Foundation.

Yeah.

And that that's always
so fun to be a part of that day.

And there's just, like, such great energy.

And the team at Ron Foley is so

kind and grateful
for everyone who participates and donates.

I don't know anyone personally
with pancreatic cancer, but

once I started to get involved
with the chamber,

I met Tony and his son was actually
in a youth group with me growing up,

so we had that connection
right off the bat.

My elementary school kindergarten
teacher is, I believe, the board

Judy Golden doll.

So once I found that out,
I was like, oh, wow, look at this.

And then, you know,
just supporting the nonprofits that are in

the chamber are important to me
because it's part of the community.

So, once I got started,
it was really fun.

And, every year now I'm trying to raise
a little bit more than the last.

The last year, I think I raise like 215.

This year I raised almost 500.

So you're kidding over. Yes.

Ali, thank you for our website.

If you guys are looking for websites,
Ali is your person.

And episode 130 Ali Baluchi blue
Jean creative.

Thank you Ali Linda
oh gosh Linda's our people.

People's bank.

That is

so Linda how you been?

I'm good. How are you?

Let's talk now. When every time.

If you haven't gone to people's bank,
you gotta check out the coffee machine.

I say that all the time.

Well, it was broken for like two weeks.

We just gotta fix.

Just gotta fix out.

Thank you.

Take all my compliments back.

It's so beautiful in there. Yeah.

John, another podcast guest. Yep.

And we are Eric Bergen
and the double podcast guest.

He's been on two podcasts. He's special.

Eric Bergen is this technically my third?

Nice, nice.

All right.

So, again, not that bad.

Yeah. Wasn't bad.
It was just after good for good starter.

Well, it's a little spicier, though,
than what we used to use to start with

who I like.

Well, last year we started with
a mango one, which was not spicy at all.

Right? That it had like some flavor.

Yeah.
There's fruit that I got a little bit.

Oh well, I would eat all fruit
but I don't want to ruin my appetite.

So you like my.

Sure. Abby, but I really do like your sir.

It looks really good on you.
What do you know about week

care computers? Abby?

I started the company in 2004.

Yeah, a little known fact.

And, Yeah, we've been in town.

I'm probably part of the chamber
probably since day one.

That was a really important part of this
for the community.

And we're taking care
of a lot of businesses in the community,

some, some guests on your podcast,
our clients that we care,

as well as beyond that.

And, Yeah, doing it stuff.

The world's a bit scary out there

with cybersecurity and AI and threats,
and we try to we not try it.

We do make things easier for business
owners and their employees to be able

to do what they need to do these days.

Nice. Nice nice. Thanks.

Forget we have specials going on,
so give it up extra for Luna pizza.

Yeah, the

we, Alex is a good friend.

Alex. Episode 70. I did a pizza review.

I made a pizza. Check out that podcast.

Great person.

Very generous and thoughtful.

I want to thank some other sponsors.

This would not be possible
without day from Direct Line Media day.

Thank you for listening.

I got to I got this piece of chicken
in my mind, too.

Yeah.

I mean, to fix that, we're here, but,
I had it was on behind the brand.

He asked me the questions,

and then I on the way out,
I said, hey, what do you think of?

I asked the questions, and he's.

We've been together ever since 150.

We just celebrated our 150th podcast.

With that for a cure.

So I want to give you guys a sticker.

Ball for cure
is another wonderful, based nonprofit.

There they are.

Chamber members talked him into
joining the chamber.

Yes. They did. Yes, actually,
Linda Geisler.

But I'll go ahead.

Do I get credit?

You're good.

All right.

Thank you.

Another podcast guest.

That was one 5151 was Shane Spencer.

Three time World Series
champ from the New York Yankees.

Covers Sports Illustrated on the podcast.

Oh, Lisa, where's Liz?

Come on over. 153. Come say hi to the cam.

Just a quick wave.

153 Lisa and Brian

I was 150
so this fun and I got to sample some links

and in honor of this podcast, we ended 152

with wings from Ojo Cafe.

Great wings, also a chamber member,
also a chamber member.

So this again to review.

This is 153. Gotcha. All right.

These smell hotter.

Hotter.

It burned my nostrils a little bit
a little like yeah Laughs the the

I started off way milder just saying

oh those are oh there's like
a pickle smell or so these.

So I brought
this is one of the sauces I brought.

This is called rogue.

It's blood orange and ghost pepper.

Oh Scorpion pepper.

Oh wow. Scorpion purple
ghost pepper. Yeah.

But they're like a level two, right.

But it's less scorpion
pepper than blood orange, so.

All right.

It's not. It's really not that bad.

And spray it's definitely a look.

It's definitely a level two okay.

All right,
all right, all right. Ready to go.

Going in.

Rose. Rose. Rogue.

Anybody want one? Yo. Anyone?

I have extras,
Desmond has a shout out to Desmond.

All right. That's a pizza.

Yes. With all the

okay. Yes.

No no no no Rudy. Yeah.

Well it's better than bloody
I guess that's why

I like it.

What's good. Do I like that.

Yeah. Less has more like

fruitiness or flavor than the last one.

Yeah I like it.

Not as hot as the last one
maybe I don't know it's I, me

maybe we're just like you already have
that little dark mouth is already know

your tongue. Yes.

