Best Pittsfield Podcasts (2024)

1
MassDOT's Sumner Tunnel Shutdown Sequel 10:48

2d ago10:48

10:48

The Sumner Tunnel restoration project has been going on for some time, and you might remember last summer's closure that lasted nearly two months, causing major delays around Logan Airport and East Boston. MassDOT says they have to shut it down again for a few weeks so crews can get back in there and complete a good chunk of road work without havin…

1
Achievement Unlocked: Exploring Malden's Growing Gaming District 13:20

1h ago13:20

13:20

It's all fun and games these days in downtown Malden! The city has been putting a lot of effort into creating a gamer's paradise around the Malden Center MBTA stop, continually growing the "Gaming District" each and every year with more fun offerings. They say there is something for everyone, from the casual gamer to a console legend. Kevin Duffy a…

1
Wired for Safety: Securing Massachusetts' Critical Utilities Against Hackers 15:48

1h ago15:48

15:48

You may not think about your local water, sewer, or electricity department when you think about hackers and cybersecurity problems. Unfortunately, federal officials say they're starting to see more and more of our utilities getting hit by cyber threats, often from hackers connected to places like Russia, Iran, and China. The Mass Cyber Center works…

1
Statewide: A conversation with Gov. Pritzker 50:29

16h ago50:29

50:29

The governor appeared on the Illinois Lawmakers program to discuss the new state budget and his vision for the state.By Sean Crawford

1
The State of Hunger in MA: Greater Boston Food Bank Examines Food Equity and Access 23:26

5d ago23:26

23:26

Food insecurity has been a growing problem in Massachusetts for years, especially since the start of the COVID pandemic. Inflation hasn't helped, with food prices skyrocketing at the grocery store and at local restaurants. A new report from the Greater Boston Food Bank in collaboration with Mass General Brigham takes a closer look at the factors dr…

1
Acton's Discovery Museum Celebrates Accessibility, Innovation, and Summer Fun 13:23

5d ago13:23

13:23

School's out for summer, and spirits are high at the Discovery Museum in Acton - not only because kids are having a blast in the space, but also because they are the recent recipient of a highly esteemed award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services! The museum is known for its efforts to embrace sustainability and inclusivity while provi…

1
Statewide: The timeless appeal of a Lustron home 50:26

7d ago50:26

50:26

The post-WWII homes were produced to address a housing shortage. They continue to stand out.By Sean Crawford

1
Statewide: The lesser-known story of baseball's integration 50:29

16d ago50:29

50:29

A closer look at the American League, which had its first Black player soon after Jackie Robinson debuted with the Dodgers. But it took some teams many years to follow suit.By Sean Crawford

1
"City Splash" Celebrates Clearer Waters for the Charles River 16:13

21d ago16:13

16:13

We love our "Dirty Water" here in Massachusetts - that, of course, being the nickname for the Charles River, which has been infamous over the years for its polluted state. These days, though, thanks to the work of many environmental groups, including the Charles River Conservancy, the water is much clearer - to the point where you can actually swim…

1
One Night for Life: AFSP’s Overnight Walk in Boston to Prevent Suicide 14:22

21d ago14:22

14:22

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is holding this year's "Out of the Darkness" overnight fundraiser walk right here in Boston. It's a critical fundraiser for the organization which works to provide resources for those who are struggling and hold space to have difficult conversations around a subject that still has a heavy stigma attach…

1
Statewide: The resilience of the Beardstown Ladies Investment Club 50:29

25d ago50:29

50:29

The club formed in Cass County became famous for investing.By Sean Crawford

1
ElderPet’s Efforts to Support Companions Through the Golden Years 22:26

1M ago22:26

22:26

Pets of all shapes and sizes fill a critical role for seniors, providing them support, care, and companionship. However, having a pet doesn't come cheap, especially with all the bills that pile up: food, grooming, toys, leashes, veterinary care, the works. Many seniors on fixed incomes find it difficult to keep up with those bills, and that's where…

1
The Cycle of Support: Mutt Society Gears Up to Empower Kids 12:28

28d ago12:28

12:28

It's the perfect time of year for kids to grab their bikes and get out to explore the world around them, be it a city street or some nearby woods. While many young people grow up with access to bikes, not every child has that same opportunity, and that's where Mutt Society comes in to help. They team up with fellow bikers to fix trails, support you…

1
Statewide: An unexpected side effect - Ozempic babies 50:29

28d ago50:29

50:29

By Sean Crawford

1
Statewide: Pregnancy and medical debt 51:29

1M ago51:29

51:29

On this episode, we hear from an Illinois couple who saw the bills rise to a level they no longer plan to have additional children.By Sean Crawford

1
The NAN Project: Saving Student Lives through Shared Stories 10:31

1M ago10:31

10:31

Young people around the nation are struggling with a mental health crisis that's only been exacerbated since the height of the COVID pandemic. Anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts are nothing new to Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and young people are often more willing to open up about their mental health struggles. The NAN Project is working one-…

1
Pittsfield's "Soldier On" Provides Sanctuary, Dignity and Hope for Unhoused Veterans 20:50

1M ago20:50

20:50

Veterans around the nation, including right here in New England, are finding themselves facing mental, physical, and emotional battles as they try to re-adjust to life at home. Soldier On in Pittsfield wants to ensure those who gave so much for our country have everything they need, and that their service and sacrifices are never forgotten. They're…

1
Safe Driving Tips for Trips on the Holiday Road 4:46

1M ago4:46

4:46

Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off of the summer travel season, and it's important to make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top shape as you head on out your adventures. Mark Schieldrop at AAA Northeast spoke with Nichole for a few minutes about early summer vehicle maintenance and what you should focus on for a quick checkup.…

