Recent data shows one out of every four American adults are providing some sort of unpaid caregiving for a loved one, be it a parent, child, or someone else they know with a chronic illness or disability. Caregiving can require a lot of physical, emotional and mental energy, but there's a lot of love there, too - and there is assistance out there to ensure you don't burn out. Nichole talks with Kate Granigan, CEO of Alder in Newton, about the balance that's needed to ensure caregivers can take care of themselves, and resources that can help lighten the load.

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While getting an annual mammogram is pretty commonplace for many women, the testing isn't always accessible for many reasons: language barriers, a lack of insurance or being underinsured, the inability to get to a clinic, and childcare issues, just to name a few. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Mammography Van has a solution for that. The hospital has packed up a full mammography suite into a van, making stops around Greater Boston to ensure everyone can get a scan who needs it. Tia Goodman, the Program Director for the Mammography Van, joins the show this week with details.

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In Roxbury, the team at the National Center for Afro-American Artists has been busy, pulling together this year's rendition of "Black Nativity", the iconic Christmas performance penned by Langston Hughes. The Center is also under new leadership, with Akiba Abaka taking over to bring their creativity and work into a new era. She talks with Nichole about this year's "Black Nativity" production at the Emerson Paramount Center in Boston, the history and guardians that led NCAAA to where it is today, and her vision for NCAAA's future.

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Sometimes it just takes a bit of self-care to help lift your spirits, and for many women, a little lipstick, mascara, or blush can do just the trick. Unfortunately, good makeup isn't cheap, and when you're struggling to get by, it's far from a priority. Needham's Circle of Hope and Westborough's Give 'N Glow are teaming up with donors, influencers, and beauty companies to help women in need get a boost of dignity and confidence this holiday season. Ari Barbanell, Executive Director of Circle of Hope, joins Give 'N Glow Founder Samantha Asprelli on the show to talk about their efforts.

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When it comes to classic Christmas albums, Vince Guaraldi's "Charlie Brown Christmas" soundtrack often ranks up there near the top! You can hear it live this coming week at Watertown's Mosesian Center for the Arts, performed by the Eric Mintel Quartet on December 9. It's just one of many different winter programs that the Center is putting on this year, including educational opportunities for residents of all ages. Executive Director Aliana de la Guardia joins Nichole with all the details.

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For years, the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts has been working out of temporary offices as they carried out their mission to support Black business owners around the Commonwealth. Now, their dream to find a special place to settle down and create a permanent home for their work has been realized, with the purchase of a new "Sustainability Hub" in Roxbury. Executive Director Nicole Obi returns to the show to talk about the importance of this move, their plans for the space, and the resources they offer Black entrepreneurs and business owners here in Massachusetts.

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This is a huge weekend for holiday shopping, with big box stores, online chains, and small businesses alike offering up deep discounts. New data from the Retailers Association of Massachusetts shows our Main Street businesses could really use some holiday love in order to keep them thriving into 2026 and beyond. Jon Hurst, President and CEO of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, returns to the show to talk with Nichole about the state of our small businesses this season.

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The Massachusetts Horticultural Society's annual Festival of Trees is underway in Wellesley. From sparkling holiday trees to model trains, there's a little something for everyone, even down to the hot chocolate and s'mores keeping you warm as you wander through the Garden at Elm Bank! Allison Dush, the Director of Programs and Education at the Society, talks with Nichole about this family-friendly holiday event that serves as the Society's biggest fundraiser of the year.

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The Massachusetts State Lottery is no stranger to games - they've got lots of them! This time of year, they're also getting involved with board games, plushies, sports equipment, and other toys for local kids in need. The Lottery's 10th annual Holiday Toy Drive is underway, and they need your help to make sure it's a fun, joy-filled season for every child in the Commonwealth. Rachel Guerra, Deputy Director of Communications at the Lottery, joins Nichole this week to share all the info.

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