Hot Seat: Media Monday S2:E50 — Season 2 Finale: 75 Years of Wisdom, Liberty, Lifelong Learning and Live Music
The Season Two finale of Hot Seat: Media Monday brings together personal reflection, American history, civic responsibility, lifelong learning and live music.
Hosted and produced by Ron Klopfanstein, S2:E50 features Cassandra Harris Lockwood, Dawn Laguerre, Nancy Ketz and Donna Ray—along with the new feature story From Muskets to Ballots: Liberty—Then and Now.
Cassandra Harris Lockwood Celebrates 75 Years
Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Cassandra Harris Lockwood celebrates her 75th birthday by reflecting on the lessons she has learned through a lifetime of creativity, leadership and community service.
Cassandra is an artist, activist, journalist, musician and community leader. She is the owner of Phoenix Radio, CEO and founder of For The Good, Inc., and founder of the Utica Phoenix.
In this deeply personal conversation, Cassandra looks back on the experiences that shaped her and shares the wisdom she has gained over 75 years.
From Muskets to Ballots: Liberty—Then and Now
Nearly 250 years ago, soldiers risked their lives in the struggle for American self-government. Today, citizens continue working to protect the democracy that grew from that struggle.
From Muskets to Ballots: Liberty—Then and Now brings together two separately organized events held in Rome, New York.
At Fort Stanwix National Monument, the Jersey Grays recreate the Third New Jersey Regiment’s Revolutionary War experience at Fort Schuyler. Nearby, Rome Concerned Citizens and Indivisible hold a Protect the Vote demonstration focused on democracy, voting rights and civic responsibility.
The events were not connected, but their shared setting reveals an enduring story about the value of liberty across generations.
The methods are different. The responsibility continues.
Photojournalist and AI Content Producer Jim Hale captured the extensive field footage that gives this story its visual power. His camera carries viewers from the uniforms, drills and thunder of musket fire at Fort Stanwix to the faces, signs and voices of citizens defending democracy today.
Jim’s eye, movement and AI-assisted production help shape the way the story is experienced, creating a visual connection between two moments separated by nearly two and a half centuries.
Lifelong Learning With Dawn Laguerre and Nancy Ketz
Dawn Laguerre and Nancy Ketz discuss the Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement and the opportunities it provides for retired and semi-retired adults.
Based at Mohawk Valley Community College’s Rome Campus, MVILR allows members to explore new subjects, develop friendships and remain engaged with their community—without homework, examinations or grades.
Their conversation demonstrates that education has no expiration date. Curiosity, connection and personal growth can continue throughout every chapter of life.
Music and Performance With Donna Ray
Musician and performer Donna Ray shares what she has been working on, including her involvement with the Utica-area band Screaming Nurse.
The conversation explores music, performance, community events and the importance of continuing to create and pursue new opportunities.
Watch or Listen
Watch the complete episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHGFR3Rjl6g
Listen or watch on Spotify:
https://shorturl.at/r48oH
Watch on TikTok:
https://shorturl.at/mGXpW
Find more episodes of Hot Seat: Media Monday:
https://UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday
Production Credits
Host and Producer: Ron Klopfanstein
Photojournalist and AI Content Producer: Jim Hale
Audio Engineer: Jonathan Brooks — DJ J-Easy
Correspondents: Nabil Khan and Lily Christopher
Hot Seat: Media Monday airs on 95.5 FM The Heat and is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
