Little Local Conversations Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:09:22 -0400 http://www.littlelocalconversations.com en-us © 2026 Little Local Conversations yes Watertown, MA, USA Support this Podcast 346fb421-8c76-5304-b931-1f9eb4dcf74b Matt Hanna episodic false Discover the people, places, stories, and ideas of Watertown, MA. Visit littlelocalconversations.com to see all episodes, upcoming events, and more. Join Matt Hanna as he has conversations with various businesses owners, community leaders, creatives, and other interesting folks in Watertown to learn about what they do and get to know a bit about the people behind the work.

Sign up for the email newsletter to know when new episodes are out: https://mailchi.mp/1ffcb9f6801e/newsletter-signup

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Matt Hanna https://storage.buzzsprout.com/7qznv7go6rjwma8xpuw41t4mu3lm?.jpg Little Local Conversations http://www.littlelocalconversations.com Get to Know Your Local: Watertown Cultural Council Get to Know Your Local: Watertown Cultural Council How does one local group of volunteers hand out $34,000 to arts and culture projects in Watertown? I sat down with Elektra Newman and Greg Papazian to demystify how the Watertown Cultural Council funds arts and culture across the city, and chat a bit about the history of the council, some of their favorite projects funded recently, and more.

The Watertown Cultural Council's 2026-2027 grant season is open now through October 15th, 2026. Have an idea? Apply here!

More info at:

WatertownCulturalCouncil.org

Facebook | Instagram | Podcast 

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> How does one local group of volunteers hand out $34,000 to arts and culture projects in Watertown? I sat down with Elektra Newman and Greg Papazian to demystify how the Watertown Cultural Council funds arts and culture across the city, and chat a bit about the history of the council, some of their favorite projects funded recently, and more.

The Watertown Cultural Council's 2026-2027 grant season is open now through October 15th, 2026. Have an idea? Apply here!

More info at:

WatertownCulturalCouncil.org

Facebook | Instagram | Podcast 

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19741582 Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0400 1514 full false Episode 79: Pia Owens (Library Trustee / Negotiation Coach / Tech Lawyer) Episode 79: Pia Owens (Library Trustee / Negotiation Coach / Tech Lawyer) Meet Pia Owens! She's done many things in Watertown from having served as a Library Trustee, Co-President of the Watertown Community Foundation, a facilitator for Watertown Community Conversations, and a board member of the Mosesian Center for the Arts. She works as a negotiation coach, tech lawyer, ombudsperson for a writer's collective, among other things. In short, we talk about a lot! Take a listen to learn about her journey through these topics and roles and the lessons and perspectives she's gained from them all.

Find out more about Pia at piaowens.com

Pia's Substack - Let's Have It Out

Pia's monthly column in Psychology Today - Getting Comfortable With Conflict

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Pia Owens! She's done many things in Watertown from having served as a Library Trustee, Co-President of the Watertown Community Foundation, a facilitator for Watertown Community Conversations, and a board member of the Mosesian Center for the Arts. She works as a negotiation coach, tech lawyer, ombudsperson for a writer's collective, among other things. In short, we talk about a lot! Take a listen to learn about her journey through these topics and roles and the lessons and perspectives she's gained from them all.

Find out more about Pia at piaowens.com

Pia's Substack - Let's Have It Out

Pia's monthly column in Psychology Today - Getting Comfortable With Conflict

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19699994 Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:00:00 -0400 3162 79 full false Local Government Update, August 2026 Local Government Update, August 2026 Discover the latest Watertown government moments, stories, and numbers in this relaxed but informative conversation with Tyler Cote, the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV.

See links to things mentioned in this episode at LittleLocalConversations.com.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Discover the latest Watertown government moments, stories, and numbers in this relaxed but informative conversation with Tyler Cote, the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV.

See links to things mentioned in this episode at LittleLocalConversations.com.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19647639 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 14:00:00 -0400 1963 full false Creative Chats Conference, Panel 2: Organizations & Systems Creative Chats Conference, Panel 2: Organizations & Systems How do we support a healthy local arts ecosystem?

This was the question that drove the first Creative Chats Conference that happened at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on June 4th, 2026. This recording is from the second panel of the event that focused on shaping local arts organization and systems. The interactive panel featured 3 panelists and their questions:

Allie Fry (Programming Librarian, Watertown Free Public Library) - How do we make it easier for artists to pitch their ideas (in the right way to the right places)?

DeWitt Henry(Writer and Watertown Lit Squad Organizer) -How do we garner attention for forms of art beyond the most popular local mediums? 

Jan Taylor (Fundraising Strategist & Consultant) - What does it mean to be creative if you’re not the one making the art?

The conversation was also aided by Sheri Kennedy, a local artist and graphic facilitator, who graphically notated the panel discussions to provide us with some visual overviews and notes to see as we went along. The episode image features the drawing she did while listening to this panel.

Find the first panel discussion on Art & Money here.

Find all the Creative Chats episodes here.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> How do we support a healthy local arts ecosystem?

This was the question that drove the first Creative Chats Conference that happened at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on June 4th, 2026. This recording is from the second panel of the event that focused on shaping local arts organization and systems. The interactive panel featured 3 panelists and their questions:

Allie Fry (Programming Librarian, Watertown Free Public Library) - How do we make it easier for artists to pitch their ideas (in the right way to the right places)?

DeWitt Henry(Writer and Watertown Lit Squad Organizer) -How do we garner attention for forms of art beyond the most popular local mediums? 

Jan Taylor (Fundraising Strategist & Consultant) - What does it mean to be creative if you’re not the one making the art?

The conversation was also aided by Sheri Kennedy, a local artist and graphic facilitator, who graphically notated the panel discussions to provide us with some visual overviews and notes to see as we went along. The episode image features the drawing she did while listening to this panel.

Find the first panel discussion on Art & Money here.

Find all the Creative Chats episodes here.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19581626 Fri, 31 Jul 2026 17:00:00 -0400 2394 full false The Helping Hand Roundtable, July 2026 The Helping Hand Roundtable, July 2026 Welcome to The Helping Hand Roundtable! In this episode you'll hear stories of some of the amazing work being done in Watertown to help those in need in our community along with some of the great resources you might not be aware of. The discussion featured 6 local leaders:

Bevin Croft, Chair, World in Watertown

Gary Beatty, Executive Director, Watertown Boys and Girls Club

Janet Saied, Program Director, Project Literacy

Sophia Suarez-Friedman, Program Director, Wayside Youth and Family Support Network

Stephanie Venizelos, Assistant Director of Human Services, City of Watertown

Tia Tilson, Executive Director, Watertown Community Foundation


Links for more info and to get involved:

Safe Space Project, Unity Breakfast, Yard Signs and other projects at World in Watertown

Info on all programs at Watertown Boys and Girls Club

Info on all programs and volunteering at Project Literacy

Info on all programs at Wayside Youth and Family Support Network

Info for Live Well Watertown, Farmers' Market, Food Assistance Programs, and Human Services Department

Info for grants and more at Watertown Community Foundation

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Welcome to The Helping Hand Roundtable! In this episode you'll hear stories of some of the amazing work being done in Watertown to help those in need in our community along with some of the great resources you might not be aware of. The discussion featured 6 local leaders:

Bevin Croft, Chair, World in Watertown

Gary Beatty, Executive Director, Watertown Boys and Girls Club

Janet Saied, Program Director, Project Literacy

Sophia Suarez-Friedman, Program Director, Wayside Youth and Family Support Network

Stephanie Venizelos, Assistant Director of Human Services, City of Watertown

Tia Tilson, Executive Director, Watertown Community Foundation


Links for more info and to get involved:

Safe Space Project, Unity Breakfast, Yard Signs and other projects at World in Watertown

Info on all programs at Watertown Boys and Girls Club

Info on all programs and volunteering at Project Literacy

Info on all programs at Wayside Youth and Family Support Network

Info for Live Well Watertown, Farmers' Market, Food Assistance Programs, and Human Services Department

Info for grants and more at Watertown Community Foundation

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19532733 Wed, 22 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400 3044 full false Local Government Update, July 2026 Local Government Update, July 2026 Discover the latest Watertown government moments, stories, and numbers in this relaxed but informative conversation with Tyler Cote, the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV.

See links to things mentioned in this episode at LittleLocalConversations.com.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Discover the latest Watertown government moments, stories, and numbers in this relaxed but informative conversation with Tyler Cote, the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV.

See links to things mentioned in this episode at LittleLocalConversations.com.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19508703 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400 2161 full false Event Highlight - Treaty Day 250 Event Highlight - Treaty Day 250 Did you know that the United States' first international treaty was signed right here in Watertown?

For this episode, I sat down with a group of people involved with putting together the big Treaty Day 250 commemoration happening on Saturday, July 18th at the Mosesian Center for the Arts starting at 2pm. We chat about the history of the Treaty of Watertown and what to expect at this year's special Treaty Day.

Visit TreatyDay250.com for more details. 

Guests:

Erin Rathe, Senior Planner for Economic Development, City of Watertown

Joyce Kelly, Board Member, Historical Society of Watertown

Marilynne Roach, President, Historical Society of Watertown

Matt Jatkola, Associate Executive Director, Mosesian Center for the Arts

Tyler Cote, Director of Communications and Community Engagement, City of Watertown

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Did you know that the United States' first international treaty was signed right here in Watertown?

For this episode, I sat down with a group of people involved with putting together the big Treaty Day 250 commemoration happening on Saturday, July 18th at the Mosesian Center for the Arts starting at 2pm. We chat about the history of the Treaty of Watertown and what to expect at this year's special Treaty Day.

Visit TreatyDay250.com for more details. 

Guests:

Erin Rathe, Senior Planner for Economic Development, City of Watertown

Joyce Kelly, Board Member, Historical Society of Watertown

Marilynne Roach, President, Historical Society of Watertown

Matt Jatkola, Associate Executive Director, Mosesian Center for the Arts

Tyler Cote, Director of Communications and Community Engagement, City of Watertown

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19492798 Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 1871 full false Creative Chats Conference, Panel 1: Art & Money Creative Chats Conference, Panel 1: Art & Money How do we support a healthy local arts ecosystem?

This was the question that drove the first Creative Chats Conference that happened at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on June 4th, 2026. This recording is from one panel of the event that focused on the intersection of art and money. The interactive panel featured 3 panelists and their questions:

Cat Bennett (Visual Artist and Teacher) - How can artists inspire the public to learn more about art and feel confident, even excited, about buying it?

Matt Jatkola (Associate Executive Director, Mosesian Center for the Arts) - How do we reinforce the value of art in a culture that often expects it to be cheap or free?

Jan Taylor (Fundraising Strategist & Consultant) - How do we fund art creatively?

The conversation was also aided by Sheri Kennedy, a local artist and graphic facilitator, who graphically notated the panel discussions to provide us with some visual overviews and notes to see as we went along. The episode image features the drawing she did while listening to this panel on art and money.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> How do we support a healthy local arts ecosystem?

This was the question that drove the first Creative Chats Conference that happened at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on June 4th, 2026. This recording is from one panel of the event that focused on the intersection of art and money. The interactive panel featured 3 panelists and their questions:

Cat Bennett (Visual Artist and Teacher) - How can artists inspire the public to learn more about art and feel confident, even excited, about buying it?

Matt Jatkola (Associate Executive Director, Mosesian Center for the Arts) - How do we reinforce the value of art in a culture that often expects it to be cheap or free?

Jan Taylor (Fundraising Strategist & Consultant) - How do we fund art creatively?

The conversation was also aided by Sheri Kennedy, a local artist and graphic facilitator, who graphically notated the panel discussions to provide us with some visual overviews and notes to see as we went along. The episode image features the drawing she did while listening to this panel on art and money.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19470209 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 13:00:00 -0400 2434 full false Episode 78: Theo Offei (Watertown City Councilor-At-Large) Episode 78: Theo Offei (Watertown City Councilor-At-Large) Meet Theo Offei! He's the most recent addition to the Watertown City Council as a Councilor-At-Large. We sat down for a wide-ranging conversation including:

-Memorizing Obama speeches as a boy in Italy and other thoughts on growing up in Reggio Emilia

-Making his way to the US through community college then earning a scholarship to transfer fully to USC

-His time in the startup and venture capital worlds (and trying to convince the organizers of Bonnaroo and Coachella to use his product)

-How family and interactions with "cool" things in the city led him to Watertown

-Why he got involved with public service through the Residents' Advisory Committee and how that gave him the itch to run for City Council

-And then what it was like getting to know neighbors through campaigning, the reality of learning the ropes once elected, and his message to Watertowners to get involved

Reach out to Theo (and other councilors) at watertown-ma.gov/city-council

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Theo Offei! He's the most recent addition to the Watertown City Council as a Councilor-At-Large. We sat down for a wide-ranging conversation including:

-Memorizing Obama speeches as a boy in Italy and other thoughts on growing up in Reggio Emilia

-Making his way to the US through community college then earning a scholarship to transfer fully to USC

-His time in the startup and venture capital worlds (and trying to convince the organizers of Bonnaroo and Coachella to use his product)

-How family and interactions with "cool" things in the city led him to Watertown

-Why he got involved with public service through the Residents' Advisory Committee and how that gave him the itch to run for City Council

-And then what it was like getting to know neighbors through campaigning, the reality of learning the ropes once elected, and his message to Watertowners to get involved

Reach out to Theo (and other councilors) at watertown-ma.gov/city-council

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19441075 Fri, 03 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 2233 78 full false Creative Chats With Daniel E. Pritchard (Should Art Be Difficult?) Creative Chats With Daniel E. Pritchard (Should Art Be Difficult?) Should art be difficult? 

That was the question Dan Pritchard brought to our Creative Chats conversation in May 2026. The Creative Chats series features (almost) monthly live podcast events put on by Little Local Conversations and hosted at the Mosesian Center for the Arts.

Daniel E. Pritchard is a poet, translator, and essayist, as well as the founding editor of The Critical Flame (criticalflame.org), whose work has been published in the Lily Poetry Review, The Arts Fuse, Pangyrus, Salamander, and elsewhere. Find him at danielpritchard.net. 

Listen to other Creative Chats episodes.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Should art be difficult? 

That was the question Dan Pritchard brought to our Creative Chats conversation in May 2026. The Creative Chats series features (almost) monthly live podcast events put on by Little Local Conversations and hosted at the Mosesian Center for the Arts.

Daniel E. Pritchard is a poet, translator, and essayist, as well as the founding editor of The Critical Flame (criticalflame.org), whose work has been published in the Lily Poetry Review, The Arts Fuse, Pangyrus, Salamander, and elsewhere. Find him at danielpritchard.net. 

Listen to other Creative Chats episodes.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19406438 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0400 2306 full false Gallery Stories, June 2026: Senior Group Show, WHERE ARE ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE AT/HOW WE SEE IT, Altered States Gallery Stories, June 2026: Senior Group Show, WHERE ARE ALL THE BLACK PEOPLE AT/HOW WE SEE IT, Altered States Discover the stories behind 3 art exhibitions going on in Watertown then go visit the galleries and experience the art yourself! 

Images, links, and more details at LittleLocalConversations.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Discover the stories behind 3 art exhibitions going on in Watertown then go visit the galleries and experience the art yourself! 

Images, links, and more details at LittleLocalConversations.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19372560 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400 2641 full false Local Government Update, June 2026 Local Government Update, June 2026 Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. 

Full list of links from episode at: www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/local-government-update-june-2026

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Director of Communications and Community Engagement for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. 

Full list of links from episode at: www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/local-government-update-june-2026

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19325310 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400 2124 full false Watertown's Open: Storytelling and Marketing for Solopreneurs Watertown's Open: Storytelling and Marketing for Solopreneurs This episode is from a Watertown's Open event that happened back in late March 2026 over at the WCA-TV studios. The theme of this event was Storytelling and Marketing for Solopreneurs. We had a great conversation with a large panel this time. It was four panelists who were breaking down and giving advice to two featured solopreneurs who offered to be on the spot telling their perspective with what they're trying to do to with sharing their story. There was a lot of good advice in here. So if this topic is interesting to you, I think you'll get a lot out of it. Feel free to share with anyone else you think might benefit from hearing this too!

Watertown's Open are live podcast events for small businesses, and it's a place to get local business owners together to discuss topics such as this. It's a three-way partnership from Little Local Conversations, the City of Watertown, and the Watertown Business Coalition. 

Panelists:

Sam Dudley, Watertown Business Coalition, Director of Communications and Engagement

Margo Guernsey, Time Travel Productions, Director/Producer/Impact Strategist

Ashley Rappa, MORE Advertising, Creative Director 

Erin Rathe, City of Watertown, Senior Planner for Economic Development 

Featured Solopreneurs:

Heather Caldwell, Caldwell's Miscellaneous Fancy Goods, Founder

Benita Chelagat, Coffee Plus 254, Founder

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This episode is from a Watertown's Open event that happened back in late March 2026 over at the WCA-TV studios. The theme of this event was Storytelling and Marketing for Solopreneurs. We had a great conversation with a large panel this time. It was four panelists who were breaking down and giving advice to two featured solopreneurs who offered to be on the spot telling their perspective with what they're trying to do to with sharing their story. There was a lot of good advice in here. So if this topic is interesting to you, I think you'll get a lot out of it. Feel free to share with anyone else you think might benefit from hearing this too!

Watertown's Open are live podcast events for small businesses, and it's a place to get local business owners together to discuss topics such as this. It's a three-way partnership from Little Local Conversations, the City of Watertown, and the Watertown Business Coalition. 

Panelists:

Sam Dudley, Watertown Business Coalition, Director of Communications and Engagement

Margo Guernsey, Time Travel Productions, Director/Producer/Impact Strategist

Ashley Rappa, MORE Advertising, Creative Director 

Erin Rathe, City of Watertown, Senior Planner for Economic Development 

Featured Solopreneurs:

Heather Caldwell, Caldwell's Miscellaneous Fancy Goods, Founder

Benita Chelagat, Coffee Plus 254, Founder

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19300688 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:00:00 -0400 4496 full false Event Highlight: Watertown Pride 2026 Event Highlight: Watertown Pride 2026 I sat down for a conversation with Watertown Pride organizers Anna Strohmeyer, Carey Conkey-Finn, and Xin Peng about building a Pride celebration that feels like a real community home. We talk about the event’s origins as an idea from Watertown Library staff, how the organizing of the event has shifted over the years to include more groups and residents in the planning, and what you can expect to see at Watertown Pride 2026 on Saturday, June 6th (including a parade, performances, vendors, food, education and resources and more). We also get into some of their personal connections to Pride and other safe spaces, stories from previous Prides, and how it's shaped their own lives and the lives of others who interact with the event.

Find out all the details for Watertown Pride 2026 at watertownpride.com

Saturday, June 6th 

11am-4pm

Parade starting from Moxley Park at 11am (with queer family decoration meetup at 10am) and ending at Saltonstall Park next to City Hall where the rest of the festivities will take place.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> I sat down for a conversation with Watertown Pride organizers Anna Strohmeyer, Carey Conkey-Finn, and Xin Peng about building a Pride celebration that feels like a real community home. We talk about the event’s origins as an idea from Watertown Library staff, how the organizing of the event has shifted over the years to include more groups and residents in the planning, and what you can expect to see at Watertown Pride 2026 on Saturday, June 6th (including a parade, performances, vendors, food, education and resources and more). We also get into some of their personal connections to Pride and other safe spaces, stories from previous Prides, and how it's shaped their own lives and the lives of others who interact with the event.

Find out all the details for Watertown Pride 2026 at watertownpride.com

Saturday, June 6th 

11am-4pm

Parade starting from Moxley Park at 11am (with queer family decoration meetup at 10am) and ending at Saltonstall Park next to City Hall where the rest of the festivities will take place.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19243006 Tue, 26 May 2026 16:00:00 -0400 2021 full false Episode 77: Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders (2026) Episode 77: Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders (2026) Meet Arthur Ferraz, Christos Sarris, Jafar Al-Hilfy, and Zoe Tendler! They are seniors at Watertown High School and members of the Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders group. Christina Lupica and Sofia Block, orgranizers of the group from Wayside Youth and Family Support Network here in Watertown, also joined us for the conversation. We talk about what it's like building community and connections as a youth, their honest views on technology and phones, their advice for freshman, what it's like being in the transitional phase as seniors, and more.

Find out more about the Watertown Youth Coaltion at watertownyouthcoalition.org.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Arthur Ferraz, Christos Sarris, Jafar Al-Hilfy, and Zoe Tendler! They are seniors at Watertown High School and members of the Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders group. Christina Lupica and Sofia Block, orgranizers of the group from Wayside Youth and Family Support Network here in Watertown, also joined us for the conversation. We talk about what it's like building community and connections as a youth, their honest views on technology and phones, their advice for freshman, what it's like being in the transitional phase as seniors, and more.

Find out more about the Watertown Youth Coaltion at watertownyouthcoalition.org.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19223568 Fri, 22 May 2026 16:00:00 -0400 1412 77 full false Local Government Update, May 2026 Local Government Update, May 2026 Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. 

See links for things mentioned in the episode at www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/local-government-update-may-2026

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. 

See links for things mentioned in the episode at www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/local-government-update-may-2026

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19184400 Fri, 15 May 2026 15:00:00 -0400 2144 full false Watertown's Open: A Discussion on Summer Tourism 2026 Watertown's Open: A Discussion on Summer Tourism 2026 This episode is a special Watertown's Open episode, and this came from a live discussion that happened at the WCA-TV studios back on April 7th. It was a panel discussion about how Watertown businesses can capitalize on the tourist influx this summer. Watertown's Open are live podcast events for small businesses, and it's a place to get local business owners together to discuss topics such as this. It's a three-way partnership from Little Local Conversations, the City of Watertown, and the Watertown Business Coalition. 

And if you want to see my graphic for the timeline of events or see links to things mentioned in this episode, you can listen to this over on the Little Local Conversations website, LittleLocalConversations.com, and find the episode there. 

Panelists:

Andrew Holden, Branch Line, Owner

Gavin Kleespies, Gore Place, Executive Director

Steve Owens, Massachusetts State Representative, Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development - Vice Chair

Erin Rathe, City of Watertown, Senior Planner for Economic Development 

Korinne Robertson, Residence Inn Boston Watertown, Director of Area Sales

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This episode is a special Watertown's Open episode, and this came from a live discussion that happened at the WCA-TV studios back on April 7th. It was a panel discussion about how Watertown businesses can capitalize on the tourist influx this summer. Watertown's Open are live podcast events for small businesses, and it's a place to get local business owners together to discuss topics such as this. It's a three-way partnership from Little Local Conversations, the City of Watertown, and the Watertown Business Coalition. 

And if you want to see my graphic for the timeline of events or see links to things mentioned in this episode, you can listen to this over on the Little Local Conversations website, LittleLocalConversations.com, and find the episode there. 

