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Kaatscast: the Catskills Podcast

Kaatscast: the Catskills Podcast

By Silver Hollow Audio

Kaatscast: the Catskills Podcast is a biweekly series featuring Catskills culture, history, sustainability, local interviews, literature, and the arts. Shows are hosted by Brett Barry and produced by Silver Hollow Audio, in the heart of the Catskills. Subscribe and experience what reviewers have called “delightfully informative” storytelling with “great production quality.” Voted “Best Regional Podcast” two years in a row. Episode archives, transcripts, and a robust search engine at kaatscast.com. Enjoy!

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On Air: CO2 and Indoor Air Quality

Kaatscast: the Catskills PodcastDec 07, 2021

00:00
22:07
"It's One O'Clock and Here Is Mary Margaret McBride"

"It's One O'Clock and Here Is Mary Margaret McBride"

Dubbed the "first lady of radio," Mary Margaret McBride was a welcome voice in millions of homes in the 1930s, '40s, and '50s, pulling in 6 to 8 million listeners daily! Mary Margaret interviewed 30,000 guests, from Eleanor Roosevelt to the neighborhood plumber, and produced 15,000 shows –– no repeats! Oh, and she was a radio pioneer, broadcasting some of those shows from her converted Catskills barn. When I learned about Mary Margaret, I picked up a copy of Susan Ware's biography, "It's One O'Clock and Here Is Mary Margaret McBride," and reading about her life in journalism, her passion for audio storytelling, and the heartfelt connection she made with her audience, I was awestruck. Join Susan Ware and I for a fascinating conversation about this Catskills broadcast legend.

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Thanks to our sponsors: Ulster Savings Bank, Briars & Brambles Books, and the Mountain Eagle.

Kaatscast is made possible through a grant from the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation, and the support of listeners like you!

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Thanks to Ray Faiola at Chelsea Rialto Studios for bringing McBride's TV pilot to light. See Mary Margaret in her West Shokan home, interviewing actor Eddie Dowling.


Mar 26, 202443:47
Overlook History Hike with Will Nixon

Overlook History Hike with Will Nixon

Will Nixon has been writing about Woodstock for decades, including a column in the Woodstock Times, and two popular books--Walking Woodstock, and The Pocket Guide to Woodstock, all in collaboration with writer Michael Perkins, who died in 2022. So when Will suggested we hike Overlook Mountain together to talk 'history,' I knew he'd have much to reveal. On today's Kaatscast: join us for a history hike, with Will Nixon. 

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From Atlas Obscura: "Overlook Mountain House: The Skeletal Remains of a Catskills Hotel That Still Welcomes Visitors"

Here's a link to the May-June 1976 edition of The Conservationist, featuring Bill Newgold's article, "My Grandfather and the Mountain"

Many thanks to our sponsors:

The Mountain Eagle and Briars & Brambles Books

Kaatscast is also made possible by a grant from the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation, and by the support of listeners like you!


Mar 12, 202419:19
Ukraine Revisited 🇺🇦 Michael DiBenedetto at Hell's Kitchen

Ukraine Revisited 🇺🇦 Michael DiBenedetto at Hell's Kitchen

When we spoke with Michael DiBenedetto for our special Ukraine report in August, 2023, he mentioned he'd consider returning in winter, when the volunteer pool was likely to thin.

Well, Michael's a man of his word, and we caught up with him this week in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city just about 20 miles from the Russian border. He's volunteering at Hell's Kitchen, where borscht, bread, and other foods are prepared daily for soldiers on the front lines.

Liuda is a cofounder of the organization, and she explained how the war in Ukraine, now 2 years running, changed the direction of hers and husband Yehor's lives (they both had careers in IT -- internet technology) before Russia's invasion.

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Bonus interview: Click here for our followup interview with volunteer coordinator Franklin Orosco.

Click here for Franklin's FAQ document on volunteering with Hell's Kitchen.

Want to volunteer or contribute? Franklin's Instagram page is a good place to start. You can also follow Hell's Kitchen (Ukrainian alphabet, though!).


Feb 27, 202426:28
Catskill Neighbors

Catskill Neighbors

Catskill Neighbors, whose mission it is to "help seniors wishing to remain safe and comfortable in their own homes," was born of necessity in the wake of 2011's Hurricane Irene. Founder, Reverend Ralph Darmstadt, died in January, 2024, but his legacy lives on in an organization that serves seniors in parts of Ulster, Delaware, and Greene counties, where social services are lacking and/or sparse.

