Explore every episode of the podcast Chat with Pat

In this episode, Senator Fahy sits down with pharmacist and New York State Assemblymember John T. McDonald, III, who represents parts of the Capital Region, including Cohoes, Watervliet, and parts of Albany and Rensselaer Counties. They discuss the rising cost of prescription drugs, the ever-present presence of pharmacy benefit managers, the potential for healthcare premiums to increase in the coming year, and the general state of healthcare in New York.

In this episode, Senator Fahy sits down with Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan to discuss her tenure’s biggest achievements, the challenges facing Albany for incoming Mayor-Elect Applyrs' administration, and the state of the nation’s and New York State’s political landscape.

In this episode, Senator Fahy sits down with Walter Thorne of the Albany Business Review to discuss the business climate following the Trump administration’s tariffs and other actions, with an additional focus on downtown Albany’s revitalization and impact on the entrepreneur economy and broader Capital Region economy.

In this episode, Senator Fahy sits down with Erin Harkes and Georgette Steffens, two trailblazers who are bringing downtown Albany roaring back one block at a time. Thanks to them, downtown Albany is more vibrant, alive, and buzzing than ever, as the neighborhood stands on the cusp of a $400 million makeover.

Senator Fahy sits down with Racquel Saddler, Vice President for Government Affairs at Mercury Public Affairs in Albany, to discuss emerging trends in communications and the 2025 general election, which saw record-breaking youth turnout and a greater emphasis on digital and social media outreach, particularly in New York City.

In this episode, Senator Fahy sits down with BJ Costello and Len Tantillo, key figures in the Albany Waterway, to discuss their visions for an Albany Canal and the future of downtown Albany. They discuss historical and contemporary trends in development near and in downtown Albany, with a focus on how we can chart a brighter, more vibrant future for our Capital Region’s premier waterfront.

Senator Fahy sits down with the Vice Chancellor for Community Colleges at SUNY, Valerie Dent, to discuss free community college for adults aged 25-55 in high-demand fields in our state — also known as SUNY Reconnect. Free community college empowers New Yorkers to achieve their dream of securing a higher education and to advance their careers or begin a new one.

Senator Fahy sits down to talk with University at Albany Professor Dr. Sam Jackson about how radicalization is leading to polarization in our politics and the rise of right-wing extremism.

He's the author of the widely acclaimed book, Oath Keepers: Patriotism and the Edge of Violence in a Right-Wing Antigovernment Group, and we discuss how to beat back the rising tide of support for authoritarianism and extremist politics.

Senator Fahy and former New York State Assemblymember, Albany County Historian, and author Jack McEneny sit down to discuss Albany’s storied past and how it translates to the state of today’s Capital City that we’ve all come to know and love, with a particular focus on how different waves of immigration have helped to build the communities within the City itself.

Senator Fahy sits down with John Sumpter, Director of Outreach for Creative Connections Clubhouse- Amsterdam, NY, to discuss how we create meaningful opportunities and programming for our young people. John is a walking role model for the kids and students he mentors, and the Creative Connections Clubhouse was the first-in-the-state clubhouse created to serve youth. We can replicate this model throughout the Capital Region and deliver hope, resources, and the help that kids need to thrive in school.

Senator Fahy sits down with Pete Gannon of the United Way of the Greater Capital Region to discuss how the Big Beautiful Bill will harm nonprofits and the populations they serve here in our area and across New York State.

Senator Fahy and Congressman Paul D. Tonko sit down and discuss the Congressman’s opposition to the Big ‘Beautiful’ Betrayal, and how he expects the legislation to impact the Capital Region, residents, and our communities.

Senator Fahy sits down with Albany Times Union investigative reporter, Raga Justin, to talk about the ever-changing world of journalism and press freedom amidst misinformation surges and new challenges.

Senator Fahy sits down with newly-confirmed New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Willow Baer. Commissioner Baer was recently confirmed and has fought for New Yorkers living with disabilities and vulnerable communities throughout her career. We discussed devastating cuts in the proposed federal budget and how they'll impact New Yorkers.

Senator Fahy sits down with longtime NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, farmer and owner of Schoharie Valley Farms for more than 30 years. They discuss ongoing trade wars, tariffs, and why Upstate NY farms are struggling to adapt to an ever-shifting market and environment.

Senator Fahy sits down with the Chair of the Democratic Rural Conference, Judith Hunter, as they host their 30th Annual Convention, 'DRC 2025: 30 Years of Connections', to discuss to the Trump administration's actions and impact on rural communities here in the 46th District and across New York State.

Senator Fahy sits down with Mark Eagan, President of the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce and Center for Economic Growth, to discuss the impact of the Trump administration's tariffs—or taxes—on workers and business here in the Capital Region.

Senator Fahy talks to Empire State University President, Dr. Lisa Vollendorf, about federal impacts on veteran students, students with disabilities, and attempts to erase diversity at our colleges and universities. SUNY Empire serves a large population of veteran students and students with disabilities from a wide swath of backgrounds, and Dr. Vollendorf was the first to form Cabinet-level roles for new offices in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Senator Fahy sits down with Albany Law School Professor Sarah Rogerson to discuss the Trump administration's attacks on constitutional rights, the rule of law, and the federal court system. They also discuss the recent detentions of students Mahmoud Khalil and Rumeysa Öztürk, and the broader implications of their ongoing cases.

Senator Fahy sits down with Malia Du Mont, Chief of Staff at Bard College, a veteran who served in Afghanistan and an active Army Reserve member for more than 20 years. They discuss the Trump administration's proposal to lay off more than 80,000 VA workers, the privatization of services, and more.

Senator Fahy sits down with Farm Manager of Indian Ladder Farms, Laura Ten Eyck, to discuss recent federal actions impacting the agricultural sector and farmers. Indian Ladder Farms is a centennial farm founded in 1916 in New York State's Capital Region. Today, the farm boasts over 60 acres of orchards, producing over 40 varieties of apples. The farm offers seasonal pick-your-own berries, apples, and pumpkins, as well as educational programs, public and private events, tours and more.

Senator Fahy sits down with Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation (NYLCV) voters, to discuss the Trump administration's attacks on clean air, water, and land and its local impact here in the Capital Region and New York State.

Senator Fahy sits down with Dr. Andrew Berglund, Director of the UAlbany RNA Institute, discussing how the Trump administration's funding freeze and attacks on higher education are filtering down to the local level here in the Capital Region and at the University at Albany, SUNY.

Senator Fahy sits down with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) New York's Legislative and Political Director Brian McDonnell to discuss the Trump administration's mass layoffs of federal workers and attacks on workers' rights.