New England Weekend artwork

New England Weekend

263 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratings

WBZ’s Nichole Davis shares the stories people are talking about in your community each weekend. You can also hear the show live on iHeartRadio stations WBZ, WRKO, WTAG, WHYN, WZLX, WBWL, WXKS, and WJMN!

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Episodes

Hungry Hikes: Spring Excursions in New England with Marc Hurwitz

May 11, 2024 13:35 - 34 minutes - 47.5 MB

Now that spring is here, it's time to take a hike! Or several. New England has everything you could possibly want when it comes to nature, all within a couple hours' drive. We have no shortage of restaurants for a post-hike nosh, too. Marc Hurwitz of Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants returns to the show to talk about his excursions with the Appalachian Mountain Club, his latest recommendations, and closures around the area.

Sensors of Change: MassDEP's Plan to Clear the Air in Environmental Justice Communities

May 04, 2024 13:35 - 7 minutes - 10 MB

In April, to mark Earth Week, state officials in Massachusetts announced a new $775,000 grant will be used in the coming months to put more air sensors in place around the Commonwealth, with a special focus on "environmental justice" communities - low-income and under-served cities and towns that often feel the worst impacts of pollution and climate change. MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple has details about the plan and how they hope to use the data to put policy in place that will improve ...

"Rare Riders" Helps South Coast Kids Ride Beyond Limits with Adaptive Bikes

May 04, 2024 13:35 - 15 minutes - 21.6 MB

Two mothers on the South Coast of Massachusetts are teaming up to help children with special needs enjoy the outdoors like so many other kids do: biking! Alissa DeSousa and Lindsay Best-Greenspan both have children with special needs, and they were able to see first-hand the difference adaptive bikes made in the kids' lives. Now, they're on a mission to make sure as many children as possible can have access to one. They join Nichole this week to talk about their efforts, their inspiration, an...

Marathon of Hope: Changing Course for the Jimmy Fund Walk in Boston

May 04, 2024 13:35 - 12 minutes - 16.8 MB

For more than 35 years, supporters of the Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have walked each year along the Boston Marathon Course from Hopkinton to Boston, raising money and spirits to find a cure for cancer. This year's course will look a little bit different, but that doesn't mean the mission will be any different this time around. Jimmy Fund Vice President Suzanne Fountain stops by the show to talk about this change to the course, how the fundraising makes a difference, and ...

Cape Cod's Crumbling Coastline: The Waves of Change at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge

April 27, 2024 13:35 - 11 minutes - 15.9 MB

Erosion on Cape Cod is certainly nothing new, but in recent years, the Atlantic Ocean has been chewing up more and more of the shoreline. These tidal troubles are forcing communities to think ahead to a future without some of their most beloved shoreline properties, and that problem is front and center at the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, where the consistent erosion has forced the Fish and Wildlife Service to demolish their long-standing Visitor Center. Refuge Manager Rick Nye talks with...

The Ripple Effect: A Watershed Moment for Quabbin Communities on Beacon Hill

April 27, 2024 13:30 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MB

For generations, potable water from the Quabbin Reservoir has been enjoyed by residents in dozens of cities and towns in central and eastern Massachusetts. However, many communities that line the reservoir don't have access to this precious resource, and as a new study looks to expand the MWRA network, many Quabbin-area residents feel they're not getting proper recompense for providing this water to much of the Commonwealth. Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester) says it's time ...

Hub of Hope: John's Path of Success, Addiction, Homelessness, and Redemption in Boston

April 13, 2024 13:35 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MB

Homelessness can impact anyone, and it doesn't always take much to get you to that point - even one or two life events can completely up-end your path. John Lane is someone who knows that all too well. John was living a comfortable life when addiction struck and took him down a path of very hard lessons. Now, John has come full circle, and he's teamed up with Pine Street Inn to use his life experience to help others who are struggling. John is on the show this week to tell his story, offer ad...

Matsuri Magic on the Common: "Japan Festival Boston" Celebrates Japanese Culture

April 13, 2024 13:35 - 14 minutes - 19.2 MB

After four years off due to COVID, Japan Festival Boston is back! Later this month, Boston Common will be home to the city's largest festival dedicated to all things Japanese culture: food, kimono, origami, tea ceremonies, ikebana, cosplay, and so much more. Ara Mahar, the PR manager for the festival, joins Nichole this week to talk about all this free family-friendly event has to offer.

