Since the late 1990's, National Consumer Protection Week has been a time for Americans to learn about how we can make more educated decisions when it comes to how, where, and why we spend our money. Bill O'Hearn, Chief of the Consumer Advocacy and Response Division at the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office, joins Nichole this week to offer some insight into your rights as a consumer, and how you can avoid scams. PLUS: Spring is on the way, and this spring will be special for Project Bread. The anti-hunger non-profit is hosting its "Walk For Hunger" back in-person for the first time since before the COVID-19 pandemic! Noa Rosen, Events Manager for Project Bread, has details on this year's event and how you can get involved.

This week's episode is the second in a two-part series on human trafficking. For this portion of the series, we are focusing on the impacts of sexual and labor exploitation right here in New England. Julie Dahlstrom, Director of the Immigrants' Rights and Human Trafficking program at the Boston University School of Law, talks with Nichole about what's being done from Beacon Hill to local police departments to stop this devastating criminal enterprise. PLUS: Transitioning from the battlefield to the home front can be difficult for veterans, many of whom find the support they were promised when they were discharged simply doesn't materialize. Bill Moore, the founder of "Project New Hope", returns to the show to talk about the resources they have for New England veterans, and their no-cost veterans' retreats to help service members heal.

++ CONTENT WARNING: human trafficking, sexual abuse, child abuse ++

Human trafficking affects millions of people not just around the world, but also right here in New England. So many cases go unreported each and every year, and it's incredibly easy for trafficking to take place right under our noses without most of us even realizing it. This week's episode is the first in a two part series on human trafficking. Victor Boutros, the CEO and co-founder of Human Trafficking Institute, talks with Nichole about the broader scale of the problem, and what HTI is doing to try and put a stop to it, one step at a time, in conjunction with law enforcement. PLUS: For more than 40 years, Food for Free has been working hard in the Boston area to help save perfectly edible food from ending up in the dumpster, and getting it into the hands of people who lack access to healthy meals. Ben Engle, the COO at Food for Free, explains their process and how you can help make it happen.

++ CONTENT WARNING: human trafficking, sexual abuse, child abuse ++

When he was young, Jesse Setaro of North End Fitness spent many years in the foster care system. With the help of a very special mentor, he was able to rise above poverty, homelessness, and instability to build a happy and successful life. Now, Jesse wants to give back to foster kids in Boston through "Project F", a special gym and mentoring program that would give orphans and foster children a safe place to thrive and grow. Jesse joins Nichole to talk about his plans for the gym and how you can help him get the doors open. PLUS: Several lawmakers on Beacon Hill have filed a bill that, if passed, would allow a process called "natural organic reduction" in Massachusetts, otherwise known as "human composting". Rep. Natalie Higgins (D-Leominster), a main sponsor of the bill, explains the process and why she feels it's important to make it available for Massachusetts residents.

Sitting on Route 2 or the Mass Pike in traffic is no one's idea of a good time. There's a new study underway to take a closer look at how Massachusetts could be connected by rail along the Northern Tier, between North Adams and Boston. State Senator Paul Mark joins Nichole to talk about why it's critical to beef up infrastructure in western Massachusetts, what constituents have to say about it, and what the rail system would have to offer those who want a different way to explore. PLUS: After two years of plunging virtually, it's time to get chilly in person to support Special Olympics NH! The Winni Dip and Penguin Plunge are back in-person this year on the shores of Hampton Beach and Lake Winnipesaukee. Mark Ericson has all the details if you want to take part to help a great cause.

Each year, the "Winter Walk" brings members of the Boston community together to end the stigma surrounding homelessness, amplify the stories of the unhoused, and find solutions to work toward substantive change. Executive Director Ari Barbanell joins Nichole this week to talk about the event, their expansion to western Massachusetts, and how you can get involved. PLUS: Volunteering can be a bit daunting if you've never done it before. Sometimes, you don't even know where to begin! That's where Boston Cares comes in, with connections to hundreds of schools and non-profits that could use your help. Sara Hamilton, Executive Director, talks about the path to volunteering, and we'll also hear from Cecilia Falcao, a long-time volunteer, about her experience.

NEADS, based in Princeton, helps all kinds of good dogs live to their fullest potential by training them to be service and therapy dogs. Before they can go through that training, they need a solid upbringing. Heather Romanoff, the Manager of Raiser Operations at NEADS, talks with Nichole about their search for puppy raisers in Worcester County, and what volunteers can do to set these puppies up for success. PLUS: As we exit the height of the COVID pandemic, our region's kids need mentoring, guidance, and support, now more than ever. Mark O'Donnell, President of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts, has details on the need for mentorship, and how you don't have to be perfect to boost a child who needs a friend. ALSO: Many people are choosing a different career path post-COVID, with the trades becoming more and more popular. Nancy Houle at Minuteman Technical Institute in Lexington has details on their upcoming workforce development courses, which many can attend for free thanks to some new state funding.

Happy New Year! As we kick off 2023, many of us are taking the first few weeks of the year to take a closer look at our personal finances. Ryan Davies, Chair of the Finance Department at Babson College, joins Nichole on this week's show to offer some insight and advice on budgeting, savings, and much more as we all try to navigate this volatile economy. PLUS: Making a New Year's resolution is one thing. Keeping it is another. Usually, the latter doesn't happen. Deborah Carr, Professor of Sociology at Boston University, explains why we tend to fall off the wagon when it comes to our resolutions, and shares some tips to help keep us on track.

It's a festive time over at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, as the resident animals are surrounded by thousands of tiny, bright lights. "Zoo Lights" has been going on for years at the Zoo, and Zoo New England President John Linehan returns to the show to talk about how it all came together, how you can enjoy the gorgeous displays, and what's new at the zoo. PLUS: Now that winter's officially here, we're starting to see some quintissential New England snow and ice storms. The state of New Hampshire says they need more plow drivers to help keep the roads clear and safe. Richard Arcand from NHDOT joins Nichole to talk about their available opportunities. AND: Even though we're through the height of the pandemic, we're not out of the woods this holiday season when it comes to viruses. Between flu, RSV and COVID, a lot of people are sick right now! Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, the Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, is back on the show with an update on how Boston is handling the situation, what the city's offering to help, and what health experts predict this holiday.