CATV Podcasts: Recent Episodes
CATV Podcasts
Hi! I’m happy to be back with a second season of OJT. Here, in Episode 0, I have a few words about the "why”of the podcast and some thoughts on this season in the short S2 E0 audio. And let me tease Episode 1–we start out with a great conversation with VT Senator Kesha Ram-Hinsdale. I’ve been asked a few times why I’m doing this podcast and I'd be glad to tell you. I felt from the beginning of the Gaza War that I needed a better connection with other Jews. I had been part of the Upper Valley Jewish community, and then I wasn't. And it was, and still is, such a fraught time and so confusing with the rise in antisemitism, the rise in pro-Palestinian sentiment, and no end to conflict in sight. I was trying to sort out my own history and my own feelings, and I started going back to the UVJC and what I realized was that it wasn't just me–a lot of people just really needed to sort things out.And it’s not because there is a shortage of analysis and expertise. There's great stuff online, really knowledgeable people from a historical perspective, theological, social perspective.But I feel that it isn’t just the experts who need to have these conversation–it’s also us ordinaryJews. More on this topic, including online resources, with a soon-to-be-linked Substack. Happy listening, and please, do, subscribe! Thank you.
S2: Episode 1: Kesha Ram-Hinsdale–Recorded November 7, 2025 Courtesy Photo: Kesha and baby, VT Statehouse.
Kesha Ram-Hinsdale, as we establish at the outset, is our Vermont Senate Majority Leader, and yet here, she is not talking state politics–she’s just an ordinary Jew. Her story, as a self-proclaimed HinJew, is awash with streams of migration and displacement on both sides of her family. Looking at the origins of Israel, we focus often on the fallout from the mid-century dissolution of the British Empire. At the same time, Kesha’s family was uprooted by the divisions left on the Indian subcontinent by the British exit. She speaks movingly about the legacy of her grandfather, Sir Ganga Ram, the role of art in giving her a sense of place in Israel, and how her dual legacy has shaped her thinking on democracy and human rights.
Episode 5 Description: On Canal Street in Brattleboro are the remains of one of Vermont’s most influential companies. In the 19th and early 20th century people across the country—and the world—played music on reed organs made right here in the Green Mountain state. What is a reed organ? And why were they so popular in a bygone era? Dr. Dennis Waring recounts the story.
Series Description: Roadside Vermont is a podcast series about the historical monuments, markers, and plaques that are all too easy to drive by and never stop to read. In each episode host Kelby Greene travels to the far corners of Vermont to talk to local storytellers, historians, and community stewards about the quirky, quizzical, and surprising events of the history hidden down the dirt roads and rural highways of the Green Mountain state. From vampires to missile silos, to pencil mills and famed fiddlers, this season will span all fourteen counties of Vermont. This season is supported in part by a grant from Vermont Humanities, in partnership with the Vermont 250s Commission and Junction arts and Media—JAM. Special thanks to story editor Sophie Crane.
Bio: Kelby Greene (she/her) is a Norwich, Vermont based journalist and independent radio producer. Her work is about explaining the present through the past—looking for the precedents to seemingly unprecedented times. Rooted in a passion for rural places and their unique histories, she hopes to tell stories worth talking about: in the car, over dinner, and passing by the state's hundreds of roadside markers.
Episode 6: Roberta Berner – Recorded September 3, 2025 Courtesy Photo: Roberta Berner, with her husband, Rich Abel
Roberta has accomplished so much, one would think she lived three lives rather than lived in three places: the deep South, Midwest, and for 27+ years, here in the Upper Valley. She didn’t mention, but I will, that she was awarded a Shem Tov award this year from the NH Jewish Federation. Roberta is a Board Trustee and the immediate past President of the Upper Valley Jewish Community (UVJC) where she leads the Caring and Chesed (loving kindness) Committee and reportedly makes the best Saturday morning coffee. Her remarks on Israel and being Jewish at this moment are touching, difficult, and central to what so many of us are experiencing.
For my part, I’m taking a pause here after Episode 6 to reflect on where OJT can go
from here, line up a new season of guests, and enjoy the glorious Vermont fall. Happy
New Year, Shanah Tova u’Metuka – an even better year and a sweeter year – to you all.
Episode 6 Notes:
DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution): According to an AI Overview on
Google, “The DAR has evolved to be open to all races, religions, and ethnic
backgrounds.” Roberta’s reference reflects what was a truism for us growing in
mid-century – that Jews need not apply.
Shir Shalom, Woodstock VT A Reform Congregation
The Parents Circle Families Forum (PCFF) Israeli Palestinian Bereaved Families
for Peace. “Those who have paid in blood cry out: WE MUST end this war.
…there is no other way. Stop the killing. Stop the cycle of revenge…It is time to
choose peace and reconciliation.”
Dr. Meron Medzini, Professor Emeritus at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem,
gave classes at Shir Shalom; his son was a tour guide when Roberta visited in
2019.
“Israel: A Lesson in Democracy” taught by Hanan Miron about Israeli “judicial
reform” in 2024.
Military leaders on the conflict in Gaza, mid-2025. See also Episode 5.
It’s Time, see also reference in Episode 3.
UVJC Healing Circles, discussed in Episode 4: Gene Kadish.
Episode 5: Ilsa Pinkson-Burke & Briane Pinkson – Recorded August 6, 2025 Courtesy Photo: Briane on the left, Ilsa on the right
Ilsa Pinkson-Burke and Briane Pinkson grew up going to “shula”, a Cooperative Jewish Children’s School teaching Jewish history, ethics, art, music, and politics – everything except Hebrew, liturgy, or religion. The school was in the tradition of their parents and grandparents, Yiddish-speaking “left-wingers from the twenties and thirties”. Most weekends they all went to political demonstrations, and once – once – they made a field trip to a synagogue. Today, both sisters feel a need to reinforce their sense of Jewish community and to learn more about the history of Israel, while distancing themselves from Zionism.
Episode 5 Notes:
- Rabbi Dov Taylor leads Chavurat ki-tov and can be reached at rabbit@mymakom.org
- Jewish Voice for Peace, New Hampshire/Vermont Chapter: “We envision a world where all people — from the U.S. to Palestine — live in freedom, justice, equality, and dignity.”
- Letters:
- A Letter from Over a Thousand Rabbis Worldwide
- Organizational responses to the suffering and starvation in Gaza:
- Statement from the Reform Movement
- Statement from the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly
- Statement from 80 Orthodox Rabbis (unlike the other statements, this one was international and signed by individuals)
- Israeli military and security leaders strongly denounce government-directed military action in Gaza, demand an end to pointless death and destruction, and a deal to return the hostages
- Artists and intellectuals: much reporting on statements, overt or covert boycotts, and reactions from within Israel. Hard to trace back to the statements by artists and intellectuals.
Camp Kinderland “Summer camp with a conscience since 1923”
Episode 4: Ben Thresher's Mill: A few miles off the interstate, on the banks of the Stevens river in Barnet, Vermont is a bright yellow mill. The rooms are crammed full of old tools, machines, parts, and pieces of a bygone age. One man, Ben Thresher, kept the mill going into the 1990s. Stan Crane, and a team of volunteers, helps to keep this place alive today.
Series Description: Roadside Vermont is a podcast series about the historical monuments, markers, and plaques that are all too easy to drive by and never stop to read. In each episode host Kelby Greene travels to the far corners of Vermont to talk to local storytellers, historians, and community stewards about the quirky, quizzical, and surprising events of the history hidden down the dirt roads and rural highways of the Green Mountain state. From vampires to missile silos, to pencil mills and famed fiddlers, this season will span all fourteen counties of Vermont. This season is supported in part by a grant from Vermont Humanities, in partnership with the Vermont 250s Commission and Junction arts and Media—JAM. Special thanks to story editor Sophie Crane.
Bio: Kelby Greene (she/her) is a Norwich, Vermont based journalist and independent radio producer. Her work is about explaining the present through the past—looking for the precedents to seemingly unprecedented times. Rooted in a passion for rural places and their unique histories, she hopes to tell stories worth talking about: in the car, over dinner, and passing by the state's hundreds of roadside markers.
Recorded August 12, 2025 Photo: by LA
Being a Jew is central to Gene’s identity. He seeks to be a better Jew as a way to be a better person, practices kyudo, goes to sabbath services as a way of meditation, and attends to the little things. In this interview, he contrasts what was worth dying for prior to the nation state, and what is so valued today. Gene is also one of the organizers of the Healing Circles held by the Upper Valley Jewish Community since October 7.
Episode 4 Notes:
- Peter Beinart appearing on Jon Stewart show
- Books referenced:
- Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza, by Peter Beinart, 2024. Here’s a link to the author’s substack where he talks about the book.
- The Necessity of Exile: Essays from a Distance, by Shaul Magid, 2023. Here’s a link to a discussion with Magid at Harvard Divinity School.
- Impossible Takes Longer – Israel at 75, by Daniel Gordis, 2023. Here’s a link to a discussion on the book. See also Gordis’s Substack where he surfaces media from across the Israeli spectrum that reflect the national discourse: Israel from the Inside including this 22 minute standup routine on PTSD by Udi Kagan.
- Newspapers:
- Ha-aretz, English Edition
- Times of Israel
- Organizations supporting a shared future: (just those mentioned in this Episode)
- New Jewish Narrative
- Standing Together
- New Israel Fund
Listen in to the inaugural episode of Pass the Torch featuring a special introductory interview with co-host Sen. White digging into Sen. McCormack’s legislative legacy. Highlights include advice on when to stay in the fight and when to pass the torch, and music played by Dick.
A podcast co-hosted by Windsor County Vermont Senator Becca White and Senator Emeritus Dick McCormack. Listen in for stories of political traditions in Vermont, and from guests who have passed the torch to the next generation.
Episode 3: Joy Gaine – Recorded July 29, 2025 Photo: Courtesy Joy Gaine
Joy defines herself as a teacher, musician, and mother. Her sense of herself as a Jew rose post October 7th with questions on whether being Jewish makes her think differently about the conflict than her progressive friends? And why should that be true? Isn’t it enough to be pro-peace with good will for all who believe in human rights for all? She challenged me greatly on where to see a good outcome, all the while probing where and why “the Jews” are so often at fault. It was a great conversation, do tune in!
Episode 3 Notes:
- Out of Eqypt, 1994, is a memoir and the first book published by André Aciman, better known for his fiction. “Out of Egypt is a love letter to the Jewish diaspora in its portrayal of a Jewish society that has now practically disappeared.” Here’s a fabulous short interview with Aciman where he talks about his enduring love for Alexandria and for Egyptians, “...the nicest human beings I have ever met in my life and will ever meet.” (Oh, and the correct title of the novel he is best known for is Call Me By Your Name.)
- It’s Time, “… a coalition of over 60 peacebuilding and shared society organizations, working together with determination and courage to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through a political agreement that will ensure both peoples' right to self-determination and secure lives.”
Status of IDF soldiers: Can’t find a link to the interview mentioned in the podcast. This article, also from July 29, anticipates the current (September) wave of refusals to serve and points out the poor fit of the iDF for protracted combat.
