So That Reminds Me

Reminder Publishing
  • 5.0 (6)
  • News Commentary
  • Updated Biweekly

Ever wonder what goes into writing a news article or what happens when you hand a journalist a microphone? So That Reminds Me is a bi-weekly podcast from Reminder Publishing covering the biggest hometown news stories in Western Massachusetts. Each episode, hosts Chris Maza, Dennis Hackett, Tyler Garnet, and Ryan Feyre break down the hot local stories and bring in special guests to share their perspectives. From breaking down the news that's important to you to behind-the-scenes storytelling, So That Reminds Me is your go-to source for local journalism in Western Mass.

  1. Override or Cuts? What Easthampton's Proposition 2½ Vote Means for Residents

    Jun 5

    Override or Cuts? What Easthampton's Proposition 2½ Vote Means for Residents

    On this episode of So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet sit down with Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby to discuss one of the most consequential votes facing the city in recent memory: a proposed $6.9 million Proposition 2½ override. With city finances at a crossroads, Derby explains how Easthampton arrived at this point, the budget pressures driving the request and what residents need to know before heading to the ballot box. The mayor breaks down what passage of the override would mean for municipal services, schools, public safety and long-term financial stability, and what potential cuts, changes and challenges the community could face if voters reject the measure. Welcome: 0:30What’s Happening in Western Mass — Chicopee stories: 4:13Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby: 9:49Wrap up: 40:30

    46 min
  2. Inside Springfield & Holyoke Pride 2026 | Pride Month in Western Massachusetts

    May 22

    Inside Springfield & Holyoke Pride 2026 | Pride Month in Western Massachusetts

    This week on the podcast, Chris Maza and Dennis Hackett sit down with Taurean Bethea, founder of the Springfield Pride Parade, to preview Pride Month 2026 events, community celebrations, and LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts across Springfield. Meanwhile, Tyler Garnet and Ryan Feyre speak with Jeffery Bianche and Jeffrey Anderson-Burgos about what’s ahead for Pride festivities in Holyoke and how local organizations are preparing for one of Western Massachusetts’ biggest community celebrations. The crew also breaks down some of the biggest stories making headlines across Western Massachusetts, including Easthampton’s ongoing budget crisis, the latest developments in the Longmeadow fiber saga, and what voters should know with spring municipal election season is in full swing. Welcome: 0:30 What's News In Western Mass: 4:08 Springfield Pride: 13:31 Holyoke Pride: 28:21 Wrap-up and other Pride events: 47:49

    56 min
  3. Western Mass. Health Care at a Crossroads: Rep. Carlos Gonzalez on the Baystate-Mercy Merger

    May 8

    Western Mass. Health Care at a Crossroads: Rep. Carlos Gonzalez on the Baystate-Mercy Merger

    As soon as news broke of a proposed merger between Baystate Health and Mercy Medical Center, Springfield state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez began seeking answers. Now, with a meeting with Baystate leadership on the horizon, Gonzalez joins Reminder Publishing co-hosts Dennis Hackett and Tyler Garnet to discuss the uncertainties surrounding health care access, the Western Massachusetts economy, and whether the two organizations can successfully unite. Dennis and Tyler are also joined by Chris Maza to break down some of the region’s biggest stories, including a heated fiber debate in Longmeadow, the ongoing budget crisis in South Hadley, and the anticipated arrival of new F-35 Lightning fighter jets in Westfield this June. Welcome: 0:29What’s News in Western Mass.: 1:09Carlos Gonzalez on the Baystate-Mercy Merger: 14:33Gonzalez on state Legislature’s health care priorities: 22:12Gonzalez on the state budgeting process: 23:15Gonzalez on being the honorary chair for the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast: 25:05Wrap-up: 26:38

    31 min
  4. Strife in South Hadley: a Small Town Budget Problem with Big Stakes

    Apr 24

    Strife in South Hadley: a Small Town Budget Problem with Big Stakes

    In this week’s episode, the So That Reminds Me team interviews one of their own. Staff writer Tyler Garnet swaps roles to discuss his ongoing coverage of South Hadley’s high-stakes, complicated and emotionally charged discussions, debates and votes as the town tries to maneuver its way through a budget crisis that could have serious and damaging implications for the town and its residents. Co-hosts Dennis Hackett and Ryan Feyre also dive into more Western Mass. news, including local elections, the Senate’s passage of the FARM Bill, Westfield’s new fire chief, some news out of Springfield where they honored one of its own for his dedication to kids and sports programming. Welcome: 0:20What’s News in Western Mass.: 3:00Breaking Down South Hadley’s Budget Dilemma with Tyler Garnet: 13:12Wrap up: 37:00

