Angles is a podcast about learning from the paths of interesting and successful people. Hosted by John Richmond, Co-Founder and CEO of Richmond Vona, the show features conversations with entrepreneurs, professionals, and leaders from Buffalo and beyond. By exploring their stories from different angles, each episode uncovers the moments, mindset, and moves that helped them grow and offers insights you can use in your own life and career.
ANGLES PODCAST
PODCASTING NOW
In the forty-sixth episode of Angles, John sits down with Del Reid, the man widely credited as the godfather of Bills Mafia. What started as a late-night tweet from a pizza pickup in Tonawanda in April 2011 has grown into one of the most recognized and beloved fan communities in all of professional sports. Del is as humble as they come, quick to spread the credit and even quicker to remind anyone listening that Bills Mafia was never about him. It belongs to every Bills fan who ever showed up.
Del walks John through the full origin story: how a Stevie Johnson dropped pass, an Adam Schefter retweet, and a hashtag born as a joke accidentally launched a movement. He talks about what it actually felt like to be thrust into a leadership role he never asked for, and how some of the Bills fans initially resisted the name. Along the way, he breaks down what makes Buffalo fans different from every other fan base in the country, and why that chip on the shoulder is generational, not circumstantial.
SPOTIFY PODCASTS
APPLE PODCASTS
Ep46: Del Reid – The Godfather of Bills Mafia and What 26 Shirts Is Doing for Buffalo Families
Ep45: Aaron Mentkowski – Forecasting, Discipline, and Life as Buffalo’s Chief Meteorologist
Ep44: Matt Keeler – Hockey, Creativity, and Building a Culture Brand in Buffalo
Ep43: Rebecca Witter – Hearing Health, Acoustic Design, and Building a Business Buffalo Deserves
Ep42: Conway The Machine – Resilience, Buffalo Roots, and Betting on Yourself
Ep41: Jim & Tami Fitzhenry – Leadership, Trust, and Building a Culture That Lasts
Ep40: Mitch Korn – Goaltending, Leadership, and Building Trust at the Highest Level
Ep39: Alex Dispence (Sup Chef) – Food, Content, Sports, and Building a Digital Brand
Ep38: Jesse Ciffa — Barbering, Entrepreneurship, Trust, and Building Community in Buffalo
Ep37: Christopher Puckett — Crash Reconstruction, Black Box Data, and Finding Truth After Impact
Ep36: Larry Quinn – Former President of the Buffalo Sabres, Leadership, Legacy, and Civic Impact
Ep35: Colleen Heidinger – President of 43North, Building a Better Buffalo, and Leading with Purpose
Ep34: Tom Szulist — Innocence Cannabis, Singer Farm Naturals, and the Science of the Human Body
Ep33: Peter E. & Peter A. Roberti — Crafting Legacy, Leadership, and the Pursuit of Excellence
Ep32: Brad Gelber — Building a Law Firm Brand, Trust at Scale, and the Future of Richmond Vona
Ep31: Eight Months In – A New Year’s Eve Reflection on Building Angles
Ep30: Al Borz — Flushable Innovation, Startup Resilience, and Building a Global Consumer Brand
Ep29: Daniel Schuller – Elder Law, Family Protection & The Business of Doing Things the Right Way
Ep28: Chef Redbeard — Craft, Curiosity, and the Art of the Private Dining Experience
Ep27: Tage Thompson — Hard Work, Leadership, and Building Buffalo’s Future
Ep26: Brenda Turteltaub Feldstein — Love Letters to Music
Ep25: Dhane Smith & Josh Byrne — Buffalo Built: The Championship Standard
Ep24: Coach Trevor Large Canisius University — Building a Culture That Wins
Ep23: Matt Meyer — The Healing Mindset: Rethinking Health, Movement & Modern Medicine
Ep22: Amy Bueme — Building a Fitness Empire of Catalyst Fitness
Ep21: Alissa Vogelsang — Courage, Presence, and Finding Joy Through Adversity
Ep20: Kimberly LaRussa — Sweet Buffalo: Kindness, Cancer Awareness, and Community
Ep19: Dr. Helen Cappuccino, Roswell Park — Empathy in Breast Cancer Care
Ep18: Mark Schmidt — The Winningest Coach at St. Bonaventure on Leadership, Values, and Community
Ep17: Revolution Buffalo — Building Buffalo’s Fitness Community
Ep16: Spencer Brown Buffalo Bills — From Small Town Roots to the NFL Trenches
Ep15: Al Longo & Keith Vona — Veterans Race 2025: Service, Community, and Mental Toughness
