Podcasts about Western Massachusetts

Parking, quite literally, has a death grip on America: each year a handful of Americans are tragically killed by their fellow citizens over parking spots. But even when we don't resort to violence, we routinely do ridiculous things for parking, contorting our professional, social, and financial lives to get a spot. Indeed, in the century since the advent of the car, we have deformed--and in some cases demolished--our homes and our cities in a Sisyphean quest for cheap and convenient car storage. As a result, much of the nation's most valuable real estate is now devoted exclusively to empty and idle vehicles, even as so many Americans struggle to find affordable housing. Parking determines the design of new buildings and the fate of old ones, patterns of traffic and the viability of transit, neighborhood politics and municipal finance, the quality of public space, and even the course of floodwaters. Can this really be the best use of our finite resources and space? Why have we done this to the places we love? Is parking really more important than anything else? These are the questions Slate staff writer Henry Grabar sets out to answer, telling a mesmerizing story about the strange and wonderful superorganism that is the modern American city. In Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World (Penguin, 2023), Grabar brilliantly surveys the pain points of the nation's parking crisis, from Los Angeles to Disney World to New York, stopping at every major American city in between. He reveals how the pathological compulsion for car storage has exacerbated some of our most acute problems--from housing affordability to the accelerating global climate disaster--ultimately, lighting the way for us to free our cities from parking's cruel yoke. Brian Hamilton is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he is researching African American environmental history. A Maine native, he lives in Western Massachusetts and chairs the History and Social Science Department at Deerfield Academy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Parking, quite literally, has a death grip on America: each year a handful of Americans are tragically killed by their fellow citizens over parking spots. But even when we don't resort to violence, we routinely do ridiculous things for parking, contorting our professional, social, and financial lives to get a spot. Indeed, in the century since the advent of the car, we have deformed--and in some cases demolished--our homes and our cities in a Sisyphean quest for cheap and convenient car storage. As a result, much of the nation's most valuable real estate is now devoted exclusively to empty and idle vehicles, even as so many Americans struggle to find affordable housing. Parking determines the design of new buildings and the fate of old ones, patterns of traffic and the viability of transit, neighborhood politics and municipal finance, the quality of public space, and even the course of floodwaters. Can this really be the best use of our finite resources and space? Why have we done this to the places we love? Is parking really more important than anything else? These are the questions Slate staff writer Henry Grabar sets out to answer, telling a mesmerizing story about the strange and wonderful superorganism that is the modern American city. In Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World (Penguin, 2023), Grabar brilliantly surveys the pain points of the nation's parking crisis, from Los Angeles to Disney World to New York, stopping at every major American city in between. He reveals how the pathological compulsion for car storage has exacerbated some of our most acute problems--from housing affordability to the accelerating global climate disaster--ultimately, lighting the way for us to free our cities from parking's cruel yoke. Brian Hamilton is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he is researching African American environmental history. A Maine native, he lives in Western Massachusetts and chairs the History and Social Science Department at Deerfield Academy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Parking, quite literally, has a death grip on America: each year a handful of Americans are tragically killed by their fellow citizens over parking spots. But even when we don't resort to violence, we routinely do ridiculous things for parking, contorting our professional, social, and financial lives to get a spot. Indeed, in the century since the advent of the car, we have deformed--and in some cases demolished--our homes and our cities in a Sisyphean quest for cheap and convenient car storage. As a result, much of the nation's most valuable real estate is now devoted exclusively to empty and idle vehicles, even as so many Americans struggle to find affordable housing. Parking determines the design of new buildings and the fate of old ones, patterns of traffic and the viability of transit, neighborhood politics and municipal finance, the quality of public space, and even the course of floodwaters. Can this really be the best use of our finite resources and space? Why have we done this to the places we love? Is parking really more important than anything else? These are the questions Slate staff writer Henry Grabar sets out to answer, telling a mesmerizing story about the strange and wonderful superorganism that is the modern American city. In Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World (Penguin, 2023), Grabar brilliantly surveys the pain points of the nation's parking crisis, from Los Angeles to Disney World to New York, stopping at every major American city in between. He reveals how the pathological compulsion for car storage has exacerbated some of our most acute problems--from housing affordability to the accelerating global climate disaster--ultimately, lighting the way for us to free our cities from parking's cruel yoke. Brian Hamilton is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he is researching African American environmental history. A Maine native, he lives in Western Massachusetts and chairs the History and Social Science Department at Deerfield Academy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/public-policy

Parking, quite literally, has a death grip on America: each year a handful of Americans are tragically killed by their fellow citizens over parking spots. But even when we don't resort to violence, we routinely do ridiculous things for parking, contorting our professional, social, and financial lives to get a spot. Indeed, in the century since the advent of the car, we have deformed--and in some cases demolished--our homes and our cities in a Sisyphean quest for cheap and convenient car storage. As a result, much of the nation's most valuable real estate is now devoted exclusively to empty and idle vehicles, even as so many Americans struggle to find affordable housing. Parking determines the design of new buildings and the fate of old ones, patterns of traffic and the viability of transit, neighborhood politics and municipal finance, the quality of public space, and even the course of floodwaters. Can this really be the best use of our finite resources and space? Why have we done this to the places we love? Is parking really more important than anything else? These are the questions Slate staff writer Henry Grabar sets out to answer, telling a mesmerizing story about the strange and wonderful superorganism that is the modern American city. In Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World (Penguin, 2023), Grabar brilliantly surveys the pain points of the nation's parking crisis, from Los Angeles to Disney World to New York, stopping at every major American city in between. He reveals how the pathological compulsion for car storage has exacerbated some of our most acute problems--from housing affordability to the accelerating global climate disaster--ultimately, lighting the way for us to free our cities from parking's cruel yoke. Brian Hamilton is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he is researching African American environmental history. A Maine native, he lives in Western Massachusetts and chairs the History and Social Science Department at Deerfield Academy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

Parking, quite literally, has a death grip on America: each year a handful of Americans are tragically killed by their fellow citizens over parking spots. But even when we don't resort to violence, we routinely do ridiculous things for parking, contorting our professional, social, and financial lives to get a spot. Indeed, in the century since the advent of the car, we have deformed--and in some cases demolished--our homes and our cities in a Sisyphean quest for cheap and convenient car storage. As a result, much of the nation's most valuable real estate is now devoted exclusively to empty and idle vehicles, even as so many Americans struggle to find affordable housing. Parking determines the design of new buildings and the fate of old ones, patterns of traffic and the viability of transit, neighborhood politics and municipal finance, the quality of public space, and even the course of floodwaters. Can this really be the best use of our finite resources and space? Why have we done this to the places we love? Is parking really more important than anything else? These are the questions Slate staff writer Henry Grabar sets out to answer, telling a mesmerizing story about the strange and wonderful superorganism that is the modern American city. In Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World (Penguin, 2023), Grabar brilliantly surveys the pain points of the nation's parking crisis, from Los Angeles to Disney World to New York, stopping at every major American city in between. He reveals how the pathological compulsion for car storage has exacerbated some of our most acute problems--from housing affordability to the accelerating global climate disaster--ultimately, lighting the way for us to free our cities from parking's cruel yoke. Brian Hamilton is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he is researching African American environmental history. A Maine native, he lives in Western Massachusetts and chairs the History and Social Science Department at Deerfield Academy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parking, quite literally, has a death grip on America: each year a handful of Americans are tragically killed by their fellow citizens over parking spots. But even when we don't resort to violence, we routinely do ridiculous things for parking, contorting our professional, social, and financial lives to get a spot. Indeed, in the century since the advent of the car, we have deformed--and in some cases demolished--our homes and our cities in a Sisyphean quest for cheap and convenient car storage. As a result, much of the nation's most valuable real estate is now devoted exclusively to empty and idle vehicles, even as so many Americans struggle to find affordable housing. Parking determines the design of new buildings and the fate of old ones, patterns of traffic and the viability of transit, neighborhood politics and municipal finance, the quality of public space, and even the course of floodwaters. Can this really be the best use of our finite resources and space? Why have we done this to the places we love? Is parking really more important than anything else? These are the questions Slate staff writer Henry Grabar sets out to answer, telling a mesmerizing story about the strange and wonderful superorganism that is the modern American city. In Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World (Penguin, 2023), Grabar brilliantly surveys the pain points of the nation's parking crisis, from Los Angeles to Disney World to New York, stopping at every major American city in between. He reveals how the pathological compulsion for car storage has exacerbated some of our most acute problems--from housing affordability to the accelerating global climate disaster--ultimately, lighting the way for us to free our cities from parking's cruel yoke. Brian Hamilton is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where he is researching African American environmental history. A Maine native, he lives in Western Massachusetts and chairs the History and Social Science Department at Deerfield Academy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Western Mass Business Show on 1.3.26 -- by WHMP Radio

As the temperatures drop, the coziness factor turns up, and the impending arrival of a new year looms ominously on the horizon inviting us to dissociate from reality for just a little bit (just us?), it's just the perfect time to escape the stress and excitement of the holidays with a lengthy RPG you can sink your teeth into. At least, that's our tradition. Enter Demonschool (Necrosoft Games, published by Ysbryd Games), a campy, queer, isometric tactics RPG set at the cusp of Y2K with a delightful cast of college students banding together to save the world from monsters and gangsters while finding time for karaoke dates, fishing, petting dogs, and maybe kissing. WHAT ELSE COULD YOU WANT?00:07:34 - Plate Up!00:16:00 - s.p.l.i.t00:20:28 - DemonschoolWatch the live stream recording of this episode on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/vdzIo5MlaYUSide Questhttps://transasylumsupport.github.io/The Trans Asylum Seekers Support Network is an interdependent, solidarity-based network of queer and trans asylum seekers, loved ones, collective members, and volunteers dedicated to the abolition of all cages and borders, revolutionary compassion and trans liberation. Our goal is to free transgender asylum seekers languishing in detention centers and help them relocate to and create thriving lives in Western Massachusetts. Learn more by visiting their website or @transasylumsupport on Instagram!About Pixel TherapyWe're a podcast queering and transcending video games for all kinds of gamers and those who love them--get cozy with us! If you like what you hear, please take a moment to rate us, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts (or your listening app of choice) and subscribe! Want more? Join for free at patreon.com/pixeltherapypod

Blind Mike from Western Mass

Leah Rantz is joined by 3/4 of Western Mass band Digital Weather who performs "Cowboy Junkie" and "Strange Things Afoot (at the Circle K)"

Join us as we hear about Resilient Valley and the work, they are doing to increase giving from DAF's throughout Western MA. Lora Wondolowski, Director of Advancement and Communications at Peace Development Fund and City Council President of Greenfield, MA. and Kim Snyder, Director of Development and Communications at Hitchcock Center for the Environment talk us through why now matters more than ever to free up funding for local nonprofits. Peace Development Fund helps to support small to midsized nonprofits as they navigate how to stand on their own. Through fiscal support and creating Donor Advised Fund's for donors they work out of Amherst on an international scale. Hitchcock Center is one of 23 living buildings in the world and has been in existence for over 60 years. They help us connect with nature and the environment creating pathways for younger generations to become climate warriors. The Resilient Valley Coalition is a growing group of over a dozen nonprofits focused on climate, food systems, and environmental justice. Together they have faced over 3 million in funding loss in 2025. The Match My DAF Campaign has a goal to raise 250,000 in matching funds to motivate donors to increase their giving through their DAF's. If DAF holders commit to giving away 10% more by May 2026, then their grants will be matched dollar for dollar. Let's show up for them. Happy Holidays everyone. Thank you for listening. www.resilientvalleyma.org

Spice Rack Medicine – Winter Online Series 2026 A cozy, self-paced kitchen herbalism course from Jade Alicandro that explores culinary herbs, folk medicine-making, bone broth, food energetics, adaptogens, nutritive herbs, seaweeds, medicinal mushrooms, and easy medicine you can make right in your home kitchen. Registration is open now through Dec 12

This week we're chatting about Hades II, the long-in-early-access follow up to 2020's Hades from Supergiant Games. Like its predecessor, Hades II is an action RPG roguelike chock full of eye-popping art, callous-forming combat, and a steady supply of sexual tension set in the deep lore of Greek myth while telling the all-too-relatable story of confronting toxic family dynamics and breaking intergenerational cycles of trauma. So grab a bottle of ambrosia and activate God Mode with us as we unpack all our thoughts and feelings about this game of the year contender.1:57 - Dispatch final thoughts11:29 - Hades II53:30 - **SPOILERS for Hades II**1:32:32 - OutroWatch the live stream recording of this episode on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/XZ-HrL-XNNQSide Questhttps://transasylumsupport.github.io/The Trans Asylum Seekers Support Network is an interdependent, solidarity-based network of queer and trans asylum seekers, loved ones, collective members, and volunteers dedicated to the abolition of all cages and borders, revolutionary compassion and trans liberation. Our goal is to free transgender asylum seekers languishing in detention centers and help them relocate to and create thriving lives in Western Massachusetts. Learn more by visiting their website or @transasylumsupport on Instagram!About Pixel TherapyWe're a podcast queering and transcending video games for all kinds of gamers and those who love them--get cozy with us! If you like what you hear, please take a moment to rate us, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts (or your listening app of choice) and subscribe! Want more? Join for free at patreon.com/pixeltherapypod

This week: Jess Auer (Institute for Local Self-Reliance) and David Kulp (Ashfield, Massachusetts) on ILSR's new report exploring how 19 Western Massachusetts towns collaborated to connect their communities to municipal broadband. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Western Mass Business Show on 11.29 -- by WHMP Radio

