Spring is here, the season of renewal. The weather is warm, the flowers are blooming and the winter doldrums have officially melted away. It’s a great time to assess your garbage, be it, physical or mental, and give it the ol’ heave ho. That’s what made IKEA in New Haven such a perfect fit to […]
Episode 42: I Thought It Was Episode 41
The great thing about co-hosting (and producing) your own radio show is that you have a great deal of the coveted control. The problem, at least in my case, is that this means that I control the errors as well, and you’ll hear a GLARING one about a minute into this week’s effort. Fortunately, the […]
“Really?” aka, The Real Life Survival Guide Producer’s Blog
Week after week, the RLSG keeps striving to somehow, figure out a better, aesthetically pleasing, economically stress-free way to navigate the oh-so many issues that constantly keep knocking on our doorstep. We talk; we eat, drink, schmooze, laugh and occasionally shed a little tear, all in the name of finding some answers. In between recordings, […]
Episode 41 – The Sisterhood of the Survival Guide
At Carmine’s Tuscan Grill in New Haven, four “double X chromosome units,” otherwise known as Deborah Pan, Binnie Klein, Anne Garland and Kathy Barkin sat down for an editorial meeting with Bruce Barber and Duo Dickinson, otherwise known as “99% junk DNA”. The discussion ranged from most embarrassing moments, to eating healthy, guilty pleasures and […]
Episode 41: 99 Percent Junk DNA
For the 41st meeting of our (extremely) informal “editorial board”, we gathered, in the company of four *amazing* women, at Carmine’s Tuscan Grill in New Haven. (Duo and I providing the “junk DNA”.) Over delicious (and healthful!) appetizers, we talked about embarrassing moments, guilty pleasures – and choosing activities for summer vacations – with Deborah Pan, Kathy […]
Episode 40: College, Politics and The World’s Largest Meatball
Our friends at Sitar in New Haven were kind enough to keep their amazing buffet open a little later than usual on a recent Sunday afternoon, and the result was a rollicking editorial meeting for the RLSG! We talked about April Fool’s Day (of course!), the changing nature of college admissions – and meatballs – […]
“Really?” aka, The Real Life Survival Guide Producer’s Blog
One of the perks of the Real Life Survival Guide is being able to taste all the delectable samples of food that are brought forth to us by our very generous host restaurants. Whether sampling the crab cakes at Carmen Anthony’s, the charcuterie at Bar Bouchée, or the spring rolls at Bentara, we are continually […]
Episode 39 – Narcissism and the Pursuit of Happiness
Not to go all alpha male on everyone, but I recently made my fourth appearance on The Real Life Survival Guide. This obviously impressive milestone means I now exude the musk of radio dominance. With my place among the lions of broadcasting, Bruce and Duo secure, I will now give my expert take on episode […]
Episode 39: Happiness, Wealth, and Reasonable Self Promotion
We recorded Episode 39 at a lovely corner table at Carmen Anthony Steakhouse in New Haven – over their award-winning chopped salad and crab cakes – with our guest editors, Laura Campbell, Scott Feinberg, Jud Smith, and Gerry McGuire. We talked about correcting people, our infatuation with the rich, and navigating the DMV… Gerry McGuire took his love […]
“Really?” aka, The Real Life Survival Guide Producer’s Blog
Last Sunday, the Real Life Survival Guide recorded Episode 40! Our little show sheds its baby fat, grows up and finally approaches middle age. We have booked over 100 fascinating, dynamic, uber-intelligent guest editors—a diverse group of people with impressive resumes and killer talking skills. We’ve been wined, dined and beered (if that isn’t a […]
Episode 38: The Silly Season
We chose O’Toole’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in New Haven as our venue for the 38th Real Life Survival Guide editorial board meeting, knowing that the show would air at the end of St. Patrick’s Day weekend. (What we didn’t know was the fact that the date would also mark the end of what the […]
Episode 37: Spring Springs Prematurely