Ep14: Sharon Cryan — Food Nerd Founder on Fighting Processed Foods and Feeding the Future
Ep13: Lisa Johnson – Championing Mental Wellness
Ep12: Emily Martin — Hiring Right & Having Hard Conversation
Ep11: Tom Prince — The Heart of High School Sports
Ep10: Justin Hartman — From Lawyer to Distiller: Building Hartman’s Craft Spirits & Community
Ep09: Tom & Cloogie Barnett — From Rink to Runway: The Barnett Tailoring Journey
Ep08: David Lord (Guidesly) — From Accounting to Adventure: Reinventing Outdoor Guiding with AI
Ep07: Dave Horesh (Oxford Pennant) — Crafting a Brand with Heart, Grit, and Buffalo Soul
Ep06: Brandon Bieron — From Battlefield to Boardroom: Leadership, Integrity, and Culture in Business
Ep05: Sal Capaccio — From Coaching to Breaking News: The Journey of a Buffalo Sports Insider
Ep04: Jonny the Barber (Jon Palmeri) — More Than a Haircut: Building Trust, Brand, and Community
Ep03: Sara Heidinger — Building Community Through Art, Coffee, and Creative Spaces
Ep02: Tom & Caitlin Moriarty (Moriarty Meats) – Old-World Butchery, New-World Community
Ep 01: Chef Darian Bryan – NFL Chef on Flavor, Hustle, and Creating Experiences
Ep29: Daniel Schuller – Elder Law, Family Protection & The Business of Doing Things the Right Way
Ep29: Daniel Schuller – Elder Law, Family Protection & The Business of Doing Things the Right Way
Ep29: Daniel Schuller – Elder Law, Family Protection & The Business of Doing Things the Right Way
Ep28: Chef Redbeard — Craft, Curiosity, and the Art of the Private Dining Experience
Ep27: Tage Thompson — Hard Work, Leadership, and Building Buffalo’s Future
Ep26: Brenda Turteltaub Feldstein — Love Letters to Music
Ep25: Dhane Smith & Josh Byrne — Buffalo Built: The Championship Standard
Ep24: Coach Trevor Large Canisius University — Building a Culture That Wins
Ep23: Matt Meyer — The Healing Mindset: Rethinking Health, Movement & Modern Medicine
Ep22: Amy Bueme — Building a Fitness Empire of Catalyst Fitness
Ep21: Alissa Vogelsang — Courage, Presence, and Finding Joy Through Adversity
Ep20: Kimberly LaRussa — Sweet Buffalo: Kindness, Cancer Awareness, and Community
Ep19: Dr. Helen Cappuccino, Roswell Park — Empathy in Breast Cancer Care
Ep18: Mark Schmidt — The Winningest Coach at St. Bonaventure on Leadership, Values, and Community
Ep17: Revolution Buffalo — Building Buffalo’s Fitness Community
Ep16: Spencer Brown Buffalo Bills — From Small Town Roots to the NFL Trenches
Ep15: Al Longo & Keith Vona — Veterans Race 2025: Service, Community, and Mental Toughness
Ep14: Sharon Cryan — Food Nerd Founder on Fighting Processed Foods and Feeding the Future
Ep13: Lisa Johnson – Championing Mental Wellness
Ep12: Emily Martin — Hiring Right & Having Hard Conversation
Ep11: Tom Prince — The Heart of High School Sports
Ep10: Justin Hartman — From Lawyer to Distiller: Building Hartman’s Craft Spirits & Community
Ep09: Tom & Cloogie Barnett — From Rink to Runway: The Barnett Tailoring Journey
Ep08: David Lord (Guidesly) — From Accounting to Adventure: Reinventing Outdoor Guiding with AI
Ep07: Dave Horesh (Oxford Pennant) — Crafting a Brand with Heart, Grit, and Buffalo Soul
Ep06: Brandon Bieron — From Battlefield to Boardroom: Leadership, Integrity, and Culture in Business
Ep05: Sal Capaccio — From Coaching to Breaking News: The Journey of a Buffalo Sports Insider
Ep04: Jonny the Barber (Jon Palmeri) — More Than a Haircut: Building Trust, Brand, and Community
Ep03: Sara Heidinger — Building Community Through Art, Coffee, and Creative Spaces
Ep02: Tom & Caitlin Moriarty (Moriarty Meats) – Old-World Butchery, New-World Community
Ep 01: Chef Darian Bryan – NFL Chef on Flavor, Hustle, and Creating Experiences
Featured Guests
READ MORE
Hailing from Jamaica, Chef Darian brings the heat to Buffalo, NY and everything he serves. Featured in many media outlets, he inspires appetites around the world. From fine dining pop-ups to private dining experiences, and from meal prep for professional athletes to the long lineworthy events for his Jamaican-inspired “Jerk Hut,” extra is always on the menu—whether you’re talking his signature fedoras and chef jackets or the colossal surf and turf he’s known for.
