Panorama — Episode 98 — Sturgeon

Originally aired on February 8, 2025. An aquatic ecologist for the Connecticut River Conservancy, Kate Buckman, and UMass Amherst doctoral student James Garner talk about their study that found presence of endangered shortnose sturgeon above the Turners Falls and Vernon, VT dams. They tell us about the life cycles of these fish, how they might be impacted by hydropower facilities, and how they used environmental DNA analysis to find evidence that these fish live in stretches of river they were not know to be in previously.

Panorama — Episode 97 — The Return of Natalia Munoz

Originally aired on February 1st, 2025. Longtime WHMP host of Via con Muñoz, Natalia Muñoz returns to WHMP. She is unafraid to share her opinions on Trump, fascism, social media, and Democrats. She unloads on the Democrats, liberal elites, and Kamala Harris for failing to stop Donald Trump. She fears fascism on the march worldwide but is unafraid to stand up and fight back with her words.

Panorama — Episode 96 — Joy Baglio returns with poet Michael Mercurio, Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop

Originally aired on January 25, 2025. Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop founder Joy Baglio returns with poet Michael Mercurio to share more writing stories. Joy retells how she turned a really good idea, to unite local writers, into Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop, a burgeoning literary arts center. Joy and Michael share techniques to improve anybody’s writing and how writers can overcome self-doubt of their craft.

If you’re a writer or striving to become one, visit Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop. They offer workshops, Zoom meetings, and one-on-one coaching

www.pioneervalleywriters.org/our-team

Panorama — Episode 95 — Bob Flaherty on Politics

Originally aired on December 28, 2024. Long WHMP morning host Bob Flaherty returns before Donald Trump assumes power. Bob does his best to explain why Americans voted for Trump. Is it a cultural feud or did the Democrats just screw it up? Bob also shares some very funny personal stories.

Panorama — Episode 94 — James Chamberlain, dramatic tenor

Originally aired on December 21, 2024. Dan attends Wagner’s Götterdämmerung by TUNDI Production in Brattleboro, Vermont. It was a riveting experience. James Chamberlain, who starred as Sigfried, talks about his role on stage and off. Does he memorize all of the lines? What happens if he forgets a line? And how does a modern-day opera singer make any money? James shares the triumphs and struggles of being a dramatic tenor.

Panorama — Episode 93 — Nuclear Power Now?

Originally aired on November 30, 2024. UMass Researcher Joshua Goldstein discusses working with filmmaker Oliver Stone on creating the documentary Nuclear Now (2022). Professor Goldstein explains the limitations of renewable energy, and why nuclear power must be part of the solution. But is nuclear energy safe? Isn’t expensive? Where will the toxic waste go? Professor Goldstein answers these questions while offering a hopeful (nuclear) future in reducing carbon emissions.

Panorama — Episode 92 — Jason Allen, the “Art God”

Originally aired on November 16, 2024. Jason Allen created the Space Opera Theater image using artificial intelligence. It won the 2022 Colorado State Fair’s fine art competition in the digital art category. His story went “bad viral” unleashing a torrent of hate against Jason, accusing him of “stealing” artwork. But the feud failed to answer the all-important question — what is art in the 21st century?

Panorama — Episode 91 — Ballot Question 2 Debate — Vote Yes or No?

Originally aired on November 2, 2024. Dan Torres hosts a debate if the MCAS test should be repealed as a high-school graduation requirement (Ballot Question 2). Team No is Roni Gold, Springfield public school teacher and former Northampton school committee member; Team Yes is Deb McCarthy 25-year educator and MTA Vice-President; and Jack Schneider UMass professor and director of the Center for Education Policy at UMass Amherst (who will vote Yes to repeal MCAS as a graduation requirement).

Panorama — Episode 90– Ballot Question 4 Psychedelic

Originally aired on October 19, 2024. Nate Clifford, co-owner of Cornucopia, and Jamie Morey, the Community Engagement Director for Massachusetts for Mental Health Options, founder of Parents for Plant Medicine, and co-founder of Veterans for Plant Medicine. Nate and Jamie mount a powerful case for voting YES on Question 4. They share their stories battling mental issues, trauma, and how psychedelics transformed their lives.

Panorama — Episode 89 — Jill Norton, educator and mom and voting No on Question 2

Originally aired on October 5, 2024. Jill Norton is a long-time educator and a mom of a child with an IEP. She is voting NO on Question 2 that would eliminate the MCAS test as a graduation requirement. The MCAS showed her where her kid needed extra support. It was a tool that made a difference. The Massachusetts governor and the Secretary of Education publicly support No on Question 2. Listen and vote on November 5th.