Anyone want to share

a mistake that you made
in your business that you learn from.

And you no longer will?

You know it was a learning moment.
Took a question.

That is a good question because mistakes
are expected, respected and inspected.

Marry learning.

So that's where you learn from.

Make a mistake. As long as you learn.

It's a great question.

Anybody in think I can say,

you know, let me brainstorm friends
I can I'm sure I've made plenty.

I take that back.

It was a little hotter than I thought.

Okay.

You made this your wine. Really?

I don't know. You have it in a box on her.

It must have been a seed or something.

Soft? No.

Where's Nicole?

You're in trouble today and tomorrow.

How about maybe some advice?

Maybe not with a specific example.

Okay.

We'll take advice if you have a feeling
and maybe some evidence backing it,

that something's not quite working for you
or your team and your business.

And if you think it might be easier
to not do something about it,

I would say
maybe actually do something about it.

All right.

And that can be for,
for many different things, whether it's

employees, procedures, whatever.

But yeah, I think if you have a feeling
that, yeah, something's

not quite right,
doing something about it, be a good one.

Yeah, I like it.

Good.

One thing's for sure, something
I've learned is, as much as you want

to work with clients,
clients have to want to work with you.

So people who aren't giving you the right
energy

aren't really worth it to work with,

because you only have so much time
in the day,

and you really want
to be giving your efforts to people

who care and are kind and good people,
and making you feel good about yourself

as equally as you're
putting in the effort to them.

So saying no is okay.

I think that's a good one, I agree. Yeah.

Oh good. Saying knows.

Okay, I'll throw one in.

Okay.

So most of the most
no no no I wouldn't, I wouldn't say that.

But if you look at any issue
you're having in your business,

typically you think a lot of times
people are, inclined to think

that their problems are unique to them
and they typically are not.

And usually somebody has figured it out.

You just need to seek out that answer,
and apply it to what you're doing.

And so many things that people don't think
are transferable

from their business to another,
they really are.

So that would be something I would say
that I've learned over the years, things

I learned in retail for a $5
billion company can apply

to a sole proprietor business
that I run, or the chamber or.

Wine is not

helpful for thinking with your water.

Water? Oh, that.

That's where that's their work.

Yeah.

So? So our motto is be a good friend.

Hold the door, pick up trash,
give compliments, be charitable.

Is there someone you like
to shout out in this room?

That's a good friend. And why?

Jasmine I'm a good brand.

Because, y'all, I like to, up.

Because I like to help anybody in need.

Like it.

Like, is, like out in public or in a home.

Like.

I agree, Desmond's a good friend.

Desmond's a good friend.

He helps people in need.

Desmond. Greatest photo ever.

He volunteered his time to do bingo.

He was all friends of Feeney.

Geared up and made my day.

Thank you for sharing
and thank you for being a good friend.

Always her and a good son.

Yeah, and he's got the the blue
and green friends of Feeney color tie.

He's got the hot sauce socks.

It's Irish I mean I love this guy Colin.

Thank you.

Glinda, what makes Ryan a good friend?

Oh, there's Ryan.

Where's Ryan? You know, he's hiding.

Then I have a question about Ryan to you.

Allie? Yeah.

That was so,

Well, I mean,

he took me in, so when I applied,
he took me in, and he's been coaching me

and, like, guiding me in the right
direction to, like,

you know, grow in the field
that I'm in and stuff like that.

And he's very understanding
and I know he's, like, very caring towards

his, like, employees and associates
and his family and his friends.

So I really appreciate him taking me in

and letting me learn all the things
that I've been doing and stuff like that.

So I'm really appreciative of that.

In the opportunity that he's given me.
So wow.

Good answer. All right.

She gets a raise

through Allie.

What makes Ryan a good dancer?

Right.

Well, if you didn't know,
Ryan and I are going to be in our partners

and dancing with the in the
with the stars, West Hartford.

So everyone buy your tickets. Yeah.

That's exciting. Yeah, it is exciting.

Ryan is just fun

and doesn't take we like
he doesn't take it too seriously.

And if we mess up, we're messing up
because we're sharing

each other in the eye and, like, laughing
because we.

He's like,
make sure you look up the instructor

and we look up and then we like,
can't not start cracking up.

So he just keeps it fun and light.

And yet we're still a little competitive.

We have a competitive edge. Yes.

If you ever need me to come over
and give some lessons,

tips or suggestions, great.

Yeah that's right, I don't.

If you guys heard
who won the dance competition last year.

That's right. Okay. This guy.

I'm very humble about it.

Yeah. You know, but thank you.

Julie from Juniper Homes.
Julie was a great partner.

It's such a great bonding experience
to get to know

someone you like,
the laughs and the mistakes.

You learn so much. It's.
It's challenging and fun.

I love that I have an answer for the who's
a good friend in the room, good friend.

And I'm going to steal Abby's
thunder a little bit.

Maybe because I'm choosing Erica.

Totally do it.

But Erica was the first person
to ever hire me to make a website,

and you can't really start

unless you have someone to believe in you
for the first time.

So that means a lot to me.

Good friend Erica.

Well, we knew Abby was going to, but

now he has to pick, not his wife.

