Charlton native Erica Vanstone joined Hank Stolz to talk about her new book, Don’t Let Them Eat the Baby: Why Roller Derby is the Greatest Sport Never Sold. A filmmaker turned executive director of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, Vanstone reflects on how roller derby’s fierce authenticity and counter-culture roots made it both an empowering movement and a challenge to commercialize. The book’s title, inspired by a roller derby strategy, serves as a metaphor for protecting your creative integrity. Vanstone shares stories from her time leading the sport and insights on how women’s athletics are finally finding their place in mainstream media. She’ll appear at A Great Notion Books this Saturday, with the book available everywhere October 14th.

Tim Foley, the voice of the Worcester Railers, joined the Talk of the Commonwealth to highlight the team’s growing presence in the community and the excitement surrounding the new hockey season. He recapped the success of the “Railerizing Worcester” initiative, which connected with over 100 local businesses, and announced the new “October Overtime” program—a $5,000 donation to a fan-nominated nonprofit. Foley also detailed the upcoming training camp, open practices at the Worcester Ice Center, and a free preseason game to support the family of local hockey player Evan Armit. Looking ahead, the Railers’ opening weekend promises a block party, special halftime performance, and “Bluey Day” for kids, setting the stage for an energized season.

Griffin King, Community Relations Coordinator for the Worcester Railers, highlighted a new charitable initiative from the team. Each of the Railers’ 20 full-time employees received $1,000 to donate to a local nonprofit of their choice, totaling $20,000 for Worcester organizations. Staff members were also given a paid day to volunteer with their chosen nonprofit. King personally supported the Friendly House of Worcester and noted the variety of nonprofits selected by his colleagues. He also emphasized the team’s broader “Railerize Worcester” campaign and previewed the season’s opening weekend festivities, including a block party and a special appearance by Bluey.