Podcasts: The Western Mass. Business Show
The Western Mass. Business Show
Entrepreneurs undertake risk and responsibility, in order to solve problems, contribute their passions and talents to society, and make the world go round. Our success and survival depends on them, and they depend on you. Hear their stories, perspectives, and inspirations every week, as they reveal themselves in a conversation with Tara Brewster. Saturdays at 11AM and Sundays at 2PM on The Western Mass Business Show.
Western Mass Business Show on 2.21.26
Join us as we speak to Hannah Rechtschaffen who is the Executive Director of the Greenfield Business Association. Hannah is a creative place maker and business development professional who embodies being in the work and loving what you do. While her focus is on downtown Greenfield, she has moved about the Valley her whole life and prides herself on making meaningful connections with WMA people. Tune in as we learn of upcoming events and updates from Franklin County. Greenfield is the heart of FC and Hannah knows why. Join us at the Ja’Duke show on 2/27 and 2/28 or Bee Fest in May. Listen in to hear of the partners that help make this work possible. Thank you for your support.
Western Mass Business Show on 2.14.26 — Lindsay Labonte
Tune in as we speak with a true community leader. Lindsay Labonte Manager of Applied Mortgage has taken the helm from her father Todd Barron and given the company a new look and location. Keeping with the leading with a purpose mindset, Lindsay has launched new programs like: Applied Mortgage Academy and Local Love Days to cement the business firmly in community. Listen as we discuss the regional landscape, the state of homeownership, tips, and tricks to getting in the pipeline, what it’s like to do this with children, and more.
Western Mass Business Show on 2.7.26 — Maureen Scanlon
When Maureen Scanlon told me she was going to retire I immediately invited her on the show. Thinking about a life well lived and a career ending, especially for an entrepreneur is quite a thing. You basically must fire yourself, right? How hard is that to do? When to do it, what to do next, what till people say, where will I go next? I wanted to pause and ask Maureen about her career, life in the 413, and why she chose now to let go of the work part of her life. It was a great conversation filled with many stories of well known characters from the region. Thank you for coming on Maureen and for listening to the show listeners.
Western Mass Business Show on 1.31.26 — Lindsay Labonte Manager of Applied Mortgage
Tune in as we speak with a true community leader. Lindsay Labonte Manager of Applied Mortgage has taken the helm from her father Todd Barron and given the company a new look and location. Keeping with the leading with a purpose mindset, Lindsay has launched new programs like: Applied Mortgage Academy and Local Love Days to cement the business firmly in community. Listen as we discuss the regional landscape, the state of homeownership, tips, and tricks to getting in the pipeline, what it’s like to do this with children, and more.
Western Mass Business Show on 1.17.26 — Mesuda Cafe
Masuda Abdullah is a first-time restaurant owner in Amherst at 17 Kellogg Avenue but has been a long-time foodie and Pastry Chef. After growing up in a family and culture that is all about hospitality and food, Masuda is well established in the culture and cuisine of Afghanistan. She calls Masuda’s North American cuisine with an Afghan fusion; customers will recognize some dishes but taste different spices, while other dishes might not be as familiar but will fast become new favorites. Using fresh ingredients, they offer breakfast and lunch with two sides to the cafe, one grab and go, while the other is more of a sit down and enjoy, table service option. The restaurant is family run and they extend the family concept to their staff and customers. Open every day except Mondays and available for private events-we didn’t mention the desserts-but try the desserts. Made fresh every day, if the owner is a Pastry Chef, you must try the desserts. Thanks for listening.
Www.masudascafe.com
Western Mass Business Show on 1.3.26 — Dr. Khama Ennis
Dr. Khama Ennis knew that she wanted to be a Dr. at a very young age-elementary school to be exact. After facing down racism, a standardized test, being categorized as “smart”, her 7-year old self concluded that smart people could only be lawyers or doctors. Having no exposure to either profession as a child, she also surmised that lawyers may accidentally harm people while doctors only ever try to help all people. And thus she began her journey into medicine. Tune into hear how she became an ER Dr. and how being deeply burned out led her to UMASS University Health Services. She also created a non-profit, Faces of Medicine, to showcase black women Dr.’s and tell their stores in a visual medium. Black female physicians only account for less than 3% of doctors in the US. This lack of diversity also perpetuates health inequity in other areas as well. Thank you, Dr. Ennis for coming on the show. We are blessed to have you in the 413.
Western Mass Business Show on 12.27.25–Begley/Childs/DiStefano Interview
Join us as we listen to 3 powerhouse-women talk about how to support and uplift each other. Rachel Begley, Owner of American Dreams Landscape Designs and UMASS Undergrad, Crystal Childs, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Domoore Marketing, and Dawn Forbes DiStefano, CEO of Square One give us their perspective on how working together is a much better way than the alternative. This is a story about serendipity and the power of local/female connections. What makes a community thrive? When business stays in the community and referrals are intentional, the ripple effect is endless. Listen in as we hear from the pros how to connect with meaningful relationships and make lasting impressions on key decision makers.
Www.domoore.com
Www.americandreamlandscapedesign.com
Www.startatsquareone.org
Western Mass Business Show on 12.13.25 — Lora Wondolowski and Kim Snyder Resilient Valley
Join us as we hear about Resilient Valley and the work, they are doing to increase giving from DAF’s throughout Western MA. Lora Wondolowski, Director of Advancement and Communications at Peace Development Fund and City Council President of Greenfield, MA. and Kim Snyder, Director of Development and Communications at Hitchcock Center for the Environment talk us through why now matters more than ever to free up funding for local nonprofits.
Peace Development Fund helps to support small to midsized nonprofits as they navigate how to stand on their own. Through fiscal support and creating Donor Advised Fund’s for donors they work out of Amherst on an international scale. Hitchcock Center is one of 23 living buildings in the world and has been in existence for over 60 years. They help us connect with nature and the environment creating pathways for younger generations to become climate warriors.
The Resilient Valley Coalition is a growing group of over a dozen nonprofits focused on climate, food systems, and environmental justice. Together they have faced over 3 million in funding loss in 2025. The Match My DAF Campaign has a goal to raise 250,000 in matching funds to motivate donors to increase their giving through their DAF’s. If DAF holders commit to giving away 10% more by May 2026, then their grants will be matched dollar for dollar.
Let’s show up for them. Happy Holidays everyone. Thank you for listening.
www.resilientvalleyma.org
Western Mass Business Show on 11.29 — Megan Allen & Dawn Creighton
Join us as we converse with Megan Allen who is the Co-Founder of the Sphere in Florence (big props to Christina Webster the other Co-Founder) and Dawn Creighton who is the Community Outreach Officer with Liberty Bank. Their partnership runs deep and the synergy in programming for the regions small business owners is palpable. You may know Dawn as the selfie queen, or perhaps from her stint at AIM (Associated Industries of MA), or maybe through her volunteer efforts at Dress For Success. You may also know Megan through her other business Community Classroom in Florence helping kids reach their goals through teaching them 1-1 with educators. Listen in as these two powerhouse women discuss their 413 Entrepreneur Initiative, Academy of Small Businesses in MA and CT, surveys with gift cards, and more. You will want to book some of these dates in your calendar stat. Thanks for joining us.
www.spherenorthampton.com
www.liberty-bank.com
