• Making It Rain
• Episode 99 of The Bobby Couto Show, where host Bobby Couto chats with the charismatic Fall River Councilman Shawn Cadime. Get ready for laughs, life stories, and local insights—it's like hanging out with old friends! (Psst... Episode 100 is just around the corner—stay tuned for something epic!)
• Meet the Guest Star: Shawn Cadime, a true Fall River lifer, shares his journey from a kid struggling in school to becoming the first in his family to graduate college at Bryant University. Shoutout to his inspiring mom from Madeira, Portugal, who hustled from factories to owning a package store—talk about grit!
• Surprise Gift Moment: Shawn surprises Bobby with a Ted Lasso Funko Pop! Why? Because Bobby embodies those Lasso vibes: leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.
• School Days Drama: From barely scraping by at St. Peter and Paul to thriving at Bishop Stang (thanks to teacher Rob Correa's tough love), Shawn flips the script on education. His daughter's now rocking Stang too—full circle family win!
• Political Origin Story: Pushed by cousin Wayne Rego, 22-year-old introvert Shawn runs for school committee—loses big in 2004 but bounces back to win in 2006. Overcomes social awkwardness (he's still a corner-lurker at heart) to serve from 2006-2010. Inspiring reminder: Even introverts can conquer politics!
• Boss Mode Unlocked: At 29, Shawn becomes City Administrator under Mayor Will Flanagan—no experience needed? He dives into managing everything from public works to police, emphasizing people-first leadership and ditching wasteful habits. Ted Lasso vibes strike again!
• Hot Takes on Education & AI: Why can't public schools match private ones? Parental buy-in is key! They lament kids ditching cursive for ChatGPT—Shawn warns: Use AI as a tool, not a crutch, or risk brain burnout. Fun fact: Emails went from messy to masterpiece overnight—AI magic or overkill?
• Standing Up for What's Right: Shawn goes rogue to call out Superintendent Matthew Malone's bullying and harassment—backed by allies like Cliff Ponte. It's all about protecting people; accountability is his superpower!
• Politics Unfiltered: Ditch the party drama—local politics should be non-partisan! They roast extremism, low voter turnout (only 7%?!), and call for tech-savvy young leaders. Shawn's dream: A pro city manager to cut the BS and focus on real progress.
• City Glow-Up Ideas: Fall River's finances? Audits happen yearly—no shady stuff! Dream big on Route 79: Restaurants, mixed-use spots for that Boston waterfront feel. But watch for gentrification—revive the Flint, North End, and South End too! Teaser: That old Shell site could be an entertainment hotspot if cleaned up.
• Tech Talk with Heart: AI boosts efficiency (hello, quick emails!), but beware Zoom fatigue and overreliance. Shawn's tip: Fact-check everything—it's McDonald's for your brain, tasty but not nutritious!
• Proud Moments & Chill Vibes: Shawn's biggest win? Giving back to the city that shaped him—80s/90s street games, neighborhood vibes, and all. Now a helicopter dad, he craves naps and home time. No mayor dreams here—he loves the behind-the-scenes grind!
• Dynamic Duo Alert: Shawn and Cliff Ponte: Batman and Robin (Shawn's Batman, obvs—great hair wins!). Shares tough-love mentoring tales from Ponte's high school activist days. Ponte's mayor potential? Sky-high!
• Heroic Fire Response: Props to Mayor Coogan and Chief Bacon for handling the Gabriel House tragedy with grace—mental health check-ins included. Quick critics? Let's learn and support instead!

