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.

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
• Autism Supports
• Day Habilitation
• First Early Intervention
• Community Based Day Services
• Personal Care Management Services
• Positive Behavior Supports
• Residential Supports

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.

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 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.

Greg Nawrocki, Digital Marketing Director for Linchris Hospitality joins us in studio to talk about giving back to the community in meaningful ways.

Linchris Hospitality, 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 in Plymouth and their Margaritaville Resort Cape Cod.

Annually, the Linchris 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 Hospitality office, by December 19, 2025.

South of Boston welcomes back Chris Antao, founder of the fast growing Gnome Surf. 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

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gnomesurf/

Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/gnomesurf/

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.

It was an absolute pleasure to host Dean Snell, owner and founder of Snell Golf. His company manufactures golf balls and are a direct to consumer product with the product caliber and reputation of tour level equipment. What if we told you Dean hated golf? He's learned to love it but his story is interesting. From hockey playing mathematician at UMASS Lowell, to Golf product research nd developing entrepreneur, Dean has one common focus.....love what you do and be happy.

Listen in as Dean shares his road to launching a company, surviving the pandemic years and growth plans beyond.

Snellgolf.com

A South of Boston feature and interview with Easy 99.1's Rob Hogan and Our Space, a 501-C3 that works with teens and children facing chronic illness, hardship and familial challenges.

The mission of Our Space is to embrace children, teens and their families, who are facing cancer and other serious illnesses. Our Space will inspire healing, peace, and joy, through creative exploration and connection to others.

Learn more, listen or get involved! check out Our Space at www.ourspacerocks.org