Or are you caught with her
words? That sweet?

Are you crying?

It's the.

It's the wings. Oh, yeah.

I feel deeply sometimes.

Well, all this I'm talking.

My mouth is in my lips.

Friends.

The friend in the room
look around after good friends with him.

All right.
I'm going to give Marty a shout out.

Marty's with friends of any
and anytime anyone is.

Is doing something out there
and looking for support.

Marty always, always helps.

And certainly any time I'm doing anything.

There were a couple of requests
I had during some chamber meetings.

And Marty, like at the end,
like, has a handwritten note

of the person to call for the exact answer
I'm looking for.

In an in the world
collaboration to me is what life is about.

And, Marty exudes that on a daily basis.

So I'm going to give a shout out
to Marty Jennifer for being a good friend.

Episode ten Marty Kina, you got.

Yeah. Oh,

my wife is sitting right over there.

You know, she's a good friend.

And what was her episode?

Oh 138

138 memories I don't know, I yeah,
I should love should have looked it up.

Anyone's going to remember it's Chris.

He has the best memory. Yeah. No,
we did a bit.

Now order 138.

No, but Colleen's great.

She does,
lots of things for lots of people.

Too often without having to be asked.

She takes care of Desmond with me, and,
just an awesome person, so.

Well.

Episode 6767.

Well done. Three oh, of our own.

Oh, am I here.

Thank you.

And she's from the Barry that.

Yes. Just like me.

Waterbury, Connecticut.

Wow.
I want to shout out some people. Jen.

Matt.

Marty, board of directors.

Truly amazing team.

You know, they
we work hard, they go above and beyond.

So we're moving in the right direction.

We just helped our 126th family
and provided over

$270,000 to families in need
after Heartbreaker Tragedy.

So thank you for making.

We all.

So. Yeah.

And wife Afeni.

Excuse me. Hey.

And we got Eric Bergin in the corner.

Just Eric Bergen.

Hey, Eric's a good friend.

Yeah, he's
a big supporter of all local business.

Yes, yes, we should get wings from now on.

The wings, if they go, they want to try.

I mean, I'm
only eating two out of the three.

So anyone who wants to know
the coming rounds, I'll share wings.

Bergen, if you're going to be
in the right place next round.

Lisa, if you want to be in the next wing,
we'll share.

Ryan, while we have a minute. Barb.

Bart, would you mind hopping over
and saying a few words?

Oh. Give it up for Barbara.

Oh, you don't like

what the guy here
like you're thinking of this.

This.

Hello.

Thank you so much.

Avi, thank you so much for for doing this
for the Ron Foley Foundation.

But all of you guys.

Eric. I'm sorry.

Am I hanging all over you? Kirk.

It happens all the time.
Don't worry about it.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Eric, you're one of my favorite people
in the world.

Honestly. And all of you, you just.

Chris, you're always working.

You're always opening a new business.

We see you all over town, never stopping.

Often in your building, often
in our building.

Right? Yeah.

And we're right across the street,
by the way, Allison, thank you so much

for running for us, for your enthusiasm
and I and your advice,

actually, you you had some great wisdom
here at the table.

Yeah, yeah.

And and, Dave, you are always one
of my favorite people in the whole world.

So thank you for filming this.

I don't I don't think he wanted
me to say anything about him.

And, Erica, thank you very much.

Oh, there you are.

I wish I was a beer, dude.

Thank you.

All this means so much to us.

This this Hartford
marathon has been phenomenal every year.

Now, Jen Lofgren,

I think a lot of you know, Jen,
she has been running this for ten years.

This is our 10th year.

And every year she she hopes to get,

30 runners and raise $30,000.

And every year we come,
you know, we do well,

but we have never done what we did
this year.

Thanks to Avi, thanks to all the runners,
all of the team.

It's amazing.

And we're
we have already broken that record.

And you are getting close
to breaking our all time record.

What are we at?

We are.

Well, when we came here tonight,
we were at 36,600.

We are hoping that
we can make it to 40,000.

And this money goes to help
pancreatic cancer patients in need.

It's all going to bronze rescue patients.

So I really hope that you think about
that when you make your donations.

It it's it's an incredible, fund.

It is an incredible source of revenue
and hope

for people that have been diagnosed
with pancreatic cancer.

They're alone.

They know a lot of people can't work
right after a diagnosis like that. And

you feel like nobody's nobody knows
you're there.

So this isn't just a check that you're
writing to donate to these people.

It's really a lifeline.

It's a reminder
that they still have dignity, hope.

And, thank you all for helping us
give them that.

Oh, thank you.

As you say, when?

Well.

While that was happening,
just, you know, now

there's been five to bomb donations
already, so.

Oh. So. Yeah.

So tell Alex and yeah,
I'm going to need to at least five.

But Ali said she doesn't think
she want to see if we can spread out.

And 500 people.

I don't think I can eat that.

Can you tell? Personally,
we're only gonna make two bombs each.

Can they make five bombs
each? Each? Oh, no. No.

What does Lisa is going to do one.

Okay. Right. Linda's definitely had one.

Maybe three.

Yeah, I took one off of, Ali's plate.

All right, all right.

We only have.

It's a challenge, right?

So, like, you can try.

If I can try, and then I can stop.