Deep-Fake Politics: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Election Cycle

April 08, 2024 15:23 - 22 minutes - 30.4 MB

With just months until the November elections, the campaigns are heating up, and so is the political rhetoric, both on and offline. Election interference on social media is nothing new at this point, but another major player is making its presence known for this election cycle: artificial intelligence. Dr. Weiai "Wayne" Xu, Associate Professor at UMass Amherst, focuses his courses and research on political communities and discourse online, along with artificial intelligence's impact on how we...

Dunkin's "Joy in Childhood Foundation" Serves Up Happiness for Vulnerable Kids

April 08, 2024 15:23 - 21 minutes - 29 MB

Childhood is full of pure, unadulterated joy through the little things - playing outside, eating a new snack, meeting friends, laughing at cartoons, and much more. For many families, those joys aren't as easy to come by due to poverty, food insecurity or chronic illness. Since 2006, the Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation has been working with franchisees, customers, local organizations and charities, and many others to offer special programs and resources for kids in need, and their families,...

Jacquie's Message: A Courageous Conversation on Breast Cancer Awareness

March 30, 2024 13:35 - 23 minutes - 32.3 MB

Living with breast cancer is an emotional, physical, and mental rollercoaster. One woman who knows that personally is Jacquie Bishop, a Boston resident who is fighting it for a second time. She's choosing to share her story of strength and vulnerability in hopes of removing the stigma from the mental and physical health struggles that come along with a diagnosis. She's also hoping to encourage people in the Black community to develop more proactive habits to take care of their breast health. ...

Anchored in Excellence: Cmdr. Billie J. Farrell's Journey on the U.S.S. Constitution

March 30, 2024 13:35 - 11 minutes - 15.2 MB

The U.S.S. Constitution - affectionately dubbed "Old Ironsides" - is a symbol of resilience, strength, history and honor. It stands out on the Boston skyline, and so does the woman at the helm! Commander Billie J. Farrell is the first woman to ever command the vessel, leading dozens of sailors, and she's had a storied career in the Navy. In April, she'll be receiving the "Third Lantern" award from Old North Illuminated at the "Lanterns & Luminaries" event. Commander Farrell talks with Nichole...

Zebra Crossings' Community of Care for Kids with Chronic Conditions

March 23, 2024 13:35 - 17 minutes - 23.9 MB

Kids are incredibly resilient, but it can be hard to be strong all the time when you're suffering from a chronic condition like asthma, epilepsy, or heart problems. The same goes for their parents. Managing health conditions and trying to provide as "normal" a childhood as possible can take a toll on families. Luckily, Zebra Crossings in Dover, NH is there to help! Executive Director Deb Taylor and Program Director Emily Mundy join Nichole this week to talk about their special programs that n...

The "Harm Report": Embrace Boston's Framework for Racial Equity and Justice

March 23, 2024 13:35 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MB

Embrace Boston recently released its "Harm Report", a comprehensive look at how slavery and centuries of systemic racism against Black Bostonians has impacted seven key aspects of life, including housing, transportation, healthcare and income. The report also outlines suggestions from the team at Embrace Boston on how the city can move forward in a more equitable manner and address the harms against the Black community. Vice President of Arts and Culture Elizabeth Tiblanc and Director of Digi...

Massachusetts Sugar Shacks Embrace New England's Season of Sweetness

March 16, 2024 13:35 - 12 minutes - 17.1 MB

Among all the foods that are quintessentially "New England", maple syrup is close to the top! We're in sugaring season right now, and it doesn't last too long - just a matter of weeks. Farmers, sugar house owners, and hobbyists are working long hours to try and make the most of what the trees choose to provide this year. Melissa Leab of Ioka Valley Farm in Hancock is also a member of the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association, and she joins Nichole this week to talk about the sugaring proc...

Asian Women for Health and Fihri Team Up to Fight Period Poverty in Boston's AAPI Community

March 16, 2024 13:35 - 18 minutes - 25.9 MB

"Period poverty" is a global problem that's felt right here in Massachusetts. The rising price of menstrual hygiene products can severely impact the ability of women and girls to get an education, go to work, or even socialize with their families and friends. Asian Women for Health, based in Boston, works to shed light on, and break, systemic barriers that contribute to the lack of representation for women in the AAPI community when it comes to healthcare. Naheed Esar, Executive Director of A...

