Best Timesunion Podcasts (2026)

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Comptroller Tom DiNapoli on New York’s financial future and reelection 33:52

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2M ago33:52

33:52

New York is facing a multibillion dollar gap heading into next year’s state budget because of decisions made at both the state and federal levels. State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli joins us with analysis on how those conversations could play out at the state Capitol and what they could mean for the state’s finances. DiNapoli is also seeking reel…

1
Gregory Maguire on ‘Wicked: For Good’ 21:50

2M ago21:50

21:50

It’s been 30 years since Albany-born author Gregory Maguire published his bestselling novel about the secret life of “The Wizard of Oz” big baddie, the Wicked Witch of the West. With the sequel to the hit film adaptation coming out in November, Maguire joins us on “The Eagle” to talk about why he thinks his story resonates with so many fans, how th…

1
Behind Brochet with Steven Borzachillo 17:55

3M ago17:55

17:55

The viral content creator who fashions medieval weapons out of yarn and wrecks hilarious havoc on his friends has found himself in the spotlight of the fiber arts world. Steven Borzachillo joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to talk about his unlikely path from out-of-work screenwriter to crochet celebrity, and share a little exciting exclusive…

1
Catastrophic Failure: The Crash 39:00

3M ago39:00

39:00

Oct. 6 marked seven years since the Schoharie limo crash that killed 20 people, becoming one of the deadliest ground transportation disasters in New York’s history. This week on "The Eagle," we’re going to play you the first episode of "Catastrophic Failure," our limited series podcast on the crash. Please note that it contains graphic descriptions…

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No New York Farms, No New York Food (Renee St. Jacques) 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

New York’s farms produce the milk in your fridge, the grapes in your wine and the cannabis I’m sure you don’t own. That work isn’t easy and it becomes even harder when government gets in the way. We talk about challenges New York’s farms are facing this week with Renée St. Jacques, director of public policy at the New York Farm Bureau. Who you’re h…

1
Buried in the Backyard 22:38

3M ago22:38

22:38

It started as an investigation into possible Social Security fraud in a quiet Albany neighborhood. But when police discovered the bodies of what they think are a missing elderly couple, it turned into a murder case. Not something Times Union reporter Steve Hughes comes across every day on his beat. He joins us on The Eagle this week to talk about h…

1
Kate DiCamillo and Sophie Blackall on their new book ‘Lost Evangeline’ 31:51

3M ago31:51

31:51

The award-winning children’s book author and illustrator teamed up for a new magical fairy tale about love, loss and a tiny girl’s quest to find her family. They join us on “The Eagle” this week, ahead of their book release and appearance at the Saratoga Book Festival. Also on this episode, comedian Zane Lamprey talks about standup, working with an…

1
The voice of the Assembly (Speaker Pro Tem Pamela Hunter) 40:12

3M ago40:12

40:12

Assemblywoman Pamela J. Hunter is both the referee and the conductor of Assembly proceedings. As speaker pro tempore, she presides over session in the Assembly, where she keeps things moving while keeping the peace. But there’s a lot you probably don’t know about her, like how she also leads a national group of legislators who work on insurance law…

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Meet the Times Union's new food critics 19:59

4M ago19:59

19:59

For the first time in a decade, we’ve brought on new writers to critique the dining scene in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley. On this episode, Steve Barnes sits down with Stephanie Gravalese and Shannon Lee to talk memorable meals, restaurants, and the role of the food critic in an age of Yelp reviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m…

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Will the Capital Region become a “mega-city”? 28:09

4M ago28:09

28:09

Times Union columnist Chris Churchill explores an idea to pull all of the Capital Region under one municipal umbrella. Also on this episode, we debut a snippet of our new limited series true crime podcast, “The Girl in the Pond,” about the unsolved murder of Hazel Drew. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Jon Batiste debuts ‘Big Money’ in Saratoga 14:41

4M ago14:41

14:41

The Emmy-, Oscar-, and Grammy-winning musician has a special bond with Saratoga Springs. He met his wife there, they visit family frequently, and in late August, he performed selections from his new album “Big Money” with the Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC. He joins Arts & Entertainment Editor Rick Marshall on this episode of “The Eagle” to talk ab…

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New Charges in Hulett Street Fire 31:06

5M ago31:06

31:06

Edward Leon is facing federal arson and murder charges for setting the 2013 fire in Schenectady that killed David Terry and three of his children. His arrest came more than 12 years after the blaze, and if convicted, he could face the death penalty. On this episode of "The Eagle," we revisit the story, which up to this point had been one of the reg…

