Conversations with Randi Shubin Dresner

Language can be a powerful—and consequential—tool. The words we use to shape our messages impact people deeply. They can create positive messages—or be demeaning. In most instances, that harm was unintended, but it might be too late after the words are shared. In this Episode of CONVERSATIONS with Randi Shubin Dresner, our host dives deep into the way we address people and talks openly about her own experiences with how her mother, who was challenged by major health issues, related to her often paralyzed limbs. She suggests that rather than using “THE” phrases such as “we are helping the hungry”, we might consider rephrasing the sentence to something like, “we are helping PEOPLE WHO ARE hungry”. By definition, People-First Terminology highlights the individuality, equality, and dignity of people. It recognizes the common humanity of all and builds on it by acknowledging that we are people first and foremost. By using our words to reflect this, it serves as a foundation for our act

In this episode we are discussing a very difficult topic, MENTAL ILLNESS, a topic often swept under the rug . If we break an arm or get sick, we talk about it to our friends and family. But if we are impacted by some form of mental illness – suddenly our health becomes a secret, and we are afraid that someone might find out about it. We are joined by David Nathan, a father whose son, Jack, struggled with anxiety and depression. Jack lived his young life with perseverance and determination. His painting and design work proved to be an important component in how he managed his mental illness. He passed away suddenly at the age of 19 (unrelated to his mental illness) but his dreams of “ITS OK TO NOT BE OK” continue through his family’s’ advocacy work to bring this struggle to the forefront in CONVERSATIONS such as this one. We are thoughtfully guided by Dr Jeffrey Steigman, a clinical psychologist with Family Service League of Long Island. Dr Steigman shares important information

In this episode, we are discussing a fun topic: INSIGHTS INTO RETIREMENT. We are joined by two senior executives from the Long Island business community who have both built successful careers. Martha Stark and Sally Ballweg have found the formula that works for them on when and how to retire and they share their experiences with us through this fun CONVERSATION. You will hear our deep dive into questions like: How can your network help you in retirement? You’re still working and haven’t thought about retirement much, or maybe retirement is right around the corner and you’re simply waiting for the right time to take that next step. No matter what your age or where you are in your career, the time to think about your retirement is now. Martha and Sally also chose to retire while their spouses continued to work. They spoke bluntly about how they navigated through those complications. They also talk about the misconceptions about some of the basic facts of retirement planning, sha

You’ll want to hear this CONVERSATION about the business side of the non-profit sector; should there be profits at the end of the year? Why don’t funders cover administrative costs? Should the entire organization be volunteer run? What IS the difference between a for-profit and non-profit enterprise? There are major differences: when a business delivers a service, there is income. The completion of their mission provides a profit. When a nonprofit delivers a service, and effectively deliver on their mission, they have spent their dollars, they have less dollars than they started with.As we move into the holiday season where giving typically increases, this is a good time to understand how this sector operates. Contributions are investments and in this sector, it supports a mission rather than a corporate bottom-line.

Older adults have unique needs. This very personal CONVERSATION with Randi Shubin Dresner and geriatrician, Dr Maria Carney, uncovers some of the difficulties in treating senior citizens. Together they talk about myriad ailments that can be overlooked and difficult to diagnose and treat. Randi speaks openly about how challenging it was to care for her father, who passed just short of his 100 birthday, and her mother-in-law, who passed 2 months later at 93. This CONVERSATION dives into how geriatricians care for seniors by properly managing their health, use targeted questions to uncover “geriatric syndromes” and prescribe special treatments targeted to older adults. They discuss how important it is to ensure that seniors are given the opportunity to be as highly functioning as possible while preserving dignity and independence.

You’ll want to hear Randi Shubin Dresner’s’ guest, Joseph, talking about his addiction with PROBLEM GAMBLING. What started as a simple teenage bet on a football game became the first step into the fire that spiraled into a deep dark hole with tremendous debt, family struggles, and so much more. Randi, Joseph and Pam Brenner-Davis, Team Leader for the Long Island Problem Gambling Resource Center, and the New York Council on Problem Gambling talk about how easy it is to get caught up in PROBLEM GAMBLING. You’ll also hear how the growing on-line betting industry is a cash cow to states but a direct line to an uncontrollable urge to so many who have PROBLEM GAMBLING. This CONVERSATION also offers resources for people with PROBLEM GAMBLING.

Forty million people in America are food insecure, including 2.4 million in New York, yet how many know that there are children who go to school simply to take advantage of free or reduced meals at school to supplement meals they may not get at home. This heartfelt episode of CONVERSATIONS with Randi Shubin Dresner addresses some of the root causes of hunger which is prevalent in almost every community across our country. Children without access to consistent, nutritious meals suffer. Their focus isn’t always on learning but worrying about their next meal. Randi’s work as the CEO of a leading food bank on Long Island gives her an advantage to talk from experience about hunger and how it is avoidable and solvable.

This thoughtful CONVERSATION with Randi Shubin Dresner touches on real estate in this post COVID time, in both the residential and commercial markets spaces. Whether you are renting, purchasing, or selling, Randi’s guests, commercial broker Michael Tucker and residential salesman, Stephen Orlando, discuss important tips to ensure that you meet your goals. You’ll want to tune in to hear how to price in this quickly changing field without emotion driving your decisions. Not everyone is ready to buy or sell at this moment in time, but the tips and information you will hear are worth listening to.

How did COVID help many people uncover valuable treasures hidden inside dusty boxes and forgotten drawers that had been unopened for years? Why are we typically not getting a fair jewelry appraisal when we go into our corner jewelry store? In this CONVERSATION with Randi Shubin Dresner, she talks with noted gemologist and trained appraiser, Barry Block, The Jewelry Judge, who answers these questions and shares important tips and stories on how to get your jewelry appraised.

Who knew that Long Island is one of the most populated islands in the United States? And that its population constitutes nearly 40% of New York State? While it may only be 23 miles in width and 118 miles long, it is made up of more villages, hamlets, and towns than most other communities twice its size. Yet each has a unique characteristic and culture waiting to be uncovered. Listen in to this CONVERSATION with Randi Shubin Dresner as she talks with Tourist Marketer, Kristen Reynolds about her award-winning organization Discover Long Island and how it works to encourage people around the world and the country to visit.