• Wrapping with Gratitude: Shawn thanks voters and eyes re-election if the love's there. Bobby's buzzing with community passion—join the convo! Support sponsor Pinnacle Painting (10% off with our shoutout). All roads lead here—catch you in Episode 100 for the big reveal! 🚀
• Support the show: https://patreon.com/Thebobbycoutoshow?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
• All Roads Lead Here

• Episode 99 of The Bobby Couto Show, where host Bobby Couto chats with the charismatic Fall River Councilman Shawn Cadime. Get ready for laughs, life stories, and local insights—it's like hanging out with old friends! (Psst... Episode 100 is just around the corner—stay tuned for something epic!)
• Meet the Guest Star: Shawn Cadime, a true Fall River lifer, shares his journey from a kid struggling in school to becoming the first in his family to graduate college at Bryant University. Shoutout to his inspiring mom from Madeira, Portugal, who hustled from factories to owning a package store—talk about grit!
• Surprise Gift Moment: Shawn surprises Bobby with a Ted Lasso Funko Pop! Why? Because Bobby embodies those Lasso vibes: leadership, teamwork, and personal growth.
• School Days Drama: From barely scraping by at St. Peter and Paul to thriving at Bishop Stang (thanks to teacher Rob Correa's tough love), Shawn flips the script on education. His daughter's now rocking Stang too—full circle family win!
• Political Origin Story: Pushed by cousin Wayne Rego, 22-year-old introvert Shawn runs for school committee—loses big in 2004 but bounces back to win in 2006. Overcomes social awkwardness (he's still a corner-lurker at heart) to serve from 2006-2010. Inspiring reminder: Even introverts can conquer politics!
• Boss Mode Unlocked: At 29, Shawn becomes City Administrator under Mayor Will Flanagan—no experience needed? He dives into managing everything from public works to police, emphasizing people-first leadership and ditching wasteful habits. Ted Lasso vibes strike again!
• Hot Takes on Education & AI: Why can't public schools match private ones? Parental buy-in is key! They lament kids ditching cursive for ChatGPT—Shawn warns: Use AI as a tool, not a crutch, or risk brain burnout. Fun fact: Emails went from messy to masterpiece overnight—AI magic or overkill?
• Standing Up for What's Right: Shawn goes rogue to call out Superintendent Matthew Malone's bullying and harassment—backed by allies like Cliff Ponte. It's all about protecting people; accountability is his superpower!
• Politics Unfiltered: Ditch the party drama—local politics should be non-partisan! They roast extremism, low voter turnout (only 7%?!), and call for tech-savvy young leaders. Shawn's dream: A pro city manager to cut the BS and focus on real progress.
• City Glow-Up Ideas: Fall River's finances? Audits happen yearly—no shady stuff! Dream big on Route 79: Restaurants, mixed-use spots for that Boston waterfront feel. But watch for gentrification—revive the Flint, North End, and South End too! Teaser: That old Shell site could be an entertainment hotspot if cleaned up.
• Tech Talk with Heart: AI boosts efficiency (hello, quick emails!), but beware Zoom fatigue and overreliance. Shawn's tip: Fact-check everything—it's McDonald's for your brain, tasty but not nutritious!
• Proud Moments & Chill Vibes: Shawn's biggest win? Giving back to the city that shaped him—80s/90s street games, neighborhood vibes, and all. Now a helicopter dad, he craves naps and home time. No mayor dreams here—he loves the behind-the-scenes grind!
• Dynamic Duo Alert: Shawn and Cliff Ponte: Batman and Robin (Shawn's Batman, obvs—great hair wins!). Shares tough-love mentoring tales from Ponte's high school activist days. Ponte's mayor potential? Sky-high!
• Heroic Fire Response: Props to Mayor Coogan and Chief Bacon for handling the Gabriel House tragedy with grace—mental health check-ins included. Quick critics? Let's learn and support instead!

