The Up Beat Podcast

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.

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.

Teacher and cancer survivor Geoff Bizan shares the lessons he has learned after battling a form of non-Hodkins Lymphoma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, he reflects on his desire to pay forward the support he was shown and how a young student’s own battle with cancer helped him do just that.

The death of a spouse can bring unimaginable grief. On this episode of The Up Beat, hear Annamaria’s story of navigating the unexpected death of her husband, Joe, when their children were very young. She felt “stuck” in her grief for a long time, but explains how she was eventually able to move forward and ended up finding love again. 

Musician Jeff Brisbin helps us conclude our series on the healing power of music by playing some original songs from his albums, “Foreverly” and “Blame It On Love.” Jeff also opens up about how music helped him through the unimaginable grief of losing his son to suicide and other hardships he’s faced.

Music is often recognized as being therapeutic. Musician and songwriter Ray Agnew joins Mark Mulholland on this first of two episodes dedicated to exploring the healing power of music. Hear Ray perform songs that are sure to touch your heart.

The happiest time of the year can also be the most stressful. Psychologist Dr. Gerry Florio returns to The Up Beat to help us get into the holiday spirit, learn how to keep stress low, and make those new year’s resolutions stick. 

Hear award-winning author and poet Kimberley Pittman-Schulz share practical tips that can serve as an “emotional flak jacket” for dealing with grief. Plus, Kimberley will provide some insights for living a life of joy. 

Finances and legal paperwork are the last things anyone wants to think about when losing a loved one. However, there are some very important decisions that need to be made to ensure your family is taken care of. Mark Mulholland is joined by a financial expert and a lawyer to help sort it all out.

Dental hygienist and author Carrie Wucinich of Las Vegas is on a mission to beat childhood cancer by selling a million copies of her children’s book. It all started when Carrie heard a stranger tell a story about the death of her son. That story set into motion a beautiful friendship and an unwavering commitment to help children affected by cancer and their families.

Mark Mulholland kicks off season two of The Up Beat podcast with an intimate conversation with his two young adult children, Connor and McKenna. Hear the Mulhollands' heartfelt reflections on growing up without their mom, Kelly, how they’ve coped, and what they’ve learned along the way.

On the Season 1 sign-off episode of The Up Beat Podcast, renowned psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Randy Cale offers practical advice to help families coping with grief from the loss of a loved one or a divorce. Dr. Cale has tips to set parents up for success in modeling the behaviors that will provide reassurance and hope. Plus, Mark Mulholland gives a sneak preview of some of the episodes we’ll be working on for Season 2. Subscribe to The Up Beat so you don't miss new episodes in the fall of 2021.

With Mother's Day fast approaching, mom and breast cancer survivor Meredith Ellis sits down with Mark Mulholland to share her inspiring story. In doing so, Meredith reminds us why Kelly's Angels' Mother-Lovin' Virtual 5K on Mother's Day weekend is gaining national support and becoming a beautiful movement of kindness.

Golf legend Dottie Pepper is out with an inspiring, heartfelt new book that illuminates the value of mentorship and shares important life lessons she learned from her coach and mentor, Mr. George Pulver, Sr. Hear Dottie's emotional conversation with Mark Mulholland and her thoughts on persevering in this episode of The Up Beat.

Sara Cadoret is a breast cancer survivor whose inspiring story and passion for paying it forward shines a bright light on the remarkable strength and beauty of the human spirit. Sara’s emotional conversation with Mark Mulholland will leave you with renewed sense of hope and encouragement for rising above adversity. 

Kelly’s Angels is helping to spread the word about a great project called Scooby Doo Pajamas. It’s a book of essays from adults whose childhoods were affected by the loss or illness of a loved one. Hear from the mother-daughter duo that’s bringing this special book to life and how our listeners can contribute to its pages. 

Rachael Ray is our guest on this episode of The Up Beat podcast! Listen to hear America’s beloved celebrity cook, author, talk show host, and philanthropist open up about the impact of the pandemic, her mom’s enduring life lessons, and comfort food! She’ll also share her tips for persevering through adversity. Listen to Mark Mulholland’s conversation with the one and only Rachael Ray! 

Kristin Hansen was pregnant with her second daughter when her husband, Keith, was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer called multiple myeloma. More than a decade after his death, Kristin talks candidly with Mark Mulholland about the trying times she and her family went through and how family, friends, and a community of supporters helped lift her up along the way.

We’ve all heard the old adage, “laughter is the best medicine.” But is it true? Does it really help you feel better to laugh? Mark Mulholland gets the scoop when he’s joined by comedian Steve Van Zandt, Dr. Gerry Florio, and some special guests sharing stories of humor’s ability to heal. Featuring celebrity impressions and some jokes that are sure to make you smile!

Journalist and author John Gray talks with Mark Mulholland about the power of storytelling and routine in helping children—and adults—cope with the loss of a loved one. Hear special guests read touching excerpts from John’s book, “God Needed a Puppy.”