Business/Organization: Bratts Hill, The Plating Society
READ MORE
Moriarty Meats has been Tom and Caitlin’s dream since they first met. The first Moriarty Meats butcher shop was founded on a love of small European neighborhood shops, amazing food, and a warm welcoming feeling. The first Moriarty Meats was opened on Grant Street in 2018 part-time, where the present building was found. Moriarty Meats values quality, community, culture, curiosity, and connection.
Business/Organization: Moriarty Meats
READ MORE
After studying photography at Mckinley high school, Sara continued her craft at the University at Buffalo and in New York City. She moved back to Buffalo and splits her time now between Undergrounds Coffee House & Roastery, of which she is part owner, and Photography, including curating a gallery space at 500 Seneca. Her journey has become more than just creating a final product, but a celebration of experiences for herself and others that may have been unknown otherwise.
Business/Organization: Undergrounds Coffee House and Roastery
READ MORE
From cutting hair in his parents’ garage at 15 to running two successful shops, Jon Palmeri—known as Jonny the Barber—has built a brand around community, consistency, and attention to detail. Since Jonny the Barber opened his first barbershop, his main focus has been on the client. Everyone who works in his shops loves what they do and simply does it the best.
Business/Organization: Jonny the Barber
READ MORE
Sal Capaccio, the ultimate Buffalo sports insider, shares his journey from coaching high school football to becoming the go-to voice on the sidelines and in the podcast feeds of Western New York. Sal discusses his non-linear path to sports broadcasting, the lessons learned from teaching, and the leap of faith that brought him back to Buffalo. Sal opens up about the importance of preparation, building relationships, and maintaining objectivity in sports media, plus the moment he broke the Terrell Owens signing story that changed everything.
Business/Organization: Buffalo Bills
READ MORE
Brandon Bieron went from being a U.S. Army Ranger to a business leader. Now president of Reimer Home Services, Brandon shared how battlefield lessons in resilience, discipline, and leadership have shaped his people-first approach to business. From failing his first Ranger School attempt to leading one of Western New York’s fastest-growing home service companies, Brandon’s story is a powerful look into humility, culture-building, and service at scale.
Business/Organization: Reimer Home Services
READ MORE
From humble beginnings with $2,000 and a side hustle, Dave Horesh co-founded Oxford Pennant, a company that resurrected the forgotten art of wool felt pennants and built a brand that reflects Buffalo’s pride and perseverance. In this episode, John Richmond talks with Dave about authenticity in branding, keeping manufacturing local, and the value of doing things the hard way—because it’s the right way. They explore business growth, navigating failure, building a culture of kindness, and why success means more when it’s shared.
Business/Organization: Oxford Pennant
READ MORE
David Lord has built and exited tech companies for decades, but his newest venture is pure passion. After years chasing trout, he created Guidesly—a Buffalo-born platform that equips 1,500-plus outdoor guides with AI tools and marketing muscle so they can focus on delivering the “magic moment” for anglers. Sitting down with host John Richmond, David unpacks the $50 billion guiding industry, explains how the 43North accelerator helped anchor Guidesly in Western New York, and shows why a strong culture and clear accountability still beat raw enthusiasm.
