Next Steps Show

Today, Michael Hennessy, Executive Director of Youth for Christ Rochester and host of Good News Talk, joins Peter Vazquez and Bob Savage on The Next Steps Show as New Yorkers prepare for the November 3 election. They examine voter responsibility, the role of conscience, and the standards citizens expect their public officials to uphold.
A social-media comment about a church supporting a state Senate candidate prompts a discussion of religious liberty, the Johnson Amendment, and political speech by religious organizations. Caller Keith joins a conversation about internet information, literacy, and critical thinking. The hosts also discuss families, parental responsibility, education, and political philosophies.
The conversation explores how faith, public service, and political judgment intersect. Hennessy discusses his work with Youth for Christ Rochester, his own ministry, and Good News Talk. Political and legal interpretations discussed on air represent the speakers' views, not independently established findings.
Learn more: https://yfcrochester.org/. Original broadcast: October 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern. The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez on WYSL/WLEA, Voice of Liberty Network. Putting People First.

Today, Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, the Republican and Conservative candidate for New York lieutenant governor on Bruce Blakeman's ticket, joins Peter Vazquez and Bob Savage to examine public safety, the cost of government, and what accountability should mean to voters.
Hood discusses his law-enforcement experience, bail reform, juvenile crime, corrections staffing, and the work required to protect communities while respecting constitutional rights. The conversation turns to state taxes, spending, proposed income-tax relief, election polling, and the challenge of keeping families and opportunity in New York. His campaign claims and proposals are presented as his views, not independently verified findings.
Later in the broadcast, Democratic New York State Assembly candidate Mercedes Vazquez-Simmons joins to discuss affordability, utility bills, neighborhood concerns, campaign signs, and public service. Peter and Bob continue with listener calls about voting and Second Amendment issues. The closing discussion marks National Internet Day and asks whether greater digital access has made Americans more independent or overly reliant on technology.
Original broadcast: October 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern. The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez on WYSL/WLEA, Voice of Liberty Network. Putting People First.

Today, Peter D. Elder, Monroe County Republican Commissioner of Elections and chairman of the Monroe County Republican Committee, joins host Peter Vazquez on The Next Steps Show to discuss election administration, voter confidence, absentee-ballot delays, and the responsibility of political leaders to the public.
On the 140th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty's dedication, the conversation begins with American liberty, citizenship and the duty to participate in elections. Elder responds to caller concerns about early-voting procedures, ballot security, mailed-ballot delays, and how the Board of Elections addresses reported problems. The conversation also examines Republican candidate recruitment and competitive Monroe County races.
The broadcast includes live conversations with Chili Town Supervisor Dave Dunning and New York State Assembly District 136 candidate Cleanda Florent about local leadership, schools, families and community priorities. Caller questions and candidate opinions are presented as their own statements, not as independently established findings.
Original broadcast: October 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern. The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez on WYSL/WLEA, Voice of Liberty Network. Putting People First.

Today, Orlando Rivera, the Republican and Conservative candidate for New York State Senate District 56, joins Peter Vazquez and Bob Savage to discuss what government should deliver for the people it represents. Rivera discusses his community involvement, business background, and experience with the Rochester Hispanic Business Association and the city Civil Service Commission.
The interview covers public safety, criminal justice policy, youth and families, immigration, local business opportunities, workforce training, housing costs, and state spending. Rivera presents his views on the race and explains the priorities he would pursue in Albany. His policy positions are presented as those of the candidate.
Learn more about the candidate: https://orlandojrivera.com/. Original broadcast: October 27, 2026. The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez on WYSL/WLEA. Putting People First.

Today, Evelyn Lemly, Chief Executive Officer of Kairos Prison Ministry International, joins Peter Vazquez to explore accountability, faith, rehabilitation, and second chances. As Kairos marks 50 years of ministry, Lemly explains how volunteers support incarcerated people and how relationships can continue after release.
Before the interview, Peter and Bob Savage speak with listeners about New York bail reform, public safety, domestic violence, and what meaningful rehabilitation requires while keeping victims and community protection central.
Lemly shares a personal transformation story and describes opportunities to volunteer and support Kairos. Learn more: https://kairosprisonministry.org/.
Original broadcast: October 26, 2026. The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez on WYSL/WLEA. Putting People First.

Today, Peter Vazquez and Bob Savage examine immigration, political accountability, and the growing division between public accusations and verifiable facts.
The conversation begins with political stereotyping of Latino voters, the influence of social media, and questions surrounding political messaging in New York's elections.
Peter and Bob also examine a warning about extremism in Europe, the national debate over immigration enforcement, and allegations involving Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Through selected audio clips, including Omar's own response, they consider the importance of evidence, due process, and accountability when serious allegations involve public officials.
From immigration policy to election integrity, the discussion challenges listeners to evaluate political arguments carefully, recognize the difference between allegations and established facts, and take civic responsibility seriously.
Original broadcast: October 22, 2026.
The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez | WYSL/WLEA Voice of Liberty Network
Putting People First.

