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Baltimore Positive Classic

Karen Falkler

The kind of leadership that begins at the top

On the Maryland Crab Cake Tour at Greenmount Station in Hampstead, Karen Falkler discusses the importance of mental and physical wellness for leaders. A former physical therapist, she now focuses on advisory leadership, emphasizing the inter-connectedness of physical, mental, communication, and time (PMCT) wellness. She also highlights the impact of the pandemic on mental health and the need for leaders to prioritize their well-being.

Nestor Aparicio media guy

My fall journalism “Declaration of Independence” – Breaking ‘kayfabe’ on how we’re going to cover Orioles and Ravens after 40 years

What does it say that Nestor Aparicio has been professionally bullied, gaslit and banned by Orioles and Ravens ownership after four decades of covering Baltimore sports as a professional reporter, author and journalist? Plenty. About billionaires, money, fealty and the death of local sports journalism and the emergence of team websites as monopoly “news” sources. Read and learn…

David Rubenstein Orioles owner

Dear David Rubenstein: I really believed things were going to be different with “The Next Chapter” of Orioles history – but I was wrong so far

I’m still “under review” and denied media credentials. You’re still under review by every fan of the Baltimore Orioles and every citizen who chipped in $600 million toward your $1.725 billion asset. Be a better person and a better baseball owner than Peter Angelos. Be the noise for truth, accountability and decency. Make “The Next Chapter” a truly inclusive one, David.

Ross Greenburg HBO

There’s no knocking the legacy of “Hard Knocks” with legendary HBO producer Ross Greenburg

It’s been nearly a quarter of a century and sports documentaries as we all know them were seeded by the work of longtime HBO president Ross Greenburg, who returns to discuss how the landscape has changed and broadened for storytelling and entertaining since Steve Sabol partnered to create the first “Hard Knocks” with the Modells and Brian Billick and the Baltimore Ravens in 2001.

Dear Steve Bisciotti: Ask Chad Steele what he thinks I said about Sage so I can tell Ravens fans why I was really exterminated

“What did do you do wrong, Nestor?” “Why would the Ravens throw you out?” “Why are you the only one in the local media whom they’ve thrown out?” “Why have they treated you this way?” “WHAT DID YOU DO WRONG!?!” I am fed up with these questions from Baltimore sports fans so I wrote to the owner because these questions are his to answer. Letters to John Harbaugh and Eric DeCosta are also coming soon.

Unitas to Unitas Johnny U

The power to still unite us through the words and wisdom of Johnny Unitas

It’s taken Joe Unitas a long time to finally write a book of his father’s tales, advice and the father-to-son wisdom that only the son of the greatest quarterback of his generation could hand down through storytelling. The new book “Unitas To Unitas” is now available. Let the son of Number 19 tell you about the Johnny U he knew.

Joshua Humbert Coppin

Everything that makes Coppin State great

Coppin State Vice President for Advancement Joshua Humbert tells Nestor what makes the Eagles’ campus a place to brag about in West Baltimore, highlighting the university’s recent achievements, including a rise in national rankings, increased fundraising, and enhanced technology and facilities. Humbert emphasizes the importance of philanthropy and community support, noting that Coppin has raised $17 million of its $25 million campaign goal.

No One Listens Aparicio Nestor Nasty

Watch “No One Listens; Everyone Hears” – The Media Story of Nestor Aparicio, WNST and Baltimore Positive

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn. Watch “No One Listens; Everyone Hears” – The Story of Baltimore Positive, Nestor Aparicio & WNST” here. A documentary film narrated by Kyf Brewer, Gina Schock, Mickey Cucchiella, Mike Brilhart, John Allen, Ray Bachman and Bill Cole. Special and eternal thanks to Gregg Landry and Blue Rock Productions for the spiritual guidance and documentary awesomeness on this project. Nestor and his family and partners would like to thank every one of you for four decades of support of WNST, our sponsors and advertisers who allow us to do this Baltimore Positive thing.