Business/Organization: Guidesly
READ MORE
Father‑son duo Tom and Cloogie Barnett turned a Buffalo tailoring shop into a bespoke powerhouse, dressing NHL superstars, CEOs, and wedding parties while staying true to blue‑collar roots. In this conversation with host John Richmond they trace the business from a post‑fire reboot in 1990 to an international brand, explain why hockey culture still shapes their work ethic, and share how the Buffalo Shamrocks youth program puts fun and sportsmanship back into youth hockey.
Business/Organization: Tom Barnett NY
READ MORE
Host John Richmond sits down with Justin Hartman—former New York City trial lawyer and founder of Hartman’s Distilling Co.—to unpack his leap from law to whiskey, the science of crafting award-winning bourbon, and the realities of scaling a Buffalo distillery through a pandemic. Hartman explains how courtroom discipline, relentless research, and a timely pivot into producing 30,000 gallons of hand sanitizer kept operations on track. The discussion covers mentorship, balancing risk with vision, and plans to create a “Kentucky-style” visitor experience on Buffalo’s waterfront. A must-listen for entrepreneurs and bourbon enthusiasts alike.
Business/Organization: Hartman’s Distillery
READ MORE
Tom Prince, Vice President of Western New York Athletics, turned a volunteer baseball blog into a full‑fledged sports network spotlighting student‑athletes across Buffalo. In this episode, host John Richmond chats with Tom about the evolution of youth sports, the mounting pressures athletes face, and why long‑term development beats early trophies. They dig into the art of balanced commentary, the role of parents and coaches in shaping character, and the future of multi‑use athletic facilities in Western New York. If you love sports at their purest—passion, community, and a dash of play‑by‑play—you’ll enjoy this conversation.
Business/Organization: Western NY Athletics
READ MORE
Emily Martin is the founder of Ally HR Partners, where she helps Buffalo companies hire the right people and tackle the tough conversations that keep teams on track. She joins host John Richmond to explain why HR should guide strategy, how clear accountability builds culture, and what makes Buffalo’s business scene uniquely collaborative.
Business/Organization: Ally HR Partners
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles, Lisa Johnson, Chief Strategy Officer at Compeer Buffalo, shares her journey from a college volunteer to leading an organization dedicated to combating loneliness and promoting mental wellness. The conversation explores Compeer’s mission, the impact of loneliness on mental health, and the various programs they offer to support individuals in need. Lisa discusses the importance of community engagement, diversity in mental health support, and the role of mental health first aid training in workplaces. The episode emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health and the significance of checking in on friends and loved ones.
Business/Organization: Compeer of Greater Buffalo
READ MORE
What if the cereal in your pantry was designed to be addictive? This week on Angles, Sharon Cryan, the founder and CEO of Food Nerd, shares her deeply personal journey—from growing up in Buffalo with a single mother battling MS to launching a company aimed at transforming how we feed our children. After a career in law, Sharon pivoted toward food advocacy, driven by her realization that ultra-processed foods were harming families across the country. She built Food Nerd from the ground up with one mission: to deliver truly healthy, plant-based, scientifically validated nutrition for the most important phase of life—the first 1,000 days. This is a conversation about motherhood, mission, and the power of food as self-care.
Business/Organization: FoodNerd
READ MORE
What are you made of? That’s the question at the heart of this week’s Angles conversation. John Richmond sits down with Al Longo and Keith Vona to talk about Buffalo’s Veterans Race—a community event that’s more than just a 5K or 10K. From its origins on the back of a napkin to becoming one of the city’s fastest-growing races, the Veterans Race is about perseverance, gratitude, and giving back. Al and Keith share stories about the race’s growth, the Buffalo running community, and why this event is both a celebration of service and a thank you to those who’ve served. Whether you’re a runner, a volunteer, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode dives into mental toughness, community, and purpose-driven living.
Business/Organization: Buffalo Veterans Race
READ MORE
From a small town in Iowa to Sundays in the NFL, Buffalo Bills tackle Spencer Brown has lived a journey built on grit and perseverance. In this episode, he opens up about his Hard Knocks experience, the ups and downs of draft day, and how Buffalo quickly became home thanks to Bills Mafia. Brown reflects on locker room culture, mental toughness, and what it means to block for an MVP quarterback like Josh Allen. He also shares his charity work with Mission 22, his thoughts on Buffalo wings, and what he’s most excited about for the upcoming season.
