So That Reminds Me

The Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival returns to Springfield's historic Court Square on July 10 and 11, bringing two days of world-class music, vibrant culture and community celebration to the heart of downtown. On this episode of So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Tyler Garnett and Ryan Feyre are joined by Blues to Green Executive Director Kristin Neville for a preview of this year's festival. They...

East Longmeadow is preparing for one of its biggest celebrations in generations, and So That Reminds Me has your inside look. Co-hosts Dennis Hackett and Tyler Garnet sit down with Adele Hill and Donna Prather to preview East Longmeadow's Fourth of July festivities and the country’s landmark 250th anniversary celebration. They discuss what visitors and residents can expect, the events that will br...

On this episode of So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet sit down with Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby to discuss one of the most consequential votes facing the city in recent memory: a proposed $6.9 million Proposition 2½ override. With city finances at a crossroads, Derby explains how Easthampton arrived at this point, the budget pressures driving the request and what residents...

This week on the podcast, Chris Maza and Dennis Hackett sit down with Taurean Bethea, founder of the Springfield Pride Parade, to preview Pride Month 2026 events, community celebrations, and LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts across Springfield. Meanwhile, Tyler Garnet and Ryan Feyre speak with Jeffery Bianche and Jeffrey Anderson-Burgos about what’s ahead for Pride festivities in Holyoke and how local organ...

As soon as news broke of a proposed merger between Baystate Health and Mercy Medical Center, Springfield state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez began seeking answers. Now, with a meeting with Baystate leadership on the horizon, Gonzalez joins Reminder Publishing co-hosts Dennis Hackett and Tyler Garnet to discuss the uncertainties surrounding health care access, the Western Massachusetts economy, and whether...

In this week’s episode, the So That Reminds Me team interviews one of their own. Staff writer Tyler Garnet swaps roles to discuss his ongoing coverage of South Hadley’s high-stakes, complicated and emotionally charged discussions, debates and votes as the town tries to maneuver its way through a budget crisis that could have serious and damaging implications for the town and its residents. Co-host...

This week on So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler sit down with Colleen Loveless and Ethel Griffin of Revitalize CDC to talk about the upcoming #GreenNFit Day in Springfield, a celebration of healthy living, community togetherness, and neighborhood revitalization. Learn what volunteers can expect, why this event matters for Springfield residents, and how Revitalize CDC is working to m...

Step up to the plate with the hosts of So That Reminds Me as they sit down with Mike Abramson of the Hartford Yard Goats and Steve Oliveira of the Worcester Red Sox to preview the upcoming baseball season. We cover everything from the players on the field to special promotions and theme nights — even game day snacks! We also look at the top headlines in the region with What’s News in Western Mass....

The biggest weekend of the year in Holyoke is almost here. On this episode of So That Reminds Me, hosts Chris Maza and Tyler Garnet talk with Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee President Jim Wildman and Holyoke Grand Colleen Jayden Christie about everything leading up to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade and Road Race, taking place March 21 and 22. They break down the traditions, community spir...

On this episode of the So That Reminds Me Podcast, co-hosts Dennis Hackett and Ryan Feyre welcome special guests Mark Gionfriddo and Maureen Sullivan to discuss the return of The Big Broadcast, a live 1940s-style radio show coming Saturday, March 7, with performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. inside Chapin Auditorium on the campus of Mount Holyoke College. They share what audiences can expect from this u...

Inside Springfield City Hall: Tracye Whitfield on City Council Leadership, Priorities and Controversy In this episode of So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet sit down with Springfield City Council President Tracye Whitfield for an in-depth conversation about leadership at City Hall, the council’s priorities, and the challenges facing Springfield. Whitfield discusses her role gu...

Western Mass. Wings: Our Picks for Super Bowl Sunday Did you know that Americans are expected to eat roughly 1.5 billion chicken wings while watching the Super Bowl? To help you prepare the perfect game plan for your big game snacking, So That Reminds Me broke down some of the best places in the Pioneer Valley to get wings! The crew also dives into some classic debates — drums vs. flats, blue chee...

On this episode of So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Dennis Hackett and Tyler Garnet talk with John Sacerdote of the Amherst Railway Society about one of New England’s most anticipated annual events — the Railroad Hobby Show. Held January 24–25 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, the Railroad Hobby Show is the largest railroad-themed trade show in the United States and draws hundreds...