• Wrapping with Gratitude: Shawn thanks voters and eyes re-election if the love's there. Bobby's buzzing with community passion—join the convo! Support sponsor Pinnacle Painting (10% off with our shoutout). All roads lead here—catch you in Episode 100 for the big reveal! 🚀
• Support the show: https://patreon.com/Thebobbycoutoshow?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
• All Roads Lead Here

Episode 98: Louis Melim

• • Born 1951 in Azores (Santa Maria), parents from Madeira
  • Immigrated to Taunton, settled in Fall River
  • Served 6 years in Navy (Vietnam era), aircraft carrier aviation
  • Boston University degrees, taught high school, 25 years in HR

• Political Motivation

  • Ran for mayor previously, now running for City Council
  • Seeks to reverse city stagnation through consensus-building
  • Advocates fair, inclusive development

• Waterfront Development

  • Endorses master plan for housing, shopping, entertainment
  • Open to collaboration with mayors (Coogan or Ameral)
  • Prioritizes affordable housing over luxury units

• Infrastructure & Economy

  • Demolish hazardous mills; revitalize North Main, Flint, South End, Columbia St.
  • Attract renewable energy/high-tech with equitable tax policies
  • Address north-south maintenance disparities

• Education & Voter Turnout

  • Supports free community college, increased state education funding
  • Criticizes 7% primary turnout; suggests no-school election days

• Social Issues

  • Views homelessness as state issue tied to drugs/mental health; needs funding
  • Opposes additional cannabis licenses due to social concerns

• Cultural Revitalization

  • Aims to bring back Fall River Celebrates America, Holy Ghost Feast
  • Proposes free police support via sheriff/police partnerships

• Vision for 2026

  • Focus on safety (police, fire, EMS)
  • Supports term limits, no council raises/benefits
  • Views politics as community service, not a career

• Madeira & Azores

  • Recommends Madeira’s New Year’s fireworks
  • Highlights Portuguese culture, organizes youth soccer trips to Azores

https://patreon.com/Thebobbycoutoshow?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Vote in November 2025!

All roads lead here.

Pinnacle Painting: 10% off with show mention (thebobbycoutoshow.com).Go subscribe to the Patreon

Episode 98: A Conversation with Louis Melim

Louis Melim talks about his Azorean roots, military service, HR career, and passion for revitalizing Fall River. Topics include waterfront development, housing, infrastructure, education, homelessness, and cultural events

Born 1951 in Azores; family from Madeira. Immigrated to Taunton, chose Fall River. Served 6 years in Navy (Vietnam era), degrees from Boston University, taught high school, 25 years in HR

Ran for mayor previously; now City Council to combat stagnation. Emphasizes consensus-building, fair development, and action on city's potential.

- **Waterfront & Development:** Praises master plan as a "masterpiece" blending housing, shopping, entertainment. Open to negotiations; needs affordable apartments, not luxury. Tie to tax revenue for senior breaks.

- **Infrastructure & Economy:** Calls for demolishing dangerous mills, revitalizing neglected areas (North Main, Flint, South End, Columbia St.). Attract renewable energy/high-tech via negotiation. Critique north-south divide.

- **Education & Voter Turnout:** Push for free community college, state funding. Low turnout (7%) issue; suggests no-school election days for access.

- **Social Issues:** Homelessness as state problem tied to drugs/mental health; oppose more cannabis licenses. Revive events like Fall River Celebrates America with free police support.

- **Vision:** Prioritize safety (police/fire/EMS). Supports term limits, no council raises/benefits. Views politics as service.

* Notable Quotes

- "I want a better Fall River." – Louis

- "We are one city." – On north-south divide

Go subscribe to the Patreon

https://patreon.com/Thebobbycoutoshow?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

Sponsor

Pinnacle Painting: 10% off with show mention. Check thebobbycoutoshow.com.

**Call to Action:** Vote November 2025!

All roads lead here.

Who’s Your Neighbor? Episode 97 – Guest: William Flanagan, 42nd Mayor of Fall River

• The Show’s Purpose: Exploring the “absolute” – from rock bottom to the pinnacle – finding light through struggle.

• Politics & People: Why the podcast highlights local politicians as human beings, neighbors, and members of the community.

• Fall River Media Past & Present: From the Herald News & WSAR to today’s lack of local coverage.

• Election Insight:

  • Breakdown of the mayoral primary race – Paul Coogan, Gabriel Amaral, Christopher Silvia, Carlos Cesar, Michael Vandal.

