Downtown Revitalization Series: Franklin For All podcast episodes - part 2 of 2

This is the second part of the 2-part post to share the 8 podcast episodes created discussing the Franklin For All Project. What wasn't completed by this project was mostly incorporated in the 2025 Master Plan.

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#5 - Conversation on Franklin's walkability & insights from Worcester (audio)

FM #962 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 962 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Dean College Chancellor Ed Augustus. 

Brad, Melanie, Ed and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, March 15, 2023. Cobi joined us for the discussion via Zoom.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-962-walkability-worcester-insights-03-15-23

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#6 -  A "Franklin For All" discussion on buildable & affordable - 04/12/23 (audio)

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo and Joe Halligan. We were all in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. 

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Joe Halligan for this session to include his insights as a former Planning Board member, Franklin developer, and recently appointed to the Master Plan Update Committee. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-974-franklin-for-all-discusses-buildable-affordable-04-12-23

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#7 - The Franklin For All series continues with a discussion on Design Review - 05/30/23

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo, and Sam Williams. Most of us were in the Franklin TV Studio on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Cobi joined us via the Zoom conference bridge.

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Sam Williams for this session to include his insights as the Vice-Chair of the Design Review Commission.  

The conversation centered on design aspects of the ongoing Franklin For All discussion. Design Review had come up in a couple of the prior sessions so we decided to spend some time on it here with Sam. 

Audio file ->   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1005-franklin-for-all-7-talks-about-design-review-05-30-23

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#8 - Franklin For All discusses 'new growth' and the relationship of zoning to the budget
 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, and Cobi Frongillo. We were joined by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Town Council Chair Tom Mercer for this discussion on new growth. Most of us were in the Franklin TV Studio on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Tom joined us via the Zoom conference bridge.

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

The conversation centered on new growth and how the zoning decisions have a relationship with the budget. 

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1014-franklin-for-all-8-new-growth-06-05-23

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Downtown Revitalization Series: Franklin For All podcast episodes - part 1 of 2

I had an internal debate on what order to list these episodes and decided that the chronological order was probably best. You can listen to any or all as you choose. 

#1 - This Franklin For All Discussion reveals insights on process and accessory dwelling units - 03/15/22 (audio)  (39 minutes)

FM #755 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 755 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with several members of the Economic Development “Plus” Committee to talk about the Franklin For All process. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Mar 15, 2022. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-755-franklin-for-all-discussion-03-15-22

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#2 -Downtown Zoning Discussion with Councilors Hamblen & Frongillo - 12/19/22 (audio)  (45 minutes)

FM #904 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 904 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Town Councilors Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. We met in the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, Dec 19, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-904-downtown-zoning-discussion-12-19-22

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#3 - Downtown Zoning Discussion with D'Errico, Frongillo & Hamblen - 01/18/23 (audio)  (60 minutes)

FM #922 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 922 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Joel D’Errico, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. Joel, Melanie and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Cobi joined us for almost all of the discussion via phone.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-922-town-of-franklin-downtown-zoning-discussion-01-18-23

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#4 - Listen to this discussion on housing, zoning, and getting the process to produce what we need (audio) (107 minutes)

FM #942 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 942 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. Brad, Melanie and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. Cobi joined us for the discussion via Zoom.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-942-franklin-housing-zoning-discussion-02-08-23

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 323 - Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi exploring all things wine with you!

Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin

Get ready for an enchanting journey through the heart of Italy! In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW), hosts Kim and Marksit down with the multifaceted Jennifer Martin—the voice behind the acclaimed blog Vino Travels Italy and the author of the essential guide, Planning Your Dream Wedding In Tuscany.

Jennifer shares the captivating story of her Italian heritage and what inspired her to launch a blog dedicated to the vast world of Italian viticulture. Whether you are a wine enthusiast, a bride-to-be, or a lover of "La Dolce Vita," this episode is packed with expert insights.

In This Episode, We Explore:

• The Story Behind the Blog: Why Jen started Vino Travels Italy and a sneak peek into her upcoming quarterly newsletter.
• Destination Weddings: Pro-tips from Jen’s book on navigating the logistics and magic of planning a wedding in the Tuscan countryside.
• Italian Wine 101: An overview of Italy’s complex wine laws, plus Jen’s personal bottle recommendations and authentic food pairings.
• The Language of Italy: We discuss the beauty of learning Italian and how regional dialects and nuances change as you travel through the peninsula.

If you have an interest in destination weddings, regional culture, or world-class wine, you won’t want to miss Jen’s passion and expertise!

