Podcasts
Podcasts
Thursday, April 23, 202604/23/2026
The Hustler Files Ep 159
FROM FELONIES TO FUTURES, TWO STORIES OF SECOND CHANCE HIRING
April is Second Chance Month, and this episode brings two powerful stories that show what can happen when opportunity meets determination. First, we welcome back Brandon Downey, who first joined us in Episode 19 while rebuilding his life after incarceration. Now, several years later, Brandon returns to share how recovery, persistence, and the support of second chance employers helped him transform his future. Today, he is working at the Hampshire County Jail in reentry services, mentoring others, and rebuilding his life as a father. Then, we head to Ohio to meet Lindsey Watzek of JBM Packaging, a company known for its commitment to Fair Chance hiring. Lindsey shares how a felony connected to addiction once left her feeling hopeless, but through the support of a recovery-friendly workplace, she has built a stable, independent life and is now working toward becoming the first female supervisor at her company. Two journeys. Two employers who said yes. And two powerful reminders that when people are given a real opportunity, everything can change.
Thursday, April 23, 202604/23/2026
“All Are Interested in All”
“All Are Interested in All”
4/23/26: Local historians Steve Strimer & Tom Goldscheider: worker coops in Florence the 1840s and now.
ACLU of Mass Exec Dir Carol Rose: Trump v. the fourth estate.
Rev Carole Bull: Trump as Jesus & “The Cloud of the Unknowing.”
All that Jazz: John Anz with trumpeter and composer Ralph Alessi.
Wednesday, April 22, 202604/22/2026
Life, Death & Sports
Life, Death & Sports
4/22/26 (co-host Brian Adams):
Alison Keller, end-of-life doula.
Karen Miller, Cooley Dick & VNA Hospice Manager: National Health Care Decisions Month.
Forbes Library’s Priya Charry & Smith College journalism prof Naila Moreira: “Ecological and Climate Fiction for All Generations.”
Smith Prof Erica Tibbetts: Sport for Social Change.
Tuesday, April 21, 202604/21/2026
Indivisible?
Indivisible?
4/21/26 (co-host Carrie Baker): Ehmptn Mayor Salem Derby: the Override & the World Cup.
Rob Weir: sports celebrities not necessarily legends.
The Comedy Quiz w/ Happier Valley Comedy: meteorological messiness-come play.
Deb Klemer, Nhmptn City Council VP: founding Indivisible -Northampton & misogyny in politics.
Monday, April 20, 202604/20/2026
Caring About Others & Killing Your Darlings
Caring About Others & Killing Your Darlings
4/20/26: Dr. Anne Markes, executive director of Well on Their Way, medical outreach in northern Uganda
Writers Block w/ Megan Zinn: Kate Senecal creator and co-host of Kill Your Darlings reading series at Darlings Bar in Easthampton
Lindsi Sekula, executive director of the Easthampton Housing Authority, taking on a new position
Prof. Michael Klare on Iran, energy prices, and the use of AI for war.
Saturday, April 18, 202604/18/2026
Western Mass Business Show on 4.18.26 – She Is
In The Western Mass. Business Show
Join us as we talk about insurance and events through the eyes of Jenny MacKay and Regina Burns Murphy. Jenny is a Senior Vice President at the Alera Group specializing in employee benefits consulting and Regina is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Wycoff Country Club and Owner of Rise Event Production. Both joined forces to fight against misuse of words and mislabeling of women by creating She is…she is a brand and movement challenging labels that women are given at work and beyond. The core idea behind this effort is to acknowledge the behavior but change the label because labels can impact opportunity. For example, promotions, recognition, accolades, and relationships. The flip it movement encourages people to think before they label someone and to recognize that language shapes perception. They want to be hired to speak at conferences, put on a workshop for your company, or purchase their merchandise to spark a conversation. Check out www.allsheis.com to learn more about this incredible movement.
Friday, April 17, 202604/17/2026
The Hustler Files Ep 158
FOUR WASN’T FAILURE, IT WAS FINDING FAITH
What does it take to rebuild a life after four incarcerations, across four different decades, and stay the course when the path isn’t easy? Today we welcome Tammy Franklin of Prison Fellowship, a woman, mother and wife who’s lived experience, at every decade in her life, challenged her with incarceration, until a powerful transformation from God led her to serve others walking the same difficult road. Tammy shares how finding that faith with the only prayer she knew; ‘God, please help me’ was the final turning point to help her rebuild her life and find her purpose, with mentorship and love from the ‘church women with the sparkly eyes.’ Now working with Prison Fellowship, Tammy uses her voice to support justice-impacted individuals and families, offering guidance rooted in real-life experience. Her story is one of resilience, redemption, and religion. All daily commitments required to stay on her path, one step at a time. This conversation reminds us that second chances are not just given; they are built, step by step, through courage, accountability, hope, and help from above.
Friday, April 17, 202604/17/2026
Hampshire Closes & What Lives
Hampshire Closes & What Lives
4/17/26: Jacqueline Hayden (Hamp Coll prof) & Lilly Hayden Daiber (Hampshire Coll alum): mourning the closing & celebrating what lives on.
Lindsay Sabadosa: Hampshire Coll, ed funding & tough choices.
Amherst prof Austin Sarat: Hampshire students, unhinged Trump, the War & murder.
Larry Hott: the Movement Voter Project.
ArtBeat w/ Kahli Hernandez & Imo Imeh: revolutionary art.
Thursday, April 16, 202604/16/2026
Ticks & Stars
Ticks & Stars
4/16/26: Immunologist Dr Jonathan Bayuk: flu, measles, covid, Lyme, EEE & West Nile.
“Young@Heart Meets Y@H NYC:” local stars Bob Cilman & Sonya Nieto w/ NYC stars Evette Mercedes, Patrick McCarthy & Wayne Brockman.
MTA Pres Max Page: the House budget just dropped.
“An All-Star Klezmer Evening” w/ Jake Shulman-Ment & Ira Temple.
Gld Recorder & DHG Ex Ed Dan Crowley: breaking news, overrides & Hampshire Coll closing.
Wednesday, April 15, 202604/15/2026
A Taxing Show
A Taxing Show
4/15/26: Bill & Brian on Hampshire College Closing after 56 years – sad ending
Reader to Reader w/ David Mazor: Saturday’s book drive for young readers—can you help?
Northampton attorneys David Hoose & Ryan Shiff: the Anthony Baye arson case & reasons for release.
ServiceNet’s Shawn Robinson & Maribeth Ritchie: amazing farms & farming.
Larry Hott w/ Issac Solotaroff:”Born to Bowl” — funny and fantastic.
