Podcasts
Podcasts
Friday, April 4, 202504/04/2025
The Hustler Files Ep 106
FROM A GYM TO A COMMUNITY OF EQUALS
What started as a gym is now a community where people belong together. In this space, surrounded by weight machines, free weights, and mats, they are valued as equals, and those with lived experience are listened to as the experts. As April marks Fair Chance Hiring Month, guests Caz Walcott, Director of Inclusive Hiring at the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ), and Jon Feinman, Founder of Inner City Weightlifting share the transformative power of inclusive hiring practices and the importance of creating opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. Caz’s journey and the mission of RBIJ, emphasize their three pillars: reforming justice systems, restoring communities, and reframing narratives around second-chance hiring. Jon recounts his experiences founding Inner City Weightlifting and highlights the community-building aspect that transcends traditional fitness programs. Together, they explore the nuances of their work, the challenges they face, and the profound impact of fostering connections between diverse groups. Tune in to discover how both organizations are reshaping perceptions and creating pathways to success for those often overlooked by society.
Friday, April 4, 202504/04/2025
Sunshine & Moonlight
4/4/25: MTA Pres Max Page: threats to education, some rays of sunshine. Comm Action PV Exec Dir Clare Higgins: the not-so-bad-yet effect of fed employee firings. Amy Fairchild & Lonesome Bros’ Ray Mason w/ organizers Robert Markey & Pam Cote: musical benefit for CA wildfire victims tomorrow. Astronomer Salman Hameed: NASA, the moon, & Musk. Donnabelle Casis w/ Jennifer Polins, Founding Art Dir, School for Contemporary Dance & Thought.
Thursday, April 3, 202504/03/2025
McGoverning
4/3/25: Human Rts Atty Laura Pitter: Trump using anti-terror laws to silence & punish critics. Martín Espada launching “Jailbreak of Sparrows” @ Raven Books, Shelburne Falls. Congressman Jim McGovern: Sen Cory Booker’s historic speech, “Hands Off” rallies, & tariffs. Ruth Griggs just named 2025 Jazz Hero by Jazz Journalist Ass’n.
Wednesday, April 2, 202504/02/2025
Fighting Back & Fighting Forward
4/2/25: D.A. David Sullivan & Children’s Advoc Ctr’s Kara McElhone: combatting child abuse here. David Knowles w/ Pauline Productions’ Jeannine Haas & actor Jarice Hanson: “Frances Perkins: A Woman’s Work.” Rich Michelson previews “Poetry in Times of Crisis” – tomorrow at Forbes. Brian Adams w/ CISA Ex Dir Jennifer Core: Trump’s assault on farmers—Is it time for pitchforks? Larry Hott recommends “Ain’t No Back to a Merry-Go-Round,” Portrait of a Lost Artist,” & “Elie Weisel: Soul On Fire.”
Tuesday, April 1, 202504/01/2025
Slammed
4/1/25: Sen Paul Mark: DJ Trump v working people. Michael Lawrence-Riddell & Akrobatik: The Power of Truths Conference. Atty John Pucci: Trump destroying law firms & law. The Youth Poetry Slam w/ Lyrical Faith, AoM’s Aliana de la Guardia, Sci-Tech student poet & Amilcar Shabazz.
Monday, March 31, 202503/31/2025
Western Mass Business Show on 3.28.25 — Nourish
In The Western Mass. Business Show
Casey Flaherty and Kyle Steinberg are so good together. It was amazing to be in their presence at the studio. The co-owners of Nourish in Northampton are figuring out how to run a business and a relationship at the same time. No easy task for either of them but with good communication and understanding they are doing it. Nourish is in its 10 year and 3rd under Casey’s ownership. She took over in 2022 and has been fine tuning vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free meals. Many of their customers have allergies or sensitivities so they appreciate the clean, organic, local ingredients that Nourish offers. Kyle’s background as an engineer has helped them think about expanding their systems and that’s what they are doing later this spring-expansion to Easthampton. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of this small business. For more information visit www.nourishnoho.com
Monday, March 31, 202503/31/2025
A Day to Remember
3/31/25: Immigration atty Dan Berger: students & deportations. Megan Zinn w/ local novelist Emily Everett: “All That Life Can Afford,” at the Broadside. Edward Carpenter: his memoir “Blue Helmet,” – on peacekeeping in So Sudan — at UMass & Amherst Books. W Mass Food Bank Ex Dir Andrew Morehouse: recent federal cuts. Literacy Proj Ex DIr Colleen Kucinski: the 40th anniv celebration.
Monday, March 31, 202503/31/2025
Panorama — Episode 104 — Anti-Social Media?
In Panorama
Originally aired on March 28, 2025. Two locals, Jesse Hassinger, “the human monk,” and Bill Dwight, a citizen of the world/Northampton, debate the role of technology on the human condition. Is technology a force for good? Wasn’t social media supposed to bring us together? Is technology fostering a “recipe of loneliness”? And what should we expect from Artificial Intelligence?
Friday, March 28, 202503/28/2025
The Hustler Files Ep 105
GIVING A VOICE TO THE SILENCED
With over two decades of experience, reporter Katie Johnston shares her journey from reporting on arts and entertainment to focusing on work and income inequality, specifically with incarcerated and justice-involved populations. Katie’s dedication to offering a voice to those who don’t have one, is the driving force behind her writing. In this episode, Katie discusses her recent articles that highlight the challenges and triumphs of individuals navigating reentry into society, including innovative programs in Maine that allow incarcerated individuals to work remotely from their jail cell and earn substantially more than the average worker in the US. Katie delves into the nuances of storytelling in journalism, the importance of giving a voice to marginalized communities, and the evolving landscape of criminal justice reform. It is and will continue to be the power of storytelling that offers hope to those striving for a second chance.
Friday, March 28, 202503/28/2025
Darkness and Light
3/28/25: MTA Pres Max Page w/ labor activist Stephen Lerner: light in dark times. Rep Mindy Domb: Trump rewriting history, leg transparency & priorities. EM Kennedy Inst CEO Adam Hinds: the constitution’s survival. Amherst Survival Ctr Exec Dir BenEzra: the Empty Bowl Fundraiser. Donnabelle Casis w/ Sierra Myers, Dir, Art for the Soul Gallery: neon art.