1
Statewide: Out of tragedy, a drive to help others 50:29

2M ago50:29

50:29

Anne King was just 20 when her younger sister Erin killed herself. Today, the 48-year-old Kankakee woman works as a crisis counselor. She is also certified to teach classes for youth, which are aimed at combatting suicide.By Sean Crawford

1
Healing Hands: Doulas and Mass General Brigham Team Up to Transform Black Maternal Health 12:36

2M ago12:36

12:36

While Massachusetts has some of the best health care in the world, there are still stark disparities when it comes to Black maternal health. Mass General Brigham is addressing these concerns through its "United Against Racism" initiative, and one of the methods the health care system is working to reduce these disparities is through the use of doul…

1
Boston's South End: La CASA's New Home for Latinx Arts, Sound, and Soul 14:11

2M ago14:11

14:11

Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción, a community organization in Boston's South End that has been supporting Latinx residents for decades, is about to break ground on its new home: La CASA, a new arts and culture center that hopes to amplify voices and ideas not just in Boston, but also serve as a space to bring New England's Latinx communities together.…

1
Boston's Haitian Community Celebrates Art, Culture and Heritage at TLCC 13:02

2M ago13:02

13:02

May is Haitian Heritage Month, which makes this the perfect time for Boston's new Haitian cultural center, the Toussaint L'Ouverture Cultural Center, to open its doors in the West End. Nestled in Lovejoy Wharf, the Center promises to offer education, information, music, arts, and so much more for Boston's growing Haitian community. Dr. Elizabeth Lo…

1
Statewide: Tribal nation designation brings hope and uncertainty 50:29

2M ago50:29

50:29

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation recently became the first federally recognized tribal nation in the state. The government illegally sold the land from under Chief Shab-eh-nay around 1850.By Sean Crawford

1
Hungry Hikes: Spring Excursions in New England with Marc Hurwitz 34:36

2M ago34:36

34:36

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 excurs…

1
Statewide: The FAFSA failure 50:29

2M ago50:29

50:29

Delays and other problems with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form and what it means for students looking to pay for college.By Sean Crawford

1
Marathon of Hope: Changing Course for the Jimmy Fund Walk in Boston 12:11

2M ago12:11

12:11

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.…

1
Sensors of Change: MassDEP's Plan to Clear the Air in Environmental Justice Communities 7:16

2M ago7:16

7:16

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 climat…

1
"Rare Riders" Helps South Coast Kids Ride Beyond Limits with Adaptive Bikes 15:45

2M ago15:45

15:45

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 missi…

1
Statewide: When hospitals avoid helping sexual assault survivors 50:29

2M ago50:29

50:29

An investigation found a number of hospitals skirt a state law.By Sean Crawford

1
Cape Cod's Crumbling Coastline: The Waves of Change at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge 11:34

2M ago11:34

11:34

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…

1
The Ripple Effect: A Watershed Moment for Quabbin Communities on Beacon Hill 15:37

2M ago15:37

15:37

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 g…

1
Statewide: The legal fight over Black hair care products 50:26

2M ago50:26

50:26

Studies have raised health concerns in regular users of chemical hair straighteners.By Sean Crawford

1
Statewide: Helping children process grief 50:29

3M ago50:29

50:29

A special camp for young people brings together those who have lost loved ones.By Sean Crawford

1
Matsuri Magic on the Common: "Japan Festival Boston" Celebrates Japanese Culture 14:00

3M ago14:00

14:00

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 …

1
Hub of Hope: John's Path of Success, Addiction, Homelessness, and Redemption in Boston 21:19

3M ago21:19

21:19

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 tea…

1
Statewide: The past, present and future of the Gemini Giant 50:29

3M ago50:29

50:29

The nearly 30-foot tall statue has welcomed visitors along Route 66 for decades.By Sean Crawford

1
Deep-Fake Politics: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Election Cycle 22:08

3M ago22:08

22:08

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 U…

1
Dunkin's "Joy in Childhood Foundation" Serves Up Happiness for Vulnerable Kids 21:04

3M ago21:04

21:04

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 franc…

1
Anchored in Excellence: Cmdr. Billie J. Farrell's Journey on the U.S.S. Constitution 11:03

3M ago11:03

11:03

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, …

1
Jacquie's Message: A Courageous Conversation on Breast Cancer Awareness 23:32

3M ago23:32

23:32

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 wi…

1
Statewide: When calls for campus mental health assistance go unanswered 50:29

3M ago50:29

50:29

Colleges and universities have recognized the need, but say more resources are needed to meet demand.By Sean Crawford

1
Zebra Crossings' Community of Care for Kids with Chronic Conditions 17:23

4M ago17:23

17:23

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 …

1
The "Harm Report": Embrace Boston's Framework for Racial Equity and Justice 19:32

4M ago19:32

19:32

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…

1
Statewide: An asylum seeker tells his story 50:29

4M ago50:29

50:29

A man named Victor migrated to Chicago. He hopes to stay and build a better life for his family.By Sean Crawford

1
Asian Women for Health and Fihri Team Up to Fight Period Poverty in Boston's AAPI Community 18:53

4M ago18:53

18:53

"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 barri…

1
Massachusetts Sugar Shacks Embrace New England's Season of Sweetness 12:28

4M ago12:28

12:28

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…

1
Statewide: A journey from prison to a PhD 50:32

4M ago50:32

50:32

After 26 years in prison, we learn how one man is using his firsthand experience to educate others.By Sean Crawford

1
Savor the Hub's Best Bites During "Dine Out Boston" 2024 11:32

4M ago11:32

11:32

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 opti…

1
Lineage Legacy: American Ancestors Seeks "10 Million Names" Lost to History 22:48

4M ago22:48

22:48

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 tha…