Welcome to Hometown Media Stories, a Hometown Media Podcast that highlights people, places and happenings in and around Southern New England. From True Crime to outstanding acts of bravery, Hometown Stories highlights the interesting facts that make not only local folks curious, but people world-wide.
This episode, Chris Antao, founder of Gnome Surf, is back in studio with Deb Aguiar to discuss epic updates with this super stoked organization. Gnome Surf (https://gnomesurf.org)is an official 501C-3 organization that provides occupational therapy services to athletes of all abilities through surf instruction and more! This episode, Chris shares the growth of Gnome Surf, including their inaugural Gala, on October 30, 2026 at the Narrows Center for the Arts. The "Dia De Los Muertos" Gala will honor athletes who have earned their angel fins as well as all of the work that Gnome Surf continues to do to grow across the U.S.
For Gala Tickets: Visit Gnome Surf Web Site: https://gnomesurf.org/ (https://gnomesurf.org/)
Follow Gnome Surf on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnomesurf/ (https://www.instagram.com/gnomesurf/)
29 Sept 2026
Walk To End Alzheimer's Special Guests
Rob Hogan interviews special guests to talk about our team effort to raise money to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Christa Silveius from Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes and Claudine Leblanc, founder of Margot's Mermaids, join Rob to discuss the 2026 walk at the end of October and how to get involved.
13 Jul 2026
Episode 10: Sweet Judy Blue Eyes with Rob Hogan
Easy 99.1's Rob Hogan interviews singer, song-writer, author and social activist Judy Collins. She's inspired audiences with her work and is on tour across New England this summer. In this interview, Rob asks Ms. Collins about her distinguished career and about whether or not this is in fact, a Farewell Tour. Judy Collins is performing Live July 15th & July 16th at the Melody Tent and Music Circus. For tickets, information and news about Judy Collins, visit her web site. (http://judycollins.com)
29 Jun 2026
Episode 9: Distilling The Facts With John Sorgini of Chattermark Distillers
This hometown story is about John Sorgini, a north shore native, Air Force retiree and distillery scientist. This week's interview is a deep dive into the world of Whiskey, Bourbon and Rye. What is a neutral grain? What makes a whiskey turn bourbon?
John shares his expertise and journey toward creating a grain to glass product. The Chattermark Distillery is located in Charlestown, the oldest neighborhood in Boston. After retiring from the military, John dreamed of creating something that could mark the moments in life that should be remembered.
Chattermark Distillery is open for tours of the distillery and also has a beautiful cocktail bar with a Speakeasy feel. Join us for a tasteful journey about the perfection of distilling with John Sorgini of Chattermark Distillers (https://www.chattermarkdistillers.com/).
1 Jun 2026
Brenda McCarthy of The Arc of the South Shore
This week's Hometown Media guest and feature on South of Boston is Brenda McCarthy, Chief Advancement Officer at the Arc of the South Shore. Brenda joins Rob Hogan in studio to discuss the 75 years of work and support provided to persons with disabilities, and their families, across the south shore.
Since 1951, The Arc of the South Shore has helped 100,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, live their best lives and achieve high-quality outcomes.
Programs and services include:
Adult Family Care (https://arcsouthshore.org/what-we-do/adult-family-care.html)
Autism Supports (https://arcsouthshore.org/what-we-do/autism-supports-department/)
Day Habilitation (https://arcsouthshore.org/what-we-do/day-habilitation.html)
First Early Intervention (https://arcsouthshore.org/what-we-do/first-early-intervention/)
Community Based Day Services (https://arcsouthshore.org/what-we-do/community-based-day-services.html)
Personal Care Management Services (https://arcsouthshore.org/what-we-do/personal-care-services.html)
Positive Behavior Supports (https://arcsouthshore.org/what-we-do/positive-behavior-supports.html)
Residential Supports (https://arcsouthshore.org/what-we-do/residential-supports.html)
Their primary service area includes Braintree, Cohasset, Hingham, Hull, Milton, Norwell, Quincy, Randolph, Scituate, and Weymouth; however, they also have a presence throughout Greater Southeastern Massachusetts.
