Reading is fundamental, so they say, and it can also be a major factor in cutting down prison recidivism rates. The Prison Book Program in Quincy has been providing free books to incarcerated people around the country since 1972, helping people behind bars grow, study, and prepare for a healthier and more productive life upon their release. Executive Director Kelly Brotzman joins Nichole this week to talk about their mission, their efforts to get books into prison "book deserts", and their upcoming fundraiser later this month.

It's easy to forget about food in the fridge or the cabinets, leading it to go bad. Oftentimes, it just goes right in the trash, and when you add your food waste to everyone else's, plus all the waste from hospitals, restaurants, cafeterias, schools, and other institutions, it adds up fast! Massachusetts has had a commercial food waste ban in place since 2014 to try and cut down on the negative impacts of this food waste, and a new report shows the Commonwealth's efforts are showing success, both economically and environmentally. MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple returns to the show to break down the report with Nichole and talk about the state's future food waste goals.

You may not think twice about paying that extra fee for canned soda, beer, seltzer, and other drinks at the grocery store, but how often do you bring the cans back to the store to get your money back? Over the years, Jeff Dinneen of Needham has made it his mission to collect those cans, redeem them, and use the money to supply the Needham Community Council with much-needed food and milk for local residents in need. He talks with Nichole this week about his inspiration, his process, and how you can help keep the project going.

Kids have packed school schedules these days, and the few precious minutes of recess they can get aren't often enough to run off all that pent-up energy. Over at Playworks New England, they believe recess is for much more than play - it's critical to help kids grow and learn important social skills. They're working in schools around the region to make that happen, and Max Fripp, the Executive Director of Playworks New England, joins the show this week to talk about their work and mission.

Cardiac incidents occur without much warning, if any, and time is of the essence to save a life. CPR is important, but a device called an AED - automated external defibrillator - can restart someone's heart quickly, before serious brain damage can set in. While many offices, retail outlets and apartment buildings have these devices, it's not always clear where they are, and that's where Cardiac Crusade comes in. They're rallying volunteers around the country, including here in Massachusetts, to help them map these devices, with hopes of eventually working with tech companies to make it easy for you to find them in times of need. Founder Greg Coon and Massachusetts Executive Director Tyler Mola join Nichole this week to tell their story and share details about their upcoming event in Southie.

Dating these days can be a daunting experience. The dating apps can be full of rejections, scammers, and people who aren't always being truthful about who they really are. It might seem a little old-fashioned, but there are matchmakers around Greater Boston who say they're successful at helping singles connect in a more truthful, intentional way. Jill Vandor, Executive Matchmaker and Founder of Allure Matchmaking, talks with Nichole about how to stay safe while dating, the inner work that's necessary, and the benefits of a matchmaker helping you find love.

Whether you use needles, a loom, a hook, or even just your hands, there's a craft in the fiber arts space for everyone who wants to get creative. You'll never run out of ideas for projects, but those projects need yarn and thread to get done - and that's where the Greater Boston Yarn Crawl comes in! More than a dozen small yarn shops are taking part in this year's Crawl, including Sit 'N Knit in Melrose. Owner Jennifer Goldenberg talks with Nichole this week about the event and the recent surge of people joining the fiber arts community.

For cancer patients, a diagnosis can not only be scary and overwhelming, it can also be financially devastating. One out of every three cancer patients finds themselves struggling to meet basic financial needs as they're going through treatment, yet another blow for people who are already suffering a traumatic event. Family Reach, a Boston-based non-profit, steps in to help patients stay afloat financially by connecting them to critical resources. CEO Carla Tardif joins Nichole on this week's episode to talk about their mission and the importance of their work.

September is Suicide Awareness Month, and veterans are at especially high risk as they try to transition back into civilian life while dealing with stress, anxiety, and trauma they may have developed during their time in the service. A Danvers non-profit, Company 2 Heroes, is working with veterans and furry friends to help those vets regain their independence and ease their pain. Founder Kate van Auken talks with Nichole this week about the power of loving dedication that only a dog can provide, and how they're working with veterans to help train their very own support dogs.