Podcasts
Podcasts
Friday, May 1, 202605/01/2026
The Hustler Files Ep 160
THE EMOTIONAL EPICENTER OF A CRIMINAL RECORD
Opportunity, advocacy, and second chances is always a priority conversation when 1 in 3 Americans are justice-impacted. In this episode we highlight, for an inaugural conversation, Rahsaan Hall, President & CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. This enlightening conversation explores the Urban League’s mission, its national impact with 93 cities under the Urban League umbrella, and its frontline leadership in championing the Clean Slate Coalition. While there is still no Clean Slate law, in place, in Massachusetts, Rahsaan breaks down the realities of criminal records in Massachusetts where access to employment, housing, and opportunity is often shaped by a past that may no longer reflect who someone is today. Rahsaan speaks to the push for Clean Slate legislation, the effort to automate record sealing, and why removing these barriers is critical not just for individuals, but for families, communities, and the broader economy. As we learn from each episode, behind every record is a story and every story has the power to change how we see each other.
Friday, May 1, 202605/01/2026
Remnants and Echos
5/1/26: Fishwrap: Hampshire closing, Celts losing.
Community Action Pioneer Valley’s Lev Ben Ezra & Skylah Colon: food insecurity here & the Healthy Family Home Visitors Program.
Astronomer & Hampshire Prof Salman Hameed: the Trump Administration v Science & Save Hampshire—at least its ideals.
ArtBeat w/Donnabelle Casis & MHC prof Ligia Bouton: ‘The Remnant and the Echo.”
Thursday, April 30, 202604/30/2026
Take Pride
4/30/26 ( co-host Josh Silver):
Clay Pearson, Director of Hampshire Pride, on Saturday’s celebration and protest.
A political Fishwrap with Bill and Josh.
Jen Nery on “Let’s Go Downtown.”
Theresa Lynn and Sarah Penna from the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass:
the “Art & Soul” event.
Josh Silver: Trump’s poll numbers, SCOTUS’ decision yesterday & gerrymandering
Ruth Griggs w/ Paul Arslanian on his musical journey, last night’s concert and being honored as a Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association.
Wednesday, April 29, 202604/29/2026
Keeping It Together
4/29/26 (co-host Brain Adams)
Amy Newshore, relationship coach: need help?
Lynn Hersey, Smith BBall Coach, & star player Hannah Martin: women’s sports and what it takes to win.
Gretchen Savenson from the Rich Earth Institute: Peecycling.
Larry Hott w/ Roger Sorkin on “The Burden” & “Tidewater:” fossil fuels & the military.
Tuesday, April 28, 202604/28/2026
A Journey of 1,000 Miles begins with 10,000 Steps
4/28/26 (Co-host Amilcar Shabazz)
Reparations: a discussion w/ Dr Shabazz.
Sci-Tech Café: MHC Prof Kirsten Norstrom w/ UMass Kinesiology Prof Amanda Paluch: keep on walkin’.
Gfld City Council Pres Lora Wondolowski: health insurance costs, layoffs? Baystate nurses’ strike, a green city.
Duke Goldman: Why so few Black coaches in the NFL?
Monday, April 27, 202604/27/2026
Swimming Against the Tide
7/27/26: Co Host: Megan Zinn
Tony Giardina w/ Francis DeBernardo: New Ways Ministry and Catholics for Inclusion.
Megan Zinn w/ Emma Copley Eisenberg: “Fat Swim.”
Prison Policy Initiative’s Mike Wessler: the Just Income Program & $445 billion/yr to lock people up.
Amherst Town Mgr Paul Bockelman: Hampshire Coll closing, the budget & ed funding.
Friday, April 24, 202604/24/2026
Hyperlocal
Hyperlocal
4/24/26: (Co-host Buz Eisenberg):
MTA Pres Max Page: bell to bell cell phone bans & controlling exploitive social media.
Rep Mindy Domb: a violent death at UMass & Hampshire College’s closing.
UMass Professor of Chinese History & Guggenheim Fellow (& NHS grad) Stephen Platt.
Fishwrap on Ruth Suyenaga’s powerful DHG and Recorder piece on ICE and internment camps.
Donnabelle Casis’ ArtBeat: the Easthampton Film Festival.
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.