2 Jan 2026
Episode 7: Scaling The Wall With Christopher Earley
Boston attorney, south shore resident and author, Christopher Earley joined Hometown Media Stories host, Deb, in studio this week to discuss one man's journey to find healing. Scaling The Wall (https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Wall-Journey-Childhood-Fullfillment/dp/B0DQWFM2DY) is Chris's personal memoir, chronicling his trauma and road to finding his mental peace and healthy coping strategies.
In this episode, guest Christopher Earley opens up about his childhood, having an alcoholic parent and how he processed those emotions as a child and later in life, as an adult. As a child, Christopher and his family's life being completely upended due to his father's addiction, became a breeding ground for his anger, tenacity, hyper vigilance and visceral reactions. Taking accountability while also acknowledging the fortune he's had in life are open topics discussed. In this honest interview, you'll get a sneak peak at some of the raw and vulnerable moments in Christopher's life that shaped his life today and molded his memoir, Scaling the Wall: One Man's Journey of Healing Childhood Trauma to Find Fulfillment and Success.
15 Dec 2025
Episode 6: Doing Good In The Neighborhood With Greg From LinChris Hospitailty
Greg Nawrocki, Digital Marketing Director for Linchris (https://www.linchris.com/) Hospitality joins us in studio to talk about giving back to the community in meaningful ways.
Linchris Hospitality (https://www.linchris.com/), a local hotel management and ownership company, makes it a point of supporting their local community through philanthropic involvement. With properties nationwide, the most locally recognized properties to the South Shore include Hotel 1620 (https://www.hotel1620.com/) in Plymouth and their Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod (https://www.margaritavilleresorts.com/margaritaville-resort-cape-cod/specials?msclkid=e730212916af109a700348692effce33&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Co%20op%20Q4%202025%20-%20Search%20-%20Cape%20Cod&utm_term=Margaritaville%20Cape%20Cod&utm_content=Margaritaville%20Resort%20Cape%20Cod).
Annually, the Linchris (https://www.linchris.com/) company focuses their giving back efforts on "founder's day." During the anniversary of the company's start, all LinChris properties are asked to identify a local cause or need and move together as a group to make a difference through raising awareness and volunteering.
This December, the Plymouth folks are collecting coats and warm weather gear for those in need within the Plymouth area. All donations can be dropped off at the Linchris (https://www.linchris.com/)Hospitality office, by December 19, 2025.
21 Aug 2025
Episode 5: Chris Antao and Gnome Surf
South of Boston welcomes back Chris Antao, founder of the fast growing Gnome Surf (https://Gnomesurf.com). Chris joins Deb Aguiar in studio to discuss all things surf. Gnome Surf is a 501C-3 organization that provides therapeutic services to persons of all abilities. In this episode, Chris discusses the benefits, the athletes, what Gnome Surf is doing today and where it is headed. Take a listen, share and support Gnome Surf by following, liking, attending events, and spreading the stoke world wide.
Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/gnome-surf-17984757173 (https://www.eventbrite.com/o/gnome-surf-17984757173)
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gnomesurf/ (https://www.facebook.com/gnomesurf/)
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/gnomesurf/ (https://www.instagram.com/gnomesurf/)
28 Jul 2025
Episode 4: My Brother's Keeper
Interview with Chief Development Officer for 501-C3 Organization My Brother's Keeper. Paul Key discusses the Christmas in July initiative that the organization is hosting and various services they provide to southeastern Massachusetts and Boston towns in their service area. To get involved or find out more, visit their web site.
19 Jun 2025
Episode 3: Golf With Dean Snell
Host interviews Dean Snell, founder of Snell Golf, who shares his journey from a hockey-playing mathematician to a golf entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of passion and happiness in business.
7 Jun 2025
Episode 2: Our Space
Rob Hogan interviews representatives from Our Space, a non-profit, about their mission to support children and families facing serious illnesses through creative programs.
9 May 2025
Episode 1: Maureen Boyle, Author & Journalist
Journalist and author Maureen Boyle discusses her extensive coverage of true crime cases, including the New Bedford Highway Killings and the disappearance of Patty Desmond, in an interview with Hometown Media Stories.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
33
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
0
Contact Hometown Media Stories
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Hometown Media Stories?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