  • Low turnout (7%), but highly engaged voters.

  • Flanagan’s perspective: 49% for the incumbent shows warning signs.

• Campaign Lessons: Importance of connecting personally, knocking doors, being relatable.

• Housing & Development: Rising costs, displacement of lifelong residents, and the need for balance in planning.

• Route 79 & Waterfront Project: Flanagan’s role in lowering the highway, creating buildable land, and planning for growth.

• Vision for Fall River: Arts, entertainment, museums, restaurants, music venues, and waterfront vibrancy.

• Cannabis Industry:

  • Founding role in legal dispensaries.

  • Cosmopolitan dispensary (82 Hartwell St.) and Green City in Attleboro.

  • Focus on customer service, affordability, and cannabis as medicine.

• Acting Career:

  • First film role with Stacey Dash (Lifetime movie).

  • The Roaring Game – comedy about curling, with Mickey Rourke & Rob Gronkowski.

  • Bad News on the Doorstep – mob drama with Sopranos cast & Chazz Palminteri.

• Reflections on Public Service:

  • Joy of helping people.

  • Considering future political runs, now as a Republican.

• Society & Community:

  • Reflections on tragic events, mental health, and community responsibility.

  • Importance of knowing your neighbor and restoring connection.

• Closing: Appreciation for Studio B, Fall River, and the audience

  Go subscribe to the Patreon

  ⁠https://patreon.com/Thebobbycoutoshow?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=cop⁠

  “All Roads Lead Here."

Who’s Your Neighbor? Episode 97 – Guest: William Flanagan, 42nd Mayor of Fall River

• Host Intro: Bobby shares his story – born and raised in Fall River, family roots in the Azores, journey from marriage/divorce to podcasting.

• The Show’s Purpose: Exploring the “absolute” – from rock bottom to the pinnacle – finding light through struggle.

• Politics & People: Why the podcast highlights local politicians as human beings, neighbors, and members of the community.

• Fall River Media Past & Present: From the Herald News & WSAR to today’s lack of local coverage.

• Election Insight:

  • Breakdown of the mayoral primary race – Paul Coogan, Gabriel Amaral, Christopher Silvia, Carlos Cesar, Michael Vandal.

  • Low turnout (7%), but highly engaged voters.

  • Flanagan’s perspective: 49% for the incumbent shows warning signs.

• Campaign Lessons: Importance of connecting personally, knocking doors, being relatable.

• Housing & Development: Rising costs, displacement of lifelong residents, and the need for balance in planning.

• Route 79 & Waterfront Project: Flanagan’s role in lowering the highway, creating buildable land, and planning for growth.

• Vision for Fall River: Arts, entertainment, museums, restaurants, music venues, and waterfront vibrancy.

• Cannabis Industry:

  • Founding role in legal dispensaries.

  • Cosmopolitan dispensary (82 Hartwell St.) and Green City in Attleboro.

  • Focus on customer service, affordability, and cannabis as medicine.

• Acting Career:

  • First film role with Stacey Dash (Lifetime movie).

  • The Roaring Game – comedy about curling, with Mickey Rourke & Rob Gronkowski.

  • Bad News on the Doorstep – mob drama with Sopranos cast & Chazz Palminteri.

• Reflections on Public Service:

  • Joy of helping people.

  • Considering future political runs, now as a Republican.

• Society & Community:

  • Reflections on tragic events, mental health, and community responsibility.

  • Importance of knowing your neighbor and restoring connection.

• Closing: Appreciation for Studio B, Fall River, and the audience

  Go subscribe to the Patreon

  https://patreon.com/Thebobbycoutoshow?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=cop
  

  “All Roads Lead Here.”

  • 
    

Episode 96: Unlocking The Absolute Potential with Cliff Ponte JR.

Episode Overview:

Host Bobby Couto interviews Cliff Pont, exploring his journey from a determined teen to a successful entrepreneur and city councilor. They discuss politics, business, personal growth, and community impact in Fall River.

