So That Reminds Me

On this episode of "So That Reminds Me", Hosts Chris Maza and Dennis Hackett sit down with "The Simpsons" writer and presidential candidate Dan Greaney to talk about his presidential campaign and his tour of the Springfields across America. 0:30: Welcome 3:45: What's News in Western Mass 13:30: Interview with Dan Greaney 34:37: Wrap up with Dennis and Ryan

In this episode of So That Reminds Me, hosts Dennis Hackett and Tyler Garnett sit down with Mike Baxendale of Rock 102 to discuss the upcoming Mayflower Marathon, one of Western Massachusetts' largest annual food drives benefiting Springfield Open Pantry. Dennis, Tyler and Bax explore the growing challenge of food insecurity across Hampden County and Western Massachusetts, and how the Mayflower Ma...

Massachusetts voters will decide nine statewide ballot questions this Election Day, and understanding what's on the ballot can be challenging. In this episode of So That Reminds Me, Tyler Garnet, Ryan Feyre and Chris Maza break down all nine Massachusetts ballot questions, explaining what each proposal would do and how it could affect residents, taxpayers and local communities. Topics include publ...

State Sen. Jake Oliveira joins So That Reminds Me to discuss school funding, Proposition 2½ overrides, rising energy and health insurance costs, East-West Rail, economic development and the future of the Quabbin Reservoir. Oliveira also weighs in on the proposed Hampden County courthouse, legislative transparency, state spending and what Beacon Hill can do to help local communities manage growing...

In this episode of So That Reminds Me, Chris Maza and Ryan Feyre sit down for an exclusive interview with Springfield College professor and author Marty Dobrow to discuss his new book, Original City, Original Sin: King, the Klan, and the Fight for Civil Rights in St. Augustine, Florida, scheduled for release on Oct. 15. Dobrow explores the little-known story of the civil rights movement in St. Aug...

Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll joins Dennis Hackett and Ryan Feyre on this episode of So That Reminds Me for an in-depth discussion on the major issues shaping the state and Western Massachusetts in 2026. Driscoll discusses the Healey-Driscoll administration's proposal to suspend the Massachusetts gas tax and weighs in on the controversial Hampden County courthouse project in Springfield, gro...

In this episode of So That Reminds Me, hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet sit down with Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni to discuss the work of the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, youth outreach, public safety and community engagement across Western Massachusetts. Gulluni talks about his office’s youth programs, including Hoop Up Springfield and HERizon, the importance of building rela...

Ahead of the upcoming election for Massachusetts’ 1st Congressional District, So That Reminds Me spoke with Democratic congressional challenger Jeromie Whalen and independent candidate Nadia Milleron about the race for the U.S. House of Representatives, their campaigns and the issues facing voters in the district. The interviews were conducted at Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s annual picnic....

Food for Thought: Talking Politics at the Sheriff’s Picnic On this special episode of So That Reminds Me, the co-hosts Ryan Feyre, Tyler Garnett, Dennis Hackett and Chris Maza sat down with elected officials and political hopefuls from Western Massachusetts to the Massachusetts State House to discuss the issues and their platforms as a pivotal election season approaches. Welcome: 0:26 Top news in...

On the latest episode of So That Reminds Me, Managing Editor Ryan Feyre and Staff Writer Tyler Garnet are joined by State Senator John Velis to talk about what is going on in his district and in the Legislature. From data centers to cell phones in school and keeping Massachusetts competitive the interview digs into some of the big question marks in the area. Welcome: 0:30 What's News in Western Ma...

On this week’s episode of So That Reminds Me, Managing Editor Dennis Hackett and Chicopee/Holyoke Herald Staff Writer Tyler Garnet sit down with Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia to discuss the status of current issues and happenings in the Paper City, including the city’s comprehensive planning process, the proposed sports complex, redevelopment of the Kmart property and the mayor’s approach to social...

On this episode of So That Reminds Me, Staff Writer Trent Levakis joins hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet to recap Easthampton's citywide Proposition 2 1/2 override vote to avoid cutting city services, and the recount that followed. Trent discusses the background, observing the hourslong recount process and the impact it all has on the city. Ryan and Tyler also review some of this week's top stori...

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...