Podcast
Lights, camera, action — and more: Black box theater at Holyoke Media becomes a forum for the arts and other events
By STEVE PFARRERStaff Writer Musicians are always looking for another venue to play. Actors and playwrights search for a new place to stage a show. Dancers want another floor to move on. At Holyoke Media, they all can find room. The independent, nonprofit...
Podcast: Jonathan Jenner and Hope on the Western Mass Asylum Support Network
In continuation of Luis Fieldman’s “Seeking Asylum in Western Mass” series, part 2 of the series explores those in the region who are helping asylum seekers settle in western Massachusetts. Jonathan Jenner, a founder of the Western Massachusetts...
Podcast: Seeking Asylum in Western Mass Part 1, fleeing violence to arrive
Staff writer Luis Fieldman speaks about the first part of his three-part series on asylum seekers coming to Western Mass. This part focuses on the stories of Ramon and Santiago, whose names we changed to protect their identities as they escaped violence in their home...
Podcast: Coronavirus preparations in the Valley discussed by Chris Goudreau
Valley Advocate Associate Editor Chris Goudreau speaks with Editor Dave Eisenstadter about local preparations for the coronavirus in the Pioneer Valley, based on reporting he did speaking with hospitals, municipalities, and individuals. In the time since this podcast...
Podcast: Chris Goudreau on the end of free recycling in Western Mass
Since China has stopped accepting much of the United States’ recycling, many communities have had to pay to have their recyclables hauled away. Western Mass has been spared that up to now, but beginning July 1 that will change. Writer Chris Goudreau speaks about...
Podcast: David Brule on River Stories series about local Native history and culture
David Brule, president of the Nolumbeka Project, based in Greenfield, speaks about a series focusing on Native Americans in the Valley. The series, which will consist of about a dozen events, is in part a response to this year’s Plymouth 400 observance, which is...
Podcast: Chris Goudreau on local independent record labels
Writer Chris Goudreau wrote a recent piece on local independent record labels in the Valley. Those include Feeding Tube Records in Florence, Disques de Lapin in Brattleboro, and Rub Wrongways Records in Northampton. Listen here: You can hear more of the Valley...
Podcast: Pete Redington on guns in the Valley
Writer Pete Redington talks about his recent article about gun owners in the Valley and about how people on opposite sides of the gun issue rarely speak to one another. Listen here: You can hear more of the Valley Advocate’s podcasts...
Podcast: Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa on the ROE Act and expansion of abortion rights
A co-sponsor of the ROE Act, aimed at expanding abortion rights in Massachusetts, Northampton state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa talks about the legislation, what it does, and how likely it might be to pass during this session. Sabadosa was one of the people who spoke to...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: Man bites dog … while naked and on meth
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about a man biting a dog while on meth, a new CVS-receipt-based scarf, and a mystery nonhuman...
Podcast: Chris Goudreau on Ranked-Choice Voting
Chris Goudreau recently wrote an Advocate cover story on the possibility that ranked-choice voting could be adopted in Massachusetts for the 2022 elections. He talks about both state and local efforts to pass the voting system. Listen here: You can hear more of the...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: Be your own farm
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about being your own farm in a dystopian future, generous burglars, and the danger of...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: A burglar’s Christmas surprise, a bald eagle vs. an octopus, and the Valley’s best public bathrooms
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about a burglar’s Christmas surprise, a bald eagle vs. an octopus, and the...
Podcast: Former Ninja Turtles artist Eric Talbot on becoming a tattoo artist
Eric Talbot, of Easthampton, was an artist drawing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for more than 30 years. Now he works at Oxbow Tattoo as a tattoo artist. He (along with his tattoo mentor, Tyler Chaney) speaks with editor Dave Eisenstadter about the transition and...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: What is art, anyway?
A performance artist eats a $120,000 banana, and then another performance artist writes “Epstien (sic) didn’t kill himself” in lipstick on the wall where the banana used to be. Those stories are among this week’s weird news stories discussed by...
Podcast: Steve Pfarrer discusses historical fiction writers of the Valley
Valley Advocate writer Steve Pfarrer discusses his recent story about historical fiction writers in the Valley with editor Dave Eisenstadter. Writers Pfarrer talked to include David Gillham, Susanne Dunlap, Serena Burdick, and Gita Trelease. Listen here: You can hear...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: A hellish marriage proposal, a belligerent pig on live TV, and an epic use of a narwhal tusk
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about a hellish marriage proposal, a belligerent pig on live TV, and an epic use of a narwhal...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: An intruder beaten up by an 82-year-old woman, brother sister bonding, and illegal bologna
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about an intruder beaten up by an 82-year-old woman, brother sister bonding, and illegal...
Podcast: Peter Stilla speaks about psychedelics and legalization
Peter Stilla wrote the recent Advocate cover story “The Return Trip: Psychedelics may come back from the abyss of illegality” looking at how mushrooms, LSD, and mescaline may be poised to be legalized for certain uses. He also speaks about how the drugs...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: Dung made into booze, a terrible anti-meth campaign, and a 43-year-old Twinkie
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about dung made into booze, a terrible anti-meth campaign, and a 43-year-old Twinkie. Listen...
