Monte Belmonte's Podcast: Recent Episodes
Monte Belmonte
This week I announced that I would be stepping down as morning host at 93.9 The River and the bulk of this final podcast will be me and the listeners reflecting on the end of 17 years of waking up together. Plus some of the same shenanigans I’m usually up to on this podcast. Like drinking wine. Talking to a Congressman. Word nerding and astronomy. But I say to you podcast listeners what I say to my listeners on the air, thank you for spending time with me. It’s been an honor. This is the final week of mornings.
First off, thank you for helping us raise $509,034 for the Food Bank of Western Mass, with donations still rolling in. Congressman McGovern on how he feels after Marching and on the Democrats new leadership in The House An early abolitionist with ties to Northampton who you’ve likely never heard of, apart from her Thanksgiving song. Merriam-Webster’s Word of The Year and some of the runners up. If the Food Bank March didn’t show you how generous a community we are, wait until you hear about The Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage. Port wines for the holidays and more.
The March for The Food Bank XIII draws nigh. We’ll hear all about how hunger impacts our area. Exactly how the Food Bank helps organizations like our survival centers. How hunger impacts veterans. Where health care and hunger meet. And changing the policies around hunger. Plus Congressman Jim McGovern-the OUTGOING chair of The Rules Committee-who will go with us the whole 43 miles of the March. And a couple of non-March related things too. Like words. And wine. And the moon.
Congressman McGovern on the red ripple and on how the death of his party has been greatly exaggerated. The Doctor of Rock, Steve Waksman, on his new book The History of Life Music in America-From Jenny Lind to Beyoncé. We know who Beyoncé is. Who is Jenny Lind and why is she important to Northampton? The kids from Wildwood Elementary providing us with an FAQ on the March for the Food Bank. When to call in the cavalry vs when to call in the calvary with the Word Nerd. Mr. Universe on climate change and Brian Eno. Wines for Thanksgiving and more.
Congressman McGovern on the midterm elections. Is this Democracy’s last chance in the US? MA Ballot Question 4-The Work and Family Mobility Act. A Roundtable look at why so many people, people who usually can’t agree on anything, agree on this. The sounds of Mars with Mr. Universe. Dog restaurants with Dr. Steve. How to pronounce words like pronunciation with Emily Brewster from Merriam Webster. Halloween shenanigans and Pinot Noir with The Wine Snobs and more.
Congressman McGovern on whether or not the Democrats have thrown in the towel for the midterms. Question 4 on the MA Ballot and why it is important for our immigrant neighbors and our farmers. Women supporting women entrepreneurs in Northampton through The Resilient Project. Women helping mothers who are artists with the MICA festival. Oat milk and omakase with the Word Nerd. And heading back into Rose season with the Wine Snobs.
Maria from Sesame Street. She’s coming to OUR neighborhood this weekend. A spooky Halloweeny boat ride on an underground river that runs just under the city of Hartford. The most controversial food word Merriam-Webster has ever put in the dictionary with the Word Nerd, who also offers color commentary with me on the radio of an adult spelling bee. And guess what? That color is blue. Three Sicilian reds with the Wine Snobs.
One man’s obsession with Star Wars has led to a one-man show where he performs all of the first three Star Wars movies in an hour. I’ll talk to that one man, Charles Ross. One man’s book of poetry was picked up from a used book bin by Sheryl Crow, and she used his poem to write one of her biggest hits. I’ll also talk to THAT one man, Wyn Cooper. Plus, we’ll hear about why Saturn’s rings are so incredible, new words in the dictionary and Italy’s grape with a thousand names.
More from the White House Conference on Hunger Nutrition and Health including Congressman McGovern’s post-conference thoughts, what the Beacon Hill delegation is doing to combat hunger in Massachusetts and why Chef Jose Andres was unimpressed. Plus I met a chef to the astronauts?
ALIENS! Did 60 schoolchildren in Zimbabwe see aliens in September 1994? Western Mass filmmakers have made a documentary about this Ariel Phenomenon.
I’ll take you to the White House Conference on Hunger Health and Nutrition. We’ll hear excerpts from the President’s speech and his plan to end hunger in the US by 2030. And yes, a little about the gaffe. I’ll take you to the immersive world of Deus Ex Machina. And we’ll hear about the spacecraft NASA just smashed into an asteroid on purpose
Gearing up for the White House Conference on Food Nutrition Health and Hunger with Congressman Jim McGovern. Getting to know the Puritan Tiger Beetle of Rainbow Beach, Northampton. The science of belly-button cheese with the folks behind the Tumble Science Podcast for Kids. And the dumb phone of the metaverse.
Guess who’s going to the White House Conference on Food Nutrition Health and Hunger? We’ll talk with Congressman Jim McGovern about his long hoped for and worked for conference, just two weeks away. More of Merriam-Webster’s new words. Two new ones from television. I’ll take you to the movies with a movie tribute in a corn maze and with the editor of Children of The Corn. And Back To The Future.
Has the Trump-effect taken hold of Charlie Baker’s Republican Part in Massachusetts? Thoughts post-primary from Congressman Jim McGovern. Let’s yeet the janky cringe sus! Now a real sentence thanks to the new words just added to Merriam-Webster. Our Word Nerd has more. Chef Nef and I eat our way through Holyoke, this time Colombian food. Western Mass is finally taking a moment to grieve our loved ones lost to COVID. We’ll hear about the memorial happening in Goshen. LOTS of shellfish and wine.
Two Juilliard students are trying to break the mold of music instruction and have formed an anti-conservatory, a libretory if you will, on a hill in Gill. Well hear from Congressman McGovern, who has a date for his White House hunger conference and a party that is gaining some momentum. How the drought has been affecting local farmers and the local agency here to help. Borrowing accents for English with the Word Nerd. And protecting Greenfield’s drinking water with the Source to Sea Cleanup.
Rock Goddess June Millington, and her partner Ann Hackler from the Institute for Musical Arts on how they are creating a rock goddess pantheon. Mr. Universe will prepare us for phase one of the female mission to the moon with the launch of Artemis I. What do Bjork and Motorhead have in common? Diacritics. We’ll hear all about from Emily Brewster, resident wordster, from Merriam-Webster. Resurrecting an extinct tiger, Jurassic Park style, and why it might not be such a scary idea. Delicious and cheap Portuguese wine and
Bonnie Prince Billy aka Will Oldham on acting in the most famous made for TV movie of my childhood and on coaching Johnny Cash. SEX! With local sex therapist and now published author Yanna Tallon-Hicks. Her new book is Hot & Unbothered. Arm-wrestling for abortion access. This etymology of the marshmallow and more.
How Medeski and Martin of Medeski, Martin and Wood are teaming up with Algonquin singers and an electric guitarist and our areas greatest taco chef to create a viable future. Nancy Pelosi in Taiwan. Good idea or bad idea? We’ll hear what one of her top dogs in the House, Congressman Jim McGovern has to say. Commemorating the anniversary of the El Paso massacre with National Book Award winning poet Martín Espada. A kids cookbook author with the name Cook. Destiny. The little-known etymology of the word “ketchup” with the Word Nerd. Some esoteric white wines with the Wine Snobs.
A post-apocalyptic Northampton? Rival landscaping companies MURDERING each other in Easthampton? I’ll introduce you to the imagination of local hero author Tom Pappalardo. How Joe Manchin is giving Congressman Jim McGovern whiplash. And The Congressman’s new drag name! Celebrating Joni Mitchell’s historic musical comeback. Taking a look at the first ever unionized Trader Joe’s, right here in Hadley. Taking theater back to the land in an attempt to bring the land back. The final performance in the 30 plus year history of the Ko Festival of Performance. Plus rum.
Summerstock? Taking you inside the Ko Festival of Performance for their final season. And taking you OUTSIDE to Double Edge for their 40th season. A look at the stage adaptation of a crossword puzzle. And a look at the stage adaptation of complaint letters to an early 20th century catalog. The non-image image that piqued the interest of Mr. Universe. The Word Nerd with a nerdy look at summertime words. And refreshing beer that’s perfect for a heatwave.
Breaking down the INCREDIBLE JWST first images with Mr. Universe. Why hasn’t there been a bigger outcry in light of the overturning of Roe v Wade? There will be this weekend at an event called Outcry. What’s happening in regard to the Supreme Court with the Democrats in DC? We’ll ask Congressman Jim McGovern. Saying farewell to a four decade old family restaurant in another installment of Nef and Monte Eat Holyoke. Taking a look at Jeremy Dubs’ Tallywacker. Don’t worry. It’s the name of a movie about to film in Northampton.
Are there analogs between the recent resignation of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and what the January 6th Select Committee is up to? We’ll hear Congressman Jim McGovern’s thoughts. It’s been a wild couple of weeks with the Supreme Court. How do Massachusetts residents feel about their Federal Government? We’ll hear the results of a new poll. Getting nauseous with the Word Nerd. Pet divorce on Heavy Petting. Mezcal and the MCU with the Wine Snobs and a whole lot more.
Unpacking the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Rowe vs Wade with Smith College professor Dr. Carrie Baker. Congressman McGovern on whether or not the Democrats will be able to do anything legislatively to support the rights of women, and on the surprise Jan 6th Select Committee hearing. Looking back with the Word Nerd on the suffix that was launched 50 years ago this summer, when the nation was in the midst of the PREVIOUS biggest political scandal of the modern era. On becoming a US Citizen on the 4th of July with the Center for New Americans. A taiko takeover of Turners Falls. 3 roses for a 3 day weekend and a whole lot more.
Gearing up for the Green River Festival in Greenfield. Revisiting some great memories and hearing about some of your favorite performances there in years past. Mr. Universe on the importance of Ms. Marvel and the assassination of nuclear scientists. Congressman McGovern on why he, as a staunch anti-war Congressman, continues to support funding for weapons for Ukraine. Expresso excetera on the Chaise Longue with the Word Nerd.
Fresh back from the Cape and I didn’t get eaten by a whale! But we are gearing up for the first Federal celebration of Juneteenth and the local happenings in Greenfield and Historic Deerfield. What’s a hyggehaus and why is it coming to the Green River Festival? A Haydenville woman who has become an unlikely organizer for rescuing people in Ukraine. The January 6th Select Committee hearings have begun. We’ll hear Congressman McGovern’s take. Some interesting white to get you out of your white wine rut.
Along with our regular chat with the chair of the Rules Committee-McGoverning with McGovern, we’re Askin’ Raskin. A radio town hall with the Chair of the Select Committee investigating January 6th, Jamie Raskin. We’ll hear about a new jazz album created through the bars of a life sentence in prison. A funeral for whiteness? A new theater piece explores that topic at Double Edge. And ALSO at Double Edge a Harlem theater groups’ exploration of their African roots. Syrah from around the world. On what dogs dream about and more.
Welcome to a special edition of A Week of Mornings, recorded in the afternoon live from MASS MoCA in North Adams. This is Being There with Wilco. A conversation at the kick off to Wilco’s 2022 Solid Sound Festival. On this episode you’ll hear from Wilco’s John Stirratt, Pat Sansone and Nels Cline. And we’ll hear from Wilco founder-Jeff Tweedy, his sons Spencer Tweedy and Sammy Tweedy, and even a distant guest appearance by Sue Miller Tweedy-the matriarch and creator of The Tweedy Show. Plus comedian Nick Offerman-Tweedy? And will Mikael Jorgensen make it from his solo performance in time to join the broadcast? We’ll chat with Mark Greenberg from Team Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and the manager of Wilco’s The Loft. Mass MoCA visual artists Kellie Rae Adams and Amy Yoes as well as our Being There with Wilco winners Rachel Gordon and Josh Hillsdon from Greenfield. While you’ll hear us all talking a lot about Wilco’s new album Cruel Country you won’t hear the actual songs in this podcast. But do go buy the album! And now, A Week of Mornings presents Being There with Wilco.
