Breaking The Ice - Let's Talk Inclusion

06/06/2026

It's no secret that people in the medical community don't always get it right.

They told the parents of Andrew Roberts when he was a baby that he would never speak.

On this episode of the Breaking The Ice Lets Talk Inclusion podcast, host Steve Nearman discusses Andrew's recent graduation from Ithaca College's Sport Media program.

He received an autism diagnosis shortly before his second birthday and is the first and youngest Flutie Fellow, only 14 years of age when he started with the organization.

As a junior announcer for the Boston Red Sox, Andrew’s fandom grew over the years, and when he was 10 years old, (after borrowing a book at the library called “How to Start a Blog”), he started his own sports website, bostonsportsmania. com. It now has over 750 posts.

On the podcast, Andrew discusses his time at Ithaca and his incredible depth of sports media work in just 22 years of life.

Listen here: https://bit.ly/4voWh0U

06/06/2026

At this morning’s annual Great Blizz awards banquet at Dave & Busters, the crowd of more than 150 players and their families and coaches witnessed the presentation of the coveted Coach John Nathan from the Heart Award to Coaches John Robertson and Jeff Hemphill and Jeff’s wife Donna. Well earned!

05/28/2026

How does Second Summer Cycle help raise thousands of dollars for charities on Cape Cod? Find out on the Breaking The Ice - Let's Talk Inclusion podcast!

On this episode, host Steve Nearman sits down with Andi Genser, Organizer of Second Summer Cycle Charity Rides and Robert Goydas, Great Blizz supporter and past rider.

This show takes a deep dive into Andi's long and passionate career of championing those in need, especially women who need supports. We discuss her long love affair with bicycling which came together during her years at the helm of Cape Cod non-profit We Can. Plus a sit-in by Blizz fundraiser Robert Goydas, who is on the staff of our production company Marshfield Community Media, as he reviews his successful Second Summer ride last year.

The Blizz again will be participating, along with 18 other non-profits, on September 13. Learn more: Secondsummercycle. com

Listen now on Podbean: https://bit.ly/49tNu5z

05/20/2026

What happens when your loved one with special needs turns 22? It’s major quandary, but one of the places to turn to is Plymouth County Family Support, Inc. (PCFS).

Find out more on this episode of the Breaking The Ice Lets Talk Inclusion podcast, hosted by Jim Coughlin, Executive Director of PCFS, with Dakota Phillips, Agency with Choice Coordinator.

They discuss what their function is, along with upcoming programs, services, and resources for adults ages 22 and over who have aged out of the school system. PCFS serves the numerous towns of Plymouth County.

At PCFS, the focus is on helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fulfilling, independent lives while staying connected to their families and communities. Through personalized support and family-centered services, they provide resources and guidance that empower both individuals and caregivers. PCFS is a major supporter of The Great Blizz.

Their Agency with Choice program gives families greater flexibility and control over care by allowing them to help select and direct their own support staff, while Plymouth County Family Support handles payroll, administrative responsibilities, and ongoing support. It’s a collaborative approach designed to put families and individuals at the center of decision-making.

Listen now on Podbean: https://bit.ly/4uYG4PV

Breaking The Ice Lets Talk Inclusion

05/12/2026

How did the tearing down of a pride flag turn into a popular community event?

On this episode of the Breaking The Ice - Let's Talk Inclusion podcast, host Steve Nearman sits down with Darcee Edwards, organizer of the 6th annual "Don't Hide the Pride" event next month in Hanover, MA.

A member of Hanover PRIDE, a mother of three and full-time school nurse, Ms. Edwards explains how the event, which celebrates Pride Month, germinated from the tearing down of a pride flag at Hanover High School in June 2021.

Within days, the Hanover Board of Selectmen chose "to turn a hurtful incident into a unique moment for reflection leading to growth," including the creation of a Pride event which took place shortly after and ever since.

The discussion also delves into the world of LGBTQ+ people and the world around them, which is becoming more and more harsh. The Blizz has welcomed LGBTQ+ players since its inception.

Listen now on Podbean: https://bit.ly/3R8B5O0

05/06/2026

What is the PROTECT Act Amendment #6 and how will it protect a critical segment of the disabilities workforce?

Find out on episode 12 of the Breaking The Ice - Let's Talk Inclusion podcast!

Host Steve Nearman sits down with MA Sen. Dylan Fernandes, who discusses legislation he is sponsoring for our community, including a cleaner environment and a focus on autism services and housing.

Nora Bent, Director of Government Affairs & Strategic Partnerships for The Arc of Massachusetts, discusses the PROTECT Act Amendment #6, which the ARC is strongly advocating for.

Rapidly evolving federal immigration policies and expanded enforcement actions are creating fear and instability across immigrant communities in Massachusetts. These developments are affecting not only immigrant families, but also the families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism who rely on an already-strained human service workforce, of which immigrants make up a huge percentage of staff.

This amendment seeks to include disability programs as "sensitive spaces" to protect a critical segment of the disabilities workforce.

Listen now on Podbean: https://bit.ly/42WQrrm

Breaking The Ice Lets Talk Inclusion

04/30/2026

What was it like to be in the crowd when Bobby Orr scored that unforgettable overtime goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup playoffs? 🏆

Find out on episode 11 of the Breaking The Ice - Let's Talk Inclusion podcast!

Host Steve Nearman sits down with two major Great Blizz supporters, Skip Frieling and Dick Thibeau, as they look forward to their inductions into the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame on Sept 25 and 26 in Superior, CO.

🎙️ Listen now on Podbean: https://bit.ly/42EHjHP

04/21/2026

Best Buddies Massachusetts & Rhode Island is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

On this episode of Breaking The Ice - Let's Talk Inclusion, host Holly Flanagan sits down with Paris Flynn, Best Buddies Program Manager in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and Jake Quinn, Best Buddies Ambassador and Leader.

They discuss friendship, leadership and inclusion, the latest on Best Buddies, and the upcoming Hyannisport Challenge on May 30th with New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

Listen now on Podbean: https://bit.ly/4cyd5Le

Breaking The Ice Lets Talk Inclusion

04/14/2026

What does it take to prepare for the Boston Marathon? 🏃‍♂️

Find out on the latest episode of the Breaking The Ice - Let's Talk Inclusion podcast.

Host Steve Nearman sits down with three members of the Dougie Marathon Team from the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism as they are in final preparations for Monday's Boston Marathon. These inspiring adaptive runners share their experiences and offer tips for a successful finish.

Listen now on Podbean: https://bit.ly/47Z0dwg

04/09/2026

Check out this article about The Polar Seltzer Plunge this Sunday!

The second annual Polar Seltzer Plunge on April 12 supports special hockey for individuals with disabilities. Take a dip in 43-degree water.