Daniel Intraub – I knew Daniel solely through a series of graphics projects, both professional and protest-related, that he supported at Gnomon Copy in Hanover, NH. It was the latter type of project that got us talking about the conflict in Gaza where he mentioned that he was Jewish and we quickly fell into a discussion that led straight to this episode of the podcast. Recorded July 19, 2025 Photo: LA
Episode 2 Notes:
- Birthright Foundation: Founded to help give Jewish young adults the gift of a transformational and educational trip to Israel.
- Dates of the Second Intifada: roughly September 2000 through February 2005.
- Clip of President Obama that starts, “If there’s any chance of us being able to act constructively to do something…” Take a listen. And here’s the link to the full episode of Pod Save America.
- American Friends of the Parents Circle – Families Forum, Palestinian and Israeli Bereaved Families for Peace fosters a peace and reconciliation process and is affiliated with the corresponding Parents Circle in Israel.
- Standing Together: A grassroots movement organizing Jewish and Palestinian citizens of Israel against the occupation, for full equality for everyone in this land, where true social, economic, and environmental justice are possible.
- What’s So Funny ‘bout Peace, Love, and Understanding: Links to a video of the David Broza version of the Nick Lowe song, recorded in East Jerusalem with Palestinian, Israeli, and American musicians and the Palestinian & Israeli Jerusalem Youth Chorus – which itself is a pretty interesting find!
In the early 20th century one Vermonter found fame as a traveling musician, humorist, and recording artist. Charles Ross Taggart was at the height of his career in the early 1920s, touring the country and talking so much about Vermont he earned himself a nickname: the Man from Vermont. Across the country he shared his stories, music, and dialect with his fellow Americans, and helped preserve disappearing parts of the Green Mountain State's culture. Historian and fiddler Adam Boyce brings Taggart to life.
Roadside Vermont is a podcast series about the historical monuments, markers, and plaques that are all too easy to drive by and never stop to read. In each episode host Kelby Greene travels to the far corners of Vermont to talk to local storytellers, historians, and community stewards about the quirky, quizzical, and surprising events of the history hidden down the dirt roads and rural highways of the Green Mountain state. From vampires to missile silos, to pencil mills and famed fiddlers, this season will span all fourteen counties of Vermont. This season is supported in part by a grant from Vermont Humanities, in partnership with the Vermont 250s Commission and Junction arts and Media—JAM. Special thanks to story editor Sophie Crane.
Episode 0: To geo-locate me, Jewishly, I grew up in a WASPy suburb of Chicago, touched down in Pittsburgh for a couple years, then, at age 17, fled this country, my family, and lived in Israel for four and a half years, mostly in Jerusalem with the last year living in the Palestinian neighborhood of Silwan, returning in December, 1972. These years colored my experience of Israel, and all who live there, and in an oblique way – since I don’t recall ever setting foot in a synagogue – broadened immensely my experience of being a Jew. Since returning, I have found it profoundly difficult to talk about Israel, about being a Jew, inside or outside the country, with just about anyone, no less with my fellow Jews. Until now, and now, while not always easy, I think it’s time. The three pillars that anchor my Jewish life today:
• Chavurat ki-tov: a small group convened by Rabbi Dov Taylor who can be
reached at rabbit@mymakom.org
• Upper Valley Jewish Community/Kol Ha’Emek: “An eclectic, welcoming,
egalitarian congregation providing Jewish spiritual, educational, social and
cultural opportunities.”
• Etz Hayyim: The only synagogue today in Crete, lovingly revived decades after
the Nazi destruction of a 2000 years-old Jewish community.
Episode 1: Susan Russo
Susan is a émigré, coming to Claremont in 1975 from Brooklyn where being Jewish was an effortless part of life, ethics, culture, and family politics. Finding herself and raising her children in a profoundly non-Jewish Upper Valley, her identity has been expressed in friendships, noodle puddings, and the rugelach she bakes and gives out at Christmas time. Her exposure to Israel and the contradictions of that society were shaped by visits with a childhood friend who moved there to marry a Tunisian Jew. We discuss her experience of October 7, her shifting relationship to Judaism and to the post-October 7 conflict, and we fantasize together about where we might find the light. Listen to the stories that are the sign posts of this journey and you’ll also learn the secret identity of “Moe Levine”, the Catholic priest of Claremont, NH.
Recorded July 8, 2025
Episode 1 Notes:
The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the Middle East, By Sandy Tolan. Here’s a link to the author’s website where he writes about the origins of the book.
Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza, by Peter Beinart, 2024. Here’s a link to the author’s substack where he talks about the book.
Season 1 wraps up by sweating it out (for good!) with Positive Tracks' Founder and CEO Nini Meyer. Take this episode on your next walk, scoot, or dribble as high school friends (shoutout Hanover High) Samantha and Nini have a cathartic chat about physical activity as a means for social change, youth empowerment, mental health, and better media habits. This episode is JAM-packed with emotional electrolytes and digital-age wisdom for all generations.
Episode 2: “Barre, By God” In 1793 a town meeting was held in Wildersburg, Vermont. The only item on the agenda was renaming the young frontier town. Wildersburg was a mouthful. Two passionate contenders offered up the names of their home towns back in Massachusets—but neither would concede to the other. Victory in a brawl gave one of the men the right to name Barre, well, Barre. Librarian and community historian Paul Heller shares this curious incident.
Series Description: Roadside Vermont is a podcast series about the historical monuments, markers, and plaques that are all too easy to drive by and never stop to read. In each episode host Kelby Greene travels to the far corners of Vermont to talk to local storytellers, historians, and community stewards about the quirky, quizzical, and surprising events of the history hidden down the dirt roads and rural highways of the Green Mountain state. From vampires to missile silos, to pencil mills and famed fiddlers, this season will span all fourteen counties of Vermont. This season is supported in part by a grant from Vermont Humanities, in partnership with the Vermont 250s Commission and Junction arts and Media—JAM. Special thanks to story editor Sophie Crane.
Bio: Kelby Greene (she/her) is a Norwich, Vermont based journalist and independent radio producer. Her work is about explaining the present through the past—looking for the precedents to seemingly unprecedented times. Rooted in a passion for rural places and their unique histories, she hopes to tell stories worth talking about: in the car, over dinner, and passing by the state's hundreds of roadside markers.
Episode Description: In 1793 the town of Manchester Center, then Meads Mill, was rocked by an other-worldly threat. A young woman was supposedly coming from beyond the grave to suck the life out of the living. It was a vampire panic—one of scores that rocked rural New England in the late 1700s and early 1800s. The frenzied family looked for answers and settled on an unconventional remedy. Was the young Rachel Burton really a vampire? or could science explain the deadly incident? Shawn Harrington from VT Folklife unravels the story of the Manchester Vampire.
Series Description: Roadside Vermont is a podcast series about the historical monuments, markers, and plaques that are all too easy to drive by and never stop to read. In each episode host Kelby Greene travels to the far corners of Vermont to talk to local storytellers, historians, and community stewards about the quirky, quizzical, and surprising events of the history hidden down the dirt roads and rural highways of the Green Mountain state. From vampires to missile silos, to pencil mills and famed fiddlers, this season will span all fourteen counties of Vermont. This season is supported in part by a grant from Vermont Humanities, in partnership with the Vermont 250s Commission and Junction arts and Media—JAM. Special thanks to story editor Sophie Crane.
Bio: Kelby Greene (she/her) is a Norwich, Vermont based journalist and independent radio producer. Her work is about explaining the present through the past—looking for the precedents to seemingly unprecedented times. Rooted in a passion for rural places and their unique histories, she hopes to tell stories worth talking about: in the car, over dinner, and passing by the state's hundreds of roadside markers.
Located in White River Junction, VT and Claremont, NH – and everywhere via social media and the Internet – Riverbank Church's media strategy has contributed to its growth and mission. This week, Lead Pastor Chris Goeppner and Director of Operations Ira Richards join Samantha on a deep dive into the role of media and storytelling in this Upper Valley faith community.
In this episode of Mediated Lives, we have an unprecedented situation: The person writing this very bio, the person editing this very podcast and the person being interviewed this very week are the exact. Same. Person. Hello. It is I, Kelsie Hogue also known as Sir Babygirl. The meta of this overwhelms and fascinates me; I feel as if I am in a multimedia hall of mirrors, or that Spiderman meme with the two Spidermen pointing at each other incredulously. In any case, here's my interview with my boss and host Samantha as we dive into the 2025 media landscape of being a working musician. In fact, writing, editing and being the subject of a podcast interview is exactly how it feels to be a working musician these days. How's THAT for meta!
Eavesdrop on Samantha's conversation with JAM's own Dartmouth Social Impact Fellow Maria Hebling (Dartmouth '27), a brilliant young mind in today's mercurial media landscape. Maria lends her unique perspectives on cultural differences via social media, the life-changing impact of media on her as a teen in rural Brazil during COVID, and the What and Why of the JAM media literacy and digital citizenship programs she currently leads. Enjoy listening as Maria waxes poetic about living a double reality on and offline and the ups/downs, pros/cons, pitfalls and miracles of our modern mediated lives.
In Mediated Lives' 6th episode, Samantha picks local family doctor Julie Davis' brain about her experience serving the community's health in our current media landscape. They talk healthy social media habits, discuss the pros and cons of our sticky web of internet culture in today's children and teens, and what healthy family boundaries around tech might look like.
Vital Communities' Communications Manager and local sweetheart Rebecca Bailey joins Samantha to reveal the brass tacks of Upper Valley Listservs and all the ways they act as connective tissue for the people, places and things of our unique collection of rural towns.
This week, Samantha and Lebanon, NH City Manager Shaun Mulholland join forces to discuss how media and the work of local government intersect – or collide – and how changes in the broader political culture and media landscape telescope to the local, for better and worse. With an emphasis on optimistic problem-solving and fearless navigation of the human beings inside the politics, Shaun breaks down growing AI use, communication tactics, the importance of the arts, reaching out across the aisle, and much more.
Episode 3: In this week’s NSFW episode, Samantha is joined by local quadruple threat (comedian, author, educator and inn keeper), Cindy Pierce as they navigate the choppy waters of all things sex and social media. An expert at making the uncomfortable wonderfully engaging, Cindy takes Samantha on an illuminating and no holds barred tour of the developing human brain on porn, AI and general screen time. This episode pairs well with fresh air and touching grass.
Show Bio: Media shape our lives in ways unprecedented in human culture. How do we understand ourselves and the world we live in differently as a result? What have we gained? Lost? What choices remain in our power in relation to media, and what’s at stake? “Mediated Lives” aims to engage Upper Valley citizens across diverse professional and demographic sectors to share their viewpoints on these questions and help illuminate a path toward building a better mediated future in the Upper Valley.
Episode 2: Rod Smolla, Vermont Law and Graduate School President, joined Samantha in the studio to dig into tough and topical questions about free speech at a moment when social media hold unprecedented sway over our politics. As an attorney who has argued high-profile free speech cases before the Supreme Court, Smolla offers an illuminating guide to the legally perplexed!
Show Bio: Media shape our lives in ways unprecedented in human culture. How do we understand ourselves and the world we live in differently as a result? What have we gained? Lost? What choices remain in our power in relation to media, and what’s at stake? “Mediated Lives” aims to engage Upper Valley citizens across diverse professional and demographic sectors to share their viewpoints on these questions and help illuminate a path toward building a better mediated future in the Upper Valley.