I just want to do it for my people.

They're donating.
I committed to it. So. Yeah.

You're in.

Oh. How many did you eat last?

She says hot ones row. Hell, yeah.

To how hot ones? Rojo.

Yeah. Hot ones. Rojo Is at this. Yeah.

That's No.

Yeah it's it's
actually similar to that one.

Well again thank you.

That was very inspiring.

Thank you for sharing, Barbara.

Again, happy to be here.

And wings are flats.

Oh, yeah.

You like drums?

Yeah, that's a good one. Drums are flats.

Flats, flats. I'm a flat guy, too.

I'm a drum. Yeah, drum. Drum.

There's more to like.

Drum,
I don't know, back in the day. Drum.

Oh, wait.

So if your business or yourself was
a wing flavor, what would it be and why?

If you're a business or yourself,

if you were to give yourself
a wing flavor, what would it be and why?

As we enjoy the Rojos from Hot Wings.

Who's going first?

I think mine could be a bottle where
you don't know how hot it's going to be.

It's like a mystery.

So, like, maybe you'll get a bottle

that's like super hot
and maybe you'll get one that's mild.

So never know what's going to happen next.

All right.

This is like, you know,
very social media. You never know.

You never know what's gonna happen.
Let's go.

All right I think I think the chambers
would be a flip on the on the Rogue One,

where it started. Sweet.
And then it got spicy.

I think the chamber starts
off really spicy.

But then as you get to know
people and build relationships,

become friends,
it sweetens and softens over time.

Wow. Love that.

Good.

Really well said man.

Like, oh, it's like you play with it.

I think mine would be some sort

of spicy jalapeno flavor and the comedy,
because I feel like

everyone
needs a little bit of spice in life.

Not necessarily the bomb,
but a little bit of spice.

Yeah,

not necessarily the bomb.

The bomb, the bomb.com.

Yeah, seriously,

these are getting a little higher. Hotter.

Wait till the next one. Oh, here we go.

I don't feel like this one is spicy.

Maybe I just don't know anymore.

You know, these, like, using.

You know, it's my lips that hurt the most.

Not like I don't feel this. So.

Yeah.

Let me get the best for you
because you can avoid

you just pop right in, like I'm
sure I can.

No, I can give you all a hot wing flavor.

Avoid the lip contact.

Oh, I like it very, very, very spicy.

So I don't know if you guys ever had,
like, the Bulldog ramen.

The two times spicy, the three times spice
I've never heard.

Yeah.

If it could be like five times spice,
I probably would.

Yeah.

She don't play.

You know I love my spice.

I actually like these.

Had I known you were going to be here,

I have a bottle of that at home
and I would have brought it.

You really? Yes. Yeah. Yeah.

I always put extra in mine. My noodles.

My. When we eat that at home, my son likes
to come over and feel the top of my head

because of your steaming.

Yeah.

Oh. Like that? Yeah.

My friends, my friends all make fun of me
saying that I can't handle spice

because one time I call these chips spicy
that weren't.

So I feel like
this should prove something for myself.

You know what I mean?

Let them know.

All the Ali doubters.

They they.

Yeah,
it's like the writing jokes on video.

It's. It is exactly my result.

I'm going to send it to all of them.

Have you ever done the one chip challenge?

Not one chip, but I did.

I did the bomb wing last year
due to the one chip challenge.

I've never done that.

Really. And the world chocolate.

It's like this small.

And how did you how did you do that?

Like the one chip

the world's chocolate was like,
probably the hardest I've ever done.

But the one chip challenge,
I think anybody could do it.

Laughs like 15 minutes
after you eat it. So

not according to YouTube.

No, we we grew California
Reapers on our house this year.

That that that is stuff is no joke.

Right off the vine.

That is like the hottest thing
I've ever had.

That's a lot coming from me.

I like that a lot coming from, you know,
the the bomb has gotten me the most.

I think.

Well, actually, one day

I was Nicole remembers this store I went
to south of the border or something,

and there was a jalapeno and
they were like, hey, I just took a chunk.

Me a big bite. And

Nate was over

sweating, leaning down in the chair.

They were giving me chips.

Margarita like nothing worked.

Yeah, I thought I was cool, I wasn't,

I was somewhere they weren't.

I was somewhere and there was a buffet
with lots of things.

And there was just a pepper sitting right
there, like you could just grab it.

It wasn't behind glass or anything.

So I made my salad
and I took that and pepper.

Erika was there.

It was right next to that food.

It was nerve.

It was to repel the bugs.

What's so delicious?

And I pop that thing in my mouth.

And that was.

That was a rough rest of the evening.

Yeah, I wouldn't, I would
I don't I see them

now when I go to those buffets
and I just look at them and, and awe.

But yeah, that was intense.

I think they gave me I drank
a lot of milk, probably a lot of bread.

Look, it took a while.

My stomach was, was not happy,
but it was a good time nonetheless.

Good story.

I live to talk about it.

You're here now?

Spicy doesn't really affect my stomach
as much as like

if I drink the glass of milk, I'd be far
more ill than the bad.

And then the hot pepper.

I think very.

All right, so we got two more spices left.

Okay.

We got Melinda's ghost pepper.

How are we feeling about that?

