Podcasts
Podcasts
Monday, September 9, 202409/09/2024
Odysseys
9/9/24: Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia on policing & schools. UMass Prof Amilcar Shabazz w/ Performance Project’s Julie Lichtenberg & James Arana: “Mother Tongue.” Barry Werth: “Prisoner of Lies: Jack Downey … America’s Longest-Held POW.” Megan Zinn w/ author Rachel Kushner: her novel “Creation Lake.”
Friday, September 6, 202409/06/2024
Hustler Files Ep 76
SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO REINVENT THE WHEEL
We’ve all heard the quote – ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.’ With more than 600,000 people being released across the U.S. each year yet more than two thirds are rearrested within three years, the prison reform wheel needs to become more innovative, and leading that charge is the California organization, Impact Justice. Their overall mission, to get creative, change the script and rules of engagement, believe in one another, and expand what’s possible. Aishatu Yusuf, Vice President of Innovation Programs breaks down some of the transformational projects that take the prison reform movement, head on. Impact Justice programs run the gamut from a reentry mentorship program for formerly incarcerated, to a sharing economy model that pairs returning citizens with welcoming community housing hosts, and a first of its kind partnership to improve food quality, and provide access to fresh, nourishing, appealing food behind the wall. As Aishatu Yusuf says, ‘at Impact Justice we are all doers’.
Friday, September 6, 202409/06/2024
The Hustler Files Ep 75
A ROADMAP OF RAGE, A SAFE HAVEN AND THE REALITY, IT’S NOT SOCIOECONOMIC
This milestone episode for The Hustler Files was recorded at the Hampden County Jail, in Western Massachusetts, but this conversation with Sheriff Nick Cocchi, who runs the jail and Liz Dineen, CEO of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts could take place in any city or county, USA. Domestic violence month may be in October, but it’s not a once-a-year issue. It’s also NOT just a female issue. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner violence and domestic violence does not discriminate. It affects people of all ages, races, and backgrounds, which is why the YWCA is no longer just a place to find a pool and an exercise class. The YWCA is now a safe haven for women and men who have experienced domestic violence. A place where support for survivors is their top priority with no questions asked, but a shoulder is offered. To also offer support and awareness is Sheriff Cocchi, one of the most progressive Sheriffs anywhere in the U.S. Sadly, this Sheriff had to experience the recent loss of a most beloved Assistant due to domestic violence, but that only fueled his fire to bring awareness to the domestic violence issue that can be right under our noses and thus partnering with the YWCA to amplify the message. As Sheriff Cocchi says, “there is no shame in asking for help if you’re a victim of domestic violence, it’s not YOUR problem, it’s the abuser’s”.
Friday, September 6, 202409/06/2024
In Our Orbit
9/6/24: MTA Pres Max Page: free community college, Question 2, the MCAS grad req’t. Prof Salman Hameed: Astronomer conference, naming moons & stranded astronauts. Donnabelle Casis w/ Smith Museum Curator Emma Chubb & artist Younes Rahmoun. Community Action w/ Clare Higgins: fuel assistance & housing rehab. Author David Daley: “ANTIDEMOCRATIC”
Thursday, September 5, 202409/05/2024
Politics, Protests, & Polling
9/5/24: Congressman Jim McGovern on the upcoming debate & Liz Cheney’s announcement she’ll be voting for Harris! UMass Pol Sci prof & pollster Ray La Raja: UMass Task Force rec’d on campus political protests, & the reliability of polling. Ruth Griggs w/ Jazz Fest headliner Anat Cohen.
Wednesday, September 4, 202409/04/2024
Western Mass Business Show on 9.1.24 — Michelle Wirth, co-owner of Mercedes Benz
In The Western Mass. Business Show
Join us as we speak with Michelle Wirth co-owner of Mercedes Benz (with her husband Peter). They moved here 7 years ago from New Jersey and have quickly made WMA their home with their 4 kids. As we know, Covid was a big disrupter to many businesses and seeing that MB was only in its 2nd year the need to hustle and pivot was essential. In addition to shoring up the dealership, Michelle also felt called to create a new business based around shopping local and Feel Good Shop Local was born in 2021/2022 at the Big E. Go to www.feelgoodshoplocal.com to learn more about the business and how over 70 businesses have joined the platform. How we think about supporting local, small businesses and the impact that we can have if we divert just a small amount of money away from Amazon and big box shopping, matters. Listen in as we hear an update from Michelle on her businesses and what events you should be on the lookout for in the fall of 2024.
Wednesday, September 4, 202409/04/2024
To Go, Please
9/4/24: DA David Sullivan: drugs, prosecution & National Recovery Month. Bombyx E.D. Cassandra Holden & chef extraordinaire O’Brian Tomalin: O’Brian in YOUR kitchen. Brian Adams, Environ Prof Susan Masino & Climate Action Now’s Susan Theberge: our forests, ourselves & the presidential debate. Investigative reporter Dusty Christensen: allegations re new Gfld police chief.
Tuesday, September 3, 202409/03/2024
Posing Questions, Finishing the Sentence
9/3/24: Atty John Pucci: Trump’s trials & his upcoming NY sentence. Happier Valley Comedy’s Pam Victor & Scott Braidman: building the Dream. Sen Paul Mark: today’s vote. Antisemitism w/ Prof. Michael Hoberman, Rev. Randy Calvo & organizer Kim Audette.
Friday, August 30, 202408/30/2024
There’s No Such Word as Can’t
8/30/24: David Knowles w/ Valley Players’ Matteo Pangallo: “Constellation.” MTA Pres Max Page: Tim Walz, workers rights & MCAS. Donnabelle Casis w/ the Mead’s Lisa Crossman: “Part of an Impossible Task: Michael Rakowitz.” Dr. Jonathan Bayuk: Covid, EEE, & West Nile. Amherst’s 97 y.o. Elsie Fetterman: her new autobiography.
Thursday, August 29, 202408/29/2024
Panorama — Episode 86 — Ukraine Debate w/ John Berkowitz and John Feffer
In Panorama
Originally aired on September 1st, 2024. John Berkowitz and John Feffer debate the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Who’s at fault for this war? What role did the US and Europe play? Why did this war begin? Is World War III possible? John Berkowtiz and John Feffer answer these questions on Panorama.
