This week on Off-Track Saratoga, Noel & Zac sit down with Michael Panza of Panza's Restaurant to celebrate 88 years of one of Saratoga’s most iconic family restaurants.

Michael shares stories from generations in the business—from opening the doors at age five to serving legends like Frank Sinatra, Liberace, Walter Cronkite (just to name a few)—and what it takes to keep a legacy restaurant thriving for nearly a century.

We also talk Saratoga’s evolving dining scene, hospitality, and the power of a family-run businesses in a rapidly changing town.

Plus, new head chef Elliot Vogel joins the conversation. He's ushering in a new era at Panza’s with a fresh spring menu featuring local ingredients, seasonal dishes, and a modern take on classic favorites.

We also hear from guests experiencing the new menu and lively supper club atmosphere firsthand.

A celebration of history, food, music, and the future of a Saratoga staple—don’t miss Panza’s 88th anniversary on May 15th.

Support the show

Are we approaching youth sports the right way?

This week, Noel and Zac head to Troy, NY to sit down with Team USA Coach Joe Uccellini—owner of Curby Training Center and a respected leader in youth athlete development.

From coaching beginners to working with state champions and international-level athletes, Joe shares his perspective on building confidence, handling pressure, and creating an environment where kids can truly thrive.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Why fun and freedom are critical for long-term success
• The pressure parents (often unintentionally) put on their kids
• How to help young athletes handle losses and setbacks
• Why early success doesn’t always predict future success
• The growth of girls wrestling and its impact on youth sports

Plus, Zac and Noel learn a wrestling move, Joe shares his path to becoming a coach, and we dive into what keeps kids coming back to sports year after year.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or just navigating youth sports, this episode offers a smarter, healthier way to think about it.

New episodes weekly. Sometimes we’re on track, sometimes we go a little off—but it’s always worth the listen.

Support the show

Ready for takeoff? ✈️

In this episode of Off-Track Saratoga Podcast, we’re bringing you inside one of the Capital Region’s most unique new destinations—Sunset at Saratoga, the brand-new restaurant located inside the Saratoga County Airport.

Hosts Noel McLaren and Zac Denham sit down with owner Mike Speranza, and local creator Pat Fleming (aka the “local diner guy”) to talk about how they're creating a family-friendly dining experience at the airport that's open to everyone.

From scratch-made food and locally sourced ingredients to fresh-brewed Big Black Coffee and unbeatable runway views, this spot is redefining what it means to “go out to eat” in Saratoga.

This episode dives into:

• The story behind bringing Sunset at Saratoga to life
• Why this restaurant is filling a major gap in the Milton/Saratoga community
• The power of supporting local—from coffee to cuisine
• And how this space blends nostalgia, family, and a one-of-a-kind aviation experience

Whether you’re planning a laid-back family outing, a date night with a view, or just want to watch planes take off with a cocktail in hand—this is one destination you don’t want to miss.

Support the show

Gaffney’s is back—and you’re getting the first look inside!

In this special bonus episode, Noel & Zac sit down at the newly renovated Gaffney’s with marketing director Steph Curtis. They talk about what's staying, what’s changing, and what Saratoga can expect from this iconic spot’s next chapter.

From nostalgic nods and major renovations to new menus, multiple bar spaces, live entertainment, and a renewed focus on atmosphere and safety—this is a behind-the-scenes look at how a local landmark is being reimagined for a new era.

Plus, we get into the vision behind the revival, the team bringing it to life, and the highly anticipated opening date (hint: think hats and Derby Day).

Whether you have years of memories at Gaffney’s or you’ve never stepped inside, this episode is your inside access before the doors officially open.

Support the show

This week on Off Track Saratoga, Noel and Zac sit down with local food and lifestyle influencer Kristen Suraci—better known as Saucy.

What started as casually sharing where she eats has grown into a platform that spotlights small businesses across the 518. Kristen opens up about her unexpected rise, the realities of being a full-time influencer, and why she’s committed to keeping her content positive and authentic.

They also dive into the pressures of social media, supporting local in a meaningful way, and—of course—Saucy’s go-to spots across the region.

It’s honest, funny, a little off track (hello, bidet debate), and full of must-try recommendations.

Stay saucy.

Support the show

We’re coming to you live from the final Overdress to Impress—and Saratoga showed UP 💃

This week on Off Track Saratoga Podcast, Noel and Zac hit the floor to talk to some of the best dressed in the room, uncovering the stories behind the outfits—from last-minute looks and reworn favorites to sentimental pieces years in the making.

Did you catch this years winners? We chat with first place winner, Brittany DeMarco!

We also hear from local business owners, community leaders, and friends all coming together to support Wellspring's important work to help women impacted by domestic violence.

It’s fashion, it’s fun, it’s meaningful—and it’s the perfect sendoff to a Saratoga favorite.

Support the show

Recorded from the historic Adelphi Hotel, Zac and Noel are spilling Saratoga’s local tea ☕️.

This week: emotional support water bottles, Target’s long-awaited cart upgrade (yes, cup holders), Lincoln Baths updates, and the tree controversy everyone’s talking about.

Plus, Zac debuts a new segment—Opinions—where nothing is off limits.

Local, unfiltered, and a little off track… just how we like it.

Support the show

From Saratoga to the runway… and behind the scenes of reality TV 👀

This week on Off Track Saratoga, Zac and Noel sit down with local standout Jenna Hotaling, who takes us inside her experience on America’s Next Top Model—just as the new Netflix documentary “Reality Check: America’s Next Top Model” has everyone talking.

Jenna gets real about what it was actually like behind the cameras—from being isolated before filming, to how producers cast for drama, to the pressure of maintaining your identity in a world that wants to shape it for you.

We also dive into:

• What casting was really looking for (hint: it’s not just modeling)
• The difference between “TV Tyra” and real-life interactions
• Body image in the modeling world—and how Jenna built confidence anyway
• Why she refused to give up school, sports, and control of her image
• Life after the show (spoiler: it didn’t define her)

It’s funny, honest, a little chaotic—and full of perspective you won’t get from the screen.

🎙️ If you’ve watched the documentary, this is the insider take you didn’t know you needed.

👇 What surprised you most about Top Model?

Support the show