WKXL - New Hampshire Talk Radio

A. J. dives into recent headlines on the NH Republican plan to improve voting access while keeping ID requirements, the government shutdown is on course to end (causing Shaheen family chaos?), and how SCOTUS is not going to overturn Obergefell.

Rhonda Shear, one of the busiest women in show business, took some time today to chat about her latest project. That project is to re-fire up the engines on her immensely popular previous USA Network television series “Up All Night”. Here's some info about her from her press release: "The late-night hostess with the mostest! For 8 years and over 450 episodes of USA: Up All Night, Rhonda Shear kept America UP every Friday with outrageous comedy, over-the-top characters, and campy fun. Known for her big hair, quick wit, and playful style, she introduced a generation to horror, B-movies, and late-night laughs.  In 2017, Rhonda came out with memoir Up All Night: From Hollywood Bombshell to Lingerie Mogul, Life Lessons from an Accidental Feminist”.

It's Friday, which means the Friday Fun Bunch is in the WKXL Studios! Ken Cail interviews Tom Raffio, President & CEO of Northeast Delta Dental, Ellen Raffio, and Kitty Rae the OFFICIAL “Flick Chick."

Today Ken and Alex chat with Vladimir Nikitin and Gavin Wilkie, and they talk favorite foods, what the players do in down time, family and trivia!

This week on Facing the Future, Peter Fisher, Distinguished Senior Fellow at the MIT Golub Center for Finance and Policy, describes the potential consequences of America's “untethered fiscal policy” and the risks of hyperinflation or default on the debt.

On Artful Living today, Host Jane Cormier chats with Katelyn Gagnon of GoodLife NH to discuss all their upcoming events and presentations at GoodLife. We hope you will join our "chat"!

Theatre was in the spotlight Thursday as we discussed the upcoming production of the Concord Community Players, The Addams Family Musical. Joining us in studio were the actors portraying Gomez and Morticia Addams, Christopher Graham and Nora McBurnett. The show will be on stage next weekend at the Concord City Auditorium. For more information and tickets it's www.communityplayersofconcord.org

Ken and Alex chat with Corwith Simmers & Tyler Dahms, and theyre talking abouthockey, as well as music, BBQ, and travelling!

There is so much talent and entertainment in this little state and it's time once again to shine a spotlight on some goings on. First up, I show a little more love than usual to the show's sponsor The Law Offices of Shaheen & Gordon. There local community involvement is dang impressive and we get to highlight some of it. Then it's time to shower some praise on recent and upcoming productions from The Players Ring (Ye Merry Gentlemen), Powerhouse Collaborative (Fezziwig's After Dark & A Christmas Carol), The Community Players of Concord (The Adams Family), Lend Me a Theater (Dinner theater at Kimball Jenkins), The Village Players of Wolfeboro (Sweeney Todd) and The North Country Center for the Arts aka Jean's Playhouse (Ghostlight and Christmas Carol). We toss in some great songs from the 60's, a little bit of rambling from yours truly and bingo, bango, bongo we got our selves a show.

Wednesday's guest on the program was 5-time New York Times best-selling author Shea Serrano. His latest book was released recently and it's a terrific read if you're a fan of professional basketball. The book is “Expensive Basketball” and it has nothing to do with ticket prices. There are chapters in this book dedicated to Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Sue Bird, Kobe Bryant and so many more.

Veronica has a wonderful chat with Coreen Furgoson, and they are talking hair! And not just styling, but healthy ways to take care of our hair.

Today on Artful Living, we welcome Christian Copeley and discuss his new position as Music Director at Christ the King Parish, in Concord. Join us as we discuss all the beautiful music happening at Christ the King Parish..

Tuesday's guest was author Yaron Weitzman who just released his latest book, “Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers”. Also discussed Tuesday was the passing of a bill in the U.S. Senate that would end the record-breaking U.S. Government shutdown. The resolution now must pass the U.S. House of Representatives. And, we honored our veterans and current service men and women on this Veteran's Day with a spirited rendition of the official songs of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.

