WBZ’s Nichole Davis shares the stories people are talking about in your community each weekend
Lifeline Locators: Cardiac Crusade's "Boston Shock Squad" Maps AED's to Save Lives
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.
Who Needs Apps? Boston Matchmakers Connect Singles Looking for Love
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.
New England's Fiber Artists Connect and Create at the Greater Boston Yarn Crawl
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.
Financial First Responders: Boston's "Family Reach" Eases Cancer Patients' Financial Burdens
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.
"Company 2 Heroes" of Danvers Helps Veterans Heal, One Pup at a Time
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.
Greater Boston Labor Council Celebrates the History and Future of Organized Labor
It's been decades since Boston had a Labor Day parade, but that's all about to change. On September 1, 2025, the Greater Boston Labor Council will be putting on a parade to highlight Boston's deep connections to the labor movement through the past, present, and future. It's an event that's set to bring together union members and supporters from all over New England. GBLC President Darlene Lombos joins Nichole to talk all about it and share important planning info for parade-goers.
Pedaling for a Purpose: The Marlowe Foundation's "Sunapee Challenge"
We're getting into perfect biking weather, and in just a couple of weeks, Winchester's Marlowe Foundation hopes you'll join them for a very special ride. They're biking from Winchester up to Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire, all to raise money for some local non-profits doing important work with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Stephen Roge, Co-Founder of the Marlowe Foundation, shares their story with Nichole and explains how you can take part.
All Aboard for the Future: Amtrak's NextGen Acela Trains Debut on the Northeast Corridor
This week, Amtrak introduced its brand new Acela trains to the Northeast Corridor, running inaugural trips between Boston and Washington. Officials say this upgrade has been a long time coming, with new "tilt" technology to provide a smoother ride and the potential for faster trips. Amtrak senior spokesman Jason Abrams talks trains with Nichole, sharing details about the new amenities and what you can expect on your next trip.
Watertown's "Project Save" Preserves Armenian History and Timeless Tales Through Photos
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Project Save Photograph Archive in Watertown. Over the years, the archive's founder, Ruth Thomasian, has worked tirelessly to collect photographs of Armenian life. These photos showcase the Armenian experience before, during, and after the diaspora, and highlight how Armenians have been able to come together in community around the globe. Executive Director Arto Vaun joins Nichole on the show this week to discuss the archive's history, mission, and plans for the next 50 years.
Industry to Innovation: The Transformative Rise of Boston's Seaport Neighborhood
Just two decades ago, Boston's Seaport neighborhood had a very different look: hundreds of acres of vacant concrete, used mostly for industrial purposes. You'd never believe it if you went there now, with former mayor Tom Menino's vision for an "Innovation District" having come to fruition. One of the main players in the development of the Seaport is The Fallon Company, and they recently topped off their final building on Fan Pier. Executive Managing Director Richard Martini joins Nichole to share the ins and outs of this decades-long project and his thoughts on the neighborhood's evolution.