Cape Ann Conversations

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Cape Ann Conversations Cape Ann Conversations is a conversational podcast focused on working, living, and playing within the coastal communities of greater Cape Ann, Massachusetts.
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10/08/2026

S3 E4 October 4, 2026: Inside the Studios: Exploring Cape Ann’s Hidden Art Scene with Cape Ann Artisans

In this lively episode of Cape Ann Conversations, host Jim Unis sits down with Pam, Trina, and Kathy from Cape Ann Artisans to celebrate their 43rd year of connecting the public with local creators. As a collectively run group of 12 artists, they host highly anticipated open studio tours twice a year—in early June and over Columbus Day weekend in October. These self-directed, free weekend tours invite visitors directly into the tucked-away, scenic studios of Gloucester and Rockport, offering an intimate behind-the-scenes look at where the magic happens. From watching pottery wheels spin to seeing how raw glass transforms into mosaics, guests can chat with creators, explore tools, and discover how each unique piece comes to life.

The interview highlights how art is a lifelong journey and a profound source of inspiration. Pam shares how she discovered mosaic work later in life after a transformative trip to Italy and losing her sister, which led to an art-filled home and a stunning backyard garden with mosaics sculpted into trees. Trina shares her transition from marine biology and education to creating accessible, functional pottery, while newcomer Kathy discusses the pure translucency of watercolor and her involvement in abstract, expressive art. Beyond high-end pieces, the artisans offer memory-making items starting at just $10, like note cards and mini prints, making original artwork accessible to anyone looking to beautify their personal space.

Ultimately, the tour is described as a perfect weekend getaway or date-night idea that benefits the whole community. Visitors from all over New England travel down to navigate the coastal roads using the group's interactive website and maps, shopping, dining, and supporting local businesses along the way. By bypassing the distance of a typical gallery or the digital disconnect of modern screens, the Cape Ann Artisans open studio tour fosters deep human connection, sparking a creative flame in everyone who attends.

Cape Ann Artisans

09/25/2026

S3 E3: September 25, 2026: 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.

Streamography STAY Pet Services by SeniorCare SeniorCare Inc. Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

09/10/2026

S3 E2: September 10, 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 North Shore. 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 "CHIXX 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!

Streamography

08/27/2026

S3 E1: August 27, 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 three different companies, including 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!

Streamography Greater Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce

12/11/2025

S2 E43 - December 11, 2025: In this episode of Cape Ann Conversations, host Troy Scarbrough welcomed Essex resident and coffee enthusiast Rob Fitzgibbons, the founder behind a growing coffee cupping experience business. Drawing on his background as a user experience designer, Rob has transformed a simple at-home tasting with friends into a sought-after program for libraries and community centers, helping people slow down, pay attention, and truly experience their coffee. What started as a fun experiment shared on a local listserv quickly turned into regular invitations from libraries and organizations across the region.

Rob’s cuppings are interactive, 90-minute sessions that feel like a w**e tasting—but for coffee. Participants learn how coffee is grown, processed, roasted, and labeled (think fair trade, organic, and more), then blind-taste three different coffees while using a flavor wheel to describe what they smell and taste. The result is part education, part team-building: people compare notes, laugh, and leave more connected—and caffeinated. Rob now offers cuppings for corporate teams, boards, weddings, showers, and special events, providing a memorable, non-alcoholic experience that’s both affordable and low-risk (“much safer than axes and whiskey,” as he jokes). If you’re coffee-curious or looking for a unique group experience, you can reach Rob through coffeecuppings.com or by calling 978-317-1640.

If you would like to experience a coffee cupping in person, a free session is being held on January 6 from 1:30 - 2:30 PM at the Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester. Registration is required for this free event.

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24 Harbor Loop
Gloucester, MA
01930

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