Anthony Arillotta was a powerful boss in the Genovese Crime Family, one of New York's most feared mafia organizations. Rising through the ranks in Springfield, Massachusetts, Arillotta became a made man and later took control of the family's operations — running gambling, loansharking, and extortion rackets that defined East Coast organized crime. After years of violence, betrayal, and federal investigations, he made a decision that shocked the mob world and changed his life forever. Anthony opens up about his rise in the Genovese family, life as a mafia boss, the murders and power struggles that came with it, and what ultimately made him walk away from one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in America. #AnthonyArillotta #GenoveseCrimeFamily #MafiaBoss #LockedInWithIanBick #OrganizedCrime #TrueCrimePodcast #MafiaStories #prisoninterviews Thanks to RULA & CASH APP for sponsoring this episode: Rula: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/LOCKEDIN  #rulapod Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/6pao71et #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Connect with Anthony Arillotta: Buy his book: https://www.amazon.com/South-End-Syndicate-Genovese-Springfield/dp/B0DRC2VHWC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthony_bingy_arillotta/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tony.canoli.378/ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Mafia Life, Mob Culture & Guest Overview 00:41 – Guest Background, Upbringing & How He Entered Mob Circles 02:32 – His Book, Untold Mafia Territory & Forgotten Mob History 05:32 – Organized Crime in Western Massachusetts & Connecticut 08:36 – Family Roots, Wine Business & Early Influences 13:10 – Growing Up in Springfield: Family, Business & Early Identity 19:55 – Lessons from Parents, Money, Loyalty & Discipline 24:26 – Childhood Dreams & Early Attraction to the Mafia World 27:38 – First Fights, Street Rules & Learning the System 32:10 – Violence: Where It Started, Justifications & Mindset 37:00 – Teenage Chaos: School Trouble, Street Life & First Jail Time 41:45 – First Prison Sentence & Learning Real Mob Education 50:05 – Entering Organized Crime: Becoming Part of the Mob 57:55 – Mob Myths vs Reality, Age, Recruitment & Street Credibility 01:00:45 – Money-Making Rackets: Loansharking, Collections & Street Hustles 01:14:09 – Being Put ‘On Record' & Living as a Mob Associate 01:22:28 – Becoming a Made Guy: Hits, Violence & Mob Orders 01:43:56 – The Downfall: Mafia Wars, Betrayals & FBI Pressure 01:58:38 – Prison Time: Surviving as a High-Ranking Mobster Behind Bars 02:05:37 – Walking Away: Internal Conflict & Deciding to Cooperate 02:21:05 – Final Prison Sentence, FBI Cooperation & Turning Informant 02:34:12 – Life After Prison: Regrets, Recovery & Lessons Learned 02:41:00 – Advice to His Younger Self & Powerful Closing Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CNN's John King zooms in for the latest national political headlinesTrenni Casey discusses Killington's independent era for skiing in the NortheastAbdallah Fayyad, Globe ideas writer, joins via zoom to discuss his latest piecesCongressman Jim McGovern calls into the show on the annual March for the Food Bank of Western Mass. Javier Marin, executive chairman of El Planeta, joins in person to discuss his new book:  “Live From America: How Latino TV Conquered the U.S.”

Every single month, through its roughly 200 partners, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts helps about 125,000 people in the 413 access more than 1 million meals. Among the roles of Director of Development Jillian Morgan and her team are to execute fundraising activities, boost engagement through volunteering, and develop strategies to raise awareness about this nonprofit's critical mission — one that has been challenged this year by everything from federal funding cuts to the recent SNAP disruption. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Jillian sits down with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar to talk about all of that, plus the 16th annual March for the Food Bank, which engages a sea of participants in a four-county effort to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's must listening — and certainly food for thought — so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest over both audio and video platforms, and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

WBZ NewsRadio’s Matt Shearer reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

STRANGE But TRUE - Tales of the BERKSHIRES! Think the Berkshires are just scenic hills and quiet towns? Think again. Beneath the serene beauty of Western Massachusetts lies a history steeped in the strange, the unexplained, and the terrifying. Join us as we journey deep into one of New England's most mysterious regions to uncover ten of its most chilling and bizarre legends. This is a land of eerie encounters and lingering spirits, where folklore and fact collide. We'll investigate an infamous mass UFO sighting, walk the haunted halls of historic inns, and venture into forests where monstrous creatures are said to roam. From cursed objects to ghostly soldiers and even a case of demonic possession investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren, these are the stories that the locals whisper about after dark.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.

11/13/25: Northampton Author Rich Michelson on "Fannie's Big Idea" (today is the 100th anniversary!). Author Thomas Suárez on “Palestine Mapped: From the River to the Sea in Early Geographic Thought” & his Nov 19 UMass talk. Amherst author Corinne Demas on her newest novel, “Daughters” Ruth Griggs: tomorrow's Western Mass Arts Economic Impact Summit.

Baxie welcomes back Juliana Hatfield! After releasing more than 20 solo albums over the years (along with her four albums with The Blake Babies and a host of amazing collaborations with the likes of Paul Westerberg, Evan Dando, The Salt Collective, Aimee Mann, Nada Surf, and John Doe) she's about to release her latest album, "Lightening May Strike," on December 12th. This is an album loaded with deeply personal stuff that includes family illness, loss, isolation, vulnerability, grief. and a sudden move to Western Massachusetts! But don't kid yourself. This is a record that completely kicks ass as only Juliana can! Just awesome! Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and on the Rock102 app! Brought to you by Metro Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chicopee!

Food banks, advocates, and local officials have been scrambling this week upon word that November's SNAP assistance won't be funded by the federal government. The Trump administration cites the ongoing shutdown for the move, and refuses to tap into federal contingency funding. However, state leaders say the hundreds of millions of dollars each month simply can't be covered on the state level, and holding back SNAP funding during a shutdown is unprecedented.Erin McAleer of Project Bread and Andrew Morehouse of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts are part of the Make Hunger History Coalition. They return to the show this week to discuss the situation and offer resources for those in need, including the Project Bread FoodSource Hotline, which you can call at 1-800-645-8333.CONTENT NOTE: This discussion was recorded earlier in the week from the publish date, and there have been some legal developments over the funding for November's SNAP benefits. However, the interview's information on the story and resources for food access remains timely.

Helen Kahn, who runs the weekly market for Grow Food Northampton, said a third of all market sales are from SNAP purchases.

Aaron Vega calls it the next logical progression in a career that has taken him from freelance film editing to directing the Office of Planning & Economic Development in Holyoke. He was referring to the role of president and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council after prevailing in a nationwide search that attracted more than 100 candidates; he will assume that role in January. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Aaron discusses his plans and goals with BusinessWest Contributing Writer George O'Brien. Among other things, he wants the region to do a better job of telling its story, grow the inventory of shovel-ready land for developers, create a blueprint for population growth, and make the EDC even more of a “convener and connector.” It's must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest on both audio and video platforms and sponsored by Greenfield Cooperative Bank.

In this week's episode, we have the very talented Jordan Gladu in studio. Hailing from the Western Massachusetts area, Jordan is an inspiring artist with an impressive EP and track record of live musical performances all over the area. He is a singer-songwriter who often incorporates heartfelt lyrics into his songs. While not widely mainstream yet, he has garnered a following for his authentic sound and emotional depth in music. Jordan Gladu's work includes tracks that have a mix of catchy melodies and meaningful lyrics, and he's known for his dynamic and raw performances. If you would like to follow Jordan, check out his site: https://www.jordangladu.com You can also check out his EP here: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZvUDaBhrZ8esbh6kwicfj?si=ieFXX2kRR8Gx655BVYPz5g And lastly, make sure to support this very special fundraiser by going here: https://www.facebook.com/share/16uMB8C5KJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr⁩ And as always, make sure that you're following us on all of our platforms and subscribed to our YouTube channel. Your support helps us keep this show going! You can check out our stuff here: https://linktr.ee/musicalchairsmass We hope that you enjoy the show as much as we did recording it! #mcm #makingmondaysmusicalagain #doitforthepod #musicpodcast