I like Melinda's the brand.

Yeah, you may not. You may not.

After this, you may have to.

I feel good about it. And then the bomb.

So calm now we'll go around,
finish the sentence.

West Hartford
is the best place to live and work.

Because.

My going.

Yeah. Oh, because I have great food.

Great food.

Because it's the center of the universe.

And everyone wants to come here
no matter what you do. Hey.

Let's go. Wait.

We should grab lunch. Oh,
why don't we do in West Hartford? Okay.

Supportive and collaborative community.

Supportive.

Collaborative community. Me

kind of took mine. Oh.

What was the original full sentence
question was

Hartford is great to live and work in
because

Nick still will fill her up.

Guys really took all the good ones.

But, because of the people

and the community.

That's it. Yeah.

I didn't hear anyone say teachers.

No one's the teachers.

You're part. You're part of the people.

It's part of the whole.

It's all right. Fine.

But I agree, teachers, I'm a West Hartford

Public Schools graduate, so

I agree.

All right.

Another one
I have a lot of podcast guests.

Do you have a suggestion
on a future podcast guest,

maybe a real one
that we can really get on or like a reach,

like I'm short for Dan Hurley.

I want Dan Hurley on the podcast.

He committed.

He committed in person.

Harry.

Harry. Baluchi.

Oh, he said he's down.

Harry Baluchi committed

some over the summer.

Yeah. Talked about it again.

Okay.

Harry.

Baluchi done.

And I think you should get Peter
Attia to come on your podcast.

I like that guy.

He wrote an awesome book

called outlive.

And, I bought that book
for a bunch of my friends,

and I think it's got
some great principles, in it, so that.

That'd be awesome.

I, I know you're famous enough for him.

I'm going to refer back
to last year's challenge

where we wanted to get Paul Rudd.

So we're going to put the call out again
to Paul Rudd.

Paul Rudd, Paul Rudd.

So the joke.

So the joke from last year was who?

If you could put anybody's face on money,
who would it be?

And George said of himself
and I said, Paul Rudd.

And they said, well, why Paul Rudd?

Is it because everybody likes Paul Rudd?

And that's true.

So we should get him on the podcast.

He's probably a good friend. Yeah.

Oh George, that ain't that one to catch up
or you gotta eat that right there again.

That's him.

Yeah.

Hey, you mind if we stop?

Yeah, yeah, absolutely.

All right.

We're going to sub in George, for a
thank you Linda.

Thank you Linda.

You're going to give it up for Linda.

Linda.

Good people, good people.

People's bank. Linda.

People's bank arena.

Have you been.
Oh, no. Have you haven't either.

I feel
like we need to get a group together.

I wanna see everyone.

So sorry, I. Hey, good to see you again.

You. How's everything for you? But.

Yeah. People's bank
arena. We're going to do a Wolfpack game.

Friends of Fini United, the Wolfpack.

So we'll be at people's Bank arena.

Ryan, have you gone to people's Bank yet?

Crowds, love.

Are we seeing pictures?

It looks great.

What are my,
What of my what are my hopes for?

You know, was early as well for the show,
but another one

I feel would be

great.

Which one is this? The.

This is this is the, The melinda's.

This is the Melinda's?

No, this this was you.

Oh, I can just put that one
right there and get the rest of that.

I'm a here. Get on me.

Why do you look like it's them on?

This is going to Linda's
ghost pepper. Yeah, I have a lightning.

All right.

We're still at five. That's good.

Yeah.

But, but as it was about Shaun, was.

Is Shaun Evans
the host of the original our show?

He would be the coolest person to have.

That is a good one.

So, Eric, you just suggested Shaun Evans,

who hosts the original.

You know where the original.

You know
where the original idea came from.

All right.

Are these coated or.

What's this? Actually, you're back

one, two, three.

Eyes on me.

One, two.

Eyes on you.

Ready? Go.

All right, we're ready for the Melinda.

Lisa's has one.

Linda has one.

Victor, you like spice?

Come on. Victor, get a hot.

Doesn't like spray it.

We're digging in another.

Yeah. No no no. Get to hottest.

Although
I don't know how much she put on here.

They look coated in this.

Look like extra little.

Oh okay. All right. Let's just go for it.

All right?

All right.

Melinda. Melinda, are Melinda running?

Anyone want one?

Come on, come on.

This is the second book. Yes.

Oh. All right, all right.

You can do it, do it, do it.

Agreed. So

Marty's in.

Marty's in here.

All right.

Marty's on the. Melinda.

I'll take you on a race.

All right?

You take this. Now, this is,

Duncan Duncan's. Duncan's getting in.

I have I have multiple here. Here, take.

Yeah. Somebody please take one from Allie.

Yeah, please.

Oh, obvious of his in.

Well, I thought we were here.

We're not in the team.

Give me the low.

Say something to the
can, I went deeper, I know,

Duncan, I think this one numbs
your tongue.

This is, second from the end.

We got Melinda's goes. I'm not crying it.

Look at this.
And then we're going to do the bomb.

Does everyone hold one up?

Melinda's goes, Pepper, here we go.

12345678.

Nine. Ten. 11. 12. That's Alana. Let's go.

All right.

We special everyone.

Melinda's hot wing.