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Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie on redistricting, federal cuts and his summer tour 25:50

5M ago25:50

25:50

Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie has been criss-crossing the state for his annual summer tour but news that Republicans in Texas planned to redraw that state’s congressional maps brought him back to Albany this week. We spoke with Heastie about New York’s redistricting process, why he has beef with former Chief Judge Janet DiFiore and what he expec…

1
The Lego Master 24:24

5M ago24:24

24:24

When Lego artist Nathan Sawaya fell in love with the bricks as a kid, he never imagined it could lead to a successful career. Yet here he is, building massive and complex Lego sculptures for a living. The traveling exhibit featuring his works, which include a giant T. Rex, is coming to Schenectady in August. On this episode of “The Eagle,” Sawaya j…

1
What Happened to Melina Frattolin? 18:02

5M ago18:02

18:02

New York State Police issued an Amber Alert early Sunday morning for a 9-year-old girl thought to have been abducted in a white van along I-87 near Lake George, New York. Less than 24 hours later, the girl’s body was found an hour north, and her father Luciano Frattolin had been arrested for her murder. On this episode of “The Eagle,” we’ll delve i…

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Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado on challenging Hochul 25:10

5M ago25:10

25:10

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado is the only Democrat who’s challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul for their party’s nomination in next year’s race for governor. He says she’s not leading on key issues important to New Yorkers. We talk about why he jumped into the race, how New York could lower energy prices for ratepayers and why the cost of health care is so high…

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The Saga of Sarcone 17:50

6M ago17:50

17:50

The U.S. Justice Department appointed John A. Sarcone III as first assistant district attorney of New York’s Northern District this week, which effectively makes him the region’s top prosecutor, at least temporarily. The move comes after a panel of federal judges declined to appoint him to the role permanently. Times Union Editor Casey Seiler and M…

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Middle Aged Dad Jam Band in Albany 29:44

6M ago29:44

29:44

David Wain and Ken Marino are names you may recognize from their many movie and TV credits, including the “Wet Hot American Summer” franchise, “The Residence” on Netflix, and MTV’s ‘90s sketch comedy show “The State.” Their latest venture is something a little different—they formed a garage band during the pandemic, and their jam session videos too…

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Who’s New York’s state watchdog? Inspector General Lucy Lang 27:18

6M ago27:18

27:18

Inspector General Lucy Lang’s job is to investigate alleged misconduct at state agencies. But her office also plays a role in investigating the aftermath of a situation gone wrong. That’s what happened 10 years ago, after two men led police on a wild goose hunt after escaping a state prison in Dannemora. We chat with Lang about the breakout and wha…

1
L. Joy Williams on what’s next for Black New Yorkers 21:12

6M ago21:12

21:12

There’s new opposition to movements grounded in the values of diversity, equity and inclusion in today’s politics and that presents a new challenge for advocates like L. Joy Williams, the president of the NAACP New York State Conference. The NAACP was first founded in New York more than a century ago and, while a lot has changed, the fight for equi…

1
New York’s Primary Election Recap 21:44

6M ago21:44

21:44

Democrats Dorcey Applyrs and Zohran Mamdani had decisive victories in the contentious Albany and New York City mayoral primaries on June 24. Times Union editor Casey Seiler, columnist Chris Churchill and reporter Steve Hughes discuss the biggest surprises about the results, and the implications of those wins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

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New York’s cost of living problem with Senate Republican Leader Robert Ortt 36:17

7M ago36:17

36:17

The big buzzword at the state Capitol this year was “affordability,” with lawmakers trying to find ways to lower New York’s cost of living. Whether you think they made headway there depends on which side of the aisle you’re on. We never get to just sit and talk about affordability. So, this week, we sat down with Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt …

1
Labor of Love 31:11

7M ago31:11

31:11

A news anchor went viral last week when she delivered the news while in labor with her first child. The Times Union’s Kristi Gustafson Barlette discusses that story and recent others in the local TV news industry. Also on this episode, Hudson Valley reporter Maria Silva talks about the remarkable life story of the owner of Kingston’s oldest Chinese…

1
AI in New York: The good, the bad and the future 30:50

7M ago30:50

30:50

Artificial intelligence is evolving at a pace that’s been hard for regulators to match. Some systems can now generate videos, images and sound that mirrors what you would expect in the real world. That kind of power comes with a lot of risk. So what can New York do to prevent artificial intelligence from being used in nefarious or problematic ways?…

