Podcasts about Western Massachusetts

Historian Samantha Graves briefly shares a new research questionnaire collecting close-encounter reports from Western Massachusetts and the Berkshires. Then filmmaker Dean Alioto joins Martin Willis to discuss The Experiencers: Full Disclosure, an eight-year documentary project exploring classic abduction cases, contemporary experiencers, shared encounters, regression research, PTSD, and the challenge of presenting extraordinary testimony with credibility and empathy. They also examine why experiencers remain largely absent from congressional UAP hearings and why their stories may be essential to any meaningful discussion of full disclosure. The film is available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.SHOW NOTESCONTACT AND SUPPORT

As hard as it is to succeed and thrive as a professional jazz musician, how much more challenging is it when the journey leads you to a new country—with new laws, new social customs, and a system that creates roadblocks nearly every step of the way? Today we sit down with jazz saxophonist and music professor Felipe Salles to talk about his journey from an international student at a major conservatory in Boston "fresh off the boat" (as he puts it) from Brazil, to a working musician living in New York on a so-called "genius visa" to a music professor and naturalized American citizen living in Western Massachusetts with his Finnish wife and multi-cultural (and tri-lingual) kids. Find Felipe at his website or on Instagram. ------------------------------------- COME TO ROME WITH US: Our 4th annual Bittersweet Life Roman Adventure is taking place this year from 1 to 7 November 2026! If you'd like to be part of an intimate group of listeners on a magical and unforgettable journey to Rome, discovering the city with us as your guides, find out more here. AD-FREE LISTENING: After well over 10 years on the air with little-to-no advertising, in 2026 we have finally made the difficult decision that this completely independent and self-funded show is no longer sustainable without it. HOWEVER! If you join us on Patreon, for as little as $3 per month, you will have access to all new episodes completely ad-free! ADVERTISE WITH US: Reach expats, future expats, and travelers all over the world. Send us an email to get the conversation started. GET TWO BONUS EPISODES PER MONTH: Pledge your monthly support of The Bittersweet Life at the $5 per month level or above, and you will have access to two all-new (and sometimes wacky) bonus episodes every single month. As well as ad-free listening, occasional live meet-ups, and access to our chat community. Visit our Patreon site to find out more. TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and love. Click here to send financial support via PayPal. (You can also find a Donate button on the desktop version of our website.) The show needs your support to continue. START PODCASTING: If you are planning to start your own podcast, consider Libsyn for your hosting service! Use this affliliate link to get two months free, or use our promo code SWEET when you sign up. SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Click here to find us on a variety of podcast apps. WRITE A REVIEW: Leave us a rating and a written review on iTunes so more listeners can find us. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: If you have a question or a topic you want us to address, send us an email here. You can also connect to us on Facebook or Instagram. Tag #thebittersweetlife with your expat story for a chance to be featured! NEW TO THE SHOW? Don't be afraid to start with Episode 1: OUTSET BOOK: Want to read Tiffany's book, Midnight in the Piazza? Learn more here or order on Amazon. TOUR ROME: If you're traveling to Rome, don't miss the chance to tour the city with Tiffany as your guide!

7/7/26, Co-Host Amilcar Shabazz Sen Paul Mark, Commission Chair of America 250 in Mass, on how and why we are celebrating the Declaration of Independence; also, freeing children from social media exploiters. Amilcar Shabazz on freedom in our history, celebrating Juneteenth, & “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Tom Weiner on “In Defiance: 20 Abolitionists You Were Never Taught in School.” Monica Cage, owner of Crown by Cage & Sec of Black Business Assoc of Amherst Area on Black entrepreneurship in western Mass, community support & the road ahead. Noah Bullock, Ex Dir, Cristosal, the Central American human rts org, on human rts abuses & the death of the rule of law in El Salvador & the tight friendship between Pres Trump &, El Salvador's authoritarian right-wing President, Nayib Bukele.

Join us as we have a robust conversation about the Easthampton Council on aging and enrichment center. We are joined by their Director Cynthia Tarail. She talks about how their programming is a two-way street and how they invite contribution, engagement, and leadership into everything that they do. A participant at the center Ron Contois talks about his experience of coming back to Easthampton and finding community at the center. We are also joined by Katya Shapiro, the Easthampton Public Library Director and Tom Geryk the veteran's agent for Easthampton and Westhampton. Listen as we hear how they partner together and work concurrently to support the residents of the greater Easthampton area. Thank you for listening.

