LANGUAGE

We speak with author Heidi Stemple about her latest book, "The Poetry of Car Mechanics," agonize over better words to describe terrible things with Word Nerd Emily Brewster and check out the arborvitae at Amherst Nurseries.

We find out how the state is planning to combat the housing crisis in Massachusetts with Secretary of Housing Edward Augustus, visit Sawmill Herb Farm and get nerdy with wordster Emily Brewster.

We hear live music from Cowperson, laugh with comedian Gerald Kelly before his comedy night at White Lion Brewery and discuss slang with the Word Nerd.

We check out the fresh produce at the Holyoke Winter Farmers' Market, find out about the east coast premiere of an entirely Chickasaw opera and, like, chat with the Word Nerd.

We activate our inner children at the Holyoke Children's Museum, take the latest CISA Local Hero Spotlight to Protocol Amherst and get scared with the Word Nerd.

A number of Democrats representing Massachusetts have opted to mark Martin Luther King Jr. day, rather than attend the presidential inauguration.

We find out what the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services of Springfield has in story for MLK Jr. Day, see how the Trust Transfer Project is uplifting artists pursue their passions, and learn what the Word Nerd has to report from the American Dialect Society.

We reflect on the vice presidential debate from NEPM's watch party on Tuesday, taste the delicious fusion food from the book, "Sabor Judio," with co-author Ilan Stavans, and get nerdy with the wordster.

We take the latest CISA Local Hero Spotlight to Flayvors of Cook Farm, learn about this weekend's African Community Festival, and chat with the voice of C-3PO in the new Ojibwe dub of "Star Wars."

In honor of National Poetry Month, we hit the road to the Emily Dickinson Museum to talk to folx who help run it. Plus, three local contemporary poets share their way with words.