Getting an early podcast this week and a bonus podcast next week. Look out for my Being There with Wilco podcast this coming Tuesday, recorded live from Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival at Mass MoCA. This week: Reeling from yet another deadly massacre at a school, listeners and Congressman McGovern give us their thoughts. Spending some time with the Indigenous communities still making their home on their land and also making some incredible art. How a Fox News host got a word BACK into the dictionary with the Word Nerd and more…
A conversation with one of the UMass scientists who helped create the image of our galaxy’s black hole. Talking about the continuing drama surrounding the Greenfield Police Department. We’ve talked many times with the Word Nerd about how a word gets INTO the dictionary, but what kicks a word out? We’ll find out. Congressman McGovern on graduating Magna Cum Lousy. What wines pair with Cheez-its.
The Valley says goodbye, for now to a Broadway and LGBTQ icon. Congressman McGovern with an update on the war in Ukraine and on his upcoming commencement speech for UMass grads. Plus some sparkling wines you might want to try to celebrate your graduate. Playing videogames you don’t win on NERDWATCH. Poking fun at Van Morrison while giving away tickets to his upcoming show.
Congressman McGovern makes a surprise trip to visit President Zelensky in Kyiv and gets a surprise from the White House. We’ll hear all about it. Plus thoughts on the imminent demise of Roe v Wade. Is there anything to be gruntled about? Is “gruntled” even a word? We’ll learn more from the Word Nerd. Delving into comic books and the Multiverse of Madness.
Preparing to Meltdown. Our free family music and book bash. I’ll talk with well decorated authors JJK and Heidi Stemple and the creators of the Tumble Science Podcast for kids. Resurrecting an extinct bar with…a dinosaur. On saving The Drake and on what actually killed the dinosaurs. Poetry, pie and pugilism with National Book Award winning poet Martin Espada.
Celebrating 40 years of the feminist theater company that makes its home on a farm in Ashfield with the Magdalena Project. Celebrating the amazing Michelle Yeoh on Nerdwatch. Rats and maggots on Capitol Hill? And not just the Congresspeople. We’ll hear about from Congressman Jim McGovern. Using comedy as a weapon and tasting Grenache with panache.
National Book Award winning poet Martin Espada reading his poetry and being welcome to his new Western Mass neighborhood. A rabid fox on Capitol Hill? And no its not the TV station. We’ll hear all about it from Congressman Jim McGovern. Goat milk? We’ll hear from a local goat farmer about the benefits of goat over cow. Getting your gently used books into the hands of the 3 in 5 kids in Springfield who don’t have a single book in their home. And drinking Argentinian wines.
One of the world’s leading Marxist intellectuals Vijay Prashad from Northampton on what the US media might be leaving out in regards to the war in Ukraine. More with our peace correspondents on the border between Ukraine and Poland, the Cycons from Leverett. Our last chance to maintain the health of the Connecticut River draws nigh and I’ll talk to two folks trying to save it. Orcs! Turns out, they’re real. Oh and there was some big thing that happened at The Oscars.
I check in with my war correspondents-strike that PEACE correspondents. Dean and Annette Cycon live from Poland. Congressman McGovern on the Ketanji Brown Jackson hearings. The first image from the JWST is in and we’ll see it, with our ears. Rethinking Chardonnay for all the Chardohaters.
Western Mass rallies around one of the Valley’s favorite and most community oriented couples as they head to the Polish/Ukrainian border to volunteer assisting refugees. I’ll introduce you to them. Congressman McGovern on the Zelensky address to Congress. The Irish and American India connection on St. Patrick’s Day. Throwing down the gauntlet of Merlot at the feet of Paul Giamatti, who is making a movie here in Western Mass. King Tut’s extra-terrestrial dagger. Cat arthritis and more.
This week marks the two-year anniversary of the Pandemic. We’ll do a little reflecting and a little ranting and a little drinking. It’s been a long two years. The history of the popular Western Mass term The Tofu Curtain with the Word Nerd. A TOTALLY nepotistic interview about a pretty dang cool interpretation of the Phantom of The Opera. Congressman McGovern on the omnibus bill and the continuing situation in Ukraine and more.
The Cancer Connection Bed-In 2. A John and Yoko style fundraiser to raise money for an AMAZING local organization and featuring appearances from Rickie Lee Jones, Valerie June, Congressman Jim McGovern and so many people whose lives have been bettered by the work of The Cancer Connection.
Keep Calm and Carignan? Is this the beginning of World War III? We’ll hear from Congressman Jim McGovern. And pizza restaurant that serves Indian food? Talking food and ganja and anticolonialism as Nef and Monte Eat Holyoke. Gearing up for the Cancer Connection Bed-In 2 and meeting some of the folks whose lives have benefited from the work of Cancer Connection. Tabletop role-playing games on Nerdwatch. And the return of a beloved kid’s graphic novel character.
How close are we to going to war with Russia? We’ll hear from the Chair of the House Rules Committee, Congressman Jim McGovern. The near death of Hampshire College is chronicled in a new documentary starring our very own astronomer, Mr. Universe. We’ll hear from the star himself. If you were to take one supplement every day what would it be? We’ll ask a wellness expert who is retiring after 40 years. How to cultivate a culture of philanthropy and why you might need to take your hat and throw it over a fence, with author Laurie Herrick. The ins and outs of Anime on Nerdwatch. Saving people’s lives one bouquet of flowers at a time. And working the wine floor with the Wine Snobs.
The rise of fascism and the Gazpacho Police. McGoverning with US Congressman Jim McGovern. Microwave Syndrome-is it just the ravings of the tinfoil hat set or something else? We’ll explore that issue via the ironic lens of online theater. Getting better acquainted with Black-authored Science Fiction on Nerdwatch. Exploring South Asian cinema. And saying farewell to a friend.
Saying goodbye to the GOAT. With Tom Brady announcing his retirement, will my New England Patriots correspondent, my Dad, make good on his promise to retire now, too? Congressman McGovern on the drumbeat of war and on who he is honoring in the Rules Committee to celebrate Black History Month. Tasting Coppola Wines and raw milk in the wine bunker.
What does the Bluest of Blue States think of Biden? A new poll on how Uncle Joe is doing in the Bay State. Congressman McGovern on the retirement of Justice Breyer and on whether or not we’ll be able to take a train from Western Mass to Boston. What does the Word Nerd think of Wordle? Why are some of your favorite whiskeys no longer available? Trying some weird whiskeys alternatives with the Spirit Guide. Chinese Hip-hop, Blacksplotation and Big Papi in the Hall of Fame.
Fresh from a week away in Mexico, we’ll hear about some of the shenanigans we Belmontes were up to. Is the John Lewis Voting Rights Act dead? We’ll hear what Congressman McGovern has to say. One of the most well decorated children’s book author/illustators Northampton’s Mo Willems gives us a guided tour of his new abstract art exhibit called Gravity. Are you suss or are you sussybaka? Find out what THAT means with the Word Nerd. And can we make the Yankee Sippah appreciate the grape Chenin Blan with the Wine Snobs.
Welcome to 2022! Sorry I missed you last week but I, like millions of other people, got COVID for Christmas. I’ll share my absolutely not harrowing at all ordeal and talk with UMass virologist, Dr. Mandy Muller, to find out if I’m invincible now! Plus, the last man standing on the floor of the House of Representatives on January 6th 2022 will reflect on the one year anniversary of the insurrection. Plus a call from an insurrectionist. An idea on how NOT to fail on your New Year’s resolutions. The Word Nerd answering your questions.
Congressman McGovern on whether Joe Manchin has killed the Biden administration’s attempt to Build Back Better. The launch of the James Web Space Telescope with Mr.Universe. Food trends to look out for in 2022. A long distance Xmas dedication. A wine wishlist and more.
What does the last man standing on the House floor Jan 6th think of the texts sent to Mark Meadows during the failed coup? We’ll talk with Congressman Jim McGovern. Another failed coup, of sorts, or was this one successful? It took place over 200 years ago in our backyards here. We’ll talk with Daniel Bullen the author of Daniel Shays’s Honorable Rebellion. Mr. Universe’s astronomical review of the new Leonardo DiCaprio/Jennifer Lawrence film “Don’t Look Up.”
This week: why Congressman Jim McGovern's face looks that way and whether or not AOC saw Monte in her Met Gala gown. Weird cows in Western Mass. And on Monte's new favorite wine maker who reminds him of his Nana.
A quick recap of The March for The Food Bank which, thanks to you, was another smashing success. And I think I LOOKED smashing in my AOC Met Gala inspired ball gown for the March. Congressman McGovern debriefing from the March and on the good news and bad news in DC. Merriam-Webster’s Word of The Year 2021, and some of the runners up-including a word McGovern knows all too well and a Bill Murray inspired word? Thoughts on Giving Tuesday. Eating Holyoke. Drinking California. Hanukkah and a whole lot more.
It’s March Madness. Monte’s March Madness. Learn about how people in Western Mass are fighting hunger day in and day out. Learn about how supporting the Food Bank of Western Mass can help them keep fighting. Learn about how racism plays a major role in creating food insecurity. Learn about why Congressman McGovern comes on this march year after year. Learn some new food related words from Merriam Webster. And learn what to drink AFTER Thanksgiving dinner.
About a week and a half away from the 12th March for the Food Bank. We’ll hear what the status of hunger is here in the Valley mid-panny. We’ll hear how the Food Bank works for the nearly 200 providers in our four counites and we’ll hear how a local community college is leading on fighting hunger. Plus Congressman McGovern, who joins us on the March, on a Veterans Day victory for taking care of vets. My veterinarian on how dogs are helping to rescue endangered species. Bit rot with the Word Nerd. Armenian Wine with the Wine Snobs.
A preview of a Cannes award winning short film from an Amherst filmmaker, coming back to Amherst. Why listeners are excited about how Massachusetts is being gerrymander, with US Congressman Jim McGovern. Getting a handle on the National and local elections. TBH, copypasta FTW, amirite? With Word Nerd Emily Brewster. Celebrating one of our Valley’s greatest events Cider Days.
How running is empowering women in war torn areas and how one local woman is running in the NYC marathon to support them. In a few weeks I’ll be walking to help fight hunger but some big news in regard to ending hunger with Congressman McGovern. There are over 400 new words and definitions in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary and one is SUPER New Englandy. Find out what word with Emily Brewster resident wordster from Merriam Webster. Monte and Nef eat Holyoke! A new feature focusing on dining and food justice with Chef Neftali Duran. All sorts of Halloween shenanigans, including Kyrsten Sinema’s Aaron Neville costume. How much Halloween candy will kill you. And werewolfing vs puberty.
Art and equity and moths? Meet the folks behind the new Bombyx Center in Florence. Meet our new neighbors and their food truck in Downtown Greenfield-Cocina Lupita. Congressman McGovern on Building Back Smaller and on charging Steve Bannon. The problem with the prefix “pre” with the Word Nerd. Spanish Grenache. And a whole lot of talk about Dune!
Indigenous People’s WEEK. I talk with the Commissioner of Indian Affairs from Western Mass about some of the issues she and her community are working towards on Beacon Hill. And I talk with Jason Montgomery, the indigenous artist at the center of the HUGE Northampton Arts Council controversy. Congressman McGovern on what he was up to in Colombia and on this year’s theme for the March for the Food Bank. Shatner in space with Mr. Universe. Answering listener queries about the interrobang with the Word Nerd. Zinfandel and its kissing cousin Primitivo with the Wine Snobs and a whole lot more.
A red-carpet movie premier coming to Western Mass and starring Western Mass and the former NFL player and Navy Seal who inspired Colin Kapernick to take a knee rather than to sit on the bench. A glimpse into the cranky psyche of early 20th Century Americans with complaint letters written to the mail order catalog Montgomery Ward. A last batch of winning words for Scrabble etc with the Word Nerd and more.