You can listen wherever you get your podcasts, OR— BRAND NEW: we've included a fully edited transcript of our interview at the bottom of this post.In this episode of The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, I am giving you another sneak peek inside my Peaceful Parenting Membership! Listen in as I interview Rachel Simmons as part of our membership's monthly theme of “Friendship Troubles”. Rachel is an expert on relational aggression, AKA mean girls. We discuss how to intervene in this behaviour when kids are young, how to prevent our child from doing this, and how we can support our children when they're experiencing it.**If you'd like an ad-free version of the podcast, consider becoming a supporter on Substack! > > If you already ARE a supporter, the ad-free version is waiting for you in the Substack app or you can enter the private feed URL in the podcast player of your choice.Know someone who might appreciate this post? Share it with them!We talk about:* 6:27 What is relational aggression?* 8:50 Both boys and girls engage in this type of aggression* 10:45 How do we intervene with young kids* 14:00 How do we teach our kids to communicate more effectively* 22:30 How to help our children who are dealing with relational aggression* 33:50 Can you reach out to the aggressive child's parents?* 38:00 How to reach out to the school* 47:30 How to help our kids make new friends after relational aggressionResources mentioned in this episode:* Yoto Player-Screen Free Audio Book Player* The Peaceful Parenting Membership* Rachel's websitexx Sarah and CoreyYour peaceful parenting team- click here for a free short consult or a coaching sessionVisit our website for free resources, podcast, coaching, membership and more!>> Please support us!!! Please consider becoming a supporter to help support our free content, including The Peaceful Parenting Podcast, our free parenting support Facebook group, and our weekly parenting emails, “Weekend Reflections” and “Weekend Support” - plus our Flourish With Your Complex Child Summit (coming back in the spring for the 3rd year!) All of this free support for you takes a lot of time and energy from me and my team. If it has been helpful or meaningful for you, your support would help us to continue to provide support for free, for you and for others.In addition to knowing you are supporting our mission to support parents and children, you get the podcast ad free and access to a monthly ‘ask me anything' session.Our sponsors:YOTO is a screen free audio book player that lets your kids listen to audiobooks, music, podcasts and more without screens, and without being connected to the internet. No one listening or watching and they can't go where you don't want them to go and they aren't watching screens. BUT they are being entertained or kept company with audio that you can buy from YOTO or create yourself on one of their blank cards. Check them out HERERachel interview transcriptSarah: Hey everyone. Welcome back to another episode of the Peaceful Parenting Podcast. Today's episode is another sneak peek inside my membership, where I interviewed Rachel Simmons — an expert on relational aggression, AKA “mean girls.” She wrote a book called Odd Girl Out, which is all about the topic of relational aggression and how we can support our children when they're experiencing it — and what to do if our child is actually doing that to other people.If you don't know what relational aggression is, don't worry — listen up, because she goes into the definition of it. This was a great conversation. My members had questions, I had questions, and in the end, we all agreed it was a very helpful discussion. I think you'll find it helpful as well — no matter how old your child is or whether or not they've experienced any relational aggression.This is something we should all be aware of, and as parents, we actually have a lot of control over preventing our child from becoming someone who uses relational aggression.As I said, this is a sneak peek inside my membership, where we have a theme every month. This month's theme was “Friendship Troubles,” and it actually came as a request from one of our members. So we brought in Rachel to talk to us about relational aggression, which this member's child had been struggling with.Every month in the membership, we have a theme — I do some teaching about it, and we also bring in a guest expert for teaching and Q&A.If you'd like to join us inside the membership, you can go to reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/membership to learn more and join us.Another thing we do inside the membership is office hours. You may have heard a recent podcast that gave a sneak peek into what those are like. We do office hours twice a week where you're welcome to drop in, ask a question, get support, or share a win — from me, Corey, and other members. It's just a wonderful place.Our membership is my favorite corner of the internet, and we've been doing it for six years. It really is a special place. I'd love for you to join us! Please let me know if you have any questions, or just head over to reimaginepeacefulparenting.com/membership to learn more.And now — let's hear from Rachel.Hey Rachel, welcome to the podcast.Rachel: Thank you.Sarah: Can you just tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?Rachel: Sure. Well, I'm based in Western Massachusetts, and I'm a researcher and author. Over the last eight years, I've also become an executive coach. I've always been fascinated by — and inspired by — the psychology of girls and women.Over what's now become a long career, I've worked with women and girls across the lifespan — beginning, I'd say, in elementary school, and more recently working with adult women.I've always been animated by questions about how women and girls experience certain phenomena and spaces differently, and how paying attention to those experiences can contribute to their overall wellness and potential.Sarah: Nice. And I just finished reading your book Odd Girl Out, and I could see how much research went into it. I think you mentioned you interviewed people for a few years to write that book.Rachel: It was a long time, yeah. I was just actually reflecting on that. I came across a shoebox filled with cassette tapes — little cassette tapes of the interviews I did when I wrote that book, which came out 20 years ago.I worked all over the United States and tried to speak to as many girls as I could.Sarah: It's a great book — highly recommended. We'll put a link to it in the show notes. Thank you for writing it.So today we invited you here because we want to talk about relational aggression. Can you give us a definition of what relational aggression is?Rachel: Yes. Relational aggression is a psychological form of aggression — a way that people express themselves when they're trying to get a need met or are upset about something. It usually starts as early as two or three years old, when kids become verbal, and it's the use of relationship as a weapon.It can start off as something like the silent treatment — “I'm going to turn away from you because I'm upset with you” — cutting someone off as a way of communicating unhappiness. That silence becomes the message.I remember once interviewing a seventh-grade girl who told me she gave people the silent treatment — that she'd stop talking to them as a way to get what she wanted. That was really unusual, because most girls won't come up and be like, “Yeah, here are all the ways I'm mean.”In fact, it's often the secrecy that makes this stuff hard to talk about. So I was like, wow, here's a unicorn telling me she's doing it. And I asked, “Why do you do it?” And she said, “Because with my silence, I let my friends know what's going to happen if they don't do what I want.”A very powerful description of relational aggression.So that's the silent treatment, but it can also take more verbal forms. Like, “If you don't give me that toy, I won't be your friend anymore.” Or, “If you don't play with me at recess today, then our friendship is over.”The threat is always that I'll take away a relationship. And it's so powerful because — what do we want more than connection? That's a profound human need. So it's a very, very powerful form of aggression.Sarah: Your book is called Odd Girl Out, and you focused on women and girls. Do you think this also happens with boys? Has it started happening more with boys? What's your take — is it still mainly a girl thing? I mean, when I think of relational aggression, I think of “mean girls,” right?Rachel: Yes, I think a lot of people do — and certainly did when I first started researching this book many years ago. I did too.It's important to remember that yes, boys definitely do this, and they do it as much as girls starting in middle school — at least according to the research I read. I haven't read the very recent studies, so that could have changed, but back when I was doing this work, no one was writing about boys doing it.There was almost no research, and frankly, because of my own experience — seeing boys being more direct and girls being indirect — I assumed it was just a girl thing. But it most definitely is not.I think I and others, in many ways, did a disservice to boys by not studying them. I wish I had. It's something that's much more widely understood now by people out in the field doing this work.Sarah: Yeah, interesting — because my oldest son, who's now 24, definitely experienced a lot of relational aggression in elementary school. And my daughter did too.And just as a side note — it's so painful to watch your kids go through that. I want to ask you more about parents' roles, but it's so painful as a parent to watch your child have their friends be mean to them.You mentioned it can start as young as two or three, and I remember reading in your book — that sort of “you can't come to my birthday party” thing. Even little kids will say that to their parents sometimes, right? Using that relational aggression.You said that if we don't actively get involved, it can turn into older-kid relational aggression that never goes away. What do you suggest parents do or say when they hear this kind of thing — whether it's to other kids on the playground, to a sibling, or even to the parents themselves?Rachel: Yeah, with little kids — we're talking about little, little ones — I often answer that question with a question back to the parent: What do you do when your kid hits or bites somebody?Usually what most of us do is stop the behavior, make sure the other kid's okay, and then turn to our own child and say, “You can't do that. We don't do that in our family. That's not what we say, that's not what we do. You have to use your words.”And we say, “We don't ever threaten people when we're angry.” It's okay to be mad — that's really key — but it's not what you say, it's how you say it. Certain ways of speaking are off-limits, just like certain words are off-limits.It's also key, though, to practice self-awareness as a parent. Because if you're the kind of person who goes quiet when you're upset, or withdraws as a way of expressing yourself, that's probably where your kid's picking it up. They're not unaware of that.It's kind of like when parents tell teens, “Hey, get off your phone,” and the teen says, “You're on your phone all the time.” Modeling is key.Sarah: That makes a lot of sense — treating relational aggression like any other form of aggression, giving alternatives, correcting the behavior.Rachel: Exactly — and helping them cultivate empathy. Ask, “How do you think that other person felt when you said that? How do you think it feels when someone says they won't be your friend anymore?”You don't want to lose friends just because you made a mistake.Unfortunately, so many people believe this is just “kids being kids.” When you hear that phrase, it's almost a way of disqualifying or invalidating the behavior as aggression. We have to be really careful not to trivialize it or write it off. That's the gateway to not taking it seriously and not holding kids accountable.Sarah: One of the things you talk about in your book — which I thought was really great food for thought — is how this often happens with girls because girls are socialized not to express their anger and to be “nice” and “good.” So it goes underground and comes out in these covert, or even not-so-covert, forms of relational aggression.What can we do as parents to change this? Any concrete ways to help girls express themselves or communicate more effectively so that this doesn't happen?Rachel: That's a really good question. I think one approach I value — both as a parent and in my work — is taking a more integrated approach to parenting, not just saying something in the moment.If we want kids — and we don't even have to say “girls,” just kids — to be more emotionally expressive and authentic so they don't resort to indirect or harmful behaviors, then they need to be raised with certain principles.Those principles have to be voiced, reinforced, and practiced throughout daily life — not just in response to an acute moment of aggression.Some of those principles are: It's not what you say, it's how you say it. All feelings are welcome, but not all behaviors are. You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity by your friends, and you owe that to them as well.And not even just your friends — everyone. You don't have to be friends with everyone, but you do have to treat everyone with respect.That's key for girls, in particular, because they're often expected to be friends with everyone, which makes them feel resentful. So another principle is: You don't have to be friends with everyone. You can be acquaintances and still treat people respectfully.You're striking a balance between supporting expression — it's good to say how you feel — and being thoughtful about how you do it.It's also a practice. Sometimes we'll make mistakes or feel awkward expressing ourselves, but that's far better than going behind someone's back or ignoring them forever.Sarah: Right. I'm reminded of a line we often use in peaceful parenting when one sibling is being “mean” to another verbally. We'll say, “You can tell your sibling how you feel without attacking them,” or, “You can tell your sibling how you feel without using unkind words.”That's really what you're saying — it's not what you say, it's how you say it.So as I was reading your book, I realized that many of the things we teach in peaceful parenting already help kids express themselves in healthy ways — and also not put up with being treated poorly.If you learn at home that you don't have power or agency because your parents don't treat you with respect, then you're more susceptible to peers treating you poorly.Rachel: Yeah, I think so. Parents teach us what to expect from other people. They also teach us how to respond in difficult moments.If they normalize difficult moments and your day-to-day life includes not feeling valued or safe, you'll import that into your relationships with others.It can be more subtle too — if you don't feel unconditionally valued, or if you have to fight for your parents' attention, or you don't feel consistent attachment, you might become vulnerable to pursuing peers who recreate that familiar but painful dynamic.If your “happy place” becomes constantly trying to get the popular girl to win you over, that might mirror how you once tried to win your parents' attention.Sarah: If your child is the victim of relational aggression — what should you do? Both in terms of how to support your child and whether there's anything you should do with other parents or the school?Rachel: Great questions. First, how to support your child when they go through something like this — and you're absolutely right, it can be really triggering for us as parents.Empathy really matters. And I know some people are like, “Yeah, duh, empathy.” But in my work — and in my life as a parent — I've found that we're wired to help and fix, not to empathize. That's how humans have survived — by fixing and protecting, not empathizing.So our instinct when we see our child in distress is to jump in and try to fix it.Sarah: It's called the “righting instinct,” I think.Rachel: The righting instinct — oh! Like to put them upright again?Sarah: Yeah.Rachel: Oh, that's helpful — I didn't know that! Yes, the righting instinct.So we have to override that and remember that what a child really needs is to know that what they're going through is normal — even if it's incredibly hard — and that their feelings are normal. They need to know they're not alone.Say things like, “You must feel really hurt,” or “That sounds so hard.”Now, some kids will say, “No, I'm fine.” Not every kid will respond with, “Thanks for empathizing, Mom.” But you can still name the feeling — “If I were you, I'd feel the same way,” or, “That's really hard.”The feelings are scary, and kids want to know it's okay to feel how they feel — that they're not alone, and that it's normal.After that, try to override the fixing instinct as much as you can. Because unless your child is in acute distress, these are opportunities for them to develop problem-solving skills.They will experience social aggression — that's inevitable. If they don't, they're probably not connected to other people. So it's not a question of if, it's when.These moments are opportunities for you to be with them and support them — but not to do it for them.Ask, “Okay, this is going on — tell me one way you could respond. What's something you could do?”What we're doing by asking that is not jumping in with, “Here's what I'd do,” which doesn't teach them anything. We're giving them a chance to think.A lot of kids will say, “I don't know,” or get annoyed — that's fine. You can say, “Okay, what's one thing you could do?”If they say, “Nothing,” you can say, “Nothing is a choice. That's a strategy. What do you think will happen if you do nothing?”We live in a culture that's consistently deprived kids of opportunities to become resilient — deprived them of discomfort, and that's cost them problem-solving ability.I'm not saying kids should handle social aggression alone, but these moments are a chance to hold them and be with them — without doing it for them.So those are kind of the first two steps.Sarah: Well, I mean, I think empathize and empath—one thing that I read in your book is that sometimes parents dismiss that it's really happening, or because of their own fears of their child. Wanting their child to fit in, they might try to encourage them to stay in the relationship or to try to fix the relationship. Maybe you could speak to that a little bit.Rachel: Sure. Well, I think these kinds of moments can be incredibly disorienting for parents and triggering. And I use the word disorienting because we start to lose—we stop losing—the ability to differentiate between our feelings and experiences and our kids'.So, for example, if we have a lot of emotion and a lack of resolution around what happened to us, when our kids go through it, all those feelings come right back up. And then we may start to assume that our kids are actually suffering more than they are.Like, I'll give you an example of a kid I met and her parent. The kid had been not treated well in middle school and she said, “I just want to sit at a different table.” And her mom was like, “But this is terrible! This is a terrible thing. We have to do something about it.” And her kid was like, “I just want to sit at a different table.”So remaining aware of any delta between how your child is reacting and how you are is very key. And if you sense that difference, then you really need to conform to where your kid is and not insert or enforce your own emotions on them.I also think it runs the other direction. To your point, Sarah, if you yourself fear—if you remember being really afraid of what happened when you felt alone—and you start to imagine that if your child were to make a move that would put them in more isolation, that would be bad for them because it was bad for you. Again, that's a flag.Anytime you find that you're sort of flooding your parenting with the memories or the experiences that you had long before you were a parent—if you have the ability to differentiate—that's really where you learn how to do it differently. But becoming aware of that is most important.Sarah: That makes a lot of sense. And then I love how you're talking about inviting problem-solving—you know, “What do you want to do?” Because often we come in with this, “Well, this is what you do. You march back in there on Monday and you say this.”But as you said, that doesn't allow them to develop any skills.And, you know, where's the spot—where's the space—for encouraging? Because I know that my daughter, I went through this with her, with some mean girls in our community and at her school. And I just wanted to say, “Just make friends with different kids! Why do you keep trying to be friends with these same kids that are not being nice to you?”Like, where's the space for that? And what do you do?And that actually is a question that one of our members sent in: what should we do, if anything, if our child still wants to be friends with the kids that haven't been kind to them or who have been relationally aggressive?Rachel: Yeah, it's such a great question, and it's one that many, many parents hold. Because it is certainly a phenomenon where, you know, you keep going back to the person who has hurt you.And girls can be very inconsistent or all over the place—like, one day we're really good friends, the next day you don't want to sit with me at lunch, three days later you invite me to your house for a sleepover, right? You kick me out, you take me back in.There comes a point in a kid's life where they're old enough to make their own decisions. They're going to school, they're going to hang out with whoever they want. And I'm most interested in supporting the parents who actually can't control who their kid hangs out with.Because if it were as easy as just saying, “Well, you can't go over to their house anymore,” that would be fine. But it's not—because the kid's going to make their own social choices when they're out and about.So I think the answer is that relationships are a classroom. Relationships are a place where we learn all kinds of life skills—including how to say what we want, how to compromise, how to forgive, and how to end a relationship.I think that while it is incredibly frustrating and stressful for a parent to watch their child return to an aggressor, trying to remain as much of a guide as you can to your child, rather than bringing down the hammer, is key.So, in other words, one strategy I've suggested—which is not maybe for everyone—but it's kind of like: think about a friend you've had in your life as an adult who keeps going back to somebody who isn't good to them. Maybe you remember—they were in a relationship with a crappy person—and you're like, “What are you doing with that person? Why are you dating them?”And you probably weren't yelling at them or saying, “You better stop dating them or I'm not going to be your friend anymore.” You had to stick with them as they figured it out, and you knew they were learning and you hoped they would learn.There's a bit of that with your kid. Your kid is not your friend—your kid is much more triggering than your friend—but they're actually in a very similar learning experience to your friend who's dating somebody that everyone knows isn't right for them.And so as a parent, you want to stay connected and say, “Okay, so what's your takeaway from what just happened? What are you learning about this person—how they're treating you?” And you're going to say it a hundred times before maybe some neuron fires next week or next year, and they're like, “Oh, I get it.”Sarah: Yeah.Rachel: Like, they need to keep hearing from you. They need to keep hearing that this isn't a good person—that this person's not good to you, that this person doesn't have the values our friends have.Sarah: That happened with my daughter—with a best friend from birth, too. I think it was around age eight when things started shifting, and the girl started being pretty mean to my daughter.And it took her four years until she finally made the decision on her own. One thing happened, and it finally cracked it open for her, and she just said, “I don't think [name] and I are best friends anymore.”She cried for about three hours, and she went through maybe a month or two of grieving that friendship. But that was kind of like—it had been the straw that broke the camel's back, where she finally saw everything in the true light. You know what I mean?But it was so hard for those four years to watch her keep going back and trying and giving her the benefit of the doubt. Anyhow, it was rough.Rachel: It was rough. And what do you think she learned from that?Sarah: Well, I think she learned to look other places for friends. And I think she learned how she wanted to be treated.So we've talked about how to support your child who's going through this. Is there anything you recommend doing with the other child's parents or with the school to support your child?Rachel: Yeah. I mean, I think it depends on their age, right?Sarah: Let's say tweens.Rachel: Okay. I think it depends. So first, with the other parents—it's important to remember that if you call another kid's parents without clearing it with your own kid first, you just never know what those other parents are going to disclose to their own child.If you don't know these parents well, you have no idea whether they'd go to their kid and say, “Guess who called me today?” So, as much as possible, have some communication with your own child about reaching out to another parent, especially if you don't know that parent or have a prior relationship.I understand the intention is to help, but when you call another parent, you can't control what that parent does with your words—or how that affects your own child. So you have to be very careful.Now, does that mean you always have to have your child's permission to reach out? No, it doesn't. There are times where you'll just do that because that's your job. I just want people to be aware of that.Also, when you call another parent, it's critical to start the conversation with: “I know I only have one perspective here. I know I can only see what I can see. Can you tell me if there are things I'm not seeing? I'd love to know what's going on from your perspective.”In other words, you're not going in heavy-handed or accusatory—you're going in with humility. It's okay to say you're upset and to talk about what you know, but it's critical to maintain the humility of realizing you don't know everything.And that children—just like everyone else—can have their own distortions or lenses through which they experience their peers.Finally, when you talk to another parent, be very precise in your language when you describe what happened. Stick to the behaviors that allegedly occurred.Like, you can say, “My understanding is that your kid called my kid with some kids over while they were having a sleepover, and it left my daughter feeling pretty embarrassed and hurt. Can you tell me more about what you know?”So you're not saying, “Your kid did this and really messed up my kid.” You're saying, “Here's my understanding of what happened, and here was the impact.” Those are two things you can control knowing—without accusing.Sarah: Yeah, that makes sense. I made all the mistakes with my friend's daughter's mother, so yeah, I think your advice is good.And I wish I had had it then. It's so hard not to rush in as a parent, especially when kids are younger. It's so hard not to rush in and try to—like you said—right things, to try to fix it and make things better.There's just a comment from Mare—when we were talking about kids going back to people who are unkind—she said that her grandson, who I know is nine, told her that he's “an easy mark.” And when she asked why he felt that way, he said his friend punched him in the stomach and he just accepted that and continues to be friends with him.Do you have any words for her around that—how she might support her grandson?Rachel: Yeah. I mean, first of all, I like that he's comfortable talking to his grandmother in that way—how wonderful for her that he's so vulnerable and authentic. So I would, as the grandma, be very cautious and handle delicately the vulnerability your grandson's giving you.And I would be very inquisitive. I'd put on my coach's hat and say, “Tell me more about that. Tell me more about what happens and why. Tell me more about your decision to accept it. What do you think would happen if you didn't accept it?”I've learned a lot in the later part of my career about the importance of just holding space for people to talk something through. You don't have to give advice. You don't have to have an idea. You can just ask questions and let them talk it through.Talking aloud to someone who cares and listens closely is not that different from journaling. Both can help you arrive at new insights that you couldn't otherwise on your own—but don't require someone telling you what to do.So I think that kind of stance, if you can take it with your grandson, would be very effective—and you'd probably learn a ton.Sarah: Thanks. That's great. So the final part of that three-part question that we keep getting back to is—what about with the school?One thing that I thought was interesting in your book is you talked about how a lot of the kids that are doing the relational aggression have a lot of social status, and that it often flies under the radar—that the teachers don't see what's going on.I think that would make it especially tricky to try to get support from the school if they're not seeing what your child is reporting back to you.Rachel: Yes, it does make it tricky. And you know, psychological aggression is just that—it's psychological. So unless you're listening, you'd miss it.It's also the case that—like Eddie Haskell in Leave It to Beaver—when the adult shows up, a lot of the most aggressive kids turn into very likable, charming, dynamic kids. They know how to work the adults in the room.This is why even the most devoted, skilled teachers who really want to catch this stuff still say to me, “Why don't I see it? I'm trying so hard.”That does make it hard. And I say that because it makes it particularly hard for a school to respond if they're like, “We don't see it.”So, when you talk to the school, it's important to keep that in mind—that this stuff might not be visible.It's also important to practice that same humility, because often the school does see things you don't. They may have awareness of the different sides of the story.Schools are filled with human beings who are tired, and if they get a two-page single-spaced email from a parent at 11:30 at night with a call the next morning saying, “Why haven't you responded?”—they're not super psyched to work with you.Treating people like they're customer-service reps who are there to serve you—especially if you pay tuition—I understand why that happens, but you're going to catch a lot more flies with honey.Sarah: Than with vinegar.Rachel: Yeah, I couldn't remember what the insect was—but I think you catch more flies with honey.It's hard. It's heavy. It's a tall ask, because you're hurting as a parent—you're frustrated, you're angry, you're worried about your kid. But it's a really complex situation.A couple other ways to approach this: figure out if your school has an anti-bullying or behavior policy that acknowledges these more indirect forms of aggression.Also, I'd caution parents against using the word bullying unless it actually meets that definition. That's a big turn-off for school administrators and teachers when parents elevate something to bullying that isn't.Bullying is more of a protracted campaign of one person against another, typically with a big power dynamic. Most of what kids experience are acts of aggression, but not ongoing campaigns.So being careful about the words you use is important too.And then, see what training teachers have—what professional development they've been given around what to look out for, how to manage their classrooms.There was a long period in my life where all I did was professional development sessions for schools. We talked about, “Have you talked to your students about body language? About the power of rolling your eyes when someone speaks up, or laughing, or staring?”Those are silent behaviors, but they send strong messages. Many teachers don't have those conversations with students—and that's the kind of thing that makes a difference in communicating expectations.Sarah: Someone on the call just asked a question related to that. She's curious what you have to say about shame being used by girls as a form of aggression—especially middle schoolers.Rachel: That's interesting—when you say shame, meaning like trying to shame the target for something they've done?Sarah: Yeah, she says yes. Like rolling your eyes at somebody when they do something—that would make someone feel a sense of shame. She also said her daughter was shamed for talking to boys.Rachel: Yeah. So I think there's quite a bit of shame that both boys and girls experience.So—sorry, I'm reading the comments too—your daughter was shamed for talking to boys who came to their lunch table, and was asked to sit at a different lunch table?Yeah, I wonder if that's about shaming for breaking an unwritten code—“We don't talk to boys.” Which can also be rooted in cultural expectations around girls—like, “You're such a slut if you talk to boys,” or “We don't.”And so there's a way in which girls can police each other and shame each other by channeling messages from the culture that they've learned.What I have to say about that is that girls do become agents of the culture—and of patriarchal culture—that says, “You're not supposed to talk to boys because that means you must be sexual with them,” or, “We just don't like those people, so we're going to punish you.”Boys will do it to each other too—when they're vulnerable or show feelings.So, to support a girl who's going through that: if we think about the definition of shame, it's to feel like you are a bad person—that your core identity is defective.The difference between shame and guilt is that shame is about you, and guilt is about the thing you did.We're all vulnerable to shame, but I think tween girls are particularly so because they're both able to understand what adults are saying and still in a very self-focused moment in development. That's a pretty toxic brew.It means you can easily take on shame without fully understanding what's being said to you.So I think just really taking a moment to say, “You are a good human being. You are valued. You are loved. You're not alone.”You may not think a moment like this requires those words, but if your child is feeling ashamed because of those behaviors, it's important to remind them they're just like everyone else—in the best way—and that even if they've been othered or singled out, they're still part of a loved whole, whether that's family or friends.Sarah: Yeah, when you were saying that, I was reminded of something I did with my daughter that I talk about a lot—making sure our children, even if they're having social troubles or not feeling like they have friends or the friends they want—making sure they feel unconditionally loved and appreciated and delighted in and celebrated at home can be very protective, I think.And I've heard adults talk about that—who were bullied—and say, “The only reason I came through it with my self-esteem intact was that my parents made me believe this wasn't happening because there was something wrong with me.” They made me feel loved and celebrated and appreciated at home.So I think that's something for all of us to keep sight of too—if our kids are having friendship troubles—to do the work at home to help them.Rachel: Yes. A thousand percent. That has nothing to do with their friends.Sarah: Yeah.Rachel: Yes.Sarah: Okay, two more questions before we let you go. A question from a member who couldn't be on the call: any advice for making future friends once they've gone through a mean relationship?So this person's child is on the other side of a difficult elementary school relationship, starting middle school at a new school, and is finding it hard—maybe she's a little hesitant about making new friends after what she's gone through. Any advice about that?Rachel: I think you validate it. You validate the hesitation.And you also say, “Hey—do you notice how many people date and break up and then start dating new people? Or get divorced and marry new people? Friendships are the same thing.”We're not meant to have one best friend forever—that's a myth. People lose friends and also cut loose people that aren't right for them.Maybe your daughter's been through that—but remind her we're constantly regenerating new connections.It's okay to feel a little gun-shy or apprehensive. Ask, “What would make you feel more comfortable making new friends so you don't feel like you're exposing yourself too much?”Again, always staying curious, inquisitive—not assuming you know what's right because you're the parent—but asking, “What would need to be true for you to feel comfortable making this new friendship?”Maybe she's not comfortable socializing one-on-one outside of school for a long time and wants to keep it to school. That's okay.So being flexible and kind of flexing to where your child is, while also holding the line about the importance of continuing to connect—that's important.Sarah: Love that. My final question to you is one I ask all my podcast guests—and you can answer this in any context, not just what we were talking about today—but if you had a time machine and could go back to your younger parent self, what advice would you give yourself?Rachel: Oh my God, so much. Don't let your kid have YouTube as early as you did. That would be the first one.I guess I'd say that feeling out of control is normal—and you've got to learn to breathe through that more. Yelling isn't going to give you anything but a false sense of control, and it's just going to upset your kid.That's the truth of it. I think I would've yelled less if I'd been more comfortable with the discomfort—feeling like things were out of control and I couldn't manage or have the solution for something.Sarah: Love that. Thank you so much for joining us. Where's the best place for folks to find out more about you and what you do?Rachel: Find me at rachelsimmons.com.Sarah: All right. Thank you so much, Rachel.Rachel: Thank you so much. Thanks for having me. Great questions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sarahrosensweet.substack.com/subscribe

