Shenandoah Briere and I were fortunate and grateful to host co-director Michaela Torres and actor Adrienne Parker, who plays the role of 'Whatshername' in the podcast studio before opening night.

The 30-somethings in the room, all outnumbering Stan, recounted where they were on 9/11, how their lives changed, and what this musical, rock-opera, and the music of Green Day elicits from them.

It does get heavy at times, including when Torres vividly recounts waiting for a phone call from New York while still living with her very pregnant mother on 9/11.

But not for long. It's a music, reflective look at politics and society, along with a short listen to what's in store at American Idiot at SLOC.

Daily Gazette Business Editor Stan Hudy sat down with DSIC Promotions Coordinator Shenandoah Briere and talked about all things potato - in food form, in dog form, and in song and taste for this episode of The Stan and Shen Show.

The April 25 event begins at 11 a.m., and the spud run isn't over until 3 p.m., giving attendees plenty of time to visit all 17 participants to try a 3-ounce potato-based dish sample for $1.

Tater Trot participants will be able to vote for the most spud-tacular dish, along with the dishes they thought were
had the best presentation, creativity, and flavor.

There is other food news as Stewart's delivers new flavors, and honestly, one was a dud.

Email the show at StanandShen@gmail.com for more show ideas and nice things to say!

She brought her running shoes and expertise into the podcast studio to challenge Shen for this year's race, which in turn became a challenge for Stan; he accepted.

Now the race is on.

The hour raced by quickly as the trio talked about the sport, the race, and how the female-only race empowers women with the assistance of friends, families, and runners like Stan, who can take part in the 'Lift Her 5k' virtual race.

Stay tuned for training updates and how close Stan can make it to Shen's final race time!

The links:

Run for Women: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Albany/DelightfulRunForWomen

Lift Her 5k: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Albany/LiftHer5K

The podcast hosts, Stan Hudy and Shenandoah Briere, stopped by Stella Pasta Bar & Bistro to sit with Chris and talk about music, food, a lot about food, the upcoming shows at Van Dyck Music Club, and more.

The hour went quickly, filled with laughs, memories, and more.

Of course, just like jazz, the podcast is very fluid and free-flowing. Enjoy.

Guests this week included Larry Lewis, President, Concern for the Hungry; Macella Dietz, Treasurer, St. Luke's Daily Bread Pantry, Schenectady County legislator, and Schenectady Shares co-chair Mike Aragosa and Jacqueline Clute, Executive Director of the St. Luke's Daily Bread Food Pantry.

Each guest provided their own special insight to food insecurity within Schenectady County and the importance of the Schenectady Shares program as it prepared to kick off its 2026 campaign, 'Neighbors Helping Neighbors' to gain 30,000 pounds of food and $30,000 for the organization through mid-April.

Maureen has a keen insight into what restaurant week means for those eateries in the Downtown Schenectady area as well as the surrounding County. 

Shenan, well, she just like to talk about food.

It worked out as the podcast co-hosts now have plans for dinner and a show during restaurant week with their best friends.

Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp. Executive Director Maureen Neufeld (Shen's boss), joined us in the podcast studio with Simone's Kitchen, Bashir Chedrawee to announce that the 3-time winner of Downtown Schenectady Soup Stroll will not be competing!

But he will still have his hand in Soup Stroll.... Lots of cooks in the kitchen this week!

Chedrawee offers insight into what goes into a winning soup, how he judges soup for his own take on Soup Stroll this year, with his staff and the gang had fun with all of the entries coming up Jan. 31.

Grab a cup of soup and sit back and enjoy!

A well-known fact was that it is a Charles Dickens novel that was left unfinished due to his death, but the playwright, Rupert Holmes, yes, that Rupert Holmes, was a shock to Stan.

The addition of being an audience participation play also thrilled the co-hosts.

The guests explain the show's background, premise, and their work bringing it together this month.

They also provide lots of laughs, phenomenal examples of British accents, which Shenan fails at miserably. 

The show is heading towards a new tag line for Stan, courtesy of Cameron Clarke Stevens - so stay tuned.

The Daily Gazette offered a glimpse of the upcoming performance. 

Tickets are available through the SLOC box office. 