A sports oriented Monday on the program with correspondent John Leahy on the hockey border battle between the University of New Hampshire and UMass-Lowell. UNH head football coach Rick Santos joined us to talk about his team's big win on Saturday over Monmouth and we paid tribute to Sesame Street and the United States Marine Core, both celebrating anniversaries today.

A. J. and Dexter break down the impact of local elections in New Hampshire, how Zohran Mamdani's win in NYC is bad for the nation, and the craziness around Nick Fuentes joining the Tucker Carlson Show. Watch the Tucker Carlson interview with Nick Fuentes: https://youtu.be/efBB0D4tf1Y?si=96iXBfA7mfT64o6F Brett Cooper on the conservative chaos: https://youtu.be/M0PmW4od7z4?si=PjzU_tx1uJkwPNWEFollow Dexter Tarbox: https://x.com/DSDexterTarbox

My wife and I have questions about putting our garden beds to rest now that it's the end of the growing season and that means it's time to bring on Ethan and Amy Sager from the Again & Again Farmstead in Tamsworth. What I prize about talking with them is that they are live in a rarified world known as “permaculture”. And when I say they live in that world I mean exactly that. Soil preservation, water capture, wool pelletizing, worm castings and biochar are just some of the techniques employed on their farm. Every chat them delivers an education in how to garden the right way. It's never, ever boring spending time with these two friends. Their respect and knowledge for proper land use absolutely amazes me. And their newsletter is like an encyclopedia. In this episode they've even kindly provided a coupon code for free shipping on anything from their website. Luv these guys!!!

It's Friday, which means the Friday Fun Bunch is in the WKXL Studios! Ken Cail interviews Tom Raffio, President & CEO of Northeast Delta Dental, Ellen Raffio, and Kitty Rae the OFFICIAL “Flick Chick."

This week on Facing the Future, we focused on tax policy with Howard Gleckman, non-resident fellow at the Urban Institute and the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. He explained his recent column, "What The Ugly History of Tax Policy Over The Past Four Decades Means For The Future."

This week on Facing the Future, we looked at the major impact of health care spending on the federal budget with Anna Bonelli, Director of Health Policy at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. The discussion included expiring enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Medicare insolvency and Medicare Advantage overpayments.

Join our host Jane Cormier as we conclude our Western Music History series with composers of the 1800's. Such beautiful music - hope you can join us!

Thursday we were joined in studio by Mike and Karen Donnell. Mike is a coaching legend in New Hampshire and most recently, his Pembroke Academy Boys Basketball team won the NHIAA Division 2 championship in March at the Lundholm Gym in Durham. Last week Coach Donnell resigned his post at Pembroke Academy as he experienced a period of feeling tired and lacking the energy of which he's always had plenty. Later that day he received a call from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute informing him that cancer had returned to his liver and lungs. He now will be going for biopsies. His wife, Karen, a cancer survivor, has been his “rock” through this journey and a tremendous source of support for Mike throughout the years in their many endeavors and adventures.

God knows I love bbq and today Dan Lloyd, Founder and CEO of Big Dog Sauce Company, and Brian Bowman of Hot Mess BBQ NH stop by the studio to chat about their latest bbq news updates. Dan let's us in on a little secret concerning Big Dog's website upgrade and where the company is headed (and believe me, it's great to hear). Hot Mess BBQ, voted Northeast Barbecue Society's “Rookie Team of the Year”, shares some year end team updates and tells us what it's like to be in these competitions. Meat selection, sauce and rub use, presenting to the judges, team placement, etc are on the menu. See what I did there?

Wednesday's show featured a live in studio appearance from the New Hampshire based band Stand Up Audio. They are currently working on their third CD and introduced a song on today's program written by band member Ben Cooper, “All That I Need” which will be on their next release. Stand Up Audio will be appearing on Saturday, December 6 at the Button Factory Stage in Portsmouth.

Today Veronica provides some tips and tricks to prepare for the upcoming fall and holiday season. She talks gift giving, restoration of the nervous system, and much more!

