And So It Flows

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador focuses on the recent three feet of Snowmageddon. Leslie’s flows goes ICE cold. He leans into winter, in rock and roll, deep thought, poetry, comedy and the magic of a frozen water related Berkshire winter, proof that the storm is the show.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with Donna Jacobs, co-founder of the Housatonic Filter Initiative. Donna calls out Housatonic Water Works and their failure to protect public health. We dig into the Housatonic Filter Initiative and why clean, affordable water is a right.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with  USMC Capt. Matthew Hoh of the Eisenhower Media Network to confront endless war. We discuss military waste and argue for diplomacy, investing in water, healthcare, schools, reindustrialization – an economy that serves people.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with  Ari Zorn, co-chair of the W.E.B. Du Bois Sculpture Project. Ari shares how Du Bois helped shape today’s eco justice movement by connecting racism, health, and the fate of the Housatonic River, before the world had words for it.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with Hari Kumar, of Convivo. Hari and Leslie discuss AI’s flawed and resource hungry design and why its eco-costs, especially water and energy use, matter more than ever. We explore impacts on people, on business, and on economics.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with local artist Matthew Brinton to explore the intersection of art, spirit, and nature. From his Berkshire roots to his Thoreau related works, Matthew reflects on his own inspired path to the flow of expression, the arts and water.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with Navy combat vet Eric Wasileski. From the high seas, to the sands of Iraq and back to the Berkshires, Eric shares his path of redemption to reach true inner peace and his founding of a Veterans for Peace chapter in Pittsfield, MA.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with Prashad Abeysinghe, Aquatics Director at the Gladys Allen Brigham Community Center, Prashad and Leslie to dive into the power of swimming, community, and water safety — and how the pool becomes a place where confidence, connection, and life skills flow.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with Williams College’s Amy Holzapfel. Leslie and Amy dive into the Crochet Coral Reef, a worldwide art and science project, where reefs are crocheted, stories are shared, as theater of life unfolds with connection, flow and science.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with Chef Andre Lynch. Leslie and Andre discuss Caribbean flavors, hot jerk chicken, and a heaping splash of Caribbean island culture. They talk about food, spice, island life and why water is a partner for the islands’ best dishes.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with Lieutenant Scott McGinnis or the Pittsfield, MA Fire Department for an elemental conversation on fire safety, first responding, community outreach and how being a protector and environmentalist shapes his life’s mission

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with Leslee Bassman, award-winning journalist of The Berkshire Edge. Leslee discusses the long delayed MA Dept Of Health’s Housatonic River PCB Cancer Study and the report’s various omissions for Berkshire residents and stakeholders.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with Jeromie Whalen, congressional candidate for MA’s 1st District. Jeromie and Leslie talk PFAS in Westfield, PCBs in the Housatonic, and how smart  investments bioremediation and water infrastructure secures stronger communities.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with Brian Berkel, of the Josh Billings RunAground Triathlon. Brian shares about the event’s natural spirit, the culture impact of Berkshire born humorist Josh Billings; and how nature can help heal post-industrial cities of the US.

Crushed Ice, our second episode of our Cold As Ice series, our host and H2O Ambassador Leslie Gabriel sits with Fernando León, of Berkshire Interfaith Organizing. They discuss the vigilant response to ICE raids in Berkshire County. They discuss the impact on neighbors and discuss the app ICE Block.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, sits with Bob Jones, of the Lee, MA Selectboard. Bob joins Leslie to discuss the town’s fierce resistance to a GE/EPA plan to dump PCBs in this Norman Rockwell town. A water fight with national impact, about truth, toxins, and standing up.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, What if water had a soundtrack? Leslie dives into water’s meaning with chill vibes, liquid grooves, and ideas that ripple with consciousness and makes waves.

In this episode, our host and H2O Ambassador Leslie Gabriel talks with Fernando León, of Berkshire Interfaith Organizing, working with dozens of community groups including Roots & Dreams and Mustard Seeds. They discuss the community response to recent gestapo like ICE raids in Berkshire County,

In this episode, our host and H2O Ambassador Leslie Gabriel talks with Brahm Gartner, a nationally recognized permaculture educator who teaches regenerative agriculture that restores natural ecosystems and water cycles. Brahm and Leslie discuss what it takes to grow a culture that honors thriving.

In this episode, our host and H2O Ambassador Leslie Gabriel talks with Melanie Kirchdorfor and Dede Barry to explore mysterious encounters by Lake Mansfield near Great Barrington, MA. They recount moments of eeriness and an overwhelming sense that something otherworldly was happening in our region.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, talks with Rene Wendell, Land Steward for The Nature Conservancy. Rene and Leslie explore the magical mystery of bogs, their quiet power, ancient lore, carbon secrets, and why these mossy wetlands matter more than ever in a changing world.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, talks with Charlotte Hood, Volunteer and Outreach Manager and Berkshire Natural Resources Council. Charlotte and Leslie discuss enchanting vernal pools, predator-free havens where salamanders, frogs, and fairy shrimp thrive every spring.

In this episode, Leslie Gabriel, our host and H2O Ambassador, talks with Shaw Izikson, Managing Editor for The Berkshire Edge. Shaw and Leslie discuss Great Barrington’s possible public takeover of Housatonic Water Works. This sets the stage for a high-stakes special town meeting on April 17, 2025.

Host Leslie Gabriel, H2O Ambassador, talks with Bernie Mack, President of Friends of Springside Park. Bernie shares the history of Springside Park, the state of the park, and why the urban park matters to the area. Bernie discusses the April 19 cleanup, part of the Bringing Water To Earth Series.

Host Leslie Gabriel, H2O Ambassador, speaks with Christine Sierau and Becky Daddona of Blue Rider Stables. Christine and Becky share about caring for equine, including hydration. They also share about therapeutic horseback riding and their unique and long galloping programming in the Berkshires.