In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore visits Spicy Water Distillery in Millbury, Massachusetts, to sit down with founder Barry and explore the journey of turning a passion for craft spirits into a thriving local business.

Barry shares how he transitioned from corporate America to entrepreneurship, the challenges of launching a craft distillery during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the art and science behind producing premium bourbon, vodka, agave spirits, limoncello, rum, and other handcrafted spirits. The conversation also highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, building community partnerships, and creating a welcoming destination where people can gather and celebrate together.

Topics include: Starting a craft distillery in Massachusetts The bourbon aging and distillation process How limoncello and agave spirits are handcrafted The challenges and rewards of small business ownership Entrepreneurship after corporate life Supporting local businesses and the Millbury community

Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, craft distilling, or discovering unique local businesses across the Commonwealth, this episode offers an inside look at one of Central Massachusetts' growing success stories.

This is more than politics. It's about supporting local entrepreneurs, strengthening our communities, and celebrating the businesses that make Massachusetts unique.

In this fascinating episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Dr. Alissa Haddaji, founder and director of the Space Consortium and Massachusetts Space Week, for an eye-opening conversation about Massachusetts’ growing role in the space industry and the future of space exploration.

Dr. Haddaji shares how the Space Consortium connects researchers, educators, students, and industry leaders across the Commonwealth to make space science, technology, law, medicine, engineering, and policy more accessible to the public. The discussion explores everything from asteroid detection and planetary defense to space law, STEM education, and the opportunities available for students interested in careers connected to the rapidly expanding space sector.

Topics include:

Whether you're a space enthusiast, a student considering a STEM career, or simply curious about humanity’s future beyond Earth, this episode offers an engaging look at how Massachusetts is helping shape the next generation of space exploration.

This is more than politics. It’s about discovery, innovation, and inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars.

In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore welcomes veteran broadcasters Hank Stolz and Ben White of the Radio Worcester Network and Talk of the Commonwealth for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of local media, the rise of digital platforms, and the challenges of delivering trustworthy information in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

Drawing on decades of experience in Central Massachusetts media, Hank and Ben discuss how local journalism has changed, the decline of traditional newsrooms, and the growing influence of podcasts, streaming, social media, and algorithms on the way people consume information. The conversation examines the impact of echo chambers, misinformation, media literacy, and the challenges of maintaining public trust in an era where outrage often drives engagement.

Topics include:

-The transformation of local radio and journalism

-The growth of podcasting and online streaming

-How social media algorithms shape public opinion

-The importance of media literacy and civic education

-The role of local news in strengthening communities

-Why context and facts matter more than ever

This episode offers an insightful look at the future of news, public discourse, and how communities can stay informed in a rapidly changing media environment.

In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with the leadership team from CASA Project Worcester County — Executive Director Julie Bowditch and Training & Advocate Supervisor Krissie Shaw — to discuss the critical role Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) play in the lives of children involved in the juvenile court and foster care systems.

The conversation explores how CASA volunteers advocate for vulnerable children facing abuse, neglect, trauma, and instability, while working alongside judges, social workers, schools, and families to help children achieve permanency and stability. Julie and Chrissy explain the rigorous volunteer training process, the emotional challenges advocates face, and the profound impact volunteers can have on a child’s future.

Senator Moore and his guests also discuss:

-The growing need for CASA volunteers in Worcester County -The realities of the juvenile court system and foster care

-Trauma-informed advocacy and child welfare challenges

-The importance of cultural competency and community representation

-The high volume of child welfare cases in Central Massachusetts

-Success stories surrounding adoption and permanency for children

This episode offers a heartfelt look into the people working every day to support some of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable children — and how ordinary citizens can make an extraordinary difference through volunteer advocacy.

This is more than politics. It’s about giving children a voice when they need it most.

In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Governor’s Councilor Paul DePalo to discuss the important — and often misunderstood — role of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council.

Representing District 7 across Central Massachusetts, Councilor DePalo explains how the Governor’s Council advises and consents on judicial appointments, parole board members, pardons, commutations, and other key positions that impact the justice system across the Commonwealth.

The conversation provides viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at how judges are nominated and confirmed, what qualities matter most in judicial appointments, and how the system balances public safety, fairness, and accountability. Senator Moore and Councilor DePalo also discuss:

-The judicial nomination and vetting process

-The role of the Governor’s Council in confirming judges and parole board members

-Public concerns around bail, dangerousness hearings, and parole decisions

-Victims’ rights and participation in parole hearings

-Challenges facing juvenile courts and the importance of judicial temperament

-CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and supporting vulnerable children in the court system

The episode offers an informative look at one of Massachusetts government’s lesser-known constitutional bodies and highlights how decisions made within the justice system can have long-lasting impacts on families, communities, and public safety.

From Beacon Hill to the courtroom, More Than Politics brings viewers deeper conversations about the issues and institutions shaping Massachusetts.

In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Jon Weaver, President & CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), to explore the growth of the life sciences industry in Worcester and across Central Massachusetts.