Shelbie Rassler SpiderVerse conductor

Conducting her way through the Spider-Verse with love, sweet love

Family friend (and once little girl playing the piano and banging the drums) Shelbie Rassler is conducting the Spiderman Across the Spider-Verse orchestra as the show comes to The Lyric on November 15th. Wait’ll you hear her Burt Bacharach story about the world needing love, sweet love…

Howard Scher Baltimore Skipjacks hockey

Skippers On The Warpath!!! A Baltimore hockey tribute to Jeff Amdur

Recently, we lost Baltimore Skipjacks superfan Jeff Amdur. In the spirit of the good ole’ hockey game, Nestor gathered his best puck pal Howard Scher at Mama’s On The Half Shell in Owings Mills to recount the tales of exciting 1980s AHL action at the Baltimore Civic Center.

Pizza John's Crab Cake Luke John Keller 2

An Essex birthday with crab cakes and old friends talking new Orioles ownership issues

When Nestor’s old pal John Keller appeared for his birthday Maryland Crab Cake Tour stop at Pizza John’s in Essex, Luke Jones and Nestor shared the crinkle cut french fries and gravy over a long conversation about the Orioles’ future with fans in and out of market and growing the brand of Baltimore baseball. And, yes, Pizza John’s has a crab cake!

The Urban Oyster benedict Hampden

Day 4: Maryland Oyster Tour A divine brunch in Hampden with fritter Benedict deliciousness

We can’t say that we’ve ever had an oyster fritter. And certainly never on savory french toast covered with a perfectly poached egg glazed in scrumptious velvety Hollandaise. Day 4 of The Maryland Oyster Tour took Nestor to Hampden and the absolutely divine oyster fritter and eggs Benedict at The Urban Oyster on The Avenue for Sunday brunch. This might’ve been the best thing we tasted on the tour!

Pizza John's Leonard Raskin pineapple

Pouring East Baltimore love into the ingredients and Essex community at Pizza John’s

Yes, they’ll put pineapple on it for you at Pizza John’s but traditions – new and old – are still waiting for you on Back River Neck Road in Essex. Brett Steall of Pizza John’s and Leonard Raskin join Nestor on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour to discuss this venerable and established-in-1966, family-owned treasure known for its consistent pizza quality and local community ties. Oh, and that memorable pepperoni…

Phil Jackman Evening Sun

For the love of our legendary “Uncle” Phil Jackman

The world lost a force of nature. We lost a dear friend, mentor and spiritual north star when longtime sportswriter and columnist Phil Jackman of The Evening Sun died at 87 last week. This is a 2003 sitdown with the reformed TV repairman. It’s two hours of his life, views on sports and the world and tales never told about Ali, Yaz, Earl Weaver and Andre The Giant.

Damye Hahn Faidleys James Bond Living Classrooms Oyster

Getting educated about the importance of the Oyster Recovery Partnership

As we start to shuck and enjoy 26 oysters, 26 ways in 26 days, please allow Damye Hahn of Faidley Seafood in Lexington Market and James Bond of Living Classrooms to educate you about the power of the Oyster Recovery Partnership to restore the Chesapeake Bay and make the water cleaner and the crabs to thrive and grow bigger and tastier.

Raskin Wrestling Capital Centre Costas

You never forget that first big event at Capital Centre!

Was it ZZ Top, Rush or Ted Nugent? Was it Hulk Hogan as a heel vs. Bob Backlund or Dusty Rhodes coming north? Was it Wayne Gretzky or Magic Johnson or Larry Bird? Nestor Aparicio and Leonard Raskin reminisce about their youth and experiences at Capital Centre and discuss the significance of keeping mementos from their past experiences.

Maryland Health Exchange Ratner Battaglia

The power and importance of health insurance and access to finding it today

Trying to educate folks about their health on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour at Costas Inn, Nestor welcomes his lifer Dundalk High friend Theresa Battaglia and former editor colleague at The Baltimore Sun Andrew Ratner to learn about the power of Maryland Health Benefit Exchange for all citizens.

Coppin State Anthony Jenkins

Coming back to Coppin State and The Nest

In the first of many Coppin State conversations in our 14th year of Baltimore Positive partnership as the WNST flagship of Eagles sports, President Dr. Anthony Jenkins returns to get Nestor for another semester of learning and life in West Baltimore, where the campus and spirit grows at The Nest.

