In this episode of Marlborough Minute, host Ryan Malyar sits down with 13-year-old Senpai Gabrielle “Gabby” Amato, a world champion in karate from Marlborough’s own community. Gabby, a student at AMSA, recently represented the United States at the WUKF World Championships in Sweden, bringing home a gold medal in Long Kabuto. She shares her journey from starting karate at age four at her family’s dojo, Bushi Karate Club, to competing on the world stage. Along the way, Gabby talks about her training, the discipline it takes to excel, and how she balances school, sports, and martial arts. Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and inspiration for young people everywhere.

On this episode of Marlborough Minute, host Ryan Malyar welcomes three passionate community leaders who are making a real impact in the fight against substance use disorder and in supporting recovery in Marlborough. Kathy Leonard, Chair of the Marlborough Alliance for Prevention (MAP), shares how her personal story drives her mission to raise awareness, educate, and connect residents to vital recovery resources. Mike Rugg, coordinator for the Central MetroWest Substance Abuse Prevention Collaborative (CMSAPC), discusses the “Talk Early, Talk Often” campaign, offering parents practical tools to start important conversations with their kids about substance use. John Marhefka, Program Director at the Recovery Connection, explains the peer support model that helps individuals on their recovery journey by meeting them where they are. Together, they highlight upcoming events like International Overdose Awareness Day, ways to access Narcan training, and how you can get involved in prevention and recovery efforts. This powerful conversation is all about connection, education, and breaking stigma because no one should face this journey alone.

In this episode of Chamber Spotlight, Michelle Mercier, CEO and President of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Ruth Agbaji, founder of Thrive AI Implementation Consulting, for an engaging and timely conversation about the power of artificial intelligence in small business. Ruth shares her inspiring journey from teaching herself to code in Nigeria to working at Microsoft, launching a successful franchise (Code Wiz), and now helping small business owners unlock new levels of productivity and growth using AI. Together, they explore how AI can serve as a true business partner, not a replacement, and how business owners can begin integrating AI without overwhelm. Ruth also dives into the highlights of her recent TEDx talk and upcoming book, The 25 Hour Day, designed to demystify AI for non-technical entrepreneurs. Whether you're AI-curious or already experimenting, this episode will spark ideas and provide real strategies for future-proofing your business. Don’t miss it!

In this episode of Chamber Spotlight, Michelle Mercer, CEO & President of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, sits down with Leia Owen, founder of Leia Owen Marketing & Business Consulting. With over a decade of experience and more than 300 businesses served, Leia shares her journey from fitness instructor and real estate assistant to full-time marketing consultant supporting small businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and mission-driven organizations. Her work includes social media strategy, website design, event promotion, and more, all grounded in a deep love for local community and storytelling. She talks about her unique approach to working with clients, the importance of digital accessibility, her signature “Handled” full-service marketing package, and why she prioritizes collaboration and authenticity over generic content. If you’re a business owner looking to grow your presence or just love hearing from passionate change makers, this episode is full of insight, energy, and real-world advice. Find Leia at leiamowen.com. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support our local business community!

In this inspiring episode of Marlborough Minute, host Ryan Malar sits down with Lily Dobson, the newly crowned Miss Marlborough who is taking the pageant world by storm! This incredible young woman is juggling college at Dean College where she's studying sports broadcasting, playing on the golf team, and now preparing to represent Marlborough at nationals in November. What makes Lily's story so remarkable is that this was her very first pageant ever, yet she managed to place in the top 10 at Miss Massachusetts and earned 3rd place in the casual wear competition across all of New England.Lily's journey into pageantry began when she received an unexpected invitation in the mail from National American Miss, leading her to discover that these competitions focus on confidence, character, and poise rather than just appearance. Her athletic background proved invaluable. She started golfing just two years ago to connect with her grandfather who was battling stage four lung cancer, made varsity within her first month, and even earned the Dean College coaches award. But beyond her impressive achievements, Lily is using her platform to share a powerful message of resilience with young women, drawing from her own experiences of overcoming personal challenges to inspire others that roadblocks don't define your future.Looking ahead to the nine-day nationals competition over Thanksgiving week, Lily is also planning community service initiatives including youth sports equipment drives in Marlborough to make sports more accessible for local children. Her authentic approach to pageantry, combined with her passion for sports broadcasting and genuine desire to help others, makes this interview both inspiring and refreshing. Follow Lily's journey on Instagram and Facebook under Lily Dobson for updates on her nationals preparation and community fundraising efforts.#MarlboroughMinute #MissMarlborough #NationalAmericanMiss #DeanCollege #SportsGolf #WomenEmpowerment #MarlboroughMA #LocalNews #Inspiration

Our latest Pop-Up Podcast episode features four remarkable residents sharing their life journeys at the Marlborough Senior Center.

🌍 Josette fled Egypt as a refugee at age 9, eventually finding home in Marlborough after 20+ years 💻 Pat worked 28 years at Digital Equipment Corp and now travels the world (including a pre-pandemic trip to China near Wuhan!) 👵 Momoved from Connecticut at 74, still working and sharing wisdom about family and resilience 🇦🇲 Zara carries the powerful testimony of her Armenian parents who survived the 1915 genocide

From refugee stories to tech careers, from family traditions to historical testimony—these conversations reveal the rich tapestry of experiences that make our Marlborough community special.

