ACK FM in the Morning

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...

Doug speaks with Holly Ruth Finigan about the Nantucket Wellness Festival , happening June 26–28 at the Dreamland . Holly discusses the festival's focus on movement, mindfulness, education, and community, along with a weekend of wellness experiences, workshops, and inspiring Main Stage conversations covering topics like neuroscience, women's health, manifestation, and sound healing. She...

Doug talks with Seth Engelbourg from the Linda Loring Nature Foundation about the organization's free summer programs that help residents and visitors connect with Nantucket's natural environment. They discuss new offerings like the Saltmarsh in Nature Series, Families in Nature field trips, nature walks with the Sconset Trust, as well as birding trips, workshops, kayak outings, and more...

Doug talks with John Sheilds of Little Stranger ahead of their performance at Cisco Brewers on Nantucket. Fresh off an appearance at Bonnaroo , the Charleston-based duo discusses their unique blend of hip-hop, indie rock, and funk, the inspiration behind their new single dropping this Friday, and what fans can expect from their upcoming album. He also share stories from life on the road, preview t...

Doug talks with Kade Atwood and Megan Rico , co-directors of Edie Arnold is a Loser , a featured film at this year's Nantucket Film Festival . The coming-of-age musical comedy follows a shy Catholic school student who accidentally launches a punk rock revolution after forming a band with fellow outcasts. Kade and Megan discuss the inspiration behind the film, balancing humor and heart, creati...

Doug talks with Jaclyn Wohl and Mystelle Brabbee from the Nantucket Film Festival about the 31st annual festival, taking place June 17 through June 22, 2026. They discuss what makes NFF a unique celebration of screenwriting and storytelling, preview some of this year's featured films, special guests, and signature programs, and highlight honors for Paul Feig , Rashida Jones , Will McCormack ,...

Doug speaks with Jayson DeMarco , Head Chef at the Nantucket Inn , and Mark Manchester , Director of Sales, about what's new this season at Noba Bar and Noba Cafe , including menu additions and the dining experience guests can expect. They also discuss the Inn's special Father's Day and "Ode to Mom's Breakfast" celebration on June 21st, along with the growing variety...

Doug speaks with bestselling author Isaac Fitzgerald ahead of his appearance at the 15th Annual Nantucket Book Festival . Fitzgerald, whose award-winning memoir Dirtbag, Massachusetts earned the New England Book Award and who is also a familiar face from frequent appearances on The Today Show , joins Doug to discuss his new book, American Rambler: Walking the Trail of Johnny Appleseed . The conver...

Doug speaks with New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani , one of the featured guests at the 15th Annual Nantucket Book Festival . The conversation highlights her latest novel, The View From Lake Como , following the journey of Jess Capodimonte, and explores the enduring power of storytelling across Trigiani’s work as a novelist, playwright, filmmaker, podcast host, and literacy advocat...

Doug speaks with bestselling author Laura Zigman , who will be appearing at this year's Nantucket Book Festival . Laura discusses her new novel, The Author Weekend , and shares what makes Nantucket's literary community and book festival experience so special. She also previews a special panel on The Best Dog in the World with fellow authors Alice Hoffman and Adriana Trigiani , while refl...

Doug chats with Jordan of Mo Lowda and the Humble , the Philadelphia-based indie rock band that has become a Nantucket favorite through years of memorable performances and return visits to the island. The conversation covers the band's special connection with Nantucket, the growing tradition of " Mo Chowda Weekend " at Cisco Brewers , how life on the road has shaped their music, and...

Doug welcomes to the studio Adam Nee Executive Director of the Nantucket Book Foundation for a preview of the 15th Annual Nantucket Book Festival , happening June 11th through the 14th. Adam discusses what makes this milestone year special, highlights some of the featured authors and events, and explains how the Festival creates unique opportunities for readers to connect with writers through talk...

Doug speaks with Elise Norton , mother of Baxter Waldman , about the upcoming Baxter Waldman Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser taking place Sunday, June 7th at the VFW . Elise reflects on Baxter’s life and the inspiration behind the scholarship fund created in his memory, while sharing how the annual event has grown into a meaningful community tradition. The conversation highlights the day’s schedul...

Doug sits down with Anne Kuszpa , Executive Director of Housing Nantucket , to discuss the ongoing challenge of creating and preserving year-round housing opportunities on Nantucket. Anne shares how housing issues are impacting the island’s workforce and community, highlights Housing Nantucket’s new Home Buyer Interest Survey, and discusses the organization’s search for its next Program Manager. T...

Doug chats with Jocelyn Wong , Director of Community Engagement, from the Nantucket Historical Association to discuss the launch of the NHA’s Measurement of Museum Social Impact (MOMSI) study, a year-long research study designed to better understand how the organization affects the social fabric of the community and the well-being of the individuals and families who engage with the NHA. Jocelyn ex...

Doug welcomes Tom McCann and Dr. Tim Lepore to the show to discuss the upcoming second annual Nantucket Saves Blood Drive happening June 2nd and 3rd, and the urgent need for more donors to step up. The conversation highlights Nantucket Saves’ goal of adding 200 more appointments, the life-saving impact a single blood donation can have, and why community participation is so important. Dr. Lepore al...

Doug sits down with Amy Lee , President and Chief Operating Officer at Nantucket Cottage Hospital , to discuss the hospital’s new Orthopedic Walk-In Clinic and how it is expanding access to healthcare services on Nantucket. Amy explains what inspired the launch of the clinic, the types of injuries and orthopedic concerns it will treat, and how same-day care and on-site imaging can help speed up di...

Doug sits down with Steph Serra of NCTV to discuss the return of NEW Moon Fest , happening May 23rd at the Sconset Casino . Now in its third year, the festival has evolved into a powerful celebration of storytelling, empowerment, and community, spotlighting women filmmakers, musicians, and creatives from around the world while supporting the mission of NCTV. During the conversation, Steph shares w...

Doug sits down with Doug Cote of Buckle & Shake and Doug & Co. to talk about the band’s longtime connection to The Gaslight and why it has become one of Nantucket’s go-to spots for live music, food, drinks, and nightlife. They discuss the band’s beginnings after Cote moved to the island from New York City, the evolution of Buckle & Shake’s signature alt-country sound, and what makes Sa...

Doug speaks with Dawn Holdgate and Arlene O’Reilly about Article 11 and its impact on the future of Our Island Home and long-term care on Nantucket. They discuss concerns about the aging facility, risks of inaction including residents needing off-island care, and the challenges families face with travel and separation. The conversation also highlights the benefits of keeping care local, the island...