John Eisenberg Bird Tapes

Eisenberg on thud of Orioles quick exit: “It was not appealing baseball”

Our mentor and longtime columnist at The Baltimore Sun, John Eisenberg returns with more lost Bird Tapes telling the history of Orioles baseball, and schools Nestor on Orioles offseason ownership history and some Washington and Baltimore football lore as the Commanders come north to face the Ravens.

Empty Oriole Park playoffs

Did Mr. Rubenstein and Catie Griggs see all of Orioles empty seats for playoff games at Camden Yards?

If the whole sections of empty green seats at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in October don’t send a bright orange signal for change and improvement to the new ownership of the Baltimore Orioles, there is no hope. Luke Jones and Nestor wonder aloud where the franchise goes – on and off the field – with new owner David Rubenstein in what they hope will be an offseason of massive transition and accountability that fans haven’t witnessed in three decades.

Getting an invite to the best party of the year

Our forever pal James Bond of the Living Classrooms Foundation gets Nestor ready for Maritime Magic in Fells Point on October 4th. Come down and eat and drink and dance and learn and support one of the great groups that is working to lift and grow Baltimore!

What comes next for Congressman John Sarbanes?

Soon transitioning into a life after political service, Congressman John Sarbanes tells Nestor about his vision for his next chapter after 16 years serving the 3rd District emphasizing his commitment to civics, democracy, health, and the environment.

A focus on The Life Of Nestor Aparicio with “He’s Holy, I’m Knott” podcast

It was poolside on a 110-degree day in May 2024 at the Las Vegas Wynn resort and Encore pool as part of the Maryland contingent of business leaders who gather annually in Sin City for networking and discussion. Nestor Aparicio shares deep thoughts on his life and work as examined and questioned on “He’s Holy, I’m Knott” with Reverend Alvin Hathaway and local business leader Martin Knott, Jr. His 40-year media journey highlighting his passion for sports and extensive Baltimore sports media work and leadership bring some revelations here.

Mark Viviano gives Nestor his best real advice about Baltimore media access

After three decades of being media colleagues in Baltimore, former WJZ sports director Mark Viviano finally joins Nestor and Ko-host Ricig at Koco’s Pub for a candid chat about Baltimore sports journalism – past, present and future. And last October in Arlington when WNST had its media access threatened by the Orioles and his best advice.

Finally playing “This is your life!” with Mark Viviano after all of these years

After three decades of behind-the-scenes friendship working for “rival” media companies, the freshly retired Mark Viviano finally joins Nestor to discuss their long-standing careers in sports journalism, reflecting on mutual experiences and personal connections. From St. Louis to Baltimore via Atlanta, Dayton and Cedar Rapids, Viv’s memory of their first-ever radio chat via Chicago 25 years ago even makes Nestor blush.

The genius of Ricig and getting inside the mind of a sports cartoonist (and journalist)

It is no secret that lifer sports cartoonist Mike Ricigliano is Nestor’s oldest friend in Baltimore media. They discuss the 40th anniversary of their friendship and the folding of Sportsf1rst and The News American and how the sports scene in Baltimore has inspired them both for a lifetime at Koco’s Pub as the Orioles and Ravens threaten another championship parade down Pratt Street.

Telling the folks at Koco’s Pub in Lauraville why the world loves them so much

It’s been a rough summer for our friends at Koco’s Pub with HVAC and crazy electrical failures on the city grid. But when you’re beloved like them, the world comes in for a social media crab cake rescue on hot summer nights. Let Marcella Knight and Eric Campbell tell you about Lauraville love while they serve Nestor the first oyster of his Maryland Oyster Tour.

Sharing our memories of the Baltimore Stallions and Grey Cup glory in CFL

Local author and Towson media professor Ron Snyder shares more memories from his book on the Baltimore Stallions and the two CFL Grey Cup years in the mid 1990s and invites folks to his new documentary screening and discussion on the team’s football impact on Baltimore sports history. It premiers at Towson University on September 24.