Wait for it.

Is that the ghost part?

I'm out of here.

So she don't like people.

We think I'll be.

Oh, I got.

You don't need a jacket
after you hear this outside in my arm.

No, my body's definitely warming up.

Or he starts to glisten.

After he gets.
He gets some spice in there.

It's after the bomb
has to take a minute to take to this.

But this sweaty feeling. Yeah.

You're not feeling.

Who are you gonna eat? Another one?

Yeah,

I got oh, my ears a little bit.

Got brighter in here.

Maybe Alex is like, rigging mine.

Yeah. Here.

Jamal on him.

Oh, okay. It's there.

I think the other one. You two

all are as good.

Do I say a beer will be fabulous
right now?

Oh, did you order one?

I there's a happening.

You not like a little little warmth
coming in your throat in here.

Oh, right.

Then you're what?

Oh, yeah.

Have there.

Trying to decide
when we have another beer.

There's only Eddie.

What do you want? Yeah. Stella.

I'll be right on you.

Stella, please.

No. Thank you.

It's a good thanks.

though. We're not.
That's that's there. It's like.

And I rubbed it on the side.
I'm not feeling it. Face.

No. Yeah it's hot.

Yeah.

One of those but it's got but it's got a
nice but it's got a nice flavor too.

That's Yeah.

Unlike the bomb.

Oh. Can't wait for that, Nothing.

Your eyes a little red.

Come on. Oh, get out of here.

Tory. Bother. They so.

Okay, okay. Yeah. It's them.

Don't get the door. Duncan's good.

When does good. Marty's good. Oh.

Victor's here.

You know he did.

You didn't even have to wake up. Yeah.

He had.

Oh, he did okay. Does it like spit?

I didn't know I still had a body,
so maybe I could have bigger ones

if there's maybe, you know,
as it's a local caduceus,

a New York City.

Let's get your hand on my horror.

Hey, how you been?

What you been up
to? It's good to see everyone again.

So sorry I'm late.

I love doing this.

You know, I love doing this event.

You know,

we came over that a couple of years ago,
and we were just talking,

you know, during the break
about some of our, some of our hopeful

some of the folks that we we hope to get
on, you know, in the future,

you know, next year, folks like,
you know, like Paul Rudd

or, or Sean Evans,

you know, the original I,
I was joking with a friend earlier,

you know, telling him I was
he was one of the, the co-sponsors.

And I was trying to get him here tonight,
but he wasn't able to make it.

So I told him, I said, no, it's a great
you know, it's a great event.

I told him,
I said, you know, me and a couple of guys

came up with a couple years ago.

I said, well, we had the idea to to
rip off someone else's idea,

you know, it, but you know.

But isn't that what, what it is
a different band says the telepath.

We figured out a new way, a new use,
a new way to apply the concept,

to do a great,

you know, for a great cause for this year,
for a couple of great causes.

It is just it is wonderful to be back.

Tell us about Venture Visible.

How's that working?

Venture visible is something that
I mean, there can.

While you're at it. God, please.

That my my friend and co-sponsor,
Tyler and I have been working on.

We're,
this government was originally focused on.

Thank you so much, man.

Was originally focused, you know,
on the websites for small businesses.

What Venture Visible is
meant to be is a more,

you know, especially after
sort of the onslaught of AI.

It's meant to be a more also second,
we got to get them quieter.

They could you. Yeah.

Oh hold on, we're still podcasting.

Ryan, you're in trouble.

Victor. You talk too much ball.

ZIP it.

Sorry.

Thank you.

Guys, you guys are getting in trouble.

Came out. Time out.

Okay.

Sorry. Venture.

Visible and then. Yes. Okay.

So it's it's essentially
an evolution of discover me where, it was

a discovery is initially meant
to get small businesses sort of that

foothold of the website, you know, sort of
get them started.

But now with the sort of the,
the onslaught of AI,

it's really slow to change the landscape.

So what Venture Visible is
meant to be is a more social media,

even between social media,
but also on the ground

focused way of getting eyeballs
to small businesses,

of getting small businesses
that that reach that, you know,

they often struggle to get,

you know, the little gems,
the little neighborhood gems that I always

spoke of, you know, the little mom
and pops that have fantastic food

or fantastic product
provide a fantastic service.

How do we get that word out to the world?

Partial Veggie Visible is meant to be the,
the website next iteration of that.

We don't have one. We don't have one yet.

But we are like I said, we're working
on the whole sort of approach.

You know, the Discover Me
clients will, you know, continue

to to care for their websites
and take care of everything.

But,
we are on to the next answer at step.

Well, and then

before we get into the barn,
I know you want to thank some people.

Yes. I got a thank you from Avi.

Well, this was just an hour ago
on Instagram Live, so we're going to go

Instagram live. Sorry, but go ahead

a little bit about.

Yeah, it was really,
a phenomenal year for, for fundraising.

I started like Barbara was saying,
for the, Hartford Half Marathon

and up to council today, I had 107

different people and organizations donate,
which was so phenomenal.

And thank you to every single person.

I can't thank everyone on this,
but we did say if anyone donations over

$200 would get me to either
the bomb or in the cohorts.

So I just wanted to give a quick shout out
to five people.

Ron Madrid from degrees.