Episode 1: Journalist and Daybreak editor Rob Gurwitt joined Samantha in the JAM audio studio to contemplate how the reporting and delivery local news has changed as digital media tools have upended traditional models. How can we strengthen the social fabric and encourage democratic participation in the context of divisive social media algorithms and a culture of distraction?
Show Bio: Media shape our lives in ways unprecedented in human culture. How do we understand ourselves and the world we live in differently as a result? What have we gained? Lost? What choices remain in our power in relation to media, and what’s at stake? “Mediated Lives” aims to engage Upper Valley citizens across diverse professional and demographic sectors to share their viewpoints on these questions and help illuminate a path toward building a better mediated future in the Upper Valley.
In our 19th episode, we hear about the myriad opportunities to build community in the UV - from poetry to knitting and beyond - as experienced by our guest, a recent transplant accustomed to the diversity of New York City and Berkeley, CA.
This podcast is intended to build bridges between community members by providing an opportunity to anyone who is willing to share their personal experience of inclusion or exclusion as a person living in the Upper Valley.
Our guest shares a challenging experience of community censure in a small Upper Valley town. Reflecting on the nature of community in places where they lived previously, including New York, New Orleans, and a small midwestern farm town, they consider the ways that Vermonters identify themselves through their shared culture and sometimes in opposition to outsiders.
Maeve and Noah sit down with two of the WRIF 2025 Emerging Filmmakers winners, Natalie Jones ("Frame Remainder") and Annika Murdock ("Deepfake Girl") to talk about their films and their experience with WRIF.
Join Maeve and the rest of the JAM team as they discuss all things JAM and what's going on in the Upper Valley. Send suggestions and feedback to Maeve at Maeve@uvjam.org.
Episode 4 – A WRIF in the JAM/SPACE Continuum – Join the JAM crew as they talk about the upcoming White River Indie Film Festival. Tune in to find out about upcoming events this weekend, the origins of the festival, and the selection process.
Join Maeve and the rest of the JAM team as they discuss all things JAM and what's going on in the Upper Valley. Send suggestions and feedback to Maeve at Maeve@uvjam.org.
In this episode, Brian sits down with his very own wife Caitlin. They talk about swear words, olfactory ambitions and things you can't even conceive of until you hear them yourself.
Looking for a loyal, pint-sized partner who'll fill your days with love and laughter? Meet the perfect little companion who's ready to steal your heart (and your couch)!
Brian recently went on a sleepover and did great, met some cats and slept in a human bed and loved it all!!
Meet our next eligible bachelor, Brian! He has been waiting for his forever home for quite some time. He is looking for a special home where he can soak up all the love for himself, and he deserves it!
Brian’s the type that needs a lot of stimulation mentally and physically. If he doesn't get it, he goes stir crazy. There have been times where he would guard his toys and times when he has swallowed things whole and needed surgery. Brian does not like to share, and he is quite the ladies man.
He is very loyal to his person, because of this he needs to go to a one person household. He is an easy going guy who likes to spend his days going on walks, doing some sunbathing outside, then coming in to enjoy some cuddles on the couch. If you're looking for a sweet boy who will be your most loyal sidekick your search is over!
Interested in adopting this podcast?
In the latest episode (#4) of Rethink Local's "Upper Valley Vibes" podcast, we talk Civility, critical thinking, education, Principles of Discourse, and community | I sit down with Greg Prince, former Dean at Dartmouth and former President of Hampshire College, at his home in Norwich Vermont. We talk about his long and inspiring career in education where Greg has worked tirelessly to find ways to engage and empower others to be critical thinkers and engage in the world around them with agency. Find episodes and other updates on my Substack or you can find Upper Valley Vibes on Spotify, Apple, or online!
Rethink Local is a Vermont nonprofit aimed at building civic engagement and resiliency and supporting local communities. Learn more about how we do this.
In this episode, I speak with Ihn Jae.
The elder years bring their unique challenges and changes. What does living a vibrant, meaningful life look like in this "third act"? In this podcast, I talk with women from my everyday life who stand out as inspiring examples of aging with zest about how they do that.
In this episode, Brian sits down with friend and coworker Drea. They talk about finally knowing nothing, reminiscing on when they thought they knew everything, and all the gasps in between.
Looking for a loyal, pint-sized partner who'll fill your days with love and laughter? Meet the perfect little companion who's ready to steal your heart (and your couch)!
Brian recently went on a sleepover and did great, met some cats and slept in a human bed and loved it all!!
Meet our next eligible bachelor, Brian! He has been waiting for his forever home for quite some time. He is looking for a special home where he can soak up all the love for himself, and he deserves it!
Brian’s the type that needs a lot of stimulation mentally and physically. If he doesn't get it, he goes stir crazy. There have been times where he would guard his toys and times when he has swallowed things whole and needed surgery. Brian does not like to share, and he is quite the ladies man.
He is very loyal to his person, because of this he needs to go to a one person household. He is an easy going guy who likes to spend his days going on walks, doing some sunbathing outside, then coming in to enjoy some cuddles on the couch. If you're looking for a sweet boy who will be your most loyal sidekick your search is over!
Interested in adopting this podcast?
In this episode, Brian is joined by coworker and friend Caleb. They discuss physical forms of music versus the streaming age, Buttrock, Boyz II Men, Celebrity Death Match and Brian having a broken arm.
Looking for a loyal, pint-sized partner who'll fill your days with love and laughter? Meet the perfect little companion who's ready to steal your heart (and your couch)!
Brian recently went on a sleepover and did great, met some cats and slept in a human bed and loved it all!!
Meet our next eligible bachelor, Brian! He has been waiting for his forever home for quite some time. He is looking for a special home where he can soak up all the love for himself, and he deserves it!
Brian’s the type that needs a lot of stimulation mentally and physically. If he doesn't get it, he goes stir crazy. There have been times where he would guard his toys and times when he has swallowed things whole and needed surgery. Brian does not like to share, and he is quite the ladies man.
He is very loyal to his person, because of this he needs to go to a one person household. He is an easy going guy who likes to spend his days going on walks, doing some sunbathing outside, then coming in to enjoy some cuddles on the couch. If you're looking for a sweet boy who will be your most loyal sidekick your search is over!
Interested in adopting this podcast?
PRELUDE
JAM Audiobook
Read by the author
Helen Taylor Davidson
Based on the 1854 Diary of Adeline Elizabeth Hoe
Edited by Richard Davidson and Helen Taylor Davidson
About the novel
In the spring of 1854 seventeen-year-old Adeline Elizabeth Hoe began to keep a daily diary. Filled with six months of the details of a young girl’s life, the diary offers a wonderful window into the mind of an educated young woman from a well-to-do family living in Lower Manhattan in the turbulent decade before the Civil War. Her meticulous record of the elegant music, dances and literature she and her sister enjoyed is juxtaposed with her matter-of-fact relation of epidemics and sudden deaths, conveying a vivid picture of mid-nineteenth-century life. Author Helen Davidson, a descendent of Adeline, transcribed the diary with her husband, Richard Davidson. Helen wrote the novel Prelude, while transcribing the diary, re-imagining the life of this spirited young girl.
The novel commences in the spring before Adeline’s eighteenth birthday when she and her older sister Emilie travel to summer destinations in the countryside. Addies was the second daughter of the famed inventor and manufacturer Richard March Hoe, whose “Lightning” printing press had become widely used in the US and beyond. One of the visitors to the March household noted in the diary, abolitionist Joe Stewart, takes a central role in the novel. As his confidante, Adeline becomes aware of the atmosphere of antebellum opposition to slavery and begins herself to espouse Abolitionist sentiment, the closer she gets to the mysterious Joe.
About the author
A lifelong music teacher, choral director, dramatist and writer, Helen Taylor Davidson is the custodian of many heirlooms in a family whose American roots stem from the early 1600s. These include her ancestor’s diary. The Davidsons live in Plainfield, NH in the home where Helen was raised.
PRELUDE
JAM Audiobook
Read by the author
Helen Taylor Davidson
Based on the 1854 Diary of Adeline Elizabeth Hoe
Edited by Richard Davidson and Helen Taylor Davidson
About the novel
In the spring of 1854 seventeen-year-old Adeline Elizabeth Hoe began to keep a daily diary. Filled with six months of the details of a young girl’s life, the diary offers a wonderful window into the mind of an educated young woman from a well-to-do family living in Lower Manhattan in the turbulent decade before the Civil War. Her meticulous record of the elegant music, dances and literature she and her sister enjoyed is juxtaposed with her matter-of-fact relation of epidemics and sudden deaths, conveying a vivid picture of mid-nineteenth-century life. Author Helen Davidson, a descendent of Adeline, transcribed the diary with her husband, Richard Davidson. Helen wrote the novel Prelude, while transcribing the diary, re-imagining the life of this spirited young girl.
The novel commences in the spring before Adeline’s eighteenth birthday when she and her older sister Emilie travel to summer destinations in the countryside. Addies was the second daughter of the famed inventor and manufacturer Richard March Hoe, whose “Lightning” printing press had become widely used in the US and beyond. One of the visitors to the March household noted in the diary, abolitionist Joe Stewart, takes a central role in the novel. As his confidante, Adeline becomes aware of the atmosphere of antebellum opposition to slavery and begins herself to espouse Abolitionist sentiment, the closer she gets to the mysterious Joe.
About the author
A lifelong music teacher, choral director, dramatist and writer, Helen Taylor Davidson is the custodian of many heirlooms in a family whose American roots stem from the early 1600s. These include her ancestor’s diary. The Davidsons live in Plainfield, NH in the home where Helen was raised.
Looking for a loyal, pint-sized partner who'll fill your days with love and laughter? Meet the perfect little companion who's ready to steal your heart (and your couch)!
Brian recently went on a sleepover and did great, met some cats and slept in a human bed and loved it all!!
Meet our next eligible bachelor, Brian! He has been waiting for his forever home for quite some time. He is looking for a special home where he can soak up all the love for himself, and he deserves it!
Brian’s the type that needs a lot of stimulation mentally and physically. If he doesn't get it, he goes stir crazy. There have been times where he would guard his toys and times when he has swallowed things whole and needed surgery. Brian does not like to share, and he is quite the ladies man.
He is very loyal to his person, because of this he needs to go to a one person household. He is an easy going guy who likes to spend his days going on walks, doing some sunbathing outside, then coming in to enjoy some cuddles on the couch. If you're looking for a sweet boy who will be your most loyal sidekick your search is over!
Interested in adopting this podcast?
In this episode, I invited some VIPs from outside the Upper Valley up to Junction Arts Media's (Formerly CATV) podcast recording studio in White River Junction. (Which by the way, JAM is a partner on this podcast and that podcast recording studio can be used by anyone! There are some links in the show notes with more info if you're interested in that.)
Anyway, if you live in Raymond New Hampshire you have an easier time getting informed about what's happening at Town Meeting than people do in many towns. Why? This is because of the dedicated work of a dozen or so volunteers who constitute the Raymond Voter Information Project who are my guests this episode.
These community members and volunteers have been compiling a detailed voter guide for 15 years that gets mailed to every household in Raymond prior to Town Meeting. They compile information, perform editorial reviews to ensure the information is as neutral and objective as possible, and even include things like further research and reasons why someone might vote yes and reasons why someone might vote no, and a voter guide you can fill out and take with you on election day.