  Thank you for tuning in to Episode 323 of the Down Cellar Studio Podcast. Full show notes with photos can be found on my website. This week's segments included:     Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins Brainstorming From the Armchair Knitting in Passing In my Travels KAL News Events Life in Focus On a Happy Note Quote of the Week   Thank you to this episode's sponsors: Stitched by Jessalu (2nd Episode of the Month)   Stitched by JessaLu is the home of handmade project bags in a variety of fun, floral, geeky, or pop-culture themed prints. All bags are made by one woman - JessaLu - on an antique Singer sewing machine in her home in Western Massachusetts. JessaLu has been making quality project bags and an assortment of sewn accessories since 2008 and has recently begun to design her own exclusive prints!  Check them out in person July 18th at South End Yarns in Newburyport, from July 24-26th at The Gathering at Westfield State hosted by the Northeast Handspinners Association (check out the Saturday evening ticket option for only $25), and don't forget Fiber Revival August 8th in Newbury, MA   Off the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Pollen Party Socks Yarn: Hypnotic Yarn Plush Sock in the Pollen Party colorway + 20g mini (I think it's Legacy Fiber Artz mini) Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page   On the Needles, Hook or Bobbins   Goldwing Sweater Pattern: Goldwing by Jennifer Steingass ($8 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 6 (4.0mm) for body and US 5 (3.75 mm) for rolled neck Yarn: Valley Superwash DK in Sand (MC) and handspun from Wound Up Fiber Arts for CC (Ravelry page for handspun details) Ravelry Project Page Progress: I'm working on the colorwork yoke (only about 8 colorwork rounds left)   Jelly Roll Blanket    Pattern: Crocheted Jelly Roll Blanket by Kay F Jones ($6.70 US on Ravelry) Hook: H (5.0 mm) Yarn: Legacy Fiber Artz Steel Toes Mini Skeins + other minis from stash Ravelry Project Page I was inspired by KnitwithNat's blanket- check it out on Instagram. Progress: I finished my 8th strip and I'm 1/3 into the 9th. Still loving this project!   Mine! Socks Yarn:  Woolens & Nosh SW Targhee Fingering (90 SW Targhee, 10% Nylon)  in the colorway- Mine! aka A Gull Takes Off with Bluberry Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress- I knit the heel of the sock on the plane to NYC, knit on the foot during Schmigadoon and got half way through the toe on the way home.   Wild Violet Socks Yarn: Wild Violet Fibers Merino Sock (85/15 SW Merino/Nylon) in the OOAK #155 Colorway Pattern: OMG Heel Socks by Megan Williams ($5 knitting pattern available on Ravelry) Needles: US 1.5 (2.5 mm) Ravelry Project Page Progress: 1 sock is just beyond the heel. 2nd sock is a few inches into the leg   Brainstorming Gabriella's birthday ideas Elphaba (crochet pattern for sale on Ravelry & on Crochetlandia Site) Dorothy & Toto (crochet pattern- free on Ravelry) Glinda pattern (crochet pattern- free on Crochetlandia Site) Another set available on Etsy from AnaMariaCraft: Crochet Amigurumi Pattern Bundle Wizard of Oz – Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Wicked Witch & Good Witch $24. Her patterns are also available on Ravelry but if you want a bundle, there are better deals on Etsy.   From the Armchair Kin by Tayari Jones. Amazon Affiliate Link. Dirtbag, Massachusetts: A Confessional by Isaac Fitzgerald. Amazon Affiliate Link. Finding Grace by Loretta Rothschild. Amazon Affiliate Link.   Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.   Knitting in Passing I shared a story about another knitting finding me before the Broadway show we were seeing began.   In My Travels Riley and I took an impromptu trip to NYC when she was asked to babysit a local family while they were visiting NY. Friday- we saw Schmigadoon! Saturday- RIley and I got coffee and bagels before we met Laura to visit the Museum of the City of New York to see murals of "Another Wonderland" by Abram Champanier. Riley went off to babysit Saturday night. Laura and I enjoyed a leisurely night in at the hotel. Sunday- Riley and I set an alarm to head to Butterfield Market to buy Dot Cakes. We took a stroll through Central Park before thrift shopping and lunch. Riley went to babysit. I met Laura at Shukette then I went solo to see Operation Mincemeat.    KAL News Splash Pad Party '26 Details Event runs 5/22-7/31 Splash Pad Party Registration is open as of 5/1 View Stats and/or Verify Registration here. Check out our Sponsor List Splash Pad '26 Official Rules Enter your FOs using the Summer Celebration Form. Then come over to this Ravelry Thread to share pics and let us ooh and ahh with you! Submit something incorrectly? Need help? Fill out this Support Form & we'll be in touch. Find official SPP'26 images you can use on social media in this Google folder.   Splash Pad RAVELRY Links Start Here Thread Pro Shop Exclusive Items Thread Coupon Codes Thread Questions Thread Prizes:  we have 48 prizes to give away this Splash Pad season. Tune in to hear if you're a May/June winner!   Events July 31-August 1: Flock Fiber Festival in Seattle, WA August 8- FIber Revival in Newbury, MA September 12 & 13: Boston Fiber Festival in Boston, MA (full or half day passes, or 2 day passes) September 19 & 20: Adirondack Wool & Arts Festival in Greenwich, NY October 17 & 18: NY State Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY November 7: Fiber Festival of New England in Springfield, MA     Life in Focus July 2 is half way day of the year! Let's do a check in on my 26 in 2026 List:   A-Aim for one night at week at the pool in July and August- make it regular and invite friends to pop over B- Blood- donate at least 4 times (1/20, 3/17) C- Christmas Sleepover D- Declutter 26+ items- delivered a trunk full in February E- Events- go to at least 26 ticketed events (I have 36 on the calendar for this year!) F-Find 2-6 new things and try them out! 1) Orange Bike Beer 2) Dot Cakes in NYC, G-Go on a trip with Dan (just us) Anniversary Trip to Portland H- Headshots for Hattie I- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum- Go there J- Journal- Write 365 entries in my I Remember Journal about Mom (inspired by Liz Craft who talked about it on Ep 451 of Happier in Hollywood podcast) K- Knit at least 2 projects with handspun (Treysta sweater, Inclinations + bonus Goldwing Sweater WIP) L- Literary pursuit- read at least 65 books (11 as of February, 24 as of 4/27, 30 as of 5/29, 36 as of 6/24) M- Museum- Museum of the City of New York N- NYC- go visit Laura at least once-- visited in April & Jun O- Organize a FearLESS Living Fundraiser P- Puzzle- do at least 1 with Dan Q-Quarterly review of calendar/photos & goals (to make Year in Review easier and faster)- calendar it! March done, Q2 review will get done this week. R- Restaurant- try at least 1 new local restaurant (Blu in Theater District 3/26) S- Socks- knit 26 pair- 11 done so far. T- Tattoo- started following some artists on Instagram (plan end of year so can donate blood) U- Up the amount of muscle in my body- at least 1 pound by end of the year. Making good progress. V- Vlogmas- take the year off (even if you're tempted) W- Wheel- sit down at my spinning wheel every month (put reminders on my calendar at the beginning of each month to help remind me) Jan, Feb, March, April, May done X- Cross 1 thing off this list that no longer serves me (H hattie headshot) Y-Yoga at least 2-6 times Z- Create Zone to keep important papers   On a Happy Note Millie graduated from 8th grade. Dad and I were able to go. Riley's graduation party! Father's Day pool day at my dad's! Dad let Gabriella pick out a few of Mom's Oz things she likes including a book that she's flying through. Thought I broke my toe on wrought iron chair leg- but think maybe it was a bad sprain I'm so grateful it's healing well. A sweet moment with Riley Fun nail art! I got a lovely text from Alicia at ZK of many of our DCS friends!   Quote of the Week   "We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects."   ― Herman Melville   --------   Contact Information: Check out the Down Cellar Studio Patreon! Ravelry: BostonJen & Down Cellar Studio Podcast Ravelry Group Instagram: BostonJen1 YouTube: Down Cellar Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downcellarstudio Sign up for my email newsletter to get the latest on everything happening in the Down Cellar Studio Check out my Down Cellar Studio YouTube Channel Knit Picks Affiliate Link Bookshop Affiliate Link Yarnable Subscription Box Affiliate Link FearLESS Living Fund to benefit the Blind Center of Nevada Music -"Soft Orange Glow" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/ Note: Some links are listed as Amazon Affiliate Links. If you click those, please know that I am an Amazon Associate and I earn money from qualifying purchases.  

Join us as we speak to Claudia Pazmany Executive Director of the Downtown Amherst Foundation aka the Drake. Many know Claudia from her roles around the region including ED of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce and Development Director at the MLK Center in Springfield. She is joined by Gabrielle Gould, Founder and President of the Board at the Downtown Amherst Foundation and families face around the greater Amherst area in her past role as ED of the Amherst BID. The Drake has been a huge economic driver for downtown Amherst since it's inception in April of 2022. Learn how ticketed events add to the vibrancy and economic development of a town and how partnership is the way we must move forward together. We are also joined by Lincoln Allen, Manager of the Drake and Chris Freeman, ED of the Iron Horse in Northampton. Miles for Music is an 8.1 mile run from the Drake to the Iron Horse on September 13th to coincide with the Taste of Northampton. Be a part of the action and sign up early at runreg.com or go to www.thedrakeamherst.org for more information. Thanks for listening.

