Notable New England

Episode 40: Summer 2026 in New England: Events, Festivals & America 250 Picks

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer in New England, and in this episode, I’m sharing a curated list of community events to help you get out and explore the region. From food festivals and live music to unique local traditions, there’s something happening in every corner of New England.
I’m also highlighting a special America 250 event in each state so you can celebrate this historic milestone while discovering something new. Check the show notes for links to every event—and let this be your inspiration to get out, connect, and make the most of a New England summer.
🎉🎉Congratulations to lovely listeners Jymi and Ginger who submitted photos to the Notable New England Spring Photo Contest. I've decided to gift them BOTH with Notable New England prize packs and I posted their photos on our social media channels. Thank you, Jymi and Ginger for taking part! 
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
Gift someone a Notable New England Patreon membership by clicking here. 
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
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🎙️ Podcast Website: notablene.podbean.com📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 39: When the Newspaper Shut Down, The Community Stepped Up: The Story of the Neshobe Current in Vermont

What happens when a local newspaper disappears—and a group of everyday people decides to step up? In this episode, we’re talking about building something from scratch, the power of community, and why local news still matters more than ever. It’s a reminder that sometimes it really does just take a few people to make a difference. The story of the Neshobe Current in Vermont. 
🎉🎉Congratulations to lovely listeners Jymi and Ginger who submitted photos to the Notable New England Spring Photo Contest. I've decided to gift them BOTH with Notable New England prize packs and I'll be posting their photos on our social media. Thank you, Jymi and Ginger for taking part! 
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
Gift someone a Notable New England Patreon membership by clicking here. 
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
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🎙️ Podcast Website: notablene.podbean.com📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 38: Food Tours and Culinary Experiences in New England

New England has a rich culinary history, and in this episode I’m sharing some great ways to experience it through food. From guided tours and tastings to hands-on classes and farm experiences across all six states, this is a delicious way to explore the region. Whether you’re visiting or live here, let this be your starting point. Click the Episode Sources, References, and Featured Links below for links to everything I've mentioned in the podcast.  
APRIL 30, 2026, is the deadline to submit a photo in our Notable New England Spring Photo Contest for your chance to win a Notable New England goodie package chock full of fun New England items. For info and to enter your photo click here. 
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
Gift someone a Notable New England Patreon membership by clicking here. 
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
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🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 37: Let's Go To The Library—Your Library Card Might Be the Most Powerful Thing You Own

Public libraries are more than just books—they’re acts of resistance.
In this episode of Notable New England, we explore how libraries expand access to knowledge, and create free, welcoming spaces for everyone. From media literacy to community connection, libraries quietly empower people every day.
Plus, discover unique library programs across New England from gardening workshops and author talks to makers spaces, concerts, and more.
If you haven’t visited your local library lately, this episode might just inspire you to go.
To submit a spring 2026 New England photo for our Notable New England Spring Photo Contest, click here! 
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
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🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 36: Hidden Gem Museums in New England You Need to Visit

Discover hidden gem museums across New England—from quirky collections to fascinating cultural sites you’ve probably never heard of.
New England is home to some of the most iconic museums in the world, but beyond the big names are incredible hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
In this episode of Notable New England, we explore unique and lesser-known museums across the region that offer unforgettable experiences in art, history, culture, and innovation. From vintage radios and steam engines to handcrafted bird carvings, historic organs, toys, clocks, and more—these niche museums bring fascinating stories to life in unexpected ways.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or just looking for something new to explore, this guide will inspire you to step off the beaten path and experience a different side of New England.
To submit a spring 2026 New England photo for our Notable New England Spring Photo Contest, click here! 
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
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🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 35: Best Places to See Spring Flowers in New England | Gardens, Parks & Hidden Gems

Discover the most beautiful places to see spring flowers in New England—from historic gardens and botanical parks to hidden gems across the region.
Content warning: This episode briefly mentions a mass shooting in Pawtucket, Rhode Island during the Wicked Lite Bites segment. The reference comes after an inspiring story, but if this topic may cause distress, please consider skipping the first story in Wicked Lite Bites. 
To submit a spring 2026 New England photo for our Notable New England Spring Photo Contest, click here! 
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
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🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 34: Step Into Spring 2026—Spring Events Across New England