Listen in on our conversation with organization officers Patricia Ruane and Gary Kusen, plus a visit with a very appreciative client: 89-year-old Sofie Solber Franzen.

This week, we're also celebrating the release of Rebecca Rego Barry's new book, The Vanishing of Carolyn Wells: Investigations into a Forgotten Mystery Author. Ask for it at your local bookstore or library!

Thanks to our supporters: the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, The Mountain Eagle, and listeners like you!

We would also like to thank the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation for their generous support of this podcast.

Feb 13, 202426:37
Telephone Tales with Switchboard Operator Lula Anderson
Jan 30, 202423:29
Plattekill Mountain: the Last Indie Ski Resort in the Catskills

Plattekill Mountain: the Last Indie Ski Resort in the Catskills

Plattekill Mountain, in Roxbury, is the last of the Catskills' independent ski areas, boasting 1100 vertical feet, 40 trails, and 4 lifts.

But those statistics aren't necessarily the draw at this laid-back family-run resort. Plattekill's rustic lodge, with its rough pine walls and wood burning stove, is reminiscent of other small ski areas that were more prevalent a few decades ago.

When we reached out for an interview, our email was quickly answered by none other than the owner. Join us for a conversation with Plattekill's Danielle Vajtay, with "special musical guests" and longtime Plattekill aficionados George, Foster, and Chris.

Kaatscast is a production of Silver Hollow Audio. Be sure to subscribe, wherever you get your podcasts, so you never miss an episode. You can also find us at kaatscast.com, and on instagram @kaatscast. Many thanks to the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation for their generous support of this podcast. Kaatscast is also supported by local organizations and listeners like you

Jan 16, 202431:09
What's on Tap for 2024: Raising a Glass at 3 Catskills Breweries
Jan 02, 202438:55
Polar Express 🚂 Catskill Mountain Railroad's Santa Shuttle

Polar Express 🚂 Catskill Mountain Railroad's Santa Shuttle

A visit to the North Pole! In an hour and ten minutes? Where can one catch this train, you ask? Why, the Kingston Plaza parking lot, of course, where the Catskill Mountain Railroad embarks on a magical Christmas expedition every holiday season. And while Santa's schedule is booked solid this time of year, you can still ride with him through December 29th! On today's show, production assistant Mollie Zoldan and I scored two coveted golden tickets to the North Pole. Come along for the ride!

Many thanks to this week's sponsors: ⁠Briars & Brambles Books⁠The Mountain Eagle, Ulster Savings Bank, and the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway.

Kaatscast would like to thank the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation for a generous grant that helps ensure the continued production of this podcast.

And thanks, as always, to our listener supporters!


🎄

Dec 19, 202318:15
Cup o' Cartography: Cheyenne Mallo Pottery

Cup o' Cartography: Cheyenne Mallo Pottery

Cheyenne Mallo and partner Zac Schiff are the makers and purveyors of Cheyenne Mallo Pottery, in Olivebridge, NY. Their signature mugs feature raised topographic maps of Catskills places, like Overlook Mountain, North South Lake, Kaaterskill Falls, and West Kill. Mugs feature black topographic lines transected by red dotted hiking trails, and unique features like fire towers, lakes, and waterfalls. On today's Kaatscast, maps to drink by, crafted in the Catskills.

"Mug shot" courtesy of Cheyenne Mallo.

Many thanks to this week's sponsors: ⁠Briars & Brambles Books⁠The Mountain Eagle, and the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce

Kaatscast would like to thank the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation for a generous grant that helps ensure the continued production of this podcast.

And thanks, as always, to our listener supporters!

Dec 05, 202319:18
Thanksgiving Sides 🍠🥦 with Two Catskills Chefs

Thanksgiving Sides 🍠🥦 with Two Catskills Chefs

When it comes to Thanksgiving feasting, 2/3 of Americans prefer side dishes to the main entrée. So we visited two of the Catskills' best chefs for a fresh take on the beloved side dish!

At Tannersville's craftsman-style Deer Mountain Inn, chef Corwin Kave shows us how to whip up a fresh and flavorful Charred Broccoli Di Cicco with preserved lemon aioli and crispy garlic.