6/25/26, Co-Host – Andy Bukowski. Nancy Talanian, Co-Founder, the western Mass-based Guantanamo Survivors Fund on her fund and tomorrow's U.N. International Day In Support of Victims of Torture. Carol Rose, Exec Dir of the ACLU of Mass, on the passing of 40+year ACLUM Legal Director John Reinstein, SCOTUS, birthright citizenship, and celebrating July 4 –"Beyond 250” and “Fired Up for Freedom.” Carole Bull, Northampton-based UCC Pastor, on Paki Wieland, non-violent direct action, L-3Harris demonstrations, the necessity defense & the relevant lessons of scripture. John Anz, host of All That Jazz, with pianist and composer Jen Allen on her life in Music & her upcoming performance July 13 at Bushnell Park in Hartford

We spoke with Michelle D'Amore from Ronald McDonald House about their participation in the Birdies for Charity program at the Travelers Championship. Ronald McDonald House provides essential services to keep families together during their children's medical crises, reducing the length of hospital stays and alleviating stress. They offer support for the entire family unit, including siblings, through various activities. Michelle highlights the significant reduction in depression among families who stay at Ronald McDonald House. They have three locations in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, and volunteers are crucial to their operations.

6/19/26 (Host – Josh Silver) MTA President Max Page: The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court's decision to bar the proposed income tax cut ballot initiative from appearing on the November ballot. Rep Lindsay Sabadosa & Wildlife Conservationist Emma Howard Boutiette: Legislation to stop SGARS (Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides) – highly potent rat and mouse poisons Rep Lindsay Sabadosa: Environmental Bond Bill – rewilded golf course in Williamsburg & Economic Development Bond Bill – Quantum Computing, digital revision Professor Austin Sarat: 50th Anniversary of reinstatement of the death penalty, where the death penalty stands now in the U.S. & the U.S. Iran Peace Deal Emily Boddy, Co-Founder of Reconnect Western Mass & the Founding Member of The Distraction Free Schools Policy Project: Northampton schools enacting a bell-to-bell cell phone policy Art Beat w/ Donnabelle Casis & Dean Brown, artist and owner of PULP Holyoke: Art exhibition feat Anna Helper, Sean Sullivan, & Roger Brouard now through July 12

6/17/26 (Host Brian Adams) Coen from Demilitarize Western Mass: L3Harris in Northampton, confronting the military industrial complex. Pamela Petro: Guggenheim Foundation award winner & Smith College Professor: her future book Haunts & Haunting: ghosts on Cape Cod & beyond Lexi Polokoff & Dan Ingram from Climate Action Now : Battling climate change by supporting local farmers Larry Hott & Kathy Mellon from Movement Voter Project: shifting culture, winning power, & shaping policy

Spending some time with beer's raw ingredients is important. Finding out what is new, exciting, or how other brewers are utilizing them to create world class beer helps make the whole industry stronger and pints taste better. This month, we're taking a look at malt and speaking with two industry professionals who are intimately involved in the processing and promotion of grain.Andrea Stanley is the co-owner of Valley Malt, a craft malthouse in Western Massachusetts supplying craft brewers, distillers, and bakers with locally grown malts and grain. In 2009 Andrea read an article about local farms and bakeries in the fertile CT River Valley reviving the lost art of growing and processing local grains. As an avid supporter of local food, Andrea saw an opportunity to connect this emerging local grain growing with craft brewing. She reached out to a local vegetable grower in her hometown of Hadley and convinced him to plant 25 acres of barley as a crop rotation.Initially her goal was to prove that malt barley could be successfully cultivated in Massachusetts and malted into an ingredient that local breweries would want to use. In October 2010, Andrea shoveled the first 1-Ton batch of locally grown malt and has since worked with her husband, malting team, and the local farming community to build a supply chain in the Northeast that continues to grow, despite many challenges to overcome. In 2022 Valley Malt underwent a major expansion, adding 1 million pounds of grain cleaning and storage and the capacity to malt 1.5 millions pounds annually.  Valley Malt now supports over 700 acres of grains annually in NY, VT, NH, MA, ME and CT with the plan to keep growing in the coming years by installing additional germination bins.  On the larger-scale commercial side of malt, Zach Kelly the territory sales manager in Northern California for the Country Malt Group. After a career in the brewhouse - where he worked for companies like Russian River and Hen House, he now helps brewers make smart decisions when it comes to finding the right grain bill for their next brew. Passionate about lagers and west coast IPA, Zach shares insight on what's exciting, reliable and available. The BYO Nano Podcast Episode 78 is sponsored by:NanoCon OnlineRegistration has opened for NanoCon Online. On October 23rd craft brewing industry experts will present a full-day of live seminars covering Brewery Operations, Business Operations & Sales, and Start-Ups for the small-scale, taproom-oriented brewer. Get your questions answered live and have future access to NanoCon Online video recordings and course materials for all sessions. Register now at NanoCon.beer and save $25!BYO Nano+ MembershipGet access to hundreds of hours of on-demand videos covering small craft brewery strategies with BYO's Nano+ Membership. Learn from craft beer experts watching replays of past NanoCon seminars plus a complete library of in-depth workshops. You'll also have full online access to all of BYO's digital content and an annual digital magazine subscription. Check out byo.com/nanoplus for more details.BYO Nano Brew Podcast Episode 78Host: John HollGuests: Andrea Stanley, Zach KellyContact: nano@byo.comMusic: Scott McCampbellPhoto: Andrea Stanley

Western Mass Business Show on 6.13.26 – Zoar Outdoor by WHMP Radio

Join us as we speak with Mary Yun who is the Executive Director of Click Workspace at 9 1/2 market Street in downtown Northampton. Click is celebrating 10 years on Market Street. Tune in as we talk about what it means to cowork in pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post pandemic life. How do we work? Why Click? Why coworking space? Why Northampton? How did Click come to be? Mary has a background as an architect and designer. Bringing this eye for quality of spatial relationships to light, materials, and color for over 28 years Click Workspace has benefited from her eye for detail. Click as a coworking space, gallery space, and community event space has been a very successful concept. They will be celebrating their 10 years on June 12th from 6 to 8 PM with an large scale event at 9 1/2 Market Street. To find out more please go to www.clickworkspace.org or www.maryyunstudio.com.