Spring is almost here, and this episode is your quick guide to the best events in New England for spring 2026.
From the Boston Fleet home games and the 50th annual Nantucket Daffodil Festival to VersoFest in Connecticut, GFree Fest in Providence, the Vermont City Marathon & Relay, Maine’s Acadia Birding Festival, and more, I’m sharing a state-by-state roundup of festivals, races, food events, and community celebrations across MA, CT, RI, NH, VT, and ME.
If you're searching for things to do in New England this spring this episode has you covered.
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
🔹 Patreon🔹 BuyMeaCoffee🔹 Substack🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 Reddit
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 33: Business Lessons from Henry David Thoreau—Walden For Hire with Author Ken Lizotte

On today’s episode of Notable New England, I’m sitting down with author Ken Lizotte to talk about his new book Walden For Hire: Business Lessons From Henry David Thoreau and a side of Henry David Thoreau that doesn’t get discussed very often.
Most of us learned about Thoreau through Walden, his writing, and his connection to nature. But, Ken tells us about the hidden business lessons we can learn from Thoreau and about his entrepreneurial side. It opens up an interesting conversation about creativity, independence, and what it means to build a life and career that actually fits who you are.
Ken lives in Concord and is the President Emeritus of the Board of Trustees for the Henry David Thoreau Farm. We get into what we can take from Thoreau’s way of thinking. Whether you’re an artist, small business owner, writer, teacher, or just someone trying to do meaningful work, I think this episode will resonate with you.
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
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🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 32: Why Empathy Is a Strength, Not a Weakness with Therapist Esther Friedman

Content warning: This episode includes some strong language and discussion of current events that may be difficult or activating for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.
On this episode of Notable New England, I’m joined once again by my very first podcast guest, Esther Friedman, a Massachusetts-licensed mental health counselor, expressive art therapist, and musician, for a timely and deeply meaningful conversation about empathy.
Esther is the author of The Gentle Souls Revolution, a book that explores how empaths and gentle souls can recognize empathy not as a weakness, but as a true superpower. Together, we discuss why empathy matters more than ever, especially in a moment when it’s often dismissed or misunderstood.
This episode explores how empathy strengthens community, deepens human connection, and helps us show up for one another in sustainable, grounded ways—without burning out. Esther also shares insights on protecting empathy, honoring emotional sensitivity, and why leading with compassion actually makes individuals and communities stronger.
An eye-opening conversation for anyone who believes empathy belongs at the center of our personal lives and our communities.
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
🔹 Patreon🔹 BuyMeaCoffee🔹 Substack🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 Reddit
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 31: Calming Things to Do in New England When the World Feels Heavy

This episode of Notable New England shares calming things to do across New England to reduce stress, support mental health, and reset your nervous system during overwhelming times. Discover peaceful outdoor experiences, scenic road trips, libraries, lighthouses, gardens, and community-centered activities in Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. These simple pauses can help you recharge, reconnect with nature, and return to daily life feeling more grounded and resilient.
📌 Show Notes & Resources:
🔹 Episode Sources, References & Featured Links🔹 Music licensing & credits
💙 Support Notable New England:
Join our Notable New England Patreon community for a dedicated space to connect, explore New England history, hidden gems, and local stories without the distractions of traditional social media! Get early, ad-free episodes and exclusive perks starting at just $2 a month. Your support helps cover production costs and keeps engaging episodes coming! Or, sign up for free and connect with other lovely listeners. 👉 Join here
To make a one-time donation to Notable New England, head over to buymeacoffee.com/notablenewenglandYou'll get an on-air shout out of thanks for your donation. 
📢 Follow Notable New England:
🔹 Patreon🔹 BuyMeaCoffee🔹 Substack🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok🔹 Reddit
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com