And at Big Indian's Peekamoose Restaurant and Tap Room, chef Devin Mills takes us through the steps of a savory sweet potato gratin.

Click here for an ingredients list for both dishes, plus a gem of a cauliflower recipe passed down from host Brett Barry's grandmother!

Many thanks to this week's sponsors: ⁠Briars & Brambles Books⁠The Mountain Eagle, Ulster Savings Bank, and the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway

Kaatscast would like to thank the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation for a generous grant that helps ensure the continued production of this podcast.

And thanks, as always, to our listener supporters!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov 21, 202319:55
At the D&H Canal Museum with Historian Bill Merchant
Nov 07, 202323:15
Bill Abranowicz Turns His Lens on the Catskills

Bill Abranowicz Turns His Lens on the Catskills

Bill Abranowicz is a renowned photographer who started snapping pictures 50 years ago. Bill's career has taken him around the globe many times over, taking pictures for the likes of Condé Nast Traveler, The New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, Architectural Digest, Vogue, Bon Appétit, Martha Stewart Living, and the list goes on. In his latest photography book, Country Life: Homes of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley Bill turns his camera on our very own Catskills, and a portfolio of 20 magnificent homes.

Thanks to everyone who entered to win Bill's book. The giveaway is now closed; tune in to our next show to hear who won!

Many thanks to this week's sponsors:  ⁠Briars & Brambles Books⁠, Ulster Savings Bank, the ⁠Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway⁠, and The Mountain Eagle.

Kaatscast would like to thank the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation for a generous grant that helps ensure the continued production of this podcast.

And thanks, as always, to our listener supporters!

Nov 02, 202328:18
Indigenous Catskills 101

Indigenous Catskills 101

On the heals of Indigenous People's Day, Kaatscast sat down with Justin Wexler, of Wild Hudson Valley, for an overview of the Catskills' own native history. If you've ever wondered about the people who came before us, and where they are today, consider this "Indigenous Catskills 101." For a glossary of terms and recommendations for further reading, download Justin's handy Lenape Resources PDF.

Kaatscast would like to thank the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation for a generous grant that helps ensure the continued production of this podcast, with a renewed focus on Catskills history –– starting with this very episode. 

Thanks also to Briars & Brambles Books, the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, and The Mountain Eagle for their continued support.

Oct 10, 202339:55
Kaatscast’s 100th Episode! A Look Back and a Peek Ahead 💯
Sep 26, 202332:42
Chain of Wooded Mountains: Balkan Music in the Catskills
Sep 12, 202312:33
Special Report: Connecting with Ukraine 🇺🇦

Special Report: Connecting with Ukraine 🇺🇦

Late last year, and 20 episodes ago, Michael DiBenedetto joined us in the studio and made a convincing case for copper bullets over lead, citing collateral damage to our Catskills bald eagles. On today's show, we reconnected with Michael -- in Ukraine -- where he's volunteering as a driver with an organization called Road to Relief. Michael drives a truck in the Catskills, too, making deliveries for his company, Vly Mountain Spring Water. That's given him some preparation for the mission at hand, but driving on the front lines of Donbas, Michael's front and center in a war that's a year-and-a-half on, with no end in sight. Also hear from a Ukrainian nurse and translator on Michael's team of relief workers. Plus, a special song by singer/songwriter David Rovics.

Many thanks to our sponsors: Briars & Brambles Books, The Mountain Eagle, the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce, Ulster Savings Bank, and Hanford Mills Museum.

Aug 29, 202350:37
Pruning Experts 🌿 Bring in the Goats!

Pruning Experts 🌿 Bring in the Goats!

Ann Cihanek is a goat farmer whose herd of semi-retired goats are employed across the region to clear sites of invasive plants, brush, and overgrowth. We caught up with 10 of her Green Goats at the John Burroughs Memorial State Historic Site, in Roxbury, NY. Years of overgrowth on hilly, sensitive terrain, called for a novel approach to restore a historic view of the fields and mountains below.
Many thanks to our sponsors:
Briars and Brambles Books, the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce, Hanford Mills Museum, and the Mountain Eagle.
Thanks also to our listener-supporters!
Aug 15, 202317:60
Leaving No Trace: Outdoor Ethics with Moe Lemire

Leaving No Trace: Outdoor Ethics with Moe Lemire

In July, a small group of hikers was apprehended and ticketed for leaving two Adirondack chairs at the summit of Slide Mountain. Those hikers' actions, while misguided, may have been good-intentioned. But they fly in the face of outdoor ethics and "leaving no trace."

