ACK FM in the Morning

Joining Doug Risher is Steve Holgate , President of the Nantucket Hunting Association , and Jon Green , Director of Education and Training for Gun Owners Action League , to discuss Massachusetts’ 2024 firearm legislation, Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024, and Question 9 on the November 2026 ballot. They’ll explain changes to firearm definitions, licensing, training, carrying restrictions, and rules...

Doug Risher welcomes Anne Kuszpa , Executive Director of Housing Nantucket , to discuss the organization’s latest efforts to expand year-round housing on the island. Anne shares updates on the three new rental homes being built at 75 Old South Road, an upcoming property acquisition, and Housing Nantucket’s participation in the Massachusetts Community Investment Tax Credit program, which offers qua...

Doug Risher sits down with Patton Magee , best known as a member of The Nude Party , ahead of his return to Gaslight on Nantucket October 14th and 15th. Patton talks about his six-year connection to Nantucket and Gaslight, the difference between performing solo and with The Nude Party, and the country-western, Americana and rock and roll influences that shape his solo music. He also reflects on gr...

Doug Risher talks with one of  Nantucket Athletic Association Race Directors  Frank McGillan about the 15th Annual Nantucket Half Marathon , happening this Sunday at Bartlett’s Farm . They discuss the race’s 15-year history, its importance to the Nantucket community, and the philanthropy behind the event, with proceeds supporting youth sports, wellness programs and local organizations including Na...

In this interview, Doug Risher talks with Peter Burke and Chelsea Demby from the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce about the eighth annual Cobblestones & Commerce , happening October 9th through the 12th. They explain how the passport program works, the participating local businesses and $10 minimum purchase requirement, the prizes shoppers can win by collecting stamps, and how social media...

Doug Risher welcomes back Anna P. Jay , Graduate Gemologist and owner of Anna P. Jay Fine Jewelry , to look back on another busy Nantucket summer. Anna talks about the season at the shop, highlights from her custom engagement rings, wedding bands and jewelry resets, and some of the unique pieces that stood out this year. They also discuss the continued interest in repurposing family jewelry, the i...

Doug Risher interviews Peter Burke , Executive Director of the Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce , about Nantucket Restaurant Week, happening through October 4th. They discuss what diners can expect from this year’s event, the importance of Restaurant Week to the island’s restaurant community, and the expanded focus on private chefs, caterers, makers, artisans and food trucks. Peter also highli...

Doug Risher talks with Dr. David Hafler of Yale University about exciting new research into multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Hafler discusses how our understanding of MS has changed over the past 50 years, the role of genetics and Epstein-Barr virus, and advances in treatment. They also explore his research into the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease, including loss of smell...

Doug interviews Jerry Miller , founder and guitarist of The Rollin’ Bones , ahead of the band’s Nantucket debut at The Muse . Jerry talks about his 35-year connection to Nantucket, the band’s 10 years performing together in New York City, and the impressive lineup of musicians with Broadway, touring and recording experience. They also discuss the band’s high-energy take on classic ’70s, ’80s and ’...

Doug talks with Corky Jones and Clay Fuller of the band Allgood ahead of their Nantucket debut at The Muse this Friday, September 4th. The band is celebrating the 35th anniversary of their album Ride The Bee and will be performing the record live, along with newer material, for what promises to be a great night of music. Doug also talks with the band about their first trip to Nantucket and their i...

Doug Risher welcomes back Graduate Gemologist Anna P. Jay to talk about her busy summer creating custom engagement rings, wedding bands and jewelry resets. They discuss her custom design process, the value of old gold, her summer trunk shows featuring all-female designers, and why now is a great time to start a custom jewelry project or reset a family heirloom.

Doug talks with Hayley Nelson , Director of Community Relations & Visitor Experience at the Egan Maritime Institute , about the screening of Cuffe: Taxed and the panel discussion exploring the story of Nantucket mariner Paul Cuffe taking place Friday night August 21st from 5:30-7pm. They also look ahead to Egan Maritime’s Pirates & Mermaids Family Night on August 30th from 3-6pm at the Shi...

