Cape Ann Conversations is a conversational podcast focused on working, living, and playing within the coastal communities of greater Cape Ann. Created by the Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, Cape Ann Conversations supports the business, cultural, healthcare, hospitality, and non-profit communities as they navigate day-to-day work and life in greater Cape Ann.
Keeping Best Friends Together: The Life-Changing Work of Stay Pet Services
Stay Pet Services, a vital initiative run by SeniorCare, is dedicated to ensuring that seniors aged 60 and older across nine North Shore communities can keep their beloved pets at home.
Host Jim Unis sits down with program manager Jai Fields to highlight how this volunteer-led organization addresses a heartbreaking reality: many elders face the devastating possibility of surrendering their companions simply because they can no longer handle daily pet care or afford rising veterinary costs. By offering essential assistance such as dog walking, cat care, vet transportation, and financial aid for medical procedures, the program acts as a crucial safety net. Notably, Fields shares how the service even impacts human healthcare, as some seniors actively delay their own hospital stays out of fear that no one will be there to care for their four-legged family members.
The heart of the program relies entirely on its dedicated network of volunteers, who handle everything from routine tasks like scooping litter for homebound residents to coordinating major veterinary surgeries. To sustain these life-changing services, the organization actively promotes fundraising events like their recent "Pins for Pets" bowling fundraiser and continuously seeks new volunteers aged 18 and older. Ultimately, the conversation underscores that pets are a primary defense against senior isolation; by alleviating the physical and financial burdens of pet ownership, Stay Pet Services preserves a deep emotional bond that keeps both seniors and their best friends healthier and happier together.
Please Note: The "Pins for Pets" fundraising event mentioned in this video has already taken place. While this specific event is over, you can still make a meaningful difference for local seniors and their companions by donating directly to SeniorCare at seniorcareinc.org or by calling 978-865-3518 to learn about future volunteer opportunities.
• Website: https://staypetservices.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STAYPetServices/ (https://www.facebook.com/STAYPetServices/ )
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staypetservices/ (https://www.instagram.com/staypetservices/ )
Presented by: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, https://capeannchamber.com (https://capeannchamber.com )
Production Partner: Streamography, https://streamography.com (https://streamography.com)
10 Sept 2026
Gather Your Flock! Hatching the Power of Female Entrepreneurship
Get ready to hatch some serious business success! In this high-energy episode of Cape Ann Conversations, host Jim Unis sits down with the incredibly empathetic and outgoing Emily McCavanaugh, co-founder of the Creative CHIXX Collective, along with Dana Leavitt. Born out of a desire to smash the isolation and loneliness that so often plague female entrepreneurs, this thriving community has grown from just seven women in a living room in 2013 to a powerful network of over 500 members across the Northshore. Emily breaks down how the collective acts as a vibrant business incubator, helping women conquer everything from verbose mission statements to the dreaded imposter syndrome through organic, relationship-driven mentorship.
The excitement is palpable as Emily dishes on their upcoming flagship conference at the beautiful Floriana venue in Ipswich. Designed to feel like a warm hug, this isn't your average stuffy corporate event—it's a hands-on, multigenerational strategy fest where a curated group of 100 women roll up their sleeves to solve real business challenges alongside top industry experts. Complete with ticket discounts for women who "gather their flock," a registered nonprofit status focused on affordable education, and a post-conference "nest in recovery" sound bath, Creative CHIXX is redefining how women build empires. Plus, Emily drops the details on their turnkey "Chicks Chats," allowing local brick-and-mortar shops to host their own monthly meetups and drive foot traffic. If you are a female business owner looking for community, connection, and growth, this episode proves that having the right people in your corner changes everything!
• Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577929745620)
• Instagram: @creativechixx (https://instagram.com/creativechixx)
• LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/creative-chixx-collective/)
27 Aug 2026
Snakes, Sweaters and Second Chances: The Torch is Passed
In this high-energy torch-passing episode of Cape Ann Conversations, new host Jim Unis sits down with former host turned absolute business mogul, Troy Scarbrough. Troy hasn’t been relaxing one bit—he's currently running two different companies, Best Vending Solutions and Nor’east Cleaners, expanding into fire and flood restoration work, and single-handedly employing over 30 Cape Ann locals! The guys swap incredible stories about local legends, from wild episodes featuring real snakes in the studio to unforgettable interviews with standout Chamber members. It is a pure celebration of the hustle, the grit, and the vibrant small business legacy that keeps the community thriving.
But the excitement doesn't stop at business metrics; things get deeply personal and incredibly inspiring as Jim shares his own epic journey. Growing up right above his dad's loud and crazy plumbing shop, Jim played college football, dove headfirst into running youth non-profit social ventures, and overcame massive health challenges. Refusing to let a victim mindset win, Jim is bringing his explosive, top-tier energy to reinvent himself as the ultimate storyteller for Cape Ann. Please join us in welcoming Jim to the Cape Ann Conversations family.
If you are Cape Ann Curious, tune in, and let's go!
• Website: https://www.noreastcleaners.com (https://www.noreastcleaners.com)
• Facebook: @noreastcleaners (https://www.facebook.com/noreastcleaners)
• Instagram: @noreastcleaners (https://www.instagram.com/noreastcleaners)
Presented by: Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, https://capeannchamber.com (https://capeannchamber.com)
Production Partner: Streamography, https://streamography.com (https://streamography.com)
Who has been a guest on Cape Ann Conversations
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Lauren Campbell Mulligan
Schooner Adventure representatives
Courtney Tulley
Marshall Tulley
Ellen Fusco
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
41,510
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 57 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
72
Social presence
0
YouTube
72
Engagement
32
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Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
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