WBCA Podcasts

Larry Higginbottom talks about the shortcomings of both the Democratic and Republican parties, the issue with identity politics, his problems with immigration, the importance of not relying on public benefits, and how multiculturalism is a distraction from the racial wealth gap and the predominately white billionaire class.

Lucy Rivera speaks to attorney Jeffrey Woolf, Assistant General Counsel to the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, about artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI. They discuss its uses and implications for the practice of law.

Sharon Hinton invites English teacher Tristen Grannum to speak about his experience in Boston Public Schools. The two also discuss Boston busing, METCO and its predecessor Operation Exodus, the Ujima Scholars Program, preparing students for school, and more.

Linda Solomon and co-host Khari Wilcox wish to help the community break cycles of trauma and addiction by bringing awareness and understanding of emotional literacy. The battle between pride and mental health expose vulnerabilities that result from challenging experiences with emotions often placing us behind survival masks to adapt. Emotional literacy as an ability to name, understand and manage feelings is discussed as a skill developed to address conflictive states of mind. Second chances exist if you are willing to dig deep and seek help inside, loving yourself enough to do what's right. Confronting Injustice tackles the tough subject of removing the mask and avoiding the dangers of losing yourself in isolation by recognizing your emotions and supportive ways to cope with personal conditions.

Host Mary Tamer speaks to Jesse Littlewood, Campaign Manager for Coalition for Healthy Democracy. They discuss a proposed ballot initiative that would create an all-party primary for state elections, matters of voter education and turnout, and the process to get a question on the ballot. Also, learn about Jesse Littlewood's urban farming.

Sebra honors National Alzheimers and caregivers month with guest Michael P. Kincade, the Community Outreach Lead for Massachusetts Alzheimers Research Team. Sebra and Michael highlight the under-represented in Alzheimers research.

150,000 Massachusetts residents may lose heat due to funding delays for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The Greater Boston Collaborative Food Access Hub in Roxbury celebrates a year of providing nutritious food to pantries, soup kitchens, and other sites. Bostonians discuss a potential ballot question to bring rent control to Boston. Hear an interview with Corinne White, the Dementia-Friendly Coordinator for Boston's AgeStrong commission, about how the City is working to make Boston more accommodating of those living with dementia.

The effectiveness of non-profits is explored by host Robert B. Moran as he discusses the process of beginning a non-profit. The scope of your idea(s) will dictate the scale of the non-profit-- whether it be a task for one or a team of many, fundraising requirements, duration of your organization's efforts and clarity of vision. Inspirational tools are shared. Your journey of expression awaits with The Fundraising and Fun Raising Podcast there to help along the way.

Join Dale and Cheryl for a roast in the pressure cooker along with some vegetables and some oven-baked portabello fries! Ep.# 338 PSA Free!

On this episode of Life Matters, Brendan and his co-host are counting and collecting signatures in the hopes of overturning an abortion bill that's covered by taxpayers.

The Worrell Turkey Drive brings holiday cheer and 4,000 turkeys to Bostonians. Locals at Faneuil Hall share their favorite things about Thanksgiving. Hear a report on Fenway's automated beer service machines, and a union proposal to require bartenders in place of these automated dispensers. Plus, an interview with Edgar Vasquez and Pamela Chu-Sheriff, co-authors of "Restorative Practices that Heal School Communities".

Host Rachel Miselman discusses citizen journalism vs. traditional professional journalism, BNN & WBCA as a solid foundation for journalism & journalism education, developing trust & ethics in journalism, the changing landscape of citizen journalism, expresses her opinions on some local citizen journalists, possible plagiarism, & more.

Larry Higginbottom emphasizes how unaffordable housing is in & around Boston for anyone earning under 3 figures, capitalism is the only way out of poverty by cultivating high in demand skills & services, democrat rhetoric enabling people to remain poor & in need of services, the economy is separate from politics, social programs & welfare that rewards counter productive behavior, democrat politicians using taxpayer money to fund immigrants, the degradation of Boston Public Schools, & more.

Today on "Words On Film", Dan Burke reviews "The Running Man" (2025), "Now You See Me: Now You Don't", "Being Eddie", and "Tyler Perry's Finding Joy". Mr. Burke also runs down the movies subject to being released into theaters for the week of November 17th - 21st, 2025.

Deborah Shariff & Linda Solomon discuss the importance of being whole, how to combat being anxious & stressed, self healing & community support, The Healing Table non-profit & confronting trauma, the Confronting Injustice radio show on WBCA, corruption in the justice & prison systems, & more!

Host Rochelle Jones relays the importance of faith in God & never giving up by using examples and scriptures such as Galatians 6:9, Romans 8:28, II Corinthians 4:9, & more!