Lineage Legacy: American Ancestors Seeks "10 Million Names" Lost to History

March 09, 2024 14:35 - 22 minutes - 52.2 MB

Genealogical work isn't easy, but it can be especially difficult for people directly related to some of the millions of men, women, and children who were enslaved in pre-and-post colonial America through chattel slavery. Many Black Americans say they wish they knew more about those who came before them, and American Ancestors wants to help make that a reality through the new "10 Million Names" project. President and CEO Ryan Woods talks with Nichole about the importance of this work, how they...

Savor the Hub's Best Bites During "Dine Out Boston" 2024

March 09, 2024 14:35 - 11 minutes - 26.4 MB

If inflation's kept you from going out to your favorite neighborhood restaurant, Meet Boston says it can help! The organization has teamed up with dozens of Boston-area restaurants for this year's "Dine Out Boston" event, which runs March 10-24. You can find almost anything you're craving, from sushi to tapas to a quality steak, with prix fixe options that won't break the bank. Hilina Ajakaiye, Executive Vice President of Meet Boston, joins Nichole with all the delicious details.

Immerse Yourself in "French Masterworks" with the Melrose Symphony Orchestra

February 24, 2024 14:30 - 8 minutes - 11.9 MB

The Melrose Symphony Orchestra is the oldest continuously performing volunteer orchestra in the country, making its way through Season 106! The musicians have been practicing for their upcoming performance on March 2, which focuses solely on French composers. Conductor Yoichi Udagawa returns to the show to talk with Nichole about the lineup!

All Aboard for the Bay State Model Railroad Museum's Open House

February 24, 2024 14:30 - 12 minutes - 16.8 MB

Many model railroad lovers have setups in their basement, a bedroom, or the garage, but in Roslindale, model train enthusiasts have spent decades creating a museum dedicated to the craft of creating intricate train layouts! The members of the Bay State Model Railroad Museum love to lay track, paint, build, and create, and the public will get soon get a chance to see their work up close and personal. Jeremy Hartwell, President of the Museum, joins Nichole this week to talk about their work, th...

The Family Ties that Heal: "Mario's Mission" Helps Break the Chains of Addiction

February 24, 2024 14:30 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MB

For years, the trio of Todisco brothers struggled with substance abuse, a battle which eventually led to two of the brothers losing their lives. Mario Todisco, however, was able to make his way through recovery, but it wasn't an easy road. Now, his daughter, Marissa Capone Todisco, has started a non-profit named after her father, "Mario's Mission", to help those on the road to recovery have an easier, more supportive journey. Marissa talks with Nichole this week about her family's history wit...

New England Forestry Foundation Charts a Climate-Friendly Path for New England's Woodlands

February 17, 2024 14:30 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MB

Millions of lush, healthy trees make up New England's forests, and those trees could end up being a major player in the fight against climate change. For nearly a century, the New England Forestry Foundation has made it their duty to conserve and cultivate our woodlands, and as we look ahead to an uncertain future, the Foundation is embarking on a new five-year pilot program, hoping to utilize the very trees we enjoy to help reduce our carbon emissions. Bob Perschel, Executive Director of the...

"Sephora Kids": Social Media and the Rise of Skincare-Addicted Tweens

February 17, 2024 14:30 - 10 minutes - 14.5 MB

Makeup and skincare influencers are a dime a dozen on social media these days. Normally, they're offering up advice for adults, but tweens are now embracing their advice - to the point where they're buying up skincare products that could actually be doing damage to their fragile, young skin. These "Sephora Kids" have been caught on camera trashing testers in makeup stores, and many adults are wondering what can be done to turn this trend around. Dr. Arianne S. Kourosh, Director of Community H...

Worcester's "Pawsitively 4 Pink" Offers a Helping Hand to Breast Cancer Patients

February 10, 2024 14:35 - 18 minutes - 26.1 MB

Thousands of people come down with breast cancer each and every year here in Massachusetts, and while treatment is critical for recovery, it can also get very expensive, very quickly. Finances can become overwhelming, even for everyday purchases like food and housing costs. Enter Pawsitively 4 Pink. Founder Michelle Power talks with Nichole this week about their work to ease financial burdens for low-income breast cancer patients by helping them cover some of their essential costs. She also h...

From At-Large to President: A Conversation with Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune

February 10, 2024 14:30 - 19 minutes - 27 MB

After a turbulent couple of years, the Boston City Council is now in the hands of new leadership. At-Large Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune, the first Haitian-American to serve on the council, took over the role of President in January. Council President Louijeune joins Nichole this week to reflect on her inauguration and path to the presidency, talk about current events and her plans to bring integrity and accountability to the Council, and lay out what her priorities are for her term.