At the core of "Leave No Trace" are 7 principles that provide a framework of minimum impact practices for safe and sustainable experiences in nature. Moe Lemire is a licensed outdoor guide and a LNT master educator. We joined him at the epitome of a "high-use" spot -- Kaaterskill Falls -- to learn more about planning for and engaging in minimally-impactful Catskills excursions.

Many thanks to our sponsors:

Ulster Savings Bank, Briars and Brambles Books, Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, Hanford Mills Museum, and the Mountain Eagle.

Thanks also to our listener-supporters!

Aug 01, 202340:14
Brunel Sculpture Garden: Resurrecting a Roadside Attraction

Brunel Sculpture Garden: Resurrecting a Roadside Attraction

Nearly a century ago, famed photographer and innovator Emile Brunel purchased Boiceville's Brown Hotel and transformed it into Le Chalet Indien, a world-class resort frequented by famed artists and politicians of the day. Brunel's fascination with Native American culture manifested in an adjoining sculpture park, which still stands and is now stewarded by the Friends of Brunel Park, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Even concrete is no match for a hundred years of Catskills weather, though, and the sculptures and totems Brunel left behind were in desperate need of restoration. So, co-founders Cynthia and Evgeny Nikitin organized a matching donation fundraising campaign to save the collection for future generations. 

Anthony Mennella and his team were hired to rehabilitate the largest of the sculptures, transforming the space from a "delightful ruin," to a welcoming, lush garden of plants and sculpted works.

Join us at Brunel Park, where we met up with co-founder Cynthia Nikitin and mason Anthony Mennella. Then, make a point to see this iconic roadside attraction for yourself!

Thanks to our sponsors:

And listeners like you!


Jul 18, 202318:33
Wave Farm

Wave Farm

Wave Farm –– in Greene County's Acra, NY –– is a 29-acre campus that's not only home to WGXC 90.7 FM, but a hub for terrestrial radio, transmission arts, and resident artists. Hear from Executive Director Galen Joseph-Hunter how Wave Farm has been pioneering the "transmission arts" genre for more than 25 years.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Visit our website to make a donation, sign up for our mailing list, and search through our entire catalog of episodes!

Jul 04, 202320:20
Uncharted: Kim Brown Seely's Epic Adventures Sailing ... and Narrating!

Uncharted: Kim Brown Seely's Epic Adventures Sailing ... and Narrating!

Silver Hollow Audio had the honor of recording –– and this month, publishing –– the audiobook version of Kim Brown Seely's Uncharted: A Couple's Empty-Nest Adventure Sailing from One Life to Another. Faced with an empty nest, stagnant jobs, and an economy in freefall, Kim and her husband decided to embark on a grand adventure. On an impulse, they purchased a sailboat, learned to sail, and set off toward untamed wilderness in search of the elusive blonde Kermode bear that only lives in a secluded forest in the Pacific Northwest. Hear the first two chapters of Kim's memoir, plus an exclusive interview with the author about her experience, both on a 54-foot sailboat in Canada's wilderness, and in a 5'x5' soundproof vocal booth in the Catskills, where she narrated the 9-hour audiobook edition.

Congratulations to the winners of our audiobook drawing! The contest has ended, but the audiobook is widely available. For a list of Silver Hollow Audio's full lineup of award-winning audiobooks and where to find them, click here.

Thanks to our supporters:

Briars and Brambles Books, Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, Hanford Mills Museum, The Mountain Eagle, and listeners like you!

Jun 20, 202343:00
Forest Therapy with Lara Land

Forest Therapy with Lara Land

The Catskills naturalist John Burroughs once wrote, "The place to observe nature is where you are; the walk to take to-day is the walk you took yesterday. You will not find just the same things: both the observed and the observer has changed; the ship is on another tack in both cases." His 1886 essay, "A Sharp Lookout" predates terms like "sit spot," "forest bathing," and "shinrin-yoku" by about a century. But the sentiment is the same, and Catskills practitioner Lara Land is a master at it.

Join us for some forest therapy along the Andes Rail Trail and reconnect with the outdoors!