Learn more about Jennifer Martin: www.vinotravelsitaly.com 

Listen to more episodes: www.thewww.wine

Cheers, 

Kim and Mark

 🍷🍷🍷

#WinePodcast #ItalianWine #TuscanyWedding #VinoTravels #WeddingPlanning #ItalyTravel #WineAndFood #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #WineEducation

https://on.soundcloud.com/cdnDD6s6zEf7fhsQLe

https://www.thewww.wine/destination-weddings-wine-and-the-language-of-italy-with-jennifer-martin/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 323-Destination Weddings, Wine, and the Language of Italy With Jennifer Martin

Talkin’ TC Podcast on expansion of lifelong learning (video)

Talkin’ TC Podcast 

Join us for a new episode of the Talkin’ TC Podcast as we sit down with Bob Foley, Director of Post‑Secondary, Adult, and Continuing Education. We dive into the opportunities available to students and community members, the future of career pathways, and how Tri‑County is expanding access to lifelong learning.

Tune in to hear how post‑secondary and adult education programs are shaping the next generation of skilled professionals. 

Watch here:  https://youtu.be/VytLxZxgc04

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18NLUUZEBn/

Tri-County podcast features Pedro Martinez, Commissioner of DESE (video)

Tri-County podcast features Pedro Martinez,
Commissioner of DESE (video)

This week’s episode features a special guest: Pedro Martinez, Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

He joined us for a thoughtful conversation about his work, the priorities of the department, and the challenges and opportunities facing schools across the state.

A great episode for anyone interested in education, leadership, and the future of our schools.

Tune in and take a listen! 🎧 https://youtu.be/2wx7QiioB0E

Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/1K1E8XURHW/

Talkin' TC! New Episode Alert! (video)

Talkin' TC! New Episode Alert!

(L-R) Congressman Jake Auchincloss with Kahlil Mateus

Hosted by Kahlil Mateus, we sat down with Congressman Jake Auchincloss for a powerful conversation about the future of vocational‑technical education and why it matters for today’s students and communities. He also gives a behind‑the‑scenes look at life as a member of Congress and shares meaningful advice for students planning their next steps.

An inspiring, insightful episode you won’t want to miss.

Watch the full conversation at the link below!

Video link -> https://youtu.be/lzI3AikHXU8

#WorkHardTodayCounts #JakeAuchincloss

@repauchincloss

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fiym9L4aX/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 307 - Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

Episode 307 - Wine Social
Media Star Kelly Axelrad

Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad

Dive into a fascinating episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as hosts Kim and Mark sit down with the powerhouse wine entrepreneur and social media superstar, Kelly Axelrad!

From college wine enthusiast to one of the top wine influencers in the world  with over 175K followers — how did she do it? Kelly pulls back the curtain on her remarkable journey, sharing stories from her extensive travels to over 700 wineries and how she cultivated her deep passion and knowledge for wine.

But Kelly isn't just an influencer; she's a winery owner! Get the inside scoop on her Sonoma, CA-based company, Carnival Wine Co. (www.carnivalwineco.com)

Carnival Wine Company, which specializes in fabulous sparkling wine. She'll discuss her winemaker, where she sources her grapes, and what makes her bubbly so special.

Plus, if you're curious about content creation and personal branding, this episode is a must-listen! Kim and Mark grill Kelly on the secrets of her social media success, including:

• Her content approach and strategies.
• How she promotes her brand and chooses collaborations.
• How she balances her life as a global wine adventurer and a full-time social media personality.
• Don't miss the chance to learn from a true wine industry innovator!

Find Kelly's incredible content on Instagram @kellyaxelrad

Cheers, 

Kim and Mark 

🍷🍷🍷 

www.thewww.wine

Episode 307-Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) https://www.thewww.wine/episode-307-wine-social-media-star-kelly-axelrad/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 307-Wine Social Media Star Kelly Axelrad

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 306 - A Spirited Sip with a Wine Maverick Raymond Blake

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

A Spirited Sip with a Wine Maverick Raymond Blake

Join hosts Kim and Mark on as they uncork a fantastic conversation with acclaimed Irish wine author, Raymond Blake. In this spirited episode, Raymond takes us on a journey through his unconventional path to becoming a respected wine writer, starting with a surprising "interest" at the tender age of 10.

We dive deep into the world of Burgundy, exploring common misconceptions and his thoughts on the Aligoté grape, all inspired by his books Cote d’Or: The Winemaking Heart of Burgundy and Breakfast in Burgundy. Raymond also shares his unique perspective on French wine values and his work in Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Books.

The conversation flows into topics from his book Wine Talk, including the concept of "sense of place" and Champagne’s "garbage history." You'll be amazed by his candid revelation of a travel destination that fell short of his expectations. Finally, Raymond’s passion shines through as he unravels the beautiful mystery of wine, offering a captivating and insightful look into why it captivates so many.