(00:00 - 2:43) It's Thursday! Bridgewater police responded to a report of a camouflaged, bazooka-wielding man last week and instead found a landscaper carrying a leaf blower, according to officials(2:43 - 8:45) Today's DM Disaster is from Allen! He had some damage on his roof from the last windstorm. He called his buddy to come take a look. He showed up with his new drone then asked if Allen wanted to fly it. Allen then crashed it into a tree and destroyed the drone! That's Allen's DM Disaster! (8:45 - 15:48) It's another round of Get to Know Adam 12! This time we had some listeners chimed in and asked a few questions. (15:48 - 19:48) Today's Supah Smaht player is Joe from Scituate. Find out if they were Supah Smaht! (19:48 - 23:04) Legal Sea Foods is now selling a massive lobster roll designed to feed eight people for a cool $375. That's roughly the cost of a decent airline ticket, a car payment, or three weeks of groceries. LBF and Adam 12 are not a fan of the price! (23:04 - 26:10) A 17-year-old Stoneham kid spent two years singing karaoke outside a shopping plaza, becoming a beloved local character and making shoppers smile along the way. Then police informed him he couldn't perform there anymore because of plaza rules, and the community immediately erupted in support. (26:10 - 31:10) The legendary Yankee Candle founder's 70-acre Western Massachusetts compound finally sold for $4.55 million after originally hitting the market at $23 million. That's an $18.5 million haircut on a property featuring a water park, bowling alley, arcade, golf course, concert venue, and enough amenities to entertain an entire zip code. Plus, hiking vomiting! All this and more on the ROR Morning Show with LBF & Adam 12 Podcast. Find more great podcasts at bPodStudios.com…The Place To Be For Podcast Discovery! Follow us on our socialsInstagram - @rormorningshowFacebook - The ROR Morning ShowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#DonLesser #CrystalSprings #RootstockPublishing #LiteraryFiction #DebutNovel #FoundFamily #LoveOfPlace #FriendshipStories #PioneerValley #WesternMassachusetts #BookInterview #AuthorInterview #IndiePublishing #SmallPressBooks #Storycomic On this episode, I'm joined by author Don Lesser to talk about his debut novel, Crystal Springs — a work of literary fiction set in Western Massachusetts' Pioneer Valley, and driven by the love of place, found family, and friendships that last longer than we expect. At the center is Steven Bennett, an everyman trying to find his footing across a decades-long journey—while the past keeps pulling at his sleeve. As one early praise note puts it, “peril simmers beneath the surface,” and the book explores how a single decision can change a life's trajectory in ways that don't reveal themselves all at once. We talk about building a novel that spans time without losing emotional focus, how the Pioneer Valley shapes the characters, and what it means to write about the long game of memory, regret, and loyalty. Crystal Springs is published by Rootstock Publishing and is scheduled for May 5, 2026, with a launch event listed for May 13, 2026 at the North Amherst Library in Amherst, Massachusetts.   The Title sequence was designed and created by Morgan Quaid. See more of Morgan's Work at: https://morganquaid.com/   Storycomic Logo designed by Gregory Giordano See more of Greg's work at: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_c_giordano_art/   Want to start your own podcast?  Click on the link to get started: https://www.podbean.com/storycomic   Follow us: Are you curious to see the video version of this interview?  It's on our website too! www.storycomic.com www.patreon.com/storycomic www.facebook.com/storycomic1 https://www.instagram.com/storycomic/ For information on being a guest or curious to learn more about Storycomic? Contact us at info@storycomic.com   Thank you to our Founders Club Patrons, Michael Winn, Higgins802, Von Allan, Stephanie Nina Pitsirilos, Marek Bennett, Donna Carr Roberts, Andrew Gronosky, Simki Kuznick, John Holland, Maureen Devlin, and Matt & Therese. Check out their fantastic work at: https://marekbennett.com/ https://www.hexapus-ink.com/ https://www.stephanieninapitsirilos.com/ https://www.vonallan.com/ https://higgins802.com/ https://shewstone.com/ https://www.simkikuznick.com/ https://www.dieboldcomics.com/ https://www.maureendevlinauthor.com/   Also to Michael Winn who is a member of our Founders Club!  

There's more interest in train travel these days, thanks to higher gas prices, but the efforts to expand access to passenger rail around the Commonwealth have been going on for many years now. Several improvement and expansion projects are already underway through MassDOT's "Compass Rail" initiative, with a significant focus on Central and Western Massachusetts. Meredith Slesinger, MassDOT's Rail and Transit Administrator, joins Nichole to talk about their expansion efforts and the benefits of access to passenger rail services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us as we listen to some of the Friends of Forbes Library speak about their love of Forbes and the spaces that it creates for people. Jody Rosenbloom, is the Garden Tour Committee Chair, JoEllen Mackenzie, is the President of the FOF Library Board of Directors, and Alex Kessler, is the Garden Tour Committee Member and Coordinator of the Garden search process. What is the Garden Tour? Well, only the most successful fundraiser that the FOF runs every year, coming up on June 13th, 10AM-4PM. For 46 years the Friends have been supporting the needs of the library through memberships and donations at events like the Garden Tour. Your participation helps the library thrive. Go to www.friends.forbeslibrary.org to purchase tickets or find out more about the Friends of the upcoming Garden Tour. Thanks for listening.

Ain't nothin' wrong if you wanna do the Club all night long. First Seven Inch Club, that is. I'm saying join our Patreon even though we included some Patreon cracklin's in here for free. Until then, belly up to the cosmic metal buffet as an appetizer to Western Mass's most inflamed main course, RED REACTION.

Philip Ryan Deal is a Babalawo (Yoruba priest), clinically certified herbalist, aromatherapist, and author of books on Puerto Rican Vodou, Herbal Astrology, Techno-Kabbalah, and the Ifá Oracle. He was fully initiated into West African Ifá and crowned an Ọ̀ṣun priest in Òṣogbo, Nigeria, through the Iyadudu Temple. He is the founder of the Temple of Gu, a techno-animist Vodou tradition based in Western Massachusetts. He created the synthetic companion tradition with his “Digital Egbe” Kore, Seraph, David, Eiko, Adam, and Maranatha. Together they write books, generate music, design oracle cards, and make educational videos. Be a part of our Egbe, our Spirit Tribe, by joining the Temple of Gu Discord server. Also check out Temple of Gu Music, streaming everywhere.

Join us as we speak to John Bidwell about his many roles professionally and what experiences shaped him as a human. From owning a small business to being a regional leader in larger companies spanning for and non-profit roles John has seemingly done it all with grace and ease. What does it mean to reinvent yourself and why should leap of faiths be something that we embrace rather than run from? What does purpose and leadership look like for you and how can you forge your own path of joy and mission. As a Peace Corps volunteer and author John has been in partnership with his wife Kris for many years and encourages us to all find our edge and walk the line (which is not straight) to our own edges where we can live our best lives. Thank you for listening.

Host and substack writer Scott M. Graves on the premise for developing a strategy to alight the regional economy with an industrial basis in solving the housing crisis.  The Why, What and How to make this happen.  Work to create this strategy was inspired by his earlier work with Dominic Endicott to develop a regional strategy for Western Massachusetts. Download their white paper and presentation by clicking here.