Courage, Confidence, Character: Girl Scouts of Eastern MA Help Young Women Dream Big

February 03, 2024 14:40 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MB

The Girl Scouts have been a fixture across America for more than 100 years, and here in Massachusetts, dozens of troops help bring girls together each and every day to make memories. Barb Fortier, the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, joins Nichole this week to talk about all the ways Girl Scouting can help young women make friends, learn critical life skills, enrich their self-esteem, and give back to their community. She'll also discuss her upcoming retirement after nearly a quar...

Breaking the Cycle of Addiction and Poor Dental Care in Worcester

January 27, 2024 14:35 - 11 minutes - 15.7 MB

Usually, when you hear of treatments for substance abuse, you think of rehab, therapy, and support groups, and you don't think of the dentist. However, many people who are struggling with addiction are also dealing with a major hurdle to recovery: poor dental health that's caused by the use of substances like drugs or alcohol. Dr. Hugh Silk and his team at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester just received a new grant to work directly with those battling addiction in the Worcester area, hel...

A Hot Spot in the Cold City: CultureHouse's Pop-Up Sauna on Boston's City Hall Plaza

January 27, 2024 14:35 - 13 minutes - 18.8 MB

With the wet, snowy, gray, dreary weather we've been having lately, a session in a steamy sauna would be the perfect thing to warm up! Unfortunately, access to saunas can be out of reach for many, but CultureHouse in Somerville's changing that with its new pop-up Winter City Sauna on Boston's City Hall Plaza, which is open until early March. Aaron Greiner of CultureHouse has all the details about the sauna, other projects CultureHouse is involved in around Boston, and their mission to help re...

Canadian Artists Help Downtown Boston Get WINTERACTIVE

January 27, 2024 14:35 - 11 minutes - 16 MB

Have you been walking through downtown Boston lately and noticed a few things that seem... out of place? A girl on a swing, hovering over an alley? Two massive clown heads wedged between two buildings? How about a unicorn in a box? It's all part of a brand new public art exhibit called WINTERACTIVE, a partnership between the city of Boston and artists in Quebec, Canada. Michael J. Nichols, President of the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District, talks about all the exhibit has to offer...

Sweet Tooths Welcome at Shriners Auditorium for the Chocolate Expo

January 20, 2024 14:35 - 13 minutes - 18.1 MB

Get ready, chocolate lovers! The Chocolate Expo is coming into town, and no matter how you like your chocolate, they promise you'll find something you can't get enough of. Not only will there be dozens of vendors offering tastes of chocolate-laced products and special giveaways, but attendees will also have a chance to meet some Hollywood stars from the original Wonka movie. Larry Rosenberg, Associate Producer of The Chocolate Expo and owner of Bacon Bites, talks with Nichole this week about ...

South Coast Residents Share "Gifts to Give" with Young People in Need

January 20, 2024 14:35 - 18 minutes - 25 MB

After years in business, Jim Stevens realized it was time to make a massive career change, a change that would lead to thousands of children on the South Coast of Massachusetts getting assistance they desperately needed. He's the founder and CEO of Gifts to Give, an organization that relies on community volunteers of all ages to process and donate much-needed hygiene items, clothing, outerwear, and much more. The warehouse in Acushnet is always buzzing with activity, but the need is greater t...

Stormy Seas Lead to Stranded Seals, and a Rescue Update from National Marine Life Center

January 13, 2024 14:35 - 13 minutes - 18.9 MB

Recently, Connie Merigo from the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay joined the show to talk about a little seal named Cuyahoga that was in terrible shape, struggling with parasites, lice, digestive issues, and many other maladies. Connie returns to the show with a big update on Cuyahoga, and the two also talk about how the back-to-back winter storms we're struggling with are impacting marine animals, especially young seals and sea turtles.

A Dream of Harmony: Boston's Young Musicians Celebrate the Life and Legacy of MLK

January 13, 2024 14:35 - 27 minutes - 37.5 MB

Each year for almost two decades, members of the Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra's Intensive Community Program have collaborated with the Museum of African-American History to hold a special tribute to civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The ensemble performs spiritual and classical pieces which complement readings of some of Dr. King's powerful speeches and thoughts. This year's event is taking place at MIT in Cambridge. Catherine Weiskel, President and CEO of the BYSO, and Dr. Noel...