Tim and Eric Vogel went to see Sasquatch: The Legend of Bigfoot in the winter of 1976, when they were in their teens. Seeing that movie really sparked their interest in Sasquatch. About a month after seeing that movie, during a big snowstorm, something happened one morning that completely set the hook in them, with regards to their interest in the topic. The storm had dropped about 28 inches of snow on the area where Tim and Eric lived, in Western Massachusetts, and when the looked out their window that morning, they saw a horde of people in their driveway. There were Bigfoot investigators, news reporters, and other people out there who were focused on a trail of big tracks that led across their property. It turned out to be a hoax that a kid in their area had been responsible, but the damage was already done. Tim and Eric couldn't get enough of the Bigfoot topic. It should come as no surprise that Tim and Eric decided to become Sasquatch investigators, years later and form Vogel Brothers Sasquatch Investigations. On tonight's show, Tim and Eric are going to share numerous sightings and experiences they've had. We hope you'll tune in and listen to them do that. If you've had a Sasquatch experience in Western Massachusetts that you'd like to report to the Vogel Brothers or if you'd like to find out more about the Cobble Mountain Critter Project, please visit…https://thecobblemountaincritterproject.wordpress.com/If you've had a Bigfoot sighting and would like to be a guest, on the show, please go to https://MyBigfootSighting.com and let us know. We'd love to hear from you. Premium memberships are now available! If you'd like to be able to listen to the show without ads and have full access to premium content, please go to https://MyBigfootSighting.com to find out how to become a premium member.f you'd like to help support the show by buying your own My Bigfoot Sighting T-shirt, sweatshirt, or tank top, please visit the My Bigfoot Sighting Show Store Page, by going to...https://dogman-encounters.myshopify.com/collections/mens-my-bigfoot-sighting-collectionShow's theme song, "Banjo Music," courtesy Nathan BrumleyI produce 4 other shows that are available on your favorite podcast app. If you haven't checked them out, here are links to all 4 channels on the Spreaker App...Bigfoot Eyewitness Radio… https://www.spreaker.com/show/bigfoot-eyewitness-radio_1 Dogman Encounters…  https://www.spreaker.com/show/dogman-encounters-radio_2 Dogman Tales…  https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dogman-tales--6640134My Paranormal Experience…  https://www.spreaker.com/show/my-paranormal-experience Thanks for listening!

Christine share about the lessons we all can learn from postpartum care whether you are in this stage of life or not. The principles can still apply to your life. Christine's Bio Christine is mother to four children. She is an Ayurvedic Health Consultant, a Birth and Postpartum Doula and the founder and director of the Center for Sacred Window Studies. She is an advocate for social awareness and change for postpartum care in cultures where traditions in caregiving have diminished or disappeared. She is an educator, speaker, organizer, caregiver and group facilitator. Her mission with the Center for Sacred Window Studies is to empower professionals in postpartum care and families with information and tools in creating the support needed during the sacred postpartum window. She trains Conscious Postpartum Caregivers to support families using diet, routine, herbal support, healing touch and the Universal Mother Principles of conscious care. Christine resides in Western Massachusetts and teaches students around the world. Connect with Christine www.sacredwindowstudies.com www.instagram.com/sacredwindowstudies Free 5 Day Email Course: https://sacredwindowstudies.com/sacred-journey-landing/ Where to connect with Andrea Website: https://andreaclaassen.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/seasonalandrea Perimenopause Support Quiz: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/681d3069f79fde0015c88d8c Sacred Seasons: https://andreaclaassen.com/sacred-seasons 8 Week Perimenopause Reset https://andreaclaassen.com/8-week-perimenopause-program Andrea Claassen Bio Andrea Claassen is an Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor, RYT 500 hour yoga teacher, and personal trainer who has been in the wellness space since 2007. She specializes in cyclical living. Her mission is to help women learn how to slow down, tune in and connect to their inner wisdom. The three pillars she focuses on are movement, mindfulness & mother nature through an Ayurvedic lens. You can hear more from Andrea on her Peaceful Power Podcast where she aims to deliver actionable takeaways for you to live a more holistic lifestyle. Connect with Andrea on her website at www.andreaclaassen.com

Between Sue with her Western Mass accent and Intern STefano being a Long Island native -- Kendra is trying to teach them the right way to pronounce certain town names!

