ACK FM in the Morning

Hosted by Nantucket Radio 97.7 ACK FM - True Island Radio

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Episodes

418

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Doug Risher the morning Show Host of 97.7 ACK-FM from 6-10am Monday through Saturday, chats with men, women, and youth who make Nantucket the colorful, year-round arts, culture, and business community we love and embrace.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 20, 20266 min

On-Air with Doug – Hayley Nelson – Egan Maritime Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum

Doug talks with Hayley Nelson , Director of Community Relations & Visitor Experience at the Egan Maritime Institute , about the screening of Cuffe: Taxed and the panel discussion exploring the story of Nantucket mariner Paul Cuffe taking place Friday night August 21st from 5:30-7pm. They also look ahead to Egan Maritime’s Pirates & Mermaids Family Night on August 30th from 3-6pm at the Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum, discussing the games, crafts, lawn games, BBQ dinner and other activities planned for families, along with what visitors should know about registration, parking and transportation. Learn more at https://eganmaritime.org/ .

August 12, 20269 min

On-Air with Doug – David Law and The Beat Drops at The Box

In this interview, Doug sits down with singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer David Law to talk about his song “Fall in Love.” David shares the story behind the track, its old-school funk and soul influences, including Boz Scaggs’ “Lowdown,” and his journey from jazz piano and busking to dueling piano bars, The Beat Drops and his electronic project DEEPST8 . They also discuss how those experiences have shaped his music and what he hopes listeners take away from the retro, sunny, island-inspired song. David will also be performing live at the Chicken Box for two nights, Thursday, August 13, Friday, August 14 and Saturday August 15th.

August 4, 20268 min

On-Air with Doug – Jen Chitel Schneiderman - Legit

Doug sits down with Jen Chitel Schneiderman , founder and lead buyer of Legit , to talk about the story behind the women-owned boutique that's bringing fashion and community together on Nantucket. Jen shares what inspired her to open the shop, how the island has influenced its unique style, and what it's like building a business centered on connection and carefully curated collections. She also discusses the welcoming atmosphere she hopes every customer experiences, what's ahead for Legit, and how fun community events like Mahjong Mondays are creating new ways for people to gather, shop, and connect on the island. Shop online at https://shop-legit.com/ .

August 3, 20267 min

On-Air with Doug – AJ Mleczko Griswold - Ice Out ALZ 2026

Doug speaks with Olympic gold and silver medalist and Ice Out ALZ founder AJ Mleczko Griswold about the inspiration behind the annual fundraiser and her mission to raise awareness and support families affected by Alzheimer's disease. They discuss how the event has grown into a favorite Nantucket summer tradition and highlight this year's Ice Out ALZ fundraiser, held Thursday, August 6th at Cisco Brewers , which brought the community together to support the fight against Alzheimer's.

July 30, 202611 min

On-Air with Doug – Nantucket Garden Club’s 70th Annual House & Garden Tour

Doug talks with Helen DuBois and Betsy Carey , Co-Chairs of the Nantucket Garden Club's 70th Annual House & Garden Tour , about one of the island's most cherished summer traditions. They discuss this year's "Promenade on the Point" theme, what visitors can expect while touring five stunning Brant Point homes and gardens, and how the event has grown over seven decades. They also highlight how proceeds from the Garden Club's only annual fundraiser support scholarships, conservation, beautification projects, and other initiatives that benefit Nantucket throughout the year.

July 28, 20269 min

On-Air with Doug - The Saint Cecilia - The Gaslight

Doug Risher welcomes members of The Saint Cecilia , the Costa Rica-rooted rock band making their Nantucket debut at The Gaslight on August 5th and 6th. The conversation explores the band's origins, their commitment to an authentic live sound, and the experience of recording their debut album with legendary producer Tom Rothrock, whose credits include Beck , Foo Fighters , Gwen Stefani , and James Blunt . They also discuss their latest radio single, "New Sensation," what fans can expect from their energetic live performances, the milestones that have fueled their recent momentum, and what's next as they continue expanding their audience across the United States. It's a great introduction to one of rock's rising bands before they take the stage on Nantucket.

July 22, 202610 min

On-Air with Doug - Interisland BioBlitz – Sarah Bois & Matt Pelikan

Doug talks with Sarah Bois , Director of Research and Conservation of the Linda Loring Nature Foundation , and Matt Pelikan of BiodiversityWorks on Martha's Vineyard about the first-ever Interisland BioBlitz , happening July 24 through August 7, 2026. The friendly competition invites the public to help document plants, animals, fungi, and other species while Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard compete for biodiversity bragging rights. They discuss how anyone can participate, why the data collected is important for conservation, and what to expect during the two-week challenge. Learn more at LLNF.org or BiodiversityWorksMV.org.

July 20, 202611 min

On-Air with Doug - Swim Across America 2026 - Jim Pignato & Jill Roethke

Doug speaks with Jim Pignato and Jill Roethke , co-event directors of Swim Across America Nantucket , about the annual open water swim taking place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Jetties Beach. They discuss how the event has become one of Nantucket's most meaningful summer traditions, raising critical funds for local cancer care and groundbreaking cancer research. Jim reflects on the impact the swim has had on the island community over the years, while Jill shares how swimmers, volunteers, and supporters of all ages can get involved. They also highlight the inspiring stories behind the event and explain how listeners can register, volunteer, or make a donation by visiting swimacrossamerica.org/nantucket.

July 8, 20269 min

On-Air with Doug – Kevin Flynn – Nantucket Comedy Festival

Doug sits down with Kevin Flynn , founder of the Nantucket Comedy Festival , to celebrate the festival's 20th anniversary and discuss its lasting impact both on and off the stage. Kevin reflects on the festival's growth over the past two decades, the inspiring mission behind the Stand Up & Learn program, and its recent expansion to schools and youth organizations nationwide. They also preview this year's July 9–11 festival at the Dreamland and the Nantucket Performing Arts Center , highlighting the student performances, exciting comedy lineup, and why this milestone year is the perfect time to experience one of Nantucket's most beloved summer events while supporting a meaningful cause. Learn more at https://nantucketcomedy.com/ .

July 8, 20266 min

On-Air with Doug – Gen3 – Jason Mendelson

Doug Risher talks with Jason Mendelson of Gen3 about the band's journey from a pandemic-inspired collaboration to an exciting new force in rock music. Jason shares the story behind the band's heartfelt new single, "I Do," written as a 10th anniversary gift for his wife, and discusses why Nantucket has become such a special place for the band. They also preview Gen3's debut performance at The Muse and celebrate 97.7 ACK FM's exclusive world premiere of "I Do" before its official streaming release.