Karen Falkler

The kind of leadership that begins at the top

On the Maryland Crab Cake Tour at Greenmount Station in Hampstead, Karen Falkler discusses the importance of mental and physical wellness for leaders. A former physical therapist, she now focuses on advisory leadership, emphasizing the inter-connectedness of physical, mental, communication, and time (PMCT) wellness. She also highlights the impact of the pandemic on mental health and the need for leaders to prioritize their well-being.

Nestor Aparicio media guy

My fall journalism “Declaration of Independence” – Breaking ‘kayfabe’ on how we’re going to cover Orioles and Ravens after 40 years

What does it say that Nestor Aparicio has been professionally bullied, gaslit and banned by Orioles and Ravens ownership after four decades of covering Baltimore sports as a professional reporter, author and journalist? Plenty. About billionaires, money, fealty and the death of local sports journalism and the emergence of team websites as monopoly “news” sources. Read and learn…

David Rubenstein Orioles owner

Dear David Rubenstein: I really believed things were going to be different with “The Next Chapter” of Orioles history – but I was wrong so far

I’m still “under review” and denied media credentials. You’re still under review by every fan of the Baltimore Orioles and every citizen who chipped in $600 million toward your $1.725 billion asset. Be a better person and a better baseball owner than Peter Angelos. Be the noise for truth, accountability and decency. Make “The Next Chapter” a truly inclusive one, David.

Ross Greenburg HBO

There’s no knocking the legacy of “Hard Knocks” with legendary HBO producer Ross Greenburg

It’s been nearly a quarter of a century and sports documentaries as we all know them were seeded by the work of longtime HBO president Ross Greenburg, who returns to discuss how the landscape has changed and broadened for storytelling and entertaining since Steve Sabol partnered to create the first “Hard Knocks” with the Modells and Brian Billick and the Baltimore Ravens in 2001.

Dear Steve Bisciotti: Ask Chad Steele what he thinks I said about Sage so I can tell Ravens fans why I was really exterminated

“What did do you do wrong, Nestor?” “Why would the Ravens throw you out?” “Why are you the only one in the local media whom they’ve thrown out?” “Why have they treated you this way?” “WHAT DID YOU DO WRONG!?!” I am fed up with these questions from Baltimore sports fans so I wrote to the owner because these questions are his to answer. Letters to John Harbaugh and Eric DeCosta are also coming soon.

Unitas to Unitas Johnny U

The power to still unite us through the words and wisdom of Johnny Unitas

It’s taken Joe Unitas a long time to finally write a book of his father’s tales, advice and the father-to-son wisdom that only the son of the greatest quarterback of his generation could hand down through storytelling. The new book “Unitas To Unitas” is now available. Let the son of Number 19 tell you about the Johnny U he knew.

Joshua Humbert Coppin

Everything that makes Coppin State great

Coppin State Vice President for Advancement Joshua Humbert tells Nestor what makes the Eagles’ campus a place to brag about in West Baltimore, highlighting the university’s recent achievements, including a rise in national rankings, increased fundraising, and enhanced technology and facilities. Humbert emphasizes the importance of philanthropy and community support, noting that Coppin has raised $17 million of its $25 million campaign goal.

No One Listens Aparicio Nestor Nasty

Watch “No One Listens; Everyone Hears” – The Media Story of Nestor Aparicio, WNST and Baltimore Positive

You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll learn. Watch “No One Listens; Everyone Hears” – The Story of Baltimore Positive, Nestor Aparicio & WNST” here. A documentary film narrated by Kyf Brewer, Gina Schock, Mickey Cucchiella, Mike Brilhart, John Allen, Ray Bachman and Bill Cole. Special and eternal thanks to Gregg Landry and Blue Rock Productions for the spiritual guidance and documentary awesomeness on this project. Nestor and his family and partners would like to thank every one of you for four decades of support of WNST, our sponsors and advertisers who allow us to do this Baltimore Positive thing.