Business/Organization: Buffalo Bills
READ MORE
What started as an idea among friends has grown into one of Buffalo’s most welcoming fitness communities. From the early days of washing towels at midnight to pivoting through COVID with outdoor classes at Larkinville, their story is about grit, teamwork, and the magic of creating connection. The Rev team shares how their diverse corporate backgrounds helped them launch the business, why relationships and inclusivity are at the heart of what they do, and how Buffalo’s collaborative fitness community continues to thrive.
Business/Organization: Revolution Buffalo
READ MORE
When you think of St. Bonaventure basketball, one name stands above the rest: Coach Mark Schmidt. The winningest coach in Bonnie’s history, he’s built his program on values that don’t bend. Do it the right way, never cut corners, and treat everyone with respect. For nearly two decades, he’s led with discipline, preparation, and heart, earning championships on the court and admiration off it through his work with the American Cancer Society. In this episode, John Richmond and Coach Schmidt talk about leadership, culture, recruiting, preparation, and the lessons that carry far beyond the game.
Business/Organization: American Cancer Society
READ MORE
Dr. Helen Cappuccino, a breast surgeon at Roswell Park Cancer Center, discusses her journey into medicine, the importance of empathy in patient care, and the advancements in breast cancer treatment. She emphasizes the significance of early detection, lifestyle changes to reduce risk, and the collaborative environment at Roswell. Dr. Cappuccino also highlights the role of research and clinical trials in improving patient outcomes, the barriers to screening, and the importance of community support and philanthropy in cancer care. She shares her insights on mentoring the next generation of doctors and the values that drive the culture at Roswell.
Business/Organization: Roswell Park Cancer Center
READ MORE
Kimberly shares how Sweet Buffalo evolved from a good news platform into a lifeline for families in crisis, bringing joy and hope to children battling illness and supporting nonprofits across Western New York. She also opens up about her personal battle with breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and her experience in a clinical trial at Roswell Park. Through her resilience and passion, Kimberly highlights the true spirit of Buffalo as the City of Good Neighbors.
Business/Organization: Sweet Buffalo
READ MORE
When Alissa Vogelsang was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 29, she refused to be defined by it. Over a decade later, she continues her fight with metastatic breast cancer — facing every setback with resilience, humor, and gratitude. In this episode, John Richmond sits down with Alissa to discuss her journey from diagnosis to treatment, the importance of being your own advocate, and how she finds joy in life’s small moments. Together, they explore the power of support systems, the realities of clinical trials, and what it means to live with purpose and presence — even when the road is uncertain.
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, we sit down with Buffalo powerhouse Amy Bueme, co-owner of Catalyst Fitness. Amy and her husband Joe started with one small gym and grew it into Western New York’s leading fitness brand. Amy shares the highs and lows of that journey — from competing with national chains and rebranding from Gold’s Gym to Catalyst, to balancing family life with entrepreneurship. She opens up about navigating market changes, surviving COVID-19, and why Buffalo’s fitness community is one of the strongest in the country. Her story is one of grit, resilience, and never losing sight of community.
Business/Organization: Catalyst Fitness
READ MORE
What if everything you’ve been taught about health, healing, and performance was only half the story? In this episode, John Richmond sits down with Matt Meyer, a movement specialist, mindset coach, and wellness practitioner who’s worked with everyone from the Buffalo Bills and Bandits to everyday people searching for real healing. Matt breaks down how traditional medicine often misses the mark, why mindset matters as much as mobility, and how to build a daily environment that supports true wellness. He dives into alternative therapies, psychedelic research, and the simple daily habits that transform both physical and mental health. This is one of the most thought-provoking health conversations we’ve had on Angles — whether you’re an athlete, an entrepreneur, or just someone looking to feel better and live stronger.
Business/Organization: Revive Health
READ MORE
READ MORE
Dhane Smith and Josh Byrne of the Buffalo Bandits join Angles with John Richmond to talk about leadership, legacy, and what it takes to win championships in Buffalo.
They open up about their bond as teammates, the lessons from losses that fueled their title runs, and how the Bandits’ culture represents the blue-collar mindset of the city. Dhane and Josh also share their thoughts on teamwork, community, and staying grounded through success.
