Cultural Connections

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Learning about different cultures, overcoming challenges and how we can all work to spread positivity together

Brian Ives


    • Apr 11, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 37m AVG DURATION
    • 40 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Cultural Connections

    Cultural Connections: What's Next for Newton, MA

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 37:35


    On today's episode of the Cultural Connections podcast, Brian is joined by Marc Laredo, Candidate for Mayor of Newton, MA and current President of the Newton, MA City Council.. Together they discuss why Marc is running for Mayor and what issues are important to him, should he be elected Mayor in November. Learn more about Marc Laredo on his campaign website at:https://www.laredofornewton.com/

    The Student Revolution in Bangladesh: A story of Courage and Strength

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 38:45


    On today's episode of the Cultural Connections podcast, Brian is joined by Mir Mahbubur Rahman (Snigdho) of Bangladesh. Snigdho tells the story of the Student Revolution that occurred in Bangladesh last Summer. He also shares his own personal story of losing his twin brother, Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdho during the revolution last summer.

    Season 3 Kickoff with Chris Fussner

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2025 30:54


    On Today's episode of the Cultural Connections podcast, Brian is joined by returning guest, Chris Fussner:Christopher J. Fussner is an international businessman, philanthropist,and contributor to various non-profit organizations. He possesses deepknowledge of and experience in Asia, having lived and worked in the region for38 years.Mr. Fussner founded and owns TransTechnology Pte. Ltd. inSingapore in 1988, a major distributor of surface mount technology andsemiconductor capital equipment. 

    Cultural Connections Yes on 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 35:26


    For the next two weeks on the Cultural Connections podcast we will be focused on learning more about the 5 ballot questions on the Massachusetts Ballot on November 3rd. This episode features Graham Moore, Lead Educational Outreach Organizer for the Yes on Question 4 ballot measure. Please note the Cultural Connections podcast is not endorsing either side of any of the 5 ballot questions, instead we are trying to educate the voters from both sides of each questions. The producer of the Cultural Connections podcast has reached out to both sides of each of the 5 ballot questions with invitations to appear on the podcast. See less

    Cultural Connections NO on 4 MA Ballot question

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 33:38


    For the next two weeks on the Cultural Connections podcast we will be focused on learning more about the 5 ballot questions on the Massachusetts Ballot on November 3rd. This episode features Dr. Anahita Dua, representative for the No on Question 4 ballot measure. Please note the Cultural Connections podcast is not endorsing either side of any of the 5 ballot questions, instead we are trying to educate the voters from both sides of each questions. The producer of the Cultural Connections podcast has reached out to both sides of each of the 5 ballot questions with invitations to appear on the podcast. See less

    The race for MA Middlesex District 12 House race

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2024 37:56


    On today's episode of the Cultural Connections Podcast, Brian is joined by Bill Humphrey. Bill is the current Ward 5 City Councilor in Newton, MA and is also a candidate for the MA House of Representative seat in Middlesex District 12. Bill tells us why he is running for State Representative and why he believes he is most qualified for the position.

    Massachusetts State Representative 11th District race

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2024 28:10


    On this episode of the Cultural Connections Podcast, Brian is joined by Amy Sangiolo. Together they discuss the race for MA State Representative 12th district. We discuss why Amy is running for this seat and why she believes she is uniquely qualified for the position

    Tarik Lucas: Newton, Massachusetts update

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2024 45:00


    On today's episode of the Cultural Connections podcast Brian Is joined by Newton, Massachusetts City Councilor At Large from Ward 2, Tarik Lucas. Together they discussed all things Newton, MA including the recent teachers strike, zoning reform and more.

    Giving back to the Global Community Pt 1: The Joy of Music Program, Worcester, MA

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2023 30:05


    For the month of December the Cultural Connections podcast will be featuring and highlighting some amazing organizations that are making a difference in our community. To kick off this series, Brian is joined by Jenny Griffin, Executive Director of the Joy of Music Program in Worcester, MA. If you would like more information or would like to make a donation please visit. www.jomp.org

    Cultural Connections: The Rise in Antisemitism

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 33:00


    On today's podcast Brian is joined by Rabbi Ben Rosen, Assistant Rabbi at Temple Beth Elohim in Wellesley, MA. Together they discuss the recent events in the Middle East and the rise in antisemitism.