Pop-Up Podcast visits different Marlborough locations monthly, capturing authentic community stories. Got a story to share? We'd love to hear from you!

Find more local content at wmct-tv.com and follow us on Facebook.

#Marlborough #Community #Podcast #SeniorStories #LocalNews #Massachusetts

Join host Ryan Malyar as he sits down with Ed LaRose, a six-year trustee of the Marlborough Historical Society, to discuss an incredible community project that's bringing recognition to a forgotten local hero. Discover the remarkable story of Sam Boyd, born and raised in Marlborough, who became one of the city's most influential figures and earned the title "Father of Marlborough." From his humble beginnings on Walker Street to becoming a major entrepreneur, Boyd's contributions shaped the very fabric of our community. Learn how Sam Boyd financially supported Civil War soldiers' families while they served, his role in establishing Marlborough's municipal water system which he donated from his own business, and his creation of one of the first electric trolley systems in the country. Boyd's massive shoe manufacturing empire employed nearly 1,000 people and was once the largest in the nation, while his third railroad supported local agriculture by providing direct delivery to Boston. His philanthropic efforts extended to churches, parks, and entertainment venues throughout the city. The episode explores the exciting statue project coming to the corner of South Bolton and Main Street in the future Sam Boyd Park. Local artist Dave Kapanopoulos, who created the shoe workers statue in front of O'Reilly's, is crafting this tribute to Marlborough's forgotten hero. You can support this community project through the brick campaign, with 4x8 bricks available for $50 and 8x8 bricks for $100, each allowing you to leave your mark on Marlborough history. Visit the Marlborough Historical Society website or scan the QR code shown in the episode to donate and be part of this meaningful tribute.

Join host Matty Sargent for this month's episode of Veterans' Voices, featuring an in-depth interview with Sergeant Nic Von Tilius, U.S. Army veteran and Administrative Assistant to the Marlborough/Sudbury Veterans Services Office, along with his service dog Hershey. Episode Highlights: -Nic's military journey: Born in Denver, Colorado, served from 2009-2018 as a 13F Fire Support Specialist -Multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait with the 3rd and 4th Infantry Divisions -Transition from military to civilian life and finding purpose in veteran services -Comprehensive discussion about service dogs vs. emotional support animals -The process of obtaining a service dog through Canine Companions for Independence -Practical advice for veterans considering service animal support Special Feature - Veterans Profile: This episode also honors the Goodnow Brothers (Charles, Theodore, and Andrew) - three Civil War veterans from Marlborough who all died in service to their country. The recently named Goodnow Brothers Elementary School commemorates their sacrifice. About the Guest: Sergeant Nic Von Tilius medically retired from the U.S. Army in 2018 after nearly a decade of service. He now serves the veteran community as Administrative Assistant to Veterans Service Officer Mike Hennessy, splitting his time between Marlborough and Sudbury. Nic and his service dog Hershey are passionate advocates for veteran mental health and service animal awareness. Resources Mentioned: For more information about veteran services or assistance with service animals, contact the Marlborough/Sudbury Veterans Services Office: 508-485-6492.

Marlborough Chamber Spotlight: Endless Energy - Full-Service Home Solutions with Matt & Amanda

Join Michelle Mercier, CEO and President of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, as she sits down with Matt (CEO) and Amanda (COO) of Endless Energy to discuss their comprehensive home services company.In this episode, discover how Endless Energy has evolved from a solar and heat pump installer to offering a full suite of home services including HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, and energy assessments. Learn about their unique approach to customer education, particularly around heat pump technology and available rebates that can save homeowners up to $16,000.Matt and Amanda share their backgrounds—Matt's journey from theater, media, and software to home services, and Amanda's experience transitioning from military service to leading operations. They explain what sets Endless Energy apart: their ability to handle all aspects of home energy projects in-house, from assessments to installation, while managing paperwork and financing.The conversation also explores their commitment to workforce development in the trades, community engagement, and their vision for the future. With nearly 100 employees based in Marlborough, they're focused on both residential and commercial energy solutions.

Join host Michelle Mercier as she sits down with Amanda and Patrick, owners of Marlborough's newest music education center, Bach to Rock! Learn about this comprehensive music school that offers lessons for all ages and skill levels with a unique curriculum developed by the founders of Sylvan Learning Centers.In this episode, discover how Bach to Rock's approach allows students to start playing in bands within their first few months, regardless of their skill level. Amanda, a graphic designer and marketing professional, and Patrick, a Berkeley-trained musician with years of performance experience, share their personal journeys and why they chose Marlborough for their business.Explore the many benefits of music education - from cognitive development in children to stress relief and social connection for adults. Find out about Bach to Rock's unique teaching methodology that ensures students learn music fundamentals while having fun and playing the songs they love.Located at 197 Boston Post Road West (across from Apex), Bach to Rock Marlborough offers private lessons, group classes for children as young as one year old, and even rock-themed birthday parties! Visit bachtorockmarboro.com to learn more about their programs.#MarlboroughChamber #BackToRock #MusicEducation #LocalBusiness #MarlboroughMA