Podcast: Javier Luengo-Garrido of ACLU Massachusetts on Greenfield’s Safe City vote
Javier Luengo-Garrido, coordinator of the Immigrant Protection Project for ACLU Massachusetts speaks about Greenfield’s recent city-wide vote to pass a Safe City Ordinance to uphold immigrant rights in the community of Greenfield. He also talks about what is...
Bizarro Brief Podcast: Turkey attacks in New Jersey, a mac-and-cheese turkey recipe, a gender reveal gone wrong
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about New Jersey turkey attacks, a mac-and-cheese dry rub turkey recipe, and a gender reveal...
Podcast: Bassist Avery Sharpe talks about his piece ‘400’
Avery Sharpe, a jazz musician and historian, has produced an album called “400: An African American Musical Portrait,” which he and his band will perform at UMass later this month. He speaks with editor Dave Eisenstadter about his music and interest in...
Podcast: Gena Mangiaratti talks about ghost investigation with Agawam Paranormal
Gena Mangiaratti accompanied a team of paranormal investigators to find ghosts in the Josiah Day House in West Springfield and wrote about it for our Halloween edition. Hear her thoughts on the paranormal and the individuals who seek out life beyond. Listen here: You...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: A really scary house, a cautionary tale for hit men, Elf on a Shelf cereal
The Halloween edition of weird news with Dave and Trumpy. Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about a scary house you don’t...
Podcast: Chris Goudreau on young activists in the Valley
Advocate Associate Editor Chris Goudreau talks about his recent story speaking with young activists in the Valley dedicated to causes including gun control, homeless rights advocacy, and climate change. Listen here: You can hear more of the Valley Advocate’s podcasts...
Sessions Podcast: Anders Warringer
Anders Warringer performs eclectic acoustic originals with a side of absurdity. For the video recording of this session, as well as over 100 other sessions performances, go to sessions.valleyadvocate.com. Listen here: You can hear more of the Valley Advocate’s...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: What’s your dying wish?
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Learn this week about a dead practical jokester, the global organization controlling yellow...
Podcast: Julia Clark on her post-transition return to music
Musician Julia Clark underwent a transition from male to female and gave up music for a long time because she believed no one would take her seriously, as reported by a recent story by Jennifer Levesque. After a period of homelessness and other difficult life...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: Dangerous Cheetos, TP wedding dresses, and animal crises
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Learn this week about dangerous Cheetos, TP wedding dresses, and animal crises. Listen here: You...
Podcast: Luis Fieldman on Club Castaway strip club’s LGBTQ-friendly policies
Writer Luis Fieldman wrote the Advocate’s cover story on Whately strip club Castaway, and it’s reopening with some new policies, including having male and queer-identified dancers, lesbian nights, and transgender performers. Listen here: You can hear more...
Sessions Podcast: Among the Acres
Among The Acres combine folk-rock, pop, and Americana with lush vocal harmonies. For the video recording of this session, as well as over 100 other sessions performances, go to sessions.valleyadvocate.com. Listen: You can hear more of the Valley Advocate’s podcasts...
Podcast: Chris Goudreau talks about gas pipeline projects and the dangers of natural gas
Advocate Associate Editor Chris Goudreau wrote about how gas explosions last year in eastern Massachusetts have affected gas pipeline activism locally. He speaks to editor Dave Eisenstadter about the perspectives of the people he spoke with for the article and what...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: Scamming the scammers, a date gone horribly wrong, drinking a drink with your own toe in it
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Learn this week about scamming the scammers, a date gone horribly wrong, and drinking a drink with...
Sessions Podcast – Ali Kat and the Revelators
Ali Kat and the Revelators perform rocking funk and soul with sax, guitars, and high energy vocals. For the video recording of this session, as well as over 100 other sessions performances, go to sessions.valleyadvocate.com. Listen here: You can hear more of the...
Podcast: Truck Stop Troubadours front-man Brian Chicoine on his music and a recent health scare
Columnist Jennifer Levesque speaks to Truck Stop Troubadours front-man Brian Chicoine about his music and a recent health scare. He also talks about an upcoming show at Poor Richard’s in Chicopee. Listen here: You can hear more of the Valley Advocate’s podcasts...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: Disappointing attendance at Area 51 raid, a nonexistent flatulence competition, and biting a camel in self defense
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Learn this week about disappointing attendance at Area 51 raid, a nonexistent flatulence...
Sessions podcast: Amber Belle
Amber Belle is a singer-songwriter with a honey toned voice who performs original folk and country music. For the video recording of this session, as well as over 100 other sessions performances, go to sessions.valleyadvocate.com. Listen here: You can hear more of the...
Podcast: Steve Pfarrer on David Berman and his ties to the Valley
Musician and poet David Berman, who was a part of the UMass Amherst MFA program and went on to front the music group Silver Jews, committed suicide last month. Steve Pfarrer wrote about his ties to the Valley and those that remember Berman and his music and writing....