Rick Sullivan's 11-year tenure leading the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council has been one of both challenge — the region has dealt with everything from shifting economic tides to a pandemic — and opportunity; indeed, during that time, the EDC has grown, programming has expanded, and membership has doubled. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, Rick talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about all that and more, including his advice for the next president and CEO; the organization's continuing importance in growing the business landscape in the 413; and what he values most from his time serving this region as a mayor, in the governor's office, and with the EDC. It's must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

What if fewer mics could help you make better records? Alan Evans (Soulive) joins me to talk 4-track recording, Iceland sessions, AI in music, and how simplicity, mindset, and health can fuel your best creative work.   Get access to FREE mixing mini-course: https://MixMasterBundle.com My guest today is Alan Evans, a recording, mixing, and mastering engineer, producer, and musician based in Western Massachusetts. Alan's probably best known as the drummer and co-founder of Soulive, but over the past 30 years, he's also built a deep discography engineering, producing, and shaping the sound of hundreds of recordings. He grew up in a musically rich household in Buffalo, NY, soaking in the sounds of Miles Davis, Ray Charles, and Jimi Hendrix which ignited his interest in music. As a teenager, he hit the clubs and started recording bands, teaching himself the craft of recording, mixing, and production from the ground up. These days, Alan continues to push boundaries through his label, Vintage League Music, with projects spanning jazz, funk, reggae, rock, and Americana—including recent recordings with Oteil Burbridge and MonoNeon at Floki Studios in Iceland, and a new album with Charlie Hunter and Ella Feingold at Pilot Recording Studios in Housatonic, MA. Alan's been on the show before in episodes RSR183, RSR339, and RSR440—and I'm psyched to have him back again, this time in person for video at Ready To Rock Studios. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS! http://UltimateMixingMasterclass.com https://usa.sae.edu/ https://www.izotope.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.native-instruments.com Use code ROCK10 to get 10% off! https://www.adam-audio.com/ https://www.makebelievestudio.com/mbsi Get your MBSI plugin here! https://RecordingStudioRockstars.com/Academy  https://www.thetoyboxstudio.com/ Listen to the podcast theme song “Skadoosh!” https://solo.to/lijshawmusic Listen to this guest's discography on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1F16ucxEvIBugOepkzsTkW?si=FJKiBFINRAOZrjKf0FdYJg If you love the podcast, then please leave a review: https://RSRockstars.com/Review CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE SHOW NOTES AT: https://RSRockstars.com/525

Colin and Danny Interview Top Gunz Tri Team Member, Mike Consolini. Mike discusses his experiences with Ironman races, noting his struggles with bike volume and the importance of feeling fresh. He shares a challenging six-hour training ride and the benefits of having a local training partner. He also talks about his background as a paramedic firefighter, detailing a humorous incident at a daycare fire. He reflects on his journey into triathlons, starting with a marathon in 2016 and his first Ironman in 2018. He opens up about her addiction struggles, starting with substance use in his late teens, and how his faith and family support have been crucial in his recovery and athletic pursuits. Ironman Training and Challenges Mike discusses his experience with Ironman races, expressing a desire to perform better but feeling he hasn't yet nailed it. Mike mentions watching an interview with Jan Frodeno and Gordon Ramsay, where Frodeno admits he only feels proud of a few of his races. Mike shares his struggle with the bike volume in his training, noting it as his strength but also a source of fatigue. Mike talks about a six-hour ride he had to do, which he found daunting due to his lack of mileage. Mike mentions having a local training partner who rode half of the six-hour ride with him, which was a significant advantage. Mike's Background and Career Mike introduces himself, mentioning her upbringing in Western Massachusetts and her involvement in various sports in high school. Mike explains his career path, starting as an EMT at 19 and later becoming a paramedic firefighter. Danny Royce inquires about Mike's dual role as both an EMT and a firefighter, and he explains the rotation system in his department. Mike shares a humorous anecdote about getting lost during a fire call, which led to him being jokingly called "Back Door." Mike describes the stress and unpredictability of his job, comparing it to the challenges of endurance triathlons. Transition to Triathlons Mike recounts his journey into triathlons, starting with his first marathon in 2016 and his first Ironman in 2018. Mike shares his initial confidence and the humbling experience of crashing his bike at mile two of his first Ironman. Mike discusses the lessons he learned from his first Ironman, including the importance of being prepared for unexpected challenges. Danny Royce and Colin Cook express their admiration for Mike's resilience and progress in his triathlon career. Mike talks about the support and encouragement he receives from his family, particularly his wife, who is also an avid triathlete. Addiction and Recovery Mike opens up about his struggle with addiction, starting with experimenting with substances in his late teens. Mike explains how his addiction began as a secretive habit, influenced by a family member who provided easy access to substances. Danny Royce and Mike discuss the concept of addiction as a disease, emphasizing the importance of treatment and self-responsibility. Mike shares his journey towards recovery, including the role of his faith and the support of his family and friends. Mike reflects on the parallels between his addiction and the challenges of endurance sports, highlighting the importance of mental strength and resilience.

In this episode, I sit down with David Mysliwiec, the founder and CEO of The Upstate Sound. A Grammy-winning label, publisher, and artist collective based in Nashville. From bootstrapping beats in Western Mass to building a full-stack music company. With its own Codex, David shares the raw story behind launching a brand that's more than a label it's a mission. We talked music ownership, turning interns into execs. Seeing why raising your own flag matters more than chasing industry trends. Whether you're an artist, creative, or entrepreneur. This is a blueprint for building with integrity.

Aaron Stupple is a practicing physician, former public school teacher and author of The Sovereign Child. He lives in Western Massachusetts with his wife and five children.In this episode, we discuss various aspects of parenting, focusing on non-coercive methods and the philosophy behind raising children. We explore the importance of allowing children to develop organically, the impact of rules on trust and relationships, and the challenges of navigating modern parenting issues such as screen time and sleep. Aaron shares insights from his book, The Sovereign Child, which advocates for treating children as full status individuals and emphasizes the need for understanding rather than enforcing rules.In this conversation, Jason and Aaron explore the complexities of modern life, including the impact of technology on brain development, the role of boredom, and the importance of autonomy in children's learning. They discuss the balance between digital engagement and real-life experiences, the influence of parenting on skill development, and the intricate relationship children have with food. The conversation also delves into the effects of social media on mental health and self-perception, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of these issues.Become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/bajadadialogues Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a quiet hike near the Quabbin Reservoir turns into a confrontation with something impossible? In this chilling episode, we sit down with John Coster — songwriter, author, Harvard graduate — to hear the story of his life-changing encounters with a towering, white-haired Sasquatch in the forests of Western Massachusetts.From eerie silences and giant handprints on his car, to thunderous whistles in the woods, trees bent with impossible force, and even a massive boulder hurled into the lake — John's story is one of the most interesting and compelling Bigfoot encounters ever recorded in New England.You'll hear about sightings in Pelham, the hidden wilderness of the Quabbin, strange footprints near the Prescott Peninsula, and the long history of Sasquatch lore across Hampshire County and beyond down to Granville. Could these creatures still be haunting Massachusetts' forgotten forests?Resources: Convergence: Encounters with an Impossible Being - buy link - https://amzn.to/3UERbNR (Amazon affiliate link helps support the podcast)https://www.johncostermusic.com/

