Podcasts
Podcasts
Friday, December 5, 202512/05/2025
Questions, Some Answers & A Wonderful Life
12/5/25:MTA Pres Max Page & Harry Feder, Ex Dir, Fair Test: high stakes testing in Mass—again?
Community Action’s Lev BenEzra & Jess Thompson: food and heat – for all? Matteo Pangallo (Pres, Valley Players), John Bidwell (Wayfinders) & Chris Rohmann (theatre maestro): “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
Josh Silver w/ Ben Scott, Ex Dir, Reset, the int’l org: digital disinformation and democracy. Donnabelle Casis w/ George Kohout, Pres. Friends of N’ton Trails: the mini museums here.
Friday, December 5, 202512/05/2025
The Hustler Files Ep 139
THE POWER OF TRUTH SHALL NOT BE SILENCED
Radha Natarajan is the Executive Director of the New England Innocence Project, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In this episode, Radha shares her journey into the world of wrongful convictions and the challenges faced by those, behind the wall, fighting for justice. Radha also shares her and her team’s hard-fought battle to free Edward Wright, a man who spent 41 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Listen in to learn how the New England Innocence Project takes on innocence cases, the remarkable work to exonerate innocent individuals, stay within the complexities of the criminal justice system, and always keep alive the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Thursday, December 4, 202512/04/2025
Western Mass Business Show on 11.29 — Megan Allen & Dawn Creighton
In The Western Mass. Business Show
Join us as we converse with Megan Allen who is the Co-Founder of the Sphere in Florence (big props to Christina Webster the other Co-Founder) and Dawn Creighton who is the Community Outreach Officer with Liberty Bank. Their partnership runs deep and the synergy in programming for the regions small business owners is palpable. You may know Dawn as the selfie queen, or perhaps from her stint at AIM (Associated Industries of MA), or maybe through her volunteer efforts at Dress For Success. You may also know Megan through her other business Community Classroom in Florence helping kids reach their goals through teaching them 1-1 with educators. Listen in as these two powerhouse women discuss their 413 Entrepreneur Initiative, Academy of Small Businesses in MA and CT, surveys with gift cards, and more. You will want to book some of these dates in your calendar stat. Thanks for joining us.
www.spherenorthampton.com
www.liberty-bank.com
Thursday, December 4, 202512/04/2025
Lines Within and Without
12/4/25: “Borderland” w/ Ari Keigan (PVWC), Ellen Koteen (Interfaith Action), Maria Garcia (St. John’s). Congressman Seth Moulton: why run against Ed Markey? Congressman Jim McGovern: will his War Powers Resolution pass? Ruth Griggs w/ Kyle Homstead: new music venues: Hope Center & De la Luz — the experience.
Wednesday, December 3, 202512/03/2025
Safe Passage & Invasions
12/3/25: Safe Passage’s Marianne Winters, Natalie Ulrich & Amanda Lapierre. D.A. Dave Sullivan: prosecuting domestic violence. UMass Prof Bethany Bradley: invasions of invasive species here.
Cool Films w/ Larry Hott: the Academy Awards & “All God’s Children.”
Tuesday, December 2, 202512/02/2025
Moving.
12/2: Sen Paul Mark: legislators dress code! book bans & food insecurity. Sci-Tech Cafe w/ MHC Profs Kerstin Nordstrom & Ted Gilliland: birds. Harvard prof James Hankins, co-author of “The Golden Thread: A History of the Western Tradition.” Rich Michaelson w/ local poet Aiyana Masla: “The Underdream.”
Monday, December 1, 202512/01/2025
Swamped
12/1/25: Court Dorsey, Joe Laur, Izzy Miller & Steve Eldredge: “Swamped.” Megan Zinn w/ Linda Summersea : “The Girl with the Black and Blue Doll,” a memoir.
Rev Carole Bull & activist Crystal Zevan: daily updates from Gaza. N’ton Mayor GL Sciarra: the election & its aftermath.
Wednesday, November 26, 202511/26/2025
The Hustler Files Ep 138
STORIES OF (THANKS)GIVING
Nothing is more heartwarming as the Holiday’s approach than to re-feature a montage of stories of resilience, community, and the transformative power of giving. In this newly arranged episode, we delve into the inspiring initiatives from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office’s gardening program, the impactful work of the East Hampton Community Center, and the innovative food service programs at the Maine Department of Corrections. These stories highlight how individuals and organizations are making a difference in the lives of those in need, proving that compassion and community spirit can flourish even in challenging circumstances.
Wednesday, November 26, 202511/26/2025
Survival
11/26/25: N’ton Survival Ctr’s Heidi Nortonsmith & Alexander Leger-Small: food for 18 communities.
CDH Dir of Comm Health, Agathe Hoffer-Schaefer: our health needs — the assessment. Andre Strong Bearheart Gaines: National Day of Mourning & the Nipmuc Nation. Larry Hott: two brave anti-fascist films: “Norita” & “Mr. Nobody Against Putin.”
Wednesday, November 26, 202511/26/2025
Marching On
11/25/25 Valley Comm Dev Corp’s Jessica Allan & Alexis Breiteneicher: new affordable housing in N’ton, Hadley, & Amherst. Hampshire Coll Prof Michael Klare: wars in Ukraine, Venezuela, & Gaza. Monte Belmonte & DA David Sullivan: March for the Food Bank – live, on the road. Gfld City Council Pres Lora Wondoloski: the march, surveillance cameras, & housing. Duke Goldman: professional athletes, politics & free speech.