Shelbie Rassler SpiderVerse conductor

Conducting her way through the Spider-Verse with love, sweet love

Family friend (and once little girl playing the piano and banging the drums) Shelbie Rassler is conducting the Spiderman Across the Spider-Verse orchestra as the show comes to The Lyric on November 15th. Wait’ll you hear her Burt Bacharach story about the world needing love, sweet love…

Howard Scher Baltimore Skipjacks hockey

Skippers On The Warpath!!! A Baltimore hockey tribute to Jeff Amdur

Recently, we lost Baltimore Skipjacks superfan Jeff Amdur. In the spirit of the good ole’ hockey game, Nestor gathered his best puck pal Howard Scher at Mama’s On The Half Shell in Owings Mills to recount the tales of exciting 1980s AHL action at the Baltimore Civic Center.

Pizza John's Crab Cake Luke John Keller 2

An Essex birthday with crab cakes and old friends talking new Orioles ownership issues

When Nestor’s old pal John Keller appeared for his birthday Maryland Crab Cake Tour stop at Pizza John’s in Essex, Luke Jones and Nestor shared the crinkle cut french fries and gravy over a long conversation about the Orioles’ future with fans in and out of market and growing the brand of Baltimore baseball. And, yes, Pizza John’s has a crab cake!

The Urban Oyster benedict Hampden

Day 4: Maryland Oyster Tour A divine brunch in Hampden with fritter Benedict deliciousness

We can’t say that we’ve ever had an oyster fritter. And certainly never on savory french toast covered with a perfectly poached egg glazed in scrumptious velvety Hollandaise. Day 4 of The Maryland Oyster Tour took Nestor to Hampden and the absolutely divine oyster fritter and eggs Benedict at The Urban Oyster on The Avenue for Sunday brunch. This might’ve been the best thing we tasted on the tour!

Pizza John's Leonard Raskin pineapple

Pouring East Baltimore love into the ingredients and Essex community at Pizza John’s

Yes, they’ll put pineapple on it for you at Pizza John’s but traditions – new and old – are still waiting for you on Back River Neck Road in Essex. Brett Steall of Pizza John’s and Leonard Raskin join Nestor on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour to discuss this venerable and established-in-1966, family-owned treasure known for its consistent pizza quality and local community ties. Oh, and that memorable pepperoni…

Phil Jackman Evening Sun

For the love of our legendary “Uncle” Phil Jackman

The world lost a force of nature. We lost a dear friend, mentor and spiritual north star when longtime sportswriter and columnist Phil Jackman of The Evening Sun died at 87 last week. This is a 2003 sitdown with the reformed TV repairman. It’s two hours of his life, views on sports and the world and tales never told about Ali, Yaz, Earl Weaver and Andre The Giant.

Damye Hahn Faidleys James Bond Living Classrooms Oyster

Getting educated about the importance of the Oyster Recovery Partnership

As we start to shuck and enjoy 26 oysters, 26 ways in 26 days, please allow Damye Hahn of Faidley Seafood in Lexington Market and James Bond of Living Classrooms to educate you about the power of the Oyster Recovery Partnership to restore the Chesapeake Bay and make the water cleaner and the crabs to thrive and grow bigger and tastier.

Raskin Wrestling Capital Centre Costas

You never forget that first big event at Capital Centre!

Was it ZZ Top, Rush or Ted Nugent? Was it Hulk Hogan as a heel vs. Bob Backlund or Dusty Rhodes coming north? Was it Wayne Gretzky or Magic Johnson or Larry Bird? Nestor Aparicio and Leonard Raskin reminisce about their youth and experiences at Capital Centre and discuss the significance of keeping mementos from their past experiences.

Maryland Health Exchange Ratner Battaglia

The power and importance of health insurance and access to finding it today

Trying to educate folks about their health on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour at Costas Inn, Nestor welcomes his lifer Dundalk High friend Theresa Battaglia and former editor colleague at The Baltimore Sun Andrew Ratner to learn about the power of Maryland Health Benefit Exchange for all citizens.

Coppin State Anthony Jenkins

Coming back to Coppin State and The Nest

In the first of many Coppin State conversations in our 14th year of Baltimore Positive partnership as the WNST flagship of Eagles sports, President Dr. Anthony Jenkins returns to get Nestor for another semester of learning and life in West Baltimore, where the campus and spirit grows at The Nest.