The second lead in the worst movie of all time-The Room who is also the author of The Disaster Artist which became a Golden Globe award winning movie about the making of the worst movie. A new theme song for and by one of our favorite local heroes-Dave Hayes The Weather Nut. Do we have a rabies problem in The Valley? We’ll do some heavy petting with Dr. Steve. And anticipating the return of my favorite traitor QB.
Innovation, ingenuity and superheroism when it comes to cleaning up our rivers. Meet The Boatman. Division in the Democratic party when it comes to so-called “human infrastructure” and on how to handle the Haitian refugee crisis. We’ll hear Congressman Jim McGovern’s thoughts. A leg up on your next round of Scrabble with the Word Nerd. Save the Drake! For Willie! For Humanity! The Drake and live performance returns to Downtown Amherst. Drinking wine from the greatest of all grapes? And catching up with some old friends on our 500th Local Hero farmer spotlight.
Imagine an amazing maize maze. I’ll take you inside the Imagine corn maze at Mike’s Maze in Sunderland. Nips! Why they are some of the most prominent trash and how we can stop them. Get off your soapbox and get over to the Soapbox Derby in Montague. I talk with the derby’s organizers. Good will and ice cream. Getting to know our neighbors in the Valley through reporter Richie Davis’s new book-“Good Will & Ice Cream.” The Met Gala, falling down the stairs and Italian red wines with the Wine Snobs and more.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in Northampton this week? Will Congressman Jim McGovern bring her by the studio? Drag. Why it’s important and why the return of MISTER Drag is important. Hear what famous celebrities Mr. Drag has made up for an upcoming movie. The Great American Whiskey? Diving into Hillrock. Diving back into the Source to Sea Cleanup. Getting ready for our coordinated effort to haul trash out of the CT River.
Looking back at Green River Festival 2021 on how an Emmy winner wasn’t ACTUALLY there but how a Tony winner introduced a Grammy winner. Getting COVID tested after the festival out of an abundance of caution. Congressman McGovern’s thoughts on the Supreme Court decision on Texas banning abortions. Your cat and the Garfield Effect. Japan’s mission to Phobos. And a whole lot more.
Gearing up for the Green River Festival. It’s 93.9 The River/WRSI’s 40th year on the air and the GRF started out as our 5th birthday party. We’ll look back on some of my favorite interviews from the festival and hear about what’s happening this year. I’ll take you to the weenus of Cape Code to learn about Marconi and Morse Code. Dung beetles and the Milky Way with Mr. Universe. Possum vs Opposum with the World Nerd. Congressman McGovern on the debacle in Afghanistan and his district wide farm tour and more.
A dugout canoe, Alienation and an alien nation, Barbies in the Woods? Some NOT perverted Italians, and mandating masks.
Continuing to look back on the 40 year history of WRSI all summer. Including a look back at MY first year at WRSI, nineteen years ago when I got to play sidekick to one Rachel Maddow and a chat with our better than Frank Bonner radio sales veterans who were with us for better than 2 decades. Pinch hitting for Congressman McGovern this week, State Senator Jo Comerford on “Hey Jo, Whaddayaknow” talking mask mandates and voting rights. Do you remember what you dreamed last night? Or do you remember what you dreamt? The Word Nerd will break down some irregular verbs. Some low-dough Bordeaux and a whole lot more.
This week marks 40 years of WRSI on the air. I have the WRSI origin story with our Creator-Ed Skutnik. Blowing up a dam with the CT River Conservancy. Masks look like their coming back thanks to the Delta Variant so UMass virologist Dr. Mandy Muller is back with the Muller Report. And turning the Wine Bunker into the Whiskey Bunker with the Wine Snobs.
Touring the Springfield Museums exhibit Horn Man: The Life and Legacy of Grammy-winning Neville Brother, Charles Neville. With his son Khalif Neville. Killing off a character in the wine bunker! The memories and dreams of Double Edge Theatre. And what the January 6th Commission needs to do with US Congressman Jim McGovern
Going underway about the oldest commissioned Naval vessel in the world the USS Constitution, with my first cousin Commander Johnny Benda. Scotty Swan’s school of wicked awesome wizardry and the Urban Wizard’s Academy. Congressman Jim McGovern has the week off from the show so no McGoverning with McGovern. But we’ll do some Blabbin’ with Blais. First Franklin State Rep. Natalie Blais. Commonly mispronounced words, a portage parade and Barbera Barbera’s World of Superwine Adventure.
We’re coming up to the 4th of July. “What to the slave is the 4th of July?” It’s a famous Frederick Douglass speech. And one of the main activists in the creation of our latest federal holiday, Juneteenth, will be doing a reading and discussion of the Douglass speech on the 4th. We’ll hear about the connections between Independence Day and Juneteenth. The Trump Org has been indicted what does Congressman Jim McGovern think about it and about the creation of a now partisan January 6th Commission. Tasting red, white and…blue wines? And a whole lot more.
This week I talk with the former Mayor of San Juan, famous for standing up to Trump during Hurricane Maria, about the Latino Scholarship Fund. We’ll catch up with Irida K. the Russian woman who was recently free to leave sanctuary, no longer under fear of deportation. What is she up to now that she’s free? What are the Democrats going to do now that the Senate won’t even debate the For The People Act. US Congressman Jim McGovern gives us his thoughts. And we’ll hear how aliens have taken over the NY Times from Mr. Universe.
Fresh back from the Cape, I managed to avoid being swallowed by a whale but lots of talk this week about the man allegedly sucked in by a humpback. Taking a look at the first official Massachusetts and US celebration of Juneteenth! Meanwhile, what will Northampton do with its police budget and will it fully fund the newly created Department of Community Care? Drinking fortified wines with the wine snobs and more.
An original musical just in time for Pride month, written by the students at PVPA. Now that we are heading out of the panny, is food security stabilizing? We’ll talk with LOTS of people on the frontlines of fighting hunger-including the folks behind a mobile farmers market and our US Congressman, Jim McGovern. Looking back on the 100 anniversary of the Tulsa race massacre, with a woman who grew up in the Greenwood neighborhood and had never even heard of Black Wall Street. Spelunking and scripophilia with Word Nerd Emily Brewster and more.
Reflecting on the one-year anniversary of the death of George Floyd with scenes from this past year’s protests. The Valley and the world has lost another children’s literature giant, just weeks after the death of the Phantom Tollbooth’s Norton Juster, the legendary Eric Carle has passed away. I’ll revisit one of my conversations with the Very Hungry Caterpillar author and illustrator and we’ll hear from another Valley author and illustrator who interviewed Eric Carle at the Eric Carle Museum. We’ll hear how our very own Mr. Universe is about to be the Bill Nye The Science Guy of Pakistan.
Now that the pandemic if drawing to a close, are we finally ready to grieve? One Goshen woman tells her story about losing her mother and the activism that inspired through a group called Marked by COVID. Congressman McGovern on why Mike Pence’s own brother doesn’t want to launch an investigation into why homegrown fascists tried to hang him outside the Capitol. Saving the endangered shortnose sturgeon, and maybe getting arrested with McGovern in the process. Plus teaching kids about growing food and food justice at the same time.
Merriam Webster defined non-fungible token and then MW turned the definition of NFT into and NFT. I talk with editor-at-large Peter Sokolowski. Congressman Jim McGovern on the GOP eating their own and the removal of Liz Cheney. On Chinese space junk, American propaganda and Elon Musk’s SNL damage control campaign. The story of the 1676 Indian Massacre at Peskeomskut. And the story of how Turners Falls got it’s name and how Turner met his end.
Should the vaccine patent be released to the world? Congressman Richie Neal says “no.” President Biden says “yes.” What doesn’t Congressman Jim McGovern think? Remembering the oft forgotten hero, Astronaut Michael Collins. Are you an arcotophile? Find out what the heck that is with Emily Brewster from Merriam Webster. A small business story. A family business story. And a love story-all in one story. This is a week of mornings.
A look at the Western Mass connection to the Oscar winners. Congressman McGovern’s thoughts on the President’s address to the joint session of Congress. A unicorn black hole! I chat with Mr. Universe. A first in the nation hotline designed to stop domestic violence before it starts. What is a “stonk” with Merriam Webster’s Emily Brewster. Cote du Rhona virus with the Wine Snobs.
Accountability in the murder of George Floyd. We’ll hear Congressman McGovern and your thoughts on the conviction of the former cop who murdered him. A Wright Brothers moment on Mars. Mr. Universe and I talk about it moments after it happened. Beer made with fruit. Bread made with Buddhist principles. And a whole lot more. This is a week of mornings.
The incomparable Laurie Anderson and her long time musical collaborator Roma Baran-on the red vinyl re-release of their groundbreaking 1982 album, Big Science. Congressman McGovern-on reparations, comfort dogs, and George Clooney. A double shot of Word Nerd. And drinking with the Wine Snobs.
Irida Kakhtiranova, our last neighbor living in sanctuary in a church is released. Some special performances from Lou Barlow and Martin Sexton. Scenes from her homegoing. UMass virologist Dr. Mandy Muller responds to an opinion piece in the local paper claiming that the real answer to our pandemic problems is Vitamin C. Congressman McGovern on whether there is bipartisan support for the Biden infrastructure plan. The viral TikTok trend that’s dangerous for your dog. Retronyms with the Word Nerd. Heron wine from a wine heroine with the Wine Snobs
Meltdown, our free family music and book bash, goes virtual. I’ll talk with Meltdown co-creator NY Times Best-selling author and illustrator Jarret J. Krosoczka. Short attention span school with the winners of the 3-minute thesis contest. A surprise in-studio visit from US Congressman Jim McGovern. The history of the & symbol with the Word Nerd. We talk about the bipartisan effort to limit the Executive Branch’s war powers. It’s Rose season! Drinking 3 great ones with the Wine Snobs.
The incomparable Valerie June. On the music makers and dreamers of dreams. Dreamer, Lucio Perez, who has been living in sanctuary in a church in Amherst for 3 and a half years comes home. Scenes from the homegoing. And a conversation with Congressman Jim McGovern about the next step for Lucio and for all the dreamers. UMass grad students and their 3 minute thesis..es. And SOMEBODY got their first vaccine
Looking back at a year of quarantine. Conversations and reflections on our pandemic year.The biggest relief package in a generation just passed Congress and is headed to your bank account. I’ll talk with the person who wrote the rules for the package-Congressman Jim McGovern. Mo Willems-beyond the pigeon and thinking bigger thoughts. Remembering another legend of KidLit, Norton Juster. The stange etymology of the word vaccine. A follow up at one of the most delicate spots on the CT River-Rock Dam. The problem with Elon Musk leading us to Mars
Scenes from the first and only Cancer Connection Bed-In with special guests Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, Rachael Price from Lake Street Dive and her musical spouse Taylor Ashton, Noel Paul Stookey-Paul from Peter Paul and Mary, US Congressman Jim McGovern and more all in my bed. And all to support the Cancer Connection. We’ll hear how well the fundraising went and some post bed-in shenanigans.
Gearing up for the first and ONLY Cancer Connection Bed-in. Will Congressman McGovern join me in bed? And are kids still being kept in cages at the border? I talk with the top of the pops when it comes to wine snobbery, local hero Master Sommelier Somm Brahm Callahan. Our own paltry attempt at wine snobbery tasting whites from Italy. Just what is oozing into the CT River at it’s most vulnerable spawning site? I’ll talk with environmental activist Karl Meyer.
Mars Madness with Mr. Universe. Congressman McGovern on MA botched vaccine rollout. Are you sapiosexual? New words with Emily Brewster. A Zoom call with the ghosts of Hamlet. Exploring the convoluted world of Italian wines and meats.
Congressman McGovern is now a main character in this bleak chapter of US History. Hear his take on the Second Impeachment hearings. Debriefing Tom Brady’s SEVENTH Super Bowl win with NE Pat correspondent, my Dad. Hardpass on the performative digital blackface-more words in the latest edition of MW Dictionary. And THE SHOUTY THURSDAY ORIGIN STORY!