Thank you for your donation.

360 Federal Credit Union.

Thank you for always being so supportive
of everything I do out there.

A great friend, Bill Pettit
from the Pettit Family Foundation,

guy Newman from Jan Construction,
thank you, sir.

And Barbara Foley also donated, to the
cause also, which is absolutely lovely.

So that's one, two, that's five,
two bombs, and we just eight one.

That's half as hot as that. So. Yeah.

Yeah. So I'm fired up.

So thank you for your support.

And, yeah, I hope you continue
supporting us so we can be in pain

for your know, for for a good cause.

All right. Hilarious. Thank you. Anyone?

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Just all the chamber members.

So I want to just point this out
because this occurred to me.

So we are in a chamber member place.

Luna pizza. Yep.

Friends of Fini podcast.

Chamber member of chamber. Member.

Hauge chamber member, alley chamber
member and former contract employee.

Ron Foley Foundation chamber member.

These guys chamber member.

Yep. So thank you to all for your,

getting to figure it out. Yeah.

It also people's bank, NBT bank.

Who else we got here?

Yuri.

We'll start for lock.

Dave recording at Dave's
a chamber member, so

all you guys, we got wings for you.

Yuri, I want to thank some sponsors, too.

I already think Direct Line Media,
Luna Pizza.

I want to thank people's
Bank, their sponsors.

Yeah.

You see, you see their logo
right on the front cover of our podcast.

You see their logos on all of our parade
shirts,

parade, people's bank, good people,

Brooke golf
law group, Parkville management,

Keating Agency insurance,
The Fix, Ivy float 41,

Sally and Bob's.

And so we're looking chamber members.

Here's my call.
I got one more, candidate.

I said one of the co-sponsors here
by my friend Tyler, who runs, Tyler Hood.

He runs Aero East, construction
that specializes in historical properties.

You know, so old churches, old,
you know, which in New England,

there's certainly no shortage
of historical properties.

So I know he had been,
he observed, selected for a job

for the Smithsonian recently.

So, you know, try and get him,
you know, sort of get him out here,

see if we can get him on board with the.

But the chamber. But

he was, one of the one of the co-sponsors
along with me for of tonight. So.

So I want to give, give him a shout out.

And, anyone knows any

historical properties out there
that are in need of some, some TLC,

arrows as the,
commuter arrow East be a podcast sponsor.

Let's go Arrow East
and any other chamber member.

We're looking for podcast sponsors
and podcast guests.

Like I said, Barbara
Foley's coming on. Right, Barbara?

Thank you.

So we got the thank yous, the bomb.

All right, here we go.

So we're going to go Instagram live.

So we go take turns, eat them together.

Plus we gather here.

We do. Yeah, yeah.

Look, we're going to think about something
while we're thinking about the bomb.

Yeah.

Have you ever did

something out of your comfort zone
and would like to share about that moment?

If something out of your comfort zone?

Because this.

Speaking of the bomb,
we're still keeping it peachy.

Just jump in. Yeah.

I, I once, when I was younger,
jumped out of a perfectly good airplane.

That was, that was something
that was extremely out of my comfort zone.

I want to do that.

It was intense.

Yeah.

My brother took me when I,
after checking in with my wife.

Skydiving? Yes.

A tandem skydive in, Las Vegas.

We were there for, a technology show.

And, one of the days

we went out into the desert
and went up in a rickety old plane, and.

Yeah, that happened.

I have a video to prove it.

And, to remind myself
that that happened. And that was

that was a great.

Yeah.

Took out of his comfort zone,
out of my comfort zone

and into a parachute,
into a parachute, comfort zone.

Comfort zone.

I live outside the comfort zone.

That's the only way anything ever happens.

I got a my own dog last year.

Nice. And I never had a dog before.

Like, on my own. So that was

who was an excellent office mate
when she was at the me. Yes.

And a good video cuts a good video too.

Has a voice and everything.
Yeah. She's great.

She's got a good voice on the money
too. Yeah.

So bomb.

Any hot takes? We got any hot takes.

This is a hot take. This is the bomb.

Get ready people I just hear him
love and more to do, I think.

I think Ali's got an extra.

He's like the third one. 53. Okay.

The bomb.

Now, listen, I just remember doing this
for the first time on anywhere.

Linda driving long.

That leads to Erica.

Marty, I want I want to have proof.

Go for Linda.

Victor's going to grab the bomb.

Let's go.

You're the bomb, Victor.
You're gonna regret this.

Yeah, I don't know, get a girlfriend,

but I'm going to lie,
I regret he's going to enjoy it.

Yeah, yeah, but.

But we're not near the camera.

Do you notice how the smell of it is?

Way less intense than all the others?
I'm doing one.

It's like, oh, no, it's fine.

Yeah, just just go get it. Get it on this.

But when I say we're not

doing the extra dab glass like we did
the last couple of years, people.

Oh, yeah. I'll get it for you now.

No, really, Chris, I don't Instagram live,
all right.

Yeah. Hey, what they gave you?
What have you been watching?

Sorry for the bomb.

Yeah, for the good.

They've done enough.

You did the right now. But,

this is a base.

Ready, Victor? For me, I look ready.

I think every year I went out,
they were like, let's.