Plant Lovers Thrive Year-Round at the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill

January 06, 2024 14:35 - 17 minutes - 24.3 MB

Winter has arrived, and even though much of the region is about to get a fresh blanket of snow, the greenhouses at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston are still full of lush, green plants! The garden has opportunities for you to embrace nature all year long, no matter the weather, on their 170+ acres of manicured grounds. Grace Elton, CEO of the Garden, talks with Nichole about all the activities the Garden has planned for the winter months, including the upcoming "Orchids Af...

Celebrating 75 Years of Big Brothers Big Sisters Changing Lives in Eastern Massachusetts

January 06, 2024 14:35 - 19 minutes - 26.3 MB

Did you resolve to make 2024 the year you'd get out there more often and volunteer? Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts could use you as a mentor. For 75 years, the organization has been connecting adults with young people who need support and guidance, even just a few hours a month, and as we segue out of the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts say that mentorship is more critical than ever. President and CEO Mark O'Donnell and "Big" mentor Ricardo Francis join Nichole thi...

Boston's "Back Bay Ringers" Spread Musical Joy Through Handbells

December 30, 2023 14:35 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MB

This time of year, we hear all kinds of bells - jingle bells, sleigh bells, so on and so forth - but handbells are a beautiful instrument that never goes out of season. The Back Bay Ringers have had a busy holiday season, but they're gearing up for something big in 2024: their 20th anniversary! Griff Gall, the group's Artistic Director, joins Nichole on the show this week to explain this dynamic instrument and how it's played, and talk about the group's mission to uplift members of the LGBTQI...

The Arc of Innovation: Northeast Arc's Efforts to Support People with Disabilities

December 30, 2023 14:35 - 21 minutes - 30.2 MB

Thousands of people here in Massachusetts who live with autism or other disabilities connect each and every day with Northeast Arc! It's a non-profit based in Danvers that works to link people with disabilities to new opportunities, like job training, social gatherings, early intervention, and long-term family support. Tim Brown, Northeast Arc's Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer, joins the show to talk with Nichole about all the programs and information they have to offer, including their...

The Science of New Year's Resolutions: Why We Make Them and How to Succeed

December 23, 2023 14:35 - 8 minutes - 12 MB

With 2024 at our doorstep, your thoughts might turn to setting one, or several, New Year's resolutions. Whatever your goals - losing weight, getting a new job, setting a personal best in a race, or making your bed every day - it's important to make sure you're putting yourself in a position to succeed mentally, physically and emotionally. Professor Julie K. Norem from Wellesley College joins Nichole this week to talk about the psychology of New Year's resolutions: why we make them in the firs...

Portsmouth Embraces the Magic of Gingerbread for the Holidays

December 23, 2023 14:35 - 10 minutes - 14.8 MB

The Portsmouth Historical Society is celebrating the season with its annual gingerbread house exhibition, and these aren't your everyday cookie creations! The city's celebrating a special anniversary by honoring their neighbors through gingerbread, lovingly piecing together replicas of some of the city's most iconic buildings - and some you may not know about. Kait Smith chairs the event committee for the Historical Society, and she's a big lover of gingerbread herself. She joins the show to ...

From Prison to Prosperity: My Brother's Keeper 617 Helps Break the Cycle of Recidivism

December 23, 2023 14:35 - 19 minutes - 26.1 MB

Here in Massachusetts, almost a third of people who find themselves in prison for a crime eventually re-offend and find themselves back behind bars. Experts say a major contributing factor is a lack of support for people leaving prison, something that My Brother's Keeper 617 is working to change in the city of Boston. Mario Rodrigues and Satero DaVeiga are part of a team that's launched a new program to help recently released inmates develop critical skills to join the trades and give them th...

Cuyahoga's Journey: How the National Marine Life Center Helps Stranded Sea Animals

December 16, 2023 14:35 - 8 minutes - 12.1 MB

Earlier this month, a little harbor seal named Cuyahoga was rescued off the shores of Cape Ann. This small seal was in awful shape and is getting some much needed TLC at the National Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay. Cuyahoga is one of many animals that find themselves stranded each year along the shores of New England. What do you do if you find a turtle or seal that's struggling? NMLC Executive Director Connie Merigo talks with Nichole about Cuyahoga's recovery and how you can help other ...

Could "Anthrobots" Be the Future of Regenerative Medicine? Tufts Researchers Say Yes

December 16, 2023 14:35 - 11 minutes - 15.9 MB

When you think of robots, you may not necessarily think of them inside your body. A research team at Tufts University teamed up with Harvard researchers to do just that. They've discovered "anthrobots", tiny living robots made from human cells, and they say this could lead to major developments in modern medicine and healthcare. Prof. Michael Levin and Gizem Gumuskaya talk with Nichole about their research, the science and ethics of their discovery, and what they hope to see happen with this ...

