Local restaurants have taken a huge hit. The host of The 495, Doug Sparks is joined by Purple Carrot Bread Co. owners Alaina and Doug Brackett to find out what their Lowell bakery is doing to survive in the age of COVID.

The 495 is back! Host Doug Sparks opens 2021 talking with Rachel and the teams from Red Antler Apothecary in Lowell. See how this Valley business is adapting and aiding in the Covid crisis and hear tales of pine tar soap and beaver skulls.

On this edition of The 495, your host Doug Sparks talks with noted Cambodian American poet, painter and humanitarian, Chath Piersath.

Host Doug Sparks talks with Scott Plath of Cobblestones of Lowell and Moonstones of Chelmsford about the state of the restaurant industry in Massachusetts as we approach the Covid Holidays

Host Doug Sparks catches up with Lane Glenn, who is both the President of Northern Essex Community College and an all-around fascinating guy.

This week, host Doug Sparks talks with HamdAllah Olona from GoodieKrunch, a delicious coconut snack produced in Haverhill, but inspired by a traditional authentic signature recipe of Olana's grandmother from Ọ̀yọ́ Kingdom, Yorùbá Land, in West Africa. Don't miss this fascinating story.

On the day before Thanksgiving, host Doug Sparks, talks with one of the Merrimack Valley's most well-known chefs! You've seen Brendan Pelley on Hell’s Kitchen, Beat Bobby Flay, and the WGBH Food Fight, and the Chelmsford native is the Executive Chef at Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton. Join us for a high-profile culinary episode!

This week on The 495, we’re joined by UMass Lowell professor Carol Hay, whose latest book, “Think Like a Feminist,” takes a look at the philosophy behind the women’s movement.

Coffee fans rejoice! This week on The 495 hoist Doug Sparks will be discussing everyone’s favorite bean with JP and Lauren, the owners of Dancing Ox Coffee Roasters. These two former professional dancers now run a North Carolina roastery with Merrimack Valley roots.

On this edition of The 495, host Doug Sparks talks mead with the good folks at House Bear Brewing in Newburyport!