Panelists:

Andrew Holden, Branch Line, Owner

Gavin Kleespies, Gore Place, Executive Director

Steve Owens, Massachusetts State Representative, Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development - Vice Chair

Erin Rathe, City of Watertown, Senior Planner for Economic Development 

Korinne Robertson, Residence Inn Boston Watertown, Director of Area Sales

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19173023 Thu, 14 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400 4091 full false The Dish With Max Ritcey of Ritcey East (Fish Tacos, Art, and Helping Those in Need) The Dish With Max Ritcey of Ritcey East (Fish Tacos, Art, and Helping Those in Need) Welcome to the first episode of The Dish! This is a new series that I'll be doing with Charlie Breitrose from Watertown News where we'll visit different Watertown restaurants to learn about a signature dish, but we'll also capture some of the stories that make the restaurant and the people behind the food unique.

This episode is with Max Ritcey over at Ritcey East at 208 Waverley Ave here in Watertown. Max walks us through making his fish tacos, an homage and spin on his family's old restaurant fare at Ritcey's Seafood Kitchen. We also hear about Max's love of supporting local artists, memes and taco trucks, and how he got Governor Healey's praise when he stepped up to help those in need when SNAP benefits were cut near the end of 2025. 

Listen to the episode and then head on over to Ritcey East to try out the fish tacos!

Find Ritcey East's hours, menu, and other info online at RitceyEast.com.

You can also listen to my longer interview with Max from last year, where you can learn more about Max and his personal story: www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/episode-67-max-ritcey-ritcey-east-owner-and-chef

Read Charlie's article of The Dish on Watertown News

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Welcome to the first episode of The Dish! This is a new series that I'll be doing with Charlie Breitrose from Watertown News where we'll visit different Watertown restaurants to learn about a signature dish, but we'll also capture some of the stories that make the restaurant and the people behind the food unique.

This episode is with Max Ritcey over at Ritcey East at 208 Waverley Ave here in Watertown. Max walks us through making his fish tacos, an homage and spin on his family's old restaurant fare at Ritcey's Seafood Kitchen. We also hear about Max's love of supporting local artists, memes and taco trucks, and how he got Governor Healey's praise when he stepped up to help those in need when SNAP benefits were cut near the end of 2025. 

Listen to the episode and then head on over to Ritcey East to try out the fish tacos!

Find Ritcey East's hours, menu, and other info online at RitceyEast.com.

You can also listen to my longer interview with Max from last year, where you can learn more about Max and his personal story: www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/episode-67-max-ritcey-ritcey-east-owner-and-chef

Read Charlie's article of The Dish on Watertown News

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19134750 Wed, 06 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 1357 full false Creative Chats With Eileen Ryan (How Do You Stand Out in a Crowd?) Creative Chats With Eileen Ryan (How Do You Stand Out in a Crowd?) This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. I sat down for a live conversation with artist and climate and social justice activist Eileen Ryan to discuss the question: How do you stand out in a crowd?

Eileen talks about the ideas behind the many signs, hats, and outfits she's designed for protests, how images of her and her work have been featured in local and national publications (and why she thinks she captures photographers' eyes), how she thinks of herself as an illustrator of movements, the case for beauty, kindness, and humor as tools that persuade and recruit better than pure anger, and more.

Find out more about Eileen and Beyond Plastics and the upcoming Mother's Day Walk for Peace

Listen to other Creative Chats episodes

Photo Credit for Image of Eileen: Asia Kepka

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. I sat down for a live conversation with artist and climate and social justice activist Eileen Ryan to discuss the question: How do you stand out in a crowd?

Eileen talks about the ideas behind the many signs, hats, and outfits she's designed for protests, how images of her and her work have been featured in local and national publications (and why she thinks she captures photographers' eyes), how she thinks of herself as an illustrator of movements, the case for beauty, kindness, and humor as tools that persuade and recruit better than pure anger, and more.

Find out more about Eileen and Beyond Plastics and the upcoming Mother's Day Walk for Peace

Listen to other Creative Chats episodes

Photo Credit for Image of Eileen: Asia Kepka

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19098316 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400 2155 full false The Helping Hand: Watertown Helps Out The Helping Hand: Watertown Helps Out What makes Watertown special? One of the reasons you'll often hear people say is that it's a community that deeply cares about taking care of each other. One example of that is Watertown Helps Out, a unique month of community volunteering organized by the Watertown Community Foundation each May.

The Helping Hand is a new series for the podcast that focuses on nonprofits and mission-based organizations and projects in Watertown. So for the first episode, I thought Watertown Helps Out would be a great topic to dig into. I sat down for 3 conversations to get stories and perspectives from:

-The main orchestrator, Tia Tilson, Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation.

-A nonprofit benefiting from the projects, Gary Beatty, Executive Director of the Watertown Boys and Girls Club.

-And a life science company that says their company wouldn't be what it is without its day of service, Matt Forti, Head of Facilities, and Alessandra Arace, Employee Experience Manager, C4 Therapeutics.

You can find out more about Watertown Helps Out and join in the volunteering effort at watertownfoundation.org/watertown-helps-out.

Thank you to The Helping Hand series sponsor Watertown Savings Bank!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> What makes Watertown special? One of the reasons you'll often hear people say is that it's a community that deeply cares about taking care of each other. One example of that is Watertown Helps Out, a unique month of community volunteering organized by the Watertown Community Foundation each May.

The Helping Hand is a new series for the podcast that focuses on nonprofits and mission-based organizations and projects in Watertown. So for the first episode, I thought Watertown Helps Out would be a great topic to dig into. I sat down for 3 conversations to get stories and perspectives from:

-The main orchestrator, Tia Tilson, Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation.

-A nonprofit benefiting from the projects, Gary Beatty, Executive Director of the Watertown Boys and Girls Club.

-And a life science company that says their company wouldn't be what it is without its day of service, Matt Forti, Head of Facilities, and Alessandra Arace, Employee Experience Manager, C4 Therapeutics.

You can find out more about Watertown Helps Out and join in the volunteering effort at watertownfoundation.org/watertown-helps-out.

Thank you to The Helping Hand series sponsor Watertown Savings Bank!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19072114 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400 2222 full false Episode 76: Kelly Cronin and Kristy Walter (Watertown Savings Bank Club 50) Episode 76: Kelly Cronin and Kristy Walter (Watertown Savings Bank Club 50) Meet Kelly Cronin and Kristy Walter! They work at Watertown Savings Bank doing community relations and running the Club 50 program for the bank. We talk about the bank's philosophy of focusing on Main Street not Wall Street, and how that translates to 90+ employees volunteering their time in the community, awarding $100,000 to nonprofits through their Customer Choice Awards (on top of their regular sponsorships and donations), and their unique Club 50 program that helps build in-person community through bringing customers together for travel and local events to help make memories and friendships. Plus, we get a little of Kelly's and Kristy's own backstories, what else they're involved with in the community, and how they found their way to the bank.

Learn more:

Watertown Savings Bank

Club 50 (Website, Facebook, Instagram)

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Kelly Cronin and Kristy Walter! They work at Watertown Savings Bank doing community relations and running the Club 50 program for the bank. We talk about the bank's philosophy of focusing on Main Street not Wall Street, and how that translates to 90+ employees volunteering their time in the community, awarding $100,000 to nonprofits through their Customer Choice Awards (on top of their regular sponsorships and donations), and their unique Club 50 program that helps build in-person community through bringing customers together for travel and local events to help make memories and friendships. Plus, we get a little of Kelly's and Kristy's own backstories, what else they're involved with in the community, and how they found their way to the bank.

Learn more:

Watertown Savings Bank

Club 50 (Website, Facebook, Instagram)

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19052408 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 1666 76 full false Local Government Update, April 2026 Local Government Update, April 2026 Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. 

See links for things mentioned in the episode at www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/local-government-update-april-2026

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. 

See links for things mentioned in the episode at www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/local-government-update-april-2026

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19028486 Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 2296 full false Gallery Stories, April 2026: Art and Healing Gallery Stories, April 2026: Art and Healing In this Gallery Stories episode, discover the stories behind the Art and Healing exhibition up at the Mosesian Center for the Arts here in Watertown. Take a listen then go visit the gallery and experience the art yourself!

To see images of some of the pieces mentioned and more details about the show and the artists, go to www.littlelocalconversations.com.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> In this Gallery Stories episode, discover the stories behind the Art and Healing exhibition up at the Mosesian Center for the Arts here in Watertown. Take a listen then go visit the gallery and experience the art yourself!

To see images of some of the pieces mentioned and more details about the show and the artists, go to www.littlelocalconversations.com.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-19006697 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400 1662 full false Event Highlight - Community STEM Night Event Highlight - Community STEM Night Do you know about all the amazing STEM things happening at the Watertown Public Schools? Did you know 1,000 heads of lettuce are grown every week in the school's freight farm? Or about the school's award-winning robotics team, or the culinary program that provided food at the state house recently, or the student club working on designing a net zero accessory dwelling unit to showcase at the Lemelson-MIT Center?  

I sat down with three people to learn more about the 2nd Annual Community STEM Night where people can come to learn about all this and much more going on at the schools. I'm joined by Lynsey Kraemer, the Science Curriculum Coordinator for grades 6-12, Laura Alderson, the CTE Director for Watertown Public Schools, and Elizabeth Kaplan, the K-5 Science Coordinator, K-8 Math Coordinator, and the Farm to School Coordinator.

Come join the Community STEM Night on April 29th to learn about all this and much more through conversations and hands-on experiences! Community STEM Night is organized through a partnership between the Watertown Business Coalition and the Watertown Public Schools. The event is on Wednesday, April 29th from 530pm to 730pm at the Watertown Middle School. 

Find all the details here!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Do you know about all the amazing STEM things happening at the Watertown Public Schools? Did you know 1,000 heads of lettuce are grown every week in the school's freight farm? Or about the school's award-winning robotics team, or the culinary program that provided food at the state house recently, or the student club working on designing a net zero accessory dwelling unit to showcase at the Lemelson-MIT Center?  

I sat down with three people to learn more about the 2nd Annual Community STEM Night where people can come to learn about all this and much more going on at the schools. I'm joined by Lynsey Kraemer, the Science Curriculum Coordinator for grades 6-12, Laura Alderson, the CTE Director for Watertown Public Schools, and Elizabeth Kaplan, the K-5 Science Coordinator, K-8 Math Coordinator, and the Farm to School Coordinator.

Come join the Community STEM Night on April 29th to learn about all this and much more through conversations and hands-on experiences! Community STEM Night is organized through a partnership between the Watertown Business Coalition and the Watertown Public Schools. The event is on Wednesday, April 29th from 530pm to 730pm at the Watertown Middle School. 

Find all the details here!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18982326 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 1313 full false Episode 75: Andrew Provost and Meaghan Harwood Provost (PT In Cadence) Episode 75: Andrew Provost and Meaghan Harwood Provost (PT In Cadence) Meet Andrew Provost and Meaghan Harwood Provost! They're the co-founders of PT In Cadence, a physical therapy practice here in Watertown. In this conversation we talk about their paths to physical therapy (Andrew through a sports injury and Meaghan in a shift away from neuroscience and research), their strong patient-centric view of designing care and helping people navigate the challenges of a fragmented healthcare system, one of their key focuses being pelvic health care and why its often overlooked, and what it's like building a physical therapy practice and building a community within Watertown.

Find out more about Andrew and Meaghan at ptincadence.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Andrew Provost and Meaghan Harwood Provost! They're the co-founders of PT In Cadence, a physical therapy practice here in Watertown. In this conversation we talk about their paths to physical therapy (Andrew through a sports injury and Meaghan in a shift away from neuroscience and research), their strong patient-centric view of designing care and helping people navigate the challenges of a fragmented healthcare system, one of their key focuses being pelvic health care and why its often overlooked, and what it's like building a physical therapy practice and building a community within Watertown.

Find out more about Andrew and Meaghan at ptincadence.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18951718 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:00:00 -0400 1984 75 full false Creative Chats With Alyssa Lawson (How Do We Teach Creativity to the Next Generation?) Creative Chats With Alyssa Lawson (How Do We Teach Creativity to the Next Generation?) This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. I sat down for a live conversation with cellist and educator Alyssa Lawson to discuss the question: How do we teach creativity to the next generation?

Alyssa shares her experiences as a Suzuki cello teacher for youth and teaching her own kids cello, the importance of building basic skills to even allow creative expression, getting beginners through "the dip", dealing with different types of learners and personalities, and the ultimate balance of teaching while not getting in the way of the student's creativity.

Find out more about Alyssa at alyssavlawson.com

Join the next Creative Chats event on April 3rd and the Creative Chats Conference on June 4th

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. I sat down for a live conversation with cellist and educator Alyssa Lawson to discuss the question: How do we teach creativity to the next generation?

Alyssa shares her experiences as a Suzuki cello teacher for youth and teaching her own kids cello, the importance of building basic skills to even allow creative expression, getting beginners through "the dip", dealing with different types of learners and personalities, and the ultimate balance of teaching while not getting in the way of the student's creativity.

Find out more about Alyssa at alyssavlawson.com

Join the next Creative Chats event on April 3rd and the Creative Chats Conference on June 4th

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18906084 Wed, 25 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400 1895 full false Watertown City Update 2026 With City Manager George Proakis (Hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition) Watertown City Update 2026 With City Manager George Proakis (Hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition) This is a recording from the Watertown Business Coalition's City Update event with Watertown City Manager George Proakis. The event was on March 5th, 2026 at the Hampton Inn in Watertown. Take a listen to City Manager Proakis' presentation on the city's goals, where things are going now in the city, and then some discussion about planning and growth in Watertown. 

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from the Watertown Business Coalition's City Update event with Watertown City Manager George Proakis. The event was on March 5th, 2026 at the Hampton Inn in Watertown. Take a listen to City Manager Proakis' presentation on the city's goals, where things are going now in the city, and then some discussion about planning and growth in Watertown. 

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18881269 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0400 3127 full false Gallery Stories Miniature, March 2026: Nina Nielsen Gallery Stories Miniature, March 2026: Nina Nielsen In this mini Gallery Stories episode, discover the stories behind Nina Nielsen's art exhibition up at Storefront Art Projects here in Watertown. Take a listen then go visit the gallery and experience the art yourself!

To see images of some of the pieces mentioned and more details about the show, go to www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/gallery-stories-mini-march-2026.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> In this mini Gallery Stories episode, discover the stories behind Nina Nielsen's art exhibition up at Storefront Art Projects here in Watertown. Take a listen then go visit the gallery and experience the art yourself!

To see images of some of the pieces mentioned and more details about the show, go to www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/gallery-stories-mini-march-2026.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18861472 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400 757 full false Local Government Update, March 2026 Local Government Update, March 2026 Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. 

See links for things mentioned in episode at www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/local-government-update-march-2026

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. 

See links for things mentioned in episode at www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/local-government-update-march-2026

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18837641 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0400 1618 full false Event Highlight - Perkins School for the Blind's Early Connections Conference Event Highlight - Perkins School for the Blind's Early Connections Conference The Perkins School for the Blind’s Early Connections Conference is a two-day event in May for families, educators, and medical professionals of young children with vision loss, deafblindness, and blindness to come together and find resources, support, community, and expert guidance. 

Two of the people who organize the event, Rachel Bennett and Amy Ferreira, invited me over to the Perkins campus to share the history of the conference and why it exists, stories that show the impact of turning isolation into community, and details of this year's conference.

The Early Connections Conference is May 1st and May 2nd, 2026. Registration is open now through April 17th at perkins.org/earlycc. 

Reach out to Rachel and Amy at earlyconnections@perkins.org.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> The Perkins School for the Blind’s Early Connections Conference is a two-day event in May for families, educators, and medical professionals of young children with vision loss, deafblindness, and blindness to come together and find resources, support, community, and expert guidance. 

Two of the people who organize the event, Rachel Bennett and Amy Ferreira, invited me over to the Perkins campus to share the history of the conference and why it exists, stories that show the impact of turning isolation into community, and details of this year's conference.

The Early Connections Conference is May 1st and May 2nd, 2026. Registration is open now through April 17th at perkins.org/earlycc. 

Reach out to Rachel and Amy at earlyconnections@perkins.org.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18816657 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0400 1491 full false Reverse Podcast #1: Matt Hanna With Interviewer Sara Keary Reverse Podcast #1: Matt Hanna With Interviewer Sara Keary This episode is a little bit different, what I'm calling a reverse podcast. I had a number of people start asking me about when it's my turn to be on the podcast and have my story told. So I finally decided to do that. But I didn't want to pick one person to do that. There were a few people that I had sit down and interview me about my story and the podcast's story. So this is the first one of those. There'll be a couple more and each of the conversations went in a little bit of a different direction. This first one was with Sara Keary, who's been on the podcast before, back at episode 59. So you can go back and listen to that one to get her story again. But she was one of the people who had been asking to hear about my story, so I had to give her the chance to turn the tables on me. So I hope you enjoy hearing a little bit more about me and where I came from and my thoughts behind the podcast.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This episode is a little bit different, what I'm calling a reverse podcast. I had a number of people start asking me about when it's my turn to be on the podcast and have my story told. So I finally decided to do that. But I didn't want to pick one person to do that. There were a few people that I had sit down and interview me about my story and the podcast's story. So this is the first one of those. There'll be a couple more and each of the conversations went in a little bit of a different direction. This first one was with Sara Keary, who's been on the podcast before, back at episode 59. So you can go back and listen to that one to get her story again. But she was one of the people who had been asking to hear about my story, so I had to give her the chance to turn the tables on me. So I hope you enjoy hearing a little bit more about me and where I came from and my thoughts behind the podcast.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18803573 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0500 2699 full false Creative Chats With Erykah Chanel (What Does Your Next Level Actually Require of You?) Creative Chats With Erykah Chanel (What Does Your Next Level Actually Require of You?) This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. I sat down for a live conversation with multidimensional entrepreneur Erykah Chanel to dig into the question: What does the next level actually require of you?

Erykah shares her personal journey to discovering a framework (which she calls the Life of E's) that prioritizes things such as rest, clarity, and support rather than constantly going with the hustle. Then we open it up to audience Q&A on topics such as how do you ask the tough questions, getting over imposter syndrome to build community, how to prioritize within a life with multiple passions, and how find a balance between finding your tribe and seeking different opinions.

Connect with Erykah on social @erykahchanel (Instagram, Facebook)

Join the next Creative Chats event on March 6th

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. I sat down for a live conversation with multidimensional entrepreneur Erykah Chanel to dig into the question: What does the next level actually require of you?

Erykah shares her personal journey to discovering a framework (which she calls the Life of E's) that prioritizes things such as rest, clarity, and support rather than constantly going with the hustle. Then we open it up to audience Q&A on topics such as how do you ask the tough questions, getting over imposter syndrome to build community, how to prioritize within a life with multiple passions, and how find a balance between finding your tribe and seeking different opinions.

Connect with Erykah on social @erykahchanel (Instagram, Facebook)

Join the next Creative Chats event on March 6th

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18752232 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 2488 full false Gallery Stories, February/March 2026: Magic, Layers, Solstice, Winter Showcase, Contemporary Landscapes Gallery Stories, February/March 2026: Magic, Layers, Solstice, Winter Showcase, Contemporary Landscapes Discover the stories behind 5 art exhibitions going on in Watertown then go visit the galleries and experience the art yourself! 

To see images of some of the pieces mentioned and more details about the shows, go to www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/gallery-stories-february-march-2026.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Discover the stories behind 5 art exhibitions going on in Watertown then go visit the galleries and experience the art yourself! 

To see images of some of the pieces mentioned and more details about the shows, go to www.littlelocalconversations.com/episodes/gallery-stories-february-march-2026.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18721929 Sat, 21 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500 2434 full false Local Government Update, February 2026 Local Government Update, February 2026 Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links mentioned in the episode:

State House Testimony

City Council - January 27th

Civics Academy

School Committee - January 26th

Watertown Food Pantry

Snow Ordinance Info

Learn About Boards and Commissions

Watertown Public Schools Website

Watertown’s Open: Storytelling and Marketing for Solopreneurs

City Update with City Manager George Proakis

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links mentioned in the episode:

State House Testimony

City Council - January 27th

Civics Academy

School Committee - January 26th

Watertown Food Pantry

Snow Ordinance Info

Learn About Boards and Commissions

Watertown Public Schools Website

Watertown’s Open: Storytelling and Marketing for Solopreneurs

City Update with City Manager George Proakis

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18694810 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500 2131 full false Episode 74: Laura Murray (Constituent Services Director, City of Watertown) Episode 74: Laura Murray (Constituent Services Director, City of Watertown) Meet Laura Murray! She's the Constituent Services Director for the city of Watertown, which means she runs the 311 service center. In this conversation we chat about her early customer service lessons from a pizza shop to insurance call centers where she discovered she enjoys helping people even through their angry or confused moments. Then we get into what is 311, what went into launching the service, what are the most frequent questions she gets, success stories, and things she's learned through answering questions about city processes every day.

Contact Laura and 311 (including now through text!):

-Phone: Call 311 (or 617-458-8311 if outside the city)

-Text: Send a message to 617-458-8311

-Email: 311@watertown-ma.gov

-App: Use the Watertown MA mobile app for non-emergency requests

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Laura Murray! She's the Constituent Services Director for the city of Watertown, which means she runs the 311 service center. In this conversation we chat about her early customer service lessons from a pizza shop to insurance call centers where she discovered she enjoys helping people even through their angry or confused moments. Then we get into what is 311, what went into launching the service, what are the most frequent questions she gets, success stories, and things she's learned through answering questions about city processes every day.

Contact Laura and 311 (including now through text!):

-Phone: Call 311 (or 617-458-8311 if outside the city)

-Text: Send a message to 617-458-8311

-Email: 311@watertown-ma.gov

-App: Use the Watertown MA mobile app for non-emergency requests

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18656433 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0500 2259 74 full false Get to Know Your Local: Public Arts & Culture (February 2026) Get to Know Your Local: Public Arts & Culture (February 2026) Want to know how ideas get turned into murals, festivals, and even a river race? I sat down with Watertown’s Public Arts and Culture Planner, Liz Helfer, to get a look into what's coming up for projects, but also to shed a little light on the process behind public art: where concepts start, how partners align, and why the best projects involve conversation between neighbors and experts. 

Sign Up for the Watertown Arts and Culture Bulletin

City of Watertown Public Arts and Culture Webpage

Watertown Cultural District Website

Community Sculpture Walk

Expert Pairings

Eco Fest

Community Paddle

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Want to know how ideas get turned into murals, festivals, and even a river race? I sat down with Watertown’s Public Arts and Culture Planner, Liz Helfer, to get a look into what's coming up for projects, but also to shed a little light on the process behind public art: where concepts start, how partners align, and why the best projects involve conversation between neighbors and experts. 

