Episodes

  • Festive Finances in Massachusetts: What We'll Spend This Holiday Season

    Festive Finances in Massachusetts: What We'll Spend This Holiday Season
    Nov 23 2024
    If you haven't started your holiday shopping yet, you are ceretainly not alone. We're getting into peak shopping season, but you may not be as willing to shell out cash this year on presents due to high prices and inflation. Each year, Boston-based Deloitte does a survey on our spending trends, and the results may be surprising. Anthony Jardim, a Principal at Deloitte, joins Nichole to break down the numbers and trends.
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    8 mins
  • Supporting New England's Service Members on "National Warrior Call Day"

    Supporting New England's Service Members on "National Warrior Call Day"
    Nov 16 2024
    With so many veterans facing mental health challenges and isolation stemming from their time in service, they often find they can't access the meaningful connections they need to stay in a healthy place. Sunday, November 17th is National Warrior Call Day, a time when we take a few minutes to reach out to the veterans and service members in our lives and ask them how they are really doing. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) is a co-sponsor of the Senate Resolution marking the day, and she joins Nichole on this week's show to talk about it.
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    5 mins
  • From Visions to Victory: A Metrowest Entrepreneur's Path to Success

    From Visions to Victory: A Metrowest Entrepreneur's Path to Success
    Nov 16 2024
    November is National Entrepreneurship Month, and this is the time when we shout out all our small business owners working hard in our communities to chase their dreams. It's difficult work and comes with a lot of challenges, but many owners say it is just as rewarding and completely worth it. Steven M. Stroum of Framingham has had quite a bit of experience and is sharing his dynamic story through his memoir, "Success and Self-Discovery". He talks with Nichole about his journey and offers up some advice for those who want to start on their own entrepreneurial path.
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    20 mins
  • New Bedford's Fond Farewell: Ruth the Elephant's Journey and Transition to Hospice

    New Bedford's Fond Farewell: Ruth the Elephant's Journey and Transition to Hospice
    Nov 16 2024
    When you hear talk about hospice, you're usually talking about humans, not pachyderms. However, on the South Coast, Ruth the elephant, who's been living for decades at the Buttonwood Park Zoo, is entering hospice as she nears the end of her life. Ruth has been a highlight at the zoo for generations, with residents from all over the South Coast and beyond coming to spend time with her. Zoo Director Gary Lunsford talks with Nichole about her health conditions and the decision to transition her care.
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    10 mins
  • Medicare Made Simple: Essential Tips for Open Enrollment 2025

    Medicare Made Simple: Essential Tips for Open Enrollment 2025
    Nov 9 2024
    Whether you're taking part in Medicare Open Enrollment for the first time or reviewing your current plan, there are plenty of changes that can be difficult to navigate. Renee McInnes, CEO of NVNA and Hospice in Norwell, is here on the show share valuable insights on how to maximize your benefits, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions on coverage for the upcoming year.
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    15 mins
  • "Casting a Wider Net" to Tell New Bedford's Diverse Fishing Industry Stories

    "Casting a Wider Net" to Tell New Bedford's Diverse Fishing Industry Stories
    Nov 9 2024
    New Bedford's fishing industry has been a cornerstone of the South Coast economy for centuries. It's also led the city to become a melting pot of traditions and culture, as people from all over the world come to the city to find their way into the industry. This month, the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is opening a new exhibit to focus on those workers' stories called "Casting a Wider Net". NBFHC Director Laura Orleans and Project Manager Emma York join the show this week to share the details of this comprehensive exhibit.
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    23 mins
  • Staying Cozy on a Budget: Heating Help for Massachusetts Families from HEAP

    Staying Cozy on a Budget: Heating Help for Massachusetts Families from HEAP
    Nov 2 2024
    While the weather in recent days has been incredibly warm, even record-breaking at times, winter is coming sooner than later. Experts say now is the time to get your heating system ready and make repairs, but what if money is tight and you're worried about paying for your heating bills? Enter the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, which offers much more than just financial assistance to families in need. Beth Ann Strollo, CEO of Quincy Community Action Programs, breaks down the details with Nichole this week.
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    14 mins
  • Calm in the Political Chaos: Tips to Ease Election Emotions, Stress and Exhaustion

    Calm in the Political Chaos: Tips to Ease Election Emotions, Stress and Exhaustion
    Nov 2 2024
    If you're finding yourself up doomscrolling until 2:00 in the morning, grinding your teeth, or fighting a lot more with people on the other side of the aisle, you are far from alone. Polls show the majority of Americans are dealing with some kind of election-related stress, and it's taking a toll on us as we approach this consequential vote. Tony Cunningham, psychologist and Director of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Center for Sleep and Cognition, shares tips and healthy coping mechanisms on this week's show, and talks with Nichole about the psychological drivers behind all this animosity and stress.
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    16 mins