Notable New England

Episode 30: New England New Year’s Resolutions for 2026, Podcast Highlights, and What’s Next

In this episode of Notable New England, I reflect on highlights from the podcast’s first full year, share what listeners loved most in 2025, and talk about where the show is headed in 2026. I also share a few New England–inspired New Year’s resolutions—from being a tourist in your own backyard to supporting public libraries and showing up for local community life. A cozy, community-focused conversation about New England, connection, and what’s next.
📌 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 
 

Episode 29: Christmas Past—Holiday Traditions, Forgotten History, and New England Memories with Brian Earl

Content warning: This episode begins with a message of condolences related to the Brown University & Brookline, MA shootings. While details are not discussed, the mention of the events could be triggering for some listeners. There are also brief references to adult themes when discussing historical Christmas traditions, so listener discretion is advised, particularly if young ears are present.
What did Christmas look like generations ago and how did those traditions shape the holidays we celebrate today?
In this festive episode, I’m joined by Brian Earl, host of the beloved podcast Christmas Past and author of the new book Of Christmases Long, Long Ago: Surprising Traditions from Christmas Past. Brian grew up in Stoughton, Massachusetts, and shares both fascinating historical insights and personal New England Christmas memories from his childhood.
We dive into the origins of holiday traditions, surprising facts about Christmas you may not know, and the stories behind how Christmas celebrations have evolved over time. Brian also talks about the inspiration behind his podcast and his new book.
Whether you love Christmas history, enjoy learning about holiday traditions, or feel nostalgic for New England winters, this episode is full of warmth, history, and seasonal charm.
📌 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 

Episode 28: Local Love: New England Gifts That Support Your Community

Looking for meaningful holiday gifts with real New England charm? In this episode, I share a curated, unsponsored list of my favorite New England-made gifts and local experiences—from L.A. Burdick Chocolate and the Vermont Country Store to King Arthur Baking classes, Maine lobster deliveries, New Haven pizza tours, the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail, Newport Mansions memberships, Del’s Lemonade goodies, and more.
Perfect for anyone wanting to shop local, support small businesses, and find unique gifts across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
Tune in for a cozy, thoughtful New England holiday gift guide that makes shopping easier and a whole lot more fun.
📌 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 

Episode 27: Rev. Kate Layzer on Community, Compassion, and the Friday Café

I’d really love to hear your thoughts on the podcast. This little show feels like a community we’re building together, and your perspective helps me understand what feels meaningful, what you connect with, and what you’d like to hear more of. If you have a moment to share, I’d be so grateful. I put together a very short, two-minute survey—just 10 simple questions—so I can listen to your thoughts and learn from you.You can find it at bit.ly/nnpodsurvey
On today’s episode of Notable New England, I sit down with Rev. Kate Layzer, the compassionate force behind the Friday Café at First Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Together, we explore how this weekly community gathering supports neighbors facing homelessness, food insecurity, and social isolation—and why creating spaces of dignity and connection is so essential. Rev. Layzer shares what she’s learned from years of building relationships at the Café, dispels common misconceptions about people seeking support, and offers simple, meaningful ways listeners can get involved in their own communities. It’s an eye-opening, heart-opening conversation that feels especially resonant as we head into Thanksgiving. My hope is that it inspires you to look for small ways to show up for others in New England and beyond.
📌 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🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok🔹 Reddit
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 26: Beat the Winter Blues: Fun Things to Do in New England This Winter

Dearest lovely listeners,
I’d love to get your thoughts on the podcast. Are you enjoying it? Is it fun, interesting, and worth your time each week? I really want to make sure it’s something you look forward to—and your feedback helps me do that.
I’ve put together a super short, two-minute survey—just 10 quick questions—to hear what you like, what you’d tweak, and even how you first found us. You can find it at bit.ly/nnpodsurvey
Bundle up and get ready to explore! In this special seasonal episode of Notable New England, I take you on a month-by-month journey through the best winter happenings across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
From dazzling light displays in Boston and Norman Rockwell-style celebrations in the Berkshires to full-moon hikes in Vermont, ice fishing festivals, pond hockey tournaments, and cozy jazz nights, you’ll discover dozens of ways to make the most of winter in New England — many of them free or low cost!
Whether you’re planning weekend getaways, family activities, or festive date nights, this episode is your go-to guide for seasonal fun that will get you out of the house and into the community.
✨ Topics Include:
Holiday light strolls, concerts, and winter markets
Outdoor adventures like hikes, ice fishing, and skiing
Cultural festivals and arts events in every New England state
Budget-friendly and family-friendly winter ideas
🎧 Listen now to find your next winter adventure — and check the show notes for direct links to every event and attraction mentioned.
 