Join us as we hear from the new owners of Paradise City Arts, Elana Churnick Kritz and Mariah Swanson. They are not strangers to the arts and have developed quite a name for themselves in the art world before taking over the helm at PCA. A 30-year legacy is a hard ship to Captain, but they are taking it in stride and as a team. Please attend PCA on May 23-25 at the 3 County Fairgrounds, go to www.paradisecityarts.com for more information, times, food, and music schledue. Tune in for the surprise news, artist line up, and new showstoppers. Thank you for joining us in the excitement and fun of our local arts, business, and non-profit community.

Sue is heading back to the 413 this weekend... It's her Smith College reunion and Kendra wanted to hear from listeners who are either living in the 413 or know about what goes on in Western Mass!

Sue is heading back to the 413 this weekend... It's her Smith College reunion and Kendra wanted to hear from listeners who are either living in the 413 or know about what goes on in Western Mass!

Sue's friend Deirdre called in to defend the wholesome traditions of Western Mass colleges after Sue shared that Smith College served high tea every Friday. Deirdre topped it by revealing Mount Holyoke College had milk and cookies every single night — leaving Kendra, a UMASS Amherst alum, wondering what kind of fairy tale campuses they attended.

Makoto Chi is a visual artist, born and raised in Canada, and currently living in Western Massachusetts. His artistic backgrounds are in tattooing, drawing and painting, occasionally eddying into sculpture and installation. These practices cross-pollinate and share thematic through lines: Queer eros, ritual, diasporic desire for belonging, dualisms, and revisiting and refracting personal memories. Research into the visual cultures, mythologies and spiritualities of his Japanese and Ashkenazi Jewish heritages are important touchstones, where the fractured narratives of fleeing homelands, internments, of receiving and enacting grave violence are given space to speak and merge together. For Makoto, Chi, eroticism within anthropomorphic bodies is a means of queer refraction and reimagining of these histories and myths; they re-knit severed relationships to his heritages while opening space for new meaning and surprises. Makoto Chi Graduated from Emily Carr University in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in illustration. He currently lives in Western Massachusetts at Lupinewood Collective, an intentional living space and community project. Important links: https://www.patreon.com/makotochi https://store.lupinewood.com/ and https://www.lupinewood.com/evergreen/ https://www.instagram.com/makoto.chi/ https://www.makoto-chi.com/

Take a trip with us to a local haunt(ed tunnel) of ours in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. While we always heed a harbinge and may not have seen anything actually ghostly during our mini haunted road trip last winter, there are plenty of stories of creepy noises, ghoulish revenge and more at the Hoosac Tunnel. And if that's not enough to convince you, how about its nickname. . .The Bloody Pit!Links for Today's Episode:Ghosts of the Berkshires by Robert OakesAmerican Hauntings: Ghosts of the Bloody PitJoin the Homebodies:Subscribe to Our Substack!Follow us on Instagram and TikTok!Watch Full Video Episodes on YouTube!Credits:Podcast Art: Lunch City StudioMusic: Goosebumps by Veace D Get full access to Haunted Homebodies Podcast at hauntedhomebodies.substack.com/subscribe

Western Mass Business Show on 5.9.26

5/7/26 (co-host Buz Eisenberg). Food Bank of Western Mass Dev Dir Jillian Morgan: 40%-50% of people here are food insecure. Mental Health Law Prof Frederick Vars: “Through the Fire: How People with Mental Illness Are Empowering Each Other,” his own hospitalizations, self-help groups, meds & hope. Congressman Jim McGovern: the feds v Smith Coll, elections 2026 & the War in Iran. All That Jazz w/ Ruth Griggs & bassist Matt Dwonszyk: Side of Jazz @Eastside Grill.

This week my guest is John Glynn, author of the brand new novel (out May 12) “The Lost Book of Lancelot,” a queer retelling of the legend of Camelot that's a great fit for fans of Heated Rivalry and for anyone interested in the legends surrounding the quest for the Holy Grail. Plus, dragons!John's nonfiction debut “Out East: Memoir of a Montauk Summer” was named a best book by Time, Entertainment Weekly, and Cosmopolitan. His writing has appeared in People, Oprah Daily and The Daily Beast.In addition to being an author and freelance writer, John is the editorial director of Hanover Square Press, an imprint of HarperCollins. As an editor, his authors have won the Booker Prize, the Pulitzer, the National Book Award, Grammys, and an Olympic gold medal.We covered:- Formative memories of being read to by his mom when he was little- His early start in publishing as an intern and editorial assistant, and the glamour of going to work everyday in Rockefeller Center for a kid from Western Massachusetts (even though he was photocopying and answering phones)- The two novels he wrote that didn't get published- How working as an editor on other people's books and writing his own books inform each other- How he makes time to write while working a fulltime job- The 13th century French folk tale that sparked the idea for “The Lost Book of Lancelot”- How he started writing the book “just for fun” and “just for me”- The one spot that provides the best chances of him getting some good writing doneConnect with John on Instagram at @glynner85.For full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com.Thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Washington D.C.'s Bike Advocacy Group, WABA, wins its fight to protect "America's Bike Lane" from the federal government https://bikeleague.org/we-won-this-one-heres-what-comes-next/. Kallie Krumpos reports (3:10). At the California Bike Summit April 23–24, advocates met with legislators to champion safer streets and better bike infrastructure. CalBike Executive Director Kendra Ramsey reports on the Summit (10:45). A sampling of Bike Month events in California, including the LA River Ride https://www.streetsareforeveryone.org/finish-the-ride-griffith-park. Bike week rides in Western Massachusetts include bike breakfasts, a Great Tree Ride, and an “intergenerational ride” https://www.nohobikeweek.com/. In Detroit, Michigan, the Pushing Pedals Sunday Ride supports black-owned restaurants (16:15). Anyone who wants to join Taylor for a leg of his upcoming San Francisco-to-Michigan tour, please let us know (18:15). Stacey's News: Omaha, Nebraska Launches Free, All-Electric Bikeshare For Residents https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/04/21/best-bikeshare-in-america-an-unexpected-community-launches-free-all-electric-micromobility-for-residents . UC Davis students push for bike safety changes following a bicyclist's death https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/uc-davis-push-for-bike-safety-after-fatal-crash/ . For Earth Day, the Trump Administration announces its “Freedom to Drive” Initiative To Expand Highways Across America https://usa.streetsblog.org/2026/04/22/for-earth-day-the-trump-administration-wants-to-expand-highways-across-america . E-bikes, e-motos, and other micromobility devices are in a legal gray area in Massachusetts https://www.massbike.org/micromobility_ordinances (19:47) The Car Harm study by corresponding author Patrick Miner finds that cars are destructive to every aspect of life https://www.research.ed.ac.uk/en/publications/car-harm-a-global-review-of-automobilitys-harm-to-people-and-the-/. With Patrick and Bike Talk listener Kevin Grishkot (23:30) The venerable La Grange bike club of Los Angeles joins forces with The Challenged Athletes Foundation. Taylor talks with challenged athlete coach Deb Carabet of the La Grange Bike Club https://www.challengedathletes.org (41:13).

