Episodes

As I sipped my wine across from Dan, the evening took an unexpected turn; our private conversation on Somerset's political scene became an open forum when a whiskey-warmed chef decided to chime in with his own fiery opinions. It's these moments—humorous yet sobering—that color our discussion on the Salt Grain podcast. Join us, Holly McNamara and Dan Smith, as we navigate through the charming chaos of local politics and community engagement without holding any official position. Our experiences with dynamic residents like "JC", whose shifting loyalties echo the complexities of civic involvement, will have you laughing and pondering the delicate dance of relationships and influence.Dinner parties are never just about the food; they're a blend of social theatre and political chess. This episode reveals the misadventures and peculiar encounters that can ensue when outspoken guests and whispering politicos share a table. Our tales weave through the threads of human desire for acknowled…

Join us on The Salt Grain Podcast as my boyfriend Dan Smith and I reflect on the personal rollercoaster that is running for public office. Our conversation peels back the curtain on the local political landscape, revealing the unexpected alliances, the steep learning curve of campaigning, and the hefty responsibilities that come with serving the public. Listen in as we share heartfelt anecdotes about forming connections with the community, the surprising support, and the political intrigue, including an intriguing anecdote about unwittingly seeking backing from those in the opposing camp.Politics can strain friendships, as I learned during the tumultuous days leading up to the election. Hear about the intense moments, like the confrontation with a former Captain, and the complexities of maintaining relationships amidst political disagreements. We also touch on the broader implications of campaign strategy, including the ethics of aligning with questionable figures and the ch…

Join us as we explore the intricate tapestry of holistic health, comedy, and the enduring bonds of friendship with the insightful Patricia McHale and the hilariously sharp Christine Peake. Listen in as Patricia distinguishes the integrative practices of a holistic health practitioner from a standard massage therapist, offering a glimpse into the healing journey that has been crucial for my own well-being. Christine brings levity to the mix, sharing her transition from public relations to stand-up comedy during the pandemic's challenging times, and we all unpack the nuances of staying authentic in the limelight.In a heartfelt tribute to the late Tony Hsieh, former CEO of Zappos, we reflect on the complexities of business and personal relationships, as well as the perils of manipulation and betrayal. Hear about my unique role in Tony's book launch and the insights gained from living and working closely with him. The conversation takes a sobering turn as we discuss the toll of such v…

When Joey Dumont and I sat down last year to revisit our memories of the late Tony Hsieh, little did we know it would lead to an exploration of the intertwining worlds of marketing and politics. Joey's leap from digital marketing to the podcasting sphere mirrors my own journey into the political fray, and together, we dissect the strategies and consequences of brand communication in an era dominated by social media. This episode isn't just about looking back at our experiences with Tony Hsieh and our experiences living in San Francisco; it's a deep dive into how those interactions have shaped our understanding of leadership and engagement in the public sphere.The landscape of journalism stands at a crossroads. Joey and I don't shy away from discussing the gritty details of reporting on complex social issues. From the rise of 'slow journalism' to the birth of True Investigative Journalists, we tackle the economic challenges of revamping media models and the importance of maintainin…

I'll never forget the day I stepped down from office, the weight of controversy on my shoulders and the cacophony of political discord ringing in my ears. Now, with Troy Matthews joining me on TSG, we swap the gritty tales of our political and personal upheavals. Through our conversation, you'll journey into the maze of local politics and the personal cost of staying true to one's values amidst a storm of misinformation, as Troy and I tear down the facade that often cloaks the realities of public service.What happens when authenticity meets the unforgiving world of social media? Troy Matthews, who champions transparency, sheds light on this precarious balance. We unravel the threads of political engagement, from the contentious renewal of a police chief's contract to the ethical dilemmas that can lead to resigning from a position you love. Our frank discussion touches on everything from the complexities of explaining intricate policy issues to an often skeptical public, to the raw…

