March is Maple Syrup Month in Massachusetts, and on this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Bruce Hopper of Pure BS Maple Shack in Auburn to talk about the sweet science of maple sugaring.

What started as a childhood memory and a passion project has grown into a successful local business rooted in family, community, and tradition. Bruce shares how he got started making maple syrup, what it takes to run a sugar shack, and how Pure BS Maple Shack expanded from backyard buckets in Auburn to larger-scale production in western Massachusetts.

Senator Moore and Bruce discuss the full maple sugaring process—from tapping trees and collecting sap to boiling, bottling, and selling finished products—as well as the challenges and rewards of turning a hobby into a business. They also talk about the importance of supporting local producers, educating the next generation, and preserving the connection between agriculture, nature, and community.

This episode is a fun and informative look at one entrepreneur’s journey and a reminder of the value of local tradition, small business, and following your passion.

In this episode:

-How Pure BS Maple Shack got started

-What goes into making real maple syrup

-The difference between maple syrup grades

-How a family passion became a local business

-Why buying local matters

-Educational tours, farmers markets, and community connections

From Beacon Hill to backyard sugar shacks, More Than Politics highlights the people, ideas, and stories shaping life across the Commonwealth.

In this episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Bob O’Koniewski, Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association (MSADA), for an in-depth conversation about the rapidly changing landscape of the auto industry and public policy. The MSADA represents more than 400 franchise new car and truck dealerships across Massachusetts, advocating for the political and economic interests of automotive dealers throughout the Commonwealth.

Senator Moore and O’Koniewski discuss how federal and state regulations—from the Clean Air Act and California emissions standards to evolving electric vehicle mandates—are shaping the future of transportation. They explore the real-world impacts of these policies on consumers, dealerships, and the trucking industry, as well as the challenges of affordability, vehicle supply, and infrastructure. Key topics in this episode include:

• The history of emissions regulations and California’s role in setting standards

• Massachusetts adopting California vehicle emission rules

• Electric vehicle mandates and market demand

• The rising cost of vehicles and affordability challenges

• The impact of regulations on dealerships and truck fleets

• Hybrid vehicles, EV incentives, and policy inconsistencies

• The future of clean transportation technologies

Senator Moore and O’Koniewski also discuss how policymakers and industry leaders can work together to reduce emissions while keeping transportation practical and affordable for consumers.

From Beacon Hill to communities across the Commonwealth, More Than Politics brings you conversations that go beyond the headlines to explain what policies mean for you and your community.

In this powerful and deeply important episode of More Than Politics, State Senator Michael Moore sits down with former Worcester Juvenile Court Judge Carol Erskine and nationally recognized child welfare strategist Maureen Flatley to examine systemic failures within the child welfare system — and what must change to protect vulnerable children.

The conversation centers on the heartbreaking cases of Harmony Montgomery and David Almond, two children whose deaths exposed serious breakdowns in oversight, accountability, and interagency coordination between Massachusetts and neighboring states. Judge Erskine and Flatley outline how federal child welfare guidelines were ignored, how safeguards meant to protect children were bypassed, and why children with disabilities are particularly at risk within the system. The discussion also explores:

-The failure to follow federal permanency timelines

-The Interstate Compact (ICPC) and how it was waived

-Concerns about oversight within the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF)

-The need for transparency and accountability in the juvenile court system

-A newly filed request for a federal “pattern or practice” civil rights investigation

-Why systemic reform requires both state and federal action

This episode is a sobering look at where the system has failed — and a call to action to ensure that no child is overlooked again. This is more than politics. It’s about protecting children and demanding accountability.

State Senator Michael Moore visits New England Studios in Devens for an in-depth conversation on Massachusetts’ film and TV industry—and what it means for local jobs and the regional economy. Joined by General Manager Gary Crossen and IATSE Local 481 Business Manager Chris O’Donnell, Senator Moore explores how studio infrastructure and the state’s film tax credit helped grow a skilled local crew base, expand union job opportunities, and spark business “spin-off” benefits for everything from construction and set design to caterers, prop houses, and visual effects.

The discussion highlights major productions hosted in Massachusetts, the rise of episodic series work, and why keeping the Commonwealth competitive matters as other states and countries increase incentives. From workforce development to middle-skill careers with strong benefits, this episode breaks down why the film industry is more than entertainment—it’s an engine for good-paying jobs across the state.

Worcester Mayor Joe Petty joins State Senator Michael Moore for a candid conversation about Worcester’s priorities and the broader issues affecting Massachusetts communities. They discuss recent national incidents involving federal agents and protests, how those events influence public trust and public safety, and the fear such actions can create in immigrant communities. Petty shares why accountability and community relationships matter—and how quickly trust can erode.

The conversation also highlights Worcester’s major school investments (South, Doherty, and the Burncoat project), how MSBA funding works, and why school construction timelines can stretch to 2030–2031. Petty explains how Worcester is working to maintain one of the safest large-city profiles in the region, including leadership changes, new policies, and the role of the real-time crime center.

They wrap with Worcester’s biggest forward-looking challenges: housing production, homelessness, budget uncertainty tied to federal policy shifts, street conditions and utility cuts, and major infrastructure needs like a new police station—plus a message about staying united even when we disagree.

State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Mary Anne Marsh (WCVB Channel 5 / BBC political analyst) to break down two major headlines shaping Massachusetts and the nation: the escalating health care affordability crisis and the U.S. intervention in Venezuela—and what both could mean heading into the 2026 midterm elections. They discuss how expiring or changing Affordable Care Act premium tax credits could impact coverage and costs for Massachusetts residents, plus what a delay or vote in Congress could mean for enrollment and premiums. The conversation then turns to Venezuela and broader global consequences—Congressional oversight, U.S. foreign policy precedent, and how actions in the Western Hemisphere could affect Russia, China, and international stability.

State Senator Michael Moore sits down with Chris Marvin (U.S. Army veteran, former Blackhawk helicopter pilot, and Everytown for Gun Safety consultant) to discuss Massachusetts’ updated gun safety legislation and the push for live fire training in firearm safety courses.

In this episode Senator Moore speaks to representatives from the Shrewsbury, Auburn and Westborough Youth & Family Services.