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 2.22.25 — Orice Jenkins, Executive Director of Musica Franklin in Greenfield
Orice Jenkins is a man of many talents and not one to brag. He is the Executive Director of Musica Franklin in Greenfield, a program teaching kids about music and beyond for FREE. The ways that the staff teach playing instruments and working together is the effort of many years of hard work and he is not alone in MF’s success. Gloria Matlock is also a teacher there, along with others, who has been on the show with some of the same kids who are part of both Musica and Twice As Smart. These kids are some of the best ones that I know, and it is a testament to the programs and these amazing adult humans that are involved. Additionally, Orice is an accomplished musician in his own right and has toured the country with some of the greatest artists in the world. He is also an author of The Early County Massacre: The Goolsby vs. The State of Georgia which has ties to his family history. To add to this great work, he is also a genealogy researcher and educator, he is humble and worth spending time with. For more information about Musica Franklin and Orice Jenkins please go to:
www.musicafranklin.org
www.oricejenkins.com
Western Mass Business Show on 2.15.25 — Denise Barstow, Barstow’s Longview Farm
Join us as we look at a 219-year-old business. Since 1806 Barstow’s Longview Farm has been in Denise Barstow Manz’s family. That’s a long time to keep a farm going in Hadley, MA. Denise is the most public facing member of the team and glad to be a contributing member of the dairy farm. With 600 cows (300 milking currently) there is always a lot to do between the cows, the farm tours, the anaerobic digester, the technology (robotic milkers), compost, construction projects, and more the farm is a very busy place. We had a great time discussing climate and land conservation, family business, how the work has changed over the years, belonging to a Co-Op with Cabot (and 500 farm families), and why we need to drink more milk. Check out www.barstowslongviewfarm.com for more information.
Western Mass Business Show on 2.8.25 — Heidi Haas & Harvey Williams
Heidi Haas is well known to many in the 413. Having lived here for 37 years she is happily settled in WMA. She loves the village mentality has been drawn to children’s mental health and wellness for most of her adult life. As a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) Heidi has found that self-reliance and collaboration is important for children and teens to find their voice. Heidi uses Theraplay to help kids work through their issues, using their imaginations to become their own wizards. Heidi herself many would say is a master magician, working with kids clinically and socially as an Improv Teacher in Florence throughout the year. We are joined by one of her students, Harvey Williams, who is 7 and 3/4 years old. He has been doing improv with Heidi for 2 years and loves it. Listen in as we play a few games together and use our resolve and quick wit to move past unexpected balls being pitched to us. Thank you to Heidi and Harvey for coming on the show.
Western Mass Business Show on 2.1.25 — Ann Walsh, Owen Zaret, & Rachel Purington
Join us as we hear about Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County’s 50th year in 2025. We are joined by Ann Walsh, Development and Partnerships Manager and Rachel Purington, Case Manager to discuss the agency, new programs, and upcoming events. BBBS HC exists to help kids form meaningful connections to mentors in the community. Children’s mental health is a top concern and BBBS is helping to provide some stability in the lives of the “Littles” they serve. The “Bigs” also get something out of it as well and have the chance to provide guidance and support giving them a deeper meaning to their lives. A new program was just launched at Jackson Street School in Northampton called “Lunch Buddies”, tune in for more on that. As well, Big Love Little Performances is back on 2/13 and at the Iron Horse this year. Owen Zaret, Easthampton City Councilor, and Health Care Provider joins us to talk about why he has been a part of BLLP since the beginning. Warning-there is A LOT of singing on this episode.
Western Mass Business Show on 1.25.25 — Nate Sustick, son of the legendary Paul and Elizabeth
1978! 48 years! That is a very long time to have a restaurant business. Especially one that is family owned and operated. Join us as we talk to Nate Sustick, son of the legendary Paul and Elizabeth Sustick who opened their namesake in Thornes Market downtown Northampton all those years ago. What does it mean to be a Natural Foods Restuarant? what is the strategy? How can 27 employees be your family? Nate brought us some favorites and tells us how he has made it work for his family of 3 and his wife Paule. How community buoys him and how he looks forward to marching both days of Montes March next year. I am lucky to have known Nate since high school and am pleased that he is showing up in the community as he does. Authentically and humble as a native son should. Thank you for coming on Nate, what’s your favorite P&E’s dish? www.paulandelizabeths.com
Western Mass Business Show on 1.18.25 — The Institute for Musical Arts
The Institute for Musical Arts Goshen, MA
Ann Hackler (Executive Director) and June Millington (Artistic Director) have broken the sound barriers in Goshen, MA. Their love for each other and women in the music industry having a chance to be heard has been their drum beat since 1986 in California. Luckily, they got priced out of the market and came back to the 413 in 2001. On their property they teach young women how to play, record, sing, write, and ROCK. They are joined in the studio by Dana Warren, a 5X Camper, student, and 17-year-old and Penelope Black, a former camper, intern, student, and 19-year-old. Tune in to find out why you need to send your daughter to their summer camps, attend an upcoming concert in the red barn, listen to the jam-a-thon, and more. Go to www.ima.org to see for yourself. Thanks for listening.
Western Mass Business on 1.11.25 — Twice As Smart
Gloria Matlock Founder and Executive Director
Debbie Shriver Chair of the BOD
Michael Kane BOD Member
Shino
Jemanae
Jayleigh
Rose
www.twice-as-smart.org
Founded in 2016 in Gloria’s home, Twice As Smart was begun on the principle that some kids need extra help. Because Gloria saw a need and because she is a fixer, she wanted to help fix a learning deficiency in Franklin County. What bean with 7 kids in her living room quickly rose to 17 before she realized she needed a bigger space. The program now sees 32 students in the basement of the Second Congregational Church in Greenfield. Gloria grew up in Ohio and began teaching other children at age 11. She saw the value of education and the need to help others when possible. Debbie and she met over singing and have been friends ever since. There is a strong music component to TAS, and the kids overlap with the Musica Franklin curriculum in Greenfield as well. Join us to learn why you should support this amazing non-profit in the 413. A special song by the children was the highlight of the interview. Thanks for listening. Happy New Year.
Western Mass Business Show on 12.7.24 — Britt McGrath, Owner of My Health Matters Fitness
Join us as we hear first-hand from Britt McGrath on how she approaches her first year in business and why your health matters. Learn how and why she started the company and how she and her team approach fitness, nutrition, and body image. Britt, Tiff, and Jamie help to make clients feel comfortable and welcome in the space at 1 Mill Valley Road in Hadley. Their team of trainers are aligned to guide clients to wellness and fitness based on their own personal goals. This anti-diet culture studio (body positive/body neutral/weight inclusive) is a welcome respite from the stress of other gyms and training regimens. Follow along with us or on www.mhmfitwell.com for more information. Thanks for joining us. Happy December.
Western Mass Business Show on 11.30.24 — Mischa Roy, Founder of Spill the Tea Sis Apothecary
Join us as we chat with Mischa Roy, CEO and Founder of Spill the Tea Sis Apothecary as we learn about Holiday Trends and How to Gift Give Intentionally. The Importance of Thoughtful Gift Giving and How to Be Mindful with Your Purchases focuses on local shopping and supporting your community and neighbors. Listen in as we hear predictions for retail in 2024 and why local is the best gift of all. What are some options that you can find locally and how can you make a difference in your community and family this holiday season. From Bag Day to candles, Holiday Strolls to jingle bells, as my Grandma used to say “oh but we had fun”. Thanks for being a part of the WMBS magic.
