podcast

Press Release:

From oncology floors to community centers, tech startups to charcuterie spreads—Western New York is filled with people quietly (and boldly) making a difference. Now, their stories are taking center stage in a brand-new series from the global podcast Powered by Authenticity. 

The Powered by Authenticity WNY Changemakers series, hosted by Batavia native and PBA Consulting CEO Emily Carlson, officially launched today and will feature weekly episodes over the next six weeks. 

Each episode dives into the real, raw journeys of local leaders who are challenging the norm, giving back in big ways, and redefining what it means to lead with purpose.

“This series is truly a love letter to Western New York,” said Carlson. “These are the folks who roll up their sleeves, build something meaningful, and lead from the heart—whether they’re running a business, treating patients, or lifting up entire communities.” 

The guests aren’t household names—yet. But they’re the kind of people who make WNY proud: a nurse practitioner pushing cancer research forward, a nonprofit leader transforming how support reaches families, a tech advocate lighting the way for digital inclusion, and an executive who traded spreadsheets for charcuterie boards (yes, really).

Listeners can expect unfiltered conversations, unexpected inspiration, and a reminder that leadership doesn’t always come with a title—it often starts with a question: How can I make things better? 

Now streaming on all major platforms, Powered by Authenticity’s WNY Changemakers series is for anyone who believes in the power of local stories to spark global change.

First episode will be available on May 16. New episodes drop every week for the next six weeks.

Listen in, get inspired, and meet the people who are putting Western New York on the map—one bold move at a time.

Listen to Emily's new podcast series here on Spotify.

Press Release:

Acclaimed journalist and podcaster Thom Jennings announces the release of Missing Man – The Vince Welnick Story, a six-part podcast series exploring the life and career of keyboardist Vince Welnick, best known for his work with The Tubes, Todd Rundgren, The Grateful Dead, and his own band, Missing Man Formation. The series, produced with support from Go Art! in Genesee County, features exclusive interviews with Laurie Welnick (Vince's widow), Fee Waybill and Prairie Prince of The Tubes, Todd and Michele Rundgren, Mike Duffy, Bobby Strickland, David Gans, Dennis McNally, and Scott Guberman. 

The journey begins in May 1985, when Jennings—then a young music enthusiast—encounters Welnick at The Treadway Inn in Batavia after a Tubes concert at Darien Lake. That fateful meeting sets the narrative foundation for a deep dive into Welnick's rise in the music industry, his creative genius, and his personal and professional challenges. 

A Career Spanning Decades, Told by Those Who Knew Him Best Each episode of Missing Man sheds light on a different phase of Welnick's career, intertwined with commentary and personal reflections about the four times Thom and Vince met.

Thom released the first episode on February 21, Vince's birthday. Three episodes are available, with three more slated for release over the next six weeks. 

While Missing Man celebrates Vince Welnick's music, it is also a deeply personal exploration of his struggles, including mental health challenges, industry pressures, and the isolation that often accompanies fame. Through candid interviews and archival material, Jennings crafts a compelling and humanizing portrait of a musician whose contributions remain underrated yet unforgettable.

How to Listen

Missing Man—The Vince Welnick Story will be available on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, YouTube, and Amazon Music. Listeners can follow the podcast on Spreaker for episode updates and additional content.

Submitted photos.