    42 min
  5. #GreenNFit Day Returns to Springfield: Revitalizing Neighborhoods Through Health & Community

    Apr 10

    #GreenNFit Day Returns to Springfield: Revitalizing Neighborhoods Through Health & Community

    This week on So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler sit down with Colleen Loveless and Ethel Griffin of Revitalize CDC to talk about the upcoming #GreenNFit Day in Springfield, a celebration of healthy living, community togetherness, and neighborhood revitalization. Learn what volunteers can expect, why this event matters for Springfield residents, and how Revitalize CDC is working to make a lasting impact across the city. Plus, the hosts break down some of the top headlines across the Pioneer Valley, including the real-world impact of proposed budget cuts to the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office and what voters need to know about the looming override vote in South Hadley. Welcome: 0:10What’s News in Western Mass.: 4:10Revitalize CDC’s #GreenNFit Day: 16:46Wrap-up: 51:21

    56 min
  6. Baseball Is Back: Your Guide to the Hartford Yard Goats and Worcester Red Sox

    Mar 27

    Baseball Is Back: Your Guide to the Hartford Yard Goats and Worcester Red Sox

    Step up to the plate with the hosts of So That Reminds Me as they sit down with Mike Abramson of the Hartford Yard Goats and Steve Oliveira of the Worcester Red Sox to preview the upcoming baseball season. We cover everything from the players on the field to special promotions and theme nights — even game day snacks! We also look at the top headlines in the region with What’s News in Western Mass. Welcome: 0:12What’s News in Western Mass: 3:06Worcester Red Sox preview: 22:07Hartford Yard Goats preview: 43.17Wrap up: 1:06.19

    1h 12m
  7. Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Preview with Jim Wildman & Jayden Christie

    Mar 13

    Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Preview with Jim Wildman & Jayden Christie

    The biggest weekend of the year in Holyoke is almost here. On this episode of So That Reminds Me, hosts Chris Maza and Tyler Garnet talk with Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee President Jim Wildman and Holyoke Grand Colleen Jayden Christie about everything leading up to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade and Road Race, taking place March 21 and 22. They break down the traditions, community spirit and behind-the-scenes work that goes into one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country. From the iconic road race to the massive parade that brings thousands to the streets of Holyoke, the guests share what makes the weekend special and what people should know if they’re planning to attend. Chris and Tyler also dive into “What’s News in Western Mass.”, discussing several major local stories, including the ongoing fiscal concerns in South Hadley, the Springfield City Council’s no-confidence vote involving Council President Tracye Whitfield, and recent developments involving the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the city of Springfield. Welcome 0:11 What's News in Western Mass: 4:10 Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade Preview with Jim Wildman and Jayden Christie 20:03 Wrap up 48:30

    53 min
  8. The Big Broadcast 1940s Radio Show Returns to Mount Holyoke College

    Feb 27

    The Big Broadcast 1940s Radio Show Returns to Mount Holyoke College

    On this episode of the So That Reminds Me Podcast, co-hosts Dennis Hackett and Ryan Feyre welcome special guests Mark Gionfriddo and Maureen Sullivan to discuss the return of The Big Broadcast, a live 1940s-style radio show coming Saturday, March 7, with performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. inside Chapin Auditorium on the campus of Mount Holyoke College. They share what audiences can expect from this unique blend of classic entertainment, live sound effects, vintage storytelling and nostalgic fun. Tickets are available at Odyssey Book Shop, online, and at the door. The Big Broadcast is also the sponsor of this episode. Dennis and Ryan also break down the latest local headlines, including a developing legal situation involving a business in East Longmeadow, ongoing fallout and updates surrounding Tracye Whitfield and leadership tensions in Springfield, and the region’s seemingly endless stretch of winter weather.

    1h 2m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Ever wonder what goes into writing a news article or what happens when you hand a journalist a microphone? So That Reminds Me is a bi-weekly podcast from Reminder Publishing covering the biggest hometown news stories in Western Massachusetts. Each episode, hosts Chris Maza, Dennis Hackett, Tyler Garnet, and Ryan Feyre break down the hot local stories and bring in special guests to share their perspectives. From breaking down the news that's important to you to behind-the-scenes storytelling, So That Reminds Me is your go-to source for local journalism in Western Mass.

Information

  • Creator
    Reminder Publishing
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Reminder Publishing, LLC 2024
  • Show Website
    So That Reminds Me