Join us as we welcome Lloyd Mendes, a man with a rich and varied background who has become a politically active force in Somerset, Massachusetts. Listen in as Lloyd recounts his journey to Somerset and how our paths crossed during my first run for office in 2016. Our shared commitment to our town's future, especially through zoning challenges and community engagement, is a testament to the power of local governance. Lloyd's narrative emphasizes the vitality of participating in town affairs and how he's steering Somerset towards a brighter path.We tackle the compelling stories of individuals like Jacob Vaught, a veteran and newly-elected selectman, and he and Lloyd's transition from military service to serving the community in local politics. We also discuss the strategies that make grassroots campaigns successful and the significance of staying informed on local issues. I discuss my experience as a South Coast representative with regional organizations like SRPEDD and the im…

I thought when Brett and I embarked on our political journey, we were in for a smooth ride. However, the road was laden with unexpected twists, sharp turns, and a few stop signs. But, what an adventure it has been. From his first campaign in 2016 and Brett's triumphant victory, we've traversed the political landscape together, sharing laughter, frustrations, and a steadfast commitment to our community. You won’t want to miss the stories of our adventures and the lessons we've learned along the way.In this engaging chat, we dug deep into the potential of our town, explored the essential role of town planners, the need for checks and balances, and emphasized the importance of balance in community development. We didn't shy away from the sensitive issues either, tackling the hot topic of staff turnover and its implications for the community. It's not all serious business though; our stories are peppered with humor and a shared camaraderie that is sure to keep you entertained.…

When you think of politics, do you instantly go to the national stage or maybe even the state level? But have you ever wondered about what happens in your own backyard, in the local government? Join us as we delve into the gritty realities of local governance with our esteemed guest, Richard Brown, a veteran with 45 years of experience in serving as a town administrator. In our conversation, we dissect the challenges and power dynamics that are often overlooked in a town's administration. Richard's insights into these issues, from his experiences with selectmen and their responsibilities, to the role of community involvement, are truly enlightening.Every local government has its share of controversies and failures, and ours is no different. In this episode, we recount tales of failed attempts to revive beloved local activities and the legal battles that ensued due to controversial eminent domain decisions. We talk about the time when a simple plan to bring back ice skating to our …

Ever wondered how a venture into politics could shake up your life? Join us as we walk through this extraordinary journey with a special guest, my boyfriend, Dan. We peel back the layers of our personal story, taking you from our initial meeting to moving back home after a decade on the West Coast, and how these changes put our relationship to the test. We also delve into the riveting experience of organizing a vast community event that serendipitously brought us together.But our story doesn't just stop at community events. We've worn many hats, from being accidental homeowners to campaigners for my election. As we recount our experiences, we unveil the trials and triumphs that have not only shaped our bond but also led us to a deeper understanding of each other.The second segment of our conversation opens the door to the complexities and struggles of being in the public eye. From the unwelcome advances during the campaign, the betrayals, to public rumors, we share how these i…

Welcome to a captivating conversation with Will Flanagan, hailed as an epitome of youthful exuberance and dynamism in the world of politics. Recognized for his political prowess, Will became the mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts at an impressive age of 29, navigating through the turbulent political landscape of 2008 and the financial crisis. In a riveting discourse, we explore his inspirational grassroots campaign, where he knocked on over 10,000 doors and harnessed his energy and fresh ideas to secure his place at the top.Media and personal resilience play a significant role in shaping careers in public office and Will Flanagan perfectly embodies this notion. We explore his engagement with media outlets and social media, discussing how these platforms have influenced his political journey. With a focus on discerning between trustworthy journalism and sensationalism, his experiences provide intriguing insights into the dynamics of navigating media in politics. Despite facing adve…

This episode is a high-level summary of my life and how I arrived at creating this podcast. From growing up in the small town of Somerset, Massachusetts, to navigating the nightlife industry and the world of engineering, my journey has been anything but conventional. In this episode, I, Holly McNamara, unravel the intricate tapestry of unexpected turns that led me back home and eventually, into the local political sphere.After spending 14 years exploring different cities and industries, I felt a powerful pull back to my roots. I moved home and started working in an engineering for a role at Boston Medical Center. I threw myself into the restoration of an old high school building, an experience that opened my eyes to the urgent need for change in my hometown. This realization eventually led me to take a leap of faith and run for the position of a Selectman, an official role in small town politics.The journey into politics has been a rollercoaster ride, facing false rumors, …