Week one of the grown-ups back in charge. US Congressman Jim McGovern weighs in. Remembering the home run king, Hank Aaron, by talking to his…batboy. Civil Rights Attorney Buz Eisenberg. A civil right plea from our neighbors living in churches in The Valley and all over the US. Did an alien spaceship buzz through our solar system? A Harvard astronomer thinks so. What does our resident astronomer, Mr. Universe, think? Bringing a little more transparency to Beacon Hill with the Act on Mass campaign. Don’t @ me or I’ll flex and cancel your bubble! New words in Merriam Webster’s dictionary. Deep dark red wines to get us through this deep dark winter.
The End is Here! The end of the reign of the 45th President and on to what feels like a more hopeful 46th. We’ll hear Congressman McGovern’s thoughts on the inauguration. And we’ll hear the Word Nerd’s thoughts about how weird a word inauguration is and the even weirder etymological history of it. I talk with NASA about how badly we screwed up the planet in 2020. Three delicious French reds with the Wine Snobs.
Congressman McGovern on Impeachment II and on why he’s not sure if he can trust his colleagues across the aisle. The History of Swear Words. It’s a new Netflix series and we talk with one of it’s talking heads lexicographer Kory Stamper. I’ll take you driving with my newly permitted son, I’ll take you to Beer Heaven with Beer Mike and I’ll take you to the Library with the digital explosion of library checkouts thanks to the Pane.
Welcome to 2021. Having fun yet? This week I get Congressman Jim McGovern’s take on the failed coup in DC. Plus lots of your thoughts about it. I talk to a chef who got WAY more than their fair share of bad luck in an already bad luck time for restaurants. And I talk with a chef who went from working with Bobby Flay to making free meals for people in need in Brattleboro. And are aliens sending a radio signal from Proxima Centauri? Maybe something cool will come of 2021. This is a week of mornings.
The end of this wretched year. Some looking back and looking forward. To getting a vaccine, but what of the new variant? The return of the Muller Report. Looking forward to a stimulus check, if one is coming…with Congressman McGovern. To some fancy sparkling wines for tonight. To movie recommendations from Mr. Universe. And to going home to our pets who love us. Or do they? With Dr. Steve from Sunderland Animal Hospital
This week: James Beard award winning Chef Sandy D’Amato on the fate of the restaurant industry if Congress doesn’t bail them out. Congressman McGovern on whether or not Congress is going to bail them and you out. Non pandemic related words that were popular in 2020. Celebrating Xmas with the baby born on Christmas. No not THAT baby, my baby Atticus who’s now 16!
Zara Bode of the Sweetback Sister’s hunkered down holiday special live from…her house. Are US astronauts in an underground base on Mars? How likely are MA residents to get the COVID vaccine? With the Biden-Harris cabinet taking shape, will they appoint a hunger czar? And will that person be Congressman McGovern? Stirring up some love and some stovetop popcorn with one of the fore bearers of the craft beer movement in the Valley-The People’s Pint. More drinking with Berkshire Mountain Distillers. And more more drinking with some fancy wines to treat yourself with this holiday.
With the first vaccine in the world administered in the UK, it’s the return of The Muller Report with UMass virologist Dr. Mandy Muller. Now that it looks like Hunter Biden is in hot water after all, What does Congressman and Democrat Jim McGovern thinks this means for the Biden transition and the Biden Presidency? And what the hell is the holdup in Congress on COVID relief? Meet our golden ticket winner Northampton’s Mark Gryska. Word of the year runners up with Emily Brewster from Merriam-Webster.
Some post-gaming of the March for the Food Bank with Congressman McGovern, marchers and Food Bank supporters. Merriam-Webster’s word of this terrible year, 2020 with Emily Brewster, resident wordster from Merriam Webster. NASA’s new Space Race and a look at this year’s Hot Chocolate Challenge for Safe Passage
It’s Monte’s March Madness! Hear about the March. The effort to fight for food justice. The amazing ways listeners are participating the Incredibly Generous Mo Willems matching grant and Congressman McGovern on why he walks 43 miles, pushing a shopping cart with me every year. Plus, some wines for Thanksgiving. You know, for self-care.
Gearing up for the March for the Food Bank. I’ll introduce you to some people who couldn’t do the work of making sure our neighbors have enough to eat without the Food Bank. And I’ll encourage you to help us support that work. Congressman McGovern on President-elect Biden?
What a week it’s been! I. set out at the beginning of this week to turn and face the strange and scrapped most of my usual guests, with a few exceptions- Mr. Universe on what the scientific community makes of these elections and of course Congressman Jim McGovern seemed like a good person with whom to talk about the elections. I talk with pollster Rich Parr on whether or not we can trust pollsters in 2020. And I spent a lot of time talking with you, leaving the airwaves open for the rollercoaster of emotions that Election week can bring.
With the GOP slamming through a new Supreme Court Justice, are the Republicans a better party or better and gaming the system? My conversation with Haydenville’s David Daley on his new article for the New Republic. What wines pair with Halloween candy? NONE! But we try it anyway. Congressman McGovern’s final thoughts before Election Day. Eggcorn-the movie with Word Nerd Emily Brewster. NASA calling Shai-hulud on an asteroid and more.
A star gets spaghettified. Schadenfreude and fascism. Bidets and fake Bordeaux. And an interactive live action theatrical video game.
Stirring up some love for adoption and salsa verde at the Treehouse Community in Easthampton. Congressman McGovern on the Amy Coney Barrett hearings. The Nobel Prize in physics falls into a black hole. Why racism wasn’t in the dictionary 100 years ago and more.
Northampton and the world’s favorite octogenarian rock & roll chorus and their star-studded virtual album release show. Congressman McGovern on the most famous fly in the world and on what collapsed the COVID release package talks. New math for calculating dog years. The evolution of the word “racism” with Emily Brewster from Merriam-Webster. Hunting for the endangered shortnose sturgeon in the CT River. Alright, hunting for EVIDENCE of the sturgeon with USGS.
Trump’s tax returns, the first debate, and Trump’s positive COVID test. Phew! I talk with US Congressman Jim McGovern and others about all of the insane news coming out of the White House. A graphic novel which may well become the definitive book of your child’s adolescence. It’s called FLAMER and I talk with the author and illustrator, Northampton’s Mike Curato. With Trump sowing seeds of doubt about mail-in ballots and early voting, how did it go for us here in Massachusetts? I talk with pollster Rich Parr from Florence, who’s crunched the numbers. What can we learn from insects to help us fight COVID. How the dictionary decides to put which definition first with Emily Brewster
This week: Congressman McGovern reflecting on the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and about whether or not the Democrats have any way of stopping the Republicans from filling her seat before election day. Mo Willems on his new HBO special that makes you feel less guilty about planting your kids in front of a screen after they’ve been on a screen for school all day. Stirring up some love to support local restaurants and foster kids at the same time, with the James Beard Award nominated chefs at Coco in Easthampton. Do you arrive to a party or arrive at a party? Emily Brewster, resident wordster from Merriam-Webster, lets us know which is more correct. One wine grape that is uniting this crappy world we live in in 2020 and more.
THIS WEEK: Local hero Martin Sexton returns and is playing a social distanced show in a local vineyard. We talk building treehouses and oil changes…and music. Congressman McGovern on the very troubling story from the border about forced hysterectomies. What does he know and what can he do to stop them? Is there life in the clouds of Venus? Mr. Universe and the chair of Astronomy at Mt. Holyoke Dr. Darby Dyar gives us their thoughts. Some red wines for chillier times and more.
THIS WEEK: Congressman McGovern is LIVID that the President downplayed the seriousness of COVID19. We’ll hear his hot take on the Woodward bombshell. Learning about a space created by and for the indigenous peoples of the Valley with the folks from Oketeau. An amazing trip inside a maize maze with the folks at Mike’s Maze in Sunderland who have cropped out the word VOTE! In their corn crop. The problem, linguistically, with “officer involved shootings.” Shooting BLANCS with the Wine Snobs.
THIS WEEK: Thoughts on the MA Primary results with US Congressman Jim McGovern. The Indigenous take-over of a Downtown Northampton restaurant. Do you know what a head cannon is? Find out from Emily Brewster, resident wordster from Merriam Webster who is watching that word. Some silliness with Sicilian wines.
This week: In a desperate time, how small things can lead to big things with NY Times best-selling author and illustrator Mo Willems. Talking with Mr. Universe about Beck’s musical partnership with NASA. Emily Brewster from Merriam Webster on the active voice, the passive voice and peaches. Congressman Jim McGovern’s thoughts on the RNC. And wine and Bill and Ted.
This week: What does Congressman Jim McGovern think about Senator Kamala Harris as the pick for veep? Mayor Alex Morse and the controversy surrounding the UMass Young Democrats and the Chair of the House Ways & Means Committee. Letting Conservative Chuck from Florida have his say. COVID sniffing dogs on Heavy Petting. Dr. Mandy Muller on the new report that bandanas are not mask enough. Conversating with the Word Nerd. What wines pair with…LIVE AID? And a Pink Floyd inspired supernova.
This week: Back from a week off and my first ever COVID test! Is constant testing the only thing that will bring us back to a sense of normalcy as we wait for a vaccine? UMass virologist Dr. Mandy Muller has some thoughts. Congressman McGovern on the status of the next federal COVID package and on his Democratic primary endorsements. Half of my week off was a staycation. Just how old is that portmanteau? Word Nerd Emily Brewster will give us a history.
Remembering the true American hero, Representative John Lewis, with his friend and colleague Rep. Jim McGovern. The President, all of a sudden thinks masks are patriotic. But he still thinks the virus will just go away. Will it? I’ll ask UMass virologist Dr. Mandy Muller. Slowly but surely-and safely-live performance is returning. One show is on the roof of a parking garage. The other is somehow 6 feet apart and all together. I’ll introduce you to The Belmonte’s new cat-Moira Rose. Learning about whales, olives, sharks, coconut and a little about wine with the Wine Snobs.
Is the Moderna vaccine “The One”? The Muller Report with UMass virologist Dr. Mandy Muller. With schools figuring out how to reopen safely, what if your kids just DON’T go back to school at all? One educator explains how you might consider it. What does Congressman McGovern think about the Oval Office’s decision to stop sending COVID data to the CDC and instead sending it straight to the White House. How to make the world’s easiest cocktail-Sangria, with the Wine Snobs at State Street.
This week: there’s no Green River Festival. Sad. But we’re bringing you Green River Festival on the air 26 hours of live music during the course of the weekend. And I’ll show you some of my favorite interviews from Green River Festivals past. Including legends we’ve lost like Sharon Jones and Allen Toussaint. Is coronavirus officially considered airborne? The Muller Report with Dr. Mandy Muller. Congressman McGovern on making good trouble and more.
This week: The families for Black Lives Caravan. A 90 minute musical and educational Black Lives Matter car rally around the Valley. If you listened live you would have heard such great music from Black artists, spanning the generations. But you STILL get to hear Black educators talking about how to be anti-racist. Congressman McGovern on how the GOP LOVES masks, all of a sudden. The origins of the word wanderlust. A black hole merger in a distant galaxy and more.
This week: Indoor dining has resumed in Massachusetts? How safe a move is that? The Muller Report with virologist Dr. Mandy Muller. COVID 19 as a red state/blue state issue with Congressman Jim McGovern. Why one of our favorite quarantine hobbies might be dangerous for our dogs. Are there 36 civilizations communicating throughout the Milky Way Galaxy? Mr. Universe on a recent paper that alludes to that claim. There’s no Green River Festival this year but we’re moving the Green River Festival onto our airwaves.