Ken Meyer interviews Duane Steele!

Guest Duane Steele! 2023 Interview.

Longest Government Shutdown over, MA Girls in Trade annual conference in Dorchester honoring women in the workforce, Handmade for the Holidays Market & Crafts Fair at Gore Place in Waltham, Lisa Braxton's story of how a mammogram saved her life & why mammograms are so important for black women to prevent breast cancer, interview with Heather Cook & Bless Robinson about the recommencement of the South End Brunch Club & continuing Mel King's legacy through connection and healing.

Willie P. pays tribute to U.S. Veterans, talks about the good, bad, the ugly history behind Veterans Day & Thanksgiving, and the hope for the future of America with her guest Vicky Victor.

Cuban Mic & Dr. Orlando Gutierrez Boronat conduct a deep dive into the political standing of Cuba, the remnants that socialism has left on Cuba, the truth on Fidel Castro and more. The purpose of this show is to provide insight on the struggle Cuba is facing today.

Robert explores one of life's most meaningful investments - Friendship. He dives into what it means to find genuine friends, how to evaluate friendships and how to hold on to the people who truly support and inspire you.

Haywood Fennell speaks to fellow veteran, friend, and musician Leon Beal. Leon shares why he started singing in high school, how he started performing in Brazil and Italy, and how he uses music as a tool for truth and inspiration. He also recounts his time in the air force, dealing with addiction, and how music gave him the strength to move forward.

Join Dale and Cheryl for some green tomatilla stew and some spicy chili cheesey corn muffins! Ep.# 337 PSA Free!

Tonight's Talk of the Neighborhoods features Mimi Ramos, Executive Director of New England Community Project and Rev. Miniard Culpepper, District 7 Councilor-Elect, with host David Halbert!

Brendan O'Connell invites Executive Director of Human Life Alliance Andy Aplikowski to talk Life Matters. Andy introduces Human Life Alliance's mission to promote awareness of personhood of human life, whether born or pre-born, and the inherent dignity within it. They discuss HLA activity in the Twin Cities and across the world to bring awareness of pro-choice decisions and their impact on the environment, communities and policy. The organization spreads their pro-life message by activities such as providing literature on college campuses, performing community outreach and frequenting pregnancy health centers. Andy wishes to work with people on common terms, focusing his efforts as Executive Director on wellness, education, support and outreach.

Voting on Federal Government shutdown, Veterans Day gathering at Puerto Rican Veterans Memorial, park workers & volunteer cleaning of Franklin Park, government shutdown effecting business for National Parks & Landmarks in Boston, interview with Stephanie Brinley, President & CEO of Zoo New England, about inspiring the next generation & renovations at Franklin Park Zoo.

Host Rachel Miselman opines upon incompetence in MA & Boston politics, difficult & unfair municipal election races & practices, the dwindling Republican party in MA, & more.

Host Larry Higginbottom expresses how capitalism is the only way out of poverty, government programs & conditioning keep people in poverty, how to thrive & prosper in society, demonizing the wealthy is part of an agenda that profits both political parties and the wealthiest, democrat propaganda misleads people about the government shutdown, immigration has negative effects on black Americans, democrats support immigration for votes, & more.

Data privacy and law!

Today on "Words On Film", Dan Burke reviews "Die My Love", "Frankenstein" (2025), "Bugonia", and "Regretting You". Mr. Burke also gives a spoken word preview of movies subject to being released into theaters for the week of November 10th - 14th, 2025.

Rochelle Jones hosts Pastor James L. Funches from the Blessed Home Tabernacle Church. Members of the community ask themselves how to stay fast in times like these. Pastor Funches returns to share a portion of his ministry, "don't hope so, know so." In uplifting the community he has observed the need for accountability for our actions rather than blind hope for change. This requires the work of awareness without assumptions. Rochelle and Pastor James reflect on passages from Psalm 23 and Galatians 6, sharing insights on what it means when we hear God calling his servants to keep for their brethren, with love as fuel for outreach. Therein lies a difficult balance between bearing burdens and being supported. Our speakers offer words of encouragement and means for building each other up where giving up is not an option.

Host Ken Meyer and radio veteran Donna Halper discuss the true origin of the term "fake news" & the era of "yellow journalism", the history of misleading news, stories of great radio hosts of the past, the heyday of Boston radio, some of the downsides of the radio business back then, the importance of community radio, great events of the 1920's, & much more!

On this edition of City Talk Ken Meyer & Donna Halper (PhD, Associate Professor of Communication & Media Studies Lesley University & 2023 Inductee, Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame) discuss their love for radio, getting younger generations involved in radio, the evolving state of Cable TV and Radio, the current overwhelming state of media & informative content, & more! They reminisce about old time children's shows, how radio used to be, and the difference between radio & tv then and now.