It's really interesting to have this much work being done by an independent, nonpartisan organization of individuals who are working to educate and inform their neighbors. Raymond VIP's annual voter guide has become a relied upon resource in town, especially as local media and papers have dropped off over the last two decades. I invited them up here to share a bit about what they do, how they got started, how this relates to local newspapers, lessons they have learned over the years, and maybe some inspiration and ideas for anyone out there who wants to see their community more informed and engaged at Town meeting.
We all met last year after they heard about the Town Meeting handbook I created with a dozen other town managers and officials in New Hampshire, they reached out, and we all really hit it off, as we all believe that helping ensure a well attended and representative town meeting is one of the most important things we can do in our communities. So I'll stop there and get right to the conversation with Susan, Dana and Deb. Enjoy!
- Raymond VIP online: https://www.raymondvip.org/
- Reach out to Susan, Dana or Debra with any questions or ideas if you're interested in starting this in your town: https://www.raymondvip.org/contact.html
- The NH Town Meeting handbook with a bunch of best practices from NH and VT officials that I created this past year: https://rethinklocal.us/resources-town-meeting-turnout-and-engagement/
- NHPR's coverage of our Town Meeting Handbook https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2024-03-11/call-to-order-this-nh-town-manager-created-a-practical-guide-to-town-meeting
- Related Town Meeting type links:
- Susan Clark's book Slow Democracy: http://slowdemocracy.org/
- Register to vote in Vermont: https://sos.vermont.gov/elections/voters/registration/
- Register to vote in New Hampshire: https://www.sos.nh.gov/elections/register-vote
- More information about JAM and their podcast studio which is open to the community: uvjam.org/listen
Hi everyone my name is Alex Torpey, your host of the new Upper Valley Vibes podcast.
As we get this thing going I wanted to share a little bit about my goals for the podcast, and first, share a little of my background so you all can get to know where I’m coming from and the perspective that will be part of this podcast. I think it's important to know about the context of people who we listen to, read, etc, and hope you'll join me to hear a bit about what informs my mindset.
Do you know someone who is up to some interesting things around the Upper Valley? Reach out to me at alex@rethinklocal.us!
I can't wait to bring you interesting stories of people doing amazing things in their communities around the Upper Valley.
Show links:
- The free nonpartisan guide we created (Featured on NHPR!) for increasing engagement at Town Meeting: https://rethinklocal.us/resources-town-meeting-turnout-and-engagement/
- Find me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextorpey/
- Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alextorpey/
- Hanover Happenings podcast: Hanoverhappenings.com.
Hi Alex Torpey here, your host of Upper Valley Vibes.
In this episode, I take a walk on the rail trail in Lebanon with Josh Crane of Norwich, Vermont. Josh is the Senior Producer and Managing Editor of the really great podcast Brave Little State that many of you have probably heard of, produced by Vermont Public. Before joining Brave Little State and moving to the Upper Valley in 2021, Josh spent years reporting and producing podcasts at WBUR in Boston.
I asked him to talk in large part because of a great episode he did for Brave Little State about the Upper Valley where he talked to some local legends like Steve Taylor in Plainfield and Rob Gurwitt of Daybreak and many more. We actually don't end up getting too far down that rabbit hole about the history of the Upper Valley in this episode, but if you're interested in the history of the phrase "Upper Valley," the newspaper wars, who thinks what boundaries are where and a lot more about what makes the Upper Valley unique, that Brave Little State episode is definitely worth checking out and is linked below.
In this episode on Upper Valley Vibes, Josh and I talk a bit about the Upper Valley, important dynamics about small, trusting communities and how that might influence politics and policy, the role of journalism in local civics, the value of local ownership and accountability, what he hears from meeting people around Vermont through Brave Little State, and importantly, who has the best town fair in the Upper Valley.
Thanks for engaging in what's happening in your community. If you enjoy what you hear please share with a friend.
Show notes:
- Brave Little state episode on the Upper Valley: https://www.vermontpublic.org/podcast/brave-little-state/2024-02-23/the-newspaper-war-that-shaped-the-upper-valley
- Ask a question to Brave little State: https://www.vermontpublic.org/podcast/brave-little-state
- Daybreak Newsletter:
https://daybreak.news
- Interview on Hanover Happenings with Rob Gurwitt: https://hanoverhappenings.castos.com/episodes/a-conversation-with-rob-gurwitt-of-daybreak-about-news-trust-new-england-democracy-community-and-more
- Interview on Hanover Happenings with NH and VT Secretaries of State: https://hanoverhappenings.castos.com/episodes/nh-and-vt-secretaries-of-state-visit-hanover-to-talk-civics-elections-and-public-trust
PRELUDE
JAM Audiobook
Read by the author
Helen Taylor Davidson
Based on the 1854 Diary of Adeline Elizabeth Hoe
Edited by Richard Davidson and Helen Taylor Davidson
About the novel
In the spring of 1854 seventeen-year-old Adeline Elizabeth Hoe began to keep a daily diary. Filled with six months of the details of a young girl’s life, the diary offers a wonderful window into the mind of an educated young woman from a well-to-do family living in Lower Manhattan in the turbulent decade before the Civil War. Her meticulous record of the elegant music, dances and literature she and her sister enjoyed is juxtaposed with her matter-of-fact relation of epidemics and sudden deaths, conveying a vivid picture of mid-nineteenth-century life. Author Helen Davidson, a descendent of Adeline, transcribed the diary with her husband, Richard Davidson. Helen wrote the novel Prelude, while transcribing the diary, re-imagining the life of this spirited young girl.
The novel commences in the spring before Adeline’s eighteenth birthday when she and her older sister Emilie travel to summer destinations in the countryside. Addies was the second daughter of the famed inventor and manufacturer Richard March Hoe, whose “Lightning” printing press had become widely used in the US and beyond. One of the visitors to the March household noted in the diary, abolitionist Joe Stewart, takes a central role in the novel. As his confidante, Adeline becomes aware of the atmosphere of antebellum opposition to slavery and begins herself to espouse Abolitionist sentiment, the closer she gets to the mysterious Joe.
About the author
A lifelong music teacher, choral director, dramatist and writer, Helen Taylor Davidson is the custodian of many heirlooms in a family whose American roots stem from the early 1600s. These include her ancestor’s diary. The Davidsons live in Plainfield, NH in the home where Helen was raised.
Episode 3 - Oops! All Interns - Maeve interviews the JAM Interns about their summer working at JAM. Tune in while they reflect on their time working at JAM’s summer camp, their favorite memories, what they’ve learned, and the new religion taking the upper Valley by storm: Drewism.
From Tunbridge to Claremont, unbound by space/time, voters and non voters face down their national politics.
In this series, Frances Mize vibe checks the Upper Valley in advance of the national election. The project is less interested in who you’re voting for than how you feel about the country today and how you feel about its future.
PRELUDE
JAM Audiobook
Read by the author
Helen Taylor Davidson
Based on the 1854 Diary of Adeline Elizabeth Hoe
Edited by Richard Davidson and Helen Taylor Davidson
About the novel
In the spring of 1854 seventeen-year-old Adeline Elizabeth Hoe began to keep a daily diary. Filled with six months of the details of a young girl’s life, the diary offers a wonderful window into the mind of an educated young woman from a well-to-do family living in Lower Manhattan in the turbulent decade before the Civil War. Her meticulous record of the elegant music, dances and literature she and her sister enjoyed is juxtaposed with her matter-of-fact relation of epidemics and sudden deaths, conveying a vivid picture of mid-nineteenth-century life. Author Helen Davidson, a descendent of Adeline, transcribed the diary with her husband, Richard Davidson. Helen wrote the novel Prelude, while transcribing the diary, re-imagining the life of this spirited young girl.
The novel commences in the spring before Adeline’s eighteenth birthday when she and her older sister Emilie travel to summer destinations in the countryside. Addies was the second daughter of the famed inventor and manufacturer Richard March Hoe, whose “Lightning” printing press had become widely used in the US and beyond. One of the visitors to the March household noted in the diary, abolitionist Joe Stewart, takes a central role in the novel. As his confidante, Adeline becomes aware of the atmosphere of antebellum opposition to slavery and begins herself to espouse Abolitionist sentiment, the closer she gets to the mysterious Joe.
About the author
A lifelong music teacher, choral director, dramatist and writer, Helen Taylor Davidson is the custodian of many heirlooms in a family whose American roots stem from the early 1600s. These include her ancestor’s diary. The Davidsons live in Plainfield, NH in the home where Helen was raised.
On this week of Voices of the Voters: human politics in a chain store jungle.
In this series, Frances Mize vibe checks the Upper Valley in advance of the national election. The project is less interested in who you’re voting for than how you feel about the country today and how you feel about its future.
PRELUDE
JAM Audiobook
Read by the author
Helen Taylor Davidson
Based on the 1854 Diary of Adeline Elizabeth Hoe
Edited by Richard Davidson and Helen Taylor Davidson
About the novel
In the spring of 1854 seventeen-year-old Adeline Elizabeth Hoe began to keep a daily diary. Filled with six months of the details of a young girl’s life, the diary offers a wonderful window into the mind of an educated young woman from a well-to-do family living in Lower Manhattan in the turbulent decade before the Civil War. Her meticulous record of the elegant music, dances and literature she and her sister enjoyed is juxtaposed with her matter-of-fact relation of epidemics and sudden deaths, conveying a vivid picture of mid-nineteenth-century life. Author Helen Davidson, a descendent of Adeline, transcribed the diary with her husband, Richard Davidson. Helen wrote the novel Prelude, while transcribing the diary, re-imagining the life of this spirited young girl.
The novel commences in the spring before Adeline’s eighteenth birthday when she and her older sister Emilie travel to summer destinations in the countryside. Addies was the second daughter of the famed inventor and manufacturer Richard March Hoe, whose “Lightning” printing press had become widely used in the US and beyond. One of the visitors to the March household noted in the diary, abolitionist Joe Stewart, takes a central role in the novel. As his confidante, Adeline becomes aware of the atmosphere of antebellum opposition to slavery and begins herself to espouse Abolitionist sentiment, the closer she gets to the mysterious Joe.
About the author
A lifelong music teacher, choral director, dramatist and writer, Helen Taylor Davidson is the custodian of many heirlooms in a family whose American roots stem from the early 1600s. These include her ancestor’s diary. The Davidsons live in Plainfield, NH in the home where Helen was raised.
Sally is an 87 year-old feisty, delightful friend. who has a remarkable spirit. Her attitude towards life is to fine a way to grow no matter what difficulties you might face. And be yourself!
About the series:
The elder years bring their unique challenges and changes. What does living a vibrant, meaningful life look like in this "third act"? In this podcast, Jill Fischer, psychotherapist and life coach, talks with women who stand out as inspiring examples of aging with zest about how they do that.
A few days roaming around town.
In this series, Frances Mize vibe checks the Upper Valley in advance of the national election. The project is less interested in who you’re voting for than how you feel about the country today and how you feel about its future.