We were thinking about flowers budding way too early in this week’s editorial board meeting for The Real Life Survival Guide, featuring Julie Braun, Lee White, Ryan Duques and Fred Lyle. (Lee says she has “stopped wearing socks, thinking that might spur spring up a bit”. Fred was concerned about his crocuses and rose bushes, and […]
Episode 36: The Man Show
Episode 36 was a bit of a college reunion; joining us my were fellow Hobart grads, New York Times Tech columnist Bob Tedeschi and ESPN producer Steve Petyerak. Rounding out this manly conclave: cohost Duo Dickinson, software engineer Justin Gill, and rugby coach and new media man John Broker. We met in a great spot […]
Episode 35: Ladies of the Connecticut Shoreline
We laughed a lot in Episode 35, recorded on a bright sunny day at the recently reopened Stone House in Guilford. The Stone House took a direct hit from Irene but is open for business and looking better than ever. The views – and the food – were SPECTACULAR, and we had conversations about about […]
Episode 34: Love Is In The Air
We recorded Episode 34 about a week before Valentine’s Day, so “love” was on the minds of our guest editors, dating coach Ronnie Ann Ryan, entrepreneur Danyel Aversenti, media personality Matt Scott, and freelance writer Sarah Kyrcz. Making matters even more romantic was the fact that we recorded our gathering at John Davenport’s on the 19th floor […]
Episode 33: Renovations, Commuting and Life Long Friendships
We had a lively editorial board meeting over delicious Mediterranean cuisine at The Greek Olive in New Haven’s Long Wharf section. (They’re a neighbor to the renowned Long Wharf Theater!) Our guest editors this week were Erika Horne, Gaye Hyre, Sallie Kraus, and Paul Schatz, and the conversations ranged from coping with family dramas caused by aging […]
Episode 32: Politics, Projects and Parties
We recorded this week’s episode at Bentara in New Haven’s Ninth Square (thanks to Niza for hosting us!), and our guest editors were Mary Elliot, Amy Nawrocki, Eric Lehman, and Paul Sessions. Mary is a stay-at-home Mom with four children, one husband and no pets unless you count that ant farm on the dresser in her […]
Episode 31: Food!
This week’s conversations took place at one of our favorite restaurants in New Haven: Union League Cafe (thanks Jean-Pierre!), and our guest editors were Cynthia Lyon, Susan Jacobs, and Cynthia’s sister, food critic Todd Lyon. Cynthia is the founder and leader of Eight To The Bar, where she is also the primary songwriter and arranger. She […]
Episode 30: Warmth, Email, Books and Relationships
We gathered to record Episode 30 at Cafe Romeo, the hip, delicious East Rock coffee shop. We were joined by Anne Witkavitch, Kristin Huffman, and Mark Branch, and hosted by Chris Mordececai. After getting her MFA, Anne Witkavich left Corporate America and started her own communications & change management consulting business. She also compiled and edited the […]
Episode 29: Vices, Heat, and Civic Duty
Episode 29 was recorded on a busy Sunday afternoon at the incredible Modern Apizza on State Street in New Haven. Our guest conversationalists were Debby Wan, Cristin Siebert and Ted Koppy. Debby is a Connecticut native but has recently moved to the New Haven area. She’s a mechanical engineer by trade and is also the […]
Episode 28: Social Networking, Tasty Food, and New Years Resolutions
Episode 28 was recorded on December 28th, 2011, as we dined on sustainable seafood at Miya’s Sushi on Howe Street. (Thanks, Bun!) Our Guest Editors were Kristen Cusato, Gary Choronzy and Ed Bartlett; As this new year begins, Kristen Cusato begins a new gig. No longer on News 8 in the morning, she is now following […]
Episode 27: Returns, Thank-yous, and Christmas with The McGuires
Episode 27 of The Real Life Survival Guide was recored at historic Lyric Hall in the Westville section of New Haven on December 18th. We were hosted by Colin Caplan – the creator of the Taste of New Haven eating and drinking tours – and joining the conversation were Marcia Simon, Holly Adam, and the aforementioned McGuires, […]
Episode 26: Gifts, Relatives, and Managing Expectations
Episode 26 was recorded on Sunday December 11th at Zafra Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar. Our guest editors were Ken Sperling, Jon Crane, Joy Gathers, and James Mapes. (You can learn more about them here. Duo was at the session, but left before Cindy took the photo…) We talked about gifts, relatives and managing expectations.
