Inside The MOST: Syracuse’s Armory Turned Science Museum, the Micron Exhibit, and How to Get Involved Host Mike Ndii visits The MOST in downtown Syracuse and interviews president Lauren Cochen during the museum’s busiest week of the year while school is out. Cochen explains the building’s history as the original Armory Square armory—over 115 years old, nearly 100,000 square feet, and once used for events like the Bowling Congress, the circus, and Syracuse’s former NBA Nationals—before The MOST moved in during the early 1990s. She shares her career path from sports PR and marketing to nonprofit fundraising, including roles at Syracuse Stage and Arc of Onondaga, leading to her recruitment to The MOST and promotion to president about six years ago. Cochen describes The MOST as a children-focused science museum and a New York State Board of Regents chartered educational institution centered on informal, hands-on science education aligned with K–8 New York State science standards, supported by a 10-person education team. She highlights community-reflective exhibits and partnerships, including Machines and Makers with local manufacturers, a life sciences exhibit, and a new farming and agriculture exhibit, Onondaga Grown presents Grow, featuring a farmer’s market, crop rotation, and indigenous agricultural innovation. The episode details the museum’s size (35,000–40,000 square feet of exhibit space across three levels) and the National Grid Explorer Dome with digital laser projection and hourly shows. Cochen discusses the first-of-its-kind Micron semiconductor exhibit, including a model of Micron’s future campus, interactive touchscreens on chips and memory, chemistry and careers content, and a daily noon “Micron skills bar” led by education staff; she notes the exhibit was built with an advisory committee including engineers and teachers. She also covers exhibit planning criteria, including the challenge of adding math-focused permanent exhibits due to cost. The conversation includes field trip programming (open to the public four days a week but available to schools and groups seven days a week), birthday parties with science demo options, and STEM programs that include museum admission. Cochen encourages membership (four levels, starting around $69/year) with perks like free admission, discounts, and free parking, and notes the nonprofit relies on donations for about half its annual budget. She lists ways to support The MOST via most.org, major fundraisers (Chocolate Discovery, Savoring Science in June, Tap Into the MOST in September), and upcoming events including celebrity bartending at Kitty Hoynes on March 12 with Senator Chris Ryan, Alex Canavan, and Jim Cosey, plus a May the Fourth Star Wars movie fundraiser on May 2. Social handles are @mostsyracuse, and Mike closes with Good News York episode and social information. 00:00 Welcome to Good News York at The MOST (Armory Square) 00:54 Inside the Historic Armory: How the Building Became The MOST 02:16 Meet President Lauren Kochian: From Sports PR to Nonprofit Leadership 04:52 What Is The MOST? Hands-On Science Learning for Kids (and Adults) 06:58 Community-Powered Exhibits: Local Industry, Agriculture & Makers 08:32 How Exhibits Get Built: Educators, Advisory Committees & Micron in the Classroom 10:51 Choosing the Right Topics: Dinosaurs, Space, Nature—and the STEM ‘Math’ Challenge 14:21 How Big Is The MOST? Floors, Exhibit Space & the Explorer Dome 15:29 Micron Exhibit Deep Dive: Semiconductors, Careers & the Daily Skills Bar 17:52 Planning Your Visit: Busy Seasons, School Groups, Field Trips & Hours 19:22 Birthdays, Programs & Member Perks (Including Parking) 20:15 Support The MOST: Memberships, Donations, Fundraisers & Socials 23:31 Final Thanks + Where to Follow Good News York

Good News York: Tax Tips with Frank Donaldson & Syracuse Winter Fair Preview In this special Tuesday edition of Good News York, host Mike Brindisi welcomes Frank Donaldson from Key Advising to discuss tax and accounting tips for individuals and small businesses. Frank shares insights on common misconceptions about accountants, the importance of choosing the right accountant, and financial advice for Central New Yorkers. Later in the episode, Matt from Click Stream Studios joins Mike to introduce Steve Becker, the organizer of the Syracuse Winter Fair. Steve provides an in-depth preview of the upcoming event, including entertainment, vendors, and exciting community activities. Tune in to discover how Syracuse is bringing summer fun indoors this winter. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Shoutout 00:41 Meet the Guest: Frank Donaldson 01:13 Frank's Journey into Accounting 03:02 Misconceptions About Accountants 06:20 Key Advising: Services and Unique Approach 08:42 Common Financial Mistakes and Advice 10:59 Navigating Tax Season and Client Relationships 15:04 Community Focus and Financial Tips 23:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 30:19 Greek Cuisine and Ukrainian Delights 30:35 Fireworks and Ice Sculptures 31:01 Reindeer and Community Support 31:46 Entertainment Lineup 32:29 Honoring Van Robinson 33:17 Special Guests and Performances 34:49 Rides and Ticket Information 35:41 Supporting the Boys and Girls Club 39:44 Vendors and Nonprofits 51:20 Hydroponics and Agriculture 52:14 Winter Fair Highlights and Conclusion

Good News York: Special Episode with Crazy Reel's Bugge and Zogg In this special episode of Good News York, host Mike Brindisi is joined by Jenn and Marissa, known as Bugge and Zogg, the hosts of the podcast Crazy Reel with Bugge and Zogg. They discuss their podcast journey, inspired by Nikki Marie Unplugged and Two Bears One Cave, and share insights into their personal backgrounds and the motivation behind starting their show. They talk about the relatable and fun nature of their podcast, which focuses on various life topics, especially appealing to moms and women. The episode also highlights their aspirations, including increasing their listener base and potentially earning opportunities like sponsored trips. Tune in for an inside look at their experiences and future plans for Crazy Reel. 00:00 Welcome to Good News York 00:27 Meet Bugge and Zogg 01:51 The Origin of Crazy Reel Podcast 02:24 Jen's Journey to Podcasting 03:44 Marissa's Story and Podcast Beginnings 04:37 Challenges of Starting a Podcast 07:49 Support from Family and Friends 09:20 Inspiration from Other Podcasts 12:08 Influencer Cruise and Social Media Connections 12:42 The Power of Tagging and Collaboration 13:40 Introduction to Crazy Real Podcast 14:15 Goals and Themes of Crazy Real 15:01 Upcoming Episodes and Guests 16:36 Target Audience and Future Vision 20:12 Challenges and Advice on Social Media 22:21 Final Thoughts and Where to Find Us