Professional Interactive Podcast Series

Everyone is welcome to listen to our "Conversations That Matter" podcast series. The audio links are included in the descriptions below and will be available approximately one week after the live date.

The Massachusetts SBDC offers a full calendar of business training. For information on Massachusetts SBDC events offered throughout the state, visit the statewide training calendar at www.msbdc.org/training.

Podcast Descriptions

Berkshire County's Regional Economy Our podcast series kicks off with featured guest, Dr. Ben Lamb, Vice President of Economic Development at 1Berkshire, who will share insights on the organization’s positive impact on the regional economy and its role in supporting the growth and success of local small businesses. Dr. Lamb will also address questions on a wide range of topics relevant to small businesses in Berkshire County. Live date: September 24, 2025 Duration: 1 hour Click here to listen
Cybersecurity with Expert John Petrozzelli Cyber threats are evolving—and fast. This month we welcome cybersecurity expert John Petrozzelli for a timely conversation on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the game for both defenders and attackers. From phishing scams powered by generative AI to ransomware targeting small businesses, the risks are real—and growing. We will break down the latest threats facing local businesses and share practical steps you can take to protect your company. Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from the state’s top cybersecurity leader; learn how AI is being used by cybercriminals; and discover tools and strategies to defend your business! Live date: October 27, 2025 Duration: 1 hour Click here to listen
Last-Minute Holiday Marketing Tips from the Experts Running behind on your holiday marketing plans? Join us as we have a conversation with the experts at Talon Media for “Last-Minute Holiday Marketing Tips” to learn how small businesses can still make a big impact this season. Our experts will share how to prioritize your marketing budget and choose the most effective channels right now. Discover the must-do actions every business should take—even if you’re starting late—and explore which messaging and creative themes perform best for last-minute campaigns. We will also cover how to measure success in a short timeframe and reveal the most common mistakes businesses make at the 11th hour (and how to avoid them). Perfect for small business owners and marketers looking to finish the year strong! Our expert speakers from Talon Media include: Gary Lavariere, Managing Director; Amy Filiault, Account Manager; and Cheryl McClusky-Gajewski. Advertising Director. Live date: November 18, 2025 Duration: 35 minutes Click here to listen
How To Turn Your Holiday Customers into Year-Long Customers The holidays bring excitement and visibility—a perfect time to welcome people, showcase your best, and create lasting impressions. But real success comes from turning that moment into a lasting connection. We will talk with Stephen Warley, a dedicated community builder and digital media veteran, to understand instead of asking, “How do I sell?” ask, “How do I serve so well that they stay with us year-round?” Learn Strategies to: Deliver standout care and value during the rush so people remember you Follow up and engage beyond the sale—build trust, belonging, and continuity Offer something after the holidays: education, maintenance, memberships, events—whatever fits your business The goal isn’t just sales—it is relationships. Capture the holiday surge and think beyond it. The people you meet in December can become loyal customers in March and August. That shift from seasonal to year-round, turns a business into a community resource. Our speakers include Stephen Warley, founder and solopreneur of Life Skills That Matter and Corrine Sysun, vice president with TD Bank Commercial Lending. Live date: December 2, 2025 Duration: 40 minutes Click here to listen

Berkshire County's Regional Economy

Our podcast series kicks off with featured guest, Dr. Ben Lamb, Vice President of Economic Development at 1Berkshire, who will share insights on the organization’s positive impact on the regional economy and its role in supporting the growth and success of local small businesses. Dr. Lamb will also address questions on a wide range of topics relevant to small businesses in Berkshire County.

Live date: September 24, 2025
Duration: 1 hour

Click here to listen

Cybersecurity with Expert John Petrozzelli

Cyber threats are evolving—and fast. This month we welcome cybersecurity expert John Petrozzelli for a timely conversation on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the game for both defenders and attackers. From phishing scams powered by generative AI to ransomware targeting small businesses, the risks are real—and growing. We will break down the latest threats facing local businesses and share practical steps you can take to protect your company. Don’t miss this chance to hear directly from the state’s top cybersecurity leader; learn how AI is being used by cybercriminals; and discover tools and strategies to defend your business!

Live date: October 27, 2025
Duration: 1 hour

Click here to listen

Last-Minute Holiday Marketing Tips from the Experts

Running behind on your holiday marketing plans? Join us as we have a conversation with the experts at Talon Media for “Last-Minute Holiday Marketing Tips” to learn how small businesses can still make a big impact this season. Our experts will share how to prioritize your marketing budget and choose the most effective channels right now. Discover the must-do actions every business should take—even if you’re starting late—and explore which messaging and creative themes perform best for last-minute campaigns. We will also cover how to measure success in a short timeframe and reveal the most common mistakes businesses make at the 11th hour (and how to avoid them). Perfect for small business owners and marketers looking to finish the year strong!

Our expert speakers from Talon Media include: Gary Lavariere, Managing Director; Amy Filiault, Account Manager; and Cheryl McClusky-Gajewski. Advertising Director.

Live date: November 18, 2025
Duration: 35 minutes

Click here to listen

How To Turn Your Holiday Customers into Year-Long Customers

The holidays bring excitement and visibility—a perfect time to welcome people, showcase your best, and create lasting impressions. But real success comes from turning that moment into a lasting connection. We will talk with Stephen Warley, a dedicated community builder and digital media veteran, to understand instead of asking, “How do I sell?” ask, “How do I serve so well that they stay with us year-round?”

Learn Strategies to:

Deliver standout care and value during the rush so people remember you
Follow up and engage beyond the sale—build trust, belonging, and continuity
Offer something after the holidays: education, maintenance, memberships, events—whatever fits your business

The goal isn’t just sales—it is relationships. Capture the holiday surge and think beyond it. The people you meet in December can become loyal customers in March and August. That shift from seasonal to year-round, turns a business into a community resource.

Our speakers include Stephen Warley, founder and solopreneur of Life Skills That Matter and Corrine Sysun, vice president with TD Bank Commercial Lending.

Live date: December 2, 2025
Duration: 40 minutes

Click here to listen