This episode is Part 1 of a two-part deep dive into recycling, sustainability, and integrating zero-waste policies into our everyday lives. Jeremy Gregory, the Executive Director of the MIT Climate and Sustainability Consortium, joins Nichole to explain the history and details of the recycling systems we rely on. The two also break down teachings many of us learned as kids about recycling, and how it actually applies now in the 21st century. They also discuss best practices for individuals and companies to ensure recyclable material finds a second life. Officer Nancy Bersani of Milton Animal Control explains the troubles they're dealing with as they try to get a new animal shelter built. Supply chain problems, high costs of lumber, and other factors mean the project's had to be delayed, but a new building is sorely needed to keep the animals safe and enriched during their stay.

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Dr. Tamar Barlam, Chief of the Section of Infectious Diseases at Boston Medical Center, joins Nichole to talk about the effects of the coronavirus, specifically the omicron variant, on the Massachusetts health care system. She also answers questions about when you should test for the virus, the best type of mask you can wear, and when we might be starting to see the decline of the omicron variant in Massachusetts. Tanisha Sullivan, President of the Boston NAACP, recently launched her candidacy for Secretary of the Commonwealth. She's up against Secretary Bill Galvin, who also announced he's running for a record eighth term. Tanisha talks about her background and her priorities for the role if she wins election.

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Shon Rainford, Director of the Worcester Regional Food Hub, joins Nichole on the show to talk about the Hub's new headquarters that's being built out in Union Station. The Hub works with 1500+ local farmers and producers in Central Massachusetts to connect residents and restaurants with healthy, fresh local food. They also offer kitchen space to those who want to start their own career in the restaurant industry. Janet Seckel-Cerrotti, Executive Director of FriendshipWorks in Boston, talks with Nichole about their efforts to connect volunteers of all ages with seniors in Greater Boston in hopes of reducing social isolation. FriendshipWorks offers all kinds of programs for seniors, including pet and music therapy, all for free!

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Former Boston radio personality Danielle Murr joins Nichole to talk about two non-profits she's working with, now that she's left the mic full-time: Behind You Inc., which provides support for food service workers struggling with financial instability, and Blue's Bridge, Danielle's foundation that is dedicated to rescuing animals, healing them, and finding them forever homes. Ronald Braunstein and Caroline Whiddon of the Me2/ Orchestra join the show to talk about their efforts to provide a safe, stigma-free place for musicians to practice and perform their art. They also have details about their upcoming stigma-free show at Boston's Symphony Hall, where everyone is invited to take in the music as they are.

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Dr. Eric Dickson, President and CEO of UMass Memorial Medical Center, talks with Nichole about all things COVID as we enter the new year. Dr. Dickson answers questions about the Omicron variant and everything that comes along with it: testing, vaccine mandates, the impact of the virus on people who are disabled and immunocompromised, how health care workers are dealing with the strain on hospitals, and much more.

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Sometimes the best gift for the holidays is the one that was made by someone who lives just down the road. The Society for Arts and Crafts in Boston is holding its annual "CraftBoston Holiday" juried craft show, but this year, it's all virtual! Brigitte Martin, Executive Director of the Society, chats with Nichole about the artists they work with, the stories that art can tell, and how you can find the perfect gift (either for yourself, or someone else). The holidays aren't full of cheer for everyone, especially now that we're dealing with another surge of COVID-19. Dr. David Brendel, a psychiatrist from Belmont, returns to the show to talk with Nichole about factors that make the holidays a difficult time for people, including family troubles, toxic relationships, and COVID concerns.

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Energy prices are on the rise, and the worst of winter hasn't even hit yet. Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, the Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space for the City of Boston, joins Nichole to talk about the Hub's "Community Choice" electricity program. The City works with outside vendors to connect Boston residents with affordable electricity, which, depending on the program chosen, can consist of 100% renewable energy. Aubrey Conquergood, Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Boston, returns to the show for an update on the non-profit's efforts to provide families in need with seasonally-appropriate clothing for children. Aubrey also has details on Cradles' new "Resilience Fund" to help families especially hard-hit by COVID-19.

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Billions of dollars could be on the way in infrastructure funding for Massachusetts, and New England as a whole. Dan McNichol and Bill Goodrich have spent decades advocating for, and directly working to build, better infrastructure around the country. They talk with Nichole about what exactly constitutes infrastructure, what this money could mean for projects in our area, and some of the potential roadblocks to getting these upgrades done. Bill Hanney, the owner of the North Shore Music Theater, joins Nichole to talk about a big anniversary for their annual production of "A Christmas Carol". Bill explains how the intricate production comes together, and how the theater is working to protect the actors, and the audience, from a resurgence of COVID-19.

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Ruthzee Louijeune of Boston's Mattapan neighborhood was recently elected to one of the city's four City Councilor-At-Large seats. She's the first Haitian-American to serve in the role. Ruthzee joins Nichole to share the story of her life growing up in the Hub and lay out her priorities for her time on the Council. Jeremy Burton, the Executive Director of the Boston Jewish Community Relations Council, talks with Nichole about the history of Hanukkah, which is underway this week. He also discusses what it's like trying to celebrate during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how Jewish groups are using this year's holiday to shine a light on recent anti-Semitic events around the world.

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The holidays are a time when many of us want to contribute to help those in need. The Greater Boston Food Bank is working hard to do that all year long, especially as the region struggles with inflation and COVID-19. Catherine Drennan Lynn, the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the Food Bank, talks with Nichole about their efforts to make sure everyone who needs a meal can get one, and how you can help keep Massachusetts residents fed. Thanksgiving is a big time of year for those living in Plymouth! Lea Filson, the President and CEO of See Plymouth, joins Nichole to talk about new research that's being done to learn more about the story of the Pilgrims' landing in 1620, and the celebrations that are planned to mark the holiday in "America's Hometown".

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