PRELUDE
JAM Audiobook
Read by the author
Helen Taylor Davidson
Based on the 1854 Diary of Adeline Elizabeth Hoe
Edited by Richard Davidson and Helen Taylor Davidson
About the novel
In the spring of 1854 seventeen-year-old Adeline Elizabeth Hoe began to keep a daily diary. Filled with six months of the details of a young girl’s life, the diary offers a wonderful window into the mind of an educated young woman from a well-to-do family living in Lower Manhattan in the turbulent decade before the Civil War. Her meticulous record of the elegant music, dances and literature she and her sister enjoyed is juxtaposed with her matter-of-fact relation of epidemics and sudden deaths, conveying a vivid picture of mid-nineteenth-century life. Author Helen Davidson, a descendent of Adeline, transcribed the diary with her husband, Richard Davidson. Helen wrote the novel Prelude, while transcribing the diary, re-imagining the life of this spirited young girl.
The novel commences in the spring before Adeline’s eighteenth birthday when she and her older sister Emilie travel to summer destinations in the countryside. Addies was the second daughter of the famed inventor and manufacturer Richard March Hoe, whose “Lightning” printing press had become widely used in the US and beyond. One of the visitors to the March household noted in the diary, abolitionist Joe Stewart, takes a central role in the novel. As his confidante, Adeline becomes aware of the atmosphere of antebellum opposition to slavery and begins herself to espouse Abolitionist sentiment, the closer she gets to the mysterious Joe.
About the author
A lifelong music teacher, choral director, dramatist and writer, Helen Taylor Davidson is the custodian of many heirlooms in a family whose American roots stem from the early 1600s. These include her ancestor’s diary. The Davidsons live in Plainfield, NH in the home where Helen was raised.
Episode 2 - JAM Rebrand - Maeve sits down with the JAM team leader, Samantha Davidson Green to discuss how JAM came into being as it exists today. Listen in to learn how and why CATV got the facelift to become JAM – Junction Arts & Media.
Join Maeve and the rest of the JAM team as they discuss all things JAM and what's going on in the Upper Valley. Send suggestions and feedback to Maeve at Maeve@uvjam.org.
PRELUDE
JAM Audiobook
Read by the author
Helen Taylor Davidson
Based on the 1854 Diary of Adeline Elizabeth Hoe
Edited by Richard Davidson and Helen Taylor Davidson
About the novel
In the spring of 1854 seventeen-year-old Adeline Elizabeth Hoe began to keep a daily diary. Filled with six months of the details of a young girl’s life, the diary offers a wonderful window into the mind of an educated young woman from a well-to-do family living in Lower Manhattan in the turbulent decade before the Civil War. Her meticulous record of the elegant music, dances and literature she and her sister enjoyed is juxtaposed with her matter-of-fact relation of epidemics and sudden deaths, conveying a vivid picture of mid-nineteenth-century life. Author Helen Davidson, a descendent of Adeline, transcribed the diary with her husband, Richard Davidson. Helen wrote the novel Prelude, while transcribing the diary, re-imagining the life of this spirited young girl.
The novel commences in the spring before Adeline’s eighteenth birthday when she and her older sister Emilie travel to summer destinations in the countryside. Addies was the second daughter of the famed inventor and manufacturer Richard March Hoe, whose “Lightning” printing press had become widely used in the US and beyond. One of the visitors to the March household noted in the diary, abolitionist Joe Stewart, takes a central role in the novel. As his confidante, Adeline becomes aware of the atmosphere of antebellum opposition to slavery and begins herself to espouse Abolitionist sentiment, the closer she gets to the mysterious Joe.
About the author
A lifelong music teacher, choral director, dramatist and writer, Helen Taylor Davidson is the custodian of many heirlooms in a family whose American roots stem from the early 1600s. These include her ancestor’s diary. The Davidsons live in Plainfield, NH in the home where Helen was raised.
Three people decades apart stand near a bus stop in Hartford and talk about the drug epidemic, political advertisements, loaves and also fishes.
In this series, Frances Mize vibe checks the Upper Valley in advance of the national election. The project is less interested in who you’re voting for than how you feel about the country today and how you feel about its future.
Among the subjectsof this first episode of Junction Art & Media's podcast “Voices of the Voters” are a civics teacher, a baker and a thirteen-year-old novelist. They’re all trying to make sense of the country and their place in it as we draw increasingly closer to a historic national election.
In this series, Frances Mize vibe checks the Upper Valley in advance of the national election.
PRELUDE, A NOVEL, a JAM audiobook
Read by the author, Helen Taylor Davidson
Based on the 1854 Diary of Adeline Elizabeth Hoe
Edited by Richard Davidson and Helen Taylor Davidson
About the novel
In the spring of 1854 seventeen-year-old Adeline Elizabeth Hoe began to keep a daily diary. Filled with six months of the details of a young girl’s life, the diary offers a wonderful window into the mind of an educated young woman from a well-to-do family living in Lower Manhattan in the turbulent decade before the Civil War. Her meticulous record of the elegant music, dances and literature she and her sister enjoyed is juxtaposed with her matter-of-fact relation of epidemics and sudden deaths, conveying a vivid picture of mid-nineteenth-century life. Author Helen Davidson, a descendent of Adeline, transcribed the diary with her husband, Richard Davidson. Helen wrote the novel Prelude, while transcribing the diary, re-imagining the life of this spirited young girl.
The novel commences in the spring before Adeline’s eighteenth birthday when she and her older sister Emilie travel to summer destinations in the countryside. Addies was the second daughter of the famed inventor and manufacturer Richard March Hoe, whose “Lightning” printing press had become widely used in the US and beyond. One of the visitors to the March household noted in the diary, abolitionist Joe Stewart, takes a central role in the novel. As his confidante, Adeline becomes aware of the atmosphere of antebellum opposition to slavery and begins herself to espouse Abolitionist sentiment, the closer she gets to the mysterious Joe.
About the author
A lifelong music teacher, choral director, dramatist and writer, Helen Taylor Davidson is the custodian of many heirlooms in a family whose American roots stem from the early 1600s. These include her ancestor’s diary. The Davidsons live in Plainfield, NH in the home where Helen was raised.
Content advisory: This audiobook content includes racial terminology derived from the era of the 1854 diary on which it was based.
**.5 - Intro Episode - Join Maeve as she gives a quick rundown of what the JAM Podcast is and why it’s being brought into existence.
Join Maeve and the rest of the JAM team as they discuss all things JAM and what's going on in the Upper Valley. Send suggestions and feedback to Maeve at Maeve@uvjam.org**.
**Episode 1 - Hark! Production! - Maeve and Charlie round up the production department of JAM to discuss the latte industry and everything production at Junction Arts and Media. Tune in to learn how the sausage gets made at JAM.
Join Maeve and the rest of the JAM team as they discuss all things JAM and what's going on in the Upper Valley. Send suggestions and feedback to Maeve at Maeve@uvjam.org**.
**Martha is a 92-year-old woman who is a wonderful artist. She became an SGI Buddhist in her mid-eighties, a philosophy and practice that have sustained her and given her life meaning. This conversation reflects her playfulness and open-mindedness. Her daughter, Leah, joins us partway through the conversation. A highlight is when the two of them break into song!
About**
The elder years bring their unique challenges and changes. What does living a vibrant, meaningful life look like in this "third act"? In this podcast, I talk with women from my everyday life who stand out as inspiring examples of aging with zest about how they do that.
**In this podcast, I interview Sue, age 93, who I met in a media class for seniors that we took together at the Junction Arts Media Center (JAM) to learn to solve our media mysteries! Sue has many gems to share about how she keeps her life vibrant and joyful.
About**
The elder years bring their unique challenges and changes. What does living a vibrant, meaningful life look like in this "third act"? In this podcast, I talk with women from my everyday life who stand out as inspiring examples of aging with zest about how they do that.
Join Sara Bronin, Chair of the U.S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and professor at Cornell University, as we engage in a multifaceted discussion covering the Council’s role, priorities, and challenges, alongside her initiatives like Desegregate CT and the National Zoning Atlas. Our conversation delves into the importance of historic preservation in fostering culture, mitigating climate change, and promoting economic growth while navigating funding, politics, and developmental pressures. Bronin advocates for equitable and inclusive development, critiquing single-family zoning’s social and environmental impacts and emphasizing the need for denser housing. In our conversation, she also addresses concerns about perpetuating discrimination and the potential for historic preservation to inadvertently reinforce segregation. Throughout, Bronin highlights the significance of public engagement and community input in shaping policy and addressing urban development challenges.
If Earth could write us a strongly worded letter expressing her feelings about our treatment of her, what would she want us to improve as individuals, communities, and local governments? Join Jonathan as he hosts interesting yet lighthearted discussions with expert guests about all things local related to climate change, equity, and sustainable development. Insincerely Yours, Earth keeps it real and keeps you informed on how you can improve your community.
Produced by Sustainable Development Code.
This podcast is made possible in part by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Welcome to this episode featuring renowned urban designer, author, and founder of New Urbanism and Transit Oriented Development, Peter Calthorpe. Join us as we delve into captivating discussions on the future of housing, urban planning, and revitalizing vacant retail spaces. Gain insights from one of the foremost experts in urban design as we explore innovative solutions to shape our cities for generations to come. Tune in to discover the intersection of sustainable development, community design, and the evolving landscape of urban living with Peter Calthorpe.
If Earth could write us a strongly worded letter expressing her feelings about our treatment of her, what would she want us to improve as individuals, communities, and local governments? Join Jonathan as he hosts interesting yet lighthearted discussions with expert guests about all things local related to climate change, equity, and sustainable development. Insincerely Yours, Earth keeps it real and keeps you informed on how you can improve your community.
Produced by Sustainable Development Code.
This podcast is made possible in part by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Step into the lush world of biophilic cities with this podcast episode featuring Tim Beatley, the Teresa Heinz Professor of Sustainable Communities and the visionary behind Biophilic Cities. Get ready for an exhilarating journey as we dive deep into the enchanting realm of cities intertwined with nature. Join us as we unravel the ethical dilemmas of flora in urban landscapes and explore the dynamic fusion of sustainability, urban planning, and the allure of nature. Don’t miss out on this invigorating conversation that will leave you inspired to reimagine our cities as vibrant hubs of biodiversity!
If Earth could write us a strongly worded letter expressing her feelings about our treatment of her, what would she want us to improve as individuals, communities, and local governments? Join Jonathan as he hosts interesting yet lighthearted discussions with expert guests about all things local related to climate change, equity, and sustainable development. Insincerely Yours, Earth keeps it real and keeps you informed on how you can improve your community.
Produced by Sustainable Development Code.
This podcast is made possible in part by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Welcome to our inaugural episode, where we plunge headfirst into gentrification. Joining us is the venerable Majora Carter, a creative force of urban renewal whose insights raise critical questions concerning the fabric of our cities. Together, we dissect the subtle nuances of gentrification, from its inception to its enduring grip on neighborhoods. Majora unveils the sinister machinations of legal and policy frameworks that result in displacement, offering a scathing critique of the status quo. But fret not, listeners, for amidst the chaos, there lies hope. Majora imparts invaluable wisdom on how individuals can wield their power to reclaim their communities. So buckle up, folks, because this episode promises to be a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of urban transformation.
If Earth could write us a strongly worded letter expressing her feelings about our treatment of her, what would she want us to improve as individuals, communities, and local governments? Join Jonathan as he hosts interesting yet lighthearted discussions with expert guests about all things local related to climate change, equity, and sustainable development. Insincerely Yours, Earth keeps it real and keeps you informed on how you can improve your community.
Produced by Sustainable Development Code.
