Independent Oakland is a podcast hosted by longtime Oakland resident and community volunteer Mike Guadagnino featuring thoughtful conversations about our community, local government, volunteerism, and the people contributing to Oakland’s future.
Through candid discussions with residents, volunteers, community leaders, and candidates for public office, the podcast explores the issues, ideas, and experiences that matter most to Oakland.
Our goal is simple: encourage informed civic engagement, respectful dialogue, and a stronger community. Whether you're looking to better understand local issues or simply get to know the people behind them, Independent Oakland is a place for meaningful conversations about the town we all call home.
Frank Furbacher Returns | Transparency, Process & Oakland's Future
Frank Furbacher, independent candidate for Oakland Council, returns to talk with Mike Guadagnino about why he's running, his family's life in Oakland, and what he learned from leadership roles in college, including serving on the Manhattanville College board of trustees. Frank shares his perspective on affordable housing, the garbage rollout, the proposed police assessment, and restoring a second public comment period. He also talks about Oakland's volunteer spirit and why local politics should be about Oakland, not party labels.
Hosted by Mike Guadagnino.
13 Oct 2026
Meet Councilman Matt Dumpert
Councilman Matt Dumpert joins Mike Guadagnino for a conversation about what brought his family to Oakland and what led him to run for Council. Drawing on his experience in federal law enforcement, international work, and the private sector, Matt shares his perspective on public service, listening to residents, transparency, and the value of Oakland's volunteers. He also reflects on independent leadership, thinking through difficult decisions, and how residents can help shape the town's future.
Hosted by Mike Guadagnino.
1 Sept 2026
Ben Eilert | Law School Graduate, Historian & Oakland Resident
Ben Eilert is an Oakland resident, law school graduate, local history enthusiast, and member of a family whose roots in Oakland extend across several generations.
In this conversation with host Mike Guadagnino, Ben discusses his family's connection to Oakland, what drew him to study law, and how his education has shaped the way he views government, public policy, and political disagreement.
Ben also shares his perspective on development, transparency in local government, involving younger residents in civic life, and the qualities people should expect from their local leaders. He reflects on the importance of volunteerism, community relationships, and preserving the character that has long made Oakland the Valley of Homes.
The conversation offers residents a thoughtful perspective from a younger Oaklander who values the town's history and believes its future depends on people who genuinely care about the community and one another.
Hosted by Mike Guadagnino.
26 Aug 2026
Matt Goodrich | Volunteer, Coach & Community Leader
Matt Goodrich is a longtime Oakland resident, former chief of the Oakland First Aid Squad, recreation baseball leader, former recycling coordinator, and active community volunteer.
In this conversation with host Mike Guadagnino, Matt discusses what brought his family to Oakland, his years of service with the First Aid Squad, his involvement in youth baseball, and what those experiences have taught him about leadership, volunteerism, and community.
Matt also shares his perspective on Oakland's garbage transition, communication and transparency in local government, the role of party politics in local elections, and what residents should look for in the people they choose to represent them.
The conversation offers residents an opportunity to learn more about Matt's background, his commitment to Oakland, and his belief that the community is strongest when everyone has an opportunity to participate.
Hosted by Mike Guadagnino.
27 Jul 2026
Frank Di Pentima | Former Councilman, Finance Executive & Oakland Resident
Frank Di Pentima is a longtime Oakland resident, former Borough Council member, finance executive, and active community volunteer.
In this conversation with host Mike Guadagnino, Frank discusses what motivated him to run for office, what residents should understand about Oakland's form of government, and the experience, preparation, and commitment required to serve effectively on the Borough Council.
Frank also shares his perspective on municipal finances, public debate, accountability, transparency, and why local elections should be about the people and ideas that will best serve Oakland—not simply political party labels.
The conversation offers residents an opportunity to hear from a former councilman about his experience in local government, the lessons he learned, and his hopes for Oakland's future.
Hosted by Mike Guadagnino.
23 Jul 2026
Kerri Sirinides | Business Leader, Volunteer & Former Council Candidate
Kerri Sirinides is a longtime Oakland resident, business leader, community volunteer, and former candidate for Borough Council.
In this conversation with host Mike Guadagnino, Kerri discusses what brought her family to Oakland, her experience running for office, the importance of volunteerism, and the need for communication, inclusion, and new perspectives in local government.
Kerri also shares her thoughts on preserving Oakland's small-town character, revitalizing the downtown, and creating a community where residents with different beliefs can work together for the good of the town.
The conversation offers residents an opportunity to learn more about Kerri's background, values, and commitment to the Oakland community.
Hosted by Mike Guadagnino.
8 Jul 2026
Meet Frank Furbacher | Father, Coach & Council Candidate
Meet Frank Furbacher
Frank Furbacher is a father of three, youth coach, consultant, and Oakland resident running for Borough Council.
In this conversation with host Mike Guadagnino, Frank discusses why he chose Oakland, the importance of community involvement, lessons learned through coaching and leadership, and his approach to communication, transparency, and local government.
The conversation offers residents an opportunity to hear directly from Frank about his background, values, and vision for Oakland.
Hosted by Mike Guadagnino.
6 Jul 2026
Meet Jim Folkerts | Community Volunteer, Oakland Resident & Council Candidate
Meet Jim Folkerts
For more than 30 years, Jim Folkerts has called Oakland home.
In this conversation with host Mike Guadagnino, Jim reflects on the experiences that shaped his commitment to community service—from coaching youth sports and volunteering with local organizations to his decision to run for Oakland Borough Council.
The discussion explores leadership, volunteerism, civic engagement, and Jim's vision for the future of Oakland.
Whether you're meeting Jim for the first time or have known him for years, this episode offers a chance to hear his story in his own words.
Hosted by Mike Guadagnino.
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