Sign Up for the Watertown Arts and Culture Bulletin

City of Watertown Public Arts and Culture Webpage

Watertown Cultural District Website

Community Sculpture Walk

Expert Pairings

Eco Fest

Community Paddle

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18623991 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 10:00:00 -0500 878 full false Episode 73: Sarah Newhouse (Actors' Shakespeare Project) Episode 73: Sarah Newhouse (Actors' Shakespeare Project) Meet Sarah Newhouse! She's a Watertown resident and founding company member of Actors' Shakespeare Project, a longstanding Boston-area theater company that is now company-in-residence at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. In this conversation we get into Sarah's career from her first lead at 11 in The Saving of Little Sarah (a play her music teacher wrote), to being taught in high school by the playwright of Driving Miss Daisy, sharing the stage with Cicely Tyson and Hector Elizondo in the Berkshires, and having an inside joke with Steve Martin when she acted in the East Coast premiere of one of his plays. We chat about the long road to "making it", including what it's like to be thrown into a long-running show like Shear Madness, and starting Actors' Shakespeare Project over 20 years ago. Then we talk about what Actors' Shakespeare Project is, a bit of its journey, and its upcoming play, Little Women.

Find more info about Actors' Shakespeare Project here

And grab tickets to see Sarah in Little Women at the Mosesian Center for the Arts in February here

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Sarah Newhouse! She's a Watertown resident and founding company member of Actors' Shakespeare Project, a longstanding Boston-area theater company that is now company-in-residence at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. In this conversation we get into Sarah's career from her first lead at 11 in The Saving of Little Sarah (a play her music teacher wrote), to being taught in high school by the playwright of Driving Miss Daisy, sharing the stage with Cicely Tyson and Hector Elizondo in the Berkshires, and having an inside joke with Steve Martin when she acted in the East Coast premiere of one of his plays. We chat about the long road to "making it", including what it's like to be thrown into a long-running show like Shear Madness, and starting Actors' Shakespeare Project over 20 years ago. Then we talk about what Actors' Shakespeare Project is, a bit of its journey, and its upcoming play, Little Women.

Find more info about Actors' Shakespeare Project here

And grab tickets to see Sarah in Little Women at the Mosesian Center for the Arts in February here

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18591596 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:00:00 -0500 2915 73 full false Episode 72: Benita Chelagat (Coffee Plus 254) Episode 72: Benita Chelagat (Coffee Plus 254) Meet Benita Chelagat! She's a Watertown resident and founder of Coffee Plus 254, a Kenyan coffee brand. In this conversation we talk about growing up in Kenya, splitting time between the capital city, Nairobi, and her grandma's farm in Kericho. Then we get into her moving to the US for school and her coffee journey. You'll hear about her getting to know farmers back home in Kenya and their challenges with the coffee business and how Benita's set herself up to try and bridge the gap between those farmers and the roasters and market here in the US.

Find out more at coffeeplus254.com or Instagram

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Benita Chelagat! She's a Watertown resident and founder of Coffee Plus 254, a Kenyan coffee brand. In this conversation we talk about growing up in Kenya, splitting time between the capital city, Nairobi, and her grandma's farm in Kericho. Then we get into her moving to the US for school and her coffee journey. You'll hear about her getting to know farmers back home in Kenya and their challenges with the coffee business and how Benita's set herself up to try and bridge the gap between those farmers and the roasters and market here in the US.

Find out more at coffeeplus254.com or Instagram

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18553257 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 2701 72 full false Local Government Update, January 2026 Local Government Update, January 2026 Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links mentioned in the episode:

City Council - December 9, 2025

The City of Watertown Inauguration Ceremony - January 2, 2026

Information About the Alternative Pathway Program for Firefighter-Paramedics

Shoveling Ordinance Information & Exemption Process

Watertown Food Pantry Porch Food Pickup

Historic District

Historical Commission (Southside Report)

Historical Society of Watertown

River of Light (Listen to Event Highlight Podcast Episode)

Walker Pond

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links mentioned in the episode:

City Council - December 9, 2025

The City of Watertown Inauguration Ceremony - January 2, 2026

Information About the Alternative Pathway Program for Firefighter-Paramedics

Shoveling Ordinance Information & Exemption Process

Watertown Food Pantry Porch Food Pickup

Historic District

Historical Commission (Southside Report)

Historical Society of Watertown

River of Light (Listen to Event Highlight Podcast Episode)

Walker Pond

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18512455 Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 2174 full false Event Highlight - River of Light Event Highlight - River of Light The River of Light is a celebration of light in winter. Presented by the Public Arts & Culture Committee and the Mosesian Center for the Arts in partnership with the Watertown Cultural Council, the lantern-making workshops and wintertime parade build community and bring light, joy, and festivities during the darkest season of the year. Listen to this conversation with Roberta Miller, Chair of the Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee to learn more!

Saturday, January 17th, 4-6pm at the Mosesian Center for the Arts

Free to the public

More information and details here

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> The River of Light is a celebration of light in winter. Presented by the Public Arts & Culture Committee and the Mosesian Center for the Arts in partnership with the Watertown Cultural Council, the lantern-making workshops and wintertime parade build community and bring light, joy, and festivities during the darkest season of the year. Listen to this conversation with Roberta Miller, Chair of the Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee to learn more!

Saturday, January 17th, 4-6pm at the Mosesian Center for the Arts

Free to the public

More information and details here

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18480141 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0500 836 full false Episode 71: Roberta Miller (Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee Chair) Episode 71: Roberta Miller (Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee Chair) Meet Roberta Miller! She's currently the Chair of the Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee, but she's had a hand in many things in the city over the years. In this conversation, we cover a lot of ground from growing up in North Dakota and being an exchange student at a historically Black college in the South, serving on the first Watertown town council then later traveling the country developing and sharing new facilitation techniques as a consultant to other city councils. We talk about her being a leader in the Arsenal redevelopment project that resulted in bringing a handful of community benefits to Watertown that still exist today, her time directing the Mosesian Center for the Arts (twice), and being honored with a state heroine award for her work. Then we end with a bit of the Public Arts and Culture Committee and the upcoming River of Light event. There were a lot of stories to share in here, so there will be a separate River of Light event highlight episode that will be released shortly after this one for a deeper dive into that.

River of Light Event Information

Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee Page

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Roberta Miller! She's currently the Chair of the Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee, but she's had a hand in many things in the city over the years. In this conversation, we cover a lot of ground from growing up in North Dakota and being an exchange student at a historically Black college in the South, serving on the first Watertown town council then later traveling the country developing and sharing new facilitation techniques as a consultant to other city councils. We talk about her being a leader in the Arsenal redevelopment project that resulted in bringing a handful of community benefits to Watertown that still exist today, her time directing the Mosesian Center for the Arts (twice), and being honored with a state heroine award for her work. Then we end with a bit of the Public Arts and Culture Committee and the upcoming River of Light event. There were a lot of stories to share in here, so there will be a separate River of Light event highlight episode that will be released shortly after this one for a deeper dive into that.

River of Light Event Information

Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee Page

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18475469 Fri, 09 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 3127 71 full false Creative Chats With Marija Draskic Brancazio (The Importance of Organizing Creative Community) Creative Chats With Marija Draskic Brancazio (The Importance of Organizing Creative Community) This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with artist, musician, and community organizer Marija Draskic Brancazio. The conversation digs into how she started and grew a successful open mic series from Zoom to her backyard to a lively and packed event at the Mosesian Center. We talk about how to create an environment for events that encourage attention and dedication to long-time artists and beginners alike, how she managed the necessary changes as the event grew, and how to avoid burnout by sharing ownership of the event with the community.

Check out the next Open Mic on January 14th, 2026

Find out more about Marija the artist

Listen to previous Creative Chats episodes

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with artist, musician, and community organizer Marija Draskic Brancazio. The conversation digs into how she started and grew a successful open mic series from Zoom to her backyard to a lively and packed event at the Mosesian Center. We talk about how to create an environment for events that encourage attention and dedication to long-time artists and beginners alike, how she managed the necessary changes as the event grew, and how to avoid burnout by sharing ownership of the event with the community.

Check out the next Open Mic on January 14th, 2026

Find out more about Marija the artist

Listen to previous Creative Chats episodes

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18431348 Tue, 30 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500 2408 full false Watertown's Open: The State of Development in Watertown Watertown's Open: The State of Development in Watertown This is a recording from a live podcast event in November 2025, hosted at Italian Design Interiors in Watertown Square. Watertown’s Open is a series of live podcast events that bring local businesses and local business advocates together to share their stories and knowledge. The project is a collaboration between the City of Watertown’s Economic Development Planner, the Little Local Conversations podcast, and the Watertown Business Coalition.

The conversation was on the topic of the state of development in Watertown and featured a panel of:

Bob Airasian (Co-President Watertown Business Coalition, Coldwell Banker Broker)

Andrew Copelotti (Principal at Boylston Properties)

John Nealon (WJ Nealon Commercial Realty)

Laura Portney (PCA Design Firm)

Gideon Schreiber (City of Watertown's Director of Planning and Zoning)

They were asked to discuss and reflect on their role in Watertown, what changes they've seen over the years, what they're most worried about and most excited about going forward, and specific thoughts on housing costs for residents and costs for businesses. The discussion was followed with some Q&A with the in-person audience.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a live podcast event in November 2025, hosted at Italian Design Interiors in Watertown Square. Watertown’s Open is a series of live podcast events that bring local businesses and local business advocates together to share their stories and knowledge. The project is a collaboration between the City of Watertown’s Economic Development Planner, the Little Local Conversations podcast, and the Watertown Business Coalition.

The conversation was on the topic of the state of development in Watertown and featured a panel of:

Bob Airasian (Co-President Watertown Business Coalition, Coldwell Banker Broker)

Andrew Copelotti (Principal at Boylston Properties)

John Nealon (WJ Nealon Commercial Realty)

Laura Portney (PCA Design Firm)

Gideon Schreiber (City of Watertown's Director of Planning and Zoning)

They were asked to discuss and reflect on their role in Watertown, what changes they've seen over the years, what they're most worried about and most excited about going forward, and specific thoughts on housing costs for residents and costs for businesses. The discussion was followed with some Q&A with the in-person audience.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18402109 Mon, 29 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0500 4036 full false Local Government Update, December 2025 Local Government Update, December 2025 Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Special City Council - Nov. 18th

City Council - Nov. 25th

Everbridge Emergency Alerts

Winter Parking Info

Free Public Skating

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Special City Council - Nov. 18th

City Council - Nov. 25th

Everbridge Emergency Alerts

Winter Parking Info

Free Public Skating

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18363867 Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0500 1620 full false Episode 70: Jenna Bancroft (Director of Human Services, City of Watertown) Episode 70: Jenna Bancroft (Director of Human Services, City of Watertown) Meet Jenna Bancroft! She's the Director of Human Services for the City of Watertown, a new department in the city. In this conversation we talk about how when she was a teenager her family helped foster young kids and how that experience led her to want to get into a career to improve social services. We talk about her early work in Watertown at Wayside Youth & Family Support Network and how that direct work with people led her to want to step up in scope to try and affect things higher up. Then we dig into the new Human Services department in Watertown, how it quickly jumped in on issues such as food access and housing needs, why Watertown is a great community to work on these issues, and some of her thoughts on the future of the department and areas it might put their efforts. We also talk about the community food drive that is currently going on through the end of December, so be sure to click on the link below to see how you can help.

Visit the Human Services webpage

Community Food Drive: City's webpage and Watertown Community Foundation's webpage

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Jenna Bancroft! She's the Director of Human Services for the City of Watertown, a new department in the city. In this conversation we talk about how when she was a teenager her family helped foster young kids and how that experience led her to want to get into a career to improve social services. We talk about her early work in Watertown at Wayside Youth & Family Support Network and how that direct work with people led her to want to step up in scope to try and affect things higher up. Then we dig into the new Human Services department in Watertown, how it quickly jumped in on issues such as food access and housing needs, why Watertown is a great community to work on these issues, and some of her thoughts on the future of the department and areas it might put their efforts. We also talk about the community food drive that is currently going on through the end of December, so be sure to click on the link below to see how you can help.

Visit the Human Services webpage

Community Food Drive: City's webpage and Watertown Community Foundation's webpage

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18337857 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500 2342 70 full false Watertown Arts & Culture Roundtable, December 2025 Watertown Arts & Culture Roundtable, December 2025 This is an arts and culture roundtable episode where we talk about things that have been going on in Watertown arts and culture recently, what's coming up, hidden gems, and more. The discussion was with Liz Helfer (City of Watertown, Public Arts and Culture Planner), Jamie Kallestad (Communications and Design Specialist for the Watertown Free Public Library), Kristen Kenny (Chair of the Watertown Cultural District), Gavin Kleespies (Executive Director of Gore Place), Lydia McCoy (Watertown Senior Center, Director for Senior Services), and Sheri Melenciano (Watertown Senior Services, Program Coordinator).

Too many links to fit here! Visit littlelocalconversations.com for the list of links mentioned in episode.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is an arts and culture roundtable episode where we talk about things that have been going on in Watertown arts and culture recently, what's coming up, hidden gems, and more. The discussion was with Liz Helfer (City of Watertown, Public Arts and Culture Planner), Jamie Kallestad (Communications and Design Specialist for the Watertown Free Public Library), Kristen Kenny (Chair of the Watertown Cultural District), Gavin Kleespies (Executive Director of Gore Place), Lydia McCoy (Watertown Senior Center, Director for Senior Services), and Sheri Melenciano (Watertown Senior Services, Program Coordinator).

Too many links to fit here! Visit littlelocalconversations.com for the list of links mentioned in episode.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18305725 Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500 2185 full false Event Highlight - SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light Event Highlight - SOLSTICE: Reflections on Winter Light This episode is a sponsored event highlight for SOLSTICE, a reflective light and sound experience happening at Mount Auburn Cemetery this December. I sit down for a conversation with Matthew Stephens, the President and CEO of Mount Auburn Cemetery, and Sam Okerstrom-Lang, the co-founder of Masary Studios and the Creative Director of SOLSTICE.

Give a listen to hear about how the non‑denominational winter tradition came to be, what to expect as a visitor, how they craft the mood and tone for a reflective experience, some of their favorite stories of past solstices, and more.

SOLSTICE runs from December 5th - December 21st
Find more information and tickets at mountauburnsolstice.org

Photo by Aram Boghosian

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This episode is a sponsored event highlight for SOLSTICE, a reflective light and sound experience happening at Mount Auburn Cemetery this December. I sit down for a conversation with Matthew Stephens, the President and CEO of Mount Auburn Cemetery, and Sam Okerstrom-Lang, the co-founder of Masary Studios and the Creative Director of SOLSTICE.

Give a listen to hear about how the non‑denominational winter tradition came to be, what to expect as a visitor, how they craft the mood and tone for a reflective experience, some of their favorite stories of past solstices, and more.

SOLSTICE runs from December 5th - December 21st
Find more information and tickets at mountauburnsolstice.org

Photo by Aram Boghosian

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18286922 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500 1601 full false Creative Chats With Guest Margo Guernsey (Capturing and Sharing Unheard Stories Through Film) Creative Chats With Guest Margo Guernsey (Capturing and Sharing Unheard Stories Through Film) This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with Margo Guernsey, documentary director/producer, impact strategist, and founder of Time Travel Productions LLC. The conversation digs into Margo’s approach to outreach and impact through discussing some of her recent projects, including THE OFFICIALS, a documentary about the work of US election officials.

Find out more about Margo and her films at:

timetravelproductions.com

civicsfilms.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with Margo Guernsey, documentary director/producer, impact strategist, and founder of Time Travel Productions LLC. The conversation digs into Margo’s approach to outreach and impact through discussing some of her recent projects, including THE OFFICIALS, a documentary about the work of US election officials.

Find out more about Margo and her films at:

timetravelproductions.com

civicsfilms.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18260172 Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0500 1837 full false Episode 69: Aliana de la Guardia (Mosesian Center for the Arts) Episode 69: Aliana de la Guardia (Mosesian Center for the Arts) Meet Aliana de la Guardia! She's the Executive Director at the Mosesian Center for the Arts and a working artist herself. In this conversation we dig into her path into opera, what it's like to be a professional singer in the avant-garde world (from Cheerios to puppets and more), the behind-the-scenes of running Guerilla Opera for many years, and what led her to a sabbatical and rethinking of her direction. Then we talk about her joining the Mosesian Center for the Arts, the relationships she's building, and some of the new ideas she's bringing into the mix.

Find out more about the Mosesian Center for the Arts at mosesianarts.org

Find out more about Aliana the artist at alianadelaguardia.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Aliana de la Guardia! She's the Executive Director at the Mosesian Center for the Arts and a working artist herself. In this conversation we dig into her path into opera, what it's like to be a professional singer in the avant-garde world (from Cheerios to puppets and more), the behind-the-scenes of running Guerilla Opera for many years, and what led her to a sabbatical and rethinking of her direction. Then we talk about her joining the Mosesian Center for the Arts, the relationships she's building, and some of the new ideas she's bringing into the mix.

Find out more about the Mosesian Center for the Arts at mosesianarts.org

Find out more about Aliana the artist at alianadelaguardia.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18231560 Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500 2828 69 full false Local Government Update, November 2025 Local Government Update, November 2025 Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Mobility Study

Economic Development and Planning - Oct. 21st

Commission on Disabilities - Oct. 22nd

School Committee - Oct. 27th

City Council - October 28th

Mid-Year Budget Presentation

Construction Notices

Public Works - Oct 22nd

Community Food Drive

WCA-TV 20th Anniversary

Walker Pond Survey

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Mobility Study

Economic Development and Planning - Oct. 21st

Commission on Disabilities - Oct. 22nd

School Committee - Oct. 27th

City Council - October 28th

Mid-Year Budget Presentation

Construction Notices

Public Works - Oct 22nd

Community Food Drive

WCA-TV 20th Anniversary

Walker Pond Survey

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18211100 Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0500 2379 full false Episode 68: Jon Hecht (Political Activist / Former Town Councilor and State Representative) Episode 68: Jon Hecht (Political Activist / Former Town Councilor and State Representative) Meet Jon Hecht! He's a longtime contributor to the Watertown community from being a town councilor, a state representative for the area, the first president of the Watertown Community Foundation and many other involvements. In this conversation we get into his early work with human rights in China, his first steps into local politics and joining the town council, helping create and being the first chair of the council's budget and fiscal oversight committee, working on open space and park projects, and then his path into becoming a state representative and using the platform to continue improvements in Watertown. Then we switch into his current work on legislative reform and the question he's working to get on the ballot for next year that he believes would open up the state legislative process to be more equitable for committee members and open to the public. 

Find out more information about the ballot question at stipendreform.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Jon Hecht! He's a longtime contributor to the Watertown community from being a town councilor, a state representative for the area, the first president of the Watertown Community Foundation and many other involvements. In this conversation we get into his early work with human rights in China, his first steps into local politics and joining the town council, helping create and being the first chair of the council's budget and fiscal oversight committee, working on open space and park projects, and then his path into becoming a state representative and using the platform to continue improvements in Watertown. Then we switch into his current work on legislative reform and the question he's working to get on the ballot for next year that he believes would open up the state legislative process to be more equitable for committee members and open to the public. 

Find out more information about the ballot question at stipendreform.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18178861 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:00:00 -0500 2821 68 full false Episode 67: Max Ritcey (Ritcey East, Owner and Chef) Episode 67: Max Ritcey (Ritcey East, Owner and Chef) Meet Max Ritcey! He's the Owner and Chef at Ritcey East here in Watertown. In this conversation we talk about growing up in a four-generation family-run restaurant in Waltham, his journey through bartending and restaurant management jobs (and some of the funny stories from that era), and then finally landing his own spot here in Watertown. We dig into how it was important for his restaurant to be a welcoming space that helps people in small and big ways, from driving groceries to his employees throughout covid, to being available to chat and get to know customers, and even helping provide the space to feel comfortable himself as a trans male during his transition. Throughout the conversation we weave in how much he loves Watertown and giving to the community where he can and how it's a truly special place.

Find out more about Max and Ritcey East at ritceyeast.com

See info for Ritcey East's meals for SNAP recipients: ritceyeast.com/snap (See info for helping/getting help from others in the community as well: www.watertownfoundation.org/community-food-drive)

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Max Ritcey! He's the Owner and Chef at Ritcey East here in Watertown. In this conversation we talk about growing up in a four-generation family-run restaurant in Waltham, his journey through bartending and restaurant management jobs (and some of the funny stories from that era), and then finally landing his own spot here in Watertown. We dig into how it was important for his restaurant to be a welcoming space that helps people in small and big ways, from driving groceries to his employees throughout covid, to being available to chat and get to know customers, and even helping provide the space to feel comfortable himself as a trans male during his transition. Throughout the conversation we weave in how much he loves Watertown and giving to the community where he can and how it's a truly special place.

Find out more about Max and Ritcey East at ritceyeast.com

See info for Ritcey East's meals for SNAP recipients: ritceyeast.com/snap (See info for helping/getting help from others in the community as well: www.watertownfoundation.org/community-food-drive)

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18132511 Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 2785 67 full false Episode 66: Jon Bockian (Community Volunteer / Author) Episode 66: Jon Bockian (Community Volunteer / Author) Meet Jon Bockian! He's a longtime Watertown resident with a history of community involvement and an author. In this conversation we talk about being part of the PTA, Zoning Board, the group that started the arts center at the Arsenal property, a group that pushed for a Watertown Transportation Management Association, and being one of the first members of the Community Preservation Committee. Then we change topics to his new book What Was Forbidden, and the process of researching and writing a novel with philosophy, history, murder, romance, and mystery, and how he's surprising himself with the good reviews he's received as a first time author.

Find out more about What Was Forbidden at whatwasforbidden.com

Book launch of the Mosesian Center for the Arts, November 2nd

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Jon Bockian! He's a longtime Watertown resident with a history of community involvement and an author. In this conversation we talk about being part of the PTA, Zoning Board, the group that started the arts center at the Arsenal property, a group that pushed for a Watertown Transportation Management Association, and being one of the first members of the Community Preservation Committee. Then we change topics to his new book What Was Forbidden, and the process of researching and writing a novel with philosophy, history, murder, romance, and mystery, and how he's surprising himself with the good reviews he's received as a first time author.

Find out more about What Was Forbidden at whatwasforbidden.com

Book launch of the Mosesian Center for the Arts, November 2nd

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18111291 Fri, 31 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2767 66 full false Episode 65: Jim Henderson (Attorney/Singer) Episode 65: Jim Henderson (Attorney/Singer) Meet Jim Henderson! He's an attorney and singer here in Watertown. In this wide-ranging conversation we talk about his early years in law (including winning a state supreme court case as a junior associate), the importance of different parts of his life beyond his law work such as his musical practice, how he homeschooled his kids and why the arts played a big part in that, and running for Massachusetts Secretary for State as an independent (and getting almost 3% of the vote). 

We do a dive into a part of his current work of getting questions on the state ballot, how he got into that field, the behind-the-scenes process of drafting the language, the political strategies involved, the questions he's worked on in the past and the four that he's currently working on this cycle. Then we end with his musical project Crooked Mowth and the story of reconnecting with his birth father in his 40s. 

