WKXL - New Hampshire Talk Radio

This week on Facing the Future, former U.S. Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) explains why he supports a new fiscal commission as a way of finding solutions to the nation's growing debt and how reinstating the "Conrad rule" in the Senate would help.

Veronica Procopio of Living Life Holistically here WKXL drops by to have a lovely chat with Jane about the arts, and holistic living, and how it can positively impact our day to day.

Thursday’s program featured our weekly visit with the New Hampshire FisherCats as one of the voice of the ‘Cats, Chris Jared, joined us to talk about a recent “controversy” involving the team and also to highlight the team’s success on the field. This being “Stars and Stripes Day” commemorating the first time the John Phillip Sousa classic was played on this date in 1897 in Philadelphia, we presented a rendition of it on the program.

Rubin Lichtenstein comes back home to the NH Unscripted studio with some great updates about his business “Rubin’s Hot Sauce”. Rubin, CTV and the restaurant 90 Low got together and created a cooking show. It’s been getting great reviews and personally I’m loving it. Rubin has news about working with Hannaford Supermarkets, gives us updates on some of the fairs and festivals he’ll be doing this year and we get to discuss his 5 and 10yr plans for the biz. You can find his products right here: https://rubinshotsauce.com/

Our Wednesday guest was Dan Weed of Weed Family Automotive in Concord. Our discussion focused on the now non-existent state inspection and emissions testing programs here in New Hampshire. Also, how many auto manufacturers are suffering financially after making huge commitments into the Electric Vehicle market and sales are not meeting projections.

Today Katelyn has Alethea Kehas who teaches yoga and a variety of other programs at GoodLife, and they're talking about the various events and programs GoodLife has to offer.

Today Dr. Mahmoud Homsi of Charm Smile Dental stops by to chat with Veronica about his practice the specialties it provides, including sleep apnea, TMJ pain and facial development for both children and adults.

Ted Talk Tuesday on Artful Living. Join us as we higlight talks on motivation, balancing courage and fear, and emotional spending!

Tuesday we talked baseball with Cam Cook the General Manager of the Nashua Silver Knights of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League featuring college players from New England and throughout the country. The season begins on May 27. www.nashuasilverknights.com

On today’s episode of the Wayback machine, we’re taking a deep dive look at the life of Johnny Rivers. He sold over 30 million records, discovered the fifth dimension, and yet most people don’t have a clue who he is. Time to set the record straight.

Monday’s show featured correspondent John Leahy and what moves the Celtics could make in the off season. Also a look at the newly-released list of the most popular baby names for 2025 and some that are trending upward for 2026.

A. J. speaks with Ross Connolly, Northeast Regional State Director at Americans for Prosperity and host of WDEV's Vermont Viewpoint, to breakdown the state of Vermont politics and how it diverged so dramatically from New Hampshire. Learn more about AFP's efforts in Vermont at https://greenmountainprosperity.com Get great coffee from Porcupine Coffee Roasting, with 15% discount with code "NETake", at https://porcupinecoffeeroasting.com Reach out to the show at [email protected] and join the Substack at https://newenglandtake.com

Man oh man do I love sourdough bread! New Hampshire has some absolutely incredible sourdough bakers and I’m thrilled to introduce you one of them. Gary Sessa of Sessa Sourdough drops by the studio to give us the lowdown on how and why the Sessa’s entered the market. They sometimes bake up to 500 loaves a week!! I have a soft spot for entrepreneurs because they’re dreamers and doers and they have a heckuva knack for getting things done. Check them out here: https://www.hotplate.com/sessassourdough?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio

This week on Facing the Future, Molly Reynolds of the Brookings Institution explains why the budget resolution recently passed by Congress is highly unusual and a year behind schedule.

Josh Collier of Opera Vermont chats with Artful Living host, Jane Cormier. Join us as we discuss the world of opera here in New England and beyond.

Thursday’s show featured our weekly visit with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats as we were joined by broadcaster Chris Jared who discussed some recent roster moves and the ‘Cats upcoming schedule. Also WKXL’s “ New Hampshire Unscripted” host Ray Dudley joined the show for some Thursday fun and to talk about his upcoming  “Waaay Back Machine” program this coming Monday.

Sometimes it’s just great to sit and chat with friends and today's episode is one of those events. Kat Abdelwahid and Mary Fraser of LMAT (Lend Me A Theater) stop in to discuss what’s happening with their group. LMAT occupy a unique niche and specialize in Dinner Theatre (usually at the Tupelo Music Hall in Derry). They are a VERY nomadic group and that fact adds a layer to everything they do that most groups do NOT have to contend with. I’ve known the group almost since their beginnings and have been trying to get them back into the studio for a couple of years now. Finally we get to catch up. Enjoy!!

