Chef Fowler discusses the dramatic impact to our relationship with food as a result of COVID-19. As he describes, “It reinforces what my grandparents, children of the depression, knew: the closer you are to your food source, the more secure you are, just on an overall level.” Within our interview, Chef Fowler discusses rapid changes within food and hospitality- particularly related to technology, an increasing focus on food supply chain considerations, and the overall public understanding and perception of his industry. “Obviously, we’re dealing with some pretty serious issues, but at the same time, you know, you’ve got to breathe, you’ve got to give yourself some latitude to learn and to make some mistakes and try and do the best you can.”

According to Olivia Larson, recent months offered an opportunity to reflect on connection and balance- particularly as local organizations work together to move forward. She describes an encouraging "revival of human connection," and renewed focus on being empathetic and supportive. "Collaboration can be a really difficult thing in normal circumstances," Olivia explains, "to see that it's something that's currently being embraced, and pushed for, is really inspiring to me... not only in this circumstance does it make us better, but if we continue to do that in the future, it's only going to make Buffalo better and the world around us better." Within our interview, Olivia offers her thoughts on the impact of For Every Little Handprint, the value of expressing gratitude and processing our emotions- and, of course, picking up the phone to check-in with people you care about.

Dan Yox was about to retire from nearly three decades of teaching science when COVID-19 abruptly pushed his classroom into a virtual environment. During our interview, Dan generously offered his thoughts on the evolving nature of teaching virtually, the importance of empathy in a time of shared grief, and the challenge of adapting to rapidly changing norms.

When COVID-19 upended life as we know it, Emmy-nominated reporter Les Trent became part of an innovative virtual network- an 'assembly line of technology' delivering national stories- without missing a single day of new content. Les offers hopeful perspective on how life has changed, and how it will move forward. His insight is thoughtful, warm, and resonant.