This podcast is made possible in part by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Tom uses FB to ask the longest question we have received thus far, “So I could use some advice! I sorta fell out of reading regularly for fun. Due to the events of the world, I’ve focused more on reading educational topics. I used to read a lot of sci-fi and fantasy. Some of my favorite novels are the Dune series (and prequels), and growing up I LOVED the Lost Years of Merlin. I got the book series for The Magicians a few years ago and worked through that and really liked it. I’d like to get back into reading for pleasure again, but nothing has really gotten me super excited. Unfortunately, with the rise of streaming on TV it can be hard to get motivated to sit down and read. I’m trying to re-ignite my love of reading. Can you help?” Of course we can help. Discussed selections include: The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K.Jemisin, The Expanse Series by James SA Corey, Annihilation (or the entire Area X trilogy) by Jeff Vandermeer, Wizard of Earthsea (or the series) by Ursula K. Le Guin.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
A few people asked for “just a good summer read” – even if their names were lost in the ether before the booksellers could capture them on IG. This led Episode 44 to begin with a discussion about what makes a book a summer book. Ideas included: it’s about a road trip? it’s a paperback, it’s intense and engrossing and long because you finally have time for those books, or it’s light and breezy and entertaining. In short, we reached no conclusion about a definition of a summer read, and the booksellers came up with a great list for you for your summer – no matter your definition of a summer book. Their recommendations include VenCoby Cherie Dimqline, The Swifts for kids, Fake Accounts,and Lapvona by an author we mention a lot – Otessa Moshvegh.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
The question: “Not necessarily a dilemma, but I would like books to be paired with your astrological sign!” – came via Instagram from Nicole; and it had the booksellers so excited we delayed discussing it for a month so that Allie, Emma, and Kari could all be present to discuss. This query also resulted in our longest episode yet.
To start, we discussed personal charts and learned that Allie is a Libra sun sign, Sagittarius moon sign, with Scorpio as her rising sign. Emma is a Taurus sun sign, a Cancer moon sign, and has Virgo rising. Kari is a Sagittarius sun sign, like Emma has a Cancer moon sign, but has Aquarius rising. Lisa, like Allie, is a Libra, with a Leo moon, and Capricorn rising. (She needs to research what this all means.) Emma then provided a brief tutorial and suggested thinking of one’s sun sign as one’s ego, a moon sign as one’s id, and the rising sign as one’s super ego. Allie was shocked no one had ever explained this to her in this way. We then launched into book recommendations. Reviewed books included, and were definitely not limited to Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff, Wilder Girls by Rory Power, Shadow Tag by Louise Erdrich, and we spent quite a bit of time on the fact that The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande epitomizes a Virgo vibe. Listen for more pairings.
Laura via IG says she “needs historical somewhat fictional adventure” and in this episode the booksellers delivered some great ideas. Emma discussed Hildand Menewood by Nicola Griffith. Jen, subbing for Allie, recommends Washington Black by Esi Edugyan and 100 Years of Solitude to either read again or for the first time if you have not yet done so. And, Kari wants you to read Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Erin on IG asked for “some more queer books that aren’t romance or historical fiction”. This episode tackles this question Open Throat by Henry Hoake, Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White, Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby, and Cleanness by Garth Greenwell.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
This comment, “I LOOOOVED Cloud Cuckoo Land and Great Circle – need epic multi-POV novels” from Amanda via IG, led us into Episode 43. Once again, Allie was unable to join us and sent Jen in her place. Kari started with God of Endings by Jacqueline Holland. Jen mentioned two classics, Dracula and Paradise Lost and a more recent title – The Dark Materials Series by Philip Pullman. Emma mentioned the graphic novel Here, North Woodsand Cloud Atlas.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
is all about books that are “Informational but easy to digest” based on a question from Britt via Instagram. Due to her busy schedule – starting with owning a store and getting married in early July, Allie was unable to join us and sent Jen in her place. We were thrilled to welcome Jen again and wish Allie the best. Now the books. Jen opened with a recommendation for The Right to Sex. Emma followed with Naked Economics by Dartmouth professor Charles Wheelan. Sex and naked? — we must be headed into summer. Kari recommended Cultish andGeorge: A magpie memoir.Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
A request from Matt S. for “gay/queer romance novels” was met in Episode 41 with an extensive list from the booksellers, including when When Kate Met Cassidy, One Last Stop, Red White and Royal Blue (soon to be a movie), In At The Deep End, Ladies Guide to Celestial Mechanics, a Lady for a Duke, and all gay hockey books — which seems to be an extensive sub category of this genre. Have fun with these.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
In this episode we discussed Dianne’s need for “some good humor books that are not romantic comedies of Janet Evanovich.” This led to a brief discussion about whether Janet Evanovich writes humor books. We came to no conclusion. Suggestions included anything by Eleanor Lipman including her latest Ms. Demeanor, anything by Jenny Lawson and Samantha Irby, and French Exit. We hope these leave everyone laughing.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
“I’ve read all of Shirley Jackson’s work. I loved it! What should I read that’s similar?” – from mrsmorganbakestoomuch via IG. Once again our booksellers began their recommendations with the query, “Are you sure you have read everything Shirley Jackson has written? There is a lot.” Assuming mrsmorganbakestoomuch had, they jumped in. The discussion highlighted Shirley Jackson’s connections to Bennington, Vermont, the frequency with which her work is mentioned in Shelf Help, and that perhaps her estate should be Shelf Help‘s first underwriter. Jack highlighted Jazz by Toni Morrison and Secret History by Donna Tartt, leading to a short seminar on Ms. Morrison and her works. Kari mentioned Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry. Emma had a long long list including Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life by Ruth Franklin, White is for Witching by Helen Oyeyemi and Her Body and Other Parties: Stories by Carmen Maria Machado (seconded by Jack). All mentioned authors whose work resembles Ms. Jackson’s — Angela Carter, Kelly Link. Emma also pointed out that winners of the annual Shirley Jackson Award would be a great list to tackle. We hope this helps all you Shirley Jackson fans out there; and based upon our episodes there seem to be quite a few.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
This episode’s question came from Lisa F. and asked us to recommend “good YA book that spotlights an animal, but isn’t about animal abuse of heart wrenchingly sad.” This was hard because many animal books are well … sad. and this amazing group still found some titles to recommend. These include Shady Hallow, Pax, Council of Animals, and The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
“Horror Recs!” is all Maria Teresa wrote in her request, but our booksellers were incredibly excited to explore this relatively new category they are now using to shelve books in their stores. And wow, did they come up with some fun books for Episode 37, after having a broad discussion about what makes a book a horror novel, and what sort of sub-genres are included (sporers, body horror). Some titles included in this are: Such Sharp Teeth, Mexican Gothic, Devolution, and Carmilla. We hope you get a thrill from this episode.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Jenn’s question, “I would love to go on a European holiday soon, but I just can’t find the time or the money. What are some recommended memoirs or ‘travel fiction?'” was the starting point for Episode 37. Kari mentioned the Bruno Chief of Police series based in France and American Gods, by Neil Gaiman. Allie suggested Lost Daughter, by Elena Ferrante and Tender is the Night, by F Scott Fitzgerald. Emma talked about the beauty of the Hedonist’s Guides to various cities as great visual inspiration to travel and A Line in the World, by Dorthe Nors. Lisa chimed in with anything by Nobel Prize-winner Halldor Laxness for those wishing to visit Iceland.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Food becomes the main discussion in Episode 36 when Signe asks “Who’s the next Barefoot Contessa?” The booksellers agreed on the following – Ina Gratner still reigns and there is nothing wrong with sticking with her cookbooks. And, if you are looking for someone else they all landed on Alison Roman. Specific discussions of I Dream of Dinner (so you don’t have to) and Gesine Bullock-Prado’s latest My Vermont Table: Recipes for All Six Seasons were important parts of this episode.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Kirsten asks, “My dilemma: Making time to read fiction as my thirst for knowledge/evidence increases with age.” The booksellers first challenged her assumption she should or has to read fiction, then came up with a pretty good list including books by Adrienne Brodeur, Jenny Odell, Ottessa Moshfegh, Lydia millet and Rumaan Alam.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Shelf Help booksellers answer a question from Caleb –”some of my favorite books are ones with allusions to other literary works, like the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde. What other books like that series would the co-hosts recommend?” Recommendations included the unexpected – a picture book – A Child of Books by Oliver Jeffers, as well as other novels the Wayward children series by Seanan McGuire, Check out 19 by Claire Louise Bennett, The Idiot by Elif Batuman, Mr. Penumbra’s 24 hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan, Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern, Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill, and the Magpie Murders series by Anthony Horowitz.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
This episode was guided by a question from Shelf Help’s friend KJ, an author herself, who was looking for great books for her mom that feature protagonists who are older and not depressed about it. Her question led of course to the Thursday Murder Club mysteries by Richard Osman, and quickly veered away from those as KJ’s question specifically said don’t recommend those because her mom is not yet in assisted living. The Group – Kari, Allie and Emma (still no Sam who was busy at the Norwich Bookstore) – came up with the following: The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen by Hendrik Groen, If You Ask Me And Of Course You Won’t by Betty White, Auntie Poldi And The Sicilian Lions (An Auntie Poldi Adventure #1) by Mario Giordano and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, among others. They all had us looking forward, at least a bit more, to aging.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Some books that provide feminist rethinkings and revisionings of the hero cycle/”hero’s journey”, or said another way books that explore the heroine’s journey: We were joined by Allie for this episode, and bid a fond goodbye to Still North’s Jen, hoping to hear from her again soon. This question from Devon was interpreted widely by the group – Allie, Emma, and Kari (still no Sam). Their picks include: Circe by Madeline Miller, The Shame by Mckenna Goodwin, The Heroine with 1001 Faces by Maria Tatar, How to be Eaten by Marion Adelmann, and Stone Blind by Natalie Haynes. We hope these help Devon (and you) find what she was looking for.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
A listener asked via instagram for “new cozy mysteries.” The booksellers admitted they’re not big cozy mystery readers themselves, yet they had good tips for books in the genre including Shady Hollow Series, by Juneau Black; Death in Door Country, by Annelise Ryan, and Killers of a Certain Age, by Deanna Raybourn.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Fun, yet clever books for college kids: Jen joined us again from Still North; and, Sam and Allie were still unable to be with us. But Jen, Kari, and Emma discussed great ideas to answer a question from Laura looking for great books for her kid in college. Their picks included, but were not limited to, The Idiot by Elif Batuman, Bunny by Mona Awad, Long Way To Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers, Hamster Princess by Ursula Vernon, and What Moves The Dead by T. Kingfisher. We all remarked we were grateful we had an actual college student – Jen – recommending today.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Tolstoy and great books about unhappy families: For this episode and its question from our friend and superb librarian Lucinda wanting more books about unhappy families, we were joined by Jen from Still North Books & Bar as Allie had a conflict. Jen was succinct, delightful, and forthcoming about her senior thesis with one recommendation – Abolish the Family by Sophie Lewis. Emma had a long list that included Normal Family by Chrysta Bilton, Fun Home by Allison Bechtdel, Priest Daddy by Partricia Lockwood and Dominicana by Angie Cruz. Kari split the difference and chose two books – Inheritance by Dani Shapiro and Bastards by Mary Anna King. Have fun with these unhappy families.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
What is your favorite “snack” book – a book that is great “because no matter what is going on, you can pick it up and enjoy it even if it’s only a chapter or two.”? The bookstore owners fully embraced the concept of a snack book. Well, with the exception of Emma who confessed she does not pick books up and down, unlike her partner Sam who has multiple books going at all times. So Emma used this question as a reason to reference Shirley Jackson again. Specific book recommendations from all the booksellers included the Best American Series (essays, fiction, travel), Mythologies by Roland Barthes, and We are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Books for High Schoolers Who Seem to Have Become Nonreaders: For Sam, these include narrative nonfiction in the sociology, history, and travel sections. Allie recommended dystopian fiction. Kari chose books that have protagonists who are the same age as the reluctant reader. And, Emma recommended series. All referenced Shelf Help’s previous reading slump episode. Specific books to ponder include: the Saga Series, Endurance by Alfred Lansing, Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, Serpent King by Jeff Zentner, and We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Shelf Help’s Inaugural Holiday Gift Guide: Each bookstore owner chose one fiction, one nonfiction, and one kids book to help listeners find the perfect gift for everyone on their lists. They picked far too many to list them all here. And when you listen, you will hear them discuss why books such as Marple: 12 new mysteries, Olga Dies Dreaming, Inciting Joy: Essays, The Phantomwise Tarot: A 78-Card Deck and Guidebook, The Legend of the Christmas Witch, A Very Mercy Christmas, and A Child’s Christmas in Wales. Enjoy! We hope this episode helps you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Beyond Goodnight Moon: Board books for infants and the people who love them: The bookstore owners had fun thinking about books for the youngest among us and the people who love them, which led to a debate about who are board books really for – kids or adults? Consensus was board books are for both, and then the recommendations flew. Kari recommended books by Il Sung Na such as Book of Sleep, and Emma says you can’t go wrong with Natalie Nelson and Dog’s First Baby and Cat’s First Baby. Allie’s recommendations were more interactive with puppets including selections like Little Ghostie, and Sam went slightly more classic with More More More by Vera B Williams and Sheep in a Jeep.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
“Not Christmas books!” Our first question we’ve received that required clarification resulted in very unique interpretations this episode. The query arrived via instagram from Sara who wrote she needs books that help her in “getting away from the encroaching Christmas.” When asked for clarification, she came back with – “Christmas dominates the popular narrative starting late fall, hard to get away from. Stories that aren’t about Christmas or anti-Christmas are few and far between. I’m sure there’s exciting new fiction or old comfort food stories that get ‘the rest of us’ through.”
