Ray and Joe D.

CT Mirror's Jan Ellen Spiegel joins us to discuss the possibility of Nuclear Energy here in the state of Connecticut.

Professor Matthew Schmidt joins us to tell us the latest about the Russia - Ukraine war and the possibility of it finally coming to an end. Also if and when it does come to an end, The repairs will be expensive!

Connecticut Residents should prepare for more Roundabouts. The state could build up to 100 in the next decade. Jordan Fenster from CT Insider tells us why!

Amanda Sirica from Sirica Marketing and Public Relations and The West Farms Mall joins us to talk about hot deals for the holiday season!

We make our picks for week 13 of the NFL! We also had some little guests in the studio with us!

The Pre-Race, The Full Race and The Interviews from the 2025 Manchester Road Race all here for you!

Congressman John Larson joins us at The Manchester Road Race to discuss his campaign and the latest of what is happening in Washington D.C.

Matt Dawson from Pratt and Whitney joins us to discuss the latest of what they have going on.

Shannon Baldassario from MACC Charities along with CT Foodshare Board Member Molly Devanney joins Brian to discuss the absolute need to feed those who may be less fortunate than others especially this time of the year.

Dr Jeff Cohen from Hartford Healthcare drops by the work space to discuss general health and the need for exercise.

Lance Morgan runs the Manchester Road Race Blood Drive aka the Ray Crothers Blood Drive. He talks about the need for Blood and how you can save a life.

The Mayor of Manchester CT Jay Moran joins us to discuss the tradition of The Manchester Road Race.

On this Thanksgiving Day we are at the Manchester Road Race and Dr. Tris Carta, The President of the Race joins us to preview the start.

Rep Josh Elliot from the 88th District is looking to Primary Governor Lamont. He joins us for the hour to discuss his plans and how he sees his path to becoming the next Governor of CT.

High School Football is big in the State of CT and no bigger day than Thanksgiving as rivalry games are featured. WFSB's Joe Zone runs down some good matchups and also comments on the departure of Jim Mora from UConn.

UConn Football Coach Jim Mora is leaving the Huskies to be the Head Coach of Colorado State. The Courant's Dom Amore said this may happen a little over a week ago, and he joins us to talk about it and where UConn goes from here.

Bruce Adams is the President and CEO of the Credit Union League of CT. He discusses starting with a credit union, the elimination of the penny and Mastercard swiping fee.

Another Week of Tech Tuesday with Erik Semmel of TAB Computer Systems and Computer Talk with TAB.

Kelly Juleson of the Governor's Prevention Partnership calls in to really warn of leaving medicines out during the holiday season with people and kids over. She says it is best to dispose of them if not in use or hide them in a place nobody will be!

Shipman and Goodwin's Jim Bergenn discusses the Letitia James and James Comey cases being dismissed and if there will be an appeal.

Greg Bordonaro from The Hartford Business Journal joins us to talk housing in Hartford, a secret committee, and banking.

Former New Britain Mayor Erin Stewart joins us to discuss her campaign to be the next Governor of Connecticut. She also talks about the Republican Party in the state and how she plans to provide the spark needed!

Kate Dias talks about the Education Department and how the funding slowing has had an impact on the state of Connecticut.

Majors Donald and Paula Spencer of the Salvation Army of Greater Hartford discuss the needs this holiday season beginning with this week's food needs for Thanksgiving.

Brian Shactman and David Lightman from McClatchy discussed the political implications of Trump's actions regarding the Epstein case. Lightman suggested that Trump's decision to release information might be due to a lack of votes to block the legislation in the House or Senate. They also touched on the potential impact of Trump's demands for investigations into Democrats, which could delay document releases. Lightman noted that some Republicans, like Marjorie Taylor Greene, are resisting Trump's influence, indicating a shift in party dynamics. They also discussed the upcoming meeting between Trump and Mamdani, predicting a cordial but potentially contentious discussion. Finally, they mentioned the urgency of addressing healthcare subsidies and economic concerns when Congress reconvenes.

Brian Shactman visited Frida's at 151 Lewis Avenue in Meriden, Connecticut, to celebrate its sixth anniversary. Magdalena Alberto and her son George Rendon discussed the business's success, including a $55 million artwork sale in New York. Magdalena shared that the anniversary cake was brought from New York. Brian praised the authentic Mexican breakfast served, including chilaquiles and empanadas. George, helps out at Frida's on weekends.