Learn more about Jim, the lawyer at law.jdhenderson.com

Learn more about Jim, the singer at crookedmowth.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Jim Henderson! He's an attorney and singer here in Watertown. In this wide-ranging conversation we talk about his early years in law (including winning a state supreme court case as a junior associate), the importance of different parts of his life beyond his law work such as his musical practice, how he homeschooled his kids and why the arts played a big part in that, and running for Massachusetts Secretary for State as an independent (and getting almost 3% of the vote). 

We do a dive into a part of his current work of getting questions on the state ballot, how he got into that field, the behind-the-scenes process of drafting the language, the political strategies involved, the questions he's worked on in the past and the four that he's currently working on this cycle. Then we end with his musical project Crooked Mowth and the story of reconnecting with his birth father in his 40s. 

Learn more about Jim, the lawyer at law.jdhenderson.com

Learn more about Jim, the singer at crookedmowth.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18063339 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0400 3239 65 full false Creative Chats With Guest Megan Ramette (The How and Why of Zines and Watertown Zine Fest) Creative Chats With Guest Megan Ramette (The How and Why of Zines and Watertown Zine Fest) This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with Megan Ramette of the Watertown Zine Fest team and we dug into everything zines and Watertown Zine Fest.

Hear about:

- What is a zine and why it matters

- The culture and ethos of zines

- Reasons to create and how to start

- The origins and impact of the Watertown Zine Fest

- Insights on tools, printing and the history of zines

Come out to Watertown Zine Fest, Saturday, October 18th, 11am - 4pm!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with Megan Ramette of the Watertown Zine Fest team and we dug into everything zines and Watertown Zine Fest.

Hear about:

- What is a zine and why it matters

- The culture and ethos of zines

- Reasons to create and how to start

- The origins and impact of the Watertown Zine Fest

- Insights on tools, printing and the history of zines

Come out to Watertown Zine Fest, Saturday, October 18th, 11am - 4pm!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18028613 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0400 1941 full false Local Government Update, October 2025 Local Government Update, October 2025 Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links:

City Council - Sept 9th

School Building Committee - Sept 17th

Trash and Recycling Info and Calendar

State of the City 2025 Video

State of the City Slides

Election Voting Locations

2025 Election Dates and Deadlines

Vote by Mail Info

Library Board of Trustees Forum

City Council At Large forum

WCA-TV Election Coverage Page

WCA-TV Public Channel

Watertown Square Updates

Watertown Senior Services

Walker Pond Info

Creative Chats With Filmmaker Margo Guernsey

Wicked Watertown

Watertown's Open, State of Development in Watertown

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links:

City Council - Sept 9th

School Building Committee - Sept 17th

Trash and Recycling Info and Calendar

State of the City 2025 Video

State of the City Slides

Election Voting Locations

2025 Election Dates and Deadlines

Vote by Mail Info

Library Board of Trustees Forum

City Council At Large forum

WCA-TV Election Coverage Page

WCA-TV Public Channel

Watertown Square Updates

Watertown Senior Services

Walker Pond Info

Creative Chats With Filmmaker Margo Guernsey

Wicked Watertown

Watertown's Open, State of Development in Watertown

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-18017278 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400 2142 full false Watertown's Open: Small Business Support Group Watertown's Open: Small Business Support Group This is a recording from the Watertown's Open live podcast series panel discussion recorded at Get Lively Health and Fitness Studio in Watertown in September 2025. The theme was Small Business Support Group and dived into the numerous ways small business owners in Watertown are collaborating and supporting each other. Take a listen to hear stories and tips for established business and ones just starting out.

The panel included (left to right, top to bottom in episode image):

Liz Padula, owner of Artemis Yoga

Ariel Nathanson, certified financial education instructor and founder of Finances for Feminists 

Liz Ganno, certified nutrition coach 

Erin Rathe, City of Watertown's senior planner for economic development

Jan Taylor, owner of Get Lively Health and Fitness 

Doug Orifice, owner of Arsenal Financial, and co-president of the Watertown Business Coalition

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from the Watertown's Open live podcast series panel discussion recorded at Get Lively Health and Fitness Studio in Watertown in September 2025. The theme was Small Business Support Group and dived into the numerous ways small business owners in Watertown are collaborating and supporting each other. Take a listen to hear stories and tips for established business and ones just starting out.

The panel included (left to right, top to bottom in episode image):

Liz Padula, owner of Artemis Yoga

Ariel Nathanson, certified financial education instructor and founder of Finances for Feminists 

Liz Ganno, certified nutrition coach 

Erin Rathe, City of Watertown's senior planner for economic development

Jan Taylor, owner of Get Lively Health and Fitness 

Doug Orifice, owner of Arsenal Financial, and co-president of the Watertown Business Coalition

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17986316 Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0400 4943 full false Episode 64: Michael Bobbitt (Mass Cultural Council) Episode 64: Michael Bobbitt (Mass Cultural Council) Meet Michael Bobbitt! He's a Watertown resident and the Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council along with being a distinguished theater artist in many ways himself (see long bio here). In this conversation we talk about how art saved him in his early years, his early successes from being the "best Hansel" to touring nationally to perform, his time in children's theater and building Adventure Theatre in the DC area from 15,000 patrons to 100,000 patrons, co-writing musicals with Bob Marley and Jim Davis, and eventually making his way to New Repertory Theater in Watertown and his current role at the Mass Cultural Council. 

We dig into topics such as the challenges of arts advocacy in Massachusetts, how and why the arts sector needs to change its beliefs, values and behavior, possible policy changes such as STEM to STEAM, how the arts in Massachusetts are saving healthcare money with the first in the nation arts prescribing program, his thoughts on Watertown arts, how the MCC has redesigned their grant programs to make them more accessible for all artists, and what's the day-to-day like for an executive director while also juggling his personal artistic projects.

Learn more about the Mass Cultural Council at massculturalcouncil.org

See what's going on with Watertown Arts and Culture at watertownmaculture.com

And listen to Arts and Culture Roundtable and Creative Chats episodes.

(Photo Credit: Kris Studios) 

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Michael Bobbitt! He's a Watertown resident and the Executive Director of the Mass Cultural Council along with being a distinguished theater artist in many ways himself (see long bio here). In this conversation we talk about how art saved him in his early years, his early successes from being the "best Hansel" to touring nationally to perform, his time in children's theater and building Adventure Theatre in the DC area from 15,000 patrons to 100,000 patrons, co-writing musicals with Bob Marley and Jim Davis, and eventually making his way to New Repertory Theater in Watertown and his current role at the Mass Cultural Council. 

We dig into topics such as the challenges of arts advocacy in Massachusetts, how and why the arts sector needs to change its beliefs, values and behavior, possible policy changes such as STEM to STEAM, how the arts in Massachusetts are saving healthcare money with the first in the nation arts prescribing program, his thoughts on Watertown arts, how the MCC has redesigned their grant programs to make them more accessible for all artists, and what's the day-to-day like for an executive director while also juggling his personal artistic projects.

Learn more about the Mass Cultural Council at massculturalcouncil.org

See what's going on with Watertown Arts and Culture at watertownmaculture.com

And listen to Arts and Culture Roundtable and Creative Chats episodes.

(Photo Credit: Kris Studios) 

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17945530 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 13:00:00 -0400 3057 64 full false Creative Chats With Guests Tim Merton and Jennifer Morsches of the Sarasa Chamber Music Ensemble (Building Local History Into Programming & Doing Outreach With Incarcerated Teens) Creative Chats With Guests Tim Merton and Jennifer Morsches of the Sarasa Chamber Music Ensemble (Building Local History Into Programming & Doing Outreach With Incarcerated Teens) This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with Tim Merton and Jennifer Morsches, cellists and Artistic Directors of the Sarasa Chamber Music Ensemble. The topic revolved around building local history into programming and doing outreach with incarcerated teens.

Find out more about Tim, Jennifer, and Sarasa at sarasamusic.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with Tim Merton and Jennifer Morsches, cellists and Artistic Directors of the Sarasa Chamber Music Ensemble. The topic revolved around building local history into programming and doing outreach with incarcerated teens.

Find out more about Tim, Jennifer, and Sarasa at sarasamusic.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17925218 Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0400 2727 full false Watertown Arts & Culture Roundtable, September 2025 Watertown Arts & Culture Roundtable, September 2025 This is an arts and culture roundtable episode where we talk about things that have been going on in Watertown arts and culture recently, what's coming up, hidden gems, and more. The discussion was with Liz Helfer (City of Watertown, Public Arts and Culture Planner), Kristen Kenny (Chair of the Watertown Cultural District), and Jamie Kallestad (Communications and Design Specialist for the Watertown Free Public Library).

Too many links to fit here! See all links here at littlelocalconversations.com.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is an arts and culture roundtable episode where we talk about things that have been going on in Watertown arts and culture recently, what's coming up, hidden gems, and more. The discussion was with Liz Helfer (City of Watertown, Public Arts and Culture Planner), Kristen Kenny (Chair of the Watertown Cultural District), and Jamie Kallestad (Communications and Design Specialist for the Watertown Free Public Library).

Too many links to fit here! See all links here at littlelocalconversations.com.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17904626 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0400 1588 full false Episode 63: Barbara Callahan (Browne House/Historic New England) Episode 63: Barbara Callahan (Browne House/Historic New England) Meet Barbara Callahan! She's the Metro Boston Regional Site Administrator for Historic New England which includes overseeing the oldest house in Watertown, the Browne House on Main Street. In this conversation we talk about Barbara's own journey in managing historical houses in the area, then we dive into some of the history of the Browne family and its earliest history, and the reconstruction of the house in the early 1900s as the first well-documented restoration project in America. Barbara takes me on an audio tour of the 3 floors of the historical house and the very unique barn outside. 

Visit the Browne House website (still a few tours left this year!)

Browne House Facebook page

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Barbara Callahan! She's the Metro Boston Regional Site Administrator for Historic New England which includes overseeing the oldest house in Watertown, the Browne House on Main Street. In this conversation we talk about Barbara's own journey in managing historical houses in the area, then we dive into some of the history of the Browne family and its earliest history, and the reconstruction of the house in the early 1900s as the first well-documented restoration project in America. Barbara takes me on an audio tour of the 3 floors of the historical house and the very unique barn outside. 

Visit the Browne House website (still a few tours left this year!)

Browne House Facebook page

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17853390 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:00:00 -0400 2284 63 full false Local Government Update, September 2025 Local Government Update, September 2025 Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links mentioned in episode:

Walker Pond

August 18th School Committee Meeting

ADA Self Evaluation & Transition Plan

August 12th City Council Meeting

What's Up Watertown Newsletter

Trash and Recycling Strike Updates

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to the latest conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links mentioned in episode:

Walker Pond

August 18th School Committee Meeting

ADA Self Evaluation & Transition Plan

August 12th City Council Meeting

What's Up Watertown Newsletter

Trash and Recycling Strike Updates

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17815888 Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:00:00 -0400 1928 full false Episode 62: Fangxue Zheng (Energy Advocate for City of Watertown) Episode 62: Fangxue Zheng (Energy Advocate for City of Watertown) Meet Fangxue Zheng! She's the Energy Advocate for the City of Watertown. In this conversation we talk about her backpacking across China for research, her transition to sustainability work in the US, and then we get into some of the programs and outreach work she's done in Massachusetts to help people learn about energy efficiency programs and resources, and we talk about the events and programs that have started recently in Watertown and ones to look forward to in the future.

Visit the city's Sustainability website for lots of resources

Sign up for the Resilient Watertown newsletter

Register for the Watertown Residents Home Energy Focus Group Study on September 26th

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Fangxue Zheng! She's the Energy Advocate for the City of Watertown. In this conversation we talk about her backpacking across China for research, her transition to sustainability work in the US, and then we get into some of the programs and outreach work she's done in Massachusetts to help people learn about energy efficiency programs and resources, and we talk about the events and programs that have started recently in Watertown and ones to look forward to in the future.

Visit the city's Sustainability website for lots of resources

Sign up for the Resilient Watertown newsletter

Register for the Watertown Residents Home Energy Focus Group Study on September 26th

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17796237 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:00:00 -0400 1671 62 full false Episode 61: Alex Patriquin (Cass School of Floral Design) Episode 61: Alex Patriquin (Cass School of Floral Design) Meet Alex Patriquin! He's part of the family business at the Cass School of Floral Design here in Watertown. We talk about the beginnings of the floral shop with his Armenian immigrant refugee grandmother (and her earlier venture of putting a lamp in every dorm room in Boston), some of the stories over the more than 75 year history of the three generation female-led business including growing up with his mother, Faith Cass, being the leading florist in the world (winning international floral design competitions), decorating the White House for Christmas and teaching in over 70 countries, Alex's own silicon valley journey (with his own company being in Y Combinator), how Cass has recently shifted its focus to education (though they've already trained thousands of florists since 1979), their sustainability and accessibility mission and goals, and more.

Find out more about the Cass School of Floral Design at cassflowers.com

Live podcast events are coming back in September!

The first Creative Chats of the season is on Friday, September 5th and the first ever Watertown’s Open event is on Friday, September 12th. Come join in the conversations!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Alex Patriquin! He's part of the family business at the Cass School of Floral Design here in Watertown. We talk about the beginnings of the floral shop with his Armenian immigrant refugee grandmother (and her earlier venture of putting a lamp in every dorm room in Boston), some of the stories over the more than 75 year history of the three generation female-led business including growing up with his mother, Faith Cass, being the leading florist in the world (winning international floral design competitions), decorating the White House for Christmas and teaching in over 70 countries, Alex's own silicon valley journey (with his own company being in Y Combinator), how Cass has recently shifted its focus to education (though they've already trained thousands of florists since 1979), their sustainability and accessibility mission and goals, and more.

Find out more about the Cass School of Floral Design at cassflowers.com

Live podcast events are coming back in September!

The first Creative Chats of the season is on Friday, September 5th and the first ever Watertown’s Open event is on Friday, September 12th. Come join in the conversations!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17705984 Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400 2287 61 full false Local Government Update, August 2025 Local Government Update, August 2025 This is a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links:

City Website Page for Trash Strike Updates

City Manager's Interview on the Trash Strike

Special City Council - July 24th

WCA-TV Public Hearing - July 22nd

Arsenal Park Permits

Watertown Arts Market

Walker Pond

City's Sustainability Webpage

City Council - July 8th

Faire on the Square

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links:

City Website Page for Trash Strike Updates

City Manager's Interview on the Trash Strike

Special City Council - July 24th

WCA-TV Public Hearing - July 22nd

Arsenal Park Permits

Watertown Arts Market

Walker Pond

City's Sustainability Webpage

City Council - July 8th

Faire on the Square

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17624496 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 11:00:00 -0400 2141 full false Episode 60: Gary Beatty (Watertown Boys and Girls Club) Episode 60: Gary Beatty (Watertown Boys and Girls Club) Meet Gary Beatty! He's the Executive Director of the Watertown Boys and Girls Club. In this conversation he shares about his experience growing up in Northern Ireland, his love of football (soccer) and how it led him to the US, and his professional path that eventually landed him at the Boys and Girls Club. Then we dig into all the programming at the club, how it operates, its impact on community kids and families, and its brand new Kid Connect licensed after school program.

Find out more about the Boys and Girls Club at watertownbgc.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Gary Beatty! He's the Executive Director of the Watertown Boys and Girls Club. In this conversation he shares about his experience growing up in Northern Ireland, his love of football (soccer) and how it led him to the US, and his professional path that eventually landed him at the Boys and Girls Club. Then we dig into all the programming at the club, how it operates, its impact on community kids and families, and its brand new Kid Connect licensed after school program.

Find out more about the Boys and Girls Club at watertownbgc.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17575236 Mon, 28 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2512 60 full false Episode 59: Sara Keary (Caregiver Counseling and Consultation) Episode 59: Sara Keary (Caregiver Counseling and Consultation) Meet Sara Keary! She runs Caregiver Counseling and Consultation here in Watertown along with being involved with the community in other ways. We talk about her early years growing up with a mother who was director of a homeless shelter and spending time around that environment, facing and overcoming her own health challenges at a young age, her path to social work and specializing in work with older adults, her turn to focusing on the caregivers of aging people and end-of-life planning with an example of a particularly powerful story that shaped her forever, and we end with her involvement in the Watertown community from being a library trustee to Kearyoke.

Find out more about Sara's Caregiver Counseling and Consultation at caregivercc.com.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Sara Keary! She runs Caregiver Counseling and Consultation here in Watertown along with being involved with the community in other ways. We talk about her early years growing up with a mother who was director of a homeless shelter and spending time around that environment, facing and overcoming her own health challenges at a young age, her path to social work and specializing in work with older adults, her turn to focusing on the caregivers of aging people and end-of-life planning with an example of a particularly powerful story that shaped her forever, and we end with her involvement in the Watertown community from being a library trustee to Kearyoke.

Find out more about Sara's Caregiver Counseling and Consultation at caregivercc.com.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17527803 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0400 2256 59 full false Episode 58: Rita Cleary (Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center) Episode 58: Rita Cleary (Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center) Meet Rita Cleary! She's the activities coordinator at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center here in Watertown. In this conversation we talk about Rita's career path in management sciences, traveling the world for her personal explorations on the big questions in life, what the Brahma Kumaris center does and how it came to be in Watertown, and it's mission and outreach to the community.

Find out more about Brahma Kumaris at www.bknewengland.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Rita Cleary! She's the activities coordinator at the Brahma Kumaris Meditation Center here in Watertown. In this conversation we talk about Rita's career path in management sciences, traveling the world for her personal explorations on the big questions in life, what the Brahma Kumaris center does and how it came to be in Watertown, and it's mission and outreach to the community.

Find out more about Brahma Kumaris at www.bknewengland.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17516024 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0400 1765 58 full false Local Government Update, July 2025 Local Government Update, July 2025 This is a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links:

City Council - June 10th

City Council - June 24th

School Building - June 18th

WCA-TV Public Ascertainment Hearing

North Branch Library Report:  https://watertown-ma.gov/1084/City-Manager-Updates

Watertown 400:  https://watertown-ma.gov/1528/400th-Anniversary-Advisory-Planning-Comm

Water meters:  https://watertown-ma.gov/995/Water-Meters

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links:

City Council - June 10th

City Council - June 24th

School Building - June 18th

WCA-TV Public Ascertainment Hearing

North Branch Library Report:  https://watertown-ma.gov/1084/City-Manager-Updates

Watertown 400:  https://watertown-ma.gov/1528/400th-Anniversary-Advisory-Planning-Comm

Water meters:  https://watertown-ma.gov/995/Water-Meters

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17471518 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 14:00:00 -0400 2353 full false Creative Chats With Guest Arto Vaun (Finding Optimism and Creative Opportunity in Grief and Anxiety) Creative Chats With Guest Arto Vaun (Finding Optimism and Creative Opportunity in Grief and Anxiety) This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with Arto Vaun, Executive Director at Project Save Photograph Archive, musician, and poet. The topic revolved around finding optimism and creative opportunity in life's hardest moments.

Find out more about Arto and Project Save at projectsave.org
Find Arto the musician at artovaun.com

Listen to my first podcast conversation with Arto here

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with Arto Vaun, Executive Director at Project Save Photograph Archive, musician, and poet. The topic revolved around finding optimism and creative opportunity in life's hardest moments.

Find out more about Arto and Project Save at projectsave.org
Find Arto the musician at artovaun.com

Listen to my first podcast conversation with Arto here

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17444923 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:00:00 -0400 2800 full false Episode 57: Xin Peng (Community Organizer and Human Rights Activist) Episode 57: Xin Peng (Community Organizer and Human Rights Activist) Meet Xin Peng! He's involved in many things in Watertown including chairing World in Watertown, sitting on the city's Human Rights Commission, running the Chinese American Association of Watertown, and many other things. 

In this conversation we dig into Xin's youth on a rural farm in China and how personal freedom and other factors led him to come to the United States, his passion for community organizing and wanting to strengthen multiple communities here in town, food justice and his two-sided east-west perspective on consumerism, and why Watertown feels like home.

Links from Xin:

World In Watertown: https://www.worldinwatertown.org/

Chinese American Association of Watertown: https://www.caawatertown.org/

Watertown Human Rights Commission: https://www.watertown-ma.gov/1195/Human-Rights-Commission

A few programs that our community members can participate immediately:

Watertown Welcomes All -  A Safe Space Project: https://forms.gle/5K5hW4z5g3pxFxp78

Watertown Welcomes Immigrant: https://forms.gle/Vs93b2HirLxEmR8d6 

Other Watertown Programs: https://forms.gle/wTrAyMmm3wMhLYq1A

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Xin Peng! He's involved in many things in Watertown including chairing World in Watertown, sitting on the city's Human Rights Commission, running the Chinese American Association of Watertown, and many other things. 

In this conversation we dig into Xin's youth on a rural farm in China and how personal freedom and other factors led him to come to the United States, his passion for community organizing and wanting to strengthen multiple communities here in town, food justice and his two-sided east-west perspective on consumerism, and why Watertown feels like home.

Links from Xin:

World In Watertown: https://www.worldinwatertown.org/

Chinese American Association of Watertown: https://www.caawatertown.org/

Watertown Human Rights Commission: https://www.watertown-ma.gov/1195/Human-Rights-Commission

A few programs that our community members can participate immediately:

Watertown Welcomes All -  A Safe Space Project: https://forms.gle/5K5hW4z5g3pxFxp78

Watertown Welcomes Immigrant: https://forms.gle/Vs93b2HirLxEmR8d6 

Other Watertown Programs: https://forms.gle/wTrAyMmm3wMhLYq1A

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17409941 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2566 57 full false Watertown Arts & Culture Roundtable, June 2025 Watertown Arts & Culture Roundtable, June 2025 This is an arts and culture roundtable episode where we talk about things that have been going on in Watertown arts and culture recently, what's coming up, hidden gems, and more. The discussion was with Allie Fry (Watertown Free Public Library, Programming Librarian), Liz Helfer (City of Watertown, Public Arts and Culture Planner), Kristen Kenny (Chair of the Watertown Cultural District), and Lydia McCoy (Watertown Senior Center, Director for Senior Services).

Links!

Arshile Gorky "Passage" mural by Brandon Gaia Marshall

Tipsy Tea Party

Canadian American Club

WFPL Summer Reading

5th Watertown Arts Market

Community Sculpture Walk

Earfull Series

Archy LaSalle artwork at library

Mosesian Center for the Arts Summer Stages and Studios 2025 

Summer Concert Series

Senior Services Job Openings

Mt Auburn Summer Solstice 2025

WFPL Summer Reading Kickoff - Grace Lin Event

Creative Chats With Guest Arto Vaun

New Watertown Cultural District Website: watertownmaculture.com

WFPL Website: watertownlib.org

WFPL Newsletter Signup

Senior newsletters here

Senior Serivces website

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is an arts and culture roundtable episode where we talk about things that have been going on in Watertown arts and culture recently, what's coming up, hidden gems, and more. The discussion was with Allie Fry (Watertown Free Public Library, Programming Librarian), Liz Helfer (City of Watertown, Public Arts and Culture Planner), Kristen Kenny (Chair of the Watertown Cultural District), and Lydia McCoy (Watertown Senior Center, Director for Senior Services).

