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 6.15.24 — Miana Hoyt Dawson and Terry Dawson of Pause and Pivot Farm
Miana Hoyt Dawson and Terry Dawson decided to Pause and Pivot in the pandemic when their lives were spinning faster than they would have liked. When the forced pause happened, they decided to make a conscious decision to pause. Miana was in marketing and traveling around the country for work and Terry was an engineer working for a local manufacturer, but they lived on a farm in Williamsburg. With land and some animals, they imagined what life could be if they pivoted into a new way of work and life. Having 3 kids also helped guide their decisions and ultimately, they decided to pause and pivot to the farm that exists now. Join us as we discover the goods they grow hydroponically, by woodworking, baking, and holding events. By showing up for partnerships and support of community Miana and Terry have created a network of collaborators including Olivers Farmstand with whom they have created Season Celebration in September in support of the Northampton Survival Center/Hilltown Food Pantry. Join us as we learn how to roll with a personal need and create a community resource for others. Join us as we too learn to Pause and Pivot. www.pausepivotfarm.com
Western Mass Business Show on 6.7.24 — Robert (BOB) Cahillane
Robert (BOB) Cahillane is from what I like to call the Cahillane Dynasty. A legacy family from Northampton. Originally from Ireland his parents moved here to begin a family and a new life. Bob’s Father, James Cahillane Sr., was a well-known community member. Lovingly referred to a Big Jim he was a business owner, policeman, Mayor, and more. He started Cahillane Motors which is sons eventually took over and grew into a small auto empire. Bob met his sweetie Michaela Jane (Adams Kiley) and they started a family. At 15 on a trip to Ireland Bob fell in love with the sea and enlisted in the Navy where he served his country with honor. After returning and working at the dealership, Bob decided he would like to do something different. He took his passion for service to the City of Northampton where he served as the Director of Services for Veterans Affairs for 13 years. Bob’s commitment to family and community is tangible and can be felt through his stories about people and places. He has worked with the Naval Academy to get candidates enlisted, served on the WWII Club, Elks, Lions, Rotary, and set up scholarship funds in memory of lost loved ones. And if you look to find Veteran/War Memorials in our area, know that Bob has had a hand in it. Thank you, Bob, for all of the ways that you have shown up and continue to for so many of us. We are lucky to call you one of Northamptons finest citizens. Bless you.
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.
