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  <title>Connecticut Unfiltered</title>

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  <copyright>© 2026 Connecticut Unfiltered</copyright>
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  <itunes:author>Ellie Doyle</itunes:author>
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  <description><![CDATA[<p>Connecticut Unfiltered is a podcast about the people redefining what it means to live, work, and build something meaningful in Connecticut — from entrepreneurs and creators to leaders shaping culture across the state. We talk about why Connecticut is the nation’s pizza capital, why it’s far from a drive-through state, and why this isn’t your grandma’s Connecticut anymore.<br><br>If you care about Connecticut lifestyle, local business, entrepreneurship, tourism, food culture, community, and New England living, this show highlights the voices proving Connecticut is a place people are actively choosing — not passing through.</p>]]></description>
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    <itunes:name>Ellie Doyle</itunes:name>
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    <itunes:title>Luke Bronin Unfiltered</itunes:title>
    <title>Luke Bronin Unfiltered</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Luke Bronin recently pulled off one of the biggest surprises in Connecticut politics, defeating longtime Congressman John Larson at the Democratic convention to become the party-endorsed candidate for Connecticut's 1st Congressional District. In this episode of Connecticut Unfiltered, we talk about that unexpected victory, his decision to run for Congress, his years leading Hartford as mayor, military service in Afghanistan, and the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. It's an ...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Luke Bronin recently pulled off one of the biggest surprises in Connecticut politics, defeating longtime Congressman John Larson at the Democratic convention to become the party-endorsed candidate for Connecticut&apos;s 1st Congressional District.</p><p>In this episode of <em>Connecticut Unfiltered</em>, we talk about that unexpected victory, his decision to run for Congress, his years leading Hartford as mayor, military service in Afghanistan, and the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. It&apos;s an honest conversation about politics, public service, and what&apos;s next for Connecticut.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Luke Bronin recently pulled off one of the biggest surprises in Connecticut politics, defeating longtime Congressman John Larson at the Democratic convention to become the party-endorsed candidate for Connecticut&apos;s 1st Congressional District.</p><p>In this episode of <em>Connecticut Unfiltered</em>, we talk about that unexpected victory, his decision to run for Congress, his years leading Hartford as mayor, military service in Afghanistan, and the experiences that shaped his approach to leadership. It&apos;s an honest conversation about politics, public service, and what&apos;s next for Connecticut.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Ellie Doyle</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>4165</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:title>Arda Ocal Unfiltered</itunes:title>
    <title>Arda Ocal Unfiltered</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Most people know Arda Öcal from ESPN, the NHL, or one of the million sports moments he somehow seems to be part of, but this episode goes way beyond sports. We talk about growing up between cultures, building a career in media, internet culture, Connecticut pizza discourse (obviously), and what actually makes people feel connected to a place. Arda also opens up about identity, storytelling, and how sports can become a universal language even for people who feel like outsiders. It’s funny, cha...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Most people know Arda Öcal from ESPN, the NHL, or one of the million sports moments he somehow seems to be part of, but this episode goes way beyond sports.</p><p>We talk about growing up between cultures, building a career in media, internet culture, Connecticut pizza discourse (obviously), and what actually makes people feel connected to a place. Arda also opens up about identity, storytelling, and how sports can become a universal language even for people who feel like outsiders.</p><p>It’s funny, chaotic, surprisingly deep at times, and somehow includes both ESPN and New Haven apizza in the same conversation.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Most people know Arda Öcal from ESPN, the NHL, or one of the million sports moments he somehow seems to be part of, but this episode goes way beyond sports.</p><p>We talk about growing up between cultures, building a career in media, internet culture, Connecticut pizza discourse (obviously), and what actually makes people feel connected to a place. Arda also opens up about identity, storytelling, and how sports can become a universal language even for people who feel like outsiders.</p><p>It’s funny, chaotic, surprisingly deep at times, and somehow includes both ESPN and New Haven apizza in the same conversation.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Ellie Doyle</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 23:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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    <itunes:duration>5518</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Sean Crane Unfiltered</itunes:title>
