The 495
By Merrimack Valley Magazine
The 495Jul 22, 2020
Episode 61 - With Marquis Victor, the founding executive director of Elevated Thought
This week on The 495, we’re joined by Marquis Victor, the founding executive director of Elevated Thought, an art and social justice organization based in Lawrence. Mass. He’s also an educator, photographer, and poet. Join us Wednesday, live at 12:30 to learn more, or listen on your favorite streaming platform.
Episode 60 - With Noureddine Melikechi, a member of the Mars Science Laboratory, NASA’s Mars space probe mission
This week, The 495 goes cosmic! We’re joined by Noureddine Melikechi, a member of the Mars Science Laboratory, NASA’s Mars space probe mission. He’s also a physicist, an inventor, an educator, and even an amateur chef. We’ll talk everything from the Mars rover to the folk music of Maghreb.
Episode 59 - With Paula Estey, owner of Newburyport’s PEG Center for Art & Activism
This week on The 495, we’re joined by artist Paula Estey, owner of Newburyport’s PEG Center for Art & Activism. We’ll discuss how art might help us heal cultural divides.
Episode 58 - With photographer Karen Jerzyk
This week on The 495! We’re joined by photographer Karen Jerzyk Photo, whose work was profiled in the January issue of MVM. You can find Jerzyk prints at Hive & Forge in Lowell.
Episode 57 - With with food expert and NECC chemistry professor Mike Cross
Chocolate fans unite! This Wed. on The 495 we’re talking with yummy food expert and Northern Essex Community College chemistry professor Mike Cross about theobromines, Mayan history, and the time he went undercover as a student to better understand the challenges they face.
Episode 56 - With Restaurateur Caroline Jolliffe, Owner of the New The Joy Nest Restaurant in Newburyport
Hungry? Join us this week on The 495 as we sit down with restaurateur Caroline Jolliffe, whose just-opened Newburyport restaurant The Joy Nest promises live jazz, boozy cocktails, and a classic speakeasy environment.
Episode 55 - With Jon Santos and Kate Cutlip of Tiny Arms Coffee Roasters of Lowell
This week on The 495, host Doug Sparks talks (and brews a cup of coffee) with Jon Santos and Kate Cutlip of Tiny Arms Coffee Roasters of Lowell.
Episode 54 - With Richard Ravin “Nothing to Declare.”
Sex. Weed. Revolution. Grilled tuna. Richard Ravin joins us to discuss his wild debut novel, “Nothing to Declare.” Ravin, a Newbury resident, has written for Salon and the San Francisco Examiner, and his work has earned high praise from his fellow writers.
Episode 53 - With U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03)
This week on The 495, we’re joined by very special guest U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan. We’ll discuss the Jan. 6 siege on the Capitol, as well as forthcoming internet legislation and the recently passed Great American Outdoors Act.
Episode 52 - With Matthew Thorne from the Merrimack River Watershed Council and Dr. Lien-Thu Dao of Haverhill Family Eye Care
Merrimack fans take note! This week on The 495, we discuss the state of our favorite river with Matthew Thorne from the Merrimack River Watershed Council. Then, we’re joined by Dr. Lien-Thu Dao of Haverhill Family Eye Care. Join us live on The 495!
Episode 51 - With Alaina and Doug Brackett of the Purple Carrot Bread Company
Local restaurants have taken a huge hit. The host of The 495, Doug Sparks is joined by Purple Carrot Bread Co. owners Alaina and Doug Brackett to find out what their Lowell bakery is doing to survive in the age of COVID.
Episode 50 - With Racheal and the team at Red Antler Apothecary in Lowell
The 495 is back! Host Doug Sparks opens 2021 talking with Rachel and the teams from Red Antler Apothecary in Lowell. See how this Valley business is adapting and aiding in the Covid crisis and hear tales of pine tar soap and beaver skulls.
Episode 49 - With noted Cambodian American poet, painter and humanitarian, Chath Piersath
On this edition of The 495, your host Doug Sparks talks with noted Cambodian American poet, painter and humanitarian, Chath Piersath.
Episode 48 - With Scott Plath of Cobblestones of Lowell and Moonstones of Chelmsford
Host Doug Sparks talks with Scott Plath of Cobblestones of Lowell and Moonstones of Chelmsford about the state of the restaurant industry in Massachusetts as we approach the Covid Holidays
Episode 47 - With Lane Glenn, the President of Northern Essex Community College
Host Doug Sparks catches up with Lane Glenn, who is both the President of Northern Essex Community College and an all-around fascinating guy.