Shawn Tierney meets up with Ashley Weckwerth of ISA to learn all about the OT Cybersecurity Summit in this episode of The Automation Podcast. For any links related to this episode, check out the “Show Notes” located below the video. Watch The Automation Podcast from The Automation Blog: Note: This episode was not sponsored so the video edition is a “member only” perk. The below audio edition (also available on major podcasting platforms) is available to the public and supported by ads. To learn more about our membership/supporter options and benefits, click here. Listen to The Automation Podcast from The Automation Blog: The Automation Podcast, Episode 245 Show Notes: To learn about our online and in-person training courses please visit TheAutomationSchool.com. Read the transcript on The Automation Blog: (automatically generated) Shawn Tierney (Host): Welcome back. My name is Shawn Tierney from Insights and Automation, and I wanna thank you for tuning back in to this episode of the automation podcast. This week on the show, I have Ashley Weckworth from ISA to talk about the OT cybersecurity summit they just held over in Europe in Brussels, and, very interesting conversation about OT cybersecurity. In addition to that, I had a couple announcements. First off, I wanted to let you know that I have rebooted the automation news podcast, and I renamed it Automation Tech Talk. And I’m trying to do a show at least three or four times a week at lunchtime. So if you’re not already subscribed to the old automation news podcast, you should be able to find it now as Automation Tech Talk. And, I’m just trying to spend ten to twenty minutes every lunch trying to share some knowledge that I have with the community. I also wanna mention that if you are a listener, I’m running a special 20% off, sale on my courses over at the automationschool.com. You will not see that there. It’s only for those listening. And I know most of you are already automation experts, so you don’t need to take these courses. So, really, this would be something you would pass on to the people who work for you or people you know who need to get up to speed on whether they need an introductory PLC course, so they need to get up to speed on ControlLogix, CompactLogix, s seven twelve hundred and fifteen hundred, PanelView plus, USC, and so on. So in any case, to get that discount, that 20% off any course or bundle of courses at $99 or more, All you have to do is send me the email address of the person who wants the discount. And, of course, we do do, group enrollment with, we’ve done it with a lot of Fortune 500 companies. Actually, I got a new order that just came in I gotta process. But, when we do a group enrollment, you you enroll, like, several people at your shop, and then I enroll them all at once, and you get a discount a quantity discount and all that. So in any case, if you have any questions about that, just go to the automationschool.com. All my contact info is at the very top, my voice mail, my email. You can even fill in a form there or book a meeting with me. But, please let me know if you know anybody who needs training. Even if you just want me to reach out to them to see if I can help them with their training needs, please let me know over there. And with that, let’s go ahead and jump into this week’s episode of the automation podcast. And, Ashley, I know this is your first time on the show. So before we jump into the summary of what what what this OT cybersecurity summit is and what it was all about and the highlights and all that good stuff, before we even get into that, could you tell the audience a little bit about yourself? Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): Yeah. Thank you, Shawn. I appreciate being here. My name is Ashley Weckworth. I am located in Orlando, Florida. I’ve been a volunteer for ISA for twelve years now. I actually have a day job, though. I’m a volunteer with ISA, which is the International Society of Automation. But in my day job, I’m actually a project manager for automation projects, so specifically SCADA systems projects for the electric grid right now. But our company also supports many other industries, so I actually started my career out. I was a chemical engineer. So I like to tell people, you never know how you’re gonna find your way to automation professions. There’s so many different varying degrees and everything that kinda lead us to this place. But I graduated in chemical engineering, went into instrumentation and controls, for the oil and gas industry. So doing a lot of, you know, it was PLCs or DCS systems that we used. But essentially, as I actually got my pro professional engineer license in control systems. So as a chemical engineer, you don’t know a lot about instrumentation controls and automation, at least I didn’t. And so I was actually recommended to join ISA right out of school. So I joined ISA in June 2012 and became a volunteer leader at the local section in 2013 and then just grew, in my volunteer roles, and I am now the ISA president-elect secretary. So what that means is in 2026, I will be the, ISA president for that calendar year. So I’m excited to be here today, to talk to you all about the ISA OT Cyber Summit. I actually was able to attend this event this year. It’s the third year that ISA has done this event. The first year was Aberdeen, Scotland. The second year was in London. And then this year, the first year I was able to attend was actually in Brussels, Belgium. So we’ve been all over Europe in different capacities, and I was really excited to attend this event. And I wanted to come on here today, and I’m so thankful you allowed us to come on here today to just tell your audience and community that are all very, enthusiastic about automation about this summit. So, hopefully, maybe they wanna attend in the future or maybe just can see what ISA is all about, and look into it more. So I’m really excited. Shawn Tierney (Host): No. And thank you for coming on. You know, it’s we we all get so wrapped up in our day to day that it’s great to have people on, like, from ISA to tell us what’s going on. And, you know, maybe, you know, you’re you get in a position later in your career where you can actually spend some time after work, you know, meeting with, your colleagues from all kinds of different industries. ISA is a great place to check into and and get involved with. But let me go ahead and turn it back to you. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): Yeah. No. And, Shawn, you’re so right in the sense of I tell people is even though right now I’m not really in the day to day cybersecurity or OT cyber space, this conference was actually still really beneficial because of all the diverse connections that I gained there. It was actually the first time I had been more of the minority coming from The United States in the sense that you had people from Spain. You had people from, you know, Belgium, of course. You had France, you had Ireland, you had London in The UK. Right? You had different perspectives that everybody’s trying to come together. And ISA had this vision statement that’s create a better world through automation. Is and that’s truly what this group’s trying to do is we’re trying to protect all of our automation systems in the OT space against those vulnerabilities or those threats and how it will impact us from an operational standpoint, but also a business standpoint. So I thought even though I’m not in it day to day, like you mentioned, is sometimes I just have my blinders on, do my job, know what I’m doing, is it was very unique to talk to these folks at the socials and in the the meetings and listen to them to really expand my knowledge of what automation can be and also what we can do to protect it, but also just, like, building those connections because you never know where your career might lead. And I really did value that. So, with that, I did wanna mention that ISA OT Cyber Summit did have two unique tracks this year. I do feel like we try to change up the tracks based on what’s happening in today’s world, what people are talking about, the trends in this area. And so this year, we had a chain a track called threat intelligence. So really just identifying threats, knowing the vulnerabilities, knowing how to respond and react to those, how to prepare for those threats. So that was one track that we had, and the other track was securing the supply chain. Shawn Tierney (Host): Hey, everybody. Just wanted to jump in there for a minute and pay the bills and talk to you about some of the changes coming to the courses at theautomationschool.com. If you’re watching this video, then you will see me standing in front of a bunch of equipment, and that’s because I am updating actively updating all of my PLC courses as well as filming new additions. So I just wanna make it very clear. If you buy the existing course today, you will get the updated edition as well. And, there are some add on courses I’m doing that will be optional. You can buy them or not buy them. But in any case, I just wanted to let everybody know that I wanna protect your investment. I know I’ve been doing this for twelve plus years, you know, on my own as the automation school and the automation blog. And twenty five years before, I was, you know, working as a, a specialist. But I just wanted to let you know that, you know, if you make an investment today, you’re not gonna miss out on what I previously did, but you’re also gonna get what I continue to do. And that that’s very important to me. And all my courses are buy once own forever. So if you, make the investment if you made the investment, let’s say, going back to 2013, 2014, you’re still gonna get the updated, courses. So I know a lot of people get confused when you start looking at the new versions of Studio 5,000. It looks different, you know, than even version 30. Right? And so, you know, I figured it was you know, a lot of people too move to a Windows 11, and, there’s some new cool stuff I wanna include. You know, over the time, I’ve looked for different hardware sales and, you know, I bought a lot of different equipment, you know, just out of my own pocket that I wanna show you guys as well. So with that said, that’s an update on the automation school. Now let’s get right back into this week’s podcast. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): So making sure that when we have disruptions to those supply chain areas or what those disruptions might look like, how are we gonna adapt to those? What does that mean to do to make sure that we’re being dependable and reliable in what we’re trying to accomplish in the supply chain and making sure we understand those impacts as well. So two different tracks. Of course, we had speakers, that sometimes overlapped both because they do kinda intertwine together. We had 40 speakers, two thirty attendees, and over 20 sponsors this year. So the event just continues to grow and grow. But the, the real thing that I loved about the conference and the content was it it actually shocked me how transparent and open the conversation was, because I feel like at some conferences, you go and you feel like you’re just sitting and being, like, preached at. And you’re like, I don’t know if I agree with that. At this conference, I felt like was different. It had more panel discussions. And one that really stood out to me is it was a panel discussion about ITOT convergence. And now this has been a theme word for years now. Right? IT, OT convergence, that’s the way to go. It actually took a shift in the the discussion in the panel discussion where people were actually like, why? Why why are we trying to do that? It seems like IT just wants to do that, and OT is being told you must do that. And so I thought it was and and you would think that we were about to go, like, in a boxing ring, but we weren’t. Right? It was actually, like, people wanted to hear and be inclusive of counterarguments, which, again, I think was very unique for this kind of conference in the sense of you might think that we were trying to push OT, IT convergent, but it was no. Like, let’s discuss the pain points and the challenges and where we like, what’s holding us back from converging? What are the benefits of that convergence? And I thought what was unique is we had IT backgrounded people on the panel as well as OT backgrounded people. So you kinda see both sides where they actually had people raise their hand what their background was in. And it was kinda unique to see the audience members being like, yeah. I came from the IT background, and I’m being told I need to watch over this IT space or the IT people raising their hand or OT people. I’m sorry. OT people saying, yeah. I came from the OT side, and I want the IT side to to watch what they’re asking and be careful and stuff like that. And so I, again, wanna go back to it was very cool to see the diverse connections in this group, but also the inclusiveness that we weren’t trying to push ideas. We were trying to get people talking about the options and what’s available and why. And I so I thought it was interesting that I feel like I’ve always heard, like, we wanna push towards convergence, with, you know, just having better data, knowing what’s happening through the whole system, and and from a cyber aspect. But I thought it was unique to hear how we could work together and keep them still separate in some certain situations and and why. And so that was that was unique to me. I I thought I was like, wow. This took a it took a turn, but in a positive way. And I think we all left there really challenged with where do we want this to head, why, and how do we get rid of those pain points. So Yeah. You know, I Shawn Tierney (Host): think a lot of controls engineers, right, they they know their they know their IT guys. So let’s say you’re an NGS er, and they know but they know the the cost of downtime. Mhmm. And and in many cases, there’s there’s no convergence because Right. There’s there’s no tolerance for downtime. If you’re making computer chips or you’re making, well, I guess, even potato chips, you you really downtime is such a profit killer. Right? And Yeah. In in some cases, it can it can take years to recover from a day or a week of downtime. And so that mission critical aspect of what we do in industrial automation is not always that mentality is not always present in IT. In many companies, and I’m not saying all IT people, but in many companies, IT is a firefighter. They’re a tech who’s been thrown into the, you know, thrown to the wolves, and they’re fixing everything from smartphones to, you know, trying to get the UPS, replaced to, you know, somebody needs a better monitor to the to the CEO, maybe needs a little hand holding to get the PowerPoint to work. So, yeah, different worlds and and and it’s so you every every and I’m sure you see this in your business, but every site, every customer seems to be unique well, because they have unique people. Right? But every site you go to is even different sites in the same company. They have different cultures and just I guess they all have unique people, unique teams, so they’re gonna that’s gonna happen. But, yeah, I can definitely see where you’re coming from, with with that. That sounds like it was a very interesting discussion. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): Right. And you bring up a great point in the sense of I I remember specifically this, CISO or CISO, you know, chief information security officer from Johns Mansville came in and was talking about how he came from an IT background and was told you’re kinda leading this. And he noticed that he had the gap from the OT lens and that downtime, like you’re talking about, or the individual plant to where he did a strategic hire, essentially, or move to bring in an OT lens into his, you know, umbrella, essentially, to make sure he wasn’t, like, missing something or speaking and not realizing that impact of downturn. And that’s that’s actually Scott Reynolds who talked here, I believe, last year about this summit, is that’s who he brought under him to bring in that, you know, OT thought process, and they actually do travel to their different locations. Like you said, every plant’s different, every manufacturing facility is different, to make sure they’re hearing the unique circumstances and what they can do to support, but also not just, like, pushing them to do it a certain way knowing that there are the variances. So I think that you’re exactly right. So perfect. So the other side, right, is that that’s really trending right now and especially in Europe, which I learned, fun fact, I was like, why is this conference in Belgium and in Brussels? And I did not realize that Brussels is, like, the de facto capital of the EU, the European Union. And so there’s a lot of regulation that is happening in Brussels and and things that, like, come down from a compliance standpoint. And so a lot of the other, you know, discussions that happened was regarding the regulatory landscape across, all the all the world essentially and, like, NIST two, which I had to write this down because I am I’m not as familiar with NIST two, is network and information security directive. There’s been NIST one for a while or just NIST, and now they’ve come up with an update that actually spans across multiple sectors. And we can see from NIST two and from RED, which is radio equipment directive, and just other cyber initiatives and regulation coming down, cybersecurity initiatives, that more and more government or state officials are seeing the vulnerabilities that could happen or the risk that could happen if they don’t say you shall follow this or do something to protect your OT systems from, you know, disruption, from downtime, all of that, especially the those, again, like you mentioned, mission critical things. And and and there and I’m gonna talk about one specifically, one session that stood out with this. But I do want us to all be aware is, like, with these regulatory and governmental mandates or guidance or directives, is there are products out there and standards out there that a lot of people are leaning on to make sure they are protected and, you know, ready for an incident and how they respond, how they react if it happened. And I I think last time this was also talked about is six two four four three. I think you all had Eric Cosman on Shawn Tierney (Host): Yes. Yeah. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): On an episode as well. So I would advise anybody that isn’t familiar with 62443, go back, look for that episode to really dive into the meat of what that is. But ISA developed the the IEC ISA six two four four three standard that has different different layers to it that you kinda can pick it which layer you need to do based on where you stand in this process. But, essentially, is because ISA has this as the foundation is this is what a lot of regulators are looking at to be like, you need to make sure you’re doing this. You need to make sure you’re being as compliant as you can be with six two four four three. So that’s why ISA continues to host this event and talk about it because we can see from a regulatory, you know, perspective that it is coming. And and and it has been coming for a while now, but I think it’s now being more enforced than ever before in certain regions. So just keep that in mind. Shawn Tierney (Host): Yeah. You know, I think, and and I may get this wrong, but from a previous coverage of NIST and NIST two, you know, it’s it’s, you know, from memory, just going by memory. You know, NIST was really about core providers. So those people who, if they got hacked, could really affect society in a big way. And with NIST two, right, it broadens that. So some industries that you may think, well, you know, if that plant goes down, it’s really not gonna well, it could affect your your community, your city in a big way. You just may not be have been aware of that previously. And so, you know, in America, I think you’re absolutely right. You know, not that we’re gonna get those same regulations, probably not word for word, but, you know, a lot of OEMs here are shipped there. Right? A lot of integrators work on machines here ship there. But beyond that, understanding what the threats they’re trying to protect from, the six two four four three layered you know, the different layers of standards, You know? So you understand what when you see a product, right, like a remote access product, and it has all these different numbers on it, you understand what are they protecting? What kind of what kind of security was built in, baked into this product? Like, this this product has this number on it. That means they went through all kinds of testing and and, you know, and to to make sure that their, you know, processes and the product itself and the supply chain and all that. So I think it’s very helpful. Not that we’re going to necessarily have to meet this and this too. We may have similar regulations, but the fact that you’re staying up to date with what’s going on in the world as far as cybersecurity is concerned. And we’ve had so many vendors on talking about zones and conduits and Yeah. Just all kinds of all kinds of different things, you know, secure remote access, VPNs. And all of this plays a role in in you know, there’s just so many great products out there, but, you know, that that’s my pitch for why staying abreast of these is important. In worst case scenario hey, everybody. Just wanted to break in here and pay some bills. Did you know that the automation school is a factory IO reseller? That’s right. Not only that, I have questions on using factory IO with ControlLogix and CompactLogix, with the MicroLogix and Slic 500, and with the micro 800. Now factory IO is a three d, factory simulator that allows you to really practice your programming skills, not on an actual machine, but on a three d simulation of a machine. And I’ll tell you what, some of these, are really challenging. Right? The early editions are not the early levels aren’t really that hard, but as you get them to lesson three, four, five, six, and more, they start getting much harder. And a lot of times, we utilize, like, a state machine to solve them because, like, if we have, merging two different conveyors or if we’re checking for the height of packages and things like that, or we’re filling a tank, whatever we’re doing, a lot of times you wanna take a very sequential approach to those type of applications, whereas other applications, you know, you take more of a batch approach. But in any case, if you don’t know anything about Factory IO, go check out lesson one zero two in any of my PLC courses, and I put a little demo in there along with the free utility I give away with my courses as well as for the compact and control logics. There’s another package we sell called, PLC Logics that is similar to Factory IO, but it doesn’t require a PLC. It doesn’t require that you have your own license of Studio 5,000. It’s actually it’s all self contained training, software. So check those out over at theautomationschool.com. And with that, let’s jump right back into this week’s episode. Don’t connect the plant flow to the Internet. You know? I know you I know you wanna be able to VPN in and check on your PLCs, but, you know, just make sure that connection is ultra secure. If you’re not if you’re not sure if it’s secure, unplug it and and do the research because, you know, we’ve heard about the pipeline where there was, you know, a cyber attack and there was, you know, ransomware, and we’ve heard about hospital hospitals and, you know, just, you can pretty much think any place in our society, there’s been a ransomware attack. And so we’re just gonna be cognizant. We heard a major news talking about don’t even charge your phone at the airport because Right. Cult I don’t know how to get in, but culprits have been going in and hacking the physical hardware so they can steal your information when you’re using The US. So we all have to help each other stay up to date on this. We gotta share these stories. That’s what people do best is share stories about things that are important that we need to know about. And, you know, that’s that’s kind of my pitch for staying. Let me turn it back. Let me turn it back to you. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): Well no. And you bring up it honestly makes me think about a session that happened about Wi Fi. Is it it’s talking about Wi Fi security, and I know that I’m just as, like, guilty of this where we’ll just sign on to what we believe is the local safe Wi Fi, whether it’s the airport. Yep. Or the use case that he gave me even here, like, how many of us signed into the hotel’s Wi Fi? Shawn Tierney (Host): Yeah. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): Right? And he talked about how and he kept saying, hypothetically, to make sure because he knew it was against the law, but, like, hypothetically, I could spoof it right now. Right? Is essentially and he went through how he could do it. Right? How he could use a device, hypothetically, in his laptop to essentially make the Wi Fi go out for a second, create a new Wi Fi with a very similar name that makes you believe that that’s now the new connection that you have to, you know, say that you’re joining and, you know oh, there it is. My my current hotel Wi Fi went off. There’s the other name that looks very similar Shawn Tierney (Host): Yeah. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): And joining and not realizing you’re joining, that unsecure network. They can get in different ways now. So you’re you’re very right. As I tell people, is is really that threat intelligence track at OT, cyber made me, in a good way, again, expand my knowledge for what is possible out there, but also, like, what what I should be thinking about taking into consideration in my day to day home personal, you know, career and life and what I’m doing. But also, what am I doing in the job that I should be second guessing or making sure I’ve thought through? Are there any loopholes or gaps that someone could get in or is already in? Right? Shawn Tierney (Host): Well, that’s the thing because you bring most people are bringing their devices to work. So if you get hacked at the airport or get hacked at the hotel, that’s a vector into your company. And a lot of companies, that’s where that’s where the intrusion comes from a personal device. I mean, today, it used to be people are a little on and don’t bring your devices. And today, everybody brings their phone with them everywhere. Yeah. And so that is a vector into the plant. And that’s another reason why maybe your POC and HMI and SCADA system and VFDs and everything that you have in your network should only talk to a list of approved IP addresses and proved you know? You know? Maybe there should be some digital signatures there. I’m not saying for for certain networks, but for other networks that are more wide open, like, maybe you plant for a Wi Fi, maybe you should be locked down a little bit more. Maybe it shouldn’t be a great place to to stream you to. But, anyways, let me turn it back to you. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): Well and and you, doctor, her name was doctor Marina Krotafil, And I’m gonna say it wrong. She actually shared a case study. Now I won’t give all the details of the case study, but, essentially, is it talked through how even at, like, state sponsored cyber operations. So when we’re talking, you know, we’re talking maybe, like, everybody thinks, like, hackers are, like, you know, the the people that just have too much time. They wanna do ransomware, get money. They wanna get through it’s like, you know, you think about especially with all the things happening in the world today is Mhmm. Countries against countries or states against states, essentially, that want to get in and disrupt the economy or disrupt and show their power can do so through cyber attacks. And she actually talked through how attackers, especially at a state level, that get recruited by a state, maybe like a Russia, you know, at first, like, essentially, she went through different scenarios where is if a if a government official or government wanted to get in and learn the vulnerabilities and all that for another, entity or another country, they know how to do that. Right? They know how to essentially make it to where they they’re testing their limits. Right? How long does it take them to get caught? How long does it take them to to make you notice that they’re in your system? How what do you do about it? Like, they’re essentially, she gave examples in this case study where everything certain state sponsored cyber operations do is strategic. Right? They’re testing their limits. They’re testing their capabilities. They’re testing and training up folks for when they actually want to do something. And I think you mentioned this in other, podcasts too that I listen to is, like, we gotta be cautious that people could be lurking. They could be in. They could be just not making themselves known in our critical infrastructure. And and, again, she she spun it in such a way that I’m not here to scare anybody on this podcast, but, essentially, just being aware that people are very smart, and we need to be smart and ahead of that as well. And that’s what I think this conference allows us to do is it shares best practices. It shares that knowledge. It builds those connections. So now, like, you kinda mentioned, there’s so much equipment that you can buy and vendors selling different things that have different security settings. Like, all those sponsors make great products. And and understanding what they can do, what they can’t do helps us be able to protect ourselves, get ahead of these risks, get ahead of these potentials, and not be afraid. Right? It’s kinda like you put a lock on your door to make sure you’re not just welcoming anybody in, not that you’re gonna plan for someone just to walk in your house that’s not welcome. Right? Is we wanna make sure we’re doing what we can, and I think that’s what this conference really allowed is to know the risk out there, to be aware of the situations, the cyberattacks that have happened in in recent history, but also, like, what can I do as an end user, as a consultant, as an integrator, as a product, you know, manufacturer? What can I do to make a difference to help safeguard our OT systems and make a difference and and protect them? Shawn Tierney (Host): You know, I I I restore to the people. They’re like, well, why would they hack us? And it’s like, you know, take a step back. You know, the first of all, these people who are working for their governments, whether it’s The US, whether it’s EU, any country in the world, you name it. Right. They all they all think that they’re doing a patriotic thing working for their com their country. In every country, every almost virtually every country in the world, virtually every one of them have been hacked by almost every other one of them. Yeah. And we don’t know who hacked for us. Right? This is the eye for the eye thing. Like, it’s been going on for so long. You know, did the French start it? Did the Americans start it? Did the Russians start it? Did no. Every country in the world’s been hacking every other country. There there’s no tracing back to who started this this roller coaster of hacking, but everybody’s perceived like the other people are hacking me, so I have to hack back. So you just have to be cognizant of that and and and understand that it may not be you. It may not be your company. It may not even be what you make that’s the target. You may just be the punch back for the punches they received last month, and you’re just the only target they can hit. And so we we, you know, let’s stop all the punching. Let’s secure our facilities. So so we frustrate all of these, including our own, all these people who are trying to illegally hack into different companies and and cause problems like the ransomware. And, you know, I and and it’s real. And, you know, it came years ago, it came to me. I put a SCADA server as a demo for my customers. I put it on the Internet. I was just like, hey, boss. Give me a cable modem. I’m gonna put my server on. I’m gonna demo, you know, web based SCADA to all my, to all my great customers in the area. And the thing was hacked within a day. I mean and I’m going back twenty years now. This is twenty years. It was hacked in a day. And every week, I would spend a couple hours trying to make it hack proof. You know? And, you know, this was before I even you know, firewalls were even, like, consideration for a small business. Right? And so, yes, the people are being hacked all the time. Yep. We we you know? And and we have to be vigilant against those hacks. And we gotta people are tired of me saying this. Also, please back up your PLC HMI SCADA systems and all those VFPs. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): Just in Shawn Tierney (Host): case. Stuff up just in case. It’ll there there’s so much room on your hard drive now. You could back it all up a thousand times, and you would still have room left over. So I like to Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): Can you imagine how much money you would save having that backup ready to go instead of like you mentioned, downtime earlier, right, is Yeah. Essentially, if if something were to happen, right, say, ransom ransomware hap whatever. Right? Is is you you end up saying, no. We’re not paying it, and you lose everything. Is now if you had to rebuild all of that code and all of your systems and get everything back talking to each other is I mean, I don’t even wanna do the math. I mean, you’re talking you’re you’re not you’re losing revenue, just whatever you’re producing or making with that system, but you’re also now spending money to get it back to whereas if you had the backups already ready. Yes. You’re still gonna have downtime. You’re still gonna have to get everything back up, but you’re saving all that developmental time to, like, redo it all, essentially. Shawn Tierney (Host): Sometimes you can’t. There are some machines that are so complicated. Right. And they, you know, they may have had changeover. Nobody may have that file anymore. So take your take your own future in your own hands, back up everything, back it up more at once. Right. You know, and take it like Microsoft will tell you if you go to any type of server type of training or certifications, you’re gonna have a copy of that off-site. They all cannot be on your site because if there’s a fire where you store all that stuff, you don’t have any backups anymore. So very interesting stuff and, you know, I hate to preach. I know the the I know the audience is used to me saying this stuff, but, but it’s so important. I I I’ve had multiple customers well, former customers, colleagues, audience members tell me about their horror stories where they had ransomware, and it’s just it truly is devastating to the companies. Right. And it really, like, I mean, it hurts people’s paychecks because, you know, there’s no raises that year, no bonuses that year, sometimes layoffs. So Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): Oh, yes. It kills the culture. I mean, truly. And and that’s where I and I I think sometimes we take for granted, kinda like you mentioned at the beginning. We put our blinders on. We just do our job. We think we’re doing our job, and you don’t think about all these things. And I think that’s the the benefit of groups like this. Right? Your podcast, bringing a community together to talk about things like this, lessons learned, things that I’ve learned in my career, my product. Like, you’re getting knowledge out there, and that’s exactly what ISA is trying to do as well. It’s like, why do we all have to learn by the the hard way or learn by things happening when you have all these resources? That’s what I think frustrates me the most sometimes is people will be like, well, I didn’t know that. Shawn Tierney (Host): Hey, buddy. I just wanted to jump in here and pay some bills and tell you about my training at the Automation School, my in person training that I do right here in my offices in the beautiful Berkshires. So many great things to do out here in Western Massachusetts. We’re about an hour away from Albany, New York. And one of the things you’re gonna find with my training that you’re not gonna find with, the big vendors is, you know, I can kinda customize it for you. Right? So, you know, if you wanna do, like, a day of, Allen Bradley PLCs and a day of Siemens PLCs, I can do that for you. Also, you know, we teach not just using the the trainer trainer boxes, but we also teach using factory IO so that even the most advanced students should have a full day’s worth of work or two or three full days depending on what you wanna do. And you’re gonna see over the coming weeks, I’m adding even more hardware to the training room. I’m, creating all of these one by one demo boards that I’ll be showing you guys in on the, the lunchtime show that I’m doing, where, I’m bringing in things like Flex IO, Point IO, you know, seventeen sixty nine distributed IO, fifty sixty nine distributed IO. All these things that, you know, if you go to some of the place where they just bought, you know, APLCs and APCs and say, here’s a manual, you’re not gonna get the same experience. So in any case, if you have any needs for in person training, maybe you don’t wanna send your folks off to the factory for $5,000 a pop and have them gone for a week, get in touch with me, and you can see all these details about what I’m doing over at the automationschool.com forward slash live. That is where I have not only information about my in person training, I have pictures of the training room, I got pictures of the building. I also have all the local hotels. Within three miles, we have all of the big hotels as well as all of the kind of fun stuff you can do in the Berkshires when you come out here, like visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, climb Mount Greylock, and there’s so many other things to do as well out here. And a lot of historical places too, like Susan b Anthony’s home or Herman Melville’s home and so on. So with that, I just wanted to tell you about my in person training that I’m offering here in my office. And now let’s jump right back into this week’s show. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): And I’m like, but you gotta, like, you gotta go find that out. Right? You gotta ingrain yourself in a community that knows more than you do and admit you’re not the smartest person in the room. Right? And and learn from the group. Right? Learn from the greater good that is really trying to help make make the world a better place. I know it’s a a tagline, but, essentially, that’s true. Right? Like, you’re trying to get the automation community more knowledge, more information, and that’s what ISA is trying to do. And I think it’s nice to know that you don’t have to do it alone in the sense of whether you’re starting out in automation and you have no clue what you just signed up for, or you’re in it. You’re now charged with making sure the OT system’s safe is knowing that there’s conferences out there that specialize in OT cybersecurity as well as, like, standards that tell you how to make sure that you’re protecting your OT cyber, you know, security assets and all that stuff, but also training courses. So I think Scott mentioned this last year, but we did the same thing this year where we hosted two training courses with this conference that you could sign up for. One of them even sold out, and that was using the IEC ISA six two four four three standard, like how to use it to secure your control systems. Literally a two day course sold out. Full house packed room. Marco Aiola? I can’t ever say his last name. Sorry, Marco, if you’re listening. He is great if you’ve never met him, but he has tons of knowledge. He he trained that or taught that course this during this conference in Belgium. So if you’re not sure where to start and you’re just like, I just need to, like, wrap my head around what this standard is, maybe reading, you know, a standard is not what you love to do, maybe you want someone to teach you what’s in there and how to use it, that’s the place to start, as well as, Steve Mustard taught, assessing the cybersecurity of new and existing systems. So industrial con industrial automation control systems. So Steve Mustard’s also been on an episode. He taught a a class as well at Brussels. And so I just wanted to encourage everyone that is listening, is you don’t have to be an automation professional alone. You don’t have to do figure out how to just make sure you’re safe and secure alone. Get involved in communities like this podcast, like ISA. Find those people that have walked it, have learned from mistakes, have done things because there’s resources out there that you can find and get involved in, whether that’s discussion boards, conferences, standards, training, all of the above, podcasts. I just I think that’s where I truly people are like, why are you involved in ICA? I’m like, why wouldn’t I be? Like, it’s like you just it’s so much knowledge. It’s so take it take it with what I I say as I just ask people to get involved. That that’s what I’m saying in in any automation community. Shawn Tierney (Host): Yeah. And if you’re an engineering manager out there, consider, you know, be in the first take the first step. Get yourself involved with your local chapter. Right? And maybe it is an ISA. Right? If you don’t have an ISA local, there’s probably another another similar organization, and get involved. And if you find it valuable, right, that whatever it is, an hour or a week, an hour a month, then, you know, encourage the people who work for you to also get involved. It’s it’s yes. Some of them may find may network a little bit and find a new job, but then again, you may find people to fill positions you’re open. So but it did just, you know, this this this industrial automation, industry is so tiny. Right? To tip to, like, health and fitness, right, or or all those type of things that that, you know, we’re we’re at a disadvantage as far as, you know, just be able to have, you know, everybody on the corner. Had there’s a gym on every corner or there’s Yes. You know, a a maker shop on every corner. Well, with industrial automation, you know, a lot of times, we can’t visit each other’s facilities just because of intellectual property. So so consider that, and there’s some great places online, plcs.net, misterplc.com, and other forms online. We get the ISA and other organizations. So, yeah, I definitely, confirm that too. We wanna we wanna encourage people to get involved. And I know a lot of folks are like me. You got family, you got kids, grandkids. You’re just busy all the time. But if you’re able to, and and I live in the boonies, but if you’re able to, get involved. So I I definitely encourage that. Yeah. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): Exactly. And I have I have two boys on my own, two and six. And the the joke around ISA is that they’re the youngest members because they are going to be I literally have bought merch with ISA on it for them because it’s just one of those things that the it it it does take a village to be part of something like this and and try to really make a difference. So I do wanna go back a step. You mentioned this too, and I think it’s so valuable. I joined ISA because my manager found the value and said, you should join ISA because it will skyrocket your career. You’ll learn from other professionals. You’ll network. You’ll get up to speed faster in this type of industry with if you didn’t. Right? And I can tell you as as working for the same company now for thirteen years, that that hasn’t been a true statement. Is is it truly enabled me to, one, get involved in this industry, grow from an I and c engineer, you know, putting in big EPC projects, engineer procurement construction projects, you know, midstream refineries to now managing automation projects for my clients. And it I I I truly credit getting involved in the automation community because, again, it’s a small world. I’ve literally met people across The United States that are like, I feel like I’ve gotten an I like, an email from you. Like, are you part of ISA? Like, it’s truly, like, you don’t realize how that, like, comes full circle. You’re like, yes, I am. And, like, what how do you and how are you involved? So I’ll just say, I totally agree. And I do want to say, if you go to events, is you might start you might be the first to hear something that’s in the works or that’s starting. So I did wanna mention in here, because I think it’s it’s a really cool, initiative that’s rolling out, is our group ISA Secure, which, again, focuses on six two four four three, is they’re rolling out the industrial automation control system security assurance program this fall. So there was a session on it at the conference to announce it, and there’s a whole, flyer on it. You can find it at isasecure.org. What it’s doing is it’s kinda coming full circle. Right? Is ISA developed a standard. They then made training for the standard. They then, you know, essentially said, okay. What else can we do? Okay. Let’s do ISA secure and really, like, certify devices and and things that that fall as ISA secure. They’re doing what they should be doing. And now it’s saying, now let’s offer a site assessment program to where we will validate or essentially not prove, but essentially, they’re gonna say, yes. You are following what you can do for six 2443. And so it’s gonna roll out this fall, so more details to come. Like I said, there’s a two page flyer on it. It goes through different stakeholder benefits depending on, are you an asset owner? Are you an insurance underwriter? Are you, you know, an end you you know, I said end user, but you know what I mean. It essentially is it kinda lays out that they’re going to come in and say, yes. You are being compliant with 62443 as the person that, you know, wrote 62443 is essentially kind of validating that through this new, it’s called ACSSA. We love acronyms in ISA, and control systems love acronyms. So we had to fit the the part there. So all to say, I think it’s good to join events because they’re the first ones to know. I learned that at the conference. So it’s essentially it’s like you’re always finding out what’s coming ahead that you can be on the lookout for, what can help you instead of going down a rabbit hole that you didn’t even realize this was coming into play. So Shawn Tierney (Host): That’s awesome. That’s awesome. Was there anything else you wanted to share with us about the event? I know we covered a lot of ground already. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): Yeah. Shawn Tierney (Host): But were there other things that you wanted to talk about? Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): The only thing I wanted to say was, I know I mentioned this before, but I would say get involved at a conference that maybe is overseas if you ever get the opportunity. Next year, it’s going to be in Prague, Czech Republic, also in the month of June. You’ll find all the details coming out, on our website, o t c s, for OT cybersecurity, summit, .isa.org. And I I want to just reiterate that you really do build that diverse connections. You build confidence if you’re doing it the right way. You get the knowledge if you essentially, you know, needed more knowledge on what to do to secure your OT assets. So I I just think going to a conference like this really builds that community, that network, and that confidence. And so I encourage you all to join, but, essentially, I think you should look at our pictures on our website. It makes it look like you missed out. I will say it was a lot of fun. I was so glad to join. But I do thank you, Shawn, for letting me be here today. Shawn Tierney (Host): No. And it’s great to hear what, ISA is doing. You guys do so much. And I know this, this security summit, OT security summit, or cyber summit is a big part and and and touches on a very important aspect of what, the audience the people in the audience do on a regular basis. And, we love getting updates from you guys. Maybe we can get you back in a few months to talk about, some maybe something else you guys are working on. But, in any case, we Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): should that. Shawn Tierney (Host): Yeah. I really appreciate you coming on today and, bringing us up to speed on the the summit. Ashley Weckwerth (ISA): Well, thank you, Shawn. I really appreciate you and your community. Shawn Tierney (Host): Well, I hope you enjoyed that episode, and I wanna thank Ashley for coming on the show and talking OT cybersecurity with us. It sounds like a great opportunity to go to this, event if you especially if your company has, offices in Europe. It’s not something that I think I could do as a self employed person here in The US, but, definitely, any of you folks out there who are, you know, working with your European counterparts, maybe going to SPS over there, this may be a trip you may wanna consider. And, of course, please check out the ISA. They’re a great organization, and we love having them on the show. I also wanna thank our sponsor, the automationschool.com. If you know anybody looking for PLC, HMI, or SCADA training, whether it be in person right here in this office or it’d be online, please, contact me directly at theautomationschool.com. You’ll see all my contact links up at the top of the site. And with that, I wanna wish you all good health and happiness. And until next time, my friends, peace. Until next time, Peace ✌️  If you enjoyed this content, please give it a Like, and consider Sharing a link to it as that is the best way for us to grow our audience, which in turn allows us to produce more content