Sessions Podcast: Jake Klar
Jake Klar is a local artist who performs folk and blues music with a poetic sensibility. For the video recording of this session, as well as over 100 other sessions performances, go to sessions.valleyadvocate.com. Listen here: You can hear more of the Valley...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: Explosive bull semen, beating an elevator up a building, stuffed Cheez-It pizza
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Learn this week about explosive bull semen, beating an elevator up a building, and stuffed...
Podcast: Gena Mangiaratti on student-teacher sexual relationships in Massachusetts
Gena Mangiaratti speaks about her Advocate cover story in which she spoke with Gina Rose Napolitano, a young woman who says she engaged in a sexual relationship with a teacher at her school. The relationship had consequences that affected her mental health, she said....
Valley Advocate Sessions Podcast: OroborO
OroborO combines experimental rock with punk, metal, and mathy riffs. For the video recording of this session, as well as over 100 other sessions performances, go to sessions.valleyadvocate.com.
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: Awful gun testing, robot priests, and a poop knife
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about awful gun testing, robot priests, and a poop knife. Listen here: You can hear more of...
Podcast: The consequences of working third shift
Editorial intern Jonathan Kermah talks about the night shift, both from his own perspective working nights at a local gas station as well as speaking with first responders and a sleep expert. His article on the topic can be found here. Listen here: You can hear more...
Valley Advocate Sessions Podcast – Blame Cadence
Blame Cadence is a one woman chorus of looped soulful a cappella pop. For the video version of this performance, go to sessions.valleyadvocate.com.
Podcast: A victory against residential pipelines
Longmeadow resident and activist Michele Marantz was interviewed in the Advocate story “Longmeadow voters say no to gas pipeline project in residential neighborhood,” about her community group, which managed to get a zoning bylaw passed that could halt a...
Podcast: Chris Goudreau on Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno’s absence from marginalized communities
In a piece looking at the upcoming mayoral election in Springfield, writer Chris Goudreau interviewed Mayor Domenic Sarno’s challengers as well as leaders in the activist community. Sarno himself declined an interview. Goudreau speaks about what he learned...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: Peed on peas, moose meat solicitation, and a dirty diaper assault
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about peed on peas, moose meat solicitation, and a dirty diaper assault. Listen here: You can...
Introducing the Valley Advocate Sessions Podcast – Home Body
Home Body is an electro fever-pop, new wave and experimental pop duo. They recently released their new record, Spiritus, which can be found on their website. For the video version of this performance, go to sessions.valleyadvocate.com. Listen here: You can hear more...
Podcast: Lauren Simonds on small business in the world of big cannabis
Lauren Simonds returns to the Valley Advocate podcast to talk about the challenges small businesses face now that big companies have become operational in the Massachusetts cannabis market. Read her full article here. Listen: You can hear more of the Valley Advocate’s...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: Falling bears, dumb beverages, and a septic tank lightning strike
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about falling bears, dumb beverages, and a septic tank lightning strike. You can hear more of...
Podcast: Shutesbury rapper Chris Focus on finding hip-hop by accident
Audio intern Jonathan Kermah interviews 21-year-old Shutesbury rapper Chris Focus about his start as an artist, his evolution, Rosebud Creatives, and more. Listen here: You can hear more of the Valley Advocate’s podcasts at https://anchor.fm/valley-advocate, on Apple...
Podcast: Alula Shields talks about banning plastic straws in Northampton
Alula Shields has been collecting signatures to establish a plastic straw ban in Northampton by canvassing and through an online petition. Following a story about her efforts in the Advocate by Jonathan Kermah, editor Dave Eisenstadter sits down with her and discusses...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: Loose yaks, stolen dentures, and hair farms for rich people
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about loose yaks, stolen dentures and hair farms for rich people. You can hear more of the...
Podcast: Easthampton artisan Michael Poole on gun violence and potholes
Michael Poole, who owns Blue Collar Artisans in Easthampton discusses two of his major art projects, one whimsical, one serious, which were the subject of a recent Advocate cover story. Since the spring, Poole has been arranging Playmobile toys to make small scenes...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: Seagull steals dog, asking someone out with a bomb threat, and a port-a-potty disaster
Valley Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter and Hits 94.3 host Trumpy talk about the week’s weird news in a podcast version of the Valley Advocate’s Bizarro Briefs section. Hear about five guys getting arrested at a Five Guys, why you shouldn’t cut on...
Podcast: Michael Kusek talks about his new marijuana magazine, Different Leaf
Michael Kusek, who used to be the marketing manager at the Valley Advocate and publisher of the now-closed Take Magazine, has just come out with his first issue of Different Leaf, a cannabis publication. Kusek talks with Advocate editor Dave Eisenstadter about his...
Bizarro Briefs Podcast: How many people are actually going to show up to this Area 51 raid?
Editor Dave Eisenstadter and Trumpy of Hits 94.3 talk about the weird news of the week, including a proposed raid on Area 51 (are there really aliens there?), a mall sword fight using tiki torches, and a loud fart that reveals the location of someone hiding from...E-Edition
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