In this interview, Doug sits down with singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer David Law to talk about his song “Fall in Love.” David shares the story behind the track, its old-school funk and soul influences, including Boz Scaggs’ “Lowdown,” and his journey from jazz piano and busking to dueling piano bars, The Beat Drops and his electronic project DEEPST8 . They also discuss how t...

Doug sits down with Jen Chitel Schneiderman , founder and lead buyer of Legit , to talk about the story behind the women-owned boutique that's bringing fashion and community together on Nantucket. Jen shares what inspired her to open the shop, how the island has influenced its unique style, and what it's like building a business centered on connection and carefully curated collections. S...

Doug speaks with Olympic gold and silver medalist and Ice Out ALZ founder AJ Mleczko Griswold about the inspiration behind the annual fundraiser and her mission to raise awareness and support families affected by Alzheimer's disease. They discuss how the event has grown into a favorite Nantucket summer tradition and highlight this year's Ice Out ALZ fundraiser, held Thursday, August 6th...

Doug talks with Helen DuBois and Betsy Carey , Co-Chairs of the Nantucket Garden Club's 70th Annual House & Garden Tour , about one of the island's most cherished summer traditions. They discuss this year's "Promenade on the Point" theme, what visitors can expect while touring five stunning Brant Point homes and gardens, and how the event has grown over seven decades....

Doug Risher welcomes members of The Saint Cecilia , the Costa Rica-rooted rock band making their Nantucket debut at The Gaslight on August 5th and 6th. The conversation explores the band's origins, their commitment to an authentic live sound, and the experience of recording their debut album with legendary producer Tom Rothrock, whose credits include Beck , Foo Fighters , Gwen Stefani , and J...

Doug talks with Sarah Bois , Director of Research and Conservation of the Linda Loring Nature Foundation , and Matt Pelikan of BiodiversityWorks on Martha's Vineyard about the first-ever Interisland BioBlitz , happening July 24 through August 7, 2026. The friendly competition invites the public to help document plants, animals, fungi, and other species while Nantucket and Martha's Vineya...

Doug speaks with Jim Pignato and Jill Roethke , co-event directors of Swim Across America Nantucket , about the annual open water swim taking place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Jetties Beach. They discuss how the event has become one of Nantucket's most meaningful summer traditions, raising critical funds for local cancer care and groundbreaking cancer research. Jim reflects on the impact t...

Doug Risher talks with Jason Mendelson of Gen3 about the band's journey from a pandemic-inspired collaboration to an exciting new force in rock music. Jason shares the story behind the band's heartfelt new single, "I Do," written as a 10th anniversary gift for his wife, and discusses why Nantucket has become such a special place for the band. They also preview Gen3's debut...

Doug sits down with Kevin Flynn , founder of the Nantucket Comedy Festival , to celebrate the festival's 20th anniversary and discuss its lasting impact both on and off the stage. Kevin reflects on the festival's growth over the past two decades, the inspiring mission behind the Stand Up & Learn program, and its recent expansion to schools and youth organizations nationwide. They als...

Doug talks with Isaac Landman and Kristie Ferrantella about the Town of Nantucket's Lease to Locals program and how it's helping increase year-round housing opportunities on the island. Isaac explains how the program works, the financial incentives for homeowners, who is eligible to participate, the support provided through Placemate, and the impact the program is already having on the N...

Doug sits down with Graduate Gemologist and fine jewelry designer Anna P. Jay to talk about another exciting summer season at her Nantucket boutique. Anna shares what makes her popular trunk shows such a unique shopping experience, highlights this summer's lineup of visiting designers, and explains how meeting the artists behind the collections adds a personal touch. She also discusses the bo...

Doug sits down with Luke Tedeschi and author/illustrator Ana Ericksen to discuss 30 Out – Last Call , a new book celebrating the decades of memories, friendships, and unforgettable moments created at The Tavern and The Gazebo. They share the remarkable story of how the project came together in just two-and-a-half weeks after a chance meeting over a Mudslide, and how the Nantucket community rallied...

Doug speaks with Emma Young and Sara Williams of the Nantucket Historical Association about the ongoing restoration of the iconic Old Mill and the special Restoration Exploration program that gives the public a rare behind-the-scenes look inside one of Nantucket's most recognizable landmarks. They discuss the progress of the restoration, the fascinating mechanics of the working mill, the expe...