Angelman Syndrome was the focus of the first part of Wednesday’s program. Dolores “Dolly” Flanders joined us in studio to talk about an Angelman Syndrome Foundation fundraising event on Sunday, May 17 at Boutwell’s Bowling Center in Concord. More info at: [email protected] In the second half of the show we chatted with Monster Truck star Brianna Mahon who will be competing this weekend at SNHU Arena in Manchester in “Monster Jam Freestyle Mania” as Monster Jam Trucks team up for the first time in New Hampshire with Freestyle Motorcross Bikes.

Katelyn Gagnon returns to WKXL with Living the Good Life! Her first guest is Maggie Saki of Encompass Health, and they are discussing the variety of treatments they provide for people recovering from life changing illness and injuries.

Veronica sits once again with fellow WKXL host Jane Cormier of Artful Living! They are talking about the importance of community events and businesses, and the arts being a central component in them.

Richard Wagner is the theme of Artful Living today. Join our host, Jane Cormier, as we listen and learn about this famous German compose and his contributions to the world of the musical drama.

Tuesday’s program featured our monthly visit with the New Hampshire Insurance Department. Our guest was Dr. Jason Aziz, the Department’s Director of Health Economics discussing a recent report from the NHID Data Analytics team and recommendations from Commissioner Bettencourt.

Today we are taking a more in depth look at the history of Motown, the artists, the music, and chart topping stories surrounding them!

Monday’s program on May the Fourth featured some Star Wars discussion on Star Wars Day. We also heard from our correspondent John Leahy who focused on recent eliminations of the Celtics and Bruins in their playoff series and the death of broadcast legend John Sterling.

A. J. Kierstead and Dexter Tarbox dive into the senate race in Maine, diving into the shocker of Governor Janet Mills' failure and dropout, the Graham Platner socialist situation, and why none of this likely matters because Collins will win. Get some GREAT specialty coffee, that I drink EVERY morning, from Porcupine Coffee Roasting with code "NETAKE" at https://www.porcupinecoffeeroasting.com Email the show at [email protected] and join the Substack at https://newenglandtake.com

Jeff Preston from Mint Condition cleaners sits down to discuss who, what, when, where and why the franchise exists and what’s happening with it in NH. From their website: "Mint Condition proudly provides Commercial Cleaning Services to businesses across North America, serving organizations throughout the United States with reliable janitorial and disinfecting solutions...Every cleaning program is fully customized to your facility’s needs—no matter if your focus is appearance, health, or both”. Want to own your own business? Take a close look at this VERY intriguing prospect.

This week on Facing the Future, students from the University of Iowa and their faculty adviser Dr. Alexandra Nica, describe how they reduced the debt-to-GDP ratio over the next 30 years and what they learned in winning this year's nationwide Fiscal Challenge competition.

Diane Rider, Founding Board Member of Benjamin Franklin Academy Public Charter School in Loudon, joins Jane Cormier, host of Artful Living today.  Jane and Diane will discuss school choice and the mission of BFA as it serves families and students in the greater Concord area.

Thursday’s edition featured New Hampshire Fisher Cats broadcaster Chris Jared on the team’s success in the month of April. Also a visit from the host of WKXL’s “New Hampshire Unscripted”, Ray Dudley.

Wednesday’s show featured “Brit Hits” co-hosted by Emily Gagnon with all British artists. A great variety of music and some very intriguing backstories.

Turning the clocks forward tells me that it’s time to talk again with Jamie Jobin and Heather Moynihan from the Capitol Area BeeKeepers Association (CABA). Beekeepers around the state are eager about getting to look at their bee boxes to see how they’ve faired over the winter. Bears, parasites, colony collapse and a whole host of other tasks all come under the umbrella of topics that are addressed!

On todays show Loren Cilley is in the studio with Veronica and they are talking about skin care. They discuss dermatology and how it plays an important part in aesthetic services at The Head Haven.

On Artful Living today, Jane will highlight the career and life of Duke Ellington. Join us as we discover The Duke's beginnings and how his music shaped the Jazz musical genre!

Tuesday marked our monthly visit with the New Hampshire Department of Safety as we were joined by N. H. State Trooper Christopher Dustin. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Trooper Dustin explained what the consequences can be for a distracted driver in terms of the welfare of themselves and others impacted by their recklessness and also the financial impact of getting a ticket for distracted driving. Among the other topics discussed today, the visit of King Charles the third to this country, favorite pies and superheroes.

Most of us who enjoy the music of the 60’s weren’t aware of the impact of a group of studio musicians had on what we were enjoying. Those musicians were known as The Wrecking Crew. The Wrecking Crew were an elite group of Los Angeles studio musicians who quietly played on hundreds of hit records in the 1960s—and shaped the sound of modern pop. Some info: What they did: Played backing tracks for major artists who often only added vocals later, Could learn and record songs incredibly fast, sometimes cutting multiple hits in a single day, were central to producers who demanded precision and speed. They defined the Los Angeles studio sound of the 1960s and influenced how records are made to this day. We hope you enjoy our samples of their work.