Lara Land can be found at LaraLand.us. Lara is the author of The Essential Guide to Trauma Sensitive Yoga, and she hosts the podcast, Beyond Trauma.

Thanks to this week's sponsors:

Briars and Brambles Books

Ulster Savings Bank

Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway

Hanford Mills Museum

The Mountain Eagle


Jun 06, 202329:16
Landscaping in Zone 5 with Zone4 Landscaper Mel Bellar

Landscaping in Zone 5 with Zone4 Landscaper Mel Bellar

When Mel Bellar established his Andes, NY landscape design company, the Catskills were considered "zone 4" on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. Thanks (?) to climate change and warmer winters, the region is now solidly in "zone 5." We talked with Mel about that shift and how it's reshaping our options. Join our conversation for many more Catskills landscaping considerations, like complementing the environment with natural materials, Mel's favorite plants, go-to suppliers, and things we tend to do ... but shouldn't (landscape fabric, anyone?). Thanks to this week's sponsors ... and listener supporters! The Mountain Eagle Hanford Mills Museum Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce Briars & Brambles Books
May 23, 202328:33
CRISP on the front lines: Invasive Species Emerging in the Catskills

CRISP on the front lines: Invasive Species Emerging in the Catskills

Spring has sprung in the Catskills, and with the reemergence of our native flora and fauna, invasive species are also happy to awaken. Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP) director John Thompson tells us what to watch out for, how to report our findings, and what we can do to stem the tide of invasive pests. Plus, two emerging invasives to add to our radar!

Report your findings at: https://www.imapinvasives.org/

Thanks to our sponsors:

Briars & Brambles Books, Hanford Mills Museum, Ulster Savings Bank
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, and The Mountain Eagle.

Photo courtesy Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

May 09, 202328:21
Financial Literacy at Ulster Savings Bank
Apr 25, 202325:47
Remembering Hank Rope
Apr 11, 202318:28
Radio Catskill 90.5 FM WJFF

Radio Catskill 90.5 FM WJFF

Radio Catskill hit the airwaves in 1990 and operated out of a hydro-powered station in Jeffersonville. But when a building was recently offered in nearby Liberty, WJFF shed its 30-year skin and relocated to the now fully-renovated, modern production facility. Technological advances aside, this small public radio station is still very much focused on local news and Catskills culture.

Many thanks to our sponsors:

Briars & Brambles Books

The Mountain Eagle

Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway



Mar 28, 202321:22
Black Bears 🐾 Sharing Space
Mar 14, 202320:10
Adaptive Sports Foundation at Windham Mountain
Feb 28, 202320:24
The CAG Report: a Blueprint for Growing Catskills Crowds
Feb 14, 202328:16
Catskills Thrillers: Reading Along with Kelli Huggins

Catskills Thrillers: Reading Along with Kelli Huggins

Washington Irving was an early author to set his fictional tale in the Catskills, but he certainly wasn't the last. If Rip Van Winkle were alive today, he'd have no shortage of contemporary Catskills suspense stories to help keep him awake. Kelli Huggins is on a mission to read all things "Catskills," and she hankers for horror. If a novel features a Catskills town, hotel, or reservoir, it will likely make it onto Kelli's reading list. 

Here's a short list of Kelli's recent faves:

Just Like Mother, by Anne Heltzel
The Hotel Neversink, by Adam O'Fallon Price
Echo, Thomas Olde Heuvelt
The Grave Keepers, by Elizabeth Byrne
Bellweather Rhapsody, by Kate Racculia
Night Film, by Marisha Pessl

Kelli was a speaker on one on Lize Mogel's Walking the Watershed tours, where she recommended some watershed horror tales! She's a social media specialist for the Fenimore Art Museum and the Farmers' Museum in Cooperstown. 

Thanks to our sponsors: 

Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
The Mountain Eagle

Photo by rikka ameboshi: https://www.pexels.com/photo/opened-book-on-tree-root-3358707/

Jan 31, 202324:25
Billy's Make & Mend: Vintage Sewing Machines

Billy's Make & Mend: Vintage Sewing Machines

There's a "herd" of sewing machines in the hundreds, in Delancey, NY, and they're in the loving and capable hands of one Billy Hancock, owner of Billy's Make & Mend, an outpost for sewing machine repair and maintenance, sewing work, machine lessons, and plenty of history. 

