In this episode, we sit down with Joe Palumbo—Central NY native, Ithaca College football champ, black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and co-founder of Kristin’s Fund—to talk about impact, leadership, and using football to change lives. Joe shares the heartbreaking story behind the creation of Kristin’s Fund, and how it’s grown into a powerful movement against domestic violence. Through his A Call to Men football camp, Joe’s helping young men across Central New York learn more than just how to run drills—he’s teaching them what healthy masculinity and real respect look like.

From hilarious football memories to emotional full-circle moments with camp attendees, Joe’s passion for creating change is contagious. And yes—he might live in San Diego, but his heart is 100% 315.

🔥 In this episode:

• The powerful and personal story that inspired Kristin’s Fund
• Why teaching character off the field matters just as much as training on it
• How the A Call to Men football camp is changing lives at Utica University
• The surprising ways Joe measures impact—and one emotional story that says it all
• Advice for parents, coaches, and anyone trying to raise strong, respectful kids

📍 Don’t miss the next Call to Men Football Camp at Utica University:
🗓️ June 23–24, 2025
⏰ 5:30–8:30 PM each night
💥 Totally FREE for kids grades 6–12
📲 Register now at www.kristinsfund.com or search “Kristin’s Fund” on Eventbrite!

If you believe sports can shape character and community, this episode is for you.

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Scott's Intro
(1:30) - Who is Joe Palumbo?
(2:45) - The Story of Kristin’s Fund
(5:00) - Reaching Young Men Through Football
(7:00) - Breaking the Cycle
(8:30) - Transformational Coaching Movement
(10:15) - Influence of Coaches
(11:15) - A Call to Men Camp
(13:45) - Gala Event & Donor Support
(16:00) - Measuring Impact
(19:30) - Athletes Returning to Coach
(21:45) - Teaching Healthy Relationships & Leading by Example
(24:30) - Third Party Validation & Other Voices
(25:35) - Focusing on Men
(28:30) - Big Vision & Utica College Football Support
(30:25) - What Keeps Joe Coming Home?
(32:30) - Creating a Lifestyle & Travel
(34:30) - Registering For Camp
(35:55) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Joe's Links
IG - https://www.instagram.com/kristinsfund
FB - https://www.facebook.com/KristinsFund
Website - https://www.kristinsfund.com
Camp Registration - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kristins-fund-a-call-to-men-free-football-camp-tickets-1361866472279?aff=oddtdtcreator

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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
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com

Episode 210:

🌟 Memorial Day Weekend Recap

• Coffee at Joe Putrello's (Utica)
  • Switched from Utica Roasting due to long lines.
  • Great vibe, hidden upstairs seating—ideal coffee meeting spot.
• Lunch at Roosters (Utica)
  • Burger salad success + surprise jalapeño “special” from Javon.
  • Always fire. Literally and figuratively.
• Dinner at Stone Soup (Herkimer)
  • New upscale dining spot with a courtyard and great buzz.
  • Standouts: flatbread, shrimp, and soup. Packed—reservations recommended!
• Road Trip Eats
  • Crust (Rome) – Worth the hype. Standout sandwiches on housemade bread (Negotiator & One Night Stand).
  • Three Bastards (Rome) – 29 craft beers + 1 Mick Ultra, French onion bacon flatbread, mimosa flights, and Donald Trump tap handle.
  • 1911 Tasting Room (Lafayette) – Cider & bourbon flights, live music, outdoor seating, and bakery.
• Softball Season Ends with a Bang (and a Mercy Rule)
  • Daughter’s team gets crushed 19–0 by a team that looked like the Ohio State softball squad.

🎉 Upcoming Weekend Events

Diamond Dawgs Season Opener (Little Falls)

• Wednesday, May 28 – vs. Albany
• Thursday, May 29 – vs. Utica Blue Sox
• Friday, May 30 – vs. Amsterdam
  • Family fun, games between innings, kid-friendly, and community-focused.

Greystone Castle Outdoor Festival (Canastota) – Saturday

• 5th Annual event featuring vendors, food trucks, artisans, and wine tasting.
• $5 to tour the castle / $2 for kids 12 & under. Free to walk the grounds.

St. Francis Festival (Frankfort) – Friday to Sunday

• Local favorite with homemade Italian food, hot peppers from another planet 🌶️, fries, pizza, and more.
• Live music:
  • Friday: Showtime Trio (8 PM)
  • Saturday: Tom Maneen (7 PM), Gridley Page (8 PM)
• Bocce tournament, raffles, and strong community vibes.

Christopher Newton Memorial Golf Outing – Saturday, May 31 (Pine Hills)

• Even if not golfing, attend for the incredible basket raffles.
• Proceeds support suicide prevention and youth programming in local schools.

Mayor’s Gala (or “Gala”) – Saturday Night @ Delta Hotel (Utica)

• Supports Thea Bowman House.
• $75 includes full dinner and live music by Showtime.
• Dress up, mingle, and support a great cause!

Artisanal Market @ Woodland Brewery – Sunday, June 2

• First market of the season!
  • 11 AM–5 PM with food, drinks, music, and vendors.
  • Kid & pet friendly.
  • Happens first Sunday of each month.

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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
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Scott's Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com

In this episode, we chop it up with Jimmy Fellone—media strategist by day, food-and-film creative genius by night, and the man behind Takes and Plates. Jimmy’s built a unique platform that pairs recipes with movies and shows (yes, seriously), and he’s got the SEO strategy, chef collabs, and hilarious takes to back it all up. Whether he’s ranking #1 on Google for “hats and broccoli” (don’t ask—just listen), or filming with red headlamps in a Utica kitchen at 6 AM, Jimmy’s cooking up more than just mashed potatoes.

If you’ve ever argued about what to watch, needed dinner inspiration, or just love a good story behind your favorite local restaurant—this episode’s for you.

Tune in for:
• How Takes and Plates started during COVID as a creative side hustle
• The genius behind pairing movies like Whiplash with “whipped” mashed potatoes (get it?)
• Why chefs are often the most under-celebrated artists—and how Jimmy’s helping tell their stories
• A behind-the-scenes look at passive income, SEO, and building a brand from scratch
• The unexpected power of food, film, and storytelling in bringing people together

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Bonus: If you geek out over a well-shot food video, quote movies like it’s a second language, or think dinner just tastes better with a good soundtrack, you’re gonna love this one 🎬🍽️🔥

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Intro: Meet Jimmy Fellone & the Origins of Takes and Plates
(0:50) - Side Hustle Origins
(2:20) - Pairing Food & Films
(4:45) - Getting Inspired to Cook
(7:10) - Unique Dinner Party Ideas & Recipes
(8:45) - SEO & Monetization
(11:00) - Why Chefs Deserve to Be Celebrated Like Artists
(12:30) - People Crave Stories
(14:15) - Approach to Creating Content
(15:10) - Inspired by Food Shows
(16:00) - Food & Music
(17:30) - Mixing Up Show Watching Snacks
(19:30) - Where is Takes 'N Plates Going?
(21:55) - Cultural Shift to Shows
(24:00) - Lessons Learned
(27:00) - Patience & Consistency
(28:15) - Narrow Focus vs. Trying Things
(31:20) - Rapid Fire Questions
(37:40) - Finding Takes 'N Plates

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Jimmy's Links
IG - https://www.instagram.com/takesnplates
FB - https://www.facebook.com/takesnplates
Website - https://www.takesnplates.com

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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
Scott's Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com