Podcasts
Podcasts
Friday, November 7, 202511/07/2025
The Hustler Files Ep 135
UNPACKING JUSTICE THROUGH THE WRITTEN WORD
In this montage episode, join us on a reflective journey as we share three of our favorite author interviews from the last few years. With highlights from discussions with notable and famous legal figures, Stephen Bright and James Kwak, who delve into the systemic failures of justice in the criminal courts, to Sarah Burns, a documentarian and author, who recounts the harrowing story of the Central Park Five. Additionally, we hear from Laura Love Hardin, whose memoir and Oprah Book Club pick reveals her transformative journey through addiction and incarceration. We hope you enjoy a piece of each of these compelling narratives that challenge the perceptions of justice and resilience. Full episodes of each are available wherever you get your podcasts.
Friday, November 7, 202511/07/2025
Blaising Forward
11/7/25: Live from Elmer’s in Ashfield – Rep. Natalie Blais w/ Jillian Morgan (Food Bank of Western Mass) Kristen Tillona-Baker (the Mary Lyon Foundation) & Sheryl Stanton (Mohawk Trail School Super). Then, More Blais! w/ Lev Ben Ezra & Janna Tatreault (Community Action Pioneer Valley) and many others: combatting the SNAP cuts & providing food. Astronomer Salman Hameed on a visitor from another solar system. Art Beat w/ Amanda Herman (UMass Museum of Contemporary Art) w/ Liz Chalfin (Zea Mays Printmaking).
Thursday, November 6, 202511/06/2025
Education
11/6/25: Max Page w/ Harvard Grad School of Ed Prof & author Jal Mehta: “In Search of Deeper Learning.” Attorney Laura Pitter on food as a human right. Our House w/ Representative Jim McGovern. Ruth Griggs w/ Peter Hamelin of Signature Sounds & the Parlor Room Collective.
Wednesday, November 5, 202511/05/2025
Talk the Talk on 11.5.25
11/5/25: Children’s Advoc Ctr Ex Dir Carol Conragan: child sexual abuse cases skyrocketing. Brian Adams w/ Smith’s Dir of Sustainability Beth Hooker: the College’s $210 million (!) geothermal project. Larry Hott w/ Mark Roessler, author of “Fairsted: …how (Frederick Law) Olmsted helped heal a fractured democracy” on” Olmsted Panoramic” – a multi-media & musical presentation — coming to AoM.
Tuesday, November 4, 202511/04/2025
Resistance
11/4/25: Sen Paul Mark: SNAP, gov’t shutdown & resistance. Valley Light Opera’s Michael Budnick & Elaine Caine: “HMS Pinafore” at AoM this week—an operetta of resistance. Smith Prof Carrie Baker: “The Erosion of Women’s Rights Under Trump” & how we resist. Yakov Konrad, former councilor candidate: resisting toxic social media.
Monday, November 3, 202511/03/2025
Panorama — Episode 130 — Anat Weisenfreund, Ward 2 Northampton School Committee Candidate, Andrea Egitto, and Carrie Foley
In Panorama
Originally recorded on November 3rd, 2025. On January 13th, 2025 the Northampton School Committee appointed Anat Weisenfreund to serve as Ward 2 representative for the next 10 months. Anat is now running for a full term on the school committee (election day is November 4th). On this special episode of Panorama, Andrea Egitto, president of Northampton Association of School Employees, and Carrie Foley, special education teacher at Bridge Street school, join Anat to discuss the Northampton Public Schools (NPS). What is the state of NPS for teachers, staff, and families? What’s going right and what are its struggles? Despite the 32 percent increase in school funding, how is that the schools are cutting positions? And what does Anat mean when she says, “intentional family engagement”? They answer all of those questions and more on this special episode of Panorama.
Monday, November 3, 202511/03/2025
Elections
11/3/25: Stan Moulton, N’ton councilor: the high stakes tomorrow. Megan Zinn w/ local author Debra Jo Immergut on creativity, writing, teaching & portals. N’ton City Council Pres Alex Jarrett: the candidates he supports & why. Former N’ton City Council Pres Jim Nash: Main St redesign, POP & the future.
Friday, October 31, 202510/31/2025
The Hustler Files Ep 134
HELLO TRUTH, IT’S ME IVY
Meet Ivy Scott, a community engagement reporter for The Marshall Project. Ivy currently covers community-driven investigative and public service journalism about the criminal justice system in St.Louis and the state of Missouri. So what is The Marshall Project? Named after civil rights advocate Thurgood Marshall, The Marshall Project is a national nonprofit news organization that seeks to elevate criminal justice issues and spark a conversation about reform. Ivy Scott is one such seasoned reporter, and in this episode she shares her insights on the complexities of the American justice system and the importance of uncovering stories that demand change and give a voice to the unheard. This conversation is a powerful
reminder that true stories can change how we see each other and inspire a collective push for justice.
Friday, October 31, 202510/31/2025
Panorama — Episode 129 — Mayor Ginny and Amy on the Hope Street Lot Vote
In Panorama
Originally recorded on October 31st, 2025. Greenfield Mayor Ginny Desorgher and Community and Economic Development Director Amy Cahillane on the Hope Street Lot vote. It’s a little complicated–a Yes vote stops the Hope Street Lot project while a No vote advances the City Council’s vote for additional housing. Mayor Ginny and Amy argue for voting No on Ballot Question 1 given the dire need for housing and economic development in downtown Greenfield. They also respond to the claims made by the Vote Yes critics of the project.
Friday, October 31, 202510/31/2025
Panorama — Episode 128 — Michele Ronco City Council Candidate Ward 1 (Northampton)
In Panorama
Originally recorded on October 31st, 2025. Michele Ronco is running for Ward 1 City Council in Northampton. Michele is from Italy and served on the city council many years ago. He discusses moving to Northampton, civility, school funding, downtown redesign, housing affordability, and Northampton’s future.