    <title>Sean Crane Unfiltered</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[We’re sitting down with Sean Crane, National Geographic wildlife photographer and founder of Crane Wildlife Tours, and talking about what it actually feels like to step away from the noise and fully disconnect in a world that never really turns off.  We get into what it’s like to go on one of his bucket-list safaris, where you’re not just experiencing wild places and animals up close, but having it all documented by someone who’s spent his career telling stories at the highest level. From une...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>We’re sitting down with Sean Crane, National Geographic wildlife photographer and founder of Crane Wildlife Tours, and talking about what it actually feels like to step away from the noise and fully disconnect in a world that never really turns off.<br/><br/>We get into what it’s like to go on one of his bucket-list safaris, where you’re not just experiencing wild places and animals up close, but having it all documented by someone who’s spent his career telling stories at the highest level. From unexpected, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters to the quiet moments you don’t realize you need, this conversation really pulls you into it.<br/><br/>We also talk about his background in the advertising world, how storytelling has changed, and what it looks like to create meaningful work in a digital-first space.<br/><br/>And because it’s us… we mix in some fun games too.<br/><br/>If you’re into animals, travel, creativity, or just need a mental reset, you’re going to love this one.</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We’re sitting down with Sean Crane, National Geographic wildlife photographer and founder of Crane Wildlife Tours, and talking about what it actually feels like to step away from the noise and fully disconnect in a world that never really turns off.<br/><br/>We get into what it’s like to go on one of his bucket-list safaris, where you’re not just experiencing wild places and animals up close, but having it all documented by someone who’s spent his career telling stories at the highest level. From unexpected, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters to the quiet moments you don’t realize you need, this conversation really pulls you into it.<br/><br/>We also talk about his background in the advertising world, how storytelling has changed, and what it looks like to create meaningful work in a digital-first space.<br/><br/>And because it’s us… we mix in some fun games too.<br/><br/>If you’re into animals, travel, creativity, or just need a mental reset, you’re going to love this one.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Ellie Doyle</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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  <psc:chapter start="0:00" title="Introduction to Connecticut Unfiltered" />
  <psc:chapter start="0:52" title="Meet Sean Crane: Wildlife Photographer" />
  <psc:chapter start="9:49" title="The Journey of a Wildlife Photographer" />
  <psc:chapter start="16:58" title="Wildlife Tours: Experience Over Capture" />
  <psc:chapter start="25:28" title="The Unique Aspects of Wildlife Safaris" />
  <psc:chapter start="31:16" title="Back From Break" />
  <psc:chapter start="37:40" title="Connecting Through Wildlife Experiences" />
  <psc:chapter start="40:50" title="The Dangers of Wildlife: Hippos and Humans" />
  <psc:chapter start="42:03" title="Sounds of the Wild: Howler Monkeys and More" />
  <psc:chapter start="48:32" title="Traveling Responsibly: Interactions with Wildlife" />
  <psc:chapter start="50:17" title="Fears and Fascinations: Personal Wildlife Experiences" />
  <psc:chapter start="1:00:26" title="Social Media&#39;s Impact on Wildlife Photography" />
  <psc:chapter start="1:07:44" title="Navigating the New Age of Influencers" />
  <psc:chapter start="1:10:36" title="Fun Animal Trivia and Nonprofit Advocacy" />
  <psc:chapter start="1:14:11" title="Ripley Waterfowel Conservancy" />
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    <itunes:duration>4619</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
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    <itunes:title>Kathleen Roche Unfiltered</itunes:title>
    <title>Kathleen Roche Unfiltered</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Kathleen Roche from Connecticut Bucket List joins me to talk about a big question right now: is the influencer as we know it changing?  We get honest about what being an influencer actually looks like in 2026, from social media icks and body image pressures to how brand partnerships, travel content, and audience expectations have evolved. Kathleen also shares what’s still on her Connecticut bucket list and how creators are adapting in an oversaturated content world.  If you’ve been wondering ...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Kathleen Roche from Connecticut Bucket List joins me to talk about a big question right now: is the influencer as we know it changing?<br/><br/>We get honest about what being an influencer actually looks like in 2026, from social media icks and body image pressures to how brand partnerships, travel content, and audience expectations have evolved. Kathleen also shares what’s still on her Connecticut bucket list and how creators are adapting in an oversaturated content world.<br/><br/>If you’ve been wondering whether influencing is declining or simply evolving, this episode gives a real look at the future of creators and digital influence</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Kathleen Roche from Connecticut Bucket List joins me to talk about a big question right now: is the influencer as we know it changing?<br/><br/>We get honest about what being an influencer actually looks like in 2026, from social media icks and body image pressures to how brand partnerships, travel content, and audience expectations have evolved. Kathleen also shares what’s still on her Connecticut bucket list and how creators are adapting in an oversaturated content world.<br/><br/>If you’ve been wondering whether influencing is declining or simply evolving, this episode gives a real look at the future of creators and digital influence</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Ellie Doyle</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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  <psc:chapter start="0:00" title="Introduction to Connecticut Unfiltered" />