Thanks to our latest sponsor, Ulster Savings Bank, which was established the same year as the Singer sewing machine company, 1851! Thanks also to the continued support of the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway and The Mountain Eagle


Jan 17, 202335:02
Shea in the Catskills: Tarot, Art, Community

Shea in the Catskills: Tarot, Art, Community

To start off the new year, we visited Shea in the Catskills, a tarot practitioner, artist, facilitator, organizer + contemplative, for a (deeper than perhaps expected) conversation on community, tarot, inspiration ... and some insights for 2023!

Check out Shea's own podcasts! They're simply produced, clean, and inviting -- rumination and curation in a welcoming voice ...

Shea in the Catskills
The Ritualists

Many thanks to our sponsors: the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce and The Mountain Eagle


Jan 03, 202338:11
Sea Lion Training in ... Kingston! The Tale of Sharkey and "Seal College"

Sea Lion Training in ... Kingston! The Tale of Sharkey and "Seal College"

Just off the Kingston traffic circle, you'll find a couple of gas stations, a used car dealer, and a drive-through vegetarian burger joint. But in the 1940s, this was the site of "Seal College," a training facility for some of the most famous sea lions to share the stage with the likes of Abbott and Costello, Bob Hope, and Ed Sullivan. In his new book, Sharkey: When Sea Lions Were Stars of Show Business, author Gary Bohan, Jr., delves deep into the history of his great-grandfather's trained sea lion business, situated on the Esopus Creek (water source for the sea lion tanks), with plenty of interesting crossover into entertainment and broadcast history, much of which was happening just 90 miles or so south of Kingston, in NYC, and beyond.

Thanks to everyone who submitted their name in the book drawing, and congratulations to the winner, Bill Birns!

Thanks to our sponsors:
Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce
The Mountain Eagle
Briars & Brambles Books


Dec 20, 202217:37
Kenny Bloodgood's Catskills Connection to a Famed Western Artist

Kenny Bloodgood's Catskills Connection to a Famed Western Artist

Charles Shreyvogel was an Eastern artist who painted famous Western scenes. His favorite model was also decidedly non-Western. Greene County’s Kenny Bloodgood recounts tales of his great-uncle Grant and his unlikely appearance in some of Schruyvogel’s most famous paintings.

We produced this episode as part of Catskill Historical Views, a collaboration between Catskill Tri-County Historical Views, the Zadock Pratt Museum, and Silver Hollow Audio. After 5 years of publication, Catskill Tri-County Historical Views has sadly ceased publication, due to rising production costs and a diminished subscription base. SIDE NOTE: please support your local media -- it matters! The Mountain Eagle is just one the papers we subscribe to, and it's a great source of local news. On REAL newsprint! Delivered! They support us, too! Along with the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce and Briars & Brambles Books. We recently visited Briars & Brambles for the first time, and the selection is fantastic!

As always, you can support this podcast by:

  • subscribing on your favorite platform
  • telling friends and family about us
  • making a donation at Kaatscast.com

Thank you!

Dec 06, 202213:04
Getting the Lead Out: Making a Case for Copper Bullets
Nov 22, 202224:56
Witness Cremations at the Historic Wiltwyck Cemetery

Witness Cremations at the Historic Wiltwyck Cemetery

When the Wiltwyck Cemetery and family crematory started following us on Instagram, instead of getting ... well ... creeped out, we decided to reach out, and learn about this unique establishment. Kingston's Wiltwyck Rural Cemetery goes back to the mid 19th-century, with tombstones artfully occupying some 60 acres of beautiful rolling hills. A crematory was added in 1984, and it's the only one in Ulster County. Wiltwyck's appeal extends beyond county lines, though, as its unique "witness cremations" allow friends and family to be present for their loved one's cremation. We had a lot of questions for cemetery superintendent Matthew Sirni, and he answered them all with transparency and grace. 