Episode 25: Eating, Tipping, and Unexpected Gifts
Episode 25 was recorded at Chips Family Restaurant in Orange (there’s also a Chips in Fairfield) where we feasted on award-winning pancakes. (Thanks to Dina for her award-winning hospitality!) Our guest editors were Susannah Bailin, Jaki Valensi-Lauper, Randye Kaye, and Helen Kauder. We talked about talked about moderation at holiday parties, how much to tip people […]
Episode 24: Arguments, Exercise, and Holiday Greetings
Episode 24 was recorded on Sunday November 27th in the cafe at the newly opened Elm City Market, a cooperative grocery story in the tony 360 State apartment building in downtown New Haven. Our guest list included Stacey Battat, Ira Rosofsky and Dr. Harry Schwartz, and we were hosted by Elm City Market’s Amy Christensen-Regni. (A word to […]
Episode 23: Bullies, Turducken and Getting Things Done
Our 23rd editorial meeting was held at Atticus Bookstore Cafe, an incredible independent book store on Chapel Street in New Haven. Our host was Dan Gaffney, and our guest editors included Eileen Kaplan, Lon Seidman and Jud Smith. (You can learn more about each of them in the show prep entry.) We discussed problems involving major illness, […]
Episode 22: Doing The Right Thing
This week Steve Katz hooked us up with a corner table at Katz’s Deli in Woodbridge. (He also introduced us to 90 year old Ed Abrams, who you’ll hear in this week’s conversation.) We also welcomed guest editors Jeanette Kuvin Oren, Nanci Sklar and Joel Sachs. We talked about the latest disappointments in the news […]
Episode 21: The Good, The Bad, and Trouble in the Neighborhood
We like to gather at fun places, and this week was no exception: we met in Milford to check out the newly opened Plan B Burger Bar. The food, the people and and the atmosphere are all amazing … and Plan B also happens to be a kind supporter of Connecticut Public Broadcasting! Our guest […]
Episode 20: Simplify, Localize, Unplug
Episode 20 was recorded at Christopher Martins in New Haven as the New York Giants battled Miami on the big screen. I was joined by my cohost, Duo Dickinson, along with Brian Virtue, the co-owner and manager of Christopher Martins, and our guest conversationalists, Joanne Kahan, Marianne O’Hare, and Cynthia Lyon, band leader and keyboard player […]
Episode 19: Available Light
Episode 19 was recorded at Anna Liffey’s, an incredible Irish Pub on Whitney Avenue in New Haven. This weeks guests included Ann McGuire, Katie Gerhard, her husband Joe (a photographer and, as you’ll hear, a talented musician), John Broker, Frank from “The Liffey”, and last but certainly not least, our first heckler! We drank Guinness, […]
Episode 18: Woodstock, Shoptailing, and Living a Good Life
This is episode 18, recorded on Sunday October 16th at Press New Haven. Press is a happening restaurant in the “Goat Cheese” section of New Haven (as usual, you’ll just have to listen!) that specializes in artisan pizza and great wines. I was joined – as usual – by Duo Dickinson, along with Paul Weymann […]
Episode 17: Condolences, Guilt and Smartphone Addiction
Episode 17 was recorded on Sunday October 16th at 116 Crown in New Haven. I was joined by my “Spock”, Duo Dickinson, along 116 Crown’s John Ginetti, social media “gurette” Suzi Craig (she live Tweeted the session), personal organizing expert Elizabeth Larkin, and composer, educator, mathematician, inventor and iPhone app developer, Harlan Brothers. (Harlan is also […]
Episode 16: A Rock Star, an Oscar Blogger and a Stay at Home Dad
This week we gathered with owner Dave McCoart at Sage American Grille and Oyster Bar in the “City Point” neighborhood of New Haven. Our guest editors included the legendary “Beehive Queen”; musician, songwriter and lead singer for the Saturday Night Live band, Christine Ohlman; Scott Feinberg, the chief oscar blogger and analyst for The Hollywood Reporter; writer, […]
Episode 15: A Fashionable Friend, A Writer and a Money Man
The 15th recording session for the RLSG on WNPR occurred on Sunday, September 25th at Geronimo in New Haven. Joining the conversation: my wonderful friend from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Holly Adam, “a Retailer, Fashion Director, stylist, merchandiser, fine cashmere expert, and the grand-daughter of the first Master of Davenport College at Yale”; Sarah […]
Episode 14: Back To School, Division of Labor, and Red Plaid
We met at Claire’s Corner Copia, among the hustle and bustle of downtown New Haven, and in the shadow of what Duo told us is “reputedly the first Gothic Revival structure in America”. (We love Claire and we wanted to show our support after she and her husband Frank took a direct hit from Irene.) Joining […]
Episode 13: An Earthquake, A Hurricane, and What’s Really Important
Joining the conversation this week: Paul Sessions, the Director of the Center for Family Business at the University of New Haven, dog adoption advocate Sarah Oren, co host Duo Dickinson, and Meteorologist Matt Scott. We gathered at Manjares, a wonderful family owned restaurant in the Westville section of New Haven, on Sunday September 4th. In the previous week […]
Episode 12: The New Haven Open
With summer winding down I thought it would be a good idea to reflect a bit. Joining cohost Duo Dickinson and me were author and radio host Binnie Klein, web designer Gary Choronzy, producer Cindy Papish Gerber, executive producer Kim Grehn and Kim’s wife Deb. I chose The New Haven Open at Yale as the site […]
Episode 11: New England Brewing Company
It happened, on a recent Thursday afternoon in Woodbridge, Connecticut: we gathered at New England Brewing Company. This was because at Delaney’s, Amanda told us how much she loves their beer… and we ended up loving their beer, too! Joining us were Yale Rugby coach John Broker, Amanda from Delaney’s, Rob from NEB, Duo Dickinson and freelance writer Alix […]
Episode 10: Ashley’s Ice Cream
For Episode 10, we traveled to Ashley’s Ice Cream, a Connecticut favorite, in Branford. Joining us were co-owner Brian Anderson, organizing and lifestyle expert Lisa Lilas, cookbook author and personal chef Gloria Zimmerman, and Ed Bartlett, the publisher of CT Out and About.com.