    Innovative ways to Educational Leadership: Lessons Learned.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2023 53:17


    On today's podcast Brian is joined by returning guest Dr. Patrica DiPillo. Together they discuss Innovative ways to Educational Leadership: Lessons Learned. We apologize in advance for the technical difficulties that occurred during the original broadcast.

    Cultural Connections: Demystifying Autism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2023 37:48


    On today's podcast we demystify Autism with guest Brenda Dater, Executive Director of the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) in Watertown, MA for more information about AANE and to learn more about the services they offer. Checkout their website: www.aane.org

    Exploring Creativity and Climatic Identity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2023 34:03


    On today's podcast we will be exploring Creativity and Climatic Identity. Brian is joined by Chris Fussner, Founder of Tropical Futures Institute

    Cultural Connections: Behind the Scenes of Recruitment

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 46:06


    Today on the Cultural Connections podcast, we go behind the scenes on the world of recruitment. Brian is joined by Junya Yoshida Co Founder and Director of FYND Recruitment in Tokyo Japan.

    How one Man made a Difference during the Holocaust

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2023 47:49


    On Today's podcast Brian is joined by Kristina Reiko Cooper, Arnold Mazer, Melanie, Wallace and Diane Estelle Vicari, all of whom had a part in telling the story of Chiune Siguhara, a Japanese diplomat who save the lives of thousands of jews during the holocaust

    Cultural Connections: Newton MA Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2023 37:25


    On Today's episode of the Cultural Connections podcast Brian is joined by Newton, Massachusetts city councilor at large from Ward 2, Tarik Lucas. They discuss the upcoming Override vote on March 14th. For more information on the Newton, MA override please visit www.newtonma.gov/override To find your polling location or for more info about voting please visit https://www.newtonma.gov/government/elections

    Cultural Connections: Climate Change with Legendary Meteorologist Harvey Leonard

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2023 44:10


    On today's podcast Brian is joined by legendary meteorologist Harvey Leonard, Chief emeritus Meteorologist to WCVB-TV channel 5 in Boston, MA. Together they discuss climate change and the impact it is having on our planet.

    The Art of Holiday Cooking

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2022 29:24


    For today's episode of the Cultural Connections podcast, Brian is joined by Todd Heberlein, executive chef of Volante Farms in Needham, MA. Todd shares information about their popular menu items for the holiday season, and what his favorite dish is to cook! that and more on today's episode of the Cultural Connections Podcast!

    Cultural Connections: Bob Jacobs

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2022 24:46


    On today's episode of the Cultural Connections podcast we are joined by a successful entrepreneur, Bob Jacobs. Bob tells us about his work and how he is running a successful business on today's episode of the Cultural Connections Podcast.

    Cultural Connections Season 2 Episode 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2022 45:55


    We kick off season 2 of the Cultural Connections podcast with Sarah Smith Orr. Sarah is a global Renaissance Business woman who shares her professional career story and her personal story and the important values she has learned throughout her life.

    Cultural Connections Episode 19: Legislative Update with Massachusetts State Rep. Ruth Balser

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2022 32:52


    Brian is joined today by Massachusetts State Representative Ruth Balser for the Middlesex 12th District. We hear about current legislation pending in the Mass State House and current legislative work that Rep. Balser is presently working on. That and more on today's podcast.

    Episode 18: Giving back to the Global Community pt 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2021 26:11


    Today on the Cultural Connections podcast we continue our special series of giving back to the global community. Todays featured organization is Rosies place. Our guest is Jamie Doyle, Director of Communications for Rosies Place. learn more about Rosies Place here http://rosiesplace.org

    official trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 1:25


    Learn more about what the Cultural Connections podcast is all about in this quick trailer. Have suggestions for future episodes please email me at brianives@gmail.com

    Giving back to the Global Community part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2021 41:26


    On today's episode of the Cultural Connections podcast, we continue our December series of giving back to the Global Community. Brian is joined by David Sellers, Executive Director of the John M Barry Boys and Girls Club of Newton, MA To donate: visit: www.newtonbgc.com

    Cultural Connections: Episode 16 Lisa Sherber, giving back to the community during the holiday season

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2021 27:16


    Today on the Cultural Connections podcast we will be discussing: Part 1 in our December series, giving back to the community during the holiday season. Brian talks to Lisa Shereber, director of patient and family programs at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA.