"Today we welcome Laurence Weissbrot, a bass/baritone from Concord who will share his love and experiences of Gilbert and Sullivan with us at Artful Living.  Hope you can join the "chat"!

Tuesday marked our monthly visit with the New Hampshire Insurance Department. We were joined by N.H. Insurance Commissioner D.J. Bettencourt to discuss the 2026 Open Enrollment period for health insurance plans which is underway. To have your plan begin on January 1, 2026 you must sign up before December 15. www.healthcare.gov

A. J. is joined by Making Media Now's Michael Azevedo to discuss the impact of private equity buying news outlets, shifting business models, and whether public funding going away was the right path.

Mention the movie “Jaws” and adrenaline instantly pours into my system! It's an iconic movie with a crazy amount of adrenaline pumping scenes. It was released 50yrs ago this year. The NH Theatre Project is showcasing the stage production of “The Shark is Broken”. Directed by Todd Hunter and starring Jeff Ripley as Robert Shaw, Dan Kelly as Roy Scheider, and Aaron Bencks as Richard Dreyfuss, this spectacular comedy co-written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, the short tempers of Jaws stars Robert Shaw (father of co-writer Ian), Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider take center stage as they bond, argue, drink, gamble, and pray for an end to the shoot, not knowing it will change their lives forever. October 17- Nov 2nd in Portsmouth.

It's Friday, which means the Friday Fun Bunch is in the WKXL Studios! Ken Cail interviews Tom Raffio, President & CEO of Northeast Delta Dental, Ellen Raffio, and Kitty Rae the OFFICIAL “Flick Chick."

On todays show Ken and Alex chat about the upcoming games this weekend, some trivia with prizes, and a couple of surprise guests stop by!

This week on Facing the Future we talked with Rep. Scott Peters (D-CA) and Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI) about two bills they have co-sponsored. One would create a bipartisan fiscal commission and the other would dock the pay of members of Congress for not doing their budget and appropriations bills on time.

It is Classical Thursday and we discuss some of the most legendary composers, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. We hope you will join us!

Thursday's show was all about sauces with Dan Lloyd from Big Dog Sauce on Hillsboro. The company was founded by Dan and his wife Phyllis who run the operation along with partner Mike Diamond. The company was founded four years ago and has grown over the years to include outlets as far south as Tennessee and as far west as Buffalo. In addition, Big Dog was recently invited to an exclusive event at the Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee and been the recipients of several awards for their distinctive and flavorful sauces.

Our final episode about the New Hampshire Film Festival features the President and CEO Tina Sawtelle. Some of the items on the docket were Tina's background and involvement with the NHFF, the relationship between the NHFF and the Music Hall, the excitement about the “Immersive Virtual Production Experience"  of The Studio Lab of Derry, highlights of the festival that you should see (think talkbacks, coffee with the filmmakers, etc.), evening events that are not to be missed, why she's hyped on Thursday (and why you should be too) and……much, much more. As always!

Wednesday's show featured our correspondent John Leahy as we discussed the return of long-time Boston Bruins star Brad Marchand to the TD Garden on Tuesday on what turned out to be night that brought tears to the eyes of the man they call “The Little Ball of Hate” and thousands of fans at the Garden.  We were also joined by New Hampshire Fisher Cats broadcaster Chris Jared for a preview of the 2025 World Series between the parent club of the ‘Cats, the Toronto Blue Jays, and the L.A. Dodgers. Chris pointed out that up to 11 former Fisher Cats players and coaches will be seeking a Series victory including manager John Schneider who led the Fisher Cats to their 2018 Eastern League Championship

Alex Posani is joined by NA3 Mountain Kings captains Noah Levesque and Jacob Landry as they discuss the Mountain Kings season, the NA3HL as a whole, and the paths in life that led them to becoming Mountain Kings. The NA3HL's New Hampshire Mountain Kings return home on Wednesday, October 29th, for a 12pm game against the Norwich Sea Captains. All home games are played at Delta Dental Arena in Hooksett.

