Podcasts
Podcasts
Saturday, February 21, 202602/21/2026
Western Mass Business Show on 2.21.26 – Hannah Rechtschaffen
In The Western Mass. Business Show
Join us as we speak to Hannah Rechtschaffen who is the Executive Director of the Greenfield Business Association. Hannah is a creative place maker and business development professional who embodies being in the work and loving what you do. While her focus is on downtown Greenfield, she has moved about the Valley her whole life and prides herself on making meaningful connections with WMA people. Tune in as we learn of upcoming events and updates from Franklin County. Greenfield is the heart of FC and Hannah knows why. Join us at the Ja’Duke show on 2/27 and 2/28 or Bee Fest in May. Listen in to hear of the partners that help make this work possible. Thank you for your support.
Friday, February 20, 202602/20/2026
The Hustler Files Ep 150
WHEN HOPE MEETS ACTION: LIVES RECLAIMED
In Part 2 of the conversation with the Seattle Clemency Project, we are joined by Brooke Kaufman, Director of Communications and Author, at the SCP, and client Grady Mitchell. In a deeply personal look at what clemency truly means, not just in policy, but in people’s lives, Grady shares his journey of transformation, purpose, and paying forward the hope he was given. It was his hope that helped him face unimaginable personal challenges with unwavering strength, during his 37-year incarceration. This episode goes beyond the legal process revealing the human impact of second chances in a system where parole does not exist. Through stories of resilience, advocacy, and belief in human potential, this conversation is just another reminder that redemption isn’t just possible, it’s lived, every day.
Friday, February 20, 202602/20/2026
Money & Life
2/20: Money & Life Max Page & Riley Hernandez, president of the Springfield Education Association: Healthcare and school funding Lindsay Sabadosa:…
Thursday, February 19, 202602/19/2026
Local Problems, Local Solutions
2.19 Local Problems, Local Solutions
UMass Prof. & PERI co-director Michael Ash—100 WORST polluters list
Exe. Dir. Dan Crowley–Local Sports & Local Journalism
All That Jazz w/ Ruth Griggs & Jazz Guitarist Peter Bernstein comin’ to Drake (in Amherst) March 7th
Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby—Waste treatment, Housing, & WE THE PEOPLE need $$$
Wednesday, February 18, 202602/18/2026
Flippin’ the House
2/18/26: Flippin’ the House
Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman–School Budgets: The Good and Bad.
Dr. David Gottsegen–Author of Mending the Body with the Mind
Lundy Bancroft & Sarah Matthews Western Mass Rights of Nature
Paul Spector—Friday Action Group; Flipping the House
Tuesday, February 17, 202602/17/2026
Have Faith
2/17 Have Faith
7th Hampden State Rep. Aaron L. Saunders—Two AI bills & ICE legislation on Beacon Hill
Smith Prof. Carrie Baker & Rev. Dr. Andrea Ayvazian- Reclaiming faith in trying times.
Happier Valley Comedy Quiz — Maddy Benjamin, Micaela Foster, Scott Braidman, Prof. Carrie Baker on Wizards (& dracula, cows, and bullets)
Feminist Future segment with Carrie Baker & Executive Director Amanda Sanderson of Greenfield based Resilience Center of Franklin County on resources and advocacy for survivors.
Monday, February 16, 202602/16/2026
What’s Cooking?
What’s Cooking?
2/16: Elyse Moore –“Jolly Good Time in the Kitchen” GCC Senior Symposia Wednesday, 2/18, at 2pm
Writers’ Block w/ Megan Zinn & acclaimed Lauren Groff about her new book Brawler
MHC Kerstin N. Nordstrom with MHC Astronomy Prof. Ben Boatwright — Colonizing Mars? Really?
Mandi Jo Henneke — Amherst Town Council president on budgets, schools, housing, and charter change.
Saturday, February 14, 202602/14/2026
Western Mass Business Show on 2.14.26 — Chantal Bernard
In The Western Mass. Business Show
Join us as we meet Chantal Bernard, RN/BSN, CCM, CNE-CL, Professor at Elms College, and Owner of Chanda Care in Agawam, MA. Having over 21 years in healthcare is a commitment, a mindset, a desire to help humanity. Chantal sees the gaps in care and tries to be the caulking to fill those holes in communication, transitions, and emotion. She says, “good care isn’t just clinical, it’s relational”. There are different pieces to Chanda Care that make up the structure of the organization, they are: Chanda Care, Chanda Care Academy, Chanda’s House. These multilayers of support help not only the clients but the team work better together. Listen in as we dive deeper into her story and the way of the Monk Mind vs. the Monkey Mind. Thank you for tuning in. Www.chandacare.org
Friday, February 13, 202602/13/2026
Western Mass Business Show on 2.7.26 — Maureen Scanlon
In The Western Mass. Business Show
When Maureen Scanlon told me she was going to retire I immediately invited her on the show. Thinking about a life well lived and a career ending, especially for an entrepreneur is quite a thing. You basically must fire yourself, right? How hard is that to do? When to do it, what to do next, what till people say, where will I go next? I wanted to pause and ask Maureen about her career, life in the 413, and why she chose now to let go of the work part of her life. It was a great conversation filled with many stories of well known characters from the region. Thank you for coming on Maureen and for listening to the show listeners.
Friday, February 13, 202602/13/2026
The Hustler Files Ep 149
FINDING HOPE IN A NO-PAROLE STATE
In Part 1 of a two-part conversation, we sit down with leaders from an organization working at the intersection of justice, advocacy, and second chances. The Seattle Clemency Project is a lifeline for so many incarcerated individuals who may have been eligible for parole, if the State of Washington had a parole system. Musa Abul-Mateen, Executive Director of SCP, and a formerly incarcerated individual, and Jennifer Smith, Co-Founder and Development Director of SCP explore the shared humanity behind the system, challenging assumptions and the critical work being done to support individuals navigating complex legal and personal journeys. With honesty and insight, this conversation underscores a powerful truth: we are more alike than we are different. It’s a reminder that real impact happens when compassion, accountability, and opportunity come together.