Episode 306 - A Spirited Sip with a
Wine Maverick Raymond Blake

Find Raymond on Instagram @Blakeonwine and his website http://www.blakeonwine.com

Cheers

Kim And Mark

🍷🍷🍷

http://www.thewww.wine

#WinePodcast #WineAuthor #BurgundyWine #WineTalk #RaymondBlake #TheWonderfulWorldOfWine #WWWwine #FrenchWine #WineLover

https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-306-a-spirited-sip-with-a-wine-maverick-raymond-blake

https://www.thewww.wine/episode-306-a-spirited-sip-with-a-wine-maverick-raymond-blake/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 306-A Spirited Sip with a Wine Maverick Raymond Blake

Exploring The Wonderful World of Wine Podcast with Kim & Mark (video & audio)

FM #1621 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1621 in the series. 

We sat with Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi of the award winning Wonderful World of Wine show to explore wine tasting and podcasting. We recorded this virtually via Zoom on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

While our conversation covers a broad range of topics, we start with Kim and Mark introducing themselves and their background in the wine industry.

The recording runs about 51 minutes

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCuG5x9yLSc

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1621-exploring-the-wonderful-world-of-wine-podcast-12-18-25/

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The Wonderful World of Wine episodes can be found ->  https:thewww.wine/  

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 299 - Vino Therapy With Kelly Lewis

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

Kim and Mark of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) welcome the visionary Kelly Lewis to the show to uncork the secrets of vino therapy. The founder of the first-ever wine spa in the United States, Kelly shares how her travels led to a career-defining "aha" moment. She explains the fascinating history of this wellness practice, tracing its roots to other countries and sharing the hurdles she overcame to start.

Episode 299 - Vino Therapy With Kelly Lewis

The trio delves into the nuts and bolts of vino therapy—what it is, how it's prepared, and what a treatment entails. Kelly reveals her process for sourcing wine and building key relationships with vineyards. The conversation also touches on the incredible recognition her spa received, being named "one of the greatest places of 2025" by Time magazine.

Listeners will also learn about the health and wellness benefits of vino therapy and of non-alcoholic options. Kelly also details her exciting partnership with a French vineyard and a line of skincare products. Finally, she discusses her passion for educating others on the art and science of vino therapy.

Guest and Host Information:

Guest: Kelly Lewis, founder of The Wine Spa

Website: thewinespapdx.com

Social Media: @winespa_pdx

Hosts: Kim and Mark

Podcast: The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

Website: thewww.wine

Cheers

Kim and Mark

🍷🍷🍷

#winetherapy #vinotherapy #wellness #skincare #spa #TheWineSpa #TheWonderfulWorldofWine #wine #healthandwellness #travel

https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-299-vino-therapy-with-kelly-lewis

https://www.thewww.wine/episode-299-vino-therapy-with-kelly-lewis/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 299-Vino Therapy With Kelly Lewis

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 298 - Wine Illustration Talk With Maryse Chevriere

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

Wine Illustration Talk With Maryse Chevriere

Join The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) hosts Kim and Mark for a conversation with Maryse Chevriere. A certified sommelier, acclaimed illustrator, author, and James Beard award winner, 

Wine Illustration Talk With Maryse Chevriere

Maryse shares the fascinating, and "very very reluctant," story of her journey into the world of wine.

Listeners will get an inside look at how the wine scenes differ between New York, San Francisco, and Boston. 

The discussion delves into her unique illustrations, which earned her the 2016 James Beard Award for Humor. Dubbing herself the "drunk doodler," Maryse explains how she finds inspiration to create her whimsical and insightful wine tasting note illustrations, which have been featured in publications like Food & Wine and Bon Appetit.

The episode also uncorks her book, Grasping the Grape, covering practical topics like wine shopping, the aging potential of rosé, and deciphering wine labels. Maryse provides her expert tips on finding the perfect bottle and offers information on wine importers. 

Get ready for a sneak peek as she teases details about her upcoming new book. Finally, the show concludes with a thought-provoking comparison of her hand-drawn tasting note illustrations to those generated by artificial intelligence.

Find Maryse and her work on her website, www.fcghstudio.com, and on Instagram @freshcutgardenhose. 

Cheers!

Kim and Mark   www.thewww.wine

#wineeducation #wine #thewonderfulworldofwine #freshcutgardenhose

https://on.soundcloud.com/LYYj2KJWqBDVuzmu1n

https://www.thewww.wine/episode-298-wine-illustration-talk-with-maryse-chevriere/

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 298-Wine Illustration Talk With Maryse Chevriere