Skip to main content
The 495

The 495

By Merrimack Valley Magazine

The 495 is a community and culture podcast centered on the Merrimack Valley. Every week starting in January 2020, The 495 podcast brings you whatever is best about our region. That means leaders, writers, teachers, thinkers, artists and doers.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Episode 31 - With Dr. James Mabry, President of Middlesex Community College

The 495Aug 19, 2020

00:00
43:58
Episode 61 - With Marquis Victor, the founding executive director of Elevated Thought

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.

Mar 31, 202137:40
Episode 60 - With Noureddine Melikechi, a member of the Mars Science Laboratory, NASA’s Mars space probe mission

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. 

Mar 24, 202139:11
Episode 59 - With Paula Estey, owner of Newburyport’s PEG Center for Art & Activism

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.

Mar 10, 202130:15
Episode 58 - With photographer Karen Jerzyk

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.

Mar 03, 202150:50
Episode 57 - With with food expert and NECC chemistry professor Mike Cross

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. 

Feb 24, 202147:56
Episode 56 - With Restaurateur Caroline Jolliffe, Owner of the New The Joy Nest Restaurant in Newburyport

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.

Feb 17, 202132:18
Episode 55 - With Jon Santos and Kate Cutlip of Tiny Arms Coffee Roasters of Lowell

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.

Feb 10, 202139:05
Episode 54 - With Richard Ravin “Nothing to Declare.”

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.

Feb 03, 202137:47
Episode 53 - With U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03)

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.

Jan 27, 202128:54
Episode 52 - With Matthew Thorne from the Merrimack River Watershed Council and Dr. Lien-Thu Dao of Haverhill Family Eye Care

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!

Jan 20, 202101:01:00
Episode 51 - With Alaina and Doug Brackett of the Purple Carrot Bread Company

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.

Jan 11, 202128:39
Episode 50 - With Racheal and the team at Red Antler Apothecary in Lowell

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.

Jan 06, 202158:22
Episode 49 - With noted Cambodian American poet, painter and humanitarian, Chath Piersath

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.

Dec 23, 202039:53
Episode 48 - With Scott Plath of Cobblestones of Lowell and Moonstones of Chelmsford

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

Dec 16, 202042:17
Episode 47 - With Lane Glenn, the President of Northern Essex Community College
Dec 09, 202046:25
Episode 46 - with HamdAllah Olona from GoodieKrunch

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.

Dec 02, 202031:50
Episode 45 - With Brendan Pelley, the Executive Chef at Gibbet Hill Grill in Groton

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!

Nov 26, 202033:06
Episode 44 - With UMass Lowell Philosophy professor and Women's Movement Author Carol Hay

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.

Nov 18, 202051:30
Episode 43 - With JP and Lauren of Dancing Ox Coffee Roasters
Nov 11, 202054:46
Episode 42 - With Beth Borges and Carl Hirschfield of Home Bear Brewing

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!

Nov 04, 202044:04
Episode 41 - With Roxie Zwicker, New England's Scary Godmother

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!

Oct 28, 202042:05
Episode 40 - With State Senator Diana DiZoglio

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!

Oct 21, 202048:08
Episode 39 - With Irish Author Aine Greaney

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.

Oct 14, 202052:49
E38 - With the style editor at Merrimack Valley Magazine, Lysa Pelletier

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.

Oct 07, 202055:48
E37- With Filmmaker, Photographer and Conservationist Jerry Monkman

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.

Sep 30, 202047:06
E36 - With John Broderick, former Chief Justice of New Hampshire

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.

Sep 23, 202047:35
Episode 35 - With “The Kitchen Witch”, Dawn Aurora Hunt
Sep 16, 202046:50
Episode 34 - With Amy Lindholm and John Judge

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.

Sep 09, 202045:52
Episode 33 - With mural artist Sophy Tuttle.

Episode 33 - With mural artist Sophy Tuttle.

This week on The 495, host Doug Sparks talks with mural artist Sophy Tuttle.

Sep 02, 202041:22
Episode 32 - With Renay Wolterding, Owner of Mill City BBQ and Brew in Lowell

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!

Aug 26, 202041:38
Episode 31 - With Dr. James Mabry, President of Middlesex Community College

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.

Aug 19, 202043:58
Episode 30 - With the Founder of Craft Hot Sauce, Brian Ruhlmann

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!

Aug 12, 202055:17
Episode 29 - With Ryan Turner, the New Music Director of the Newburyport Choral Society

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!

Aug 05, 202043:34
Episode 28 - With Phil Mastroianni, the co-owner of Fabrizia Spirits

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).

Jul 29, 202039:41
Episode 27 - With Susan Sirois, executive director of Bread and Roses

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.

Jul 22, 202044:04
Episode 26 - With UMass Lowell Professor and Author of Philosophy John Kaag

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.

Jul 15, 202052:31
Episode 26 - With Courtney Sale, the new Artistic Director for the Merrimack Repertory Theatre
Jul 08, 202043:22
Episode 26 - With the Artistic Director of Mistral Music, Julie Scolnik

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!

Jul 01, 202044:13
Episode 25 - With the President of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, Dougan Sherwood
Jun 24, 202001:00:49
Episode 24 - With Retiring Lowell Cultural Director Henri Marchand

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

Jun 17, 202044:47
Episode 23 - With Lowell blogger and historian Richard Howe

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.

Jun 10, 202051:14
Episode 22 - With Author T. R. Monaghan

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.

Jun 03, 202040:20
Episode 21 - With the Merrimack Valley Homebrew Club

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.

May 27, 202059:47
Episode 20 - With musician Melvern Taylor

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!

May 20, 202044:56
Episode 19 - With the author of "Barker House", David Moloney

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!

May 13, 202045:08
Episode 18 - With Science Educator Metric Mark

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.

May 06, 202034:45
Episode 17 - With Ruby and Bill of Ruby and the Groove

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!

Apr 29, 202040:15
Episode 16 - With Amy Tee from Experimental Comedy Therapy

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.

Apr 22, 202044:36
Episode 15 - With actress, storyteller, content creator and non-profit leader, Christa Brown
Apr 15, 202040:36
Episode 14 - With Kesiah Bascom of Off Beet Compost

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.

Apr 08, 202036:13