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Sara was on instagram looking for modern Native American fiction. And the booksellers were brimming with books to recommend. These included anything, anything, anything – fiction for adults, fiction for children, short stories – by Louise Erdrich, A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger, and for kids both Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac and Sea in Winter by Christine Day. Listen to the entire episode for more recommendations and to hear the palatable excitement these booksellers felt in discussing this question.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Anya via IG was looking for “Historical Fiction with an engaging story and characters (I’ve enjoyed Kristin Hannah)” Our three booksellers, Kari, Jack and Emma, started with the query: Are you sure you have read everything Kristin Hannah has written? They then took off, recommending books such as Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus, Sharks in the Time of Saviors: A Novel, by Kawai Strong Washburn, Wide Sargasso Sea, by Jean Rhys and The Grand Sophy, by Georgette Heyer among many others.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Children’s books for young readers who have high reading levels and have difficulty finding just right books in terms of content (being sensitive enough with an engaging enough reading level) from Rowan via IG
Realizing Shelf Help rarely gets questions dealing with books for children, the three booksellers – Emma, Jack and Kari – had a ton of fun discussing their answers to this very common question for indie booksellers. They created significant consensus when all three agreed that The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making and The Winternight Trilogy would be great books to hand any child with a high reading level who is not quite ready for teen and adult topics. They also offered unique picks such as Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata. We hope they help those of you who have children in your life who pose this dilemma.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
How to sit down and finish a book rather than just starting a new one? from Andrew via IG. For the first time in the history of Shelf Help, one of our bookstore owners, Allie sent another bookseller, Jack, in her place. And Sam relied on Emma to represent the Norwich Bookstore alone, as someone had to actually stay in the store and work. Very quickly the three booksellers, Kari, Emma, and Jack, bonded over their adamant and united response to Andrew’s Insta question: How to sit down and finish a book rather than just starting a new one? Their intense agreement that you should not finish a book you don’t want to read makes this one of the shortest episodes we’ve ever recorded. Enjoy!
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
A very specific request from Emma’s mom – “I am always looking for books to read. They can be romantic (but not mushy), suspenseful (but not scary), historical (but not boring), and preferably available on audio. My last “must have” in a book is that it must end happily. I do not want to cry at the end of a book. I can get that watching the news!” – had the bookstore owners searching their vast knowledge of literature and creating a fabulous list of books, meeting this vast array of criteria, for us all to enjoy.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
This request, via Instagram from a special group of Dartmouth alums, to find books about “magical cosmic beings like toads and fairies and butterflies with special superpowers!!!” had Sam perplexed but able to rise to the occasion and Allie thrilled to respond. Enjoy a bit of magic with this episode.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
This episode is for all those readers who love Lauren Groff. You will not be disappointed as Kari, Allie, Emma, and Sam tackle an anonymous question from Instagram, “what/who to read once you’ve read all of Lauren Groff”.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
We are back from our summer recess with a list of books to enjoy as summer wanes. Specifically, we answer a question from Sarah on Instagram, “Looking for a light summer read this is well written, but is not a romance or set on a beach”. Luckily, even though we proved a bit rusty on our recording abilities, the ability of Sam, Emma, Kari and Allie to recommend good books did not wane during our recess. We are pretty confident the books discussed in this episode will help you end summer on a high note.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
The booksellers tackle a question about great books for younger readers when the instagram handle courtpilling asked for “Middle Grade historical fiction set in 1700s-1800s”. Kari started us off with The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich, Allie wants everyone to read Running Out of Time by Margaret Peterson Haddix, Lisa remembered two classics by Robert Lawson – Mr. Revere and I and Ben and Me. Emma brought us to Philadelphia with Fever 1793by Laurie Anderson and Sam finished the list with Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Booksellers answer an anonymous question from instagram in which one desperate listener asks for the “best ways to get out of a reading slump”. For this question, Lisa adds an idea for the first time – Hunting and Gathering, a “fun to read” gem by France’s best-selling author Ana Gavalda. Kari suggests reading short stories as a great way to get reading again; she singles out St. Lucy’s Home for Girls Raised By Wolves by Karen Russell, and then changes things up by also recommending a memoir, The Electric Woman by Tessa Fontaine. Allie believes that Sisters by Daisy Johnson will help anyone stuck in a slump. These and the other selections included in this show will help anyone who feels stuck trying to find the next great book to read.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
The bookstore owners attempt to answer our good friend Shari Altman’s (from a great book resource Literary North) question: “I am looking for strange and beautiful novels about middle age.” We note that Shari is nowhere near approaching middle age; we then debate what defines middle age. Allie, Sam, Emma, and Kari recommend a few books in response to her query, including House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune; Agatha of Little Neon by Claire Luchette; So Lucky by Nicola Griffith; One DOA, One on the Way by Mary Robison; and The Swimmers by Julia Otsuka.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Episode 9 originates with an email from Cindy, “I am a first grade teacher and want to teach a unit on graphic novels. I have some graphic novels, but it is hard to find ones that are appropriate for little ones and that the reading level is not too challenging. Help!!” Each bookseller discusses one book, ok maybe two or three. And, we have an opportunity to shout out the Center for Cartoon Studies located within a baseball throw of where we record.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
We appeal to the inner Sam as we discuss a question left for us on Instagram: please discuss “Ottessa Moshfegh-ish literary fiction. Something grotesque and damaged but beautiful.”
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Each bookseller describes one book that is either funny and/or combines a superb balance between fun and thought based on an instagram question from Karen.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Each bookseller reviews a short book for those phases when you have a limited amount of time, or when your book club just needs something quick.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
May’s Mental Health Awareness Month provides the inspiration for Episode 5. We promise it is not depressing, but instead filled with hope, help, and healing.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Episode 4 provides gardening inspiration and some great gardening tips to help us all fully embrace spring and summer.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Episode 3 honors April’s poetry month with a selection of poetry from each bookseller. You will be inspired to read each recommendation.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
In episode 2, we asked the booksellers to choose one book that they recommend to anyone looking for a good book. You will love this list and this discussion.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Episode 1 – In episode 1, we introduce each of the Shelf Help booksellers by asking each to review a book that best represents them. What results is a great list of books and some fun insight into the Shelf Help booksellers who will be recommending books on future episodes.
Welcome to Shelf Help, a podcast where booksellers help you answer one of life’s trickier – and we’d argue extremely important – questions: What should you read next? Shelf Help is a collaboration between the Book Jam, a nonprofit designed to inspire readers; JAM – Junction Arts & Media; three Upper Valley bookstores: Yankee Bookshop in Woodstock, VT; the Norwich Bookstore in Norwich, VT; and Still North Books & Bar in Hanover, NH.
Kathy Astemborski & Cherry Sullivan,
Director of Women’s Services for the Vermont Department of Corrections, Kathy, joins Hartford Dismas House Council Member, Cherry, for a conversation about supervision in the community, addiction and trauma management, and the female experience in the correctional system.
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Tom & Darby,
Hartford Dismas House Director, Tom, shares the story of his own path to Dismas while resident, Darby, talks about what it was like moving the homeless population into motels during the Covid-19 pandemic, the value of a 12 step program, and what it was like growing up "on the other side of the tracks".
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Sheena & Dee,Women's Dismas House Resident, Sheena, joins Committed Member, Dee, for a conversation about incarcerated women, job hunting with a record, and the incredible Rutland community!
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Samantha, Dale & Chico
Former Hartford Dismas House Resident, Dale Jr., is given voice with Samantha and Chico of Junction Arts & Media - the Upper Valley non-profit that can be credited with giving so many a voice and producing podcasts such as "Going the Dismas"!
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Kate & David,Hartford Dismas House Resident, David, joins host, Jeff Backus, and his step-mother, Kate, for a conversation about the shortcoming of the American mental health care system, how he found his way from Hawaii to jail in Vermont, and the benefit of the Dismas community.
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Miranda, Shawn & Doug,
After presenting to Hartford High School students weeks prior, Hartford Dismas House resident, Shawn, aims to recreate the experience with Hartford High School teacher, Doug, and his student, Miranda, in a two way street of valuable life lessons.
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Kim, Marie & Rich,
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
Burlington House Director, Kim Parsons, shares her experience with our community over the past 30 years along with Volunteer for Peace from Belgium, Marie, and house resident Rich.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Aaron & Mathew,
Burlington Dismas House residents, Aaron & Matthew, share the importance of supportive community, attempts at self medication, accessibility of substances on the dark web, and the Federal drug court system.
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Drew Rockwell,
Dismas of Vermont Board President, Drew Rockwell, shares his reflections on the evolution of an expanding organization.
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Kristi & Tim,
Volunteer of the year recipient, Kristi, sits down for a conversation with Hartford Dismas House resident, Tim, about his experience and subtleties of the legal system.