1
Baby Moses 34:11

7M ago34:11

34:11

In April 2025, Keri Mazzuca was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the 1997 death of her newborn, whose remains she left in Washington Park. The case of Baby Moses had been unsolved for decades before DNA analysis in 2024 identified Mazzuca as the mother. Prosecutors released video of her 2024 confession to police this week. On this episode, Manag…

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The Future of Journalism 35:10

8M ago35:10

35:10

On the night of May 2, 2024, police forcibly removed an encampment of students, faculty and community members protesting the war in Gaza at SUNY New Paltz. It was the largest encampment clearing on a state university campus, and 130 people were arrested. Four student journalists reported on the events of that night for the school’s newspaper, The O…

1
What’s wrong with New York’s state budget process 28:56

8M ago28:56

28:56

New York just approved the latest state budget in 15 years, prompting criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle over how the spending plan comes together each year. Sen. James Skoufis is one of those lawmakers and joins us with his thoughts. Physician-assisted death, also called medical aid in dying by supporters and physician-assisted su…

1
Family Feud 33:13

8M ago33:13

33:13

Times Union business reporter Larry Rulison had a way more exciting week than you. He joins us this week on “The Eagle” to discuss his epic triumph on an episode of “Family Feud” that aired Tuesday. Also on this episode, our features editor Gary Hahn looks back on his impressive four-decade career with the paper. Learn more about your ad choices. V…

1
The Labrador Duck 28:08

8M ago28:08

28:08

News that a biotechnology company is claiming to have brought back the long-extinct dire wolf got us thinking about creatures that used to roam upstate New York. Times Union reporter H. Rose Schneider joins us to talk about those critters, which include 8-foot-tall beavers, 10-foot-tall sloths, and some very dapper-looking waterfowl. Also on this e…

1
High-speed rail in New York and post-budget priorities 26:42

8M ago26:42

26:42

New York has considered building high-speed rail for decades. Gov. George Pataki made a push for it when he was in office but it lost steam. Senate Transportation Chair Jeremy Cooney talks about how New York could get on track. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Times Union

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Happy Birthday, Shakespeare! 31:08

8M ago31:08

31:08

This week, two local actors join us on the show to celebrate the Bard of Avon's 461st birthday. Also, education reporter Kathleen Moore discusses the latest shake up in the Capital Region higher education scene: the announcement that The Albany College of Pharmacy and Russell Save College intend to merge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg…

1
Mistrial in Orange County 32:30

9M ago32:30

32:30

The judge declared a mistrial after a jury couldn’t reach a unanimous decision in the trial of Edward Holley, the Middletown man accused of murdering 20-year-old Megan McDonald in 2003. Times Union reporter Lana Bellamy was in court every day of the 7-week trial, and joins us to go over how it all went down. Also on this episode, Capitol Confidenti…

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A CapCon Pod Relaunch with State Budget Director Blake Washington 25:37

9M ago25:37

25:37

It’s been a while but we’re back. You’ll now start seeing new content from the CapCon podcast in your feeds, starting with this episode. State Budget Director Blake Washington joins us to talk through ongoing negotiations on the state budget, what’s happening behind the scenes and what potential cuts from the federal government will mean down the l…

1
Surgical Error 33:24

9M ago33:24

33:24

While it’s rare, there are thousands of documented incidents of surgeons leaving items inside patients’ bodies by accident each year in the United States. On this episode of “The Eagle,” Times Union reporter Emilie Munson talks about her recent investigative work looking into these medical errors, and how doctors and hospitals are trying to avoid t…

1
Sparkle Smash 31:56

10M ago31:56

31:56

Jamie Sullivan is one of 10 woman drivers on the current Monster Jam circuit, driving the popular pastel-hued, unicorn-shaped monster truck Sparkle Smash. She joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to talk about driving up interest in the sport for women, and what it’s like to be behind the wheel of her truck. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…

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Are you really recycling? 26:37

10M ago26:37

26:37

How much of what we’re throwing in our single-stream recycling bins is actually recycled? Turns out, only 5% to 6% of plastic used in the United States gets recycled. Times Union reporter Lucy Hodgman joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to share what she learned after a recent visit to an Albany recycling facility. Learn more about your ad choi…

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Miracles on Ice 20:57

10M ago20:57

20:57

Olympic Champion figure skater and cancer survivor Scott Hamilton joins us on this episode of “The Eagle” to look back 45 years at his first Olympic experience in Lake Placid, to discuss the state of figure skating today, and to talk about his efforts to raise money for cancer research to improve the lives of patients going through life-saving trea…

