BIC YouTube Videos

Alex Brown recounts his path from hotelier through addiction to innovation, founding Recover Hospitality to offer alcohol-free travel and dining experiences that foster mental health and sobriety. Entrepreneur, social worker, and person in long-term recovery, Alex Brown joins Dr. Dennis Rebelo in the Vault to reflect on a life shaped by family legacy, disruption, and deep care. Raised in the iconic Berkshire property Blantyre and immersed in hospitality from an early age, Alex shares how his mother’s attention to non-drinking guests—mocktails, hot chocolate menus, and sparkling water tastings—inspired his own vision for inclusive hospitality. After battling addiction, losing his mother, and relapsing while traveling, Alex realized that for millions of people, hotels and restaurants feel like hostile environments. That realization fueled the birth of Recover Hospitality—a company that certifies and markets sober-friendly venues, while also supporting hospitality staff in recovery. In this powerful conversation, Alex talks about stigma in the restaurant industry, Gen Z’s sober-curious mindset, and how redefining hospitality can be both profitable and deeply human. This episode is a call to innovate, to welcome, and to reimagine the experience of being truly seen and supported—on the road, at the table, and in our lives. Links: Recover Hospitality: https://recoverhospitality.com/ Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program Narrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/ For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org Produced by Nate Christy, BIC Studios #RecoverHospitality #SoberTravel #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #InclusiveDesign #AlcoholFree #HospitalityInnovation #FamilyLegacy #RestaurantCulture #WellnessTravel #SoberCurious #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Narrative #MyStoryVault #WorkStory #LifeStory #RecoveryCommunity

Justin McKennon shares his journey from a curious, high-energy kid to becoming Principal Scientist at EMA. His story highlights the power of curiosity, leadership, and balancing life as a scientist, father, and community member. Justin’s journey reflects a blend of curiosity, perseverance, and self-leadership. Growing up in Springfield, MA, Justin navigated a complex childhood, shaped by the guidance of his Big Brother - from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program - and his passion for learning. His pursuit of knowledge led him to a career as Principal Scientist at EMA, where he bridges technical innovation with leadership, managing space testing and research in Pittsfield, MA. In this insightful episode, Justin discusses how he balances his professional work in electromagnetic effects and space testing with his personal roles as a father, husband, and community member. Through candid stories and reflections, Justin shares his thoughts on leadership, community involvement, and the importance of being genuinely passionate about one’s work. His enthusiasm for science and commitment to community make this episode a captivating listen. Links: EMA - Electromagnetic Applications: www.ema3d.com Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program Narrative Research Group:narrativeresearchgroup.orgFor more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org Contributors: Justin McKennon, Dr. Dennis Rebelo, Nate Christy, Shannon Rebelo, PJ Moynihan, Jordan Callahan Produced by Nate Christy, BIC Studios #JustinMcKennon #EMA #SpaceTesting #ElectromagneticEffects #Leadership #Innovation #CommunityInvolvement #Pittsfield #BIC #ScienceCommunication #Science #Education #Technology #PersonalGrowth #Mentorship #WorkLifeBalance #Curiosity #ScienceCareers

Daniel Bennett shares his journey as a professional jazz musician and educator, revealing how his life on and off stage harmonizes creativity, faith, and purposeful living. Daniel Bennett's journey exemplifies dedication, creativity, and adaptability. From his early days insisting on playing the saxophone to his studies at Roberts Wesleyan and the New England Conservatory, Daniel's life is a testament to following one’s passion and purpose. In this engaging episode, Daniel discusses how his spiritual beliefs and creative instincts shape his work both as a touring jazz musician and educator. Through captivating stories of improvisation, performance, and teaching, Daniel emphasizes the importance of being fully present, serving others, and embracing the unexpected notes life presents. Whether performing late-night gigs or parenting early mornings, Daniel shares insights on how balancing life's many roles enriches his music, teaching, and connection to audiences. Links: Daniel Bennett Group: https://danielbennettgroup.net Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program Narrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/ For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org Contributors: Daniel Bennett, Dr. Dennis Rebelo, Nate Christy, Shannon Rebelo, PJ Moynihan, Jordan Callahan Produced by Nate Christy Keywords: #JazzMusician #Saxophone #MusicEducation #Improvisation #Creativity #DanielBennettGroup #TouringMusician #Faith #PurposefulLiving #Collaboration #SelfAwareness #NewEnglandConservatory #RobertsWesleyanCollege #TeachingMusic #LifeBalance #ProfessionalMusician #Narrative #BlueNote #TomiJazz #NJazz

Sue Mead’s life exemplifies curiosity, bravery, and determination. Her adventurous spirit, ignited in childhood through outdoor explorations and reading National Geographic magazines, led her to a remarkable path in photography, journalism, and off-road racing. In this captivating conversation on My Story Vault, with Dr. Dennis Rebelo, Sue shares transformative moments that shaped her personal and professional decisions en route to becoming a world renowned automotive journalist and Dakar Rally champion. She reflects on lessons learned from challenging terrains around the world, emphasizing the importance of trusting instincts, boldly facing uncertainty, and embracing opportunities for continuous growth and reinvention. Links: Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program Sue Mead Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sue-mead-9577845/ Narrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/ For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org Contributors: Sue Mead, Dr. Dennis Rebelo, Nate Christy, Shannon Rebelo, PJ Moynihan, Jordan Callahan Produced by Nate Christy #SueMead #DakarRally #AutomotiveJournalism #OffRoadRacing #Adventure #Exploration #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #CareerTransitions #Storytelling #WomenInMotorsport #Travel #Photography #LifeLessons #OvercomingAdversity

MassCEO Western MA Symposium on Employee Ownership hosted at the Berkshire Innovation Center on March 26, 2025. For more information please visit www.mass.gov/massceo.

