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 5.18.24 — Dan McKenney from Firetype Chocolate
Join us as we get real with Dan McKenney from Firetype Chocolate and Tunic Coffee. He details his journey from employee to owner of then Heavenly Chocolate and how with a little luck and perseverance you too can be a Good Food Award Winner like him. Shout out to his mom, and her sugar eggs in addition to his partner at Tunic Josh Wood Triplett who unfortunately was working the shop and unable to join us. However, we did get very delicious drinks from Josh before we went into the studio-yum, thanks Josh. Listen in as we hear how the Thorne turns and picks and why being in Thornes is such an important piece to this entrepreneur’s chocolate composition. Thanks for listening.
Western Mass Business Show on 5.11.24 — Rich Cooper and Tom Bassett from Northampton Dollars for Scholars
Join us as we speak with Rich Cooper and Tom Bassett from Northampton Dollars for Scholars. Dr. Fratkin started this organization in 1958 in Fall River, MA. 01060 began their program in 1974. The idea that community stands behind students has been a successful model and a way to support students through various scholarships that are designated by families, businesses, memorial, and trade specific programs. The Board is comprised of many local community members and applications can be made between 1/1 and 3/15 after that the committee meets to discuss and choose award recipients. Please go to www.northamptondollarsforscholars.org for more information.
Western Mass Business Show on 5.4.24 — Lora Wondolowski, Peace Development Fund
Join us as we listen to Lora Wondolowski speak about her journey from Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) to the Peace Development Fund as Director of Advancement and Communications (soon to be interim ED). The Fund which was formed in 1981 by anti-nuclear activists to fund grass roots movements has become a major donor-funded public foundation over the past 43 years. The Fund distributed over 4.7M last year to largely small organizations doing work on the front lines. Hear from a grantee, Danielle Squillante, a volunteer from Decarcerate Western MA about how important the fund is to them. Thanks for listening to the show.
Western Mass Business Show on 4.27.24 — Geoff Naunheim, the Executive Director of the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire region
Geoff Naunheim is the Executive Director of the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire region. He has been at the organization for almost 7 years and has grown his role over those years. After seeing Franklin and Hampshire County United Way merger through, he has developed the organization to do more and be more, based on the needs that exist within the region. Join us as we talk about workplace campaigns, Diaper drives, and read learn and succeed a literacy program for Western MA children. You will want to donate when you get done hearing about the great work that they do towards eleviating conditions of poverty.
Western Mass Business Show on 4.20.24 — Chelsea Kline, Executive Director, and Liz Horn, Development Director for Cancer Connection
Join us as we close the loop on the 2024 Bed In for Cancer Connection with Chelsea Kline, Executive Director, and Liz Horn, Development Director for Cancer Connection. As my Grandma used to say, oh but we had fun! Raising almost 50,000 the 2nd Annual Bed In under the Tara Brewster reign has been met with success. Thank you to everyone who joined and listen in to hear more about CC’s work, upcoming events, and why there are here for you and your loved ones. Thank you.
Western Mass Business Show on 4.13.24 — Sarah Close and Dr. Jonathan Diamond
Join us as we deep dive into the work of Hilltown Youth Recovery Theatre. Dr. Jonathan Diamond and Sarah Close take us into the magical world of HYRT. What does it mean to be student lead? What does it mean to express yourself in a safe space? How can we improve the lives of students and families that are being impacted by many societal problems? Work it out in a safe, exploratory setting with trusted staff and peers who know what its like to struggle. Based in Heath and giving us an opportunity to support their work this summer at the Spectacle. Tune into learn more about this non-profit gem in WMA. Thank you Jonathan and Sarah for coming on the show.
Western Mass Business Show on 4.6.24 — Beth Tascione, Yoga and Reiki
Beth Tascione has always followed her heart. After finding yoga in high school she knew that she needed a way to have yoga in her lifelong term. After acting for many years, she finally decided to enroll in teacher certification in NYC. While her practice has evolved she has remained a believer in the benefits and opportunities that yoga and reiki present to the body, mind, and spirit. You can find Beth locally and online at www.thisisyourbliss.com
Listen in to find out why Beth donates 25% of her Restorative Yoga class to the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia. You’ll be glad you did.
Western Mass Business Show on 3.30.24 — Tim Fisk, Salon Herdis and Plum
Tim is no stranger to the 413, having grown up here and deciding to ultimately remain here after a short hiatus elsewhere, we are sure glad that he is here. In his 50th year, Tim owns two businesses, Salon Herdis and Plum in downtown 01060. He is also a Coach and Trainer at Summit Salon Business Center, traveling the world to train salon owners and employees on how to make money in their businesses. Tim very clearly knows his why and if you listen in you can hear what he has in store for us for his next 50 years.
Western Mass Business Show on 3.23.24 — Joe Bednar, senior writer of Business West
Please join us as we talk with Joe Bednar about his long and storied career in journalism. Unlike most of us, Joe knew from an early age what he wanted to be and followed that track his entire life. As Business West turns 40 Joe looks back on a career in journalism, with over 20 years at Business West specifically. He is most proud of the stories he can tell for entrepreneurs and business owners in western mass. He says it has been an honor to be able to do this work alongside of so many other amazing storytellers.
Join us as we turn the mic (or pen) on one of the great writers of the 413.
Western Mass Business Show on 3.16.24 — Andre Boulay from A2Z
Join us as we welcome Andre Boulay to the show. Many know him from his A2Z fame while others may know him as a Yo-Yo champion. Growing up in the Hilltowns of the 413, Andre always saw Northampton as the place to be. It led him to the store and to Jack and Priscilla Finn who started the store many years before it moved to King Street in Thornes Market. There he and his wife Dev realized that their passion could become a reality and they purchased the store from the Finn’s. Now 2 businesses yoyoexpert.com and
a2zscience.com they are going strong. Pierce and Ella (their 2 kids) are the envy of other children I’m sure but the Boulays make sure to keep community in their focus as they give back to many nonprofits and school PTO fundraisers. Thank you for coming on Andre, we missed you Dev.