1
Who are the Zizians? 37:49

10M ago37:49

37:49

A cult-like group of ultra-rationalist vegans is now connected to five deaths across the country. On this episode, we attempt to unravel the bizarre and convoluted story of the Zizians. Also on this episode, our in-house movie buffs make their Oscar predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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What to Do About Adams 21:39

11M ago21:39

21:39

Gov. Kathy Hochul has decided not to remove New York Mayor Eric Adams from his elected office, despite the mounting pressure to do so after the U.S. District Attorney dismissed his federal corruption charges this month. Meanwhile, she is fighting to save controversial congestion pricing, putting her at increasing odds with the president. Learn more…

1
Blogging, Babies and Business 21:50

11M ago21:50

21:50

Former local news anchor Anne McCloy left the business in 2023 after two decades in news. Two years later, she’s got a new perspective on life that she’s eager to share with the world. On this episode of “The Eagle,” she joins the Times Union’s Kristi Gustafson Barlette for an update. Also, we’ll go over the latest in education news. Learn more abo…

1
Mountain Brew 2.0 28:50

11M ago28:50

28:50

Reporter Kelsey Brown gives us a download on local business news, including her thoughts on the much-anticipated return of Stewart’s cult classic beer Mountain Brew, and trouble with Albany's Lark Street Business Improvement District. Also on this episode, editor Casey Seiler and managing editor Brendan Lyons discuss the fate of U.S. Rep. Elise Ste…

1
Everything Is a Musical 24:19

11M ago24:19

24:19

Singer and actor Tituss Burgess, who rose to fame following his Emmy-nominated performance in the Netflix series “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” says he tries to find musicality in every life experience. He’s headed to Saratoga Springs this week to perform his stage show “An Evening with Tituss Burgess,” and joins us on this episode of “The Eagle.” Al…

1
Wine In Grocery Stores 28:47

11M ago28:47

28:47

You can’t buy wine in a grocery store or supermarket in New York. Sporadic efforts in the last 40 years to change state law to allow it have all failed. But a recent poll says New Yorkers are largely in favor of a change, and some momentum is building. On this episode of “The Eagle,” Table Hopping’s Steve Barnes talks to an upstate liquor store own…

1
Real Magic 25:34

12M ago25:34

25:34

A good magician relies on sleight of hand, misdirection and creating false reality to trick their audiences. But in a fun way. That’s what professional magician Ben Seidman believes. Seidman, who has worked with the likes of Criss Angel, is bringing his act to Saratoga Springs this week. He joins us on this week’s episode to talk magic, and perform…

1
What happened to Robert Brooks? 28:50

12M ago28:50

28:50

A Marcy Correctional Facility inmate was pronounced dead in early December at a Utica hospital. Just a few hours before, body camera footage shows corrections officers brutally beating him in a prison infirmary. On this episode of "The Eagle," we'll delve into what we know so far about the investigation into Robert Brooks' death. Warning: this epis…

1
What's up with the drones? 13:59

1y ago13:59

13:59

Numerous drone sightings throughout the northeast have sparked concern, and in some cases, conspiracy theories. On this episode, we’ll talk about the latest on the New York’s response to it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Times Union

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New Jazz 16:47

1y ago16:47

16:47

With a fresh and innovative sound, Grammy-winning artist Samara Joy is introducing new audiences to her chosen genre, jazz. She joins us on this week’s episode of “The Eagle” to talk about her craft, her impact and the joy of singing holiday music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
What the Founders wanted 38:39

1y ago38:39

38:39

Four years ago this week, the editorial board of the Times Union called on members of the Electoral College to vote for someone other than Donald J. Trump. The editorial — under the headline "Electors, reject Mr. Trump" — didn't call for that body to elect Democrat Hillary Clinton, but to consider a Republican alternative such as House Speaker Paul…

1
Holiday Shopportunity 27:22

1y ago27:22

27:22

’Tis the season to look out for gift ideas and great deals. Shopportunist Shannon Fromma joins us with some tips and tricks. Also on this episode, columnist Paul Grondahl discusses the discovery of a local hiker who went missing 24 years ago in the Andes Mountains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
The Bones Speak 14:45

1y ago14:45

14:45

Last week Troy police announced they’d identified the human remains found near Burden Pond. Reporter Ken Crowe joins us to.discuss the resolution of an 11-year-old cold case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Times Union