This week on the Codcast, CommonWealth Beacon editor Laura Colarusso sits down with Gateway Cities reporter Hallie Claflin to talk about her recent reporting in Holyoke – where city leaders and housing developers have struggled to restore vacant mills and blighted industrial buildings. They discuss the costly environmental hazards associated with these projects, as well as state and federal funding barriers, weak market conditions, tariffs, and more.

Ever wondered what it takes to conquer some of the most grueling gravel cycling events? Join us as we uncover the secrets of going epic with Coach Patrick, who shares his firsthand experiences from the Unbound 200 and his preparations for the D2R2 event in Western Massachusetts. The D2R2 is not just any ride—it's a celebration of grit, community, and the breathtaking landscapes of New England. Patrick is especially pumped about the new 200K mystery ride, promising some serious adventure through Jeep trails and hike-a-bike sections. With stories of challenging climbs and scenic pit stops, Patrick paints a vivid picture of what makes these events truly special and why they matter beyond just racing. But preparation is key to tackling such epic adventures, and that's where innovation meets cycling. Learn how I harness the power of a customized GPT bot to streamline every detail of my training and logistics, from equipment checks to nutrition planning. This tool is a game-changer, eliminating last-minute chaos and helping riders stay focused on the ride rather than the rush. We also dive into the broader impact of participating in organized events like the D2R2, which supports vital land and trail conservation efforts. Whether you're a competitive racer or someone seeking personal fulfillment through gravel rides, this episode offers insights and resources to elevate your preparation game. Don't forget, for those eager to enhance their riding experience, you can access the Epic Ride GPT tool through the link provided.

Think the Berkshires are just scenic hills and quiet towns? Think again. Beneath the serene beauty of Western Massachusetts lies a history steeped in the strange, the unexplained, and the terrifying.Join us as we journey deep into one of New England's most mysterious regions to uncover ten of its most chilling and bizarre legends. This is a land of eerie encounters and lingering spirits, where folklore and fact collide. We'll investigate an infamous mass UFO sighting, walk the haunted halls of historic inns, and venture into forests where monstrous creatures are said to roam.From cursed objects to ghostly soldiers and even a case of demonic possession investigated by Ed and Lorraine Warren, these are the stories that the locals whisper about after dark.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/missing-persons-mysteries--5624803/support.

With almost 20 years of experience in the mortgage lending industry, Lindsay LaBonte (a BusinessWest 40 Under Forty honoree in 2018) has become one of the Western Mass. region's most prolific loan originators. But it's about more than numbers, she says, emphasizing elements of her job like relationship building and financial education for clients who are often navigating the homebuying process for the first time — at a particularly challenging time for buyers, for many reasons. On the next episode of BusinessTalk, LaBonte, branch manager and senior loan officer with HMA Mortgage, talks with BusinessWest Editor Joe Bednar about the many aspects of her job, how she and her team prioritize community involvement in myriad ways — from philanthropy and volunteerism to a new program called Local Love Days — and why it's still so ratifying to help people achieve the dream of homeownership. It's must listening, so tune into BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest.

Each and every year, the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts serve thousands of girls throughout the Commonwealth, offering them opportunities to build leadership and life skills. This time of year, it's all about summer fun through camps, troop activities, and much more, but it's important to ensure every child who wants to take part has the chance to do so. Theresa Lynn, CEO of GSCWM, talks with Nichole about their efforts to ensure girls in underserved communities have access to these programs, their upcoming events, and a very special camp anniversary.

In today's show, Chris Lievense, high school social studies teacher in Vermont and Kelly Junno 3rd grade teacher in Western Massachusetts, and Spark faculty, share with us their insights from the 2025 Socialism conference in Chicago and how those lessons are applicable to their work as K-16 educators. A major theme Kelly and Chris found at the conference was, how does the progressive left recapture the narrative. Fascist can't win unless they capture education and the narratives around it that normalize injustice. How does the progressive left ask for the unimaginable. How do we ask for a better world that we don't have prisons that we don't spend billions of dollars and billions of lives to have them and instead ask for what are the kinds of care we need and what are the things that we need to meet at minimum the basic needs for people: food, clothing, shelter, health, education, transportation. How do we bring the majority of people in the United States along with the possibilities of abolition. Most Americans can't imagine an abolitionist society. How do we as educators change the conversation which then changes the narrative around this and make it imaginable? Most importantly that Capitalism can't solve capitalism

Lauren Rollins, Founder of the Western Massachusetts Policy Center by WHMP Radio

Hi there! Feel free to drop us a text if you enjoy the episode.In this episode we interview Amy Rusiecki — ultrarunner, trail advocate, race director of the iconic Vermont 100 Endurance Race, and race director of the Beast Coast Trail Running Series. We take a deep dive into  the origins of the Vermont 100 and how it began as a horse endurance ride and remains one of the only events in the world where horses and runners share the same 100-mile course. Amy discusses what it takes to direct a race of this magnitude, from coordinating dual events to cultivating a tight-knit, supportive race culture.More than just a race, the VT100 is a beacon of inclusivity — proudly being the first trail ultra to welcome adaptive athletes and raising money for the Vermont Adaptive.   Amy speaks passionately about her mission to foster a trail running culture that is accessible, welcoming, and community-driven.The conversation also spotlights the Beast Coast Trail Running series, a collection of events (like the Seven Sisters trail race) that embody the rugged charm and spirited camaraderie of New England's trail scene. Amy shares her insights on what makes the East Coast ultrarunning community so unique, why volunteerism is at the heart of these events, and how the region's technical terrain delivers a one-of-a-kind endurance challenge.Key Takeaways:The Vermont 100 is one of the only ultra races where runners and horses compete side by side.The event has a strong, family-like community and emphasizes volunteer participation.VT100 was the first trail ultra to officially include adaptive athletes, pushing the standard for inclusion.The race is working to welcome neurodiverse athletes, part of a broader inclusivity initiative.Beast Coast Trail Running is also a club that has been newly formed for runners located in Western Massachusetts.Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

Born in 1962, Malcolm Smith was raised in Western Massachusetts. Captivated by the sound of Tibetan ritual music in 1984, he began his study of the Dharma. He met his first formal teacher, H. H. Sakya Trizin, in 1989. He studied Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan language under the guidance of Khenpo Migmar Tseten for the next five years at Sakya Institute for Buddhist Studies in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In 1990 Malcolm travelled to Nepal to receive lamdré from the late H. H. Sakya Dagchen.He received his first Dzogchen teachings from Chögyal Namkhai Norbu in 1992. In 1993 he met his second Dzogchen teacher, Khenpo Jigme Phuntsok, receiving important transmissions. During this year he entered a three-year solitary retreat. In 1998 he met H. H. Penor Rinpoche and received the complete empowerments of the mahayoga section of the Nyingma Kama as well as teachings on the Namchö preliminary practices. In 2001, he met his third Dzogchen teacher, the late Kunzang Dechen Lingpa, from whom he received the Nyinthig Yazhi in its entirety, as well as the formal Ngakpa empowerment in 2004. He met his fourth Dzogchen teacher, H. H. Taklung Tsetrul Rinpoche, in 2001, from whom he received the entire transmission of the Gongpa Zangthal in 2010, as well other transmissions. He received the transmission of the Seventeen Tantras from Khenpo Tenzin Thinley in 2012 and again from Tulku Dakpa Rinpoche in 2022. Since 2018, he has been studying under Khenchen Namdrol Tsering of Namdrol Ling MonasteryIn addition, Malcolm has received Sakya, Kagyü, and Nyingma teaching cycles from many other lamas.Malcolm Smith was awarded the title of acarya by Khenpo Migmar Tseten of Sakya Institute in 2004. In 2008 Malcolm was granted the title of lama by Lama Ngawang Tsultrim, abbot of Dhongag Tharling. In 2009 Malcolm graduated from Shang Shung Institute of America as a doctor of Tibetan medicine, completing an internship in Xining, in the Amdo province of northeast Tibet.Since 1992 Malcolm Smith has worked on a wide variety of texts for Sakya, Drikung Kagyü, and Nyingma groups, as well as medical and astrological texts.Thank you to all the listeners who are supporting the show. If you would like to support the show with a monthly donation please visit our website somaticprimer.com, or at our online learning platform on Patreon.Support the show

This episode features Peter D. Banko, President and CEO of Baystate Health, sharing how the system is advancing financial resilience, culture and engagement, and access to care. He also discusses the integration of Health New England, value-based care initiatives, and the strategic vision to grow services and remain a vital community anchor in Western Massachusetts.

Learn more about our upcoming Women's Hiking Retreat in Moab, Utah: https://sunandmoonsoberliving.com/moab-retreat/Access a free mindfulness meditation to help manage cravings and regulate emotions: https://pages.sunandmoonsoberliving.com/easemeditationFollow along on Instagram: @sunandmoon.soberliving ___Nina Pick is a somatic practitioner focused on helping individuals with early relational wounds live full, embodied, and connected lives. In recovery since 2009, she is the author of The Mind-Body Guide to the Twelve Steps: Finding Joy, Sensuality, and Pleasure in Recovery, and she facilitates groups on somatics, attachment, and recovery. She received an MA in counseling psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and an MA in comparative literature from UC Berkeley, and has certifications in a range of mind-body modalities, including NeuroAffective Touch, Somatic Attachment Therapy, Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy, the Safe and Sound Protocol, the Havening Techniques, and Reiki. Based in Western Massachusetts, she loves cats and is always up for a good dance party. In this episode, we discuss:Nina's recovery journeyHealing shameThe power in surrenderThe connection between trauma & addictionNervous system regulationA mind-body guide to recoveryFinding "God in the Body"Regaining access to joy and pleasureTo find out more, visit: www.ninapick.comOrder Nina's Book, The Mind-Body Guide to the Twelve Steps: Finding Joy, Sensuality, and Pleasure in Recovery: https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Body-Guide-Twelve-Steps-Recovery-Integrative/dp/1623179408/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0__Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

We open the lines on the state of immigration raids in Massachusetts. Over the weekend, an 18-year-old in Milford was detained by ICE.Michael Curry of the NAACP and Mass League of Community Health Centers discusses the state of police reform five years after George Floyd's murder and why state Democrats are warning of harm to the health care system under Trump's budget proposal.UN humanitarian aid worker Olga Cherevko zooms in to discuss the latest conditions in Gaza.Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung continues our Market Basket coverage and gets into the finances behind the Boston mayoral race.Food policy analyst Corby Kummer discusses the FDA failing to publicize a major e. coli outbreak and a wine critic's dispatch from the Trump Winery in Charlottesville, Virginia.

In this episode, Anne starts with all the details of this year's Shetland Hogmanay Box before diving into her experiences at the Connecticut and New Hampshire Sheep and Wool events and her trip to volunteer at the Woolly Good Gathering. Finally, she shares an excursion to the Western Massachusetts wool pelletizer with Erin Pirro of Morehouse Farm.  Things Mentioned in This Episode The I Thought I Knew How Facebook Group, Instagram, and website (where you can join the mailing list). The Shetland Hogmanay Box preorders will go live on May 17 at 2 pm eastern time. This year's box contains yarn from Aister 'Oo', Jamieson's of Shetland, Laxdale Yarn, The SIlly Sheep Fibre Co., Uradale Yarns, West Lynne Wool, and Langsoond Yarn, as well as a day of inclusions and a pattern created to use the yarn in the box designed by Mandy Moore.   Connecticut Sheep, Wool, and Fiber Festival New Hampshire Sheep and Wool Festival Woolly Good Gathering Western Massachusetts Fibershed Peggy Hart on Instagram Wool: Unravelying an American Story of Artisans and Innovation, by Peggy Hart Morehouse Farm's website and Instagram Check out Erin's video from our day at the pelletizer at her website! The pellets should appear on the Morehouse site. If you are in the midwestern United States, you might want to order wool pellets from closer to home from The Wool Yard. The Journal of Scottish Yarns Rhode Island's unofficial Sheep and Wool Festival takes place at Coggeshall Farm The Maine Fiber Frolic Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair Music The songs in this episode were "What Love Means to You," from Tom Goldstein; "Better Than Us," by Humans Win; and Nicholas Rowe with "I Wish That I Could Sing It For You."