Juan Rodriguez, founder of Winner’s Circle XR Academy, shares how his journey from NYC to Providence shaped his mission to bring cutting-edge tech education to motivated underserved youth. Juan Rodriguez’s journey—from New York City’s boroughs to the heart of Providence—charts a powerful narrative of resilience, innovation, and service. In this episode, Juan shares how his upbringing, family influences, and life experiences led to the creation of Winner’s Circle XR Academy, a nonprofit dedicated to providing access to virtual, augmented, and mixed reality learning for students in underserved communities. J uan reflects on childhood lessons learned through rough-and-tumble play and how navigating new environments honed his observational skills. He recounts transformative moments—like his time in Upward Bound—that first sparked his understanding of agency and leadership. We explore how Juan's personal experiences with underutilized technology in classrooms and the loss of his brother to violence propelled him from a career in video production to becoming an educator and social innovator. Today, Juan runs a downtown Providence STEAM hub that helps middle school students and educators integrate technology through real-world projects, including the Mind Blast Hackathon, which challenges students to create VR-based solutions to social justice issues. From overcoming imposter syndrome to reshaping what education looks like, Juan shares lessons for anyone working to empower the next generation. Links: Winner's Circle XR Academy: https://www.winnerscirclexr.com/ Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program: https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program Narrative Research Group: https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/ For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org Produced by Nate Christy Contributors: Juan Rodriguez, Dr. Dennis Rebelo, Nate Christy, Shannon Rebelo, PJ Moynihan, Jordan Callahan #STEAM #XR #VR #AR #mixedreality #WinnersCircleXRAcademy #youthempowerment #education #technologyineducation #socialjustice #nonprofit #Providence #marginalizedcommunities #accesstoeducation #designthinking #communityleadership #hackathon #VReducation #UpwardBound #Dominicanheritage #innovation #mentorship #afterschoolprograms #youthtechnologyprograms #communitypartnerships

Robert Sims is a banker, inventor, and devoted father with a large family. He’s committed to protecting his children—and yours. His drive to serve and innovate comes from his receptivity, intuition, and belief in the power of persistence and the right people at the right time. Robert’s journey blends his move to the Berkshires to help a credit union with his dream of creating a better children’s car seat. His “jump a creek” mentality—going all in, engaging fully, and using lessons to improve—shapes his approach. Get ready for a fast-paced, high-energy conversation! Links: Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program Robert Sims linkedin.com/in/robert-sims-7580364 Narrative Research Group https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/ For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org Produced by: Nate Christy Contributors: Dr. Dennis Rebelo, Robert Sims, Ben Sosne, Nate Christy, Shannon Rebelo, PJ Moynihan, Jordan Callahan #Entrepreneurship #Banking #Banker #AllProDad #BerkshireInnovationCenter #Inventor #MyStoryVault #career #story #lifestory #StoryLikeYouMeanIt #CarSeats #InTheBerkshires #exploration #creativity #caregiver #LoveOfLife #giver #Energized

Jared Lebos is a South African finance guy turned inventor, UPENN Wharton MBA-er, and co-founder of Noble Carbon, a smart-circuit company located right here in the heart of the Berkshires. Jared's journey to becoming an inventor and renewable energy co-founder began with his early creative responses to South Africa’s “rolling blackouts.” His pursuit of new environments—through school and a move to Philadelphia—led to a friendship with Wharton classmate Andrew Crane at UPenn. Their conversations rekindled his passion for engineering, inspiring a move to the Berkshires, where he joined the dynamic ecosystem of the Berkshires Innovation Center, home to both him and Noble Carbon. Links: Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator Program https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/accelerator-program Jared Lebos https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-lebos-32146410b/ Andrew Crane https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-crane-25039935/ Noble Carbon https://noblecarbon.io/ Narrative Research Group https://narrativeresearchgroup.org/ For more information or to share a question or insight, please email Shannon [at] narrativeresearchgroup [dot] org Contributors: Dr. Dennis Rebelo, Jared Lebos, Ben Sosne, Nate Christy, Shannon Rebelo, PJ Moynihan & Jordan Callahan Produced by: Nate Christy Keywords: #CleanEnergy #MyStoryVault #NobleCarbon #BerkshireInnovationCenter #Narrative #NarrativeResearchGroup #Story #LifeStory #WorkStory #StoryPath #Career #MeaningfulWork #Engineering #Finance #UPENN #Wharton #MBA #Invent #Inventor #Entrepreneur #Entrepreneurship #CoFounder #Founders