WBCA Podcasts

Host Rachel Miselman expresses concern with City Council's view of Trump & his policies, MA legislature's avoidance of being audited, the spreading of Methadone Mile & how City Councilors are or are not dealing with it, budgetary disregard, politicians being driven by appearance over authenticity, the recent indictment of Sheriff Steven Tompkins & Erin Murphy's reaction, & more.

Host Larry Higginbottom starts us off with a burning question-- how do sanctuary cities benefit American Blacks? The Observations From The Trenches this week concern themselves with the resources Bostonians have access to, or may soon lack, thanks to our government both federal and local and how they are put at risk by the predicaments currently implied by Boston being a sanctuary city in 2025. According to Larry the patterns of immigration in the past half century have displaced American Blacks in the U.S. economy, our host asks how this came to fruition and why politicians have not brought focus to immigration laws not being enforced on a national scale over the years.

Today on "Words On Film", Dan Burke reviews "Nobody 2", "Highest 2 Lowest", "Freakier Friday", and "War of the Worlds" (2025). Mr. Burke also gives a spoken word preview of movies subject to being released into theaters for the week of August 18th - 22nd, 2025.

Deborah Shariff & Linda Solomon discuss hidden black legends, how this history has been intentionally stifled, former US Representative Robert Smalls, so-called first president John Hanson, civil rights activist Gloria Richardson, Henrietta Lacks, the black Statue of Liberty, & more.

Host Rochelle Jones encourages listeners to stand strong by using scripture such as Corinthians & Isaiah & more, using faith in God as your armor, the future glory of God is worth more than what one is currently going through, abandoning dead feelings & ways, transforming one's life by living for God, being aware of false prophets, & more.

Ken Meyer interviews accomplished author Sarah Weinman about her book Scoundrel!

Boston Fire Academy 2nd largest recruit class graduation, Mothers for Justice & Equality MJE Family Fun Day in Mattapan, performance & interview with DJ Kareem.

Willie P. invites Boston City Council At-Large candidate Alexandra Valdez to the show to discuss her background, why she is running for City Council, her hopes for the School Committee, her thoughts on bus lanes & city transportation & infrastructure, the renovation of White's Stadium & its effects on residents, her priorities were she to be elected an At-Large City Councilor, the importance of bringing the trades back to schools, the high cost of rent and home ownership in Boston, & much more!

Cuban Mic speaks to Amalia Daché, an Afro-Cuban American scholar who is an Assistant Professor at Penn Graduate School of Education. She shares her experience coming to America during the Mariel boatlift and the generational trauma of that experience. They also talk about racial injustice being left out of the conversation when people discuss Cuba, and raise concerns about the Pan-Africanism, Black Solidarity, and Black Lives Matter movements in their views of Cuba. Amalia and Cuban Mic also discuss how propaganda from the Cuban regime influences people's view of the country, and sometimes overshadows the lived experiences of Afro-Cubans.

We Make Noise Fest empowers women and gender-expansive artists in a day long festival of local music, visual art, and more. Singer-songwriter and festival producer Naomi Westwood visits the WBCA studio to discuss the festival, the mission of We Make Noise Boston, and their own recently-released album, Cycle & Change.

Join Dale and Cheryl for some chocolate peanut butter fudge on the stove, some microwave peanut butter fudge, and some delicious hot chocolate! Ep.# 322 PSA Free!

Host David Halbert & guests Kim Janey (President & CEO, EMPath) & Molly Rose Goodman & Elvira Mora (Abundant Housing MA)

Kristi Judkins, Executive Director of Iowa Right To Life, joins host Brendan O'Connell from Iowa to discuss Life Matters. Kristi shares some Iowan highlights like the Iowa State Fair, where we can find The Butter Cow Lady sculptures (Elvis Prestley, Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne) and IowaRTL's booth celebrating life. Our guest and host explore topics that are impacting the Iowan community like the history of the Fetal Heartbeat Law, improving access to Medicaid after pregnancy, expanding Safe Haven laws and helping its citizens become more knowledgeable in understanding prenatal development, among other topics. Judkins also offers testament of her journey on the pro-life movement and becoming a real advocate, her personal experience tackling the challenges of choice and relying on more than simply faith when coping with personal trauma resulting from her choice. Our friend for life Brendan O'Connell welcomes us to join the conversation with hopes of learning more about Life Matters.

MBTA reintroducing late night service on weekends, 55th Annual August Moon Festival in Chinatown, Boys & Girls Club fashion show for first day of school, interview with Asher Thomas & Olivia Monarch about Boston Tough Luck Fest Alternative Music Festival. toughluckfest.com

Sharon Hinton invites Sonya Gilmore to the show to share her experiences working as a BPS cafeteria employee, the disgusting state of the kitchens, mice eating food & messing the kitchens, disorganization and irresponsibility among staff & management, & more.

