Podcasts: The Western Mass. Business Show
The Western Mass. Business Show
Entrepreneurs undertake risk and responsibility, in order to solve problems, contribute their passions and talents to society, and make the world go round. Our success and survival depends on them, and they depend on you. Hear their stories, perspectives, and inspirations every week, as they reveal themselves in a conversation with Tara Brewster. Saturdays at 11AM and Sundays at 2PM on The Western Mass Business Show.
Western Mass Business Show on 3.14.26
Western Mass Business Show on 3.14.26 with Kate Riley Owner Vice President & Realtor of Riley Home Realty In Chicopee, MA
Western Mass Business Show On 3.7.26 – Bianca Walker
Join us as we speak with Bianca Walker Development Director at the Amherst Survival Center. Unfortunately, our UMASS partner, Brandy Sullivan from UMASS Dining could not join us but she was there in spirit. This event is in its 15th year and student lead which is amazing. It’s on April 25th at UMASS Amherst. Please go to www.runumass.com for more information. Did we mention that after the race you get to eat from the award-winning dining commons?!?! Did you sign up yet? If not, run to do that, ok? This event has raised more than 60,000 for the Survival Center and in conjunction with the UMASS Campus Pantry has been providing over 150,000 meals to more than 2,800 UMASS community members in this year alone. When we partner with others we can do more, tune in to hear from Bianca about just how much the Amherst Survival Center does for the community. Thank you for listening. www.amherstsurvival.org
Western Mass Business Show on 2.21.26 – Hannah Rechtschaffen
Join us as we speak to Hannah Rechtschaffen who is the Executive Director of the Greenfield Business Association. Hannah is a creative place maker and business development professional who embodies being in the work and loving what you do. While her focus is on downtown Greenfield, she has moved about the Valley her whole life and prides herself on making meaningful connections with WMA people. Tune in as we learn of upcoming events and updates from Franklin County. Greenfield is the heart of FC and Hannah knows why. Join us at the Ja’Duke show on 2/27 and 2/28 or Bee Fest in May. Listen in to hear of the partners that help make this work possible. Thank you for your support.
Western Mass Business Show on 2.14.26 — Lindsay Labonte
Tune in as we speak with a true community leader. Lindsay Labonte Manager of Applied Mortgage has taken the helm from her father Todd Barron and given the company a new look and location. Keeping with the leading with a purpose mindset, Lindsay has launched new programs like: Applied Mortgage Academy and Local Love Days to cement the business firmly in community. Listen as we discuss the regional landscape, the state of homeownership, tips, and tricks to getting in the pipeline, what it’s like to do this with children, and more.
Western Mass Business Show on 2.7.26 — Maureen Scanlon
When Maureen Scanlon told me she was going to retire I immediately invited her on the show. Thinking about a life well lived and a career ending, especially for an entrepreneur is quite a thing. You basically must fire yourself, right? How hard is that to do? When to do it, what to do next, what till people say, where will I go next? I wanted to pause and ask Maureen about her career, life in the 413, and why she chose now to let go of the work part of her life. It was a great conversation filled with many stories of well known characters from the region. Thank you for coming on Maureen and for listening to the show listeners.
Western Mass Business Show on 1.31.26 — Lindsay Labonte Manager of Applied Mortgage
Tune in as we speak with a true community leader. Lindsay Labonte Manager of Applied Mortgage has taken the helm from her father Todd Barron and given the company a new look and location. Keeping with the leading with a purpose mindset, Lindsay has launched new programs like: Applied Mortgage Academy and Local Love Days to cement the business firmly in community. Listen as we discuss the regional landscape, the state of homeownership, tips, and tricks to getting in the pipeline, what it’s like to do this with children, and more.
Western Mass Business Show on 1.17.26 — Mesuda Cafe
Masuda Abdullah is a first-time restaurant owner in Amherst at 17 Kellogg Avenue but has been a long-time foodie and Pastry Chef. After growing up in a family and culture that is all about hospitality and food, Masuda is well established in the culture and cuisine of Afghanistan. She calls Masuda’s North American cuisine with an Afghan fusion; customers will recognize some dishes but taste different spices, while other dishes might not be as familiar but will fast become new favorites. Using fresh ingredients, they offer breakfast and lunch with two sides to the cafe, one grab and go, while the other is more of a sit down and enjoy, table service option. The restaurant is family run and they extend the family concept to their staff and customers. Open every day except Mondays and available for private events-we didn’t mention the desserts-but try the desserts. Made fresh every day, if the owner is a Pastry Chef, you must try the desserts. Thanks for listening.
Www.masudascafe.com
Western Mass Business Show on 1.3.26 — Dr. Khama Ennis
Dr. Khama Ennis knew that she wanted to be a Dr. at a very young age-elementary school to be exact. After facing down racism, a standardized test, being categorized as “smart”, her 7-year old self concluded that smart people could only be lawyers or doctors. Having no exposure to either profession as a child, she also surmised that lawyers may accidentally harm people while doctors only ever try to help all people. And thus she began her journey into medicine. Tune into hear how she became an ER Dr. and how being deeply burned out led her to UMASS University Health Services. She also created a non-profit, Faces of Medicine, to showcase black women Dr.’s and tell their stores in a visual medium. Black female physicians only account for less than 3% of doctors in the US. This lack of diversity also perpetuates health inequity in other areas as well. Thank you, Dr. Ennis for coming on the show. We are blessed to have you in the 413.
Western Mass Business Show on 12.27.25–Begley/Childs/DiStefano Interview
Join us as we listen to 3 powerhouse-women talk about how to support and uplift each other. Rachel Begley, Owner of American Dreams Landscape Designs and UMASS Undergrad, Crystal Childs, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Domoore Marketing, and Dawn Forbes DiStefano, CEO of Square One give us their perspective on how working together is a much better way than the alternative. This is a story about serendipity and the power of local/female connections. What makes a community thrive? When business stays in the community and referrals are intentional, the ripple effect is endless. Listen in as we hear from the pros how to connect with meaningful relationships and make lasting impressions on key decision makers.
Www.domoore.com
Www.americandreamlandscapedesign.com
Www.startatsquareone.org