Episode 9: Miya’s Sushi
We decided to hold this weeks editorial board meeting at Miya’s Sushi, one of our favorite restaurants in New Haven. Over Chef Bun Lai’s creative, soulful, and sustainable cuisine – at the restaurant his mom started when there literally were no sushi restaurants in Connecticut – we gathered with three guest editors: Pam Landry, Mary Scanlon […]
Episode 8: Orange Hills Country Club
Nothing says “summer in the suburbs” like a golf course, and that’s where we headed to record episode 8! Orange Hills Country Club is a public 18 hole course in, not a surprise, Orange Connecticut. Our gracious hosts for the afternoon were Judy and Jud Smith; their father, Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame Inductee Walter […]
Episode 7: Bishop’s Orchards
It has become apparent (to me at least) that we are drawn to guest editors and locations because we love them.This week was no exception: Duo and I travelled to Bishop’s Orchards Farm Market in Guilford Connecticut to hear pitches from our host, sixth generation family member (and mother of 2) Sarah Bishop DellaVentura, along with […]
Episode 6: Delaney’s
This week we gathered at one of my favorite local watering holes, Delaney’s Tap Room and Restaurant in the Westville section of New Haven. We chose Delaney’s to follow up on several conversations we had in Episode 4 at Heirloom: the importance of community, the uncertainty of our changing times, and the possibilities to be […]
Episode 5: The Glenwood Drive In
Someone (it might have been Episode 4 guest editor Binnie Klein) commented recently that the show has been “a show about making a show”, and I don’t disagree with that assessment. Having worked on the Guide in one form or another for over ten years now, I’m finally learning not to over think things. (Gary, […]
Episode 4: The Paugusset Swim Club
By the time we were ready to record Episode 4, certain things were beginning to come into focus. For starters, recording conversations with interesting people at fun (and interesting) places was working. The sound of the birds chirping and the haircuts in Episode 1; the clatter of dishes and late afternoon patrons talking in Episodes […]
Episode 3: The Salon at Heirloom
This winter, I woke up one morning and came up with a concept: why not have a modern day version of the “salon” (which Wikipedia describes as “…a gathering of people under the roof of an inspiring host, held partly to amuse one another and partly to refine taste and increase their knowledge of the […]
Episode 2: Farewell to Richter’s
We mourned the passing of a New Haven institution in episode 2, and we wish Dieter and the gang at Richter’s the best of luck. We chose Richter’s because a.) I’ve been going there for years, and b.) at the end of Episode 1, while wandering Chapel Street, we decided to record at Richter’s – only to […]
Episode 1: Radio Is Changing
The Real Life Survival Guide Radio Show returns to the airwaves this afternoon, June 19, 2011, at 4:30 on WNPR. The first big difference from season 1 (November 2007 – June 2008): I have a cohost! His name is Duo Dickinson. He’s an architect, author, self proclaimed “swamp yankee” and committed family man. Duo is […]
The Real Life Survival Guide Radio Show Returns to WNPR!
From Connecticut Public Broadcasting: An All-New Version of Bruce Barber’s “The Real Life Survival Guide” Returns to WNPR Featuring Architect Duo Dickinson and WNPR Host Bruce Barber in a Weekly Exploration of “Life’s Little Problems” – Sundays at 4:30 p.m. starting June 19 – 90.5FM Hartford/New Haven; 89.1FM Norwich/New London; 88.5FM Stamford/Greenwich; 91.3FM Southampton, New […]