Links!

Arshile Gorky "Passage" mural by Brandon Gaia Marshall

Tipsy Tea Party

Canadian American Club

WFPL Summer Reading

5th Watertown Arts Market

Community Sculpture Walk

Earfull Series

Archy LaSalle artwork at library

Mosesian Center for the Arts Summer Stages and Studios 2025 

Summer Concert Series

Senior Services Job Openings

Mt Auburn Summer Solstice 2025

WFPL Summer Reading Kickoff - Grace Lin Event

Creative Chats With Guest Arto Vaun

New Watertown Cultural District Website: watertownmaculture.com

WFPL Website: watertownlib.org

WFPL Newsletter Signup

Senior newsletters here

Senior Serivces website

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17345041 Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2006 full false Local Government Update, June 2025 Local Government Update, June 2025 This is a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. 

Links:

School Building Committee - May 21, 2025

Discover Coolidge

Commission on Disabilities - May 28, 2025

Arsenal Park Ribbon Cutting

Pequossette Recreation program

Watertown Farmer's Market

watertown-ma.gov

wcatv.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. 

Links:

School Building Committee - May 21, 2025

Discover Coolidge

Commission on Disabilities - May 28, 2025

Arsenal Park Ribbon Cutting

Pequossette Recreation program

Watertown Farmer's Market

watertown-ma.gov

wcatv.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17319864 Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:00:00 -0400 1523 full false Episode 56: Kim Charlson (Perkins School for the Blind / Watertown Commission on Disability) Episode 56: Kim Charlson (Perkins School for the Blind / Watertown Commission on Disability) Meet Kim Charlson! She's the Executive Director of the Braille and Talking Book Library at the Perkins School for the Blind as well as the Chair of the Commission on Disability here in Watertown. In this conversation we discuss her journey into disability advocacy, from being one of the first totally blind people to get a master's degree in library science to serving as the first woman president of the American Council of the Blind from 2013-2019 to recent issues and topics being discussed. We also talk about her work as chair of the Commission on Disability in Watertown and the amazing breadth of services offered at the Perkins School for the Blind including teaching blind kids the skills to navigate the world, helping establish international training programs in 20 countries, managing a library of 80,000 braille volumes and 600,000 audiobooks, and even a manufacturing plant that produces the Perkins Brailler, the world's best-selling mechanical braille writing device. 

Find out more about the Perkins School for the Blind at perkins.org

Find out more about the Watertown Commission on Disability here: www.watertown-ma.gov/351/Commission-on-Disability

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Kim Charlson! She's the Executive Director of the Braille and Talking Book Library at the Perkins School for the Blind as well as the Chair of the Commission on Disability here in Watertown. In this conversation we discuss her journey into disability advocacy, from being one of the first totally blind people to get a master's degree in library science to serving as the first woman president of the American Council of the Blind from 2013-2019 to recent issues and topics being discussed. We also talk about her work as chair of the Commission on Disability in Watertown and the amazing breadth of services offered at the Perkins School for the Blind including teaching blind kids the skills to navigate the world, helping establish international training programs in 20 countries, managing a library of 80,000 braille volumes and 600,000 audiobooks, and even a manufacturing plant that produces the Perkins Brailler, the world's best-selling mechanical braille writing device. 

Find out more about the Perkins School for the Blind at perkins.org

Find out more about the Watertown Commission on Disability here: www.watertown-ma.gov/351/Commission-on-Disability

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17275500 Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400 2490 56 full false Creative Chats With Guest Julie Fei-Fan Balzer (Does Art Have to Have Meaning?) Creative Chats With Guest Julie Fei-Fan Balzer (Does Art Have to Have Meaning?) This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with painter, printmaker, and collage artist Julie Fei-Fan Balzer. The topic revolved around meaning and identity in art. 

Find out more about Julie and her art at juliebalzer.com

Come join us for the last Creative Chats event of the season on Friday, June 20th with guest Arto Vaun!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with painter, printmaker, and collage artist Julie Fei-Fan Balzer. The topic revolved around meaning and identity in art. 

Find out more about Julie and her art at juliebalzer.com

Come join us for the last Creative Chats event of the season on Friday, June 20th with guest Arto Vaun!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17253544 Fri, 30 May 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2514 full false Creative Chats With Guest Cat Bennett (Finding Your Artistic Path and Discovering What Comes Next) Creative Chats With Guest Cat Bennett (Finding Your Artistic Path and Discovering What Comes Next) This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with guest Cat Bennett, whose career spans making animated spots for children’s television, illustrations for many publishing clients, and now art for exhibition as well as teaching art to adults. The topic for the conversation revolved around how she weaved her artistic path and how an artist figures out what to do next.

Find out more about Cat and her art at catbennett.net

Come join us for the last Creative Chats event of the season on Friday, June 20th with guest Arto Vaun!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with guest Cat Bennett, whose career spans making animated spots for children’s television, illustrations for many publishing clients, and now art for exhibition as well as teaching art to adults. The topic for the conversation revolved around how she weaved her artistic path and how an artist figures out what to do next.

Find out more about Cat and her art at catbennett.net

Come join us for the last Creative Chats event of the season on Friday, June 20th with guest Arto Vaun!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17247104 Thu, 29 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400 1739 full false Episode 55: Drew Rollert (Wada Hoppah) Episode 55: Drew Rollert (Wada Hoppah) Meet Drew Rollert! He's the founder of Wada Hoppah, an all-electric, wakeless, shallow draft water shuttle and commuter service coming soon to the Charles River (and Watertown Square!). In this conversation we dig into the history of ferries on the Charles, what inspired him to design (an award-winning) modern ferry for the river, all the challenges, thinking, and planning that goes into this kind of thing, and we end with some thoughts on Watertown's water future.

Find out more about Wada Hoppah as Drew plans to get things rolling this summer: wadahoppah.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Drew Rollert! He's the founder of Wada Hoppah, an all-electric, wakeless, shallow draft water shuttle and commuter service coming soon to the Charles River (and Watertown Square!). In this conversation we dig into the history of ferries on the Charles, what inspired him to design (an award-winning) modern ferry for the river, all the challenges, thinking, and planning that goes into this kind of thing, and we end with some thoughts on Watertown's water future.

Find out more about Wada Hoppah as Drew plans to get things rolling this summer: wadahoppah.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17215414 Fri, 23 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400 2549 55 full false Local Government Update, May 2025 Local Government Update, May 2025 This is a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links:

Fair Housing in Watertown Meeting

Second Ambulance Meeting

Climate Leader Community: WCA-TV segment | Watertown News article

City's Forestry Webpage

Read Submitted Budget

Watch Budget Presentation

City Council - April 8th

Watertown Square Website

WCA-TV Ascertainment Hearing

Watertown Porchfest, Saturday, May 17th (With Public Arts and Culture Community Sculpture Walk at 11am, starting at Linear Path behind City Hall and Library)

DPW Open House, Tuesday, May 20th

Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 27th

Watertown Pride, Sunday, June 1st

Watertown Helps Out Food Drive

Watertown Helps Out, Volunteer Throughout May

Community STEM night

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from WCA-TV to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers.

Links:

Fair Housing in Watertown Meeting

Second Ambulance Meeting

Climate Leader Community: WCA-TV segment | Watertown News article

City's Forestry Webpage

Read Submitted Budget

Watch Budget Presentation

City Council - April 8th

Watertown Square Website

WCA-TV Ascertainment Hearing

Watertown Porchfest, Saturday, May 17th (With Public Arts and Culture Community Sculpture Walk at 11am, starting at Linear Path behind City Hall and Library)

DPW Open House, Tuesday, May 20th

Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 27th

Watertown Pride, Sunday, June 1st

Watertown Helps Out Food Drive

Watertown Helps Out, Volunteer Throughout May

Community STEM night

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17151456 Tue, 13 May 2025 11:00:00 -0400 2031 full false Episode 54: Jen Nicholson (Commander's Mansion) Episode 54: Jen Nicholson (Commander's Mansion) Meet Jen Nicholson! She's the sales and events coordinator at the Commander's Mansion which also includes being a part of the Watertown City Events Team. In this conversation we dig into her experience growing up in Watertown, her years of teaching, stay-at-home parenting, and volunteering, then we get into all the aspects of the mansion from the (scandalous) story of its creation and its unique features to its private functions and now growing assortment of community events, then we finish with some thoughts on the future of the mansion and its role in Watertown.

Find all the upcoming community events organized by the Commander's Mansion team here!

Join in the May 15th walk to visit the Mosesian Center for the Arts and the Commander's Mansion

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Jen Nicholson! She's the sales and events coordinator at the Commander's Mansion which also includes being a part of the Watertown City Events Team. In this conversation we dig into her experience growing up in Watertown, her years of teaching, stay-at-home parenting, and volunteering, then we get into all the aspects of the mansion from the (scandalous) story of its creation and its unique features to its private functions and now growing assortment of community events, then we finish with some thoughts on the future of the mansion and its role in Watertown.

Find all the upcoming community events organized by the Commander's Mansion team here!

Join in the May 15th walk to visit the Mosesian Center for the Arts and the Commander's Mansion

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17123248 Thu, 08 May 2025 13:00:00 -0400 2761 54 full false Episode 53: Steve Magoon (Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Planning) Episode 53: Steve Magoon (Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Planning) Meet Steve Magoon! He's the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Planning for the City of Watertown. In this conversation we dig into his career journey in planning, the role of public input in decision making, some things that make New England unique for planning, current and future projects in Watertown, and more.

City's Community Development and Planning Website

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Steve Magoon! He's the Assistant City Manager for Community Development and Planning for the City of Watertown. In this conversation we dig into his career journey in planning, the role of public input in decision making, some things that make New England unique for planning, current and future projects in Watertown, and more.

City's Community Development and Planning Website

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17101382 Mon, 05 May 2025 11:00:00 -0400 2076 53 full false Creative Chats With Guest Kristen Kenny (A Discussion on Local Space for Artists and Musicians) Creative Chats With Guest Kristen Kenny (A Discussion on Local Space for Artists and Musicians) This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with guest Kristen Kenny,  artist, arts organizer, and Chair of the Watertown Cultural District, where the topic revolved around finding/building/cultivating spaces for artists and musicians.

Come  join us at the next Creative Chats event on Friday, May 16th at 830am  with guest Jule Fei-Fan Balzer!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. This conversation was with guest Kristen Kenny,  artist, arts organizer, and Chair of the Watertown Cultural District, where the topic revolved around finding/building/cultivating spaces for artists and musicians.

Come  join us at the next Creative Chats event on Friday, May 16th at 830am  with guest Jule Fei-Fan Balzer!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17073040 Thu, 01 May 2025 10:00:00 -0400 1971 full false Episode 52: Ora Grodsky & Larry Raskin (Watertown Community Conversations) Episode 52: Ora Grodsky & Larry Raskin (Watertown Community Conversations) Meet Ora Grodsky and Larry Raskin! They're co-founders of Watertown Community Conversations (see full bios below). In this conversation, we talk about how they got interested in the field of facilitation, the tools and techniques important to the work, the creation of Watertown Community Conversations and what it does, and more.

Watertown Community Conversations website

Ora's book - Justice, Love, and Organizational Healing

Larry's bio:

Larry is a retired leadership and organizational effectiveness consultant and a community volunteer. Professionally he helped organizations define their missions, overcome challenges, gain commitments, develop team and leadership skills, and implement strategies to achieve their objectives. Larry is a co-founder and former Chair of World in Watertown, an organization that promotes diversity, fair treatment and equal rights. He is also a co-founder of Watertown Community Conversations. Larry is a certified facilitator, workshop leader, trainer and coach. He and his wife have lived in Watertown since 1994.

Ora's bio:

Ora Grodsky is a mission-driven consultant with over 25 years of experience and success working with hundreds of social justice-oriented organizations. Ora is a holistic practitioner who combines training in acupuncture, non-profit management expertise, extensive study of organizational development and commitment to compassion and justice to facilitate transformation change with the organizations who are transforming our world. Ora’s new book, Justice, Love, and Organizational Healing offers insights and wisdom from her deep experience partnering with organizations and individuals to foster health and healing, and aligning and integrating their values, aspirations, and operations to more effectively meet their important missions. Ora is a co-founder of Watertown Community Conversation. She and her husband have lived in Watertown since 1989.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Ora Grodsky and Larry Raskin! They're co-founders of Watertown Community Conversations (see full bios below). In this conversation, we talk about how they got interested in the field of facilitation, the tools and techniques important to the work, the creation of Watertown Community Conversations and what it does, and more.

Watertown Community Conversations website

Ora's book - Justice, Love, and Organizational Healing

Larry's bio:

Larry is a retired leadership and organizational effectiveness consultant and a community volunteer. Professionally he helped organizations define their missions, overcome challenges, gain commitments, develop team and leadership skills, and implement strategies to achieve their objectives. Larry is a co-founder and former Chair of World in Watertown, an organization that promotes diversity, fair treatment and equal rights. He is also a co-founder of Watertown Community Conversations. Larry is a certified facilitator, workshop leader, trainer and coach. He and his wife have lived in Watertown since 1994.

Ora's bio:

Ora Grodsky is a mission-driven consultant with over 25 years of experience and success working with hundreds of social justice-oriented organizations. Ora is a holistic practitioner who combines training in acupuncture, non-profit management expertise, extensive study of organizational development and commitment to compassion and justice to facilitate transformation change with the organizations who are transforming our world. Ora’s new book, Justice, Love, and Organizational Healing offers insights and wisdom from her deep experience partnering with organizations and individuals to foster health and healing, and aligning and integrating their values, aspirations, and operations to more effectively meet their important missions. Ora is a co-founder of Watertown Community Conversation. She and her husband have lived in Watertown since 1989.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17038585 Fri, 25 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400 2422 52 full false Episode 51: Melissa Hresko (Russell Cooperative Preschool) Episode 51: Melissa Hresko (Russell Cooperative Preschool) Meet Melissa Hresko! She's the Director and Teacher at the Russell Cooperative Preschool here in Watertown. In this conversation we dig into how she got into the field of early education, what a play-based and cooperative school system looks like, the surprising nature in their environment right in the center of town, the challenges facing early education, and more.

Learn more about Russell at: russellpreschool.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Melissa Hresko! She's the Director and Teacher at the Russell Cooperative Preschool here in Watertown. In this conversation we dig into how she got into the field of early education, what a play-based and cooperative school system looks like, the surprising nature in their environment right in the center of town, the challenges facing early education, and more.

Learn more about Russell at: russellpreschool.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-17001714 Fri, 18 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2404 51 full false Local Government Update, April 2025 Local Government Update, April 2025 I sit down for a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from Watertown Cable Access to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. 

Links to things mentioned in the episode:

Committee on Budget & Fiscal Oversight - March 6th (Ambulance discussion)

Fire Chief Nicholson's podcast episode

WBC City Update With City Manager podcast episode

April 8th City Council Meeting (City Manager's budget presentation)

City Council - March 25th (148 Waltham St Purchase)

Walker Pond

Recycling Event April 19th

Local News and Information Ecosystem Panel Discussion Podcast (From Little Local Conversations One Year Anniversary Event) (WCA-TV video)

Watertown Electricity Choice

WCA-TV Ascertainment Hearing

Resilient Watertown Eco Fest

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> I sit down for a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel from Watertown Cable Access to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. 

Links to things mentioned in the episode:

Committee on Budget & Fiscal Oversight - March 6th (Ambulance discussion)

Fire Chief Nicholson's podcast episode

WBC City Update With City Manager podcast episode

April 8th City Council Meeting (City Manager's budget presentation)

City Council - March 25th (148 Waltham St Purchase)

Walker Pond

Recycling Event April 19th

Local News and Information Ecosystem Panel Discussion Podcast (From Little Local Conversations One Year Anniversary Event) (WCA-TV video)

Watertown Electricity Choice

WCA-TV Ascertainment Hearing

Resilient Watertown Eco Fest

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16977002 Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:00:00 -0400 1730 full false Local News and Information Ecosystem Panel Discussion (From Little Local Conversations One Year Anniversary Event) Local News and Information Ecosystem Panel Discussion (From Little Local Conversations One Year Anniversary Event) Listen to an in-depth panel discussion on the local Watertown news and information ecosystem! This was part of the one year anniversary celebration for Little Local Conversations that happened over at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on March 18th, 2025. The panel featured Dan Hogan (Director of News and Studio Operations at WCA-TV), Charlie Breitrose (Editor of Watertown News), Tyler Cote (Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown), and Steve Owens (Massachusetts State Representative). If you want to learn more about any of the speakers, you can listen to their own featured episodes on the podcast (Dan, Charlie, Tyler, Steve)

The panel discussion focuses on the importance of the local news ecosystem, how each guest navigates their role in gathering and sharing information, what they think is going well, what they're struggling with, and what they think could be improved upon. At the end they answered a bunch of questions from the audience as well. Take a listen and share your feedback with any of them about what you think of their work or what you would like to see!

Reach out to Dan: wcatv.org

Reach out to Charlie: www.watertownmanews.com

Reach out to Tyler: tcote@watertown-ma.gov
Or show up to one of the Watertown Chats:
watertown-ma.gov/1343/Watertown-Chats

Reach out to Steve:
www.votesteveowens.com
@votesteveowens (Instagram, Facebook)

A video of the full anniversary event can be found on WCA-TV's website here

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to an in-depth panel discussion on the local Watertown news and information ecosystem! This was part of the one year anniversary celebration for Little Local Conversations that happened over at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on March 18th, 2025. The panel featured Dan Hogan (Director of News and Studio Operations at WCA-TV), Charlie Breitrose (Editor of Watertown News), Tyler Cote (Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown), and Steve Owens (Massachusetts State Representative). If you want to learn more about any of the speakers, you can listen to their own featured episodes on the podcast (Dan, Charlie, Tyler, Steve)

The panel discussion focuses on the importance of the local news ecosystem, how each guest navigates their role in gathering and sharing information, what they think is going well, what they're struggling with, and what they think could be improved upon. At the end they answered a bunch of questions from the audience as well. Take a listen and share your feedback with any of them about what you think of their work or what you would like to see!

Reach out to Dan: wcatv.org

Reach out to Charlie: www.watertownmanews.com

Reach out to Tyler: tcote@watertown-ma.gov
Or show up to one of the Watertown Chats:
watertown-ma.gov/1343/Watertown-Chats

Reach out to Steve:
www.votesteveowens.com
@votesteveowens (Instagram, Facebook)

A video of the full anniversary event can be found on WCA-TV's website here

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16946437 Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:00:00 -0400 3743 full false Episode 50: Will Brownsberger (Massachusetts State Senator) Episode 50: Will Brownsberger (Massachusetts State Senator) Meet Will Brownsberger! He's a Massachusetts State Senator for the Suffolk and Middlesex District which includes Watertown. In this conversation we talk about his career in criminal justice (and how his views evolved over the years), his political journey from municipal leadership to the state level, his takes on transparency in government, transportation, the reality of the battle with climate change, housing, and more. 

Find out more about Will at willbrownsberger.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Will Brownsberger! He's a Massachusetts State Senator for the Suffolk and Middlesex District which includes Watertown. In this conversation we talk about his career in criminal justice (and how his views evolved over the years), his political journey from municipal leadership to the state level, his takes on transparency in government, transportation, the reality of the battle with climate change, housing, and more. 

Find out more about Will at willbrownsberger.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16918814 Fri, 04 Apr 2025 16:00:00 -0400 2067 50 full false Delightful Chaos: Watertown Arts & Culture Roundtable, April 2025 Delightful Chaos: Watertown Arts & Culture Roundtable, April 2025 This is an arts and culture roundtable episode where we talk about things that have been going on in Watertown arts and culture recently, what's coming up, hidden gems, and more. The discussion was with Allie Fry (Watertown Free Public Library, Programming Librarian), Liz Helfer (City of Watertown, Public Arts and Culture Planner), Kristen Kenny (Chair of the Watertown Cultural District), and Lydia McCoy (Watertown Senior Center, Director for Senior Services).

Links!

Watertown Cultural District

WCA-TV segment on River of Light

Club de Lectura en Español

Public Arts & Culture (Expert Pairings and Community Sculpture Walk)

Canadian American Club

Senior Center and Services

Mosesian Center for the Arts 20th Anniversary Celebration

5th Watertown Arts Market

100 Years of Arshile Gorky

Art in the Library

Project Save

WFPL & Project Save Event on April 30th: Democracy Talks: Speak Memory: The Photographic Archive as Resistance & Renewal

YardArt

Porchfest

Public Arts and Culture Committee newsletter

Watertown Connect (city newsletter list)

Library newsletter

Senior Center newsletter

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is an arts and culture roundtable episode where we talk about things that have been going on in Watertown arts and culture recently, what's coming up, hidden gems, and more. The discussion was with Allie Fry (Watertown Free Public Library, Programming Librarian), Liz Helfer (City of Watertown, Public Arts and Culture Planner), Kristen Kenny (Chair of the Watertown Cultural District), and Lydia McCoy (Watertown Senior Center, Director for Senior Services).

Links!

Watertown Cultural District

WCA-TV segment on River of Light

Club de Lectura en Español

Public Arts & Culture (Expert Pairings and Community Sculpture Walk)

Canadian American Club

Senior Center and Services

Mosesian Center for the Arts 20th Anniversary Celebration

5th Watertown Arts Market

100 Years of Arshile Gorky

Art in the Library

Project Save

WFPL & Project Save Event on April 30th: Democracy Talks: Speak Memory: The Photographic Archive as Resistance & Renewal

YardArt

Porchfest

Public Arts and Culture Committee newsletter

Watertown Connect (city newsletter list)

Library newsletter

Senior Center newsletter

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16900179 Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400 1913 full false Episode 49: Dave Levine (Whitney Towers) Episode 49: Dave Levine (Whitney Towers) Meet Dave Levine! He's the General Manager of Whitney Towers, a family-owned apartment building here in Watertown. We talk about the history of the 41-year-old building and how his family started the business, his years in the tech startup and software world and how that translates to operating in real estate and property management, where he thinks Whitney fits in the housing ecosystem in Watertown, and what he thinks most people don't understand about his type of role.

Find out more about Whitney Towers at whitneywatertown.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Dave Levine! He's the General Manager of Whitney Towers, a family-owned apartment building here in Watertown. We talk about the history of the 41-year-old building and how his family started the business, his years in the tech startup and software world and how that translates to operating in real estate and property management, where he thinks Whitney fits in the housing ecosystem in Watertown, and what he thinks most people don't understand about his type of role.

