In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Neruda Perdomo, a recent Utica University graduate, former Pioneers basketball standout, and co-host of the growing sports podcast Not Even D2. Originally from New York City, Neruda shares how basketball brought him to Utica and how his time here helped shape both his career goals and his perspective on life. What started as a college basketball journey quickly turned into a passion for storytelling, content creation and building meaningful connections through media.

Neruda talks about the discipline that comes from being a Division III athlete, the lessons he's learned behind the microphone and the confidence that comes from pushing through uncomfortable moments. From interviewing Division III athletes to landing conversations with Division I coaches and NBA players, he explains how every opportunity has helped prepare him for a career in sports media. He also reflects on the influence of his parents, both accomplished storytellers in their own right and why staying curious has been one of his biggest advantages.

We also talk about his experience working behind the scenes with Love Living Local, what surprised him most about the Mohawk Valley and why this community became much more than just a place to attend college. This episode is full of energy, optimism and a reminder that chasing big dreams often starts with saying yes to the next opportunity.

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(1:15) - Journey & Becoming a Storyteller
(1:55) - Finding Utica Through Basketball
(4:15) - Start of Not Even D2
(7:15) - Preparing For Big Name Guests
(12:35) - Intern Experience with Vuew Media & LLL
(14:15) - Storytelling & Life Experience
(16:15) - Don't Let Small Minded People Limit You
(18:10) - Shout Out to Dad
(19:15) - Graduating & What Success Looks Like
(23:10) - Dream Guests
(23:40) - Living in Utica
(28:25) - Future Project Aspirations
(30:15) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Neruda's Links:
Website - https://nerudaperdomo.myportfolio.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/nerudaperdomo
NED2 IG - https://www.instagram.com/notevend2
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Notevend2

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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 of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with John Calabrese, President and CEO of First Source Federal Credit Union, for a conversation about leadership, community and why he believes the future of Central New York has never been brighter. From a global career with Pfizer that took him around the world to building Express Employment Professionals from the ground up, John shares the pivotal moments that shaped both his career and his philosophy on leadership.

John opens up about the decision to leave a corporate career and return home to be closer to family. He also reflects on the challenges of starting a business from scratch, navigating the uncertainty of COVID and making difficult decisions when the people counting on you matter most. Throughout the conversation, one theme keeps surfacing: servant leadership. Whether he is talking about employees, customers, or the community, John believes success comes from helping others succeed first.

We also dive into the future of First Source, the importance of financial literacy and the opportunities emerging across the Mohawk Valley. From economic development and small business growth to attracting talent and building a more diversified economy, John shares an optimistic outlook on where the region is headed. This episode is packed with practical advice, local pride and a refreshing perspective on what makes the 315 such a special place to call home.

Thank you to First Source for being a major supporter of our platform.

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(0:45) - Leaving Pfizer & Returning Home
(2:15) - Transition to Express
(3:50) - Servant Leadership & Family
(6:15) - What Brought John to First Source
(7:30) - Expanding Charter
(9:15) - Growth vs. Service
(11:05) - Community Involvement & Financial Literacy
(13:00) - Herkimer County Projects
(15:30) - AI in the Industry
(17:30) - Beyond Banking
(18:55) - Budget & Habits
(23:30) - Why CNY is Special
(25:10) - When People Think of First Source
(26:30) - Human Connection
(27:30) - Locations & Future Plans
(28:25) - Biggest Opportunity
(30:10) - Rapid Fire Questions

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John & First Source Links:
Website - https://www.fsource.org
IG - https://www.instagram.com/fsourcefcu
FB - https://www.facebook.com/fsourcefcu
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-calabrese-ab8a6a7

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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 of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Jennifer Huntley, Executive Director of Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund, an organization that has spent nearly 30 years supporting children and families facing childhood cancer across Central New York. What began as a small memorial walk in honor of a six-year-old girl named Paige has grown into a powerful mission that now serves families across 22 counties. Jennifer shares the story behind the organization, the impact of Paige’s legacy and why the work continues to matter just as much today as it did three decades ago.

This conversation shines a light on the realities families face after a childhood cancer diagnosis. Jennifer talks about the financial strain, the constant travel for treatment and the emotional toll that comes with caring for a child battling cancer. She explains how Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund steps in with immediate support, helps families build community and works closely with Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital to address the greatest needs along the journey.

We also discuss the incredible resilience of the children and families she meets every day. Jennifer shares stories that are both heartbreaking and inspiring, along with the perspective she has gained from working alongside families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength that exists in our communities and the difference people can make when they come together around a common cause.

We Discuss:
• The story of Paige and how her legacy sparked a mission that has lasted nearly 30 years
• The challenges families face after receiving a childhood cancer diagnosis
• How Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund provides financial and emotional support
• The long-term impact childhood cancer has on survivors and their families
• Ways individuals and businesses can help support children battling cancer across Central New York

This conversation is emotional, inspiring and full of perspective. It is also a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful way to help is simply to show up, spread awareness and let families know they are not facing their journey alone.

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

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Show Markers:
(0:00) - Welcome & Introduction
(0:55) - Story of Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund
(2:30) - 30 Years Later
(3:45) - Day to Day Operations
(6:00) - How Did Jennifer Get Involved?
(7:00) - Standing Out & Spreading Awareness
(8:15) - Comfort Kits & Financial Help
(9:45) - Resilience & Community
(11:20) - Providing Some Normalcy
(12:45) - Long Term Journey
(15:20) - Powerful Moments & Success Stories
(17:15) - Are There Warning Signs?
(18:30) - Prevention & Environment Factors
(20:30) - Growth & Rebranding
(22:15) - Annual Events
(27:00) - Getting to Know the Need
(28:30) - June Run
(30:10) - Keeping Memories Alive
(32:30) - Not Bringing Work Home
(35:45) - Rapid Fire Questions

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Jennifer Huntley's Links:
Website - https://paigesccf.org
IG - https://www.instagram.com/paigeschildhoodcancerfund
FB - https://www.facebook.com/paigeschildhoodcancerfund
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/paiges-childhood-cancer-fund

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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