On this week’s episode of So That Reminds Me, Artistic Director Steve Hays joins host Chris Maza to talk about the Boar’s Head Festival at Trinity Methodist Church in Springfield, a recreation of a medieval festival celebrating the Epiphany. Their conversation explores the history of this beloved seasonal production, how it has evolved over the years, and what continues to draw audiences back. Hay...

Join So That Reminds Me for our end-of-year look back at the stories that defined Western Massachusetts, as co-hosts Chris Maza, Dennis Hackett, Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet review the biggest local headlines from the year that was. The four explore how federal actions impacted the local economy, health care, and programming, revisit notable political scandals, and break down some of the most inter...

On this episode of So That Reminds Me , co-hosts Dennis Hackett, Ryan Feyre, and Tyler Garnet break down the new A&E docu-series “Family Lockup,” which brings viewers inside the Hampden County Jail in Ludlow, Massachusetts. The series follows incarcerated participants and the family members who voluntarily join them behind bars for an intensive program designed to confront past harm, rebuild t...

As the holidays approach, the spirit of giving takes center stage, and few organizations represent that spirit more than The Salvation Army. In the Pioneer Valley, the annual Toy for Joy campaign is entering its remarkable 103rd year, continuing a legacy of bringing holiday cheer to local families in need. In this episode of So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Chris Maza and Dennis Hackett are joined by...

In this special bonus episode, So That Reminds Me co-hosts Chris Maza and Ryan Feyre are joined by Sarah Gumaer, marketing director for the Springfield Boys & Girls Club and one of the key organizers behind one of Western Massachusetts’ most beloved holiday traditions: the Festival of Trees. Running Nov. 28 through Dec. 14 at the MassMutual Center, this annual celebration transforms the venue...

NEPM’s Monte Belmonte is gearing up for the 16th annual March for the Food Bank, a 43-mile trek from Springfield to Greenfield raising awareness and support for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Before he hits the road, Monte joins So That Reminds Me to share the story behind the march, how it’s evolved over the years, and why its mission feels more urgent than ever amid today’s uncertain ti...

Election season is heating up in Western Massachusetts, and the So That Reminds Me crew is diving right in. This week, co-hosts Chris Maza, Dennis Hackett, Lauren LeBel, and Tyler Garnet are joined by WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos for a roundtable discussion on some of the most interesting races to watch this cycle. From mayoral contests in Easthampton, Northampton, and...

October may be Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the Rays of Hope Foundation works tirelessly all year to educate, support, and empower those affected by breast cancer. In this episode of So That Reminds Me , hosts Chris Maza and Tyler Garnet sit down with Rays of Hope Event Coordinator Kate Weir to discuss the organization’s impact, the importance of community support, and the upcoming Walk and...

In this episode of So That Reminds Me , hosts Dennis Hackett and Lauren LeBel sit down with Robert Jaszek , Director of Operations for the Michael J. Dias Foundation . The foundation’s mission is to aid and educate individuals and families on substance use disorders, while offering hope and resources for those battling addiction. Robert shares insights the foundation’s history, the importance of s...

The Big E is back—and so is the food! From drinks and savory eats to sweet treats, the So That Reminds Me team dishes on this year’s best bites, with insights from vendors and the Reminder Publishing crew from the recent Big E Media Food Preview. Intro: 0:11 Big E Cream Puffs: 3:58 NOLA Asian Sticky Ribs: 7:51 Broccoli Bar Broccoli Tempura: 10:34 Storrowton Tavern Reubens, Chili and Chowder: 13:52...

The sun didn’t make an appearance, but that didn’t prevent a bevy of public figures from coming out to Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s annual cookout. So That Reminds Me braved the rain, talking with local elected officials and political hopefuls about the issues that matters most to their communities and their goals for the future. Intro: 0:15 Springfield City Councilor Jose Delgado: 10:12 State Rep. Candi...

It’s August, and fair season is officially underway in Western Mass! In this episode of So That Reminds Me, we’re joined by Three County Fair Executive Director Taylor Haas and Westfield Fair President Sheila Phelon and Secretary Maureen Freniere. We dive into the rich history of these beloved local traditions and give you a sneak peek at what’s in store for 2025. Plus, we highlight other must-vis...