Thanks to our sponsors:
Briars & Brambles Books
The Mountain Eagle
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway


Nov 08, 202225:16
Women and the Vote: an Interview with Catskills Novelist Violet Snow
Oct 25, 202233:21
Overlook's Spirit Stones: Investigating the Indigenous
Oct 11, 202220:44
Cidiot: the (other) Best Regional Podcast

Cidiot: the (other) Best Regional Podcast

If you've ever heard (or even ... uttered) the word "cidiot," to describe an urban transplant, likely that term wasn't used in a positive light. Podcast host Mat Zucker has been doing his best to rebrand the word in a podcast that bears the name. Cidiot is a popular biweekly show about "learning to live in the country," and last year it won "Best Regional Podcast" in the Chronogrammies Readers' Choice Awards. This year, we nabbed that honor, so Mat and I decided to profile each other on our respective podcasts. Cidiot covers the Hudson Valley and a bit of the Catskills, and Kaatscast covers the Catskills and a bit of the Hudson Valley, so we met on neutral ground, on the deck of a waterfront restaurant in Kingston, NY, where we took turns asking questions between bites.

In this episode, hear why Mat is a self-proclaimed and proud "cidiot," lessons he's learned since moving up full-time, and handy tips for newcomers. Then, tune in to Cidiot episode 77 (releases 9/29/22) for Mat's take on Kaatscast, and host Brett Barry's own relationship with the Catskills.

And of course, subscribe to both shows on your favorite platform for continued Catskills/Hudson Valley entertainment every two weeks!

Many thanks to our sponsors:
Hanford Mills Museum
Briars & Brambles Books
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
The Mountain Eagle


Sep 27, 202219:14
Empire State Railway Museum: Catskills Rails Then and Now

Empire State Railway Museum: Catskills Rails Then and Now

In our last episode we took a ride on the old Ulster & Delaware rails with Rail Explorers, a pedal bike experience in Phoenicia, NY. This week, we're at the neighboring Empire State Railway Museum, at home in the historic 1899 Phoenicia train station since 1983, for a look back at Catskills railroad history. Curator Tom  Comito tells us about the 1913 peak of travel on these tracks, restoration projects underway, and the museum's evolving relationship with rail tourists.

Many thanks to our sponsors:

Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
Hanford Mills Museum
Briars & Brambles Books
The Mountain Eagle 

Sep 13, 202217:16
Rail Explorers

Rail Explorers

From the late 19th- to the early 20th-century, passengers could board an Ulster & Delaware train in Kingston and ride straight up through the Catskills, to Oneonta. These days, you can still experience a 4-mile stretch of that track, between Mt. Tremper and Phoenicia, with one small caveat. You have to pedal! Rail Explorers has repurposed a few such stretches of track nationwide, including in Rhode Island, Cooperstown, Las Vegas, and the Catskills. Join us as we pedal a "quad explorer" (the "Cadillac" of the fleet) on a scenic "River Run" tour above the Esopus creek.

We'll hear from Catskills division manager Casey Farrell, tour guide Fatima Duque, and Empire State Railway Museum curator Tom Comito. Lots more from Tom in our next episode, so stay tuned!

Many thanks to our sponsors:
The Mountain Eagle
Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
Hanford Mills Museum
Briars and Brambles Books

Aug 30, 202214:24
The Classical Concerts that Predate 1969's Woodstock: Inside the Maverick

The Classical Concerts that Predate 1969's Woodstock: Inside the Maverick

Long before "THE" concert so closely associated with Woodstock, "Maverick Concerts" have been delighting fans of classical music for more than 100 years. We sat in the historic concert hall with music director Alexander Platt to hear about the history of the utopian Maverick art colony, the concert series that stemmed from it, and some 21st-century improvements to the Maverick experience. Plus, a look back at a groundbreaking John Cage composition that premiered at Maverick concert hall 70 years ago this month. For that, we get insights from music journalist and composer Kyle Gann

Interested in taking in a Maverick concert? Here's a link for upcoming events and tickets.
And to learn more about John Cage's 4'33", check out Gann's book, No Such Thing as Silence.

Thank you to our sponsors:
Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce
Hanford Mills Museum
The Mountain Eagle

Aug 16, 202228:07
Drive Time: at the Schoharie Turnpike – Kaaterskill Clove Road Rally
Aug 02, 202219:23
Protecting What You Love: with Author/Angler Stephen Sautner

Protecting What You Love: with Author/Angler Stephen Sautner

Stephen Sautner is a lifelong fisherman, environmental activist, and the author of several books on those topics. And while his passion for fishing has taken him to the Falkland Islands, Cuba, the Zambezi River, and even ... New Jersey, a rustic fishing cabin in Hancock, New York, is Stephen's happy place. Tune it to hear Stephen's thoughts on trout, Catskills living, and being a steward of the places we love.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Hanford Mills Museum
Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce
The Mountain Eagle

Kaatscast was voted BEST REGIONAL PODCAST in the 2022 Chronogrammies! 