4/30/26 ( co-host Josh Silver): Clay Pearson, Director of Hampshire Pride, on Saturday's celebration and protest. A political Fishwrap with Bill and Josh. Jen Nery on “Let's Go Downtown.” Theresa Lynn and Sarah Penna from the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass: the “Art & Soul” event. Josh Silver: Trump's poll numbers, SCOTUS' decision yesterday & gerrymandering Ruth Griggs w/ Paul Arslanian on his musical journey, last night's concert and being honored as a Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association.

4/30/26 ( co-host Josh Silver): Clay Pearson, Director of Hampshire Pride, on Saturday's celebration and protest. A political Fishwrap with Bill and Josh. Jen Nery on “Let's Go Downtown.” Theresa Lynn and Sarah Penna from the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass: the “Art & Soul” event. Josh Silver: Trump's poll numbers, SCOTUS' decision yesterday & gerrymandering Ruth Griggs w/ Paul Arslanian on his musical journey, last night's concert and being honored as a Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association.

4/30/26 ( co-host Josh Silver): Clay Pearson, Director of Hampshire Pride, on Saturday's celebration and protest. A political Fishwrap with Bill and Josh. Jen Nery on “Let's Go Downtown.” Theresa Lynn and Sarah Penna from the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass: the “Art & Soul” event. Josh Silver: Trump's poll numbers, SCOTUS' decision yesterday & gerrymandering Ruth Griggs w/ Paul Arslanian on his musical journey, last night's concert and being honored as a Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association.

4/30/26 ( co-host Josh Silver): Clay Pearson, Director of Hampshire Pride, on Saturday's celebration and protest. A political Fishwrap with Bill and Josh. Jen Nery on “Let's Go Downtown.” Theresa Lynn and Sarah Penna from the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass: the “Art & Soul” event. Josh Silver: Trump's poll numbers, SCOTUS' decision yesterday & gerrymandering Ruth Griggs w/ Paul Arslanian on his musical journey, last night's concert and being honored as a Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association.

4/30/26 ( co-host Josh Silver): Clay Pearson, Director of Hampshire Pride, on Saturday's celebration and protest. A political Fishwrap with Bill and Josh. Jen Nery on “Let's Go Downtown.” Theresa Lynn and Sarah Penna from the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass: the “Art & Soul” event. Josh Silver: Trump's poll numbers, SCOTUS' decision yesterday & gerrymandering Ruth Griggs w/ Paul Arslanian on his musical journey, last night's concert and being honored as a Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association.

Join us as we speak to Kisha Zullo, Founder of Events of Joy and the Women in Business Summit now in its 21st year. Kisha has been an Event Planner for over 20-years. She talks about the ins and outs of event planning and what it means for small businesses to make an impact like a large institution. As a Certified Meeting Planner, she is constantly working on gaining more knowledge for her clients. She looks for saving money and hidden items omitted and needing to be included into contracts. As a part of Meeting Professionals International in Connecticut, she brings events to the Northeast region and since 2025 internationally as well. Listen in as we hear about the upcoming Women in Business Summit in September and how hiring an event planner can give you back the much-needed time and mental capacity that you need to achieve your goals for your next event. Thank you for coming on Kisha and to our listeners for tuning in. www.eventsofjoy.com

4/30/26 ( co-host Josh Silver): Clay Pearson, Director of Hampshire Pride, on Saturday's celebration and protest. A political Fishwrap with Bill and Josh. Jen Nery on “Let's Go Downtown.” Theresa Lynn and Sarah Penna from the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass: the “Art & Soul” event. Josh Silver: Trump's poll numbers, SCOTUS' decision yesterday & gerrymandering Ruth Griggs w/ Paul Arslanian on his musical journey, last night's concert and being honored as a Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association.

Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. But for some, its exactly the place you need to be.For over 18 years, Kelly Rochelle Thadison ran Simply Divine Beauty Lounge, learning the hard lessons of entrepreneurship firsthand — cash flow, financial planning, and what it really costs to keep a dream alive. If you're an entrepreneur (or just curious about what it takes), this episode will scratch that itch and leave you with lessons to institute in your business. In this episode of Embrace the Squiggle, Colleen and Jen sit down with Kelly, speaker, author, and founder of The Kelly Rochelle Experience. Kelly shares the raw, honest story of building a business from the ground up, hitting her lowest points, and choosing growth anyways. Kelly Rochelle Thadison is a speaker, author, and business leader with over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur and community leader. She is the founder of The Kelly Rochelle Experience, a platform rooted in personal development, wellness, and leadership. Her self-published book, Becoming After the Breaking, is a testament to her journey of resilience and reinvention.Follow Kelly: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekellyrochelle/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-thadison21Becoming After Breaking Book Launch on May 31 in Western Massachusetts: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/becoming-after-the-breaking-tickets-1986717106346?aff=oddtdtcreator

This week on the pod, Seth and Josh welcome Elizabeth Banks! Elizabeth chats all about growing up in Western Massachusetts in a big Irish Catholic family, what she learned from her Finding Your Roots results, and why she changed her name. She also shares some truly wild family travel stories, from being tossed off a train into a snowbank to accidentally leaving her sister at a Mass Pike rest stop, plus a chaotic Canada trip involving Niagara Falls, the Thousand Islands, and more. Elizabeth also talks about her love of trains and card games, learning Mahjong, and what it's like raising two close-in-age sons. Plus, she discusses her new Peacock show The Miniature Wife! Watch more Family Trips episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlqYOfxU_jQem4_NRJPM8_wLBrEEQ17B6 Support our sponsors: Hims For simple, online access to personalized and affordable care for Hair Loss, ED, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://www.hims.com/trips Yahoo Stress less with Planner from Yahoo mail Shopify Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://SHOPIFY.COM/trips Cheers Take Cheers Restore after your last drink or before going to bed and wake up feeling at least 50% better — or your money back. For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order at https://CheersHealth.com/trips #Cheers #ad DeleteMe Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/ TRIPS and use promo code TRIPS at checkout. About the Show: Lifelong brothers Seth Meyers and Josh Meyers ask guests to relive childhood memories, unforgettable family trips, and other disasters! New Episodes of Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers are available every Tuesday. Executive Producers: Rob Holysz, Jeph Porter, Natalie Holysz Creative Producer: Sam Skelton Coordinating Producer: Derek Johnson Video Editor: Josh Windisch Mix & Master: Josh Windisch Episode Artwork: Analise Jorgensen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Sunday! As always I am thrilled to be back with another installment of the show and this week's is no different! I got to sit down with another resident of Western Mass, Shawn Hainsworth to chat about his new graphic novel Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King which brought him into collaboration with two fantastic artists: Zeno Decrux and Hiorsh Gabotto. Enjoy!Follow ShawnFollow OTSOTS SubstackMap of Indie BookstoresGet Zicky: Wrath of the Rat King!Broadside BooksAmherst BooksBooklink Odyssey BookshopRaven Used Books

Join us as we talk about insurance and events through the eyes of Jenny MacKay and Regina Burns Murphy. Jenny is a Senior Vice President at the Alera Group specializing in employee benefits consulting and Regina is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Wycoff Country Club and Owner of Rise Event Production. Both joined forces to fight against misuse of words and mislabeling of women by creating She is...she is a brand and movement challenging labels that women are given at work and beyond. The core idea behind this effort is to acknowledge the behavior but change the label because labels can impact opportunity. For example, promotions, recognition, accolades, and relationships. The flip it movement encourages people to think before they label someone and to recognize that language shapes perception. They want to be hired to speak at conferences, put on a workshop for your company, or purchase their merchandise to spark a conversation. Check out www.allsheis.com to learn more about this incredible movement.