Today on "Words On Film", Dan Burke reviews "Weapons", "The Pickup", "Ebony and Ivory", and "Sorry, Baby". Mr. Burke also gives a spoken-word preview of movies subject to being released into theaters for the week of August 11th - 15th, 2025.

Elder Betty McGuire from CrossTown Church International joins our host Rochelle Jones in speaking life, restoration and healing over body, mind, spirit and soul. Elder Betty welcomes listeners to experience Boston Healing Rooms where believers can convene to pray for restoration of wellbeing. Scriptures referring to the healing power of God are shared to remind the faithful of his promises to direct these to a path laden with support, strength, restoration and rescue. Rochelle reminds us there is no need to never give up if there is trust and comfort in faith for plenitude in the power of God.

Host Ken Meyer interviews author Kim Cross about her book "In Light Of All Darkness: A Look Inside the Polly Klaas kidnapping", the bone-chilling manhunt story, how this case advanced law enforcement procedures and technology, 20/20 coverage of her book and the case, how the book changed Kim's life, and more! Author website: kimhcross.com On Instagram: @Kim Cross Where you can find the book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/kim-cross/in-light-of-all-darkness/9781538725085/ Where you can read The Alchemists: https://www.bicycling.com/culture/a62503930/afghanistan-cyclist-evacuation-taliban-us-troop-withdrawal/

Mayor Wu's Summer Dance Party Series continues at City Hall Plaza, BSide Newsletter's Best Day Ever event at Artist for Humanity Center, interview with Amy Epstein, Exec. Dir. of CASA, about how the organization addresses youth mental health, substance prevention, & community connection & more.

Haywood Fennell interviews veteran and documentarian Bob Nesson. Together, they discuss Nesson's recent documentary, Holding Up the Sky, which follows two men convicted of homicide when they were teenagers and the lives they built for themselves both in prison and after being granted parole. Haywood and Bob also discuss the Stanley Jones Clean State Project, the importance of CORI reform, and the issues the VA healthcare system faces under the current political administration.

Join dale and Cheryl for some delicious mississippi mud brownies! Ep.# 321 PSA Free!

Host Kristen Halbert and guests Armani White of Reclaim Roxbury and Marisol Santiago of MassVOTE!

Host Colbe Mazzarella talks to Julie Fitzgerald President Operation Rescue, about programs, resources, and support Operation Rescue offers to families.

The North End's Italian community gathers for the feast day of patron saints such as Saint Agrippina of Mineo. Roxbury Presbyterian Church's executive director Krystal Pegram discusses the importance of mental health and community through turmoil and trauma, as well as the "You Deserve Joy" event which focuses on healing through creative arts.

Host Rachel Miselman discusses "Pink Slime Journalism", the importance of professional journalistic training & preparation, false reporters & journalists, seeking viral notoriety over journalistic integrity, & more.

Larry Higginbottom urges listeners to focus on acquiring "high income skills" rather than relying on social programs.

Today on "Words On Film", Dan Burke reviews "The Naked Gun" (2025), "The Fantastic Four: First Steps", "Happy Gilmore 2", "Oh, Hi!", and "Together". Mr. Burke also runs down the movies subject to being released into theaters for the week of August 4th - 8th, 2025.

Rochelle Jones is here to share with us that we are not alone. Times can make folks feel weary and tired, battered nearly broken, and our host's connection with a higher power concerns itself with uplifting those that need the coach in their corner. The belief is there: that you can get up, stay motivated, find those to surround you with positivity, that seeds prosper into new life. The ability to move forward is within your power and taking account of today with confidence is what it takes if you will it so with the testimony of your survival story of any challenges you face. Everyone loves a comeback story and miracles in life require the courage to see that your story is not over yet. Find the grace to turn the page and move on to the next chapter, where giving up is not an option, with Rochelle Jones.

The Mayoral Forum on Arts & Culture offers a glimpse into candidates' perspectives on the future of arts and culture in Boston. Learn the proposed policies from Mayor Michelle Wu, Josh Kraft, and Domingos Darosa. "Live Long And Well,", Boston's population health equity agenda, continues its mission to improve health outcomes for all Bostonians. Hear an interview with Danny Guadagnoli of the Fallon Company, a community-centered real estate group that collaborates with local non-profits to provide young adults with training in real estate and entrepreneurship. Learn about the company's partnership with Street2Ivy, a non-profit that connects and nurtures future leaders.

Host Haywood Fennell Shares his view of veterans being a under used and overlooked community resource. As well as the erasure of African American veterans in history.

Join Dale and Cheryl for Dale's delicious crockpot apple sausage mushroom stuffing! Ep.#320 PSA Free!

