As Labor Day approaches, the Greater Boston Labor Council is gearing up for its second annual parade in the city's Back Bay, and this year's event promises to be just as vibrant and groundbreaking as the first. Darlene Lombos, President of the Greater Boston Labor Council, says this year's event in Copley Square will celebrate worker power, challenge corporate greed, and focus on getting out the vote. Darlene returns to the show to talk with Nichole about the resurrection of Boston's Labor Day parades, the efforts of the labor movement to connect with workers locally, and how you can get involved in the festivities.

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While millions of Americans either rely on Social Security for their retirement, millions more hope it will be solvent and available for them when it's time for them to make the transition. No matter how old you are, there are resources out there, especially online, to help you navigate the system and make the most of your benefits as you plan for your future. The trouble is, new research shows many Americans don't know how to access them. Bill Sweeney, the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for AARP in Washington, stops by the show this week to talk about this research with Nichole and offer some valuable advice on how you can get connected.

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Testing is considered to be crucial when it comes to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, but there are still many barriers that prevent people from getting screened and treated. Researchers at UMass Amherst have been working on some new technology that could be a major breakthrough in that effort: at-home HIV detection tests. Professor Chang Liu, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at UMass Amherst, and Dr. Helmut Albrecht, the Heyward Gibbes Distinguished Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of South Carolina, talk with Nichole about the potential for this technology, the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding HIV, and the need for education and awareness.

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This weekend, Gaelic football players are coming from all over the world to the Greater Boston area, as the USGAA Finals are taking place at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton! While Gaelic football may not be the best-known sport here in the United States, it has a close-knit community, and it's growing in popularity each and every year. This week, Allie D'Amico, a player with the Boston Shamrocks LGFC, shares information about the sport, this weekend's competition, and how those who are interested can get involved.

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For more than 40 years, Congregation Shirat HaYam on Nantucket has been without a permanent home, holding services and events in spaces all over the island. That's about to change. They're taking a major step forward with the purchase of an historic property, the former Surfside Life Saving Station, and the vision is clear: it won't just be a synagogue, but a vibrant center for Jewish life on the island. David Gregory and Chuck Shoneman join Nichole on the show this week to talk about the progress they've made so far on the project, and share information on how you can help see it through.

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In a world where living your entire life online seems to be the norm, a mother and daughter from Needham are challenging the status quo with their analog approach to mental health. Teri and Ella Macduff are on a mission to encourage authenticity and self-reflection through their organization, "Chasing Red Flags". This week, they talk with Nichole about their journey to create a special journal that's helping people all over the country slow down and develop a deeper connection with themselves. Learn more at chasingredflags.com.

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New Bedford's rich maritime history and expertise will be on display on August 13th as the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center hosts Scallopalooza! Not only will dozens of local fishermen take part in a scallop shucking contest, the event will also give you a glimpse into the equipment and technology they use to harvest the seafood we love to enjoy this time of year. Joe Ritter, Programs Manager at the Fishing Heritage Center, talks with Nichole this week about the center's mission and the plans for this upcoming event.

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While Massachusetts, and New England as a whole, are often looked at as leaders in renewable energy and overall sustainability, there are still some roadblocks for business owners who want to make pledges to hit certain climate goals. Rising costs and changes in policy are making it increasingly difficult for all but the largest companies to make a meaningful commitment. James Boyle, the CEO and Founder of Sustainability Roundtable, Inc., joins Nichole this week for an in-depth conversation in which he shares insight about the state of the sustainability movement and advice for business owners looking to make these commitments.

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There's a growing group of collectors around the country who are fascinated with the smallest of items that can tell some big stories: a button, a pin, a poster. We're talking about political memorabilia, and enthusiasts from all over the country who are part of the American Political Items Collectors are coming to Danvers later this month for their National Convention. President Tony Lee takes a deep dive into the world of political ephemera on this week's episode with Nichole, and shares details about how you can stop by to get involved!

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