    Episode 15: Seeking the Truth and getting the answers. Guest: Matthew Carroll, Journalism professor at Northeastern University and former member of The Boston Globe Spotlight Team

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 27:01


    Episode 15: Seeking the Truth and getting the answers. Guest: Matthew Carroll, Journalism professor at Northeastern University and former member of The Boston Globe Spotlight Team

    Episode 14: Making A Difference around the Globe Through Archeticture

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2021 49:08


    Brian talks to Rick & Laura Brown, Husband and Wife duo and co founders of Hands House Inc. Learn more about their work and the upcoming projects they are working on in this episode of the Cultural Connections podcast. www.handshouse.org

    Episode 13: The Art of the Mediterranean Cuisine

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2021 28:42


    Brian is joined by Phil Emmanuel, Owner of Grape Leaf Mediterranean Grille Restaurant in Newton, MA. They discuss his Resturant and The Art of the Mediterranean Cuisine Grape Leaf Mediterranean Grille 6 Lincoln Street, Newton MA 02461 617-527-5366 www.grapeleafnewton.com

    Episode 12: Examining Cultural Connections through an educational lens

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2021 46:08


    Brian is joined by Pat DiPillo, World language department chair for the town of Falmouth, Massachusetts. They discuss Cultural Connections through an educational lens. Learn more about how education and culture play a role together.

    Episode 11: The Future of Newton, Massachusetts

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2021 39:30


    On today's episode of the Cultural Connections podcast, Brian is joined by Amy Sangiolo, Candidate for mayor of Newton, Massachusetts. Amy explains why she is running for Mayor and the issues that matter most to her. That and more on today's episode of the Cultural Connections podcast.

    Cultural Connections Episode 10: Keeping our Community Safe

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2021 36:48


    Brian is joined by Chief Carmichael of the Newton, MA Police Department. They talk about policing in Newton, the recent break in's in Newton, police reform and keeping our community safe.

    Episode 9: The Growing footprint of Adult Education in Asia

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2021 51:55


    Brian chats with David Kwee, CEO of Trainingvision Institute, Singapore and Aditya Barella, Managing director, Global Education Services Trainingvision Institut, India. They discuss the growing footprint of adult education in Asia.

    Cultural Connections Episode 8: Guest Tarik Lucas

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2021 38:23


    Tarik Lucas, Councilor at Large for Ward 2 in Newton, Massachusetts joins us on the podcast to update us on the proposed gun shop in Newton and what the City Council is doing about this gun shop.

    Episode 7: Shalmalee Ghate

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2021 31:14


    On today's episode of the Cultural Connections podcast, Shalmalee Ghate tells us about her background in India, her career in International Development and gives us a first hand look at the Covid-19 pandemic in India.

    Cultural Connections Episode 6 Guest Bob Kelly

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2021 35:01


    Bob Kelly, Executive Director of NewTV, Newton MA, joins us for a discussion about community media, the impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on community media centers, the future of community media and much more. Learn more about NewTV on their website www.newtv.org Or Call the station 617-965-7200

    Episode 5 Guest: John Oliver

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2021 46:04


    In today's episode of the Cultural Connections podcast, Brian sits down with John Oliver of Newton, MA. John is running for the Ward 1 At-Large City Council position in the upcoming special election on Tuesday March 16th. Learn more about John Oliver on his website http://www.johnoliver4newton.org

    Episode 4: Tarik Lucas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2021 37:52


    Brian chats with Tarik Lucas, candidate for Newton Massachusetts City Council Ward 2 At-Large. Learn more about Tarik, why he is running and what issues matter most to him if elected. The special Election is on March 16th. For information about voting and where you can vote visit www.newtonma.gov/government/elections and to learn more about Tarik Lucas and support his campaign visit www.teamtarik.org

    Episode 3 with Chris Fussner

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2021 41:17


    Chris Fussner is the CEO and Founder of Trans Tech based in Singapore.. Chris tell us all about his background, what Trans Tech is, how he grew the company, what success means to him and much more.

    Cultural Connections: Guest Chris Kimble

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2020 45:29


    In Episode 2 of the Cultural Connections podcast, Brian talks with Chris Kimble, COO/ Sales & Marketing Director for If you Can LLC https://www.ifyoucan.com

    Episode 1 with Guest Jamey Breen

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2020 66:51


    For our first podcast we are joined by Jamey Breen. Jamey is an author and motivational speaker who talks about his own life challenges all the while of staying positive. Jamey's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Keep-Rollin-James-Jamey-Breen/dp/1518738028 Jamey's "The 2 Anchors Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/the2anchors/

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