In this episode, we sit down with Adam Vanderhoof, founder of Oneida News and one of Central New York’s most genuine local storytellers. Adam takes us all the way back to the beginning — from filming in his parents’ basement to building a hyper-local video series that now racks up hundreds of thousands (and even millions) of views. What started as a passion for storytelling turned into a powerful platform focused on something we don’t get nearly enough of: positive local news.

Adam opens up about leaving Oneida for Washington, D.C., why the pull of community brought him back home, and how that return reignited his mission to highlight the people, businesses, and stories that make the area special. We talk about why positivity matters more than ever, how Oneida News operates more like a “Netflix-style” seasonal series than a traditional news outlet, and why Adam has zero interest in monetizing the platform — choosing instead to give back to the community whenever possible.

From veterans’ stories that bring real perspective, to local restaurants, food trucks, and everyday people quietly making a difference, this conversation is a reminder that some of the most powerful stories are happening right around the corner — if you’re willing to slow down and tell them the right way.

In this episode, we cover:
• How Oneida News started in 2012 — and why Adam chose to focus exclusively on positive local stories
• The challenges and rewards of staying hyper-local in a world driven by national headlines and negativity
• Why veterans’ stories have become some of the most meaningful episodes Adam has ever filmed
• The evolution of content creation — from kitchen-table interviews to polished, high-impact storytelling
• Advice for young creatives who want to start creating now, even without money, gear, or experience

This one is full of heart, perspective, and a whole lot of love for Central New York.

This is episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.
(https://www.instagram.com/vaultcapitalpartners)

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show Intro & Starting in Storytelling
(1:45) - Moving Back Home From DC
(3:45) - Start of Oneida News
(5:30) - Focusing on Positive Stories
(7:00) - Seasons of the Show
(10:15) - Memorable Stories
(12:25) - Evolution of Production
(14:45) - What's Changed?
(16:30) - Navigating Politics & Positivity
(19:00) - Common Traits of Guests
(21:50) - Focus on Oneida vs. Expanding
(24:30) - Great Spots in Oneida
(27:10) - Creating Community
(29:15) - Loving What You're Doing
(30:15) - Advice For Young Creatives
(33:15) - Belief in the Next Generation
(36:00) - Attracting an Audience
(37:30) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Adam's Links
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/OneidaNewsCNY
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OneidaNews
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/oneida.news

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

In this episode we sit down in the brand-new Impact X Marketing Studio with Brad Waters, Morgan Mielnicki, and Emily Broomfield to pull back the curtain on the creative force behind some of the best digital content coming out of the region. From podcast production and photo shoots to short-form video strategy, this team isn’t just keeping up, they’re setting the pace.

If you’re a business owner, content creator, or someone who’s been toying with launching your brand online, this one’s a must-listen. We dig into why social media presence is now more important than Google, how to overcome being camera-shy, and why starting somewhere is better than waiting for perfect. We also get real about AI, the rise of personal branding, and why this Utica-based studio might just be the creative secret weapon the Mohawk Valley didn’t know it needed.

In this episode:
• How Impact X grew out of The Sentinel and built a full-service marketing studio from the ground up
• Why being relatable beats being polished when it comes to social media
• Advice for business owners who hate being on camera
• The shift from company brands to personal brands—and what that means for you
• The team’s take on AI, authenticity, and what it means to create "real" content today

This is episode is brought to you by Vault Capital Partners.


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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show Intro & Meet the Team
(1:05) - What is Impact X Marketing?
(3:00) - The Space
(4:20) - Social Media Today
(5:15) - Social Search
(7:20) - Everyone Can Be an Influencer
(10:10) - Something is Better Than Nothing
(11:20) - Everyone Wants a Specialist
(12:50) - Building an Audience
(14:20) - Working with Clients
(16:55) - Podcasting & Professional Setting
(19:15) - Team & Services
(21:00) - Brand Breakaway
(22:05) - Long Term Vision
(24:00) - Thoughts on AI
(28:30) - Human First Motivations
(31:30) - Elevating Central NY
(33:50) - Creating a Unique Space
(36:20) - Travel & Home Base
(37:45) - Working with Local Colleges

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Impact X & Team Links
Website - https://www.impactxmarketing.com
Impact X IG - https://www.instagram.com/impactx.marketing
Morgan - https://www.instagram.com/morganmielnicki
Emily - https://www.instagram.com/globetrotting.emma
Sentinel IG - https://www.instagram.com/ur_sentinel

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org

What does a tourism professional actually do—and why should you care? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Calero, President of Oneida County Tourism, to talk about what it really means to promote a region like Central New York. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about hotels and highways—it’s about stories, small towns, hidden gems, and reminding people why this place still matters.

Sarah shares how she accidentally stumbled into tourism, what it’s like marketing your hometown to locals and outsiders, and why she’s so passionate about getting people to explore the places right in their backyard. This one’s packed with local charm, fresh perspective, and a whole lot of heart.

Episode Highlights:
• How she ended up in tourism by accident—and why it instantly clicked
• The moment her NYC friends thought the night sky was a planetarium
• Why Sylvan Beach has more charm than people give it credit for
• What “agritourism” really means (and why it’s growing fast)
• Why golf isn’t just a hobby for her—it’s part of how she experiences and connects with the region

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Show Intro & Meet Sarah
(0:45) - Starting Career in Tourism
(3:30) - What Sarah Loves About Oneida County
(6:10) - Bringing Young People Home
(9:30) - Role & Mission of Oneida County Tourism
(12:30) - Working with Turning Stone
(14:20) - Rebranding
(20:30) - Agritourism & Changing Travel Habits
(23:45) - Buying Local Meats & Health Focus
(26:10) - Love For Golf
(27:45) - Birthday Party Story & Meeting Husband
(29:40) - So Many Great Courses
(32:25) - Something For Everyone
(34:00) - Becoming a Parent
(37:40) - Leadership & Imposter Syndrome
(41:25) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Sarah Caleros Links
Website - https://www.oneidacountytourism.com
FB - https://www.facebook.com/oneidacountyny
IG - https://www.instagram.com/visitoneidacounty
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@visitoneidacounty
Personal IG - https://www.instagram.com/sarahcalero13

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Love Living Local Links:
Podcast Email - media@lovelivinglocal315.com
Website - https://www.lovelivinglocal315.com
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@LoveLivingLocal315
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lovelivinglocal315
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Referrals Done Right - https://www.referralsdoneright.org