Jul 19, 202230:58
No Kale, Just Flowers: Crespell's Flower CSA

No Kale, Just Flowers: Crespell's Flower CSA

Anne Hall's addiction to flower growing is a boon to Catskills designers, florists, restaurants, and individuals who want locally grown, chemical-free flowers in another league from generic supermarket fare. In February, we put out an episode on Jarita's, a local florist serving the Catskills for 45 years. One of our listeners heard that episode and said, hey, how about a story on a local grower? Well, we love to hear from listeners, and we were interested to know more about Catskills flower farms, and so here we are! Crespell is a queer women-owned flower farm and CSA in Lexington, NY.

Many thanks to our sponsors: The Mountain Eagle, the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, and Hanford Mills Museum.

Jul 05, 202218:57
Fire Tower Challenge!

Fire Tower Challenge!

If you're looking for a unique way to experience Catskills views, there's no better time to check out the Catskills' 6 hiker-accessible fire towers! The 2022 Catskills Fire Tower Challenge encourages hikers to visit all 6, with the added bonus of a challenge patch, a subscription to Conservationist magazine, and other prizes. 

We met with the Catskill Center's Olivia Bernard, a Visitor Experience Coordinator at the Catskills Visitor Center, for a rundown of the challenge, a little fire tower history, and a climb to the top of the Upper Esopus fire tower, right there on the visitor center's property in Mt. Tremper, NY. 

If you want to hear about a 7th fire tower coming back online, check out our story from Bramley Mountain. 

Thanks to our sponsors:
The Mountain Eagle
The Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway
Hanford Mills Museum 

Jun 21, 202217:45
Boom! Catskills Real Estate with Peggy Bellar

Boom! Catskills Real Estate with Peggy Bellar

Just a few years ago, the coveted Catskills "cabin on 5 acres" was priced at $300,000, give or take. Today, that same property could easily cost you double. Real estate in the Catskills is booming, and while housing markets ebb and flow, according to realtor Peggy Bellar, there's no significant retraction in the forecast. Bellar showed us three properties in Delaware County as a sampling of today's housing inventory. Come along for the ride and join our tour, plus listen in on the latest trends shaping the housing market, including short-term rental investments, and work-from-home professionals embracing the country life. 

Thanks to the Catskill Dream Team, and to our sponsors:
The Mountain Eagle, Hanford Mills Museum, and the Central Catskills Chamber of Commerce

Jun 07, 202227:34
Six Ticks: in the Lyme Light

Six Ticks: in the Lyme Light

If a tick bites you in the woods, and it's free of disease-causing pathogens, does it matter? We wanted to know how many of our Catskills ticks are pathogenetic, so we sent 6 of them to the Thangamani Lab at Upstate Medical University, in Syracuse, NY. You, too, can send any New York tick, and Dr. Thangamani and his team will test it (for free!) for Lyme disease-causing bacteria, and 16 additional pathogens. It's all part of a massive citizen science research initiative tracking distribution of species and pathogens statewide. You can explore those trends using Dr. Thangamani's tick maps, updated daily by county. NYticks.org is also where forms can be found to submit your own tick(s) for testing. Let us know how it goes! 

Thanks to our sponsors: Hanford Mills Museum, the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, and The Mountain Eagle.

May 24, 202227:05
Wellness Rx: a Prescription for Rural Healthcare

Wellness Rx: a Prescription for Rural Healthcare

Ed Ullmann is the owner and pharmacy manager of Wellness Rx, a holistic and patient-centered pharmacy in Tannersville, and soon ... Phoenicia! Far from the chain store aesthetic (or lack thereof) the Tannersville location where we met is a meticulously painted Victorian with a wraparound porch. Inside there's a warm general store vibe, with wood floors and pharmacy cases, and a diverse inventory of traditional, natural, and holistic medicine; plus home goods, gifts, and crafts by dozens of local vendors. Ed Ullmann showed us around, and then we settled into a comfortable consultation room, to hear his vision for sustainable rural healthcare.

Thanks to our sponsors: Hanford Mills Museum, the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway, and The Mountain Eagle.

Please vote for Kaatscast now through May 15th in the Chronogrammies for "best regional podcast."

May 10, 202223:36