Today, Gregg Sadwick, U.S. Navy veteran, president of Solid Services and Flower City Collision, and former congressional candidate for New York's 25th District, returns to The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez.
What happens when political promises collide with the everyday realities of operating a business, raising a family, and paying the bills?
Peter, Gregg, and Bob Savage examine the congressional debate in New York's 24th District, tariffs, nuclear energy, rising costs, and the challenges facing small businesses. Their discussion also questions traditional political divisions and whether elected officials are delivering measurable results for the people they represent.
The conversation turns to affordability, economic opportunity, childcare, and the responsibility of individuals and government to create a stronger future for the next generation.
Original broadcast: October 21, 2026.
The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez | WYSL/WLEA Voice of Liberty Network
Putting People First.

Today, Nick Kangadis of MRC Video and MRCTV joins Peter Vazquez and Bob Savage for a hard-hitting discussion about political rhetoric, media accountability, and the growing influence of outrage over facts.
The conversation examines MRC's Worst Media Quote of the Week, controversial statements from Ana Navarro, Keith Olbermann, and Hayley Williams, and commentary involving Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. The discussion also explores free speech, political comedy, the responsibility of public figures, and whether political campaigns have become more about attacking opponents than addressing the issues.
Following Nick's interview, Peter and Bob open the phone lines for a broader discussion about America's political and cultural direction. Callers Keith and Kevin contribute their perspectives on developments in France, immigration, national identity, political division, and the importance of American liberty.
The conversation also addresses New York's gubernatorial and legislative races, the No Kings protests, arguments surrounding immigration and Indigenous land, and the role of faith, family, and personal responsibility in American life.
A memorable Archie Bunker audio clip helps bring the discussion back to one of the day's central messages: voting is a civic responsibility. Peter and Bob challenge listeners to understand the candidates, prepare for the election, and make their voices heard.
Original broadcast: October 19, 2026.
The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez | WYSL/WLEA Voice of Liberty Network
Putting People First.

Today, Kim Hermance, President and Co-Director of Project CIVICA, returns to The Next Steps Show with host Peter Vazquez to confront a fundamental question: Who holds election officials accountable when voter records raise questions that deserve answers?
 
With New York's November 3 election approaching, Hermance discusses Project CIVICA's Open Doors and Red Flags in the Rolls investigations. The conversation examines voter-registration records, noncitizen indicators, potential duplicate registrations, out-of-state addresses, and the differences between county and statewide voter databases. The organization's findings raise questions requiring further investigation, not automatic proof of unlawful voting.
 
Peter and Kim explore Freedom of Information Law requests, federal and state election oversight, litigation involving voter-record access, automatic voter-registration concerns, and the importance of transparent, verifiable election administration.
 
But election integrity extends beyond databases. They discuss local campaign complaints, voter participation, poll watching, citizen research, political leadership, and the responsibility of ordinary Americans to move beyond frustration and take constructive civic action.
 
The message is clear: Public confidence requires accountability, lawful participation, and a willingness to examine the facts. Questioning government does not mean abandoning the ballot box.
 
Guest: Kim Hermance, President and Co-Director, Project CIVICA
Learn more: https://projectcivica.org/
Guest profile: https://www.nextstepsshow.com/guests/kim-hermance/
 
Putting People First. We measure results, not narratives.

Today, Chris Olix takes us back to 1890, when Civil War veterans and their families erected a monument in Hornell's Hope Cemetery. More than a century later, four polished granite panels remain without the names of the men who served. Why was their recognition left unfinished, and who will complete it? Olix, a retired Army Reserve and National Guard captain leading the Finish the Monument project, joins host Peter Vazquez to uncover the history of Hornellsville's Union soldiers, the sacrifices behind their service, and the community's effort to finally honor their legacy.
Later, in a separate interview, Tom Olohan, Communications Strategist for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and formerly of MRC Free Speech America, joins Peter to confront one of America's most consequential debates: abortion policy, public opinion, and the 2026 midterm elections. From legislation in Massachusetts and Congress to polling, political messaging, and competing interpretations of the law, the conversation examines what voters are being told, what the legislation actually says, and what is at stake for families and the nation.
Two different conversations. One powerful question: What do we owe those who came before us, and what responsibility do we carry for the generations ahead?
Learn More About Our Guests
Chris Olix | Finish the Monument ProjectCanisteo Valley Historical Societyhttps://canisteovalleyhistoricalsociety.org/civil-war-monument
Tom Olohan | Communications StrategistSusan B. Anthony Pro-Life Americahttps://sbaprolife.org/staff/tom-olohan
The Next Steps Show
Show Website: https://nextstepsshow.comListen Live: https://wysl1040.com
Putting People First.