Business/Organization: Buffalo Bandits
READ MORE
Filmmaker Brenda Turteltaub Feldstein joins Angles with John Richmond to discuss her journey from Brazil to Buffalo, and how a $30 BPO student pass sparked the path that ultimately led to her directing the feature documentary *Love Letters to Music*, centered on world-renowned conductor JoAnn Falletta.
Brenda shares the power of quiet leadership, the evolution of documentary filmmaking, and the importance of curiosity, resilience, and passion. She opens up about building trust with JoAnn, filming across the world, studying hundreds of hours of footage, and why classical music is more important now than ever.
Business/Organization: A Special Story
READ MORE
Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson joins Angles with John Richmond to talk about family, leadership, work ethic, and his journey from Alaska to the NHL.He opens up about his father’s influence, the lessons that keep him grounded, and the mindset behind becoming one of hockey’s elite scorers. Tage also shares his thoughts on team culture, handling pressure, his love for Buffalo, and what it will take to bring playoff hockey back to the city.
Business/Organization: Buffalo Sabres
READ MORE
Jeremy Van Antwerp, better known as Chef Redbeard, has become one of Buffalo’s most distinctive culinary creators. In this episode, John sits down with Jeremy to explore how a self‑taught cook built one of the city’s most unique dining experiences, why he left the corporate food world behind, and how curiosity, grit, and authenticity shaped Kitchen Studio into what it is today.
Business/Organization: The Kitchen Studio by Chef Red Beard
READ MORE
Estate planning isn’t about documents it’s about protecting the people you love. John Richmond sits down with Daniel Schuller of PB Elder Law to break down wills, powers of attorney, Medicaid, crisis planning, and the biggest misconceptions that financially devastate families. Daniel also shares real-world horror stories, practical steps every family should take, and the business and leadership lessons he’s learned while helping scale one of Western New York’s fastest‑growing law firms.
Business/Organization: PB Elder Law
READ MORE
From London to Buffalo, from a pub napkin sketch to winning 43North — Al Borz shares the decade-long journey behind Twipes, the world’s first fully biodegradable, truly flushable wipe. In this episode, John and Al dive into R&D breakthroughs, fundraising with no safety net, surviving early failures, and what it means to build a mission-driven startup in a massive legacy industry.
Al also opens up about leadership transformation, culture fit, the emotional weight of being a founder, and the exciting future of Twipes as they prepare new product lines and scale into the U.S. market. A powerful conversation for founders, operators, and anyone obsessed with innovation.
Business/Organization: Twipes
Brett Tuttle & John Richmond - 2025 Reflection
READ MORE
In this New Year’s Eve episode of Angles with John Richmond, John and producer Brett sit down to reflect on the first eight months of the podcast – recorded exactly eight months to the day after their original test episode.
They talk candidly about why Angles started, what they’ve learned from dozens of conversations, and how listening, consistency, and community shaped the show more than any strategy or metric. This episode is about gratitude, momentum, and continuing the work into the new year.
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with Brad Gelber, the new Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy at Richmond Vona. Brad shares his path into marketing, what attracted him to Richmond Vona, and how intentional brand-building creates trust long before a client ever picks up the phone.
They explore what modern law firm marketing really means, balancing authenticity with scale, content strategy, internal culture, and why storytelling is the most powerful differentiator in a crowded legal marketplace.
Business/Organization: Richmond Vona
READ MORE
For more than 60 years, Adrian Jules has been a Western New York institution built on craftsmanship, relationships, and uncompromising standards. In this episode, John sits down with father-and-son team Peter E. and Peter A. Roberti to explore what it takes to build, protect, and evolve a true legacy business. They discuss generational leadership, adapting to changing styles and lifestyles, the importance of communication and trust, and why client experience matters just as much as the product itself.
Business/Organization: Adrian Jules
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with Tom Szulist, founder of Innocence Cannabis and Singer Farm Naturals. Tom shares a deep, thoughtful exploration of the human body, the endocannabinoid system, and how cannabis, food, and the microbiome work together to support balance and health. Drawing from decades of experience in finance, agriculture, and plant science, Tom challenges conventional thinking around medicine, wellness, and personal responsibility. This conversation goes far beyond cannabis — it’s about understanding the body’s operating system, living in the present moment, and reclaiming health through education, awareness, and nature.
