ANGLES PODCAST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

What does it really take to build a winning culture — one where people feel seen, valued, and accountable? In this episode, John Richmond sits down with Trevor Large, Head Coach of the Canisius Men’s Division I Hockey Team, to talk about leadership, accountability, and what it means to create a culture that lasts. Trevor shares how coaching is a calling, not a career, and why relationships and communication matter more than tactics. They explore how great leaders are forged through challenges, the importance of clarity (“to be unclear is to be unkind”), and how Buffalo’s underdog spirit shows up both on and off the ice. Whether you’re a coach, a business leader, or someone looking to build a strong team culture, this conversation will leave you with lessons that stick long after the final whistle.

Business/Organization: Canisius University