  <psc:chapter start="0:51" title="Kathleen Roche: From Bucket List to Influencer" />
  <psc:chapter start="4:00" title="The Evolution of Connecticut&#39;s Image" />
  <psc:chapter start="9:14" title="Navigating the Influencer Landscape" />
  <psc:chapter start="11:14" title="Influencer Inspiration" />
  <psc:chapter start="15:19" title="Traveling Beyond Connecticut" />
  <psc:chapter start="20:41" title="The Growth of Connecticut Bucket List" />
  <psc:chapter start="24:26" title="Connecticut Business Grants" />
  <psc:chapter start="26:28" title="Authenticity in Influencing" />
  <psc:chapter start="32:37" title="Handling Criticism and Trolls" />
  <psc:chapter start="35:37" title="Break" />
  <psc:chapter start="37:21" title="Back From The Break" />
  <psc:chapter start="37:27" title="Behind the Scenes Of an Influencer" />
  <psc:chapter start="39:11" title="Friendships and Personal Growth" />
  <psc:chapter start="42:32" title="Influencer Management" />
  <psc:chapter start="47:39" title="Authenticity in Brand Collaborations" />
  <psc:chapter start="51:36" title="The Role of AI in Content Creation" />
  <psc:chapter start="54:38" title="Marker 18" />
  <psc:chapter start="59:58" title="Exploring Connecticut&#39;s Hidden Gems" />
  <psc:chapter start="1:02:12" title="The Future of Influencing" />
  <psc:chapter start="1:08:14" title="Social media &quot;ICKs&quot;" />
  <psc:chapter start="1:12:54" title="Non Profit SHOUT OUT" />
  <psc:chapter start="1:14:44" title="Contact and Subscribe" />
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    <itunes:duration>4510</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords></itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
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    <itunes:title>Anthony Anthony Unfiltered</itunes:title>
    <title>Anthony Anthony Unfiltered</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In the first episode of Connecticut Unfiltered, we talk with Anthony Anthony, former Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Connecticut, about the strategy behind positioning Connecticut as the Pizza Capital of the Nation, what it takes to shift a state’s reputation, and why authentic storytelling drives real impact. Anthony also shares why he stepped away from public office to launch Running Club Consulting — a firm focused on helping organizations, leaders, and brands build movements thro...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In the first episode of Connecticut Unfiltered, we talk with Anthony Anthony, former Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Connecticut, about the strategy behind positioning Connecticut as the Pizza Capital of the Nation, what it takes to shift a state’s reputation, and why authentic storytelling drives real impact.<br/>Anthony also shares why he stepped away from public office to launch Running Club Consulting — a firm focused on helping organizations, leaders, and brands build movements through clarity, identity, and connection.<br/>Learn how marketing, culture, and community intersect to shape how people experience Connecticut today.Learn more &amp; get involved:<br/>Support Connecticut Foodshare<br/>https://www.ctfoodshare.org<br/>Support Feeding Families Foundation<br/>https://www.feedingfamilies.org</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In the first episode of Connecticut Unfiltered, we talk with Anthony Anthony, former Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Connecticut, about the strategy behind positioning Connecticut as the Pizza Capital of the Nation, what it takes to shift a state’s reputation, and why authentic storytelling drives real impact.<br/>Anthony also shares why he stepped away from public office to launch Running Club Consulting — a firm focused on helping organizations, leaders, and brands build movements through clarity, identity, and connection.<br/>Learn how marketing, culture, and community intersect to shape how people experience Connecticut today.Learn more &amp; get involved:<br/>Support Connecticut Foodshare<br/>https://www.ctfoodshare.org<br/>Support Feeding Families Foundation<br/>https://www.feedingfamilies.org</p>]]></content:encoded>
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    <itunes:author>Ellie Doyle</itunes:author>
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    <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
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  <psc:chapter start="0:00" title="Welcome to Connecticut Unfiltered" />
  <psc:chapter start="0:36" title="Meet Anthony Anthony: The Pizza CMO" />
  <psc:chapter start="4:13" title="Family Life and Upbringing" />
  <psc:chapter start="11:19" title="The Journey to Connecticut" />
  <psc:chapter start="18:38" title="Marketing Connecticut: The Pizza Campaign" />
  <psc:chapter start="25:52" title="Transitioning to Running Club" />
  <psc:chapter start="30:53" title="The Future of Running Club" />
  <psc:chapter start="53:18" title="Living and Thriving in Connecticut" />
  <psc:chapter start="1:03:19" title="Community and Nonprofit Engagement" />
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    <itunes:duration>4025</itunes:duration>
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    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
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