MBI, the state’s oldest life sciences incubator, has helped launch nearly 200 companies, creating over 1,800 jobs and generating more than $1.4 billion in investment. Weaver shares how Worcester transformed into a global hub for biotech and biomanufacturing—what he calls a “40-year overnight success.”

The conversation breaks down how incubators work, supporting early-stage companies with lab space, equipment, mentorship, and funding pathways to help turn groundbreaking ideas—like new treatments for disease—into real-world solutions. They also discuss the challenges startups face, including long development timelines, high costs, and the need to attract investment.

Senator Moore and Weaver also dive into the future of the industry, including:

-The rise of biomanufacturing and bioindustrial innovation

-Workforce development and creating career opportunities locally

-The need for more lab and manufacturing space in Worcester

-State and federal investments supporting innovation

-How Massachusetts stays competitive in a global biotech economy

From cutting-edge medical research to sustainable materials and future technologies, this episode highlights how innovation in Central Massachusetts is shaping industries—and improving lives—around the world.

In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore is joined by Beth Casavant, Vice Chair of the Shrewsbury Select Board, and Carlos Garcia, Clerk of the Select Board, for a wide-ranging conversation about the issues shaping the future of Shrewsbury.

Together, they discuss Shrewsbury’s form of government study, what it means for the town’s future, and why examining local government structure is about improving efficiency, responsiveness, and public understanding—not simply becoming a city. They also explore how local government works, the role of representative town meeting, and why helping residents better navigate town government matters.

The conversation also takes on several pressing issues facing the community, including the long-running concerns over the Worcester police gun range, the impact of noise on nearby neighborhoods, road conditions and infrastructure funding, housing and development, the pressures on municipal budgets, and the importance of balancing commercial growth with residential quality of life.

Senator Moore, Casavant, and Garcia also discuss Shrewsbury’s progress on Chapter 40B affordable housing goals, local revenues, and ongoing efforts to support schools, transportation, and community services.

This episode offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing one of Central Massachusetts’ fastest-growing communities, while highlighting the importance of collaboration between local and state leaders in delivering results for residents. In this episode:

-Shrewsbury’s form of government study

-Town meeting, town manager government, and city government options

-The Worcester police gun range and neighborhood concerns -Road conditions, Chapter 90 funding, and infrastructure needs

-Economic development and its impact on taxpayers

-Housing growth and Chapter 40B

-Supporting schools, transportation, and youth and family services

From local government structure to quality-of-life concerns, this episode of More Than Politics gives viewers a deeper understanding of the decisions affecting Shrewsbury residents every day.

March is Maple Syrup Month in Massachusetts, and on this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Bruce Hopper of Pure BS Maple Shack in Auburn to talk about the sweet science of maple sugaring.

What started as a childhood memory and a passion project has grown into a successful local business rooted in family, community, and tradition. Bruce shares how he got started making maple syrup, what it takes to run a sugar shack, and how Pure BS Maple Shack expanded from backyard buckets in Auburn to larger-scale production in western Massachusetts.

Senator Moore and Bruce discuss the full maple sugaring process—from tapping trees and collecting sap to boiling, bottling, and selling finished products—as well as the challenges and rewards of turning a hobby into a business. They also talk about the importance of supporting local producers, educating the next generation, and preserving the connection between agriculture, nature, and community.

This episode is a fun and informative look at one entrepreneur’s journey and a reminder of the value of local tradition, small business, and following your passion.

In this episode:

-How Pure BS Maple Shack got started

-What goes into making real maple syrup

-The difference between maple syrup grades

-How a family passion became a local business

-Why buying local matters

-Educational tours, farmers markets, and community connections

From Beacon Hill to backyard sugar shacks, More Than Politics highlights the people, ideas, and stories shaping life across the Commonwealth.

In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Bob O’Koniewski, Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association (MSADA), for an in-depth conversation about the rapidly changing landscape of the auto industry and public policy. The MSADA represents more than 400 franchise new car and truck dealerships across Massachusetts, advocating for the political and economic interests of automotive dealers throughout the Commonwealth.

Senator Moore and O’Koniewski discuss how federal and state regulations—from the Clean Air Act and California emissions standards to evolving electric vehicle mandates—are shaping the future of transportation. They explore the real-world impacts of these policies on consumers, dealerships, and the trucking industry, as well as the challenges of affordability, vehicle supply, and infrastructure. Key topics in this episode include:

• The history of emissions regulations and California’s role in setting standards

• Massachusetts adopting California vehicle emission rules

• Electric vehicle mandates and market demand

• The rising cost of vehicles and affordability challenges

• The impact of regulations on dealerships and truck fleets

• Hybrid vehicles, EV incentives, and policy inconsistencies

• The future of clean transportation technologies

Senator Moore and O’Koniewski also discuss how policymakers and industry leaders can work together to reduce emissions while keeping transportation practical and affordable for consumers.

From Beacon Hill to communities across the Commonwealth, More Than Politics brings you conversations that go beyond the headlines to explain what policies mean for you and your community.