Artful Living is about all things Fall through Oct. 31! Come and hear what is happening the next two weeks in Concord and beyond on WKXL NHTalkRadio.com

Andrea Woolverton of Twin Engines Coffee makes a return visit! She and Veronica have a great discussion talking about their process in making great coffee, and even tea!

Medicare Tuesday on this edition of the program. Christian Troy joined us from Woodpecker Medicare of Concord to discuss the importance of getting your Medicare plan in place during this Open Enrollment period which ends on December 7. From Original Medicare and Medigap plans to Medicare Advantage Plans there are many options to choose from. Helping to simplify the decision making process is what Woodpecker does and they do it for free. www.woodpeckermedicare.com

It was a Sports Monday on the program focusing on some of the positive news involving the Patriots and the Toronto Blue Jays, the parent club of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats. We were joined by University of New Hampshire head football coach Rick Santos who is coming off a weekend victory over Campbell University and looking ahead to this Saturday's home game versus The Tribe of William and Mary.

A. J. breaks down the fracturing of Trump's MAGA movement stemming from populist arguments from Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene on the Tim Dillon Show and Senator Josh Hawley against Amazon. Also, what do the Maine senate race candidates Graham Platner and Governor Janet Mills actually stand for.

Ever been to The Big E in West Springfield MA? We have (that was another life ago) and so has our friend Rubin Lichtenstein of Rubins Hot Sauce and he's come by the studio to tell us what his experience was as a vendor for 18 days as over a million visitors filter on through. As a bonus for our NH Unscripted listeners Rubin drops some inside info about an upcoming cooking show AND a cookbook that he's working on. Oh and wait to hear his story about fairgoers putting his hot sauce on their ice cream!! Yup you read that right.

It's Friday, which means the Friday Fun Bunch is in the WKXL Studios! Ken Cail interviews Tom Raffio, President & CEO of Northeast Delta Dental, Ellen Raffio, and Kitty Rae the OFFICIAL “Flick Chick."

This week on Facing the Future, former CBO director Doug Elmendorf of Harvard's Kennedy School discussed the state of the economy, the government shutdown and why policymakers should not rely on economic growth alone to rein in the unsustainable growth of debt.

As part of Classical Thursday, Jane will discuss famous composers from the Baroque music era. If you like classical music, this is a segment for you. Join us.

A delightful Thursday morning spent with members of the cast and crew of the upcoming presentation of the incredible Steven Sondheim musical “Sweeney Todd” at the Village Players Theater in Wolfeboro, NH premiering on October, 31. Joining us on the program were Director Paul Stewart, Olivia Lee who plays Sweeney's daughter Johanna, Louis Laurendeau in the role of Anthony Hope, Anna Loos from the ensemble and our own Andrew Gibson who will be playing the role of “The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”, Sweeney Todd. For more information it's; www.village-players.com

CABA returns!! I really love honey and so Jamie Jobin and Heather Moynihan from the Capital Area Beekeepers Association swing by to answer some questions I've had about the various types of honey (dark, types of infused, seasonal, creamed, etc) and help me to understand certain terminology that I've come across while traveling down some rabbit holes doing research. They even brought some samples for us to try!!! Oh yeah, daddy's a happy camper.

A wide-ranging variety of topics discussed on the Wednesday program with my guest,Alex Posani, the “voice” of Delta Dental Stadium and Delta Dental Arena. We featured some food and fun talk on the show touching on some “National” days like “I Love Lucy Day”, “Roast Pheasant Day” and “Mushroom Day to name just a few.

Jason Demakis stops by for another visit! Veronica chats with him about strength training, dieting, and how these things work synergistically together.

Today on Artful Living, Jane discusses a little bit of the history regarding the Bronte sisters Charlotte, Anne, and of course Emily who is most known for writing Wuthering Heights. Join us!

It was a potpourri Tuesday on the program as we discussed the ongoing success of two entertainment phenomenons, Taylor Swift and the Savannah Bananas. Also on Tuesday, an update on the bizarre story out of Indianapolis involving former New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez who could be facing a long prison term and just how similar are the American and Canadian Thanksgiving celebrations?