From Michelin-starred kitchens in France to building a career and business in Connecticut, Chef Franck’s story is about far more than food.

On this episode of Connecticut Unfiltered, Ellie sits down with Chef Franck — chef, entrepreneur, hospitality consultant, speaker, and author of Relentless Growth — to talk about the realities of the restaurant industry, leadership, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to continually reinvent yourself.

They dive into his journey from Brittany, France, to Connecticut, lessons learned inside some of the world’s most demanding kitchens, the evolution of Connecticut’s food and hospitality scene, and why getting uncomfortable may be the key to personal and professional growth.

If you’re interested in Connecticut restaurants, chefs, entrepreneurship, hospitality, leadership, personal growth, or the stories behind the people shaping Connecticut, this episode is for you.

GameDay Conor Geary joins Connecticut Unfiltered to talk about the unconventional path that turned a love of performing into a career. From managing a Hartford comedy club and trying stand-up, to working in marketing and sponsorship sales, Conor shares how those experiences eventually led him onto the field with the Hartford Yard Goats—and then onto some of the biggest stages in sports.

We get into the business and branding behind “GameDay Conor,” what it actually takes to command a crowd, and how he built a career as an MC and arena host for UConn, the Connecticut Sun, the New England Patriots and beyond. It’s a conversation about marketing, comedy, sports, taking opportunities when they show up, and building a career that didn’t exactly come with a roadmap.

Connecticut politics has rarely looked this uncertain. After nearly three decades in Congress, Congressman John Larson finds himself in the fight of his political career. For the first time in years, he's facing a competitive Democratic primary after losing the party endorsement to former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin, while State Representative Jillian Gilchrest also secured a spot on the ballot, setting the stage for one of the most closely watched races in Connecticut politics.

In this episode of Unfiltered Connecticut, Congressman Larson sits down to address the questions everyone's asking. Is this simply a battle over experience versus a new generation of leadership? How does he respond to critics calling for change? And why does he believe he's still the best person to represent Connecticut in Washington?

We also discuss the behind-the-scenes reality of campaigning, the controversy surrounding the convention that reshaped the race, Social Security, campaign money, political strategy, and what he wants voters to know before they head to the polls. No sound bites. No debate-stage talking points. Just an unfiltered conversation with one of Connecticut's longest-serving members of Congress during one of the most pivotal moments of his career.

🎙️ Whether you're supporting John Larson, Luke Bronin, Jillian Gilchrest, or are still undecided, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Stream now wherever you get your podcasts.

Can an underdog win one of Connecticut's biggest political races?

In this episode of Connecticut Unfiltered, Ellie Doyle sits down with Jillian Gilchrest, Connecticut State Representative and candidate for Connecticut's 1st Congressional District, to discuss her long-shot campaign, what it takes to challenge a crowded Democratic field, and why she believes voters are ready for a different kind of leadership.

From reproductive rights and affordable healthcare to paid family leave, housing, and the future of Connecticut, Jillian shares the personal experiences and policy priorities shaping her run for Congress. The conversation also explores the realities of running as an underdog, fundraising against better-known opponents, and what she hopes will resonate with Connecticut voters.

Whether you're following the 2026 Connecticut election, interested in Connecticut politics, or simply want an honest conversation with someone trying to change the status quo, this episode offers an inside look at one of the state's most closely watched races.

Topics covered:

• Jillian Gilchrest's campaign for Congress
• Connecticut's 1st Congressional District race
• Running as the underdog
• Healthcare and reproductive rights
• Paid family and medical leave
• Affordable housing
• Connecticut politics and the 2026 election

Subscribe to Connecticut Unfiltered for candid conversations with the people shaping Connecticut's future.

In this special Pride Month episode, we sit down with Cuee, a Black trans recording artist from Chicago, now living in Connecticut, whose work is rooted in music, joy, storytelling, and impact.

This conversation highlights the Black trans community while also making one thing clear: Cuee is an artist above all. We talk about identity, creativity, visibility, Black trans joy, and what it means to build a career and a movement through art.

It’s an honest, powerful, and deeply insightful conversation that I think so many people will learn from, connect with, and carry with them long after listening.

This week on Connecticut Unfiltered, I sit down with Brandon McGee, CEO of the Connecticut Social Equity Counciland former state legislator, for a conversation about opportunity, equity, and creating pathways to success in Connecticut.

We talk about Brandon's journey from public service to leading the Social Equity Council, the mission behind the state's social equity efforts, what economic opportunity really looks like in practice, and how Connecticut can build stronger communities for future generations. We also get personal, discussing the experiences that shaped his leadership style, the challenges he's faced along the way, and his vision for a more inclusive Connecticut.

Whether you're interested in marijuana and curious about where the taxes and money generated from it goes, business, community impact, or leadership, this is a thoughtful conversation you won't want to miss. Tune in for Brandon McGee Unfiltered.

What exactly is Reiki—and why does it make so many people immediately think it's "woo"?

In this episode of Connecticut Unfiltered, Ellie sits down with Ana Davis of Lighthouse Reiki Studio to break down what Reiki actually is, how energy healing works, and why so many people use it as part of their self-care routine.

From stress and burnout to intuition, mindfulness, and feeling more connected to yourself, Ana shares her approach to Reiki in a way that's practical, approachable, and free of the stereotypes that often surround it.

Whether you're a longtime believer, a total skeptic, or just Reiki-curious, this conversation explores the growing interest in energy healing and why so many people are turning to it as another tool for wellness.

No crystals required.