Guest Bio:

Cliff Pont: Fall River City Councilor, entrepreneur owning Keller Williams brokerage, New York Bagel, Al Mac's Diner, and Roger's Hot Dogs. The former acting mayor focused on accountability and mentorship.

Key Topics (with Timestamps):

• Podcast mission and welcoming Cliff (0:03 - 0:20)

• Appreciating the platform and community perspectives (0:20 - 1:15)

• Local media, politician perceptions, and respectful dialogues (1:15 - 3:47)

• Accountability, audits, and Mayor Coogan experiences (3:47 - 5:51)

• COVID leadership challenges and interim mayor role (5:51 - 7:33)

• Debunking financial myths and character insights (7:33 - 9:15)

• Mayor's race preview: Candidates, apathy, issues (9:15 - 10:58)

• Social media's impact on campaigning (10:58 - 12:41)

• Lessons from national politics for local messaging (12:41 - 15:55)

• Infrastructure frustrations and leadership styles (15:55 - 18:48)

• Early work ethic and family sacrifices (18:48 - 21:52)

• Turning points in low-wage jobs and inner drive (21:52 - 24:57)

• Quitting jobs for real estate amid struggles (24:57 - 27:12)

• Rejecting complacency and early leadership (27:12 - 29:15)

• Shift to real estate success and mentorship (29:15 - 32:09)

• Building brokerage and overcoming recession (32:09 - 35:33)

• Rebranding image and owning local staples (35:33 - 38:24)

• Commitment to Fall River as a city of opportunity (38:24 - 41:09)

• Political tenure and future family goals (41:09 - 44:25)

• Dating challenges as a busy leader (44:25 - 47:06)

• Money as passion's byproduct and helping family (47:06 - 49:06)

• Family background and legacy aspirations (49:06 - 51:06)

• New York Bagel acquisition and expansion (51:06 - 55:29)

• Partnership dynamics and integrity (55:29 - 59:20)

• Business aspirations and youth advice (59:20 - 1:01:25)

• Aligning with driven people unapologetically (1:01:25 - 1:03:17)

• Mutual admiration and personal journeys (1:03:17 - 1:05:29)

• Bobby's manifestation story and overcoming lows (1:05:29 - 1:08:34)

• Inspirations and meaningful conversations (1:08:34 - 1:10:07)

• Regrets, reflections, and tough love lessons (1:10:07 - 1:13:04)

• Political growth: Respect over likeability (1:13:04 - 1:19:16)

• Politics' value: Connections and impact (1:19:16 - 1:21:49)

• Mid-life investment advice: Passions and businesses (1:21:49 - 1:26:14)

• Acquisition strategies and dream-offering lessons (1:26:14 - 1:30:35)

• Stock investments and crypto skepticism (1:30:35 - 1:35:38)

• AI advances and ethical questions (1:35:38 - 1:39:03)

• Plans for future live episodes (1:39:03 - 1:40:10)

• Apology for prior distraction; 9/11 remembrance (1:40:10 - 1:45:51)

• Life's fragility and closing thoughts (1:45:51 - End)

Notable Quotes:

• Cliff: "I want to be respected and not liked."

• Bobby: "I am in the constant pursuit of the best version of myself."

• Cliff: "If you do what you truly love, the money comes."

• Bobby: "When you get to the point where you say 'I can't no more,' you are ready."

Resources Mentioned:

• Businesses: New York Bagel, Al Mac's Diner, Roger's Hot Dogs, Keller Williams.

• Investments: Fidelity, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Berkshire Hathaway.

• Local Politics: Fall River mayor's race.

• Inspirations: Warren Buffett, "The Food That Built America."

Call to Action: Go subscribe to the Patreon

https://patreon.com/Thebobbycoutoshow?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

All roads lead here.

Episode 96: Unlocking The Absolute Potential with Cliff Ponte JR.