Kathy Kogut from Kogut Tree Farm discussed the farm's operations and Christmas tree sales. The farm, named Hemlock Hill, has been in operation since the 1980s. Most of their trees are Fraser firs, which take 10 years to grow and are known for their needle retention. The farm, located in Meriden, Connecticut, allows customers to cut their own trees, with about 200-250 trees available each year. Kathy emphasized the importance of keeping the trees hydrated to prevent fire hazards. The farm also won the Big E competition and the Durham Fair competition. Kathy's son, who is retiring from the police, will join the farm to sell trees.

Brian Shactman and Mayor Kevin Scarpati discuss the vibrant Mexican restaurant Frida's in Meriden, which is celebrating its sixth anniversary. Scarpati, who has been mayor for ten years, shares his journey from serving on the Board of Education at 20 to becoming the city's youngest mayor at 26. He emphasizes his commitment to education, infrastructure investments, and community service. Scarpati highlights the city's challenges, including special education funding and affordable housing. He also mentions the upcoming Silver Lights event in Hubbard Park and a food drive to support local food pantries. The conversation underscores Scarpati's dedication to Meriden's growth and community engagement.

Brian Shactman discusses Matt's annual fundraiser for autism at the Elks Club, which has raised thousands. Michelle and Keith Stocking, members of the Elks, explain its fraternal and charitable nature, including scholarships, veteran support, and community projects like a food drive for the Meriden soup kitchen. The Elks Club, established in 1914, is the 35th in the U.S. and has over 2,000 lodges. They highlight upcoming events, such as a Hoop Shoot contest for children aged 8-13, and emphasize the community's acceptance and support. Michelle recently received a lifetime honorary membership for her contributions.

Brian Shactman, Brian Cyr, and Dan Gafney discuss the importance of arts education in Meriden public schools. Brian Cyr, the fine arts coordinator, oversees music, theater, and visual arts across eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools, involving nearly 40 staff members. Despite budget cuts, the arts programs thrive, with notable achievements such as top positions in the state competitive marching circuit and upcoming district-wide art exhibits. They emphasize the value of arts in fostering well-rounded students, reducing chronic absenteeism, and promoting community engagement. Both teachers, with long tenures in Meriden, highlight the diverse, supportive environment and the rewarding experience of working with dedicated students.

Brian Shactman interviews Justin Piccirillo, a middle school art teacher and author of "The Hidden History of Meriden," published on November 4. Piccirillo discusses his passion for Meriden's history, including its role as a potential state capital and its nickname, "Silver City." He highlights lesser-known stories, such as the Yankee peddler Ash Bill Griswold and Meriden's significant contributions during World War II, including blackout paint and dog tags. Piccirillo also mentions his journey from political cartoonist to author, driven by his love for Meriden's history and legacy. The book is available on Amazon.

Tom Dubay from Hartford Flavor Company and Rory Gale from Hartford Prints discuss not only the Health of Hartford but the Business Health of Hartford and different events they have going on.

Former Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona calls in to talk about the state of education in our state and the nation.

Chris Mattei from Koskoff Koskoff and Bieder talks to us about a new lawsuit for a fired FBI agent.

Another week of NFL Picks with our friends Christine and Salt and Mark Christopher from 96.5 WTIC FM. Somehow Christine is still in first, but that could change this week!

Tom Tierney joins us to discuss a new way of cremation that is environmentally friendly and may give families a better option that traditional cremation. It's call The Green Cremation and he explains everything they do in this fascinating interview.

Professor Emeritus at Quinnipiac University David Cadden joins us to talk about the question if tariffs are forcing brands to cut back on Black Friday deals this holiday shopping season.

Dr Ed Cohen Writes a weekly business column, heavily focused on ratings research for Barrett Media. He discusses how streaming platforms get their ratings on shows, movies, and even live sports.

The Hartford Courant's Livi Stanford discusses the Speed Cameras that are increasing in Middletown and surrounding towns and cities.

Sandie Terenzi and Mike Price from The Livian Team at Keller Williams Legacy Partners joins us to talk about the possibility of the fifty year mortgage and why it is a bad idea for home buyers especially here in Connecticut.

Erik Semmel from TAB Computer Systems and Computer Talk with TAB joins us to discuss Digital ID, Having AI handle your Christmas Shopping and how AI is being used to attack targets across the world.

CT Insider's David Borges talks about the UConn Men's basketball team ahead of their game against the number four Arizona WIldcats. David also has a new book out about the resurgence of UConn Basketball and you can purchase it here... https://www.amazon.com/Hurleys-Heroes-UConns-College-Basketballs/dp/1493089676