For generations, potable water from the Quabbin Reservoir has been enjoyed by residents in dozens of cities and towns in central and eastern Massachusetts. However, many communities that line the reservoir don't have access to this precious resource, and as a new study looks to expand the MWRA network, many Quabbin-area residents feel they're not getting proper recompense for providing this water to much of the Commonwealth. Sen. Jo Comerford (D-Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester) says it's time to change that. She joins Nichole on the show this week to talk about her new bill on Beacon Hill that she hopes will create more equity when it comes to water distribution from the Quabbin.

After four years off due to COVID, Japan Festival Boston is back! Later this month, Boston Common will be home to the city's largest festival dedicated to all things Japanese culture: food, kimono, origami, tea ceremonies, ikebana, cosplay, and so much more. Ara Mahar, the PR manager for the festival, joins Nichole this week to talk about all this free family-friendly event has to offer.

Homelessness can impact anyone, and it doesn't always take much to get you to that point - even one or two life events can completely up-end your path. John Lane is someone who knows that all too well. John was living a comfortable life when addiction struck and took him down a path of very hard lessons. Now, John has come full circle, and he's teamed up with Pine Street Inn to use his life experience to help others who are struggling. John is on the show this week to tell his story, offer advice, and share information about Pine Street Inn's permanent supportive housing services.

With just months until the November elections, the campaigns are heating up, and so is the political rhetoric, both on and offline. Election interference on social media is nothing new at this point, but another major player is making its presence known for this election cycle: artificial intelligence. Dr. Weiai "Wayne" Xu, Associate Professor at UMass Amherst, focuses his courses and research on political communities and discourse online, along with artificial intelligence's impact on how we disseminate and learn information. He talks with Nichole this week about what we know, what we're still learning, and best practices for gathering the facts through the elections.

Childhood is full of pure, unadulterated joy through the little things - playing outside, eating a new snack, meeting friends, laughing at cartoons, and much more. For many families, those joys aren't as easy to come by due to poverty, food insecurity or chronic illness. Since 2006, the Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation has been working with franchisees, customers, local organizations and charities, and many others to offer special programs and resources for kids in need, and their families, too! Chair Victor Carvalho joins Nichole on the show this week to talk about their work and how you can help them spread joy to vulnerable kids around the region.

The U.S.S. Constitution - affectionately dubbed "Old Ironsides" - is a symbol of resilience, strength, history and honor. It stands out on the Boston skyline, and so does the woman at the helm! Commander Billie J. Farrell is the first woman to ever command the vessel, leading dozens of sailors, and she's had a storied career in the Navy. In April, she'll be receiving the "Third Lantern" award from Old North Illuminated at the "Lanterns & Luminaries" event. Commander Farrell talks with Nichole about her journey through the Navy, what it's like living as a transplant in New England, the legacy she wants to leave behind to women in the service, and the upcoming award ceremony.

Living with breast cancer is an emotional, physical, and mental rollercoaster. One woman who knows that personally is Jacquie Bishop, a Boston resident who is fighting it for a second time. She's choosing to share her story of strength and vulnerability in hopes of removing the stigma from the mental and physical health struggles that come along with a diagnosis. She's also hoping to encourage people in the Black community to develop more proactive habits to take care of their breast health. Jacquie and Nichole discuss her diagnosis, treatment, and much more in this interview.

Embrace Boston recently released its "Harm Report", a comprehensive look at how slavery and centuries of systemic racism against Black Bostonians has impacted seven key aspects of life, including housing, transportation, healthcare and income. The report also outlines suggestions from the team at Embrace Boston on how the city can move forward in a more equitable manner and address the harms against the Black community. Vice President of Arts and Culture Elizabeth Tiblanc and Director of Digital Strategy and Production Gregory Ball return to the show this week to talk with Nichole about the research that went into the report and provide an overview of the results.

Kids are incredibly resilient, but it can be hard to be strong all the time when you're suffering from a chronic condition like asthma, epilepsy, or heart problems. The same goes for their parents. Managing health conditions and trying to provide as "normal" a childhood as possible can take a toll on families. Luckily, Zebra Crossings in Dover, NH is there to help! Executive Director Deb Taylor and Program Director Emily Mundy join Nichole this week to talk about their special programs that not just help boost confidence and self-love in children with chronic conditions, but also give families some respite in a safe, understanding environment.