Ken Meyer interviews Donna Halper!

Ken Meyer speaks with radio historian and consultant Donna Halper! 2023 Interview.

Learn about Boston Energy Saver, a new City service to help renters, homeowners, and small businesses upgrade their buildings to be more energy-efficient. Miniard Culpepper is elected to City Councilor, District 7. The new Boston police contract will see Boston police officers now wearing name tags, and also introduces new initiatives to improve officers' health. In the midst an unprecedented season for food insecurity, the Greater Boston Food Bank's Chain of Giving Event passes along turkeys to those in need this holiday season. Mitch Lyons, former coach of 28 years and founder of GetPsychedSports.org, talks about how to manage emotions, fight bias, and create a positive environment for young athletes.

Cuban Mic speaks to Kiele Cabrera about resisting socialism, spreading different perspectives on Cuba, and her upcoming short film Fishing Days. Kiele also performs her tracks "Free Range" and "Chosen"

In this episode, Robert B. Moran shares his thoughts on why people might be hesitant to get involved with development activities at nonprofits. Moran talks about two main reasons people might be resistant to development activities: their preconceived notions about people who ask for money and the perceived lack of support for their cause. Moran talks about the importance of shifting the mindset about development to think about it as an opportunity rather than an obligation.

Join Dale and Cheryl for some delicious sugar cookies! Ep.# 335 PSA Free!

Bob Joyce hosts this week's episode of Life Matters with guest Jim Havens. Jim is the co-founder of The National Men's March to Abolish Abortion and Rally for Personhood, simply referred to as "The Men's March." The organization prepares to march the streets of Boston in celebration of their fourth anniversary and Mr. Havens joins the program to share the purpose of The Men's March: advocating for life at conception as personhood. Our speakers explore interpretations of the 14th Amendment and ponder on life's value and each person's right to live. As men, they approach the significance of getting involved in the battle against abortions as a humanitarian issue and sensitivities around the subject while offering respect towards women when addressing the challenges of motherhood and the choices they make with life matters.

An update on SNAP benefits and Boston's efforts to stop people from going hungry, with comments from Mayor Michelle Wu, BPS Superintendent Mary Skipper, Boston Foundation CEO Lee Pelton, and Senator Ed Markey. Hear Mayor Wu's share her vision for Boston following her election to a second term with 93% of the vote. Learn about Día de los Muertos as East Boston celebrates this remembrance of the ancestors. Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with indigenous artist Thea Hopkins, who visits the studio to discuss the importance of Native American history and performs her song Tamson Weeks. Hopkins, a member of the Aquinnah Wampanoag, shares how she remains connected to her heritage and reminds us of the need to remember a complete view of American history. Resources those affected by loss of SNAP benefits: boston.gov/snap boston.gov/food-resources projectbread.org gbfb.org/need-food

Larry Higginbottom warns that people should not rely on public benefits such as SNAP, and argues that the current pause in benefits should serve as a wake-up call to those who have relied on public programs for generations.

Election Special October 2025!

Host Lucy Rivera invites attorney William Kennedy (Co-Chair, Public Policy & Government Affairs, Nutter, Boston) to the show to discuss his background, his tenure at Suffolk Law School, his current practice, changes he has experienced in the law field and policy over his long career, some of his inspirations and role models, insight into how AI impacts law, & more.

Host Sharon Hinton urges Bostonians to vote on election day, analyzes the City Council candidates & races, explains how to vote on the ballot, breaks down the ballot by district, discusses financial and food insecurity and the pause in SNAP benefits, and reflects on recently attending three funerals.

Today on "Words On Film", Dan Burke reviews "Stitch Head", "Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers", "Shelby Oaks", "After the Hunt", and "Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie". Mr. Burke also runs down the movies subject to being released into theaters for the week of November 3rd - 7th, 2025.

Linda Solomon speaks to Ethel, a legal immigrant living in Boston. They discuss the difficulty of navigating the U.S. immigration system and the growing concerns about the erosion of rights and protections not just for undocumented immigrants, but for legal immigrants and U.S. citizens.

Deborah Shariff discusses historical black women in the 19th and 20th century and their amazing feats and contributions to American society.

Host Sebra B. welcomes back Dr. Gabrielle Abelard, founder of Abelard Psychotherapy Inc. and Director of Master's and Graduate Certificate Programs at Elaine Marieb College of Nuring at UMass Amherst. Dr. Abelard discusses how she became a nurse practitioner and came to own her own community mental health clinic. She also discusses being honored by the US Haitian Chamber of Commerce as Young Haitian Professional of the Year, her "RESET Practice", and more. Learn about psychiatric nursing, cultivating resilience, and practice breathing exercises!