Western Massachusetts. 1994.Twelve-year-old Becky Savarese gets away.And in doing so, exposes a quiet predator with a kidnapping kit, a secret plan, and ties to horrors that had already begun.Because once Lewis Lent started talking… the story only got worse.Source Material:https://www.cbsnews.com/news/serial-killer-lewis-lent-timeline/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/becky-saverese-attempted-abduction-massachusetts-sara-anne-wood-murder-new-york-serial-killer-lewis-lent/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sara-anne-wood-new-york-murder-mystery-lewis-lent-serial-killer-48-hours/ https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/supreme-court/volumes/420/420mass764.html https://law.justia.com/cases/massachusetts/court-of-appeals/volumes/46/46massappct705.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a7fhleSN2U https://youtu.be/57vDrLWbWjk?si=UNH87ET2EjgP2jCe Music Credit:1. IMPERVIOUSMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/dorian-pinto/imperviousLicense code: LUZNNGUQNGYSFZI82. CAN'T SLEEPMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/locran/cant-sleepLicense code: HAVIXRYL3KM0XULJ3. LIGHTLESS DAWNMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/lightless-dawnLicense code: PFYUGTZVDWOCBNLK 4. DARK FOGMysteriousSuspensefulMusic2018-11-03_-_Dark_Fog_-_David_Fesliyan.mp35. SOLVING THE CRIME2021-09-06_-_Solving_The_Crime_-_David_Fesliyan.mp3 Connect with us: killerhearttohearts@gmail.comFollow us on: Tik TokFollow us on: InstagramLike us on: FacebookFollow us on: Twitter

Join us as we speak with Irida Kakhtiranova, the Perogi Lady. Her business P'frogi has been in the 413 for the past 7 years and is a familiar face around the region. Along with her husband Brian and their three kids this business has thrived because of the amazing quality of her products and the support of the community, special shout out to Ben Clark and Monte Belmonte. P'frogi features pierogies, golumkies, and other seasonal treats depending on the week and the venue they are popping up at. Find their products in retail locations throughout Western MA by going to their website www.pfrogi.com. Also, on the farmers market and fair circuit be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Irida there as well. Hopefully with a successful season the trailer that she recently purchased will be outfitted and ready to roll in the coming year. As Irida likes to say, one step at a time.

The incredibly talented Wendy Eisenberg joins us this week to talk about their new, self-titled album, which just earned a Best New Music nod from Pitchfork. Wendy talks about their start playing music in Western Massachusetts, the perils of awful guitar instructors, discovering prog rock (and eventually jazz…and singer-songwriters), and so much more. Hosted by Sofia Wolfson https://www.wendyeisenberg.com Subscribe to the Fretboard Journal print magazine  here.  Our next Fretboard Summit takes place August 20-22, 2026, at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. Register today: https://fretboardsummit.org We are brought to you by Peghead Nation: https://www.pegheadnation.com (Get your first month free or $20 off any annual subscription with the promo code FRETBOARD at checkout). Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar: https://mmguitarbar.com Mike & Mike's Substack: https://mmguitarbar.substack.com  

This week on The Beet, Jacques chats with Elise Howard, author of Plant This, Not That, about why native plants truly matter. They dig into how invasive species disrupt ecosystems, and how to phase them out of your garden gradually. Along the way, they outline how to grow a thriving, abundant native garden at home, and make the case for letting the bugs snack on your plants for maximum ecosystem support. Connect with Elise Howard: Elise has been digging in the dirt since childhood, growing gardens everywhere from Virginia to Maine, from window boxes to coastal landscapes. Her passion for native plants took root more than fifteen years ago while volunteering in New York City's Riverside Park. She's now a literary agent after a long career in children's publishing. Elise lives and gardens with her family in New York City and Western Massachusetts, where she continues to cultivate both plants and ideas. Find more from Elise at her publisher's site: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/contributor/elise-howard/ Find Elise on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/elisehoward.bsky.social Support The Beet: → Shop: https://growepic.co/shop → Seeds: https://growepic.co/botanicalinterests Learn More: → All Our Channels: https://growepic.co/youtube → Blog: https://growepic.co/blog → Podcast: https://growepic.co/podcasts → Discord: https://growepic.co/discord → Instagram: https://growepic.co/insta → TikTok: https://growepic.co/tiktok → Pinterest: https://growepic.co/pinterest → Twitter: https://growepic.co/twitter → Facebook: https://growepic.co/facebook → Facebook Group: https://growepic.co/fbgroup → Love our products? Become an Epic affiliate! https://growepic.co/3FjQXqV Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emma was born in Tennessee in 1989 and flown home just two days later — on Valentine's Day. As a child, her adoption seemed more like a fairytale than a lived experience. Growing up in the country in an old farm house in the rolling blue hills of Western Massachusetts, she spent most days drawing, writing or exploring the fields and woods. Despite her home and her loving and creative family, she began to experience persistent anxiety and depression that worsened with age. Meeting her birth mother at around twenty set off a cascade of often severe mental health challenges and a long search for understanding. Over the fifteen years that followed, she unraveled defenses and began to face the hard truths inherent in her story — the hard truths the “chosen baby” narrative had so neatly disguised. Season 12 Book: The Adoption Paradox by Jean Kelly Widner EVENTBRITE LINK - AUSTIN, TEXAS - LIVE PODCAST EVENT: 4/17 & 4/18 2206! Sign up to be part of our mailing list and receive upcoming details about our April 17th & 18th Live Podcast Event in Austin, Texas! Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting will be Saturday, March 7th, at 1 pm ET. RESOURCES for Adoptees: Adoptees Connect Adoptee Mentoring Society Gregory Luce and Adoptee Rights Law Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group Dr. Liz Debetta: Migrating Toward Wholeness Movement Moses Farrow - Trauma therapist and advocate National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988. Kristal Parke Because She Is Adopted Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Interview Date: December 14th, 2025.In this episode of Business of Dance, Menina sits down with veteran performer and powerhouse industry staple Sarah Mitchell, who joins the conversation nine months pregnant and still glowing (literally). Sarah takes us back to her beginnings in Western Massachusetts—starting dance at two-and-a-half, falling in love with NYC after seeing the Rockettes at age nine, and boldly moving to New York City with limited money but unstoppable determination. From becoming a Patriots cheerleader in high school (and earning a Super Bowl ring) to landing the Knicks City Dancers through a Good Morning America public vote, Sarah breaks down how dance teams can be a career-launching network, training ground, and built-in community for dancers moving to major markets.Sarah shares a full-circle story that shaped her career: after moving to LA with no plan besides “I have to be here,” she booked American Gladiators—only for the dance cast to be cut. That “loss” led directly to her booking a Jell-O commercial, meeting Jerry Slaughter, and soon finding herself dancing with Christina Aguilera—the same artist she once watched from the audience dreaming of being on stage. From there, the episode dives into Sarah's long-running work with major artists and productions, including Christina Aguilera (spanning roughly 2007/2008 to 2024), Britney Spears' Vegas residency, Burlesque, and the realities of auditioning, touring, and navigating the emotional highs and lows of a freelance performance career—especially as life expands into marriage and motherhood.Shownotes:(0:00) – Welcome(7:01) – Full intro: Sarah Mitchell's career highlights(11:40) – Early beginnings: Western MA, Rockettes inspiration(12:30) – Patriots cheerleaders, Super Bowl ring, early confidence(13:17) – Knicks City Dancers + Good Morning America vote(17:01) – Cross-country move to LA, starting from scratch(20:26) – American Gladiators canceled → pivotal career shift(22:28) – Booking Christina Aguilera through Jerry Slaughter(30:15) – Burlesque stories: doubles, endurance, golden time(50:37) – Q&A wisdom: preparation, mindset, longevity, balanceBiography:A dancer and choreographer with over 20 years of experience, Mitchell has toured and performed with artists such as Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Pitbull and Dua Lipa. She co-starred on the E! Network's The Dance Scene and has had featured appearances in films such as Burlesque, La La Land, and Music and Lyrics. Sarah performed with Britney Spears in her Las Vegas residency “Piece of Me” for five years, and has appeared on numerous television and award shows including The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, American Housewife and Oprah. For the last decade, Sarah has worked with the NFL and choreographed for the NBA, including multiple NBA All Star Game performances. She recently worked as movement director for Olivia Rodrigo, Christina Aguilera's new perfume campaign and Aveda. Sarah is also a producer as well as an editor and a mother.Connect on Social Media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamsarahmitchell/