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Molly, Marisa, Kevin,
Two Dartmouth Students and Hartford Dismas House Council Members, Molly and Marisa, join in on a conversation with former resident, Kevin, and discuss his path to Dismas, personal growth since, and how we can all help to improve the Dismas community!
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Jonathan & Lucas,
Hartford Dismas House resident, Lucas, and Assistant Director of the Hartford Restorative Justice Center, Jonathan, join Dismas of Vermont's Jeff Backus for a conversation about the "big event", restorative practices, and congregate vs. scattered site housing.
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Justin, Michael & Tim,
Three Hartford Dismas House residents recently released from jail, one that very morning, share their experiences in the transitional process and the support that comes from each other.
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Edgar & Jenn,Hartford Dismas House resident, Edgar, and Council Member, Jenn, join Dismas of Vermont's Jeff Backus for a conversation about life, COVID, house dynamics, food, and Edgar's birthday!
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of CATV.
Rita, Jim, and Richard,
Dismas of Vermont Founder, Rita McCaffrey, gets together with Program Manager, Richard Gagne, and Executive Director, Jim Curran, to talk about the history and origins of Dismas and what's next!
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Seth & Celia,Former Hartford Dismas House resident, Seth, and volunteer, Celia, join Dismas of Vermont's Jeff Backus for a conversation and mini glimpse into what to expect at a community dinner.
Dismas of Vermont provides theraputic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of CATV.
Eric & Ray,
Rutland Dismas House resident, Ray, shares his darkest moment before the dawn with Rutland Dismas House Director, Eric and Dismas of Vermont's Jeff Backus.
Dismas of Vermont provides therapeutic community to men and women leaving incarceration and reconciling with the community. One of the main features of the Dismas model is our community dinners in which volunteers prepare and join us for dinner and story sharing.
This podcast is made possible by the guidance and technical support of JAM.
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
Our guest provides insight into their experience of moving to the Upper Valley from a more urban and suburban environment and what it’s like to integrate into Upper Valley schools, identifying how we function in multiple layers of bubbles that sometimes need to be burst.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for JAM
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
Our guest points out the challenges of access to community as a single parent, and as a proponent of environmental and food justice whose work in the trenches of identifying community members’ needs and meeting these through funding opportunities shapes their vision of the multiple layers and diverse issues that arise when we talk about community and what it means to belong, to be valued and inclusive.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for JAM
Our guest shares their rich personal experience of community, of diversity, of inclusion and of exclusion in far off places including the Middle East and Africa, as well as in the United States, while pursuing a career as a member of the Air Force. They describe how their curiosity has informed their deeply rooted sense of community, and how this has evolved since moving to a small Vermont town a few years ago, and the challenges and rewards of becoming a part of the community fabric.
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
In our 14th episode, our guest shares what he has learned about being a Vermonter, after moving to the Upper Valley just before the pandemic, and provides insights into how he approaches building community through volunteering.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for JAM
Podcast #1: An overview of Senior Solutions and Aging Successfully in Vermont. Brought to you by Jim Collins and Joann Erenhouse for Senior Solutions the Council on Aging for Southeastern Vermont.
Senior Solutions mission is to promote the well-being and dignity of older adults. Our vision includes providing access to services and programs that provides support to enable every person to age in the place of their choice with the opportunity for meaningful relationships and active engagement with their community. We will present programs and interviews to inform and encourage us all to age successfully here in Vermont
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
In our 13th episode, our guest shares a positive experience of community anchored in a rich family tradition of openness and caring, in a place where kids answered the call of the street lights coming on as the signal to get back home, where elders sipped coffee and shared cake in fellowship. They describe how they have managed to maintain and cultivate a sense of belonging in the Upper Valley, using dialogue and mutual respect as the cornerstones to build their local community.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for JAM
Jim Kenyon of the Valley News joined jamCAMP: Breaking News & Multimedia Journalism to share his expertise in the practices of responsible local journalism.
July 2022
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
Our guest shares an experience of community informed by her early upbringing in Southern California, and the contrast with her experience here in the Upper Valley, where there is a huge difference in her sense of belonging. Despite active efforts to get involved in local community, she has experienced little to no acceptance.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for CATV
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
Our 11th episode takes us into the experiences of community of a person who has deep, long term ties to the Upper Valley, having moved here as a teen, and now transitioning towards retirement in the near future. Our guest shares his strong sense of self founded in family, in church and in theater, and invites us to make the effort to reach out to take our own responsibility to actively build community as the only way to develop true inclusion.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for CATV
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
In our 11th episode, our guest describes her youth in the Upper Valley, feeling a part of her hometown community in various local activities, like bake sales and bingo nights, and a grounding within her family. She explains how adult life, full of work, errands and obligation, has lessened her sense of belonging, and invites us to identify the ways in which small acts of recognition, as simple as greeting one another or using our turn signals, contribute to building a sense of inclusion.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for CATV
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
In our 10th episode, our guest describes her youth in the Upper Valley, feeling a part of her hometown community in various local activities, like bake sales and bingo nights, and a grounding within her family. She explains how adult life, full of work, errands and obligation, has lessened her sense of belonging, and invites us to identify the ways in which small acts of recognition, as simple as greeting one another or using our turn signals, contribute to building a sense of inclusion.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for CATV
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
In our ninth episode, our guest calls out the hypocrisy and disingenuousness they have experienced in the Upper Valley, where they have felt both accepted and recognized as a young, skilled athlete and then pushed aside, shunned as a visible individual, learning what it is to be alone and to struggle, encouraging us all to be slower to judge one another, to get to know one another's stories, and to move beyond appearances.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for CATV
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
Our 8th guest shares a vision of community that is rooted in compassion, empathy and caregiving, and describes arriving in the Upper Valley from a large family in a large city, learning a new pace and a sense of safety in the outside world, while struggling with full time work and finding affordable day care as single parent of a toddler; they explain what worked and what didn't in this life exploration that now follows a path away from the Upper Valley.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for CATV
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
In our 7th episode, our guest relates their story of falling out of love with the Upper Valley: the ugliness they have uncovered behind the community's beautiful facade, the false lure of inclusion disappointed by the enduring reality of the harm being caused to black and brown bodies, here in this space, in these times.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for CATV
In episode 4, Jess talks with Kate Rohdenburg, WISE Program director, Pat Glowa, WISE Board member, and Karen Tronsgard-Scott, Executive Director of Vermont Network Against Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. They reflect on the evolving ways of supporting survivors, intersections of WISE’s work with other Upper Valley institutions, justice and accountability, and their hopes for the future.
In this final episode, Jess explores the impact of WISE’s prevention and education programming and how it inspires the next generation to create a more peaceful world and talks with WISE Executive Director Peggy O’Neil about her transformative years at WISE. Guests include Tori Nevel, Human Trafficking Specialist for New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Helen Rooker, Northern Stage Production Manager, Kate Rohdenburg, WISE Program Director, Celine Guedj, WISE Youth Program Manager, high school students Anika and Elsa, as well as some voices from past episodes.
Peggy O'Neil, WISE Executive Director, opens the fifth episode as Jess interviews Angela Zhang, Jenny Williams, and Kate Harrison – all current board members. We learn what brings people to WISE, what it is like to support survivors on the crisis line, and how WISE touches every one of us.
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
Episode 6: Our guest talks about her community in France vs. her community in the Upper Valley, how she has and has not initiated community activity, and how her family life and children have played a role in her community.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for CATV
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
Episode 5: An interview with a relatively new Vermont resident, who is trans-gender, and gives their experience(s) of living in the Upper Valley.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for CATV
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
Episode 4: A special episode with the co-creators about the mission and creation of the Intersections podcast.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for CATV
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley.
Episode 3: Our 3rd guest remembers days of open fields and outdoor games as a foundation for building community, and invites us all to reflect on how we reach out to connect with one another; how does inclusion happen when contact is mitigated through a computer screen and wifi access?
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: intersections@catv8.org
Edited by David Eric for CATV
Welcome to Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley. In the second episode of Intersections, our guest shares a vision of how our cycles of life feed the source of community, amongst humans and throughout the natural world, offering a gentle map of the small things that bring us together: harvesting tomatoes, the neighbor’s mailbox, the porcupine, the cockroach, the softening of the eyes.
To share your story or questions with co-creators Michelle and Julius, you’re invited to email them at: misharogge@gmail.com and julius_turner2000@yahoo.com
Edited by David Eric for CATV
In episode 3, we meet Abby Tassel, Director of Multidisciplinary Interview and Training Center(MITC)and Lizann Peyton, WISE Board in the 1990's and longtime consultant. In the '90s, WISE begins to shift to a more professional organization and to build its prevention and education program.
In the second episode, Jess interviews Shirley Barrett Rivard who worked at WISE for over three decades. Shirley shares what it was like in the early days when WISE shifted its focus to supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of WISE, an Upper Valley-based organization dedicated to ending gender-based violence through survivor-centered advocacy, prevention, education and mobilization for social change, Northern Stage has partnered with WISE to create a podcast retrospective. The series features stories of the people who helped evolve WISE into the organization it is today and who continue to create positive change against gender-based violence into the present and future. In the Summer of 2021, 16 people were interviewed by Jess Chayes, Northern Stage’s former BOLD Associate Artistic Director and award-winning director and producer of new work. In this engaging and information podcast, personal stories from WISE’s past help connect us with the mission of creating a more peaceful future.
A Free Podcast Collaboration between WISE and Northern Stage
Produced by Jess Chayes
Associate Produced by Sophia Kinne
Sound Design and Sound Editing by Alek Deva
Sound Engineering by Clif Rogers with support from Helen Rooker and the Northern Stage Production Staff
More info at northernstage.org/WISER
Welcome to the first episode of the new podcast Intersections, a platform for sharing our experience of community in the Upper Valley. Our first guest recounts a vision of community grounded in a childhood in East Texas, and the challenges of losing a sense of connection upon arriving in New England.
To share your story or questions with Michelle, you're invited to email: misharogge@gmail.com
Edited by David Eric for CATV
Johanna Evans works in the film industry, is an event producer, and serves on the Boards of White River Indie Films and Upper Valley Choral Arts Foundation. In this episode of SPARK, we get to talk to her about how and why she became a Burlesque performer and how the art and local burlesque community has impacted her life. (WARNING: this episode contains references to sexuality and sexual assault. Viewer discretion is advised).
Patricia Norton is a choral director, and music innovator who believes singing is a learnable skill that sparks joy and promotes wellness. In this episode, Patricia speaks about how singing together helps us bolster courage and be healthier as individuals and communities, about the evolution of her approach over the last two years, and the new documentary about her work during the pandemic.
Claremont native Melissa Richmond was fueled by her belief in the power of creativity to build and bind communities to found the West Claremont Center for Music and the Arts. Melissa is committed to dismantling barriers to the arts and providing opportunities for all her Claremont neighbors to enjoy the mental, physical, and social benefits associated with participation in the arts.We discuss the dreams for Claremont and how her organization is enlivening her home-town's social, economic and educational quality of life.
Organization and upcoming programs: www.WWC-MA.org
Future home in downtown: www.Claremontcreativecenter.org
Susan Apel, a lawyer, journalist, and passionate arts advocate blogs about cultural experiences across our region.
Eric Love, theater artist and Director of Education at Northern Stage in White River Junction, VT, discusses how theater education develops leadership, empathy, and discipline for young people and helps build community.