Email the co-hosts at stanandshen@gmail.com

The podcast besties talk about the year that was 2025 - their time together, the ups, including some heights that Stan doesn't like, the lows, and the decision Shenan made to depart The Daily Gazette and join the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp.

Don't worry, Stan is still fine...

Shen talks about her new job, the new experiences, and yes, Stan does miss seeing her daily.

The holidays bring reflection, and Stan shares his heartfelt memories of the season. the losses, and sage advice from a dear friend who played a crucial role in his wedding.

There is talk about the new year, and Shen is very excited with one of her multitude of gifts, courtesy of a podcast guest.

Email the show at StanandShen@gmail.com

Last Friday was Stan's birthday, on Monday it was Shenan's, and they talked about her birthday...

The duo recapped the parade, the lights, the sirens, the pace of the parade, and everyone who worked hard to make it happen - along with a Hallmark moment with Santa and his float.

Then it was back to business - Saratoga Black Friday and Small Business Saturday with Shenan talking about all the things Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp is doing to support small businesses.

Shenan says she is prepared for her Turkey Trot 5k....we'll see.

And Thanksgiving thoughts to all.

Schenectady council member Carmel Patrick and Schenectady Shares volunteer extraordinairre, Jackie Clute, stop by the podcast studio to talk about the program, its successes, and its challenges.

There is a lot to cover, especially with food insecurity making headlines throughout the past few months, and our guests provide insight and provide light to the situation.

It was an afternoon full of laughs and enlightening conversations about how to make your relationships, your interactions, your home, and work life better - all through improvisation.

Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp.'s promotions director, Shenandoah Briere, along with Daily Gazette business editor Stan Hudy visited her newly redesigned office space and sat down with Michael Burns and Kat Koppett to talk about the 30 years of laughs and improvisation at the Mop and Bucket Co. [MOPCO] in Schenectady and how to keep the laughs coming.

Burns and Koppett discuss some of the guidelines within the IMPROV community that make it an enjoyable and enlightening experience to be on stage and be totally unscripted.

November also kicks off 'Birthday Month' for both Stan and Shen —mostly Shen —and she has a heartfelt ask of all podcast listeners for this year's gift.

 Do you have someone you would like to have as a guest on The Stan and Shen Show? Email stanandshen@gmail.com

Shen made her triumphant return to the newsroom after taking on her new position as Promotions Director for Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp. 

We kick off the show by discussing the tasty success of last weekend's Wing Walk, hosted by the DSIC, including the flavors, fun, and comments.

Then we turn the show over to Kayla to talk about the Oct. 18 Nightmare Market and everything that Kayla will bring to turn some heads, open some eyes, and highlight the creativity for all to see.

The duo then close out the show with their usual banter, including Taylor Swift's latest album.

Shen has a real office! She is busy talking to businesses, loves to talk about food, Stan brought coffee and a gift -- but all in a new space!

It's been over a week since Shen left Stan (heartbroken) at The Daily Gazette, but she is close by at Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corp and busy with the upcoming Oct. 4 Wing Walk, and she has all the details!

The two discussed her absence from the newspaper, what Stan is working on, including Monday, September 29, National Coffee Day.

Email the show at StanandShen@gmail.com

Shen has huge news to share on her last day as the Daily Gazette Business Editor.

But Stan is fine! He says!

It's more like new beginnings as the two talk about their past and their future together in different buildings, but on the same podcast.

There wasn't a lot of time for introductions as the battle over eating chicken wings with ranch dressing and dipping pizza into Caesar dressing had caused a lot of friction in the office.

The pair discussed some of their favorite assignments, being surprised by Stan on assignments - but in a good way - and shared many laughs.

Kate will return to Marist College via a semester in Italy, while Jack will return for his senior year at THE Ohio State University with his sister and a host of other duties.

Email the hosts at StanandShen@gmail. com with your favorite chicken wing dressing go to and help settle this.... please (Stan).

Stan had the opportunity for a new culinary adventure, visiting a restaurant known for its seafood cuisine, and the two agreed that the newsroom runs on caffeine, talking about the opening of 7 Brew Coffee on Watt Street in Schenectady.