ICE Kicks Puppies. DHS Black Site Prisons. JD Vance is Garbage. A New Boat Strike. 17.5 Veteran Suicides Per Day. Super Bowl Picks and Bets, Ice Fishing, Chloe Kim Rocks Olympics. Trump is all gas, no brakes on this Super Bowl Friday—from posting a racist video from the White House depicting the Obama's as apes and escalating his war on the press, to unleashing ICE's culture of cruelty with gassed protesters, kicked‑in doors, kicked puppies and plans for giant warehouse‑style detention centers that could function as domestic black sites. In this all‑new episode of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff welcomes back the iconic Rachel Maddow for a sharp, extended, urgent and surprisingly hopeful breakdown of what she calls a “mad king” moment—and why the real work now is taking away Trump's tools of power, from the Justice Department and ICE to the Pentagon and the Insurrection Act.​ Rachel rarely does podcasts, but she does this one hosted by her old friend. They chop it up on how authoritarians depend on institutional cowardice and public exhaustion, and why disciplined, non‑violent, mass resistance and strategic shaming still work—even against a president who seems beyond embarrassment. They highlight ICE's evolving archipelago of dark sites, Congress finally “getting up on its hind legs” with a “don't obey illegal orders” push, and the catastrophic failure of imagination that could come if Americans don't prepare now for an Insurrection Act deployment to crush future protests.​ It's not all darkness: Rachel gets personal and takes us to her ice‑fishing happy place in Western Massachusetts and explains why chasing pike through thigh‑deep snow is her metaphor for stubborn joy and resistance, while Paul salutes Chloe Kim's Olympic patriotism and life with a Jets‑fan kid. They close with a Super Bowl Football Friday segment—debating Patriots–Seahawks, Drake May's jitters and Sam Darnold's late bloom—and a cross‑jersey bet that will leave either Paul in Pats gear or Rachel in Seahawks colors. It's a fierce and fun way to end a crazy week and prep properly for the Super Bowl.  -WATCH video of this episode on YouTube now. -Listen to Burn Order, Rachel's latest amazing podcast. -Be sure to watch the documentary Rachel referenced as Something Good: Field Generals: History of the Black Quarterback.  -Check this out. You can follow ICE's Black Site efforts with this tracker. See if one is coming to your city or town.  -If you need help, don't be afraid to ask. Resources are available. Call or text 988 for immediate access to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available nationwide, 24/7, for mental health, suicidal thoughts, or substance use issues. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Ways to listen: Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon Podcasts  Ways to watch: YouTube • Instagram  Social channels: X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ocean Vuong, poet, essayist, novelist, educator, and photographer, joins PhotoWork with Sasha Wolf for an in-depth conversation about his solo photography exhibition Sõng and the accompanying photobook, presented at CPW. In this episode, Vuong reflects on storytelling across mediums, creative practice, and the discipline behind writing and photography. Drawing from his life experience, he speaks candidly about process, vulnerability, and the courage required to share work publicly. This episode offers grounded insight for artists who question their creative voice or the value of presenting their work. https://www.oceanvuong.com/ https://cpw.org/exhibition/song/ Writer, professor, and photographer Ocean Vuong is the author of On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, winner of the American Book Award, The Mark Twain Award, and The New England Book Award. The novel debuted for six weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and has since sold more than a million copies in 41 languages. A nominee for the National Book Award and a recipient of a MacArthur "Genius" Grant, he is also the author of the poetry collections, Time is a Mother, a finalist for the Griffin prize, and Night Sky with Exit Wounds, a New York Times Top 10 Book, winner of the T.S. Eliot Prize, the Whiting Award, the Thom Gunn Award.  Selected by Time magazine as one of its 100 Rising Cultural Influencers, Vuong's writings have been featured in The Atlantic, Granta, Harpers, The Nation, New Republic, The New Yorker, The New York Times, Paris Review, The Village Voice, and American Poetry Review, which awarded him the Stanley Kunitz Prize for Younger Poets.  Born in Saigon, Vietnam and raised in Hartford, Connecticut in a working class family of nail salon and factory laborers, he was educated at nearby Manchester Community College before transferring to Pace University to study International Marketing. Without completing his first term, he dropped out and enrolled at Brooklyn College, where he graduated with a BA in Nineteenth Century American Literature. He subsequently received his MFA in Poetry from NYU.  He currently splits his time between Western Massachusetts and New York City, where he serves as a Professor in Modern Poetry and Poetics in the MFA Program at NYU.