Business/Organization: Innocence Cannabis
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with Colleen Heidinger, President of 43North, Buffalo’s nationally recognized startup accelerator. Colleen shares her personal journey from growing up in Buffalo’s First Ward to building a career in global media, film, and venture ecosystems and ultimately returning home to help shape Buffalo’s entrepreneurial future.
This conversation explores leadership, risk-taking, community-building, and what it truly takes to create an ecosystem where startups and people want to stay. From the realities of startup selection and venture capital to mindset shifts, Buffalo pride, and the human side of leadership, this episode offers a powerful look at how cities are rebuilt through people who show up.
Business/Organization: 43North
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with Larry Quinn, former President and Managing Partner of the Buffalo Sabres and one of the most influential executives in Buffalo sports and civic life. Larry played a central role in leading the Sabres through multiple ownership eras, including the Knox family and Tom Golisano, helping guide the franchise through some of its most successful and culturally significant years.
Beyond hockey, the conversation explores leadership under public scrutiny, organizational culture, downtown Buffalo development, public education reform, and Larry’s work with the Golisano Institute for Business & Entrepreneurship. This episode offers a thoughtful look at how leadership decisions inside major institutions ripple far beyond the arena.
Business/Organization:Buffalo Sabres
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with Christopher Puckett, founding partner of Northeast Crash Dynamics and former New York State Trooper. Christopher brings decades of experience investigating serious motor vehicle crashes, crime scenes, and high‑stakes forensic cases. The conversation explores how crash reconstruction works, what vehicle “black box” data can reveal, and how physics, math, and human behavior intersect in serious accidents. Christopher also shares stories from his time with the New York State Police, including crime scene investigation, blood spatter analysis, and major manhunt operations, as well as his work with Team Adam supporting missing and exploited children cases.
Business/Organization: Northeast Crash Dynamics, LLC
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with Jesse Ciffa, owner of Chief’s Barber Parlor. Jesse shares his journey from learning barbering on YouTube and cutting hair in his grandmother’s basement to building one of Buffalo’s most respected modern barbershops.
The conversation explores entrepreneurship without a traditional business background, earning trust client by client, and why barbering creates a unique one‑on‑one connection that few other professions offer. Jesse also talks about hiring for personality, maintaining high standards, growing a team, and what it’s like cutting hair for professional athletes including members of the Buffalo Bills.
Business/Organization: Northeast Crash Dynamics, LLC
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with Alex Dispence better known as Sup Chef a Western New York native who turned a background in professional kitchens into a massive online food brand. Alex shares how he transitioned from working in high-end restaurants to becoming an early breakout creator on TikTok, building an audience of millions through authenticity, humor, and obsession with food.
The conversation explores what it takes to grow and sustain a digital brand, how viral moments create opportunity and pressure, and why most ideas fail before one finally works. Alex also talks about balancing family life with entrepreneurship, delegating creatively, and his newest venture bringing sports-inspired flavors and food products to market.
Business/Organization: Supchef Pizza Co.
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with legendary NHL goaltending coach Mitch Korn. Mitch’s career spans decades at the highest levels of hockey, including foundational years with the Buffalo Sabres, where he helped redefine the role of the modern goalie coach and played a pivotal role in the development of Dominik Hasek. The conversation is deeply personal, as Mitch was also John’s goalie coach growing up, creating a unique lens on mentorship, trust, and long-term impact. Mitch reflects on his journey from early goalie camps in Buffalo to a storied NHL career alongside Barry Trotz in Nashville, Washington, and New York. He discusses what it takes to build elite performers, the psychology of goaltending, and why relationships matter more than systems.
Business/Organization: Mitch Korn
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with Jim and Tami Fitzhenry. They are former corporate executives turned leadership coaches who now dedicate their time to helping leaders across Buffalo and Western New York grow with clarity, accountability, and authenticity.
After decades building their careers at a global company rising from sales and engineering roles to the C-suite Jim and Tami returned home to Buffalo with a mission: help leaders lead better. From digital transformation and global innovation to culture building and executive coaching, their experience spans industries, continents, and leadership levels.
This conversation dives deep into what actually makes a leader worth following. Jim and Tami unpack the evolution of leadership, the courage required to remove toxic high performers, the power of clear expectations, and why self-leadership is the foundation of everything. They discuss delegation, perfectionism, goal setting, accountability, tough conversations, and the reality that excellence not perfection is the standard.