Find out more about Whitney Towers at whitneywatertown.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16875945 Fri, 28 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0400 1463 49 full false Watertown Trivia With Arsenal Financial's Doug Orifice (Fun & Games Sponsor Episode) Watertown Trivia With Arsenal Financial's Doug Orifice (Fun & Games Sponsor Episode) This is the first Fun & Games Sponsor Episode! I sit down with Doug Orifice of Arsenal Financial to test him on what he knows about his Watertown trivia related to baseball, businesses, banjo, and more. 

Then he talks a bit about how his financial planning business Arsenal Financial can help people close to retirement, busy families, and small business owners.

Find out more about Arsenal Financial at arsenalfinancial.com

Listen to Doug's full interview episode when he was the podcast's very first guest!

Thank you Doug and Arsenal Financial for helping support Little Local Conversations create conversation and connection in Watertown!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is the first Fun & Games Sponsor Episode! I sit down with Doug Orifice of Arsenal Financial to test him on what he knows about his Watertown trivia related to baseball, businesses, banjo, and more. 

Then he talks a bit about how his financial planning business Arsenal Financial can help people close to retirement, busy families, and small business owners.

Find out more about Arsenal Financial at arsenalfinancial.com

Listen to Doug's full interview episode when he was the podcast's very first guest!

Thank you Doug and Arsenal Financial for helping support Little Local Conversations create conversation and connection in Watertown!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16835723 Fri, 21 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400 1005 full false Creative Chats With Guest Jamie Kallestad (Making Art After Parenthood) Creative Chats With Guest Jamie Kallestad (Making Art After Parenthood) This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. Listen to learn more and hear the conversation with Jamie Kallestad, singer/songwriter and Communications and Design Specialist for the Watertown Free Public Library, on the topic of making art after parenthood.

Come join us at the next Creative Chats event on Friday, March 21st at 830am with guest Kristen Kenny, Chair of the Watertown Cultural District!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. Listen to learn more and hear the conversation with Jamie Kallestad, singer/songwriter and Communications and Design Specialist for the Watertown Free Public Library, on the topic of making art after parenthood.

Come join us at the next Creative Chats event on Friday, March 21st at 830am with guest Kristen Kenny, Chair of the Watertown Cultural District!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16823553 Wed, 19 Mar 2025 13:00:00 -0400 1642 full false Episode 48: Paula Farina (Farina's) Episode 48: Paula Farina (Farina's) Meet Paula Farina! She's a co-owner (with her two brothers Anthony and Mike shown in the picture) of Farina's, a bicycle and power equipment store here in Watertown. We talk about how the shop is celebrating its 50th anniversary, so we dig into the shop's journey from being opened by her Italian immigrant parents, the many trends over the years from BMX to e-bikes, the work put in to become one of the top bike shops in the country, how pairing power equipment with bikes makes sense, the changes they've seen in Watertown in 50 years, and more.

Find out more about Farina's at farinas.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Paula Farina! She's a co-owner (with her two brothers Anthony and Mike shown in the picture) of Farina's, a bicycle and power equipment store here in Watertown. We talk about how the shop is celebrating its 50th anniversary, so we dig into the shop's journey from being opened by her Italian immigrant parents, the many trends over the years from BMX to e-bikes, the work put in to become one of the top bike shops in the country, how pairing power equipment with bikes makes sense, the changes they've seen in Watertown in 50 years, and more.

Find out more about Farina's at farinas.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16794044 Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:00:00 -0400 1809 48 full false City Update With George Proakis (Hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition) City Update With George Proakis (Hosted by the Watertown Business Coalition) This is a recording of a presentation from Watertown City Manager George Proakis for a City Update event held by the Watertown Business Coalition at the Hampton Inn at Arsenal Yards on March 11th, 2025. Listen to hear George's thoughts on the economic development in the city of Watertown at the moment.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording of a presentation from Watertown City Manager George Proakis for a City Update event held by the Watertown Business Coalition at the Hampton Inn at Arsenal Yards on March 11th, 2025. Listen to hear George's thoughts on the economic development in the city of Watertown at the moment.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16779860 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400 2642 full false Local Government Update, March 2025: Moments, Success Stories, and Jingles From the Past Month Local Government Update, March 2025: Moments, Success Stories, and Jingles From the Past Month I sit down for a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel, the Production, Training, and Equipment Manager at Watertown Cable Access to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. We also get some insights into the city process with the new Did you know? and What's that thing? segments.

Links to things mentioned in the episode:
Sign up for emergency alerts: www.watertown-ma.gov/everbridge
Civics Academy
Tree Information and Request Form
Mount Auburn Street Updates
Tyler Glode city engineer talk

City Council Meetings:
City Council - Feb 11th
City Council - Feb. 25th
WCA-TV's general Government channel

Transcript of episode can be found at littlelocalconversations.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> I sit down for a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel, the Production, Training, and Equipment Manager at Watertown Cable Access to discuss things that have happened during the past month in Watertown through key moments, success stories, and important numbers. We also get some insights into the city process with the new Did you know? and What's that thing? segments.

Links to things mentioned in the episode:
Sign up for emergency alerts: www.watertown-ma.gov/everbridge
Civics Academy
Tree Information and Request Form
Mount Auburn Street Updates
Tyler Glode city engineer talk

City Council Meetings:
City Council - Feb 11th
City Council - Feb. 25th
WCA-TV's general Government channel

Transcript of episode can be found at littlelocalconversations.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16772748 Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400 1974 full false Episode 47: Dan Hogan (WCA-TV) Episode 47: Dan Hogan (WCA-TV) Meet Dan Hogan! He's the Director of News and Studio Operations at WCA-TV here in Watertown. In this conversation we talk about how he first got involved in video and news production (from throwing darts and Starsky and Hutch to covering sports all around New England), the process of building a 30 minute weekly news show, how WCA-TV is now focusing on becoming part of the community rather than just covering it, his personal favorite stories over his 10+ years covering the city, and more!

Find out more about Dan and WCA-TV at wcatv.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Dan Hogan! He's the Director of News and Studio Operations at WCA-TV here in Watertown. In this conversation we talk about how he first got involved in video and news production (from throwing darts and Starsky and Hutch to covering sports all around New England), the process of building a 30 minute weekly news show, how WCA-TV is now focusing on becoming part of the community rather than just covering it, his personal favorite stories over his 10+ years covering the city, and more!

Find out more about Dan and WCA-TV at wcatv.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16751450 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0500 2576 47 full false Episode 46: Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders (Jenna Houjazy, Vana Stepanian, Priscilla Samakwrong) Episode 46: Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders (Jenna Houjazy, Vana Stepanian, Priscilla Samakwrong) Meet Jenna Houjazy, Vana Stepanian, and Priscilla Samakwrong! They are students at Watertown High School and members of the Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders group which is organized by Christina Lupica of Wayside Youth and Family Support Network here in Watertown. In this conversation, we talk about their likes and dislikes about Watertown as a whole and their high school experience, their advice for other youth members of the community, and we end it with their advice to adults on interacting with their generation.

Find out more about the Peer Leaders group at: watertownyouthcoalition.org/peerleaders/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Jenna Houjazy, Vana Stepanian, and Priscilla Samakwrong! They are students at Watertown High School and members of the Watertown Youth Coalition Peer Leaders group which is organized by Christina Lupica of Wayside Youth and Family Support Network here in Watertown. In this conversation, we talk about their likes and dislikes about Watertown as a whole and their high school experience, their advice for other youth members of the community, and we end it with their advice to adults on interacting with their generation.

Find out more about the Peer Leaders group at: watertownyouthcoalition.org/peerleaders/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16704583 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:00:00 -0500 1659 46 full false Episode 45: Sam Ghilardi (Housing for All Watertown / Sai Life Sciences) Episode 45: Sam Ghilardi (Housing for All Watertown / Sai Life Sciences) Meet Sam Ghilardi! He's a senior scientist at Sai Life Sciences, a member of the steering committee for Housing for All Watertown, and a board member for CoLAB, all here in Watertown. We chat about his early experiences with science and studying cell communication (basically our skin cells are like toddlers), what it's like working in the life science sector in Watertown, how he got involved with housing advocacy work, and the recent changes to Watertown zoning that he's excited about along with other forward-facing thoughts on the topic.

Check out Housing for All Watertown: housingforallwatertown.org

HAW Event, 2/23, 2pm: What will it take to build 100% affordable housing in Watertown?

Other local resources Sam wanted to share on housing:

The Boston Foundation’s Greater Boston Housing report card. This report published by the Boston Foundation is an annual review of the Greater Boston Housing market, highlighting trends like affordability, rental vacancy rates, housing production. Every year has a special section with a featured topic, and this year the topic is opportunities for housing on unused public land not marked for conservation. 

How to Increase Housing Affordability: Understanding Local Deterrents to Building Multifamily Housing is a report from the Boston Branch of the Federal Reserve. It is a more technical study that looks at local deterrents, including zoning and special permit processes, that block the construction of housing. 

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Sam Ghilardi! He's a senior scientist at Sai Life Sciences, a member of the steering committee for Housing for All Watertown, and a board member for CoLAB, all here in Watertown. We chat about his early experiences with science and studying cell communication (basically our skin cells are like toddlers), what it's like working in the life science sector in Watertown, how he got involved with housing advocacy work, and the recent changes to Watertown zoning that he's excited about along with other forward-facing thoughts on the topic.

Check out Housing for All Watertown: housingforallwatertown.org

HAW Event, 2/23, 2pm: What will it take to build 100% affordable housing in Watertown?

Other local resources Sam wanted to share on housing:

The Boston Foundation’s Greater Boston Housing report card. This report published by the Boston Foundation is an annual review of the Greater Boston Housing market, highlighting trends like affordability, rental vacancy rates, housing production. Every year has a special section with a featured topic, and this year the topic is opportunities for housing on unused public land not marked for conservation. 

How to Increase Housing Affordability: Understanding Local Deterrents to Building Multifamily Housing is a report from the Boston Branch of the Federal Reserve. It is a more technical study that looks at local deterrents, including zoning and special permit processes, that block the construction of housing. 

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16663318 Fri, 21 Feb 2025 08:00:00 -0500 2423 45 full false Episode 44: Brandon Feldhouse (Arsenal Yards) Episode 44: Brandon Feldhouse (Arsenal Yards) Meet Brandon Feldhouse! He's the General Manager over at Arsenal Yards here in Watertown. For this conversation, we get into his early years in malls (including Copley Place in downtown Boston), how using history and art helped build the character of Arsenal Yards, how he views building a dynamic mixed-use community, how he helped lead an initiative to divert 100% of the property's waste from landfills, and we end with his thoughts on the future of Arsenal Yards.

Find out more about Arsenal Yards at www.arsenalyards.com or reach out at hello@arsenalyards.com or bfeldhouse@wilderco.com.

Come out to the next Creative Chats event at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on February 28th with guest Jamie Kallestad!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Brandon Feldhouse! He's the General Manager over at Arsenal Yards here in Watertown. For this conversation, we get into his early years in malls (including Copley Place in downtown Boston), how using history and art helped build the character of Arsenal Yards, how he views building a dynamic mixed-use community, how he helped lead an initiative to divert 100% of the property's waste from landfills, and we end with his thoughts on the future of Arsenal Yards.

Find out more about Arsenal Yards at www.arsenalyards.com or reach out at hello@arsenalyards.com or bfeldhouse@wilderco.com.

Come out to the next Creative Chats event at the Mosesian Center for the Arts on February 28th with guest Jamie Kallestad!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16622282 Fri, 14 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500 1692 44 full false Local Government Update, February 2025 Local Government Update, February 2025 Listen to this local government update podcast where I sit down for a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel, the Director of Government and Education Media at Watertown Cable Access. We discussed what's happened at some recent city meetings and some upcoming city initiatives for Watertown.

Links to things mentioned in the episode:
Special City Council Meeting - January 21st (on winter parking ban)
311
Civics Academy
Capital Improvement Program
School Building Committee Meeting - January 29th
Other City Council Meetings:
January 14th, January 28th
WCA-TV's general Government channel

Transcript of episode can be found at littlelocalconversations.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to this local government update podcast where I sit down for a conversation with Tyler Cote, the Community Engagement Specialist for the City of Watertown, and Victoria Weichel, the Director of Government and Education Media at Watertown Cable Access. We discussed what's happened at some recent city meetings and some upcoming city initiatives for Watertown.

Links to things mentioned in the episode:
Special City Council Meeting - January 21st (on winter parking ban)
311
Civics Academy
Capital Improvement Program
School Building Committee Meeting - January 29th
Other City Council Meetings:
January 14th, January 28th
WCA-TV's general Government channel

Transcript of episode can be found at littlelocalconversations.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16597820 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500 2309 full false Episode 43: Swati Biswas (Artsy Way of Life) Episode 43: Swati Biswas (Artsy Way of Life) Meet Swati Biswas! She's a scientist, dancer, and arts advocate here in Watertown. We chat about her origins with the arts, what led her to seek out supporting artists in India while bringing their skills to folks here to learn (and the challenges of working with people on the other side of the world), we scratch the surface of the innovative natural methods of art creation in traditional Indian art forms (burned your rice? make it into black pigment!), the story of the women artists her advocacy is helping, and we wrap up with her connections to the Watertown community.

Find out more about Swati, the artists she supports, and any upcoming workshops: Artsy Way of Life Instagram / Artsy Way of Life Facebook 

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Swati Biswas! She's a scientist, dancer, and arts advocate here in Watertown. We chat about her origins with the arts, what led her to seek out supporting artists in India while bringing their skills to folks here to learn (and the challenges of working with people on the other side of the world), we scratch the surface of the innovative natural methods of art creation in traditional Indian art forms (burned your rice? make it into black pigment!), the story of the women artists her advocacy is helping, and we wrap up with her connections to the Watertown community.

Find out more about Swati, the artists she supports, and any upcoming workshops: Artsy Way of Life Instagram / Artsy Way of Life Facebook 

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16581214 Fri, 07 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0500 2158 43 full false Creative Chats With Guest Liz Helfer (Art as Business Vs. Art as Lifestyle) Creative Chats With Guest Liz Helfer (Art as Business Vs. Art as Lifestyle) This is a recording from a series for the podcast that just started at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. Listen to learn more and hear the conversation with Liz on the topic of where the boundary between art as lifestyle and art as business lives. 

Come join us at the next Creative Chats on Friday, February 28th at the Mosesian Center for the Arts with guest Jamie Kallestad!

Listen to Liz's earlier appearance on Little Local Conversations to hear more of her story.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> This is a recording from a series for the podcast that just started at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. Listen to learn more and hear the conversation with Liz on the topic of where the boundary between art as lifestyle and art as business lives. 

Come join us at the next Creative Chats on Friday, February 28th at the Mosesian Center for the Arts with guest Jamie Kallestad!

Listen to Liz's earlier appearance on Little Local Conversations to hear more of her story.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16562215 Tue, 04 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500 1966 full false Episode 42: Kim Hewitt (Director of the Watertown Free Public Library) Episode 42: Kim Hewitt (Director of the Watertown Free Public Library) Meet Kim Hewitt! She's the Director of the Watertown Free Public Library. In this conversation we chat about her early experiences with books and libraries, her career journey from leading oral history projects to helping people search for unique news stories from the late 1800s, some behind the scenes on how the library processes materials and thinks about larger values such as access to information, privacy, and censorship, then we finish with some updates such as what's going on with the cafe, One Book One Watertown, and the patron survey that's wrapping up at the end of January.

Take the library survey that ends in January!
Visit the library website

Come out to the next Creative Chats event on February 28th with featured guest Jamie Kallestad

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Kim Hewitt! She's the Director of the Watertown Free Public Library. In this conversation we chat about her early experiences with books and libraries, her career journey from leading oral history projects to helping people search for unique news stories from the late 1800s, some behind the scenes on how the library processes materials and thinks about larger values such as access to information, privacy, and censorship, then we finish with some updates such as what's going on with the cafe, One Book One Watertown, and the patron survey that's wrapping up at the end of January.

Take the library survey that ends in January!
Visit the library website

Come out to the next Creative Chats event on February 28th with featured guest Jamie Kallestad

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16538692 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0500 2468 42 full false Episode 41: Justin Hanrahan (Watertown Police Chief) Episode 41: Justin Hanrahan (Watertown Police Chief) Meet Justin Hanrahan! He's the Police Chief here in Watertown. In our conversation we get into his unconventional childhood and how the Watertown community was important in getting him through it, his early experiences in policing from protecting "boothies" to a career defining moment that instilled in him that policing is much more than just catching criminals,
his rise through the ranks in Watertown and the shift in culture he's been a part of, his impact in teaching and training departments all over the state, the changes he's enacted in his time as chief and the programs and initiatives he's looking forward to in the future.

Find out more about the Watertown Police Department at watertownpd.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Justin Hanrahan! He's the Police Chief here in Watertown. In our conversation we get into his unconventional childhood and how the Watertown community was important in getting him through it, his early experiences in policing from protecting "boothies" to a career defining moment that instilled in him that policing is much more than just catching criminals,
his rise through the ranks in Watertown and the shift in culture he's been a part of, his impact in teaching and training departments all over the state, the changes he's enacted in his time as chief and the programs and initiatives he's looking forward to in the future.

Find out more about the Watertown Police Department at watertownpd.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16491410 Fri, 24 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0500 2909 41 full false Little Local Weekly? A Few Updates and a Message From Matt Little Local Weekly? A Few Updates and a Message From Matt Boston Gold Kings Game
Movie Night Monday with the Chinese American Association of Watertown

Check out other news and events sources in the city:
Watertown News
Watertown Cable Access
Nicole Gardner's Newsletter
Public Arts and Culture Bulletin

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Boston Gold Kings Game
Movie Night Monday with the Chinese American Association of Watertown

Check out other news and events sources in the city:
Watertown News
Watertown Cable Access
Nicole Gardner's Newsletter
Public Arts and Culture Bulletin

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16483285 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500 293 full false Episode 40: Bevin Croft (Policy Researcher / World in Watertown) Episode 40: Bevin Croft (Policy Researcher / World in Watertown) Meet Bevin Croft! She's a policy researcher and board member of World in Watertown. We chat about her early experiences working at group homes for people with mental health disabilities, what policy research is and some new alternatives it's exploring, a recent history of human rights organizing in Watertown, and the Unity Breakfast coming up on MLK Jr Day.

Learn more about the Unity Breakfast on January 20th
Learn more about World in Watertown

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Bevin Croft! She's a policy researcher and board member of World in Watertown. We chat about her early experiences working at group homes for people with mental health disabilities, what policy research is and some new alternatives it's exploring, a recent history of human rights organizing in Watertown, and the Unity Breakfast coming up on MLK Jr Day.

Learn more about the Unity Breakfast on January 20th
Learn more about World in Watertown

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16450097 Fri, 17 Jan 2025 11:00:00 -0500 1903 40 full false Little Local Weekly (January 15th - 21st, 2025) Little Local Weekly (January 15th - 21st, 2025) Listen to hear updates from past podcast guests about things going on with them and Watertown this week.

My first in-person podcast event Creative Chats is this week! (Friday, January 17th, 830am-10am)

Too many links to fit in streaming description! See the page for the episode on the website for the full list of links mentioned in the episode.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Listen to hear updates from past podcast guests about things going on with them and Watertown this week.

My first in-person podcast event Creative Chats is this week! (Friday, January 17th, 830am-10am)

Too many links to fit in streaming description! See the page for the episode on the website for the full list of links mentioned in the episode.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16437137 Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0500 1044 full false Episode 39: Alyssa Cecchetelli (Addgene) Episode 39: Alyssa Cecchetelli (Addgene) Meet Alyssa Cecchetelli! She's the Associate Director of Plasmid Services at Addgene, a nonprofit life science organization here in Watertown. We chat about her origins in science including spending 6 years studying a transparent worm (and making pretty pictures with calcium), she explains what plasmids, CRISPR, and viral vectors are and why they're important for scientific research, Addgene's unique position as a nonprofit that supports scientists around the world (111 countries!) and lowers barriers to scientific resources, then we finish with Addgene's role in the community and Alyssa's involvement with CoLAB and mentoring students at the Watertown High School.

Learn more about Addgene
Learn more about CoLAB

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Alyssa Cecchetelli! She's the Associate Director of Plasmid Services at Addgene, a nonprofit life science organization here in Watertown. We chat about her origins in science including spending 6 years studying a transparent worm (and making pretty pictures with calcium), she explains what plasmids, CRISPR, and viral vectors are and why they're important for scientific research, Addgene's unique position as a nonprofit that supports scientists around the world (111 countries!) and lowers barriers to scientific resources, then we finish with Addgene's role in the community and Alyssa's involvement with CoLAB and mentoring students at the Watertown High School.

Learn more about Addgene
Learn more about CoLAB

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16414246 Fri, 10 Jan 2025 12:00:00 -0500 2136 39 full false Little Local Weekly (January 8th-14th, 2025) Little Local Weekly (January 8th-14th, 2025) Hi there! This is my first attempt at a Little Local Weekly episode where I give headlines, updates, and other insights from previous guests for the week ahead. Let me know what you think!

Links:
Gore Place Puppet Show
Mosesian Center for the Arts Winter Classes
Mosesian Center for the Arts Summer Programs
River of Light Lantern Parade
Resolutions Bingo: Website | Instagram | Facebook
One Book, One Watertown
Craft Supply Swap
Creative Chats!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Hi there! This is my first attempt at a Little Local Weekly episode where I give headlines, updates, and other insights from previous guests for the week ahead. Let me know what you think!

Links:
Gore Place Puppet Show
Mosesian Center for the Arts Winter Classes
Mosesian Center for the Arts Summer Programs
River of Light Lantern Parade
Resolutions Bingo: Website | Instagram | Facebook
One Book, One Watertown
Craft Supply Swap
Creative Chats!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16398868 Tue, 07 Jan 2025 16:00:00 -0500 948 full false Episode 38: Cameron Labrecque (Boston Gold Kings) Episode 38: Cameron Labrecque (Boston Gold Kings) Meet Cameron Labrecque! He's the GM and Director of Hockey Operations for the Boston Gold Kings, a semi-professional hockey team here in Watertown. We talk about his personal hockey journey, the challenges of the semi-professional hockey world, the experience of coming to a game, and more.

Find out more about the Gold Kings (and find their schedule):
Instagram
Facebook

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Cameron Labrecque! He's the GM and Director of Hockey Operations for the Boston Gold Kings, a semi-professional hockey team here in Watertown. We talk about his personal hockey journey, the challenges of the semi-professional hockey world, the experience of coming to a game, and more.

Find out more about the Gold Kings (and find their schedule):
Instagram
Facebook

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16372585 Fri, 03 Jan 2025 08:00:00 -0500 1311 38 full false Episode 37: Sophia Suarez-Friedman (Watertown Social Services Resource Specialist / Wayside Youth & Family Support Network) Episode 37: Sophia Suarez-Friedman (Watertown Social Services Resource Specialist / Wayside Youth & Family Support Network) Meet Sophia Suarez-Friedman! She's a clinical social worker and coordinator of the Watertown Social Services Resource Specialist Program at the Wayside Youth and Family Support Network. We talk about her early experiences with social work in DC and why the field is interesting and important to her, coming to Wayside in Watertown and how she fell in love with the community and its people, we dig into what Wayside does and its history in Watertown, the resources and ways she helps support people, housing in Watertown, being part of a group that started the community fridge, and more.

