The 8th Annual Winter Hoot was heartwarming as always with new things like a clothing swap and a late-night vinyl dance party and recurring traditions like ice sculpture, pewter sessions, blacksmithing, and of course, a full lineup of music culminating in an evening set by The Mammals.

Kara Snyder interviews Ruth Ungar Merenda on “balancing your craft and business, leveraging patience and impatience + connecting with human mammals”

Live interview and performance of “Bright As You Can” and “Ashokan Farewell” on Australia ABC’s “The Music Show” with Andrew Ford.

“... gently-mannered activists with well-crafted songs that successfully ask potent questions of politicians and raise issues to probe how we can improve the planet. [The Mammals] deliver their material persuasively and in an eloquent manner with enjoyment of their music underpinning the approach overall.”

“In the spirit of their commitment to activism, this past December saw The Mammals coming up with yet another way to assist organizations that exist to help others and are in need of support to continue. Before I get into that, you need to hear Ruthy's thoughts on the current state of earning a living as a musician . . . “

Mike Merenda and Ruth Ungar of The Mammals talk to Zach about their devoted activism, big-hearted protest songs, and how songs can still make a difference.