This week: Black Lives Matter and the movement to defund the police comes to Montague and Northampton. Senator Ed Markey on his visit to Western Mass and on Rep. Joe Kennedy III’s challenging his seat in the Senate. What wine pairs with…sea lamprey. What they heck IS a sea lamprey? Chef Neftali Duran and the director of the CT River Conservancy cook up some lamprey in my back yard. Plus some Spanish wines with the Wine Snobs. UMass virologist Dr. Mandy Muller on the Toilet Vortex. A drive-through graduation at GCC .
This week: In the wake of the murder of George Floyd, how the Valley is responding to the movement towards justice and recognizing the value in black lives. A new teaching textbook on how to be anti-racist called “This Book Is Anti-Racist.” The Muller Report returns with UMass virologist Dr. Mandy Muller. How do we safely gather together in protest without exacerbating the COVID crisis? If Trump is anti-antifa does that make him pro fa? Hear what Congressman Jim McGovern has to say. Still taking requests for the quarantine and a bunch more.
This week: Amherst’s own best-selling author Catherine Newman on how to be…a person. Congressman McGovern on George Floyd and why masks are now a partisan issue. The Phantom of the Corona makes his way into the bowels of the Wine Bunker. Some of the creative ways theater is still happening during the quarantine and more.
This week: How is our biggest hospital system faring in light of Governor Baker’s phase I of reopening the State? The Valley Book Rally-how two local women are making sure every kid has at least one book while learning from home. A ray of hope on the restaurant front-the return of outdoor dining at my favorite BYOB place. How one beer company is giving back to first responders. Are you finna to be thirsty with your Instagram followers. These are now words in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary. The mortality rate for COVID is a little scary but how likely are you to get killed by a meteor?
This week: The Muller Report on PLANDEMIC. And if that statement doesn’t get QANON’s attention I don’t know what will. But Dr. Mandy Muller on the recent viral conspiracy theory video. How to garden…a community. And will that community be destroyed by a nearby black hole! What is a zedonk. Are you getting more stimulus money and some wines to spend it on.
This week: How safe do Massachusetts nurses feel as they fight COVID-19. A new poll just out takes a look. Congressman Jim McGovern on the next, next, next, next stimulus. Virologist Dr. Mandy Muller on the everchanging coronavirus landscape. Mr. Universe’s take on the Pentagon releasing the UFO videos. Drinking wine with the COVID Cowboy. Llamas and Murder Hornets and Tiger Kings, oh my.
This week: COVID strokes and COVID conspiracy with the Muller Report and UMASS virologist, Dr. Mandy Muller. Northampton Pride goes online with a little help from my 12 year old son Enzo! How astronomers lost a planet. Learning to speak Scottish English and some dictionary vindication for Stephen Colbert. Drinking those wines Dr. Oz said would make you healthy despite the fact that Dr. Oz kinda doesn’t care if your kids get COVID.
This week: Congressman McGovern on masks and money. More on whether or not smelling farts can give you the ‘rona. The Muller Report with UMASS Virologist Dr. Mandy Muller. NE Patriots correspondent my dad on the Gronk situation and sheet rock. Should you drink that 20 year old bottle of wine in your basement? The Wine Snobs weigh in with a cautionary tale. Jarret J. Krosoczka on his final installment of Jedi Academy. Why coronavirus conspiracy theory is so dangerous. And lots of great people doing great things to lift up our local businesses and our local people through all of this.
This week: A nurse who was scared to go to the ER during a pandemic but who is SO grateful that she did. The local woman behind the extremely popular Kitchen Quarantine page. Supporting our local food justice organizations on Valley Grows Day. Congressman Jim McGovern on what to do if you didn’t get your stimulus check yet. In a suddenly black and white world, tasting black & white wines. Coming up with new daily QUARANTHEMES to give us something to look forward to on the air everyday and more.
Did COVID-19 come from outer space? It’s not quite as crazy a notion as you might think. Helping to keep our doctors and nurse covered-a fundraiser for our local hospital, Cooley Dickinson Three farms who have teamed up to help get farm fresh food to your door without you having to leave your quarantine. Why is the COVID-19 death rate so high in Western Massachusetts? And when is our stimulus money coming. McGoverning with US Congressman Jim McGovern. A lot of fun with Thingalong Thursday and Rare Request Riday-which frankly is more fun when we’re live. So listen to me live! But for now…memorex
THIS WEEK: The Northonkton Car Chorus and the drama inherent therein. Another installment of The Muller Report with UMASS virologist Dr. Mandy Muller. Congressman Jim McGovern on when to expect our stimulus checks and how his hometown of Worcester is ramping up preparedness for the Massachusetts wave of COVID-19. New words that have been created in the pandemic era.
This Week: The Muller Report, no not that document that proved Trump obstructed justice but a conversation with UMass virologist Dr. Mandy Muller, separating fact from fiction when it comes to coronavirus. Congressman Jim McGovern on the historic stimulus package to deal with COVID-19. A chat with the President of our hospital in Hampshire County about how ready they are if the tsunami hits here. A fun and completely unscientific take-at-home test for COVID-19. The words Merriam-Webster is watching amidst our pandemic. And some fun editions to the show to get us through this time together-that will be more fun if you listen live Thingalong Thursdays and Rare Request Ridays.
You may be quarantined at home but my job means I have to keep coming in and, as long as I stay healthy, I’ll keep doing so. You might be looking for fun stuff to do so I have conversations with NY Times Best-selling author/illustrators Mo Willems and Jarret J. Krosoczka. A parenting guide for local parents new to educating their kids at home. Sage advice from a 15 year homeschooling veteran, my wife. A chat with people two weeks ahead of where we are, quarantined in Italy. A corona conversation with infections disease specialists from Cooley Dickinson Hospital. And, oh yeah, that frickin’ Tom Brady guy left us!
This week: COVID-19 a look at what the Commonwealth of MA is doing with Senator Jo Comerford, chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health. A look at what the Federal Government is doing with Chair of the House Rules Committee Jim McGovern. An idea of some of the things you might be doing if you find yourself suddenly doing nothing for two weeks.
This week: A lot of before-during-and after Super Tuesday chatter. With MA Attorney General Maura Healy, US Congressman Jim McGovern and many of you. NY Times Best-selling author/illustrator and the Kennedy Center Education Artist in Residence, Mo Willems on his new Northampton exhibit “You Are A Gift.” My first cousin US Navy Commander John Benda becomes the Commander of Old Ironsides! With the threat of Corona, drinking Italy instead of traveling there.
Gearing up for what will be the last Cancer Connection Camp Out. I talk with people whose lives have been changed because of their work. Congressman McGovern live in studio. We talk the reemergence of Elizabeth Warren’s campaign and the steady march towards authoritarianism. Talking public education while the world is on fire with one of the smartest people I’ve ever met, Vijay Prashad. Mr. Universe on whether or not aliens are trying to contact us every 16 days. A look at what might be the first example of Pig Latin in the dictionary with Merriam-Webster’s Emily Brewster. Wines from Hungary
This Week: A review of David Byrne’s American Utopia on Broadway. Latin Grammy winner and local hero children’s musician, Mister G on his powerful new children’s BOOK. Congressmen McGovern post-NH and pre-fascism. What really killed the dinosaurs? Scientists now think they know and Mr. Universe will reveal the killer. How Western Mass loves us some audiobooks with the head of our library system. Some Valentine’s love and Valentine’s wines
This week: Iowa, Impeachment and the State of The Union. The Poor People's Campaign in Western Mass. Kitties and Corona Virus. Feb-Rhone-ary with The Wine Snobs and more.
This week: a look at the man who is saving and savoring Southern France with his investment in the economy and ecology or oenology-Gerard Bertrand. Congressman McGovern on what the Democrats are up to now that it looks like the Senate will acquit. What does Mr. Universe think of the new Picard series. What were some of the new words in the dictionary in the last decade know as The 20’s, one-hundred years ago with Emily Brewster from Merriam Webster. Feeding the future world leader with the head of food services at Deerfield Acadmey and an 18 year old running the Boston Marathon.
THIS WEEK: Congressman McGovern on Impeachment, but more importantly with our online interaction with Luke Skywalker. Hooked on a meme-ing-the etymology of the word “meme” with Emily Brewster, resident wordster from Merriam-Webster. Trying 3 expressions of a grape than many wine snobs say is the GREATEST grape
Sorry for the delay. Upload issues! This week: Why is Rep. Joe Kennedy III challenging Senator Ed Markey. And why now? The unveiling of the Cancer Connection Camp Out: Grateful Dead Thunderdome. Drinking European wine before it doubles in price thanks to the tariffs. Matilda The Musical in Amherst and more.
This week: I pulled double duty for New Year’s Eve and went some request. Red blend wines for thee deep darkness of winter. Congressman McGovern on the House Democrats post impeachment 2020 plans. The goat farmers who brought baby goat yoga to the Valley. Is the star Betelgeuse about to go supernova? A few of my favorite moments and interviews from 2019
This week: a whole lotta holiday. Including what winning the war on Christmas would really mean, in a conversation with Pulitzer Prize and National Book award nominee Dr. Stephen Nissenbaum from UMass. A look at the history of Kwanzaa with UMass Professor Dr. Amilcar Shabazz. A lot of Hannukah and even Boxing Day talk. Plus affordable not-Champagne sparkling wines for New Year’s. Does the Chair of The House Rules Committee, Congressman Jim McGovern, have to battle his Trump-supporting uncles on Christmas too? Plus the top astronomy stories of the year with Mr. Universe Dr. Salman Hameed.
This week: The Impeachment of Donald John Trump. I talk with the man who set the rules for impeachment-Chair of The Rules Committee Jim McGovern. The honorable internet Judge John Hodgman on John Hodgman and Monte Belmonte’s Holiday Spectacular-sort of-with anti-holiday activist, Erin McKeown. A LOT of talk about Baby Yoda and The Rise of Skywalker, including Star Wars themed beers. The Egregious Crawdad-more of the Words of The Year with Merriam-Webster. Elon Musk’s StarLink and why it may break astronomy.
This week: Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year-a conversation with Word Nerd Emily Brewster about the word and the runners up. The death of Big Bird. Revisiting my conversation with the late Caroll Spinney. I talk with US Congressman Jim McGovern about how the Democrats may use the Impeachment as bait for further investigations into the Trump White House. Santa’s wine wish-list and why Santa left coal in my stocking.
This week: Did we hit the goal of raising a million meals on the March for The Food Bank X? Plus some highlights from the March. Jarret J. Krosoczka on his fully cast audiobook version of his graphic memoir, Hey Kiddo. Building an anti-racist American history curriculum with local teacher Mr. LR. A new sense of the word “nibling” with Emily Brewster from Merriam-Webster and more.
This week: The March for The Food Bank X. I’ll give you a glimpse into the work of the Food Bank at The Gray House in Springfield. I’ll talk with the President of HCC about how hunger affects college students. And we’ll hear about an incredible challenge match on the table from Mo Willems and his wife Cher, all in the hopes of raised $333,333.33-enough for a million meals. Congressman McGovern goes the whole 43 miles of the March with us. I talk to him about food insecurity, impeachment and the Swalwell problem.
This week: Getting ready for the March for The Food Bank X. Talking with all sorts of kids about the importance of food security, and kind of warping their minds a little bit. Talking with Congressman McGovern about his participation in the March, on impeachment and on another horrible Worcester Fire Fighter death. A conversation with the President of GCC on community resiliency. Emmy-award winning filmmaker Larry Hott on his documentary that aired on PBS across the country this week-The Warrior Tradition.