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out at 617-744-9585 or online.

Let me know you're coming to the very first (and free) Creative Chats event! January 17th, 830-10am at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. 

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Sophia Suarez-Friedman! She's a clinical social worker and coordinator of the Watertown Social Services Resource Specialist Program at the Wayside Youth and Family Support Network. We talk about her early experiences with social work in DC and why the field is interesting and important to her, coming to Wayside in Watertown and how she fell in love with the community and its people, we dig into what Wayside does and its history in Watertown, the resources and ways she helps support people, housing in Watertown, being part of a group that started the community fridge, and more.

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out at 617-744-9585 or online.

Let me know you're coming to the very first (and free) Creative Chats event! January 17th, 830-10am at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. 

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16344812 Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0500 2000 37 full false Episode 36: Matthew Stephens (Mount Auburn Cemetery) Episode 36: Matthew Stephens (Mount Auburn Cemetery) Meet Matthew Stephens! He's the President and CEO of the Mount Auburn Cemetery here in Watertown (yes, it's mostly in Watertown!). We chat about his background in horticulture including planting 1 million trees in NYC, how Mt Auburn was the first designed public landscape in the country and for many years was the #2 tourist attraction (behind Niagara Falls), why Mt Auburn is a place just as much for the living as the dead, how the country's best mature tree collection serves as the lungs of Watertown accounting for 1/3 of all tree canopy in Watertown (2/3 of all public space), and more!

Find out more about Mount Auburn at: www.mountauburn.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Matthew Stephens! He's the President and CEO of the Mount Auburn Cemetery here in Watertown (yes, it's mostly in Watertown!). We chat about his background in horticulture including planting 1 million trees in NYC, how Mt Auburn was the first designed public landscape in the country and for many years was the #2 tourist attraction (behind Niagara Falls), why Mt Auburn is a place just as much for the living as the dead, how the country's best mature tree collection serves as the lungs of Watertown accounting for 1/3 of all tree canopy in Watertown (2/3 of all public space), and more!

Find out more about Mount Auburn at: www.mountauburn.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16315581 Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0500 2042 36 full false Episode 35: Nicole Gardner (Watertown District A City Councilor) Episode 35: Nicole Gardner (Watertown District A City Councilor) Meet Nicole Gardner! She's the City Councilor for District A (East End) here in Watertown. We chat about her years of work in the management consulting world, how shifting into HR opened her eyes to the importance of diversity and inclusion and informed a lifelong human-centered philosophy, her diving into the Watertown community (from helping at the Perkins School for the Blind to starting the Watertown Buy Nothing Facebook group), and we of course dig into what it's like being a city councilor and the issues affecting the present and future of Watertown.

Learn more about Nicole at: www.nicoleforwatertown.com

Sign up for her email newsletter to stay up-to-date on council updates and information on other Watertown happenings.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Nicole Gardner! She's the City Councilor for District A (East End) here in Watertown. We chat about her years of work in the management consulting world, how shifting into HR opened her eyes to the importance of diversity and inclusion and informed a lifelong human-centered philosophy, her diving into the Watertown community (from helping at the Perkins School for the Blind to starting the Watertown Buy Nothing Facebook group), and we of course dig into what it's like being a city councilor and the issues affecting the present and future of Watertown.

Learn more about Nicole at: www.nicoleforwatertown.com

Sign up for her email newsletter to stay up-to-date on council updates and information on other Watertown happenings.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16270895 Fri, 13 Dec 2024 08:00:00 -0500 2738 35 full false Episode 34: Elan Rohde (Campolongo Cookie Company) Episode 34: Elan Rohde (Campolongo Cookie Company) Meet Elan Rohde! She's the owner of Campolongo Cookie Company right here in Watertown. We dig into how she used her anthropology and archaeology background to learn the science of baking and hone her cookie recipe over the years, the importance of knowing her ingredients and making her own vanilla extract and brown sugar, the lessons learned from running a food business without a brick-and-mortar location (and doing it while raising 5 kids!), and more!

Find out more about Elan and her cookies: www.campolongocookiecompany.com

I have a new website! I'll be using it to showcase all the episodes, future podcast spinoffs (stay tuned!), and in-person events I'm starting up. (Also I just think it looks nice!)
www.littlelocalconversations.com

See all the info about the first Creative Chats! event on January 17th!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Elan Rohde! She's the owner of Campolongo Cookie Company right here in Watertown. We dig into how she used her anthropology and archaeology background to learn the science of baking and hone her cookie recipe over the years, the importance of knowing her ingredients and making her own vanilla extract and brown sugar, the lessons learned from running a food business without a brick-and-mortar location (and doing it while raising 5 kids!), and more!

Find out more about Elan and her cookies: www.campolongocookiecompany.com

I have a new website! I'll be using it to showcase all the episodes, future podcast spinoffs (stay tuned!), and in-person events I'm starting up. (Also I just think it looks nice!)
www.littlelocalconversations.com

See all the info about the first Creative Chats! event on January 17th!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16233258 Fri, 06 Dec 2024 11:00:00 -0500 2494 34 full false Episode 33: Arto Vaun (Project Save Photograph Archive / Musician/Poet) Episode 33: Arto Vaun (Project Save Photograph Archive / Musician/Poet) Meet Arto Vaun! He's Executive Director of Project Save Photograph Archive and a musician and poet here in Watertown. We talk about his own journey as a self-described late bloomer in owning his artistic identity to now getting public acclaim for his music, how he came to be interested in joining Project Save and his vision for reimagining it for the future to have a broader scope outside of just the Armenian community, and we dive into the backstory of Project Save and its founder and how it's a truly incredible 50 year old cultural collection that is unique not only in the region, but the country and world.

Find out more about Arto and Project Save at projectsave.org and come join their 50th anniversary celebration!

Find Arto the musician at artovaun.com.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Arto Vaun! He's Executive Director of Project Save Photograph Archive and a musician and poet here in Watertown. We talk about his own journey as a self-described late bloomer in owning his artistic identity to now getting public acclaim for his music, how he came to be interested in joining Project Save and his vision for reimagining it for the future to have a broader scope outside of just the Armenian community, and we dive into the backstory of Project Save and its founder and how it's a truly incredible 50 year old cultural collection that is unique not only in the region, but the country and world.

Find out more about Arto and Project Save at projectsave.org and come join their 50th anniversary celebration!

Find Arto the musician at artovaun.com.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16158393 Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0500 2998 33 full false Episode 32: George Proakis (Watertown City Manager) Episode 32: George Proakis (Watertown City Manager) Meet George Proakis! He's the city manager for the City of Watertown. There's a lot to talk about in Watertown! We scratch the surface with:

  • His background and early experiences with civil engineering, public administration, and city planning from corn fields to Assembly Row.
  • The unique strengths of Watertown from its strong fiscal foundation to its regionally exceptional wedding venue.
  • The documents and frameworks that influence how he approaches his job as city manager.
  • The process of building a budget for the city and how the city council has chosen prioritizing new growth over raising taxes.
  • There's extra money this year! What projects might that money get funneled towards?
  • The strategy behind the Watertown Square Area Plan.
  • The large question of how to deal with housing and real estate development in the area.
  • How he addressed job vacancies and added 30 new city positions in his first 2 years.
  • How thinking "abnormally" sometimes can get to solutions like Vee the Goose Dog.
  • And more!

Reach out with any questions about Watertown with the city's 311 service. Call 311 (or 617-715-8660 from outside Watertown) to ask questions or report an issue.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet George Proakis! He's the city manager for the City of Watertown. There's a lot to talk about in Watertown! We scratch the surface with:

  • His background and early experiences with civil engineering, public administration, and city planning from corn fields to Assembly Row.
  • The unique strengths of Watertown from its strong fiscal foundation to its regionally exceptional wedding venue.
  • The documents and frameworks that influence how he approaches his job as city manager.
  • The process of building a budget for the city and how the city council has chosen prioritizing new growth over raising taxes.
  • There's extra money this year! What projects might that money get funneled towards?
  • The strategy behind the Watertown Square Area Plan.
  • The large question of how to deal with housing and real estate development in the area.
  • How he addressed job vacancies and added 30 new city positions in his first 2 years.
  • How thinking "abnormally" sometimes can get to solutions like Vee the Goose Dog.
  • And more!

Reach out with any questions about Watertown with the city's 311 service. Call 311 (or 617-715-8660 from outside Watertown) to ask questions or report an issue.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16111972 Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0500 3134 32 full false Episode 31: Ernie Thebado (Watertown Director of Recreation) Episode 31: Ernie Thebado (Watertown Director of Recreation) Meet Ernie Thebado! He's the new Director of Recreation for the City of Watertown (though he's no stranger to rec in Watertown!). We chat about the people and moments that shaped him (as a kid and an adult) at Boys and Girls Clubs in Marlborough and Watertown, what he loves about working with kids, how he thinks about the future of recreation, and of course we delve into the programs you can find in Watertown including the typical sports fare, but also robotics, chess, cooking...and more coming down the road!

Find out more about Ernie and recreation in Watertown at: recreation.watertown-ma.gov

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Ernie Thebado! He's the new Director of Recreation for the City of Watertown (though he's no stranger to rec in Watertown!). We chat about the people and moments that shaped him (as a kid and an adult) at Boys and Girls Clubs in Marlborough and Watertown, what he loves about working with kids, how he thinks about the future of recreation, and of course we delve into the programs you can find in Watertown including the typical sports fare, but also robotics, chess, cooking...and more coming down the road!

Find out more about Ernie and recreation in Watertown at: recreation.watertown-ma.gov

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16071972 Fri, 08 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500 1979 31 full false Episode 30: Steve "Nookie" Postal (Revival Cafe + Kitchen) Episode 30: Steve "Nookie" Postal (Revival Cafe + Kitchen) Meet Nookie Postal! He's a chef and co-owner of the new Revival Cafe and Kitchen here in Watertown. We get into a conversation about his culinary journey:

  • From growing up where a nice night of food was going out to a chain restaurant to studying at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts
  • His early years in the area cutting his teeth at Casablanca, Chez Henri, and Icarus
  • Being sous chef at Oleana when it first opened and the lessons he learned 
  • Playing poker to make his living while in Spain for 6 months
  • What it's like being executive chef at Fenway Park for 7 years (including getting a World Series ring, Fenway Frank insights, and what's Big Papi's favorite dish)
  • Traveling around the world and making it to the final episode of a Top Chef meets Amazing Race style TV show on Bravo
  • Opening his first restaurant, Commonwealth, in Kendall Square in 2013
  • Teaming up with Liza Shirazi of Crema Cafe in 2017 to start the first Revival Cafe
  • Insights into what it's like being a restaurant owner and why he's a hard no on Question 5 about tips on the MA ballot

Find out more about Nookie and Revival at www.revivalcafeandkitchen.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Nookie Postal! He's a chef and co-owner of the new Revival Cafe and Kitchen here in Watertown. We get into a conversation about his culinary journey:

  • From growing up where a nice night of food was going out to a chain restaurant to studying at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts
  • His early years in the area cutting his teeth at Casablanca, Chez Henri, and Icarus
  • Being sous chef at Oleana when it first opened and the lessons he learned 
  • Playing poker to make his living while in Spain for 6 months
  • What it's like being executive chef at Fenway Park for 7 years (including getting a World Series ring, Fenway Frank insights, and what's Big Papi's favorite dish)
  • Traveling around the world and making it to the final episode of a Top Chef meets Amazing Race style TV show on Bravo
  • Opening his first restaurant, Commonwealth, in Kendall Square in 2013
  • Teaming up with Liza Shirazi of Crema Cafe in 2017 to start the first Revival Cafe
  • Insights into what it's like being a restaurant owner and why he's a hard no on Question 5 about tips on the MA ballot

Find out more about Nookie and Revival at www.revivalcafeandkitchen.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-16032064 Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0400 2067 30 full false Episode 29: Ruth Rappaport (Musician) Episode 29: Ruth Rappaport (Musician) Meet Ruth Rappaport! She's a musician living here in Watertown. Listen to hear about:

  • Being a self-taught guitarist and growing up surrounded by the folk revival and cowboy music
  • How running a coffeehouse and working at record labels helped propel her into the string band music scene
  • Playing in a well-known band in her genre, The Poodles, and how they once had Julia Child kicking up her heels 
  • Her personal greatest contribution to Watertown as the driving force behind the reconstruction of Nonantum Road
  • Her day jobs in the nonprofit world including one with an organization that won the Nobel Peace Prize
  • Her music career now playing 15-20 gigs a month

Listen to more of Ruth's music and get in contact with her at:
www.ruthrappaportmusic.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Ruth Rappaport! She's a musician living here in Watertown. Listen to hear about:

  • Being a self-taught guitarist and growing up surrounded by the folk revival and cowboy music
  • How running a coffeehouse and working at record labels helped propel her into the string band music scene
  • Playing in a well-known band in her genre, The Poodles, and how they once had Julia Child kicking up her heels 
  • Her personal greatest contribution to Watertown as the driving force behind the reconstruction of Nonantum Road
  • Her day jobs in the nonprofit world including one with an organization that won the Nobel Peace Prize
  • Her music career now playing 15-20 gigs a month

Listen to more of Ruth's music and get in contact with her at:
www.ruthrappaportmusic.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15992040 Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2133 29 full false Episode 28: Erin Rathe (Watertown Senior Planner for Economic Development) Episode 28: Erin Rathe (Watertown Senior Planner for Economic Development) Meet Erin Rathe! She's the Senior Planner for Economic Development for the City of Watertown, a brand new position for the city. We talk about her journey transitioning from pursuing a PhD in English literature to owning a handcrafted gift shop to shifting into the world of economic development. We get into what it is that an economic developer actually does, the importance of storytelling and communication in her role, balancing short term pain with positive long term outcomes, and what the economic landscape looks like in Watertown.

Find Watertown economic resources and reach out to Erin here.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Erin Rathe! She's the Senior Planner for Economic Development for the City of Watertown, a brand new position for the city. We talk about her journey transitioning from pursuing a PhD in English literature to owning a handcrafted gift shop to shifting into the world of economic development. We get into what it is that an economic developer actually does, the importance of storytelling and communication in her role, balancing short term pain with positive long term outcomes, and what the economic landscape looks like in Watertown.

Find Watertown economic resources and reach out to Erin here.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15950343 Fri, 18 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2281 28 full false Episode 27: Ryan Nicholson (Watertown Fire Chief) Episode 27: Ryan Nicholson (Watertown Fire Chief) Meet Ryan Nicholson! He's the Fire Chief at the Watertown Fire Department. We chat about his Watertown roots, then his journey from early experiences on ambulances all the way up to fire chief with stops as training officer, fire inspector, deputy chief, and more along the way. Listen to hear about:
- What firefighters do when they're not dealing with emergencies
- The procedures they follow to deal with 7,500 emergency calls a year
- The recent shifts in firefighter culture
- Ryan's goals for the future of the department

Learn more and contact the department (for non-emergency questions) here:
www.fire.watertown-ma.gov/1019/Fire-Department

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Ryan Nicholson! He's the Fire Chief at the Watertown Fire Department. We chat about his Watertown roots, then his journey from early experiences on ambulances all the way up to fire chief with stops as training officer, fire inspector, deputy chief, and more along the way. Listen to hear about:
- What firefighters do when they're not dealing with emergencies
- The procedures they follow to deal with 7,500 emergency calls a year
- The recent shifts in firefighter culture
- Ryan's goals for the future of the department

Learn more and contact the department (for non-emergency questions) here:
www.fire.watertown-ma.gov/1019/Fire-Department

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15911035 Fri, 11 Oct 2024 16:00:00 -0400 2265 27 full false Episode 26: Peter Pyne (Olespaña) Episode 26: Peter Pyne (Olespaña) Meet Peter Pyne! He's the executive chef and owner of Olespaña, a Spanish bar and restaurant here in Watertown. We talk about growing up as a farmer in northern Spain (but also studying economics), the cultural differences between the US and Spain and how those play out in the restaurant business, how he's put a lot of thought into the interior design of the place (including Victorian bathtub chandeliers, antique radios, and drink taps installed in pianos), the challenges of managing food with a restaurant that makes fresh homemade meals, the history of tapas, and more!

Find out more about Peter and Olespaña at olespana.com or just stop in and say hello to Peter at 645 Mt Auburn St.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Peter Pyne! He's the executive chef and owner of Olespaña, a Spanish bar and restaurant here in Watertown. We talk about growing up as a farmer in northern Spain (but also studying economics), the cultural differences between the US and Spain and how those play out in the restaurant business, how he's put a lot of thought into the interior design of the place (including Victorian bathtub chandeliers, antique radios, and drink taps installed in pianos), the challenges of managing food with a restaurant that makes fresh homemade meals, the history of tapas, and more!

Find out more about Peter and Olespaña at olespana.com or just stop in and say hello to Peter at 645 Mt Auburn St.

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15869442 Fri, 04 Oct 2024 12:00:00 -0400 2118 26 full false A Quick Update From Matt A Quick Update From Matt Hi there! This is just a short message saying that I'll be taking a short break from releasing new episodes, but I'll be back at it in a few weeks. Until then, take care!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Hi there! This is just a short message saying that I'll be taking a short break from releasing new episodes, but I'll be back at it in a few weeks. Until then, take care!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15668156 Fri, 30 Aug 2024 08:00:00 -0400 128 full false Episode 25: Sally Young (Artist-Activist / Edible Watertown) Episode 25: Sally Young (Artist-Activist / Edible Watertown) Meet Sally Young! She's an artist and art activist here in Watertown and the mind behind Edible Watertown, an initiative of the Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee. She's had a winding journey to get where she is now that includes being in the Peace Corps in Tunisia, doing social work in Philadelphia, and being the program coordinator of the Loeb Fellowship for the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. We start the conversation talking about growing up on a farm where she had a sheep named Troubles following her around the kitchen and end it with a discussion of Edible Watertown and other environmental and art-based projects she envisions for the future of Watertown.

Connect with Sally on Instagram and Facebook
Learn more about Edible Watertown: www.watertown-ma.gov/815/Edible-Watertown

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Sally Young! She's an artist and art activist here in Watertown and the mind behind Edible Watertown, an initiative of the Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee. She's had a winding journey to get where she is now that includes being in the Peace Corps in Tunisia, doing social work in Philadelphia, and being the program coordinator of the Loeb Fellowship for the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. We start the conversation talking about growing up on a farm where she had a sheep named Troubles following her around the kitchen and end it with a discussion of Edible Watertown and other environmental and art-based projects she envisions for the future of Watertown.

Connect with Sally on Instagram and Facebook
Learn more about Edible Watertown: www.watertown-ma.gov/815/Edible-Watertown

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15629686 Fri, 23 Aug 2024 11:00:00 -0400 2212 25 full false Episode 24: Joel Giacobozzi (Watertown High School & Middle School Principal) Episode 24: Joel Giacobozzi (Watertown High School & Middle School Principal) Meet Joel Giacobozzi! He's the principal for the Watertown High School and (at least temporarily) for the Middle School as well. He has some surprising stories you might not expect for a principal such as stints living alone in the Yukon and studying Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Brazil. We talk about those stories as well as his 3-day career in finance, his love of music (he actually minored in classical trumpet in college), his enjoyment of construction and repair work (and how that helps him with the new high school building project), and of course his path to his current role and his vision for the schools' future.

Learn more about the High School and Middle School or send Joel an email: joel.giacobozzi@watertown.k12.ma.us

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Joel Giacobozzi! He's the principal for the Watertown High School and (at least temporarily) for the Middle School as well. He has some surprising stories you might not expect for a principal such as stints living alone in the Yukon and studying Brazilian jiu-jitsu in Brazil. We talk about those stories as well as his 3-day career in finance, his love of music (he actually minored in classical trumpet in college), his enjoyment of construction and repair work (and how that helps him with the new high school building project), and of course his path to his current role and his vision for the schools' future.

Learn more about the High School and Middle School or send Joel an email: joel.giacobozzi@watertown.k12.ma.us

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15593085 Fri, 16 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400 1793 24 full false Episode 23: Tyler Cote (Watertown Community Engagement Specialist) Episode 23: Tyler Cote (Watertown Community Engagement Specialist) Meet Tyler Cote! He’s the Community Engagement Specialist for Watertown, a new role in the city. We get into a conversation about his days working in a nonprofit teaching kids about online safety and a particular day there that forever changed his view on community engagements, we chat about what a community engagement specialist actually does and how it’s become a much larger role than he originally thought, and we dig a little into his history in bowling (including being part of a 3x state champion team back in high school).

Reach out to Tyler:
tcote@watertown-ma.gov
Or show up to one of the Watertown Chats:
https://watertown-ma.gov/1343/Watertown-Chats

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Tyler Cote! He’s the Community Engagement Specialist for Watertown, a new role in the city. We get into a conversation about his days working in a nonprofit teaching kids about online safety and a particular day there that forever changed his view on community engagements, we chat about what a community engagement specialist actually does and how it’s become a much larger role than he originally thought, and we dig a little into his history in bowling (including being part of a 3x state champion team back in high school).

Reach out to Tyler:
tcote@watertown-ma.gov
Or show up to one of the Watertown Chats:
https://watertown-ma.gov/1343/Watertown-Chats

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15557653 Fri, 09 Aug 2024 13:00:00 -0400 2250 23 full false Episode 22: Stephanie Venizelos (Watertown Community Wellness Program Manager) Episode 22: Stephanie Venizelos (Watertown Community Wellness Program Manager) Meet Stephanie Venizelos! She’s the Community Wellness Program Manager for the City of Watertown (which includes managing the farmers market!). We chat about her early years teaching health in schools and her transition into broader thinking roles around helping people thrive and do well, what drew her to Watertown and how getting involved in the school community led her on a path to her current role, and we dig into all the things that Live Well Watertown focuses on from food security to mental health to movement to social well being and more.

Find out more about Stephanie and all the community wellness programming at: www.livewellwatertown.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Stephanie Venizelos! She’s the Community Wellness Program Manager for the City of Watertown (which includes managing the farmers market!). We chat about her early years teaching health in schools and her transition into broader thinking roles around helping people thrive and do well, what drew her to Watertown and how getting involved in the school community led her on a path to her current role, and we dig into all the things that Live Well Watertown focuses on from food security to mental health to movement to social well being and more.

Find out more about Stephanie and all the community wellness programming at: www.livewellwatertown.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15521244 Fri, 02 Aug 2024 14:00:00 -0400 1823 22 full false Episode 21: Christian Dallas (Dallas Insurance Agency / Watertown Rotary Club) Episode 21: Christian Dallas (Dallas Insurance Agency / Watertown Rotary Club) Meet Christian Dallas! He's an insurance agent at Dallas Insurance Agency here in Watertown and is the president-elect of the Watertown Rotary Club. We chat about his experience working his way into the Watertown community and how the kindness of the already established people led him to start wanting to give back even more, what it's like stepping into a longtime family business focused on going the extra mile (literally in some cases), and we get into his Dancing with the Watertown Stars victory and his stand-up comedy history (and possibly future?).