📌 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🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok🔹 Reddit
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 25: A Haunted Tour of New England: Ghosts, Legends, and Strange Happenings

CONTENT WARNING: This episode of Notable New England does have some mentions of death and content that might be a bit scary for young ears or those sensitive to subjects involving death, causes of death, or paranormal activity. Listener discretion is advised.
With Halloween just around the corner, I’m exploring some of New England's haunted places — where history meets the supernatural. From Rhode Island’s Providence Athenaeum, where Edgar Allan Poe’s spirit may still linger beside his lost love, to Vermont’s Equinox Hotel haunted by Mary Todd Lincoln, each stop reveals a ghostly tale rooted in New England’s rich and mysterious past.
Journey with me to Connecticut’s Mark Twain House, where echoes of laughter and cigar smoke still drift through the halls; Maine’s eerie Maiden’s Cliff and haunted Strand Cinema; New Hampshire’s infamous Blood Cemetery; and Massachusetts’ Cutler Majestic Theatre — one of Boston’s most haunted landmarks, as well as a few other eerie spots. 
Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or just love a good ghost story, this episode is your guided tour through Haunted New England — its restless spirits, tragic legends, and the whispers that still echo through its historic towns.
📌 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🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok🔹 Reddit
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 24: Fun Facts & Fascinating Trivia About New England

From lighthouses and lobsters to libraries and lingo, this episode dives into the little-known stories behind the six New England states. Join us as we uncover quirky, surprising, and historic facts about Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island — the kind of trivia that makes you say, “Huh, I never knew that!”
You’ll learn:
Which U.S. state has just one syllable and borders only one other state
Where you can find the easternmost point in the United States
The birthplace of the American public library
How Vermont banned billboards to preserve its scenery
The story behind the first ZIP code in America
And why Rhode Island’s coastline earns it the nickname “The Ocean State”
It’s a journey through fascinating tidbits, unexpected origins, and the proud traditions that make New England truly one of a kind. Perfect for trivia lovers, history buffs, and anyone who calls this corner of the country home.
📌 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🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok🔹 Reddit
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 
 

Episode 23: Beyond Salem: Halloween Adventures Across New England

Everyone knows Salem, Massachusetts is the Halloween capital of the world—but if you’d rather skip the crowds, chaos, and parking nightmares, this episode is for you! 🎃 Join me as I uncover Halloween happenings across New England—from haunted boat rides in Providence, to Phantoms by Firelight at Old Sturbridge Village, and ghostly galas in Newport. I'll share family-friendly events, spooky historical lectures, eerie live music, and magical autumn nights in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire.Tune in for cozy, creative, and less crowded ways to celebrate Halloween this year—and get inspired to explore your region like never before.
🧭 Featuring:
Historical Halloween reenactments
Haunted trolley rides & ghost tours
Family festivals & spooky screenings
Celtic Halloween concerts & colonial soirées
Talks on Salem witch trials & spooky folklore
📍Perfect for: New England explorers, families, history buffs, and Halloween lovers looking for authentic, less-crowded seasonal fun.
📌 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🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok🔹 Reddit
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 22: Discover the Festival Bringing Maritime Music to Life in Portsmouth

Set sail for Episode 22 of Notable New England as we welcome Chris Maden, President of the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival. In this lively episode, Chris takes us inside the world of sea chanteys—traditional maritime work songs. Learn what makes a sea chantey unique, explore its fascinating history, and hear about the vibrant Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival, where music lovers and history buffs come together to celebrate New England’s rich maritime culture and music. Whether you’re a seasoned chantey singer or a curious traveler, this episode will leave you ready to join the chorus on your next visit to the New England coast.
🎶 Highlights:
What is a sea chantey and why it matters in maritime history
How the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival brings this tradition to life
Tips for attending and singing along at the festival
Stay tuned, and don’t miss this musical journey into New England’s seafaring heritage!
📌 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🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok🔹 Reddit
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com 

Episode 21: New England Fall Arts Preview: Where to Go & What to See

Fall in New England is more than just foliage season—it’s a cultural celebration! In this episode, we take you on a tour of the region’s top arts, music, and theater events for the 2025/2026 season. From world-class Broadway tours at the Providence Performing Arts Center and the Portland Symphony Orchestra’s 101st season, to inspiring exhibits at the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Farnsworth Art Museum, there’s something for every art lover.
We’ll also highlight vibrant local events like Bread & Puppet Theater’s Fall Circus Tour, the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival, and performances from the Opera Company of Middlebury. Whether you’re a fan of live music, visual art, dance, or cultural festivals, this guide will inspire you to explore New England’s thriving arts scene this fall.
📍 Featuring highlights from:
Rhode Island: Providence Performing Arts Center, RISD Craft 2025
Maine: Portland Symphony Orchestra, Farnsworth Art Museum
Connecticut: New England Ballet Theater, Bruce Museum Arts Festival
Massachusetts: Norman Rockwell Museum, Groton Hill Arts Center
New Hampshire: Nashua Center for the Arts, Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival
Vermont: Bread & Puppet Theater, Opera Company of Middlebury
✨ Why listen?
Plan your fall arts and culture adventures in New England
Discover historic venues, acclaimed performances, and unique festivals
Support local artists, theaters, and cultural institutions
🎧 Hit play now, subscribe, and get inspired to experience the arts this fall!
📌 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🔹 Facebook🔹 Instagram🔹 Threads🔹 Bluesky🔹 YouTube🔹 TikTok🔹 Reddit
🎙️ Podcast Website: https://notablene.podbean.com/ 📩 Contact: gbossmusicco@gmail.com