The Up Beat Podcast

Part 1: Healing After a Kidnapping Nightmare

In this powerful episode, Trisha Sena recounts the terrifying ordeal of her daughter’s abduction and the heart-wrenching days that followed. She shares the emotional rollercoaster they’ve been on and how her family is healing and finding unexpected strength. Plus, you won’t believe the heartwarming gesture Trisha made to the kidnapper’s daughter.

Faith in Action: A Priest’s Wisdom on Grief and Healing

Find comfort, practical guidance, and hope for your own journey of healing on this episode of The Up Beat. Mark sits down with Father Scott VanDerveer, a Catholic priest whose compassionate counsel has touched countless lives. Father VanDerveer shares his perspective on navigating grief, offering profound wisdom.

Unexpected Goodbye: The Tompkins’ Story

The Tompkins family was blindsided by the sudden death of their beloved father and husband, Mike, from an unexpected heart attack. On this episode of The Up Beat, discover how Mike’s wife and sons have found strength in the face of overwhelming loss by keeping his memory alive and leaning on support from others.

Turning Loss into Action: The Provost Family's Mission

Maureen and Ken Provost faced the heartbreaking loss of their son, Dan, to a drug overdose. In this emotional episode of The Up Beat, they open up about their journey through grief and how they’ve transformed their pain into a powerful mission to prevent other families from facing the same tragedy. Tune in to hear their inspiring story of resilience, advocacy, and hope for a future where addiction doesn't have to mean losing a loved one.

A Hero’s Legacy: Nicholas Georgeadis

This episode shares the extraordinary heroism of the late New York State Police Investigator and beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend Nicholas Georgeadis. Nick lost his life in April 2023 to cancer that was attributed to his selfless work at ground zero following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City. Nick’s father, sister, and brother-in-law sat down with us to discuss his incredible life as well as an upcoming 5K charity event that they have organized in Nick’s memory. It’s their way of keeping his incredible spirit alive and honoring the courage, compassion, and dedication to serving others that were hallmarks of his life.

Heaven Sent: The Legacies of Jake and Kelly

We’re joining forces with Jake’s Help from Heaven to hear how Heather Straughter and her husband, Brian, and their family have turned the heartbreaking loss of their beloved little boy into a force for good—improving the quality of life for those who suffer from debilitating illness. We ask questions of each other, sharing how we’ve turned personal tragedy into triumph for others.

A life of service with former Lake George Mayor Bob Blais

On this episode of The Up Beat, we talk to former Lake George Mayor Bob Blais who earned the title of the longest serving mayor in America. Hear what motivates him to keep giving back to the community after all these years. Plus, hear what he’s got planned for the Lake George Summer-Lovin’ Funfest to benefit Kelly’s Angels.

Keri Alonzo, Voice of an angel

On this episode of The Up Beat, Jukebox Rebellion singer Keri Alonzo opens up about her battle with cancer and where she is finding strength. Hear her uplifting story of hope and perseverance. 

Life Lessons Learned at Summer Camp

In this episode of The Up Beat, hear about Camp Stomping Ground and how deserving kids from the Kelly's Angels community can apply for a scholarship to spend 2 weeks at this amazing camp in upstate New York. From traditional camp activities to programs that teach kids to be empathetic decision-makers, the uplifting camp is helping to build character while making kids smile.

The Power of Businesses that Give Back

Combining a successful business with a sense of compassion. In this episode of The Up Beat we are joined by dynamic people -- Robert Nemer and Bill and Lucie Kane. We hear how these local people and philanthropists are making a lasting impact on the lives of local children. A feel-good conversation that we all need to hear in the middle of challenges in the world right now.

Live Like Liv

On this episode of The Up Beat, hear from Olivia Allen, an incredible young woman from Saratoga Springs, New York who turned a cancer battle into a rallying cry to “Live Like Liv.” Listen to be touched by Olivia’s inspiring story of hope and perseverance that will leave you with much-needed perspective and many reasons to smile.

A Dad’s Story of Loss and Renewal

The pain of losing a spouse can be unbearable; however, in time, new beginnings are possible. On this episode of The Up Beat, listen to our conversation with Mike and Tricia Billok of Saratoga Springs, New York. You’ll want to hear their story of finding love after loss and tips for building a strong foundation when blending families. 

Flags 4 Fallen at the Mother-Lovin’ 5K

He runs hundreds of miles every year carrying the American flag as a way to keep the memories of those who have passed away alive. On this episode of The Up Beat, meet Mike Newhouse and learn about the special mission of Flags 4 Fallen. Mike will be running in the 2023 Mother-Lovin’ 5K to celebrate cancer survivors and honor loved ones who lost their cancer battles. 

Hugs for Ukraine: Meet Nadiia and Kate

On this episode of The Up Beat, Mark Mulholland talks to a mom and daughter from Ukraine who have relocated to upstate New York because of the war in their homeland. Hear their inspiring story of perseverance and their reaction to receiving a Hugs for Ukraine grant from Kelly's Angels. 

Winners Never Quit

As a physical education teacher, Majiel Baker teaches her students how to play sports and develop skills such as mental and physical strength, determination, character, teamwork, and a positive mindset. As a cancer warrior, she’s showing them how to apply those skills in the face of real-life adversity. Listen to Mark Mulholland’s conversation with Majiel and a special guest for a reminder that winners never quit.

Unexpected Silver Linings

A colon cancer diagnosis has been a daunting challenge for Diane Zazzaro of Stillwater, New York. Yet, surprisingly, she says it has brought her blessings she never expected. Hear how her family, faith, and a supportive community are filling her with strength and gratitude on this episode of The Up Beat.

Harry and Hope: Nahviya’s Sources of Strength as She Battles Cancer

Harry Styles, supportive friends and family, and a positive personality. Those are the driving forces that are helping 18-year-old Nahviya Chapple in her battle against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Hear Mark Mulholland’s heartwarming conversation with Nahviya and her teacher. Plus, discover the surprise that Mark reveals to support Nahviya as she makes plans for the next chapter in her life.

The Next Chapter with Bob Kovachick

Bob Kovachick has been a friend of Kelly’s Angels for years. Now, as he retires after nearly 50 years as the go-to meteorologist in New York’s Capital Region, Bob is making his commitment to Kelly’s Angels formal as a new member of our board of directors. In this episode Bob reflects on his illustrious career and opens up about the next chapter in his life.

Inspiring Young Scholars

Each year, Kelly’s Angels awards scholarships to graduating seniors at 8 high schools in New York’s Capital Region. We honor students who have overcome significant adversity and shown a commitment to helping others. On this episode of The Up Beat podcast, we’ll talk to 3 extraordinary young scholars who epitomize perseverance.

Etienne’s Story: Losing His Dad, Healing, and Finding Happiness Again

Kelly’s Angels is a community of connection and support that keeps growing by the day. Hear 8th grader Etienne talk candidly about  Lessons in humanity.