Host Mary Tamer! Guests Greg Maynard (Founder & Exec. Dir., Boston Policy Institute, Inc.) & Annissa Essaibi George (former City Councilor & Owner, Stitch House).

Brendan O'Connell, host of Life Matters, tackles the ponderous task of addressing safety issues with "chemically-induced" abortions. Brendan shares his insights on attending the 54th annual National Right To Life Conference in Overland Park, Kansas. Statistics on the use of mifepristone and misoprostol, FDA-regulated medications utilized by health care providers under the Mifepristone REMS program, are explored as women across the nation take measures throughout various states to access health options for terminating pregnancies and encounter complications through the use of these medications. Different laws and the way they carry conflicts across state borders as women try to navigate options for their wellbeing are illustrated in examples of cases where medical care has been inadequate or mishandled and led to scrutiny by the healthcare and judicial system. Safeguards, legislation and increased reporting efforts are suggested as necessary actions to ensure the protections of at-risk newborns and expecting mothers in the nation.

Boston's Annual Puerto Rican Festival in Franklin Part brings together Boricuas and fellow Bostonians in a celebration of culture and music. Artists from across the world gather for the International Sand Sculpting Festival at Revere Beach. Hear an interview with Emily Schario, head of content at the B-Side, a weekday newsletter for young Bostonians to stay in tune with Boston happenings, and learn about the upcoming Best Day Ever festival.

Host Rachel Miselman talks about the viral "Coldplay Affair" between former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot focusing on the surrounding effects of blatant cheating, as well as a secondary focus of feminism and women in politics in Massachusetts. Join in and share your opinion.

Larry Higginbottom discusses the importance of essential high income skills, how ADOS political & social capital has been squandered, how civil rights laws & affirmative action came to benefit more than just ADOS whom it was originally intended for, politics failing ADOS, the Democratic party promoting an impoverished lifestyle of welfare programs, & more.

Host Sharon Hinton speaks to fellow BNN producer Nellie Mae Live. She shares how she got interested and involved in media production and the people that inspire her. Sharon recounts her chance meeting with James Earl Jones. Sharon and Nellie discuss interviewing techniques.

Helen Credle joins Deborah and Linda once more, this time to discuss Malcolm X following his hundredth birthday. Helen shares her experiences meeting Malcolm X, and how they bonded over their relationships with Melnea Cass. Hear a personal perspective of the civil rights leader.

Local musician, producer, and rapper Missterious Glow visits the studio for a live performance and interview. Learn the meaning behind her artist name, get insight into her songwriting process, and hear how music has helped her express her true self.

Rochelle Jones talks to people who almost made it to the finish line and then stumbled, who lost it all before the win, and offers words of encouragement for moving forward. Get up, and try again!

Guest Upton Bell!

Upton Bell 2023 interview. Upton's feedback on the current state of Boston sports! Check out the Upton Bell Collection http://scua.library.umass.edu/upton-bell-collection/

Healthcare Workers Union 1199 SEIU pickets at Upham's Corner Health Center to protest the poor working conditions of home healthcare workers. The Gardens of Egleston project celebrates community gardens in Boston's Egleston Square. Plus, an interview with Kim Todd, president of Dress For Success Boston, a non-profit that empowers job seekers to look and feel their best.

Join Dale and Cheryl for mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat and a rice, broccoli, and cheese casserole! Ep.# 319 PSA Free!

On the 1st half, 9th Suffolk State Rep. John Moran & Boston City Councilor John FitzGerald. On the 2nd half, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Eastern MA Monica Roberts & 7th Suffolk State Rep. Chynah Tyler.

The Roxbury Unity Parade celebrates black culture and community pride. Festival Betances transforms Villa Victoria into a colorful celebration of Puerto Rican culture. Hear an interview with Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA), a community development corporation that provides affordable housing, as well as education and arts programs. She discusses IBA's upcoming development plans, including La CASA.

Host Larry Higginbottom shares why he prefers the phrase American Descendants of Slaves (ADOS) over African American, discusses his issues with immigration, and encourages people to develop "high-income skills" to get ahead in American society.

Today on "Words On Film", Dan Burke reviews "Smurfs", "Eddington", "Superman" (2025), "Madea's Destination Wedding", and "Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore". Mr. Burke also gives a spoken-word preview of movies subject to being released into theaters on July 26th, 2025.

On this historic episode, host and co-host Deborah Shariff and Linda Solomon welcome Helen Credle and Marcia Davis talk about their experiences being taught and raised by Elma Lewis, founder of the Elma Lewis school of Fine Arts. Learn their stories and journey—living proof that "Service is sacred and story telling is survival."

Host Brooklyn Ang and Nellie Mae start spicy with the effects of porn on a relationship, then go in to Miss Nellie Mae her Journey from nothing to something and what comes next. Tune in!