Episode 46 - with HamdAllah Olona from GoodieKrunch
This week, host Doug Sparks talks with HamdAllah Olona from GoodieKrunch, a delicious coconut snack produced in Haverhill, but inspired by a traditional authentic signature recipe of Olana's grandmother from Ọ̀yọ́ Kingdom, Yorùbá Land, in West Africa. Don't miss this fascinating story.
Episode 45 - With Brendan Pelley, the Executive Chef at Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton
On the day before Thanksgiving, host Doug Sparks, talks with one of the Merrimack Valley's most well-known chefs! You've seen Brendan Pelley on Hell’s Kitchen, Beat Bobby Flay, and the WGBH Food Fight, and the Chelmsford native is the Executive Chef at Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton. Join us for a high-profile culinary episode!
Episode 44 - With UMass Lowell Philosophy professor and Women's Movement Author Carol Hay
This week on The 495, we’re joined by UMass Lowell professor Carol Hay, whose latest book, “Think Like a Feminist,” takes a look at the philosophy behind the women’s movement.
Episode 43 - With JP and Lauren of Dancing Ox Coffee Roasters
Coffee fans rejoice! This week on The 495 hoist Doug Sparks will be discussing everyone’s favorite bean with JP and Lauren, the owners of Dancing Ox Coffee Roasters. These two former professional dancers now run a North Carolina roastery with Merrimack Valley roots.
Episode 42 - With Beth Borges and Carl Hirschfield of Home Bear Brewing
On this edition of The 495, host Doug Sparks talks mead with the good folks at House Bear Brewing in Newburyport!
Episode 41 - With Roxie Zwicker, New England's Scary Godmother
Host Doug Sparks gets in the Halloween mood and talks with New England's Scary Godmother, Roxie Zwicker from New England Curiosities about ghost stories from the Valley!
Episode 40 - With State Senator Diana DiZoglio
This week on The 495, host Doug Sparks talks with State Senator Diana DiZoglio as she continues her 159-mile March Across Massachusetts to raise money for The Methuen Youth Center. Then he previews the November/December issue of Merrimack Valley Magazine!
Episode 39 - With Irish Author Aine Greaney
This week host Doug Sparks talks with Irish Author Aine Greaney about her five books, her personal journey of immigration here in the US, and her writing workshops.
E38 - With the style editor at Merrimack Valley Magazine, Lysa Pelletier
Lysa Pelletier has worked as a fashion, lifestyle, and product stylist for more than 25 years. She’s also the style editor at Merrimack Valley Magazine. This week on The 495, she’ll sit down with publisher Glenn Prezzano to talk about things you can do to spice up your fall.
E37- With Filmmaker, Photographer and Conservationist Jerry Monkman
This week on The 495 host Doug Sparks is joined by filmmaker, photographer, and conservationist Jerry Monkman. Monkman recently directed “The Merrimack: River at Risk,” a documentary about this critical waterway’s past, present and possible future.
E36 - With John Broderick, former Chief Justice of New Hampshire
John Broderick has been a chief justice with the N.H. state court, law school dean, and senior director at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health. In 2002, he was the victim of an assault that nearly took his life. The experience changed the way he thought about mental illness forever. You won’t want to miss this episode of The 495.
Episode 35 - With “The Kitchen Witch”, Dawn Aurora Hunt
Dawn Aurora Hunt is known as “The Kitchen Witch.” Find out why on The 495 as we talk about her recent cookbook, how to bring a little magic into your kitchen, and the company she founded, Cucina Aurora Kitchen Witchery.
Episode 34 - With Amy Lindholm and John Judge
This week on The 495, we chat about the recently passed Great American Outdoors Act and how it affects our region with Amy Lindholm, of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and John Judge, CEO of the Appalachian Mountain Club.
Episode 33 - With mural artist Sophy Tuttle.
This week on The 495, host Doug Sparks talks with mural artist Sophy Tuttle.
Episode 32 - With Renay Wolterding, Owner of Mill City BBQ and Brew in Lowell
This week on The 495, host Doug Sparks talks with Renay Wolterding, owner at Mill City BBQ and Brew!
Episode 31 - With Dr. James Mabry, President of Middlesex Community College
Join us on The 495 this week, as host Doug Sparks talks with Dr. James Mabry, President of Middlesex Community College.