This week: there’s nothing our local radio stations like better than local elections and we had a pretty interesting one in Greenfield this week. Congressman McGovern with the national perspective on impeachment and also about our long walk through Western Mass coming up in a couple of weeks. NY Times best-selling authors Jeanne Birdsall and Jane Dyer on their serendipitous friendship and unlikely collaboration. Cannabis and your pets with Dr. Steve. One of the coolest things in the Universe-the blue straggler. Sounds like a Tom Waits song. Exploring the Nebbiolo grape from Piemonte
This week: Congressman McGovern has marked up the rules of Impeachment. His thought on what happens next in the process. All sorts of Halloween fun including psychic medium Rebecca Anne LoCicero. Franklin County Cider Days, with the son of some of the founding fathers and mothers, Field Maloney from West County Cider. A devotee of West County-ARTIFACT cider and a visit to their new tap room. Why Greenfield needs a new library and why the town is voting on it this Tuesday.
This week: Congressman McGovern on the GOP’s decision to storm the impeachment proceedings. A poem by one of my favorite poets, whom I was lucky enough to record reading a poem from his new anthology What Saves Us Martin Espada. Licensias Ahora! The movement to grant immigrants drivers licenses in Massachusetts. A Wine Snob bubble test to see if this bubbly is good enough to land on the shelves of State Street. Using poop to cure diabetes. The origins of the word “stereotype.” A musical family affair coming to Greenfield. Plus a honey sommelier and a honey concierge.
This week: Famous minor television star. Or is that former famous…John Hodgman on his new book Medallion Status and on wrestling with fame and fame lost. I’ll take you inside the Silvio O. Conte Anadromous Fish research center or is it Hawkins Lab from Stranger Things? Young world travelers from Global Glimpse who didn’t feel the need to rape and pillage like the person whose holiday was celebrated this week. Drinking wines from Columbus’ countries. Countries he managed NOT to ruin. An inspo sesh with Emily Brewster from Merriam Webster and more.
THIS WEEK: Riding the Lake Street Love Train-the new Valley Flyer Amtrak service from Greenfield to New Haven for a free lunchtime concert with Lake Street that you can hear at the end of the podcast and with special appearances by NY Times Best-selling author/illustrator Mo Willems, our musical accompaniment on the train, Suitcase Junket and a review of Frank Pepe’s famous New Haven pizza. Congressman McGovern with the latest on impeachment and the Kurds and a special announcement about the March for the Food Bank. FINALLY “Dad joke” is in the dictionary. What the Trump tariffs mean for MY WINE and more.
This week: Congressman Jim McGovern live from Havana and on the ongoing impeachment inquiry. Maestro Kevin Rhodes, conductor of The Springfield Symphony. I’ve got a big ask of him for the March for the Food Bank coming up in November. An artistic response to the recent vandalism of LGBTQ images in Greenfield. A response that you can be a part of with Broadway make-up designer Joe Dulude II and fantastic photographer Anja Schutz. In a vineyard with Elsa Petit from UMass’ viticulture program. In a river with Steve The Hippie and other volunteers on the Source To Sea Cleanup.
This week-Impeachment. Is this thing happening? US Congressman Jim McGovern gives us his view from The House. The words of MacArthur Genius Grant award winner, Northampton’s Ocean Vuong. Attending the insertion of a cat-theter to help with kitty stones. Meeting a winemaker from Chile.
This week: Monte’s comedic guru Joel Hodgson from Mystery Science Theater 3000. Andrew Bird teaches Monte how to whistle. A preview of the Climate Strike with Sunrise Movement activists from Northampton. Congressman Jim McGovern on his meeting with Greta Thunberg and on the impeachment hearings. The new and also ancient use of the singular “they” pronoun with Merriam Webster. Tempting you with some Tempranillo with the Wine Snobs. Psychic Medium Rebecca Anne LoCicero.
This week: Mavis Staples. On the meaning of life. On what her music meant to the Civil Rights movement of the 60's and the Civil Rights movement of now and reflecting on her Pop, Pops. The intersection of homelessness and saving our river with the Connecticut River Conservancy. Reparations: a hot debate nationally but what about local reparations? Congressman McGovern with what’s on the agenda now that Congress is in session. Wines for weird weather when it’s warm then chilly then warm then chilly.
This week: The most amazing maize maze in America. This year Mike’s Maze in Sunderland is a Purple Haze maze. A triple-feature at the Northfield Drive-In with acclaimed film director, Bob Krykowski. Distilled drinks with Flag Hill from New Hampshire. How Congress is protecting our coastlines under the threat of Dorian with Congressman McGovern plus a preview of Ken Burns new documentary on Country Music.
This week: Back from vacation as summer comes to a close I turn the airwaves over to the listeners to hear what their favorite moments of the summer were. Remembering the legendary peace activist, Northampton’s Francis Crowe, who was arrested more times that you can count and who passed away at age 100 this week. A whole lot of excitement about the Valley Flyer expanded rail service from Greenfield to New Haven. I talk with inaugural riders Mayor Bill Martin and Senator Jo Comerford. How does one woman, forced to take sanctuary in a Northampton church, find money to pay for her immigration battle? Irida Kakhtiranova has a good idea. Space crime with Mr. Universe Dr. Salmaan Hameed. And what Congressman Jim McGovern thinks of Congressman Joe Kennedy’s potential Senate run.
This week: Woodstock! I talk with Tom and Becky Clark from Clarkdale Fruit Farm about their first date, which was Woodstock. Another first time ever festival coming to a farm 50 years after Woodstock- Barbès In The Woods in Montague. Congressman McGovern, back from his tour of Central America. The Free Harvest Supper in Greenfield. Blind wine tasting from paper bags and a bonus as-of-yet-aired chat with Jonathan Goldman from Spanglish Fly.
This week: a response to the two massacres in El Paso and Dayton with Congressman Jim McGovern. The artistic response to the recent and potentially homophobic vandalism in Greenfield. The community responds with a brighter light. A woman swimming the entire length of the CT River! Western Mass’s new marijuana magazine. My new-to-me Nike Airmax 1 Atmos Safari Pack, what the hell that means and how it ties into the new book The Maltese Jordans. The words of sleep with Merriam Webster the Perseid meteor shower and more to keep you interested before you sleep.
This week: A Grammy winner in Native American musician Joanne Shenandoah, who’s music and family history have an amazing story to tell. Mister G-a Latin Grammy winner with a song turned picture book story. Samite, a Ugandan refugee who has turned his stories into music. A theatrical exploration of the line between imagination and lies with Double Edge Theatre. Thoughts on the Democratic debates from Congressman McGovern and more. Sparkling rose, the words of sleep and more
Congressman Jim McGovern’s thoughts on the Mueller testimony. An educator encouraging your kids to drop out of school. A 24 hour art happening from here in the 413 area code. 413 says #closethecamps. The little known history of the former large and ancient Jewish community of Baghdad told in a one woman show by a daughter of the displaced. Some must-try Muscadet wine. A new exo-planet in our galaxy and, ICYMI, check out my hour long chat with Astronaut Cady Coleman but looking at previous episodes of this podcast.
Monte loved his conversation with retired astronaut and Shelburne, MA resident Cady Coleman SO much that he had to offer up the whole thing. Hear Cady Coleman's thoughts on the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing, how she became an astronaut, what it's like to live in space AND about her amazing band. Bandella is a band made up of astronauts and they are playing at Hawks & Reed in Greenfield on Saturday July 27th, 2019
This week: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, Astronaut Cady Coleman from Shelburne, MA! Mr. Universe on why the leftover Apollo poop on the moon is so important. Congressman McGovern reflects on his recent trip to the detention camps at the border. In light of so many presidential lies-do we call them bold-faced, bare-faced or bald-faced lies? Word Nerd Emily Brewster from Merriam-Webster will help. A moveable immersive binaural theatrical experience celebrating a town in the middle of nowhere and featuring…me!
This week: revisiting my conversation with the headliner on Saturday at the Green River Festival in Greenfield-the international superstar Angelique Kidjo. An interview in a bounce house with a US Congressman. That same Congressman on his planned trip to the Southern border. One woman’s theatrical exploration of the white supremacist history of her home state-can she be OK with OK? Some weird white wines. A LOT of Stranger Things chatter with no spoilers. And the strange things coming in radio waves from outer space.
This week back from Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival at Mass MoCA where I was lucky enough to perform with the great Judge John Hodgman. You can hear me as summertime/funtime guest bailiff with the good judge on the two most recent episodes. Welcoming new American citizens on the 4th of July and seeing if I’m able to retain my U.S. citizenship. Flying a dragonfly to a moon of Saturn with Mr. Universe, Dr. Salman Hameed. A summer word quiz with Emily Brewster, resident wordster, from Merriam-Webster. Making a comedy in a concentration camp at the Ko Festival of Performance.
This week Wilco! In anticipation of their Solid Sound Festival at Mass MoCA. If you missed my whole conversation, see my last podcast but some of my favorite highlights are featured here. Fenway’s organist Josh Kantor returns to take requests. Cirque du Soleil lands in Hartford and I take you backstage. The incredible pre-historic history of the sea lamprey. I’ll take you into the river…literally. How we got rat f’ed by the Supreme Court this week with author David Daley. A commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising.
Monte works a double shift and takes over Joan Holliday's afternoon show to broadcast live from Mass MoCA with Wilco in anticipation of the band's takeover of the museum for their Solid Sound Festival. We talk Jeff Tweedy's new book. What it's like to have the band back together after a year and a half hiatus. Is there a new album set to drop? John Stirratt's new hotel down the street from the museum. And we spin the "Wheel-co" with listener questions for the band. #I'mAWheel
This week: The #1 New York Times best-selling author of Wild, Cheryl Strayed hiking her way up to Brattleboro to teach you how to change your life. The former New York Times food writer, Mark Bittman on how the James Beard Awards have finally started to focus on more than just celebrity chefs. The words Beyoncé pushed into the dictionary. My radio HERO, Lady Di from Leggs Up & Dancin’ on WOMR in Provincetown. The Belmontes sing along on her show. Trying to convince the musician Lorde to try onion rings and New Zealand wine. Congressman McGovern on the situation in Iran. Drinking cocktails to save the planet.
This week: National Book Award Finalist and National Book Award Winner, Jarrett J. Krosoczka and Jeanne Birdsall about our live reading of JJK’s graphic memoir Hey Kiddo. Granny panties? Sitch? Hundo? Stan? Swole? These are now words. I talk with Emily Brewster from Merriam-Webster. John Hodgman's clarinet makes an appearance for the second week in a row. Tick talk with Dr. Steve from the Sunderland Animal Hospital. Making sure art remains forever in Northampton with the folks at The Arts Trust. Congressman McGovern about fresh cruelty at the border. Non-alcoholic beer and more.
This week: Ani DiFranco on her New York Times Best-Seller List memoir- on how hard it was to transition from writing songs to writing a book and on how important her music is especially now in the fight for women’s rights. Congressman McGovern on whether Congress will finally have the guts to impeach in light of Robert Mueller’s not-so-subtle exhortation to do so. One of our Pioneer Valley school districts is pioneering a plan to make sure all of our young people are getting fed fresh, healthy local food in school to fight food insecurity. Kal Travers of Rubblebucket on their dream picnic. And psychic medium Rebecca Anne LoCicero taking your phone calls and talking to your dead people while I listen along skeptically
This week: The I Word. Is Nancy Pelosi’s calling what Trump has been up to a “cover up” a precursor to impeachment. I talk with US Congressman Jim McGovern. Why I’m PISSED that Merriam-Webster has allowed a particular word into the dictionary. How the death of the dinosaurs 65 million years ago made for a GREAT vacation for The Belmonte family. Does your pet have an accent? Does it understand yours? And some great wines for Memorial Day Weekend.
After a week exploring and relaxing in Puerto Morelos, Mexico a brief glimpse into the amazing culture, language and food of the Mayan people living in the Mayan Riviera. How you can eat a delicious Mexican meal alongside cookbook superstar, Mark Bittman, and help The Pioneer Valley Workers Center’s create a more just food system by supporting their new co-op farm. A youth led circus that is also supporting the Workers Center. Glamazon-a new Merriam Webster word that has nothing to do with the website or the jungle. Affordable Bordeaux. Affordeaux, if you will And Congressman Jim McGovern on the Alabama abortion decision and the drum beat of war with Iran.
