Occupy the Airwaves— Valley Free Radio

Host Stephen Linsky is joined by local author Ellen Merpool to discuss her latest novel, "Sometimes an Island," ahead of her reading at Broadside Books. Proceeds from book sales benefit Climate Action Now Western Massachusetts.
 
Ellen Meeropol is the author of the previous novels The Lost Women of Azalea Court, Her Sister's Tattoo, Kinship of Clover, On Hurricane Island, and House Arrest. Her work focuses on the lives of women, especially those on the fault lines between political activism and family. Ellen lives in western Massachusetts, where she is a founding mother of Straw Dog Writers Guild.

State Representative from the First Hampshire District, Lindsay Sabadosa, joins cohosts Bob Gardner, Stephen Linsky, and Paki Wieland for a wide-ranging discussion. Topics included the state response to ICE and the possibility of a surge here, the impact of cuts to needed programs like SNAP and Medicaid, the Governor's new energy policies- including a ramp up of nuclear power, and Rep. Sabadosa's own evolution from a first-year State Representative to a veteran with four years of experience and knowledge.
 
(Photo by Nikki Gardner Photography)

Join a conversation with Vicky Elson and Tim Wallis- speaking about nuclear weapons bans, the approach of midnight on the Doomsday Clock and what nations and organizations are doing about it. Please join Occupy hosts Paki Wieland, Steve Linsky and Bob Gardner for this important discussion. Visit nuclearban.us to learn more.

Mona, Natalia, and Ilene from the Easthampton Tenants Union join co-hosts Stephen Linsky and Miranda Groux for a conversation about the reality of renting in the valley. Hear what motivates them to organize, how they are building local power with their neighbors, and learn more about your rights as a tenant. Want to get involved in the Easthampton Tenants Union? Attend a meeting! Happening every Thursday at 5PM at Easthampton City Hall. And connect with the union on Instagram or email easthamptontenantsunion@gmail.com.

Join hosts Miranda Groux and Emikan Sudan for an insightful interview with Indigenous scholar and UMass professor emeritus Ron Welburn. Topics covered include the long history of the Indigenous population in North America and its lasting influence on the development of jazz and poetry.

Mary Anne Quiroz (Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center), Ryan Perez (community organizer), and Tomas (artist) from the Twin Cities, Minnesota join co-hosts Linda Ziegenbein, Miranda Groux, and Emikan Sudan to discuss what is happening in their communities, how they are supporting their communities in responding to increased engagement from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and what we here in Western Massachusetts can do to support them.
 
Learn more about how to support:
Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center
Other Minnesota-based orgs to support
Photo credit: Kerem Yucel (2025); IG: keremyucel

Hosts Bob Gardner, Miranda Groux, Stephen Linsky, and Linda Ziegenbein welcome Pietra Adami from LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of Massachusetts. They discuss the work LUCE, a mostly volunteer- and immigrant-led organization, is doing in the Pioneer Valley and across Massachusetts to protect our immigrant friends and neighbors. Learn more about the LUCE Network and how to support at https://www.lucemass.org/
 
NOTE: This show was recorded before the murder of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minnesota. We have edited the show to include LUCE's statement.

Occupy the Airwaves hosts Paki Wieland, Emikan Sudan and Stephen Linsky offered their final reviews of 2025, including their respective opinions on prospects for the 2026 mid-term elections and ongoing resistance efforts to rising right wing authoritarianism at home and abroad.

Occupy the Airwaves hosts review this year’s major events. Join Miranda Groux, Linda Ziegenbein, Emikan Sudan, Stephen Linsky and Bob Gardner as they offer their perspectives on what occurred in 2025, particularly in regard to developments relating to ICE, Gaza, Ukraine, Project 2025, Congress, the Courts and growing inequalities and budget cuts. The co-host panel also offer their opinions relating to the 2024 election results and prospects for the 2026 mid-term elections.

Hosts Emikan Sudan, Paki Wieland, and Miranda Groux are thrilled to welcome Dr. Amilcar Shabazz back to Occupy the Airwaves. Dr. Shabazz shares the history and meaning of Kwanza, current celebrations in the valley, and how we can carry the spirit of Kwanza into our fights for justice and liberation in 2026.