Shenan took time to visit Civitello's on N. Jay Street in Schenectady for its re-opening and bringing back several tasty treats for the office and a look ahead at the week and weekend for the duo.

They recapped Summer Night, and Shenandoah made a plea to support local journalism. The pair discussed their visit to the new Bass Pro Shops in Clifton Park before it opened, where they would not be able to taste the new blueberry pie Oreos, but there was a conversation about 7 Brew Coffee offering free coffee during an employee training weekend.

The duo then broke the news during the recording of the passing of Ozzy Osbourne.

E-mail the show at StanandShen@gmail.com

The guests discussed the economic impact, as well as the community bond that an event of this magnitude has on the city and the county.

The last half of the podcast was all about Shenanigans with the guests - Favorite Stewart's Flights, Top Four albums, favorite dinner guests, first concerts, along with a review of previous words you could not say on any broadcast.

Everyone in the studio was excited for this year's edition of SummerNight and hope that you can make it and this episode gets you to downtown this Friday night.

Email the podcast at stanandshenshow@gmail.com

There were plenty of laughs as Stan kept on referring to the '3rd on the 4th' celebration in Schenectady instead of the '4th on the 3rd' that led into a poor Abbot and Costello mistake and the show slid from there!

Cathy, also vice-president of the Schenectady Legislature, spoke about the talent coming to the area on July 11 for SummerNight and local talent, Sydney Worthley. 

The duo found out Cathy's affinity for Stewart's ice cream, the standard for all cold confections across the nation, by her standards and her favorite ingredients at Bowled.

Email the show at StanandShen@gmail.com

After discussing her new role, the duo spoke about other staff advancements, as well as the departure of a dear friend to new opportunities.

Several gifts were given after her announcement.

With summer officially underway, the talk turned to camps, especially Shen's experience at camps.

The pair finished with a tasting of a brand new Oreo flavor that had th two singing it's praises.

He discussed the village's recent partnership with the event, its past successes, and the elements that will make this year's celebration one to remember - including Stan and Shen serving as MCs for the event.

He talked about the food available from Jumpin' Jacks, Cousins Maine, charity food vendors, the fireworks, and the chance for Shen to fire a cannon!

There was also time for Shenanigans - Top albums, his Stewart's ice cream flight selection and who he would invite to a private dinner.

They talked about the turnout, the excitement, can it get any better, what bands could be invited for a third round (if announced) and what could be the future of free concerts around the racing season.

Darryl did well at Saratoga Race Course for the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga thanks to some family help.

He caught up with The Uprooted Band's own Michael Glabicki, known for her early career with Rusted Root, and followed that up with singer, songwriter and guitarist Jesse Valenzuela from Gin Blossoms.

Here is a bonus segment from Stan and Shen's preview of Belmont on Broadway

The duo had a slow start - it was Monday for Shen, and things weren't going well in the office.

Poor drivers got her more animated, Stan had a story of driving revenge to add also.

Belmont Stakes and Belmont on Broadway was on everyone's mind and the burning question on the podcast was 'How many dresses did Shen order before she said 'Yes to the dress' for her friend's wedding Saturday?'

Math was involved.

Email the show at StanandShen@gmail.com

They recap their disagreement on failed school budgets, upcoming revotes, their work during Memorial Day weekend, Stan's photo assignments at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, no love for Taylor Swift at the VMA's and a look ahead to Belmont Week in Saratoga.

He discussed the process and what it means to a school district like Scotia-Glenville.

Both Stan and Shen agreed that school budgets are important and should be passed on an annual basis.

Then when Stan broke down what a failure could mean to a school district, especially its athletic programs, that's when Shen really blasted Stan. 

It was Sports vs. Arts and it took time for that to become resolved.

Things lightened up - with some court case topics and a quick look at the new Superman movie coming out.

The duo celebrated their 21st podcast episode, touching on their milestones of turning 21, as Shen received another gift this week. The two are now posting their podcast to The Daily Gazette's YouTube channel.

Stan was a co-presenter at Proctors High School Musical Theater Awards event on Saturday and covered the high school rowing championships over the weekend -- before taking time away for himself by the Great Sacandaga Lake.