This week: Actor Comedian and Musician Lea DeLario on breaking out in song, Bowie and being Big Boo in Orange is The New Black. World Champion organist, Josh Kantor, taking a break from his duties as Fenway Park’s organist to take your requests live in studio. Rules Committee Chair Jim McGovern on Attorney General William Barr and contempt of Congress. Nerissa from The Nields reflecting on Pete Seeger’s 100th birthday. A Belmonte Family review of Cher in Springfield. Some of the new garbage time words in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary. Que syrah, sirah, shiraz with the Wine Snobs and more.
This week: Earth Day and why perhaps we should prepare to move to Tatooine. Why the Green New Deal is so important to 6th graders in Amherst and High School students in Northampton and why they are imploring Congressman McGovern to do something about it. “Neuticals” something great for your dog or are they just nuts? A 30-hour local performance piece in one church and strange radio waves from another-both in the same town of Turners Falls. A review of “Wild Nights with Emily” from Rhymes with Orange cartoonist Hilary Price and what beers we’re brining to “Ubeerfest” and an awful lot more.
This week: the anticipation of and the look into the redacted Mueller report. Congressman McGovern and the listeners weigh in. Passover-not just for the chosen people any more but a Passover for ALL people plus some Kosher wines for Passover and some goyish wines as well. While Stop & Shop is on strike, one local business is getting bought out by its employees.
In the afterglow of a brief encounter with Muppet legend Frank Oz AND Annie Lennox on the same night in the same place! Hampshire College might be spared the chopping block AND the first ever picture of a black hole. Two conversations with the same expert, Hampshire College Astronomer Dr. Salman Hameed. Why the CT River Conservancy is in a dam fight with First Light, the company that runs the Turners and Northfield dam. The magical world of surrealist Leonora Carrington with Double Edge Theatre. More day tripping around the Valley and introducing the place to the new President of GCC.
This week: Congressman Richie Neal goes for Trump’s taxes. I talk with his Congressional colleague, Jim McGovern about it and about the subpoena of the Mueller Report. Going down the Oregon Trail to Wine Snobbery. Some April Fool’s shenanigans including some fake ads we ran on the River on April Fool’s. A road trip with the new president of Greenfield Community College. Two people walking long distance for two different but equally important causes.
This week: Meltdown! Our free family music and book bash. Talking to the author’s coming to Meltdown including newly retired New England Patriot, hero of Super Bowl LI and children’s book author, Malcom Mitchell. What are the Dems gonna do now that the Mueller report…report is out? My chat with Congressman Jim McGovern. Literal blind tasting of wine…in the dark!
This week: comedian Judah Friedlander on his brief appearance in The Force Awakens and on who in the Dave Matthews Band gives the best hugs. Radio legend, Tom Bodett, who has reconvened his Storytellers on A Mission. We have new James Beard Award winners in the Valley and this organization doesn’t even cook. How much does the Milky Way weigh? And why do we call a lighting person a “gaffer”. Congressman McGovern on who he is endorsing for President and more.
This week: Impeach pie or ap-pelosi pie? Talking impeachment and pi day with Congressman Jim McGovern. Paying tribute to the greatest rock & roll drummer of all time, Holyoke Mass’s own Hal Blaine. How Whitney Houston brought new meaning to the word “receipts” with Emily Brewster from Merriam-Webster. And a brief history of a beer and a shot with a rebranding of a poorly named St. Patrick’s themed beer shot combo.
This week: Mo Willems on his takeover of The Kennedy Center in D.C. Celebrating International Women's Day by arm wrestling the patriarchy. Rep. Jim McGovern on H.R.1 and H.R.8. Trying the slightly trendy blue wine.
The week: A conversation with Rachel Price of Lake Street Dive and her musical moonlighting partner, the fabulous Vilray. The complicated history of the n-word with Smith College’s Elizabeth Pryor, who’s father Richard Pryor, had his own interesting relationship to the n-word. Looking into the influence of indigenous people on rock & roll with UMass Professor Emeritus Ron Wellburn, who’s featured in the rock doc, Rumble, being screened at The Shea. A preview of next week’s ridiculous publicity stunt fundraiser-The Cancer Connection Campout.
This week: Listeners and their radio valentine’s messages to each other. How sex changes the older you get with two sex doctors. Why Saturn is experiencing male Saturn baldness with its rings. A musical terminology quiz with Emily Brewster from Merriam-Webster, Congressman McGovern on the Green New Deal, Washington State wines for Washington’s birthday and more.
This week: Lots of gloating about the Patriots Super Bowl win. Either the Red Sox pitcher or one of the greatest comedians of all time, Steven Wright. “Jury rigged”. Is that term racist? Men gathering together to battle toxic masculinity. Congressman McGovern’s thoughts post State of The Union. Why Greenfield, Mass needs a new library and what’s the holdup? Some interesting wines for Valentine’s.
This week: National Book Award finalist Jarret Krosoczka on the live reading of his National Book Award nominated graphic memoir. Northampton’s Mayor David Narkewicz and his wine snob brother, Michael Narkewicz who works for one of the most famous American wineries. We raise a glass together and toast their sadly late mother. Hampshire College Professor Salman Hameed on the future of Hampshire College. Congressman Jim McGovern on the newly reopened government and the brutality of ICE. Gonzo grapes. Apes with glasses and the etymology of “up to snuff”
This week: Revisiting my conversation with the first time Oscar nominee with a 50 year career, the great Sam Elliott. The Pats are back in the Super Bowl. 3 years in a row and somehow it doesn’t get old. The government is still shutdown. That’s getting old. The chair of the Rules Committee, Jim McGovern, on next steps. Learning about a word that I could conceivable push over the edge into Merriam-Webster’s dictionary. Celebrating MLK day with two women who got to see Dr. King speak. Drinking molasses based beverages from the home of the Great Molasses Disaster-Bully Boy out of Boston. How apes recognize each other by their butts. China wants to grow cotton on the moon?
This week: talking the Western Mass premiere of “The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then The Bigfoot” with it’s director and revisiting the time I talked with the movie’s star, Sam Elliott. The new chair of The Rules Committee on how Trump has changed the rules. Hampshire College is in trouble? I talk with alumnae and staff. Looking at Beer Trends of 2019. We play “Boston Band or Boston Calling Band” for Boston Calling tickets. The centenary of the Boston Molassacre and more.
This week: an “aquatic moonshoot” (emphasis on the mooo-n) with an attempt to breed a seaweed that keeps cows from burping methane so we can try and rescue the planet. A feckless loadstar epiphany courtesy of Samantha Bee maybe Mike Pence and Merriam-Webster. Looking back on some of my favorite moments of the year gone by. A New Year and New Horizons with a New Year’s surprise. A man originally from El Salvador who is living the American Dream and a man originally from El Salvador who is currently in ICE detention.
This week: Xmas with The Belmontes. Far too many of my family on the air. Kwanzaa with UMass’s Amilcar Shabazz. Runners up for Merriam-Webster’s Word of The Year, including the word Janelle Monae propelled to the front of the line. US Congressman Jim McGovern is opposed to the GOP’s wall…of cheese. Why Kanye was at Mass MoCA. Reggae legends, The Meditations, on legal weed in Massachusetts. And Champagne tasting for New Year’s.
This week: Merriam-Webster’s Word of The Year-Justice. Plus the strange etymology of Christmas words with Emily Brewster, resident wordster, from Merriam-Webster. Viewing the Christmas Comet and some stars on screen with Mr. Universe. Find out where you can go see Frank Oz, George Clinton and Jon Hamm-all in the same place if not at the exact same time. Santa’s big bag of wine for the Wine Snobs. Congressman McGovern on Trump’s Syrian exit.
This week: weaving together a community by weaving and empowering the women of Holyoke at the same time. Can an actual Kiwi convince Monte that he could like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc? Enduring the aftermath of the so-called “Miracle in Miami”, the etymology of some of our weird Christmas words, is the new Congress talking impeachment in light of the Michael Cohen plea and all of our new Western Mass Beacon Hill delegation at the same time from Beacon Hill boot camp.
This week: visiting Irida Kakhtiranova who has been living in sanctuary in a church in Northampton for the last six months. The community is going to make her world a little brighter with the music of Hamilton. Author Heidi Stemple on her many years in participating in the Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Why do we STILL need troubling and yet iconic photography to move the American mindset when it comes to race. Congressman McGovern on the incoming class of young and excited elected representatives. Reading from the Daily Hampshire Gazette’s Letter’s to Santa. Measuring all the starlight in the Universe
Highlights from the March for the Food Bank, including the end and the astronomical total you helped us raise. How the reach of the Food Bank march extends to the folks who were affected by the Camp Fire in California including a conversation with a celebrity chef. A preview of the BIGGEST charitable event in the Valley this weekend’s Hot Chocolate Run for Safe Passage. Now that the pot shop is open in Northampton what about pot and your pets? Exploring Chateauneuf du Pape, my Dad on the Pats, my wife on Spanish and my 5 year old on Xmas trees.
This week: gearing up for the March for The Food Bank-Monday and Tuesday Nov.19th and 20th. You can support us BTW at montesmarch.com. We’ll hear from US Congressman Jim McGovern who goes the whole 43 miles from Springfield to Greenfield on the March. From Xiomara Devanney who helps run the Food Bank’s brown bag for elders program. We’ll go to Conway Grammar School where the students there have their own solidarity march. Mass State Rep. Paul Mark sharing his own story of food insecurity. Plus an alien asteroid, another rare preposition quiz and some wine do’s and don’ts for Thanksgiving.
This week: Director/writer/editor and executive producer John Sayles on the movies that have made him famous and on why he’d take on a young Turners Falls filmmaking upstart named Bob Krzykowski on his first big film with a REALLY big name: The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then The Bigfoot. Congressman Jim McGovern, the soon to be new chair of the Rules Committee in the House after the so-called Blue Wave. South African sparkling and bad flute playing. Rare prepositions with the Word Nerd. The death of Dawn with Mr. Universe
This week: Humorist and storyteller Dylan Brody, New Merriam-Webster Words for procrastinating and preparing for the end of the world and beer lovers. Lotsa Sox talk. Sorry non-sports fans. Drinking Spanish Rioja while learning about pitching. An exciting naked romp through the forests of Finland for an art installation. Trying to be civil under threat of pipe bombs with Congressman McGovern and much more.
This week: one year, one game, two Ivy league schools as a microcosm of America history in the late 60s-a conversation with George Howe Colt. How the band Barefoot Truth quit the road to stay home writing music for Tabata? Brecht and Weil-and what their music means in fighting fascism in the 21st century. Plus a Springfield man originally from Guatemala and his year long sanctuary in Amherst. And the Sox win the pennant! And lots of chatter therein.
This week: I was surprised by my friend who is an author who was just nominated for a MAJOR award and has a powerful new book about wrestling with his mother’s heroin addiction. Another author who is the Dr. Seuss of our day, Mo Willems and his gender non-conforming Unlimited Squirrels. Tasting Chianti and Big League Chew. Plus, a lot of Red Sox defeating the Yankees celebration
This week: an immersive Emily Dickinson experience through Emily’s Amherst. Probably a little too much sports talk with two Patriots games and the Sox in the ALDS with the Yankees. Congressman McGovern on the midterms and the Kavanaugh report. The World Music Supercollider on the eve of Indigenous People’s Day at The Shea as well as some silent film type slapstick there on the Monday holiday. A recap of the Source To Sea Cleanup. The zeitgeist of Zweigelt. And on why little dogs jump up and down to pee.
New editions to the Merriam-Webster Scrabble dictionary, a preview of the Source To Sea Cleanup, US Congressman Jim McGovern on Tibet and Kavanaugh and a lot more.