Business/Organization: Vistage Worldwide, Inc.
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with Buffalo’s own Conway The Machine – internationally known recording artist, founder of Drumwork Music Group, and co-founder of Griselda Records. From recording on karaoke machines in his grandmother’s basement to signing with Shady Records and working with Roc Nation, Conway shares the unfiltered story behind his rise. He opens up about growing up in Buffalo, studying the greats, surviving being shot, and the mental toughness required to build a career from a city with no industry infrastructure.
This conversation goes far beyond music. Conway discusses resilience, rejection, independence, ownership, patience in the music business, artist development, the realities of the business side of rap, and why Buffalo shaped him into who he is today. He reflects on fatherhood, leadership, philanthropy through the Conway Cares Foundation, and the importance of staying grounded even while traveling the world.
Business/Organization: Drumwork Music Group
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with Rebecca Witter, licensed audiologist and founder of Acoustic Designs by Rebecca, a Buffalo-based acoustic consulting firm helping businesses, restaurants, offices, and residential spaces finally address the sound problem everyone notices but no one talks about. What began as a career rooted in patient care and a lifelong friendship with a deaf childhood friend evolved into a business born from Covid, motherhood, and a light bulb moment: if she could not fix the places her patients were struggling in, why not fix the places themselves?
Rebecca pulls back the curtain on hearing loss as a hidden health epidemic, explaining why the stigma around hearing aids keeps people suffering longer than they should, how untreated hearing loss is directly linked to cognitive decline, social isolation, and depression, and why the modern obsession with open, minimalist design is quietly making Buffalo a louder, more exhausting city. She breaks down the science of how sound damages the inner ear, what auditory fatigue actually is, and why the habits you form in your 20s and 30s will determine what your hearing looks like at 60.
Business/Organization: Acoustic Designs by Rebecca
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with Matt Keeler, founder of Just Dishin, the Buffalo-based hockey culture brand that is redefining what creative expression looks like in the sport. What started as three shirts made in high school and a dorm room operation at Saint John Fisher College has grown into one of the most authentic and innovative brands in hockey, with collaborations spanning NHL teams, star players, and iconic names like New ERA and Nike.
Matt takes John through the full origin story, from sketching ideas at his dad’s quarry in Albion, to winning a business plan competition at the New York State level, to the viral Jordan skate moment during Covid that put Dishin on the national map. He opens up about the creative philosophy behind everything they build: continuous experimentation, making things he personally loves, and the relentless pursuit of quality that meets the standards of the athletes they work with.
Business/Organization: Just Dishin
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, John sits down with Aaron Mentkowski, chief meteorologist at WKBW Channel 7 in Buffalo. A Lockport native who has spent 26 years forecasting for Western New York, Aaron is one of the most recognizable and trusted faces in local media, and one of the few Certified Broadcast Meteorologists in the country. What started with watching cars disappear in the Blizzard of ’77 became a lifelong passion and a career built on precision, authenticity, and showing up every single day.
Aaron pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to do his job, from waking up before 3 a.m. to rebuilding every graphic from scratch between live shots, to navigating the social media age where every missed forecast becomes a comment section. He breaks down how lake effect snow works, what it was like living at the station during the 2022 blizzard, and why Buffalo is one of the most challenging and rewarding places in the country to be a meteorologist.
Business/Organization: Meteorologist at WKBW Channel 7
READ MORE
In this episode of Angles with John Richmond, the man widely credited as the godfather of Bills Mafia. What started as a late-night tweet from a pizza pickup in Tonawanda in April 2011 has grown into one of the most recognized and beloved fan communities in all of professional sports. Del is as humble as they come, quick to spread the credit and even quicker to remind anyone listening that Bills Mafia was never about him. It belongs to every Bills fan who ever showed up.
Del walks John through the full origin story: how a Stevie Johnson dropped pass, an Adam Schefter retweet, and a hashtag born as a joke accidentally launched a movement. He talks about what it actually felt like to be thrust into a leadership role he never asked for, and how some of the Bills fans initially resisted the name. Along the way, he breaks down what makes Buffalo fans different from every other fan base in the country, and why that chip on the shoulder is generational, not circumstantial.
Business/Organization: Bills Mafia