Winter's coming! Is your vehicle ready? Mary Maguire of AAA Northeast has all the info you need to make sure you are ready for whatever weather Mother Nature throws at us this season. She also talks with Nichole about the threat of drowsy driving after the time change, and what AAA's expecting for the Thanksgiving travel forecast. David Waters, CEO of Community Servings, joins the show to talk about their "Pie in the Sky" fundraiser. The organization works with volunteers to get healthy, home-cooked meals out to chronically and critically ill people all over Massachusetts. David has details on the organization's history, and how you can help them with their mission.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local history author Renee Mallett joins Nichole to talk about her new book, "Lost Towns of New England". Did you know New England has several towns that were either destroyed or completely abandoned? Renee talks with Nichole about her research, what the process was like to write her book, and a couple of the towns she features in her work. Joyce Linehan's mother, Yvonne, founded the Interim House in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood nearly 50 years ago. It's been a safe haven for men trying to break free of addiction. Now, the beautiful Victorian needs a boost. Joyce explains the fundraiser they're running, and tells Nichole a bit about the history of the home and her family's mission.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time to hit the parquet for a great cause! ABCD - Action Boston Community Development - is holding another round of its "Hoop Dreams" fundraiser on November 2 at TD Garden in Boston. John Drew, the President and CEO of ABCD, joins Nichole to talk about the event and the many other ways they help those in need around Greater Boston, especially with heating assistance leading up to a winter that's expected to be especially chilly. Eddie Walker, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' Vice President of Medicare product, talks with Nichole about the process to enroll for Medicare. We're in the enrollment period right now, and Eddie has some tips and tricks to make sure your enrollment goes as smoothly as possible.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A lot's been said about the MBTA, but have you heard it in song? Melissa Carubia and Mike Manship, two of the creative minds behind "T: An MBTA Musical", join Nichole to talk about how they put together the witty show about three 20-somethings trying to navigate woes on the public transit system. They'll also talk about what it's been like to bring the musical back during the age of COVID-19. Robin Schell, senior counsel at Jackson, Jackson, and Wagner in Rye, NH, has details on the latest resources released by the New Hampshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention. They've unveiled a new website - ZeroSuicidesNH.org - for anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts, or those who know someone who needs help. ++ CW: suicide ++

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you struggling to find your favorite foods, appliances, furniture, or anything else you need at the store? There's one major factor driving all these shortages - problems in the global supply chain. Professor Michael Goodman teaches Public Policy at UMass Dartmouth, and he joins Nichole to break down these troubles in the chain. He also has some insight on how this might be playing out in your day-to-day life in the coming weeks and months. Michael Cloherty talks with Nichole about his new book, "Abel Bodied". It focuses on a piece of American history that unfolded in Malden - the first murder during a bank robbery! Michael has details on how he came up with the idea, and teaches us a bit about the story behind the book.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Project Bread's Erin McAleer returns to the show to talk with Nichole about what schools are doing to get around supply chain problems to ensure their students are fed. Erin also explains their efforts to pass a bill on Beacon Hill which would provide school meals for every student in Massachusetts. Mahtowin Munro, the co-leader of United American Indians of New England, shares the Indigenous perspective when it comes to Columbus Day. Mahtowin also has details on legislation Indigenous groups are working on to promote equity for Native Americans in Massachusetts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reverend Willie Bodrick II recently was installed as the new senior pastor at the historic Twelfth Baptist Church in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood. Nichole spoke with the Reverend about his vision for the future of the church, and the work the church is doing to help the community navigate through the coronavirus pandemic. Mike Keiley, Adoption Director at the MSPCA, offers up some tips for those who might be looking to adopt a shelter dog - how much time you should allow the pup to get acquainted, the process of making the right match, and what you should be looking for in your future furry family member.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who doesn't love a donut? Pastry chef Dee Steffen Chinn of Big Heart Hospitality has all the details on this year's "Rise and Rumble" contest, which pits top pastry chefs against each other to create an intricate, tasty masterpiece. She also talks with Nichole about her creative, but busy, job coming up with fascinating desserts for one of Boston's hottest restaurant groups. Sam Potrykus and Jay Hunt from the Dorchester Art Project chat with Nichole about their "Tiny DAP Concerts", which focus on intimate performances with Black and brown artists from around the city of Boston. Sam also talks about the other amenities DAP has for artists of all kinds.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Julie LaFontaine, Executive Director at The Open Door food pantry in Gloucester, talks with Nichole about their recent decision to offer online ordering for their patrons. Julie also explains how the pandemic affected Cape Ann families when it comes to food insecurity, and how people can help them keep supplies going to people who need them. Dr. Bonnie Bertolaet, the Executive Director of the Science Club for Girls in Cambridge, shares what Season 3 of their "SCFG Live" show has in store. She also talks about the Club's mission to connect girls in under-represented communities with mentors in STEM fields.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marc Hurwitz returns to the show to chat with Nichole about the latest in the Massachusetts restaurant industry. Which restaurants are closing their doors? How do restaurant owners plan on handling colder weather with the Delta, Lambda and Mu variants of COVID-19 still prevalent? Marc also offers his recommendations for the best spots in northern New England to leaf peep, quality spots to grab a cider donut, and all you need to know to start hiking with the local Appalachian Mountain Club.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.