Hopkinton's "Project Just Because" Supports Families with Food, Education, and Fun

December 16, 2023 14:35 - 19 minutes - 26.1 MB

Almost 20 years ago, Cherylann Walsh decided to make a change in her community, serving residents right out of her own home. That desire to help others has grown into Project Just Because, an organization in Hopkinton that makes sure everyone who needs a meal can get it, regardless of allergies, dietary restrictions, or family size. Project Just Because also works to keep residents safe, healthy, and full of joy through their programs. Cherylann and Erica Solitro join Nichole to talk about th...

Grove Hall's Newest Public Art Project Celebrates Boston's Dynamic Black Women

December 02, 2023 14:35 - 20 minutes - 28.4 MB

Beautiful banners have been installed along Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan. Each banner highlights one of Boston's Black female leaders - some you may know well, others you have yet to learn about. The public art project is the brainchild of Ed Gaskin, the Executive Director of Greater Grove Hall Main Streets. It's a labor of love, and he talks with Nichole this week about how his vision to honor these powerful and beloved women is finally coming to fruition.

"Little Brothers" Provide Friendly Companionship and Support to Boston's Seniors

December 02, 2023 14:35 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MB

The holiday season is here, and while this is normally a time full of joy and togetherness, it can also be a time of extreme loneliness for seniors who may not be able to get out and about as much as they used to, or aren't receiving as many visits from family and friends. Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly in Boston engage with seniors in public and affordable housing all year long, helping them socialize with their neighbors and learn new skills. Nikki Shults, Executive Director of LB...

The Science Behind Seasonal Affective Disorder, and Tips to Tame It

November 18, 2023 14:35 - 7 minutes - 6.74 MB

The early winter darkness is here in New England, and that's got a lot of us settling in for the season. It's easy to sit at home, take more naps, get cozy... but it's also easy to slip into what's called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. It's not just a bad mood or the blues. Dr. Michelle DiBlasi, psychiatrist at Tufts Medical Center, talks with Nichole about what SAD is, how you can tell when you're dealing with it, and how to overcome it.

Disrupting Plastic's Status Quo: the Newton Startup Teaming Up with UMass for Change

November 18, 2023 14:35 - 10 minutes - 13.8 MB

As more companies look ahead to a more sustainable future, researchers are taking a closer look at how non-recyclable materials like plastic can become greener for their work. Xheme, a startup in Newton at UMass Amherst's Mount Ida Campus, has been working for years on special additives that are getting the job done, and could eventually revolutionize how we store substances like blood. Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer Kumar Challa talks with Nichole about the science behind th...

Pine Street Inn's Push for Permanent Supportive Housing in Greater Boston

November 18, 2023 14:35 - 19 minutes - 26.4 MB

The Massachusetts emergency shelter system is officially overburdened, according to state data, and officials say they have to turn away families while putting them on a waitlist. While the ongoing migrant crisis is contributing to this, there are other factors forcing residents onto the streets, including inflation and the skyrocketing cost of housing. Pine Street Inn in Boston has been working for years to create more permanent supportive housing in the Boston area, hoping to uplift those w...

Community Within Chronic Illness: "Chronic Boss Collective" Empowers Women to Succeed

November 11, 2023 14:35 - 17 minutes - 24.2 MB

Millions of Americans suffer from at least one chronic condition, and the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of those illnesses can make it very difficult to navigate the fast-paced world of business. Lilly Stairs is a "serial entrepreneur" who knows about these difficulties first-hand, as she has multiple chronic conditions. Now, she's offering a space for other ambitious women in business to network, focus on their health, and find community. Lilly joins Nichole on the show this week t...

High Inflation, Low Balances: How Much Will Bostonians Spend for the Holidays?

November 11, 2023 14:35 - 6 minutes - 8.6 MB

It seems like each trip to the store these days is getting more and more expensive, no matter what it is you're buying. That's likely to become even more amplified as we enter the most expensive time of the year: holiday shopping season, which is also starting earlier than ever. Deloitte Global recently released its forecast on holiday spending, and Evan Sheehan, Deloitte's Retail, Wholesale and Distribution Leader in Boston, breaks down the numbers with Nichole - they might surprise you!

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A Christmas Carol
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