Shen talked about graduating early from Oswego, some breaking news she caught on her phone to share and our latest survey - What three shows would you binge - forever?

Email the pair at StanandShen@gmail.com

Shen recapped the week, taking listeners into multiple courtrooms and cases before looking back on her Kentucky Derby selection not winning and a non-triple crown race coming to Saratoga in June.

Stan talked about his Saturday at the Saratoga Comic Con setting up a massive surprise for Shen, played live in the podcast studio, just for her.

The duo looked at the rest of the week before wishing all the moms out there a very special Mother's Day on Sunday.

He brings his own insights into the comic book collecting world and talks superheroes, movies, and more while Shen sits by. We then have input from friends who selected what superhero they would like to be for a day.

Shen took some ribbing for changing a birthday plan with Chad due to Daily Gazette Game Day with the NY Phoenix on Sunday, May 4, at which the Daily Gazette mascot Newsie will be making an appearance.

Stan caught up with two NY Phoenix All-Stars, Shaudell Millinghaus and Arsenio Arrington to talk about their performance in Maryland, winning the 3-on-3 title and Millinghuas being named All-Star game MVP.

She missed Amsterdam's Wing Fest, Easter Sunday with the family, Dyngus Day in Schenectady, and a lot more happened when she was gone.

Shen offered a heartfelt thank you to a Syracuse business in her family's time of need and then we brought the laughs back pretty quickly.

What was your first election? What is your favorite wing? What is Dyngus Day? There is a new flight the duo has to try and Stan said Shen can't take any more time away!

Reminder that the 1st-place NY Phoenix will host The Daily Gazette night, 3 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at Armory Studios NY with Newsie, the Daily Gazette mascot making an appearance!

NOTE: Less than an hour after recording this podcast, the duo was once again called away on breaking news, just a block away from The Daily Gazette offices on VanVranken Street in Schenectady.

Stan caught up with City of Amsterdam Tourism, Marketing and Recreation assistant director Michele Pawlik to talk about this weekend's Wing Fest along with former Montgomery County executive Bob Purtell who has been a part of the city's Earth Day clean-up for almost 30 years.

Email the show at stanandshenshow@gmail.com

A lot of time was spent on Stan revealing that he did not hate Taylor Swift's Midnight or Reputation albums.

Guest John Norris, a new Daily Gazette columnist, talks craft beer and his weekly 'Pint Sized' feature.

The duo returns to the podcast listeners' submitted lists of the Top four albums before discussing good news and great news.

The NY Phoenix are 7-0 and take on rival Albany Patroons this Friday. Next week is the Belmont on Broadway announcement and Shen talks about her take on hand-packed pints of ice cream at Stewart's. We are asking for submissions for YOUR ice cream flight selections.

The duo talk about the end of the Northville girls' New York State championship game and the fallout from Coach Jim Zullo's actions but move on to more traditional fun antics as they taste and rank four different Girl Scout cookies. Send in your top cookies to StanandShen@gmail.com

Then it was a Top 4 album challenge created by Stan that went well...until Shen had to be beeped... yes, she did! We still want your top four albums of all time - send that to StanandShen@gmail.com too!

There may be some Daily Gazette swag involved for a top emailer too!

Daily Gazette political writer Tyler A. McNeil stopped by to discuss this week's village election results, why voting is important, and the need to support local journalism.

Stan talks about this week's guest on 'Tell Me Your Story' and there is always something about Shen's obsession with Taylor Swift.

There was a lot of talent on the stage, Stan, Shen and Indiana talk about favorite shows, the crowd and what's next.

Stan and Shen visitied Tree House Brewing Company earlier Monday and took in the sights and a few sips during their visit.

Stan talked about his latest podcast 'Tell Me Your Story' and why this week's guest Steve Derrick hit home for him and his family.

Shen gives a breaking news update on Belmont on Broadway and no, Chad Arnold, Singe is not a chicken!

E-mail the show at StanandShen@gmail.com

Stan and Shen visiti Tree House Brewing

Daily Gazette news editor Andrew Pugliese joined The Stan and Shen Show to talk about the series and where we all were during the early days the pandemic and how our lives changed.