This week Beethoven played by a master, Jiayan Sun, from The Juilliard School visiting artist at Smith on what this centuries old music means for 2018. Remembering the one-year anniversary of Maria in Puerto Rico. Meet the first female editor of our local paper, Brooke Hauser from the Daily Hampshire Gazette. The mystery of the missing Red Sox banner. The conspiracy theory behind the hole in the ISS and more.
This week: The Bay State Hotel and its importance in the Valley music scene. Two legendary Valley acts teaming up to support an iconic Valley non-profit that we sort of stole our name from. Why you should get outside at night and find Mars right now. More new words in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary.
This week: The conclusion of what we have been calling Wild West Mass. With our entire Beacon Hill delegation up for grabs, and with virtually no Republican challengers, this week’s MA primary was the de facto election. We hear from listeners stumping for their candidates and from some of the candidates themselves. Word Nerd Emily Brewster from Merriam Webster on some of their 800 new words, including the first word EVER in the only language besides English that I pretend to be fluent in. Hollywood comes to the Hill Towns with the editors of the Back To The Future movies and Fahrenheit 9/11 who are once again behind the Ashfield Film Festival.
This week: the end is near for campaign season here in Western Mass. What secrets about candidates do we have left to uncover (and oh, boy do I wish I could tell you one) and who is endorsing whom? I’ll talk with outgoing state rep John Sciback and still US Congressman Jim McGovern. I’ll talk with the Dr. of Rock, Steve Waksman about the unlikely origins of the rock music festival. Does Merriam-Webster Word Nerd, Emily Brewster think she is better than me or better than I? Reflecting on Senator John McCain and Aretha Franklin.
THIS WEEK: Why is the Greenfield Mayor scapegoating a free community meal as a reason to decamp a homeless encampment on the town common? Everything you need to know about lobster from a Kennebunport, ME lobster boat tour. Jarret K. Krosoczka’s taking over Northampton’s Academy of Music and turning it into the JEDI Academy of Music. A rock legend holding a fundraiser for her rock legend sister-I talk with June Millington of Fanny. When to use “bring” and when to use “take” with our Word Nerd from Merriam-Webster. US Congressman Jim McGovern on his recent trip to El Salvador and on how US policy there in the last decades is having an impact on immigration today. A look at Northampton’s premier end of summer event: Transperformance. And a whole lot more.
This Week why is one of our US representatives avoiding his Democratic challenger in the lead up to the primary and where was Richie Neal when his opponent Tahirah Amatul Wadud was a victim of an Islamophobic mailing? I talk with Tahirah. I talk with our OTHER Congressman Jim McGovern about why he and Richie Neal were featured in a Politico article about corporations dumping money into their campaigns. 5 amazing things your dogs can do with Dr. Steve. A very word nerdy gift for the Word Nerd and me.
This week: How the ACLU of Western Mass helped release 14 trans women from ICE custody. Smith College in the news for #lunchingwhile black. Books and music you don’t need in a place you can’t find with Debra Jo Immergut and Johnny Irion. Congressman McGovern on whether or not the President used Twitter to obstruct justice and on the ongoing crisis in Puerto Rico. How my washing machine caused an existential crisis. The aftermath of a bachelor party weekend in Newport. A solo hand-crafted-play-spinning-shadow-puppet-memory-play-with-music evoking the secret creative lives of women, mother/daughter bloodlines, and the ghost of Emily Dickinson and a lot more.
This week, back from our Cancer Connection Summer Camp Campout last week where we raised over $40G for a great local organization and had some amazing times and performances with the likes of Cracker, and Erin McKeown and the Haitian Band Lakou Mizik, we turn our sites towards the midterms and talk with Hawaii’s Beth Fukumoto who, thanks to the Trump Effect, is a convert from Republican to Democrat. Sitting US Congressman Jim McGovern on what the Dems are going to do with all of these socialists. A looks at lots of theater here in the Valley with Double Edge in Ashfield and the Ko Festival in Amherst and of course, lots of wine-tasting Chardonnays and spending time with a 23 year old wine savant.
In anticipation of the Green River Festival, looking back at GRF past with Michael Franti, Tuneyards, Ana Tijox and more. Ilan Stavans-Educator, Author, Actor & Jaguar? Ilan Stavans uses theater to bring us on his trip to Colombia where he tripped on ayahuasca for days. Does this renowned educator and scholar want us all to do drugs? His show The Oven is at The Ko Fest this weekend. How Do You Get On The Cover of The New Yorker?Ashfield/Buckland’s Gayle Kabaker on her work, her show at Salmon Falls Gallery and on how hard you gotta try to get your work on one of America’s most revered magazines. Kal Travers on Rubblebucket’s Dream Picnic & How The Band Is Becoming Fleetwood Mac The Anti Nuclear Treaty & Endorsing Jimmy Tingle with US Congressman Jim McGovern Benjamin Franklin-spelling reformer with Emily Brewster from Merriam-Webster. And Mr Universe Salman Hameed on witnessing the birth of a planet
This week! The Fourth of July and many of the protests our national holiday has inspired. Congressman Jim McGovern on why we should abolish ICE. Sun’s out guns out-everything you wanted to know about mussels. Why you should baby talk to pets and some World Cup chatter.
This week: does the win by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the NY Dem primary portend anything for our local election between longtime Congressman Richie Neal and newcomber Tahirah Amatul Wadud? A Harrison Ford sighting in Amherst? In anticipation of Argentina vs France in the World Cup, we’ll play in the whirled cup of wine. Stormy Daniels comes to The Valley and Trump’s Space Force.
This week: does the win by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the NY Dem primary portend anything for our local election between longtime Congressman Richie Neal and newcomber Tahirah Amatul Wadud? A Harrison Ford sighting in Amherst? In anticipation of Argentina vs France in the World Cup, we’ll play in the whirled cup of wine. Stormy Daniels comes to The Valley and Trump’s Space Force.
This week talking about the tragedy at the border separating children from their parents with US Congressman Jim McGovern. How this family separation is not new and not just happening at the border. We’ll also talk tiny in anticipation of the Tiny House festival in Brattleboro VT. A wine tasting with the wine maker at Truro Vineyard on the Cape. What would you CAPE FOR with the Word Nerd? And a whole lot more.
This Week: The evil history of the word “turtle”. US Congressman Jim McGovern on how the feds are trying to chill his freedom of speech. Understanding the Supreme Court decision about that Colorado baker. Why China wanted to land on the Dark Side of the Moon and an exit interview with outgoing State Rep. Steve Kulik.
This week asparagus and immigration and where the two meet. It's been a long time since the bee population has been in the news so how have our bees been? A conversation with Anne Fadiman the author of "The Wine Lover’s Daughter." On Brattleboro’s biggest event-The Strolling of The Heifers. A promposal from Merriam-Webster, our US Congressman and more.
This week: Ticks! I take you into Dr. Stephen Rich’s tick lab at UMass where you can send your ticks to get tested for Lyme. US Congressman Jim McGovern on the so-called Spygate and the closed Congress. The #metoo movement moment in the Massachusetts State Senate Race between candidates Chelsea Kline & David Murphy. Cider tasting with the folks from Artifact Cider and a whole lot more this is A Week of Mornings
This week. Internet musical sensation using Broadway to battle the bonehead in the oval office-Randy Rainbow. National Book award winning author Jeanne Birdsall on the final installment of her brilliant series The Penderwicks-The Penderwicks at Last. The Yanny vs Laurel Debate live. Congressman Jim McGovern on Net Neutrality and bullying kids for their school lunch money. Turning photography into iconography with Nona Hatay's photos of Jimi Hendrix. And more.
This week a look at Mother’s Day from the perspective of Black Motherhood. One performer’s theatrical work honoring their communist activist grandmother. Congressman McGovern on the dead Iran deal and on MEETING BIG PAPI! Finally some good news on a threatened species-penguins! A look at what the ACLU of MA is doing to help stop the Trump administration from ripping apart families of immigrants. And a local groups campaign to pay reparations for centuries of black oppression. This is a week of mornings.
This week. Bridget Kearney and Mike McDuck Olson from Lake Street Dive on why their new album and on how they are doing a benefit show for the theater around the corner from the bar where they had their first big break. With Cinco de Mayo being celebrated this weekend, how to avoid cultural appropriation. Also how to make a real margarita and a mint julep for Kentucky Derby Day. Plus Word Nerd Emily Brewster from Merriam-Webster on the Mediopassive voice?
This week a tribute to the late great New Orleans legend who made The Valley his home. Charles Neville of the Neville Brothers, another local hero making waves, Erin McKeown on her new musical with Tony and Pulitzer winner Quiara Hudes called Miss You Like Hell currently running at The Public in NYC. Congressman Jim McGovern on our non-legislating legislative body. And gloating over the fact that Monte got to go see Cardi B!
This week! Congressman Jim McGovern on why the GOP Farm Bill stinks like cow manure. Psychic Medium Rebecca Anne LoCicero taking phone calls and talking to dead people while Monte listens along skeptically. The Word Nerd on The Words of Extra Sensory Perception. How Beyoncé hacked Profesora Belmonte’s email. Lots of 420 chatter. A War Tax Resister on Tax Day. Northampton High Students using Broadway musicals to stand up to gun violence. Mr. Universe on whether or not there is life on Venus. What are LGBTQ Veterans doing to clear their records now that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Has Been lifted?
Welcome to a week of mornings. I’m Monte Belmonte morning host on 93.9 The River WRSI in Northampton, MA This is a compilation of some of my conversations from the week. And this week, another undocumented immigrant has taken sanctuary here in The Valley. We’ll hear from dynamo immigration lawyer, Lauren Burke and from Irida Kakhtiranova-the woman who has taken sanctuary in Northampton. Congressman Jim McGovern on Paul Ryan stepping down. I’ll chat with Joe Dulude II, the makeup designer of Broadway’s Wicked and the recent NBC live version of JC Superstar about how he pissed of Bill O’Reilly and about Mr. Drag’s new talk show Morning Vodka.Emily Brewster, resident wordster from Merriam-Webster on the words of extrasensory perception. Mr. Universe reminds us why we should watch or re-watch 2001:A Space Odyssey and a lot about our recent nurses strike in Greenfield.
After a weekend worth of Trump tweets fanning the flames of Xenophobia about immigrants, I talk with Lucio Perez-a man who’s been defying ICE and living in sanctuary in a church in Amherst since September. We celebrate Immigrant Voices and talk about an event at The Shea Theater where those voices will be heard this weekend. Reflections on the 50th anniversary of the murder of MLK and a conversation with Amherst’s Ken Johnston who walked 400 miles from Selma to Memphis to commemorate the date. Tasting Red Blends with the Wine Snobs, whether or not your cat should be vegan, the further embiggening of the dictionary (what are you “hatewatching”?) and a lot more. This is a week of mornings.
This week, scenes from the NYC march for our lives. US Congressman Jim McGovern reflecting on the march and the NRA’s grip slipping on Congress. Western Mass Youth reminding us that youth leadership and activism didn’t begin this past Valentine’s Day. I’ll introduce you to the authors/illustrators of Meltdown-our free family music and book event including Mo Willems, Grace Lin and the man behind it all JJK. Plus wines for Easter/Passover/April Fools
Welcome to "A Week of Mornings", a non-musical mix tape of my mostly music morning show weekdays from 6-10 on 93.9 The River/WRSI in Northampton MA. This week-Hampshire College Astronomer Dr. Salman Hameed on the signature of the very first stars in the universe. Word Nerd Emily Brewster, resident wordster from Merriam Webster on the embiggening of the dictionary. A very heavy Heavy Petting segment where I sit in with Dr. Steve from the Sunderland Animal Hospital on a bladder stone removal procedure. Holyoke nurses headed to Puerto Rico and Monte heading to Puerto Rico! Plus a whole lot more.