November is National Entrepreneurship Month, and this is the time when we shout out all our small business owners working hard in our communities to chase their dreams. It's difficult work and comes with a lot of challenges, but many owners say it is just as rewarding and completely worth it. Steven M. Stroum of Framingham has had quite a bit of experience and is sharing his dynamic story through his memoir, "Success and Self-Discovery". He talks with Nichole about his journey and offers up some advice for those who want to start on their own entrepreneurial path.

With so many veterans facing mental health challenges and isolation stemming from their time in service, they often find they can't access the meaningful connections they need to stay in a healthy place. Sunday, November 17th is National Warrior Call Day, a time when we take a few minutes to reach out to the veterans and service members in our lives and ask them how they are really doing. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) is a co-sponsor of the Senate Resolution marking the day, and she joins Nichole on this week's show to talk about it.

New Bedford's fishing industry has been a cornerstone of the South Coast economy for centuries. It's also led the city to become a melting pot of traditions and culture, as people from all over the world come to the city to find their way into the industry. This month, the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is opening a new exhibit to focus on those workers' stories called "Casting a Wider Net". NBFHC Director Laura Orleans and Project Manager Emma York join the show this week to share the details of this comprehensive exhibit.

Whether you're taking part in Medicare Open Enrollment for the first time or reviewing your current plan, there are plenty of changes that can be difficult to navigate. Renee McInnes, CEO of NVNA and Hospice in Norwell, is here on the show share valuable insights on how to maximize your benefits, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions on coverage for the upcoming year.

Girl Scout cookies can be incredibly addictive right out of the box, but imagine them transformed into a completely different type of tasty dessert! That's the assignment for a group of local bakers and chefs who are coming together in Boston's Seaport later this month for the "Cookies and Cocktails" event to benefit the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts. Valerie Nin, Executive Pastry Chef at Grill 23 in Boston, is one of the chefs competing in this tasty event. She joins Nichole on this week's episode to talk about the event, her idea for the competition, and the Girl Scouts.

If you're finding yourself up doomscrolling until 2:00 in the morning, grinding your teeth, or fighting a lot more with people on the other side of the aisle, you are far from alone. Polls show the majority of Americans are dealing with some kind of election-related stress, and it's taking a toll on us as we approach this consequential vote. Tony Cunningham, psychologist and Director of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center's Center for Sleep and Cognition, shares tips and healthy coping mechanisms on this week's show, and talks with Nichole about the psychological drivers behind all this animosity and stress.

While the weather in recent days has been incredibly warm, even record-breaking at times, winter is coming sooner than later. Experts say now is the time to get your heating system ready and make repairs, but what if money is tight and you're worried about paying for your heating bills? Enter the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, which offers much more than just financial assistance to families in need. Beth Ann Strollo, CEO of Quincy Community Action Programs, breaks down the details with Nichole this week.

Halloween is the busiest time of the year in Salem, with people coming from all over the world to take part in Haunted Happenings. You may not have known this, but Salem, for a time, was known as home to the Ouija board. A Danvers-based board game company recently came out with an update to this spooky game which pays tribute to Salem's deep history. Phil Orbanes, Co-Founder of Winning Moves Games, shares details about the game and the company's deep connection to a well-known gaming giant.

Utilizing public transit systems can be challenging for those who are visually impaired. Keolis North America, the company that runs the MBTA Commuter Rail, is rolling out a new partnership with an app called Navilens to help bridge the accessibility gap. Giant, colorful QR codes are being put up around certain commuter rail stations to help disseminate information through the app, and Adam Ross, Manager of Customer Experience at Keolis, explains how the system works to Nichole on this week's episode.