Episode 30 - With the Founder of Craft Hot Sauce, Brian Ruhlmann
It is hot out, there's no doubt. But it is never too hot for hot sauce! This week, host Doug Sparks talks with the Founder of Craft Hot Sauce, Brian Ruhlmann!
Episode 29 - With Ryan Turner, the New Music Director of the Newburyport Choral Society
This week on The 495, we are joined by Ryan Turner. He’s the new music director of the Newburyport Choral Society, one of the oldest choral groups in the nation. Music fans won’t want to miss this one!
Episode 28 - With Phil Mastroianni, the co-owner of Fabrizia Spirits
On this week's The 495, host Doug Sparks talks with Phil Mastroianni, the co-owner of Fabrizia Spirits – they make traditional limoncello (and, in the age of the pandemic, sanitizer).
Episode 27 - With Susan Sirois, executive director of Bread and Roses
This week on The 495, host Doug Sparks talks with Susan Sirois, executive director of Bread and Roses about the effects of the pandemic on her organization and its mission to feed those in need.
Episode 26 - With UMass Lowell Professor and Author of Philosophy John Kaag
Doug Spark's guest on this week's The 495 podcast is UMass Lowell professor John Kaag whose “Sick Souls, Healthy Minds,” combines biography, memoir and self-help guide in one concise, inviting package. In other words, don’t be put off if you struggle to remember anything from your Philosophy 101 class.
Episode 26 - With Courtney Sale, the new Artistic Director for the Merrimack Repertory Theatre
This week on The 495, host Doug Sparks talks with Courtney Sale, the new Artistic Director for the Merrimack Repertory Theatre on what it's like to take over during a pandemic and the future of local theater.
Episode 26 - With the Artistic Director of Mistral Music, Julie Scolnik
On this edition of The 495, host Doug Sparks talks with the Artistic Director of Mistral Music, Julie Scolnik!
Episode 25 - With the President of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, Dougan Sherwood
The 495's 25th episode features host Doug Sparks talking with Dougan Sherwood, President of the Greater Haverhill Chamber, about his aspirations to make Haverhill a world-class city.
Episode 24 - With Retiring Lowell Cultural Director Henri Marchand
This week on The 495, host Doug Sparks will talk with Henri Marchand. He’s retiring from his position as cultural director of Lowell after many years of serving the city. He’s also a practicing magician, so expect a wide-ranging discussion. Like Lowell
Episode 23 - With Lowell blogger and historian Richard Howe
Host Doug Sparks talks with Lowell blogger and historian Richard Howe about citizen blogging, social media, and his history walking tours of Lowell.
Episode 22 - With Author T. R. Monaghan
Doug's guest is T. R. Monaghan. Her debut novel is set in the gritty underworld of Lowell in the early ‘70s. We’ll talk crime, writing, and Lowell past and present.
Episode 21 - With the Merrimack Valley Homebrew Club
This week on The 495 podcast, host Doug Sparks talks all things beer with the Merrimack Valley Homebrew Club: The importance of using good water; Where to pick the best Dandelions; And ... do NOT stress out your yeast.
Episode 20 - With musician Melvern Taylor
This week's episode of The 495 has host Doug Sparks talking with Lowell musician Melvern Taylor and his ukulele!
Episode 19 - With the author of "Barker House", David Moloney
Make sure you join us on The 495 podcast this week as host Doug Sparks talks with David Moloney, author of the newly released "Barker House" from Bloomsbury Publishing USA!
Episode 18 - With Science Educator Metric Mark
Host Doug Sparks talks with Science Educator Metric Mark who is approaching COVID-induced homeschooling by showing parents and kids how to do simple hands-on science experiments, with only the materials they have on hand.
Episode 17 - With Ruby and Bill of Ruby and the Groove
The 495 Host Doug Starks speaks with Ruby and Bill of Ruby and the Groove!
Episode 16 - With Amy Tee from Experimental Comedy Therapy
This week on The 495, Doug Sparks chats with Amy Tee from Experimental Comedy Therapy. Like many comedians, Amy has gone through many ups and downs, which reflect in her unique brand of comedy laced with stigma-busting honesty.
Episode 15 - With actress, storyteller, content creator and non-profit leader, Christa Brown
Doug interviews Christa Brown - an actress, storyteller, content creator and non-profit leader based in Lowell. She creates and promotes art that reflects the richness of the local community. The Free Soil Arts Collective Entrepreneurship for All - EforAll
Episode 14 - With Kesiah Bascom of Off Beet Compost
Host Doug Sparks talks red wigglers with Kesiah Bascom, the owner/founder of Off Beet Compost.