Monday’s program featured a new business being established in New Hampshire, Overtime Athletics. Overtime Athletics is the leader in after school programs in many part of the country but this is the first franchise in the Granite State. We were joined in studio by N.H. franchise owner Brian Bostic who is in the process of establishing day camps in this area. For more information: www.otathletics.com/newhampshire

A. J. reflects on hitting the five year mark of the New England Take and the state of local media in New Hampshire, followed by a deep dive into the US Department of Justice indicting the Southern Poverty Law Center for funding the very organizations it is allegedly fighting! Fox News, “DOJ says Southern Poverty Law Center funneled $3M+ to white supremacist and extremist groups like the KKK”: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doj-says-southern-poverty-law-center-funneled-3m-white-supremacist-extremist-groups-like-kkk NY Post, “Georgia Teacher of the Year finalist sues district after being removed from classroom over Charlie Kirk post”: https://nypost.com/2025/10/25/us-news/michelle-mickens-sues-georgia-school-district-over-charlie-kirk-fallout/ Support the show by joining our Substack at https://newenglandtake.com and email A. J. at [email protected]

It’s always exciting to get to chat with folks from theatre groups that we didn’t know existed! Kimberly Damboise, Besty O’Mally and Gene Gould (via phone) of Stone Arch Players discuss why they came into existence, shows that they’re interested in performing, fundraisers they conduct, sponsors (thank God for those), their current performance space and what they hope the future holds for the arts in Hillsborough.

It's Friday, which means the Friday Fun Bunch is in the WKXL Studios! Ken Cail interviews Tom Raffio, President & CEO of Northeast Delta Dental, Ellen Raffio, and Kitty Rae the OFFICIAL “Flick Chick."

This week on Facing the Future, Ben Ritz, Vice President of Policy Development at the Progressive Policy Institute, discusses why new tax cut proposals have him wondering whether Democrats learned the wrong lesson from 2024.

Join Jane Cormier and Susan Riedl, the owner of a new "gathering" space call Gnomies in Concord. Learn all about this wonderful new business right here on Artful Living!

Our Thursday show included a chat with New Hampshire Fisher Cats Assistant General Manager Andrew Marais on the team’s upcoming homestand which begins next Tuesday. We were also joined in studio by the host of “New Hampshire Unscripted” Ray Dudley on his upcoming WKXL programs.

Wednesday's program focused on the New Hampshire Food Bank which is located in Manchester but serves the needs of the entire state on a daily basis. Our guest is the Executive Director of the N.H. Food Bank, Elsy Cipriani. www.nhfoodbank.org

Well time for another education. Sandra Harper from CloverPottery603.com stops in to talk about her business (3 upcoming fairs), the pottery classes she offers, the gorgeous studio and fills me in on the basics of creating art using clay! Cute beach houses, gnomes, mugs, etc. We covered it.

Kassey returns to chat with Veronica about keto, her business "My Keto Life", and healthier food choices coming out of the winter and heading into spring. Tune in to this informative discussion!

On Artful Living today, Jane brings Walt Disney and the development of Disnleyland to our listeners. Come and hear how Disneyland became the talk of the world in 1955 on Artful Living.

Today’s program featured a conversation with Betty Lent of the Community Players of Concord. The Players will be performing the stage adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Harper Lee, “To Kill a Mockingbird” from May 1-3 at the Concord City Auditorium. www.communityplayersofconcord.org Also, Correspondent John Leahy joined to discuss the NBA and NHL playoffs and whatever happened to the Bruins on Sunday?

On todays Wayback Machine, we decided to go a little nautical! All threse songs from the 60s and even a little 70s have one thing in common. So let's ride that wave for these fun tunes!

It was a Woodpecker Insurance Monday on the program. Christian Troy of Woodpecker joined us to share some thoughts from the recent New Hampshire Insurance Commissioner’s lunch meeting. Also discussed was “The Triangle”. Find out what means and why it’s important! www.woodpeckermedicare.com

A. J. hits the latest headlines: NHFPI being Democrat shills, New Hampshire Representative Ellen Read in trouble, and the latest parental disclosure bill. NH Journal, "Dem Read’s Erratic Behavior Gets Her Banned From House on Non-Session Days": https://nhjournal.com/dem-reads-erratic-behavior-gets-her-banned-from-house-on-non-session-days/ NHPR, "'Everyone knows the F word:' Lawmaker faces censure for use of profanity at State House": https://www.nhpr.org/nh-news/2026-04-14/nhpolitics-nh-politics-ellen-read-lawmaker-behavior-newhampshire-house-legislature Union Leader, "Emotional testimony offered over parental disclosure bill": https://www.unionleader.com/news/politics/state/emotional-testimony-offered-over-parental-disclosure-bill/article_5820ce0c-e660-4392-bd40-56ec015b7aba.html Join the Substack to support the show at https://newenglandtake.com and email A. J. at [email protected]