There is good news, early on as Stan talks about the price of eggs and the duo are excited for the March 13 showdown between the NY Phoenix and Albany Patroons at Armory Studios NY in Schenectady.

The squad opens at 7 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 28, at Amory Studio NY and will play again on March 1.

Sam talked about bringing a team to Schenectady, the legendary basketball court that the Phoenix will play on, the players, working with his wife, Rebecca, and giving us an exclusive—the name of the Phoenix mascot!

Stan and Shen talk about some good news, an end to the Saratoga Springs DPW special election, Sly the horse saved by Saratoga Springs PD, our visit to Cornerstone Veterinary Hospital's ribbon cutting; Stan talked about the Saratoga Beer Summit, and the two now have plans for the next Swiftie Brunch in March!

We pressed him for a glimpse at who this year's musical acts could be and his wish list of who he would like to see perform on Broadway. Sorry, there is no scoop this week.

After a new catchy intro, Stan asked Shen about Valentine's Day and her thoughts on this year's Belmont on Broadway before our interview with Todd.

Shen talked about Restaurant Weeks throughout the Capital Region, we have some plans for new tastings, and Stan is looking forward to Saratoga Beer Summit this Saturday.

Shen has several hot takes this week, declaring winter officially over and talking about winter safety by other drivers, followed by her disappointment in Kentucky Fried Chicken.

They discuss a long Friday, enjoying Ballston Spa's Chocolate Fest before racing back for a reported shooting at Saratoga Springs Police Headquarters.

Next up was news and fun at Chowderfest.

They discuss the Super Bowl and the halftime show, and both select the Buffalo Bills for next year.

This week, they delve into Shenan's stories in Saratoga County, court appearances, politics, and visiting Frank Gallo Florist for Biz Beat.

Shenan will accept flowers and candy on Valentine's Day, Friday, Feb. 14 at the office.

They talk about Tik Tok and Stan wanting to try two new food items, challenges and close out with some heartwarming personal news from both the hosts.

You can now email the show at StanandShen@gmail.com

For flower delivery on Valentine's Day for Shen - The Daily Gazette, 2345 Maxon Road, Schenectady, NY 12308

They talk about Saratoga's annual Chowderfest or as Shenan says Chowdah... news about pedestrian traffic safety, different chowders, soups, Shenan taking it off.... but Stan is thrilled to have his O.G. host, his wife, Reda filling in for the coverage.

They talk about coffee consumption, Dunkin' badges, Stewart's coffee, mascot, and a Daily Gazette ice cream flavor?

Full of flavor and laughs!

Of course, Stan remembered...Shen didn't. But there were presents AND a look back at the saddest Shen video interview EVER recorded... they ran out of chocolate at a stop last year ... as she was in line.

They talk chocolate, lots of chocolate, coffee, coverage beverages and their game plan for the Feb. 7 Chocolate Fest where they will be once again!

Replaying Shen so sad at the 4-minute mark for your enjoyment!!!

Chocolate Fest map and entries

They recap their own Top 3 entries, along with many honorable mentions.

Stan stopped out in Amsterdam to talk to Rob Spagnola and Michele Pawlik from the city's Tourism, Marketing, & Recreation Department at Lyon Den Bar & Grill, where Dan Nelli spoke about his two-time 'Most Unique Soup' entry - Mushroom, Bacon Cheeseburger Chowder.

Stan and Shenan talked about game planning their Schenectady Soup Stroll judging pre-game plans, and letting Soup Stroll attendees know that Newsie will be available for photos and fun in the afternoon.

Stan closed the show by asking Shenan how she handled the 16-hour TikTok outage over the weekend.

Things came together nicely in the studio, and Maureen had an announcement for Stan and Shen to share regarding the Jan. 25 event that was very well received.

The group talked about soup likes, dislikes, and more, so get your fill.

Learn about Tracy's event planning experience and a preview of the huge, new, bigger, and better-than-ever Silver Anniversary wedding show.

Shenan could not be more excited, and Stan is a bit nervous but shares her enthusiasm. 

There are plenty of laughs, some gaffs, but that is what you get when these two team up.

They recap the fun and the many challenges and hope that they are asked back again (to a warmer stage).

The recap, just before Thanksgiving is full of thanks and more than a few laughs.