Today, Dorothy L. Hayes, Director of ROC Love Will End Abortion, and Pastor Michael Warren, Director of Quest for Life, join Peter Vazquez to examine what meaningful support for mothers requires beyond slogans and political argument.
The guests recount local outreach, mentoring, transportation and other assistance for women facing difficult pregnancies. They discuss peaceful advocacy, disagreements over public-sidewalk rules, Dorothy Hayes's account of a dismissed criminal case, and their perspectives on fathers' responsibilities, faith and the law. Their views and disputed assertions are presented as personal testimony and commentary rather than independently established conclusions.
Original broadcast: October 13, 2026. The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez. Putting People First.

Today, Jay Gonzalez, campaign manager for New York Assembly candidate Mercedes Vazquez-Simmons, joins Peter Vazquez to discuss complaints from Monroe County voters awaiting absentee ballots and the Board of Elections' explanation of its outside mailing process. The conversation raises questions about tracking dates, delayed delivery and who is accountable when voters do not receive timely answers.
The program then turns to the New York attorney general debate between incumbent Letitia James and challenger Saritha Komatireddy. Peter and Bob D'Angelo react to the candidates' competing positions on criminal and civil enforcement, the Cornell investigation, Medicaid fraud, antisemitism, civil rights and public safety. A campaign accusation is not a proven finding. What does accountability look like when government is measured by actual results rather than competing narratives?
Original broadcast: October 12, 2026. The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez. Putting People First.

Today, Peter Vazquez welcomes Mike Calabrese, Senior Advisor for College Sports at the America First Policy Institute, to examine who really benefits from college athletics and who protects the students behind the game.
College sports are big business, but athletes, parents and smaller schools do not all play by the same financial rules. Their conversation challenges the old amateur model, the rise of name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation, and the competing interests of universities, conferences and television networks. Calabrese discusses federal college-sports legislation and the consequences of leaving hundreds of thousands of student-athletes in a changing system.
They consider athletes' compensation and labor status, scholarships, medical protections, transfers, women's and Olympic sports, and the financial future of smaller programs. For New York families and college sports fans, the stakes go beyond a Saturday scoreboard: Will reform protect education, competition and opportunity, or only preserve the institutions that profit most?
Original broadcast: October 9, 2026. The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez. Putting People First.

Today, Gates Police Chief Robert Long joins Peter Vazquez for a candid conversation about the responsibilities behind the badge and the questions following the fatal October 4 encounter in Gates. Long discusses decisions made under pressure, the importance of an independent investigation, and why accountability and due process must apply before conclusions are drawn.
The discussion moves beyond one incident to mental-health emergencies, marijuana and changing drug risks, New York bail and discovery reforms, and the distance between laws made in Albany and the realities of policing local streets. Long also describes community policing, listening to residents, training and the qualities his department seeks in future officers.
Topics: The Gates encounter and ongoing investigation; split-second decisions and officer training; mental health and drug-related calls; criminal-justice reform; community trust and recruitment.
Original broadcast: October 8, 2026. The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez. Putting People First.

What does America owe the people who ran toward danger on September 11? And when government promises economic justice through marijuana legalization, who measures the results?
Today, Peter Vazquez welcomes retired NYPD Detective Sergeant and 9/11 survivor Mike Codella, who recounts rushing to the World Trade Center, surviving the collapse of the South Tower, and the importance of teaching duty, faith and history to the next generation. Codella also discusses his law-enforcement career and his forthcoming book, The Evil That Walked New York.
Terris E. Todd of Project 21 examines the promises surrounding cannabis legalization, the hurdles to Black business ownership, neighborhood concentration of dispensaries, public-health concerns and political accountability. Their conversation challenges the distance between a policy's stated intentions and its measurable outcomes.
Show notes: Mike Codella on 9/11, survival, public service and remembrance. The Evil That Walked New York and questions surrounding historic criminal cases. Terris E. Todd on Project 21, cannabis ownership and economic opportunity. The public-health and neighborhood consequences of legalization. Original broadcast: October 7, 2026. The Next Steps Show with Peter Vazquez. Putting People First.

Originally broadcast on October 6, 2026, this archival edition of The Next Steps Show is hosted by Peter Vazquez.The Next Steps Show | Putting People First. NextStepsShow.com

Originally broadcast on October 5, 2026, this archival edition of The Next Steps Show is hosted by Peter Vazquez.The Next Steps Show | Putting People First. NextStepsShow.com

Originally broadcast on October 1, 2026, this archival edition of The Next Steps Show is hosted by Peter Vazquez.The Next Steps Show | Putting People First. NextStepsShow.com