Learn more and get in contact with Christian:
Dallas Insurance Agency
Watertown Rotary Club
See him moonwalk! (about 35 minutes in)

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Christian Dallas! He's an insurance agent at Dallas Insurance Agency here in Watertown and is the president-elect of the Watertown Rotary Club. We chat about his experience working his way into the Watertown community and how the kindness of the already established people led him to start wanting to give back even more, what it's like stepping into a longtime family business focused on going the extra mile (literally in some cases), and we get into his Dancing with the Watertown Stars victory and his stand-up comedy history (and possibly future?).

Learn more and get in contact with Christian:
Dallas Insurance Agency
Watertown Rotary Club
See him moonwalk! (about 35 minutes in)

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15480144 Fri, 26 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1825 21 full false Episode 20: Gideon Schreiber (Watertown Director of Planning and Zoning) Episode 20: Gideon Schreiber (Watertown Director of Planning and Zoning) Meet Gideon Schreiber! He's the Director of Planning and Zoning for the City of Watertown. We chat about his early experiences in the wilderness of Northern Idaho and the cold of Fairbanks, Alaska (where he once spent a month with temperatures never being above negative thirty degrees), his interest in the history of Watertown from its industrial roots with the world's fastest car to the invention of the flat-bottomed grocery bag to discovering that there used to be farms in the city not that long ago, and of course we talk about the process of planning in Watertown and how he's on the side of all the people who want an ice cream shop in Watertown Square.

Reach Gideon and find out more about community development and planning in the city here: watertown-ma.gov/171/Community-Development-Planning

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Gideon Schreiber! He's the Director of Planning and Zoning for the City of Watertown. We chat about his early experiences in the wilderness of Northern Idaho and the cold of Fairbanks, Alaska (where he once spent a month with temperatures never being above negative thirty degrees), his interest in the history of Watertown from its industrial roots with the world's fastest car to the invention of the flat-bottomed grocery bag to discovering that there used to be farms in the city not that long ago, and of course we talk about the process of planning in Watertown and how he's on the side of all the people who want an ice cream shop in Watertown Square.

Reach Gideon and find out more about community development and planning in the city here: watertown-ma.gov/171/Community-Development-Planning

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15441208 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400 1874 20 full false Episode 19: Steve Owens (Massachussets State Representative) Episode 19: Steve Owens (Massachussets State Representative) Meet Steve Owens! He's the State Representative for the 29th Middlesex District which includes most of Watertown and part of Cambridge. We chat about missing the boat on the Silicon Valley gold rush, his history in freight transportation management, why a former state rep going to the RMV led to his first moment realizing he was making some actual important political decisions, insights from knocking on people's doors, the challenges of getting information to constituents and getting constituents to reach out to him, and how he approaches information gathering to be able to vote on thousands of bills each session.

Find out more about Steve:
www.votesteveowens.com
@votesteveowens (Instagram, Facebook)

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Steve Owens! He's the State Representative for the 29th Middlesex District which includes most of Watertown and part of Cambridge. We chat about missing the boat on the Silicon Valley gold rush, his history in freight transportation management, why a former state rep going to the RMV led to his first moment realizing he was making some actual important political decisions, insights from knocking on people's doors, the challenges of getting information to constituents and getting constituents to reach out to him, and how he approaches information gathering to be able to vote on thousands of bills each session.

Find out more about Steve:
www.votesteveowens.com
@votesteveowens (Instagram, Facebook)

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15403636 Fri, 12 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1753 19 full false Episode 18: Tia Tilson (Watertown Community Foundation) Episode 18: Tia Tilson (Watertown Community Foundation) Meet Tia Tilson! She's the Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation, a place-based philanthropic organization here in Watertown. We chat about her early grassroots organizing and fundraising experiences and the lessons learned, how biking and gardening grounds her and allows her to recharge, and we get into the wide range of things the Watertown Community Foundation helps support (including some that you might not have known about!).

Learn more about the Watertown Community Foundation, what they do, and how you can help here: www.watertownfoundation.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Tia Tilson! She's the Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation, a place-based philanthropic organization here in Watertown. We chat about her early grassroots organizing and fundraising experiences and the lessons learned, how biking and gardening grounds her and allows her to recharge, and we get into the wide range of things the Watertown Community Foundation helps support (including some that you might not have known about!).

Learn more about the Watertown Community Foundation, what they do, and how you can help here: www.watertownfoundation.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15366733 Fri, 05 Jul 2024 12:00:00 -0400 1694 18 full false Episode 17: Julie Fei-Fan Balzer (Painter/Printmaker/Collage Artist) Episode 17: Julie Fei-Fan Balzer (Painter/Printmaker/Collage Artist) Meet Julie Fei-Fan Balzer! She's a painter, printmaker, and collage artist here in Watertown. We chat about her winding journey as a self-taught artist from her early rejections from scrapbooking magazines to snowballing hard work and luck into becoming a professional artist with tens of thousands of online followers (though we also talk about vanity versus practicality with social media numbers and how she views it now at this point in her career), her view of using failure to fuel you rather than defeat you to combat perfectionist inclinations, and the importance for her of helping people make the art they want to make and not simply copying her.

Connect with Julie:
Website: www.juliebalzer.com
Social: @balzerdesigns on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook
Check out her new online community she mentioned in the episode: www.myartpractice.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Julie Fei-Fan Balzer! She's a painter, printmaker, and collage artist here in Watertown. We chat about her winding journey as a self-taught artist from her early rejections from scrapbooking magazines to snowballing hard work and luck into becoming a professional artist with tens of thousands of online followers (though we also talk about vanity versus practicality with social media numbers and how she views it now at this point in her career), her view of using failure to fuel you rather than defeat you to combat perfectionist inclinations, and the importance for her of helping people make the art they want to make and not simply copying her.

Connect with Julie:
Website: www.juliebalzer.com
Social: @balzerdesigns on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook
Check out her new online community she mentioned in the episode: www.myartpractice.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15328638 Fri, 28 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400 2203 17 full false Episode 16: Darren Farrington (Mosesian Center for the Arts) Episode 16: Darren Farrington (Mosesian Center for the Arts) Meet Darren Farrington! He's the Executive Director at the Mosesian Center for the Arts here in Watertown. We talk about his roots in the arts including a stint as an entertainment lawyer and interning for Les Mis in New York to arts advocacy and running educational theater in Connecticut, we discuss his transition to his current role in 2020 and dealing with all those challenges, and of course we talk about all the things you can enjoy at the MCA including comedy, improv, open mics, jazz, art exhibits, theater, classes for children and adults, and more!

See everything that's going on at the Mosesian Center for the Arts:
Website: www.mosesianarts.org
Instagram: @mosesianarts
Facebook: MosesianCenterfortheArts

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Darren Farrington! He's the Executive Director at the Mosesian Center for the Arts here in Watertown. We talk about his roots in the arts including a stint as an entertainment lawyer and interning for Les Mis in New York to arts advocacy and running educational theater in Connecticut, we discuss his transition to his current role in 2020 and dealing with all those challenges, and of course we talk about all the things you can enjoy at the MCA including comedy, improv, open mics, jazz, art exhibits, theater, classes for children and adults, and more!

See everything that's going on at the Mosesian Center for the Arts:
Website: www.mosesianarts.org
Instagram: @mosesianarts
Facebook: MosesianCenterfortheArts

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15289615 Fri, 21 Jun 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1592 16 full false Episode 15: Kristen Kenny (Artist / Arts Organizer) Episode 15: Kristen Kenny (Artist / Arts Organizer) Meet Kristen Kenny! She's an artist, arts organizer, and Chair of the Watertown Arts Market. We chat about how her wide-ranging artistic interests were a result of a childhood surrounded by musicians and artists, creating and running her own fashion business for over 20 years, learning to read (and find the tricks in) contracts and dealing with difficult people while booking bands for venues all over the Boston area (Paradise, Orpheum, Tweeter Center), the origins of the Watertown Arts Market, and her vision of the future of arts in Watertown.

Find out more about the Watertown Arts Market: www.watertownartsmarket.com
Learn more about Earfull: earfull.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Kristen Kenny! She's an artist, arts organizer, and Chair of the Watertown Arts Market. We chat about how her wide-ranging artistic interests were a result of a childhood surrounded by musicians and artists, creating and running her own fashion business for over 20 years, learning to read (and find the tricks in) contracts and dealing with difficult people while booking bands for venues all over the Boston area (Paradise, Orpheum, Tweeter Center), the origins of the Watertown Arts Market, and her vision of the future of arts in Watertown.

Find out more about the Watertown Arts Market: www.watertownartsmarket.com
Learn more about Earfull: earfull.org

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15252066 Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0400 1679 15 full false Episode 14: Ariel Nathanson (Finances for Feminists) Episode 14: Ariel Nathanson (Finances for Feminists) Meet Ariel Nathanson! She's the founder of Finances for Feminists, a financial coaching business here in Watertown. We chat about her early interest in money (including keeping spreadsheets of her Beanie Baby collection), the three lenses she views finance through (political, societal, and individual) and how that drives the way she approaches her coaching, and we talk about a few of her favorite local places including coffee shops (and how yes, it's okay to buy yourself a latte).

Learn more about Ariel and Finances for Feminists: www.financesforfeminists.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Ariel Nathanson! She's the founder of Finances for Feminists, a financial coaching business here in Watertown. We chat about her early interest in money (including keeping spreadsheets of her Beanie Baby collection), the three lenses she views finance through (political, societal, and individual) and how that drives the way she approaches her coaching, and we talk about a few of her favorite local places including coffee shops (and how yes, it's okay to buy yourself a latte).

Learn more about Ariel and Finances for Feminists: www.financesforfeminists.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15212345 Fri, 07 Jun 2024 12:00:00 -0400 1705 14 full false Episode 13: Amelia Young (Hatch Makerspace) Episode 13: Amelia Young (Hatch Makerspace) Meet Amelia Young! She's the Coordinator at Hatch Makerspace here in Watertown. We chat about her early discoveries with materials, her path being involved with various collaborative spaces over the years at MassArt, Harvard, a middle school library, and the Institute for Contemporary Art, and of course we talk about Hatch itself including tools (from 3D printers to sewing machines), free classes (actually everything is free there!), and the Boston Potato Ghost Club.

Learn more about Hatch: https://watertownlib.org/hatch
See the upcoming events and classes at Hatch: https://watertownlib.org/hatchcal

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Amelia Young! She's the Coordinator at Hatch Makerspace here in Watertown. We chat about her early discoveries with materials, her path being involved with various collaborative spaces over the years at MassArt, Harvard, a middle school library, and the Institute for Contemporary Art, and of course we talk about Hatch itself including tools (from 3D printers to sewing machines), free classes (actually everything is free there!), and the Boston Potato Ghost Club.

Learn more about Hatch: https://watertownlib.org/hatch
See the upcoming events and classes at Hatch: https://watertownlib.org/hatchcal

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15169918 Fri, 31 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400 1996 13 full false Episode 12: Liz Padula (Artemis Yoga) Episode 12: Liz Padula (Artemis Yoga) Meet Liz Padula! She's the owner of Artemis Yoga here in Watertown. We chat about her childhood experiences with yoga and body awareness, her time in Silicon Valley (and how she left to seek something more impactful to people's day-to-day life), and how she's gone about cultivating a welcoming community within her studio and in places throughout the larger community.

Learn more about Artemis and what it offers here: https://artemisyoga.com/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Liz Padula! She's the owner of Artemis Yoga here in Watertown. We chat about her childhood experiences with yoga and body awareness, her time in Silicon Valley (and how she left to seek something more impactful to people's day-to-day life), and how she's gone about cultivating a welcoming community within her studio and in places throughout the larger community.

Learn more about Artemis and what it offers here: https://artemisyoga.com/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15124463 Thu, 23 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400 1409 12 full false Episode 11: Andrea Santopietro (WCA-TV) Episode 11: Andrea Santopietro (WCA-TV) Meet Andrea Santopietro! She's the Executive Director at Watertown Cable Access Corporation (better known as WCA-TV). We chat about how she first got into film and into her current role, the variety of resources WCA-TV offers the community (including podcasting workshops!), and WCA-TV's unique source of funding (and how cutting your cable affects their funding).

Visit WCA-TV's website to see all their upcoming workshops: https://wcatv.org/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Andrea Santopietro! She's the Executive Director at Watertown Cable Access Corporation (better known as WCA-TV). We chat about how she first got into film and into her current role, the variety of resources WCA-TV offers the community (including podcasting workshops!), and WCA-TV's unique source of funding (and how cutting your cable affects their funding).

Visit WCA-TV's website to see all their upcoming workshops: https://wcatv.org/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15086127 Fri, 17 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400 1504 11 full false Episode 10: Bob Airasian (Real Estate Broker / Watertown Business Coalition) Episode 10: Bob Airasian (Real Estate Broker / Watertown Business Coalition) Meet Bob Airasian! He's a real estate broker, co-president of the Watertown Business Coalition, and is involved with many other things in Watertown. We talk about his biggest volunteer moments, how he carved his path through a couple career changes, and his belief that if you focus on helping others you'll get what you need in business and life.

Find Bob here: https://bobairasian.com/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Bob Airasian! He's a real estate broker, co-president of the Watertown Business Coalition, and is involved with many other things in Watertown. We talk about his biggest volunteer moments, how he carved his path through a couple career changes, and his belief that if you focus on helping others you'll get what you need in business and life.

Find Bob here: https://bobairasian.com/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15035021 Wed, 08 May 2024 13:00:00 -0400 2063 10 full false Episode 9: Archy LaSalle (Activist / Photographer) Episode 9: Archy LaSalle (Activist / Photographer) Meet Archy LaSalle! He's the Vice Chair of the Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee, a passionate activist, and working photographer. Archy has a lot of stories and we touch on some of them by chatting about his experiences in educational activism including being part of multiple efforts to open first-of-their-kind centers, schools, and programs, his personal roots in activism and art, and his immense valuation of kindness, courage, and helping others.

Archy's photography: https://www.archylasalle.com/
Where Are All the Black People At: https://www.wherearealltheblackpeopleat.com/
Archy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archylasalle/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Archy LaSalle! He's the Vice Chair of the Watertown Public Arts and Culture Committee, a passionate activist, and working photographer. Archy has a lot of stories and we touch on some of them by chatting about his experiences in educational activism including being part of multiple efforts to open first-of-their-kind centers, schools, and programs, his personal roots in activism and art, and his immense valuation of kindness, courage, and helping others.

Archy's photography: https://www.archylasalle.com/
Where Are All the Black People At: https://www.wherearealltheblackpeopleat.com/
Archy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archylasalle/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-15002914 Fri, 03 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400 2166 9 full false Episode 8: Charlie Breitrose (Watertown News) Episode 8: Charlie Breitrose (Watertown News) Meet Charlie Breitrose! He's the editor of Watertown News. We talk about how he runs his one person operation, how Watertown News gets more unique monthly visitors than the population of Watertown, and his own personal journey into journalism and the local scene.

See what's going on in Watertown: https://www.watertownmanews.com/
If you already follow the news and want to support Charlie: https://www.watertownmanews.com/support/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Charlie Breitrose! He's the editor of Watertown News. We talk about how he runs his one person operation, how Watertown News gets more unique monthly visitors than the population of Watertown, and his own personal journey into journalism and the local scene.

See what's going on in Watertown: https://www.watertownmanews.com/
If you already follow the news and want to support Charlie: https://www.watertownmanews.com/support/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-14961195 Fri, 26 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1322 8 full false Episode 7: Liz Helfer (Watertown Public Arts and Culture Planner / Sculptor) Episode 7: Liz Helfer (Watertown Public Arts and Culture Planner / Sculptor) Meet Liz Helfer! She works for the City of Watertown as the Public Arts and Culture Planner and she's also a working sculptor in the region. We talk about her winding journey from building clay cities with her twin sister, to building a sculpture in Latvia, coming to Watertown through the Hatch Makerspace, and her current role as the city's first Public Arts and Culture Planner. 

Check out what's going on with Public Arts and Culture in Watertown:
https://www.watertown-ma.gov/688/Public-Arts-Culture

Liz's sculpture: http://www.elizabethhelfer.com/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Liz Helfer! She works for the City of Watertown as the Public Arts and Culture Planner and she's also a working sculptor in the region. We talk about her winding journey from building clay cities with her twin sister, to building a sculpture in Latvia, coming to Watertown through the Hatch Makerspace, and her current role as the city's first Public Arts and Culture Planner. 

Check out what's going on with Public Arts and Culture in Watertown:
https://www.watertown-ma.gov/688/Public-Arts-Culture

Liz's sculpture: http://www.elizabethhelfer.com/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-14912460 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400 1679 7 full false Episode 6: Nicole Kootz (Bright Strings Studio) Episode 6: Nicole Kootz (Bright Strings Studio) Meet Nicole Kootz! She runs Bright Strings Studio here in Watertown where she teaches violin and viola lessons using the Suzuki Method and Alexander Technique. In our conversation we talk about her musical journey including the common issue of musicians encountering pain and what solutions that led her to, her teaching philosophy including giving space for people to think, and an explanation of where the Suzuki Method and Alexander Technique came from.

Her website: https://brightstringsstudio.com/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Nicole Kootz! She runs Bright Strings Studio here in Watertown where she teaches violin and viola lessons using the Suzuki Method and Alexander Technique. In our conversation we talk about her musical journey including the common issue of musicians encountering pain and what solutions that led her to, her teaching philosophy including giving space for people to think, and an explanation of where the Suzuki Method and Alexander Technique came from.

Her website: https://brightstringsstudio.com/

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-14864332 Wed, 10 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0400 2629 6 full false Episode 5: Allie Fry (Watertown Free Public Library) Episode 5: Allie Fry (Watertown Free Public Library) Meet Allie Fry! She's the Programming Librarian at the Watertown Free Public Library. We talk about what attracted her to the library here in Watertown (she's from the Midwest), the lesser known programming for adults that the library offers, and all the other great stuff about the library.

Subscribe to the library's newsletter here.
Library website: https://watertownlib.org/

Contact me:
littlelocalconversations@gmail.com
Follow on Instagram to see when new episodes are released: @littlelocalconversations

This podcast is in partnership with the Watertown Business Coalition, a nonprofit organization focused on connecting local businesses and strengthening our community. Check them out at https://watertownbusinesscoalition.com/. Thanks!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Allie Fry! She's the Programming Librarian at the Watertown Free Public Library. We talk about what attracted her to the library here in Watertown (she's from the Midwest), the lesser known programming for adults that the library offers, and all the other great stuff about the library.

Subscribe to the library's newsletter here.
Library website: https://watertownlib.org/

Contact me:
littlelocalconversations@gmail.com
Follow on Instagram to see when new episodes are released: @littlelocalconversations

This podcast is in partnership with the Watertown Business Coalition, a nonprofit organization focused on connecting local businesses and strengthening our community. Check them out at https://watertownbusinesscoalition.com/. Thanks!

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-14833759 Fri, 05 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1766 5 full false Episode 4: Merle Kummer (CoLAB) Episode 4: Merle Kummer (CoLAB) Meet Merle Kummer! She's the co-founder and president of CoLAB: High School STEM Collaboration. We talk about her movement from Kendall Square to Watertown to seek a more connected community, how CoLAB came to be and the unique ways it engages high schoolers in the possibilities of STEM work, and she shares a bit about the life science sector here in Watertown.

Find out more about CoLAB online here.

Or better yet come check out the Watertown Business Coalition's 4th Annual Life Science Panel "Learning to Love Science" featuring Merle and CoLAB!
Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 at 5pm at the Mosesian Center for the Arts

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Merle Kummer! She's the co-founder and president of CoLAB: High School STEM Collaboration. We talk about her movement from Kendall Square to Watertown to seek a more connected community, how CoLAB came to be and the unique ways it engages high schoolers in the possibilities of STEM work, and she shares a bit about the life science sector here in Watertown.

Find out more about CoLAB online here.

Or better yet come check out the Watertown Business Coalition's 4th Annual Life Science Panel "Learning to Love Science" featuring Merle and CoLAB!
Tuesday, April 9th, 2024 at 5pm at the Mosesian Center for the Arts

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-14805890 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1967 4 full false Episode 3: Gavin Kleespies (Gore Place) Episode 3: Gavin Kleespies (Gore Place) Meet Gavin Kleespies! He's the new Executive Director at Gore Place. Listen to learn more about Gore Place and some of its little known history (including steam-powered build-it-yourself cars) and a bit of insight into what it's like to be an executive director.

Find Gore Place online:
https://goreplace.org/
Sheepshearing Festival (Saturday, April 27th)

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Gavin Kleespies! He's the new Executive Director at Gore Place. Listen to learn more about Gore Place and some of its little known history (including steam-powered build-it-yourself cars) and a bit of insight into what it's like to be an executive director.

Find Gore Place online:
https://goreplace.org/
Sheepshearing Festival (Saturday, April 27th)

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-14772224 Tue, 26 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0400 1264 3 full false Episode 2: Jan Taylor (Get Lively) Episode 2: Jan Taylor (Get Lively) Meet Jan Taylor! She’s the owner of Get Lively Health and Fitness and she’s here to make people smile while they exercise. Listen to learn more about her business journey from basement to full blown fitness and lifestyle studio and more of her personal story.

Find her online:
getlivelynow.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Jan Taylor! She’s the owner of Get Lively Health and Fitness and she’s here to make people smile while they exercise. Listen to learn more about her business journey from basement to full blown fitness and lifestyle studio and more of her personal story.

Find her online:
getlivelynow.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Matt Hanna Buzzsprout-14713135 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0400 1855 2 full false Episode 1: Doug Orifice (Arsenal Financial / Watertown Business Coalition) Episode 1: Doug Orifice (Arsenal Financial / Watertown Business Coalition) Meet Doug Orifice! He is the co-founder of the Watertown Business Coalition, owner of Arsenal Financial, and self-described Watertown lover. Learn more about him, his background, and what he’s up to in Watertown.

Find him online:
www.watertownbusinesscoalition.com
www.arsenalfinancial.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Meet Doug Orifice! He is the co-founder of the Watertown Business Coalition, owner of Arsenal Financial, and self-described Watertown lover. Learn more about him, his background, and what he’s up to in Watertown.

Find him online:
www.watertownbusinesscoalition.com
www.arsenalfinancial.com

Support the show

Head on over to www.littlelocalconversations.com to check out all the episodes, events, and everything else going on. 

Sign up for the Little Local Conversations email newsletter

Follow on Instagram: @littlelocalconversations

Upcoming events! Click here to see upcoming live podcast events.

]]> Buzzsprout-14632671 Tue, 05 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0500 1455 1 full false