Do you do it with the band? Yeah, yeah.

He's got to do all five of them.
Take one alley.

No one for you? No, he don't get this.

Do the bomb.

Give one to Duncan.

But I call some 500 bucks.

We're not going to pre report now.

It's fine.

You're going to know how to be do.
Are we doing this?

Oh, you're like this is nothing more.

You make sure you get everyone.

All right.

We're going to get a count down from three

through one.

The bomb.

I drilled a little bit.

I think I put that out there

and then right away, like

it's just going to.

Yeah, it's. Yeah.

I got nothing in that tastes good.

No it was, it was hip.

It's it tastes very good.

I didn't breathe in it since.

Oh you're done already.

Oh, I had the first one.

I think we need to get up into $1,000.

Oh, it's, It's coming, it's coming, baby.

Yeah,

There we go.

Number two,

I do not.

Did you just.

I don't.

Know.

Oh, yeah. Victor.

Oh. Lisa's in. Yep.

He's done.

Yeah.

It really really takes a minute to start.

So give them that's I was
I was I'm sitting him like it's coming.

Walking.

It's it's been a little.

It doesn't go away

I'm sorry. Go.

On there

I think my brother's watching.

So here Victor

or Walter her quick

can't have any number three injuries.

It's gonna be her.

You got bones?

Oh, yeah.

One left.

We got one left.

We didn't get one.

Come on. Victor or Victor

Johnson wants another.

Linda looks ready. I think Linda's ready.

Hello.

Hello there. Another voice.

You are the victim. Get the camera.

Linda says this is light work.

Oh, fresh number two.

Yes, Jason.

Well, you're you're just pretending
you got a phone call.

Yeah.

Jerry is like,

I know that this is a fresh cup.

All right, we're going to go around.

Woo! Best part of today.

You want some of this?

All right. Yeah. All right. It's oat milk.

That's great.

He doesn't care who's ever saw them
come over.

Don't know.

Is that so?

Are they good to take it.

Oh yeah.

He did that to Victor.

Did some zoom ins on Navy.

Victor, focus on a hobby.

It's like no setup for this.

Oh, come on, Victor,
this is number four for me.

I called it Victor.

V is for Victor.

If that's sweat, zoom in on. Yes.

V closing remarks. Zombie.

What?

It's to lose.

I wish I was having six more.

I thought he was going to say call 911.

I did, I just do two.

I did on my first bite.

The crowbar.

So I did it.

All right.

Thoughts?

And, to let you see, I'm so happy

by surrounded by similarly good friends
getting the bomb.

Good friends.

Good cause great community.

She's bigger for it.

Pick up, prep for the door.

Give a compliment. Be charitable.

There's Molly for today. Chris.

Share your own milk with everybody.

Yeah, for a.

Time.

So your brother is watching is.

Yeah. Hey, Kev.

Yeah,

that. Yeah.

You know, it's funny
what I hear someone say.

Be kind. My brain still automatic.

Who wants to fill it in with rewind

big time?

I'd say,

like.

We can't leave anything on the bones.

Earl said cheating.

The auditor's
going to come out and check on you.

Yeah.
All right, we'll do some clothes, remarks.

Then we're going to get out of here again.

Episode 153.

They're getting better and better.

Please subscribe.

We got swag hats.

We have a toy drive here December 6th.

I want to share.

We're looking for businesses
to collaborate.

December 6th. Same spot.

Chamber's hosting for our every year
for four years in a row.

Their toy drive, their Christmas party
collects toys for friends of

December 6th.

It's going to be here.

Oh, when is this going to air?

Soon.

Holiday stroll, December 4th.

Come on out somewhere else on my birthday.

It is great. Yeah.

We're inviting
10,000 people to your birthday party.

Yes.

Toy drive.

Be on the lookout for our wolf pack game.

Informer and future guests.

So close remarks
that we're out of here to the zoom.

It's a it's always a pleasure to be here.

You know, for, for a great cause
for breast cancer awareness.

There's one more know.

So he was in this one month, but I'm.

He does not play. Oh.

Let nobody go to waste.

But I it's all it's
always a pleasure to be here.

And we were, you know, looking forward

to making this event bigger
and better each year.

Happy to have the the ravioli folks
with us this year sharing the stage.

So thank you again to today to America
for the, for the for the production,

to all of the guys here helping us out
to the crew, to the audience,

to everybody that showed up to support us
and donate and is here with us.

Thank you guys so much.

Like I said, look,

you know, looking forward
to making it bigger and better every year.

We're going to see you about Paul Rudd.

We're gonna see about Sean Evans.

We're going to see about Coach Hurley.

And like I said, on and on and on.

Eric, thank you for everything.

You do it for being our host.

Yeah, and for being our steward.
Appreciate you so much.

And, and let's get to thank everybody
for right here.

Oh, hellos.

All right. There.

There we go. Then we'll get a whole crew.

Yeah. Picture.

So I have a question before we go ahead.

If there's anybody in here
that did not donate, look at us.

Somebody

them to them, you got to donate.

And we got friends of Feeney.

Hats by a hat by shirts.

What time does we,

boot everybody on three.

We're going to say be good friends.

There's a one, two,
three Be a good friend.

Let's go pop it up.