Episode Overview:

Host Bobby Couto interviews Cliff Pont, exploring his journey from a determined teen to a successful entrepreneur and city councilor. They discuss politics, business, personal growth, and community impact in Fall River.

Guest Bio:

Cliff Pont: Fall River City Councilor, entrepreneur owning Keller Williams brokerage (195 agents), New York Bagel (6 locations), Al Mac's Diner, and Roger's Hot Dogs. The former acting mayor focused on accountability and mentorship.

Key Topics (with Timestamps):

• Podcast mission and welcoming Cliff (0:03 - 0:20)

• Appreciating the platform and community perspectives (0:20 - 1:15)

• Local media, politician perceptions, and respectful dialogues (1:15 - 3:47)

• Accountability, audits, and Mayor Coogan experiences (3:47 - 5:51)

• COVID leadership challenges and interim mayor role (5:51 - 7:33)

• Debunking financial myths and character insights (7:33 - 9:15)

• Mayor's race preview: Candidates, apathy, issues (9:15 - 10:58)

• Social media's impact on campaigning (10:58 - 12:41)

• Lessons from national politics for local messaging (12:41 - 15:55)

• Infrastructure frustrations and leadership styles (15:55 - 18:48)

• Early work ethic and family sacrifices (18:48 - 21:52)

• Turning points in low-wage jobs and inner drive (21:52 - 24:57)

• Quitting jobs for real estate amid struggles (24:57 - 27:12)

• Rejecting complacency and early leadership (27:12 - 29:15)

• Shift to real estate success and mentorship (29:15 - 32:09)

• Building brokerage and overcoming recession (32:09 - 35:33)

• Rebranding image and owning local staples (35:33 - 38:24)

• Commitment to Fall River as a city of opportunity (38:24 - 41:09)

• Political tenure and future family goals (41:09 - 44:25)

• Dating challenges as a busy leader (44:25 - 47:06)

• Money as passion's byproduct and helping family (47:06 - 49:06)

• Family background and legacy aspirations (49:06 - 51:06)

• New York Bagel acquisition and expansion (51:06 - 55:29)

• Partnership dynamics and integrity (55:29 - 59:20)

• Business aspirations and youth advice (59:20 - 1:01:25)

• Aligning with driven people unapologetically (1:01:25 - 1:03:17)

• Mutual admiration and personal journeys (1:03:17 - 1:05:29)

• Bobby's manifestation story and overcoming lows (1:05:29 - 1:08:34)

• Inspirations and meaningful conversations (1:08:34 - 1:10:07)

• Regrets, reflections, and tough love lessons (1:10:07 - 1:13:04)

• Political growth: Respect over likeability (1:13:04 - 1:19:16)

• Politics' value: Connections and impact (1:19:16 - 1:21:49)

• Mid-life investment advice: Passions and businesses (1:21:49 - 1:26:14)

• Acquisition strategies and dream-offering lessons (1:26:14 - 1:30:35)

• Stock investments and crypto skepticism (1:30:35 - 1:35:38)

• AI advances and ethical questions (1:35:38 - 1:39:03)

• Plans for future live episodes (1:39:03 - 1:40:10)

• Apology for prior distraction; 9/11 remembrance (1:40:10 - 1:45:51)

• Life's fragility and closing thoughts (1:45:51 - End)

Notable Quotes:

• Cliff: "I want to be respected and not liked."

• Bobby: "I am in the constant pursuit of the best version of myself."

• Cliff: "If you do what you truly love, the money comes."

• Bobby: "When you get to the point where you say 'I can't no more,' you are ready."

Resources Mentioned:

• Businesses: New York Bagel, Al Mac's Diner, Roger's Hot Dogs, Keller Williams.

• Investments: Fidelity, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Berkshire Hathaway.

• Local Politics: Fall River mayor's race.

• Inspirations: Warren Buffett, "The Food That Built America."

Call to Action: Go subscribe to the Patreon

https://patreon.com/Thebobbycoutoshow?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

All roads lead here.