radio Archives - The John Krol Show

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August 21, 2022

America Lopez, community advocate, health worker, Volunteers in Medicine

On the John Krol Podcast: With such a name, it may have seemed a self-fulfilling prophecy that America Lopez would ultimately find her way to the US from her native Mexico. Today, she is utilizing her experience as an immigrant to help others who are facing many of the same challenges she faced, as a community health worker for Volunteers in Medicine and as parent liaison for the Berkshire Hills Regional School District. And she’s making a measurable impact. Inspired by the Moth Radio Hour-style of storytelling, America started a Spanish-speaking podcast and radio program Nomadas Radio that has evolved with several of her close friends and colleagues, contributing on relevant conversations on personal growth and demystifying mental health. We also discuss: missing her family in Mexico and carrying on family traditions with her new family of friends in the Berkshires, advocating for herself and co-workers in her early days before mastering English, one of the English first words she learned was “fair,” working to change systems in schools to be more friendly for non-English speaking parents to help them be involved in their children’s education, how her daughter helped her come out of her shell and making new connections in the community, Olivia’s Outlook and enjoying trails and the outdoors in the Berkshires and more. I hope you’ll enjoy my conversation with America Lopez. — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/john-krol/support

July 28, 2022

Jim Campagna, radio veteran, enthusiast of life

The man, the myth, the legend. Jim Campagna is one of my (perhaps unsung) heroes who made it possible for the long-running Good Morning Pittsfield radio show on WTBR to continue through long stretches during election cycles. However, some may not know that broadcasting is Jim’s professional background and he DJ’ed at various stations, including WNAW/WMNB in North Adams when I met him. Somehow we managed quite successfully with a station (WTBR) that was essentially a hotbox in the summer months, regularly hitting 90 degrees, no wireless, and equipment that seemed to be hanging by a string. But it was fun, and we helped save the station that is today situated in more comfortable (perhaps air-conditioned) confines. Jim was a big part of that. Today, JIm and his wife, Kim, are regular cow bell ringing loyalists at Pittsfield Suns games, and you may find them crushing it in Karaoke at venues in the Berkshires. Afterall, that’s where Jim took Kim on their first date, impressing her with his Jim Morrison-like vocals. We also cover the present and future of Wahconah Park, a trade for a Ken Griffey rookie card, the Berkshire Black Bears, Kevin Costner baseball movies, Val Kilmer, attributes of a television anchor, the art of a decent interview, his wedding in the Crane Room at the Berkshire Museum and more. I hope you’ll enjoy my conversation with Jim Campagna. — Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/john-krol/support