John Eisenberg Bird Tapes

Eisenberg on thud of Orioles quick exit: “It was not appealing baseball”

Our mentor and longtime columnist at The Baltimore Sun, John Eisenberg returns with more lost Bird Tapes telling the history of Orioles baseball, and schools Nestor on Orioles offseason ownership history and some Washington and Baltimore football lore as the Commanders come north to face the Ravens.

Empty Oriole Park playoffs

Did Mr. Rubenstein and Catie Griggs see all of Orioles empty seats for playoff games at Camden Yards?

If the whole sections of empty green seats at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in October don’t send a bright orange signal for change and improvement to the new ownership of the Baltimore Orioles, there is no hope. Luke Jones and Nestor wonder aloud where the franchise goes – on and off the field – with new owner David Rubenstein in what they hope will be an offseason of massive transition and accountability that fans haven’t witnessed in three decades.

Getting an invite to the best party of the year

Our forever pal James Bond of the Living Classrooms Foundation gets Nestor ready for Maritime Magic in Fells Point on October 4th. Come down and eat and drink and dance and learn and support one of the great groups that is working to lift and grow Baltimore!

What comes next for Congressman John Sarbanes?

Soon transitioning into a life after political service, Congressman John Sarbanes tells Nestor about his vision for his next chapter after 16 years serving the 3rd District emphasizing his commitment to civics, democracy, health, and the environment.

A focus on The Life Of Nestor Aparicio with “He’s Holy, I’m Knott” podcast

It was poolside on a 110-degree day in May 2024 at the Las Vegas Wynn resort and Encore pool as part of the Maryland contingent of business leaders who gather annually in Sin City for networking and discussion. Nestor Aparicio shares deep thoughts on his life and work as examined and questioned on “He’s Holy, I’m Knott” with Reverend Alvin Hathaway and local business leader Martin Knott, Jr. His 40-year media journey highlighting his passion for sports and extensive Baltimore sports media work and leadership bring some revelations here.

Mark Viviano gives Nestor his best real advice about Baltimore media access

After three decades of being media colleagues in Baltimore, former WJZ sports director Mark Viviano finally joins Nestor and Ko-host Ricig at Koco’s Pub for a candid chat about Baltimore sports journalism – past, present and future. And last October in Arlington when WNST had its media access threatened by the Orioles and his best advice.

Finally playing “This is your life!” with Mark Viviano after all of these years

After three decades of behind-the-scenes friendship working for “rival” media companies, the freshly retired Mark Viviano finally joins Nestor to discuss their long-standing careers in sports journalism, reflecting on mutual experiences and personal connections. From St. Louis to Baltimore via Atlanta, Dayton and Cedar Rapids, Viv’s memory of their first-ever radio chat via Chicago 25 years ago even makes Nestor blush.

The genius of Ricig and getting inside the mind of a sports cartoonist (and journalist)

It is no secret that lifer sports cartoonist Mike Ricigliano is Nestor’s oldest friend in Baltimore media. They discuss the 40th anniversary of their friendship and the folding of Sportsf1rst and The News American and how the sports scene in Baltimore has inspired them both for a lifetime at Koco’s Pub as the Orioles and Ravens threaten another championship parade down Pratt Street.

Telling the folks at Koco’s Pub in Lauraville why the world loves them so much

It’s been a rough summer for our friends at Koco’s Pub with HVAC and crazy electrical failures on the city grid. But when you’re beloved like them, the world comes in for a social media crab cake rescue on hot summer nights. Let Marcella Knight and Eric Campbell tell you about Lauraville love while they serve Nestor the first oyster of his Maryland Oyster Tour.

Sharing our memories of the Baltimore Stallions and Grey Cup glory in CFL

Local author and Towson media professor Ron Snyder shares more memories from his book on the Baltimore Stallions and the two CFL Grey Cup years in the mid 1990s and invites folks to his new documentary screening and discussion on the team’s football impact on Baltimore sports history. It premiers at Towson University on September 24.

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