Vermont Viewpoint

Rob talks first with Caledonia County Republican Senator Scott Beck, a member of the Act 73 Redistricting Task Force, on Education Costs, and what may happen at the State House in the upcoming Legislative Session.and then is joined by Graham Merriweather, of the Liberty Foodfest, coming up in Bellows Falls this Thursday through Saturday, December 11th through 13th. John Klar, of the Small Farm Republic, calls in during this segment.

Brad Ferland hold a tribute to Jon Gailmor, renowned Vermont musician, died peacefully on November 30, 2025 after a year and a half long battle with Leukemia. He died with his family surrounding him, at his son’s home, with his music playing and his family singing along. Featuring Jack Donovan in the studio, Patti Casey, Elisabeth Von Trapp and Taryn Noelle. Also, Elliott Greenblott with AARP Fraud watch. Finally. Rob Smolla. Former President of Vermont Law and Graduate School on rules and constitutional law on the second strike on the suspected drug boat and other constitutional challenges and separation of powers. Rodney Smolla assumed the position of president of Vermont Law and Graduate School on July 1, 2022. After three years of dedicated service, he stepped down from his role as president, effective July 1, 2025, to focus on writing and teaching as a member of the VLGS faculty.This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 12/08/2025.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 12/05/2025.

In this special two-hour episode, we bring you two powerful voices shaping Vermont’s future.Bill McKibben, renowned environmentalist and author of Here Comes the Sun, shares why renewable energy offers not just a climate solution but a chance to build a fairer, more democratic society.Grace Oedel, Executive Director of NOFA-VT and community leader, joins us to discuss building resilient communities, the intersection of faith and activism, and her vision for Vermont’s next chapter.Tune in for a conversation about hope, action, and the power of local leadershipThis episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 12/04/25.

Ross starts with Drew Cline, President of the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy, discusses their new “Civil Discourse Series” and how more free speech is the answer to partisanship.then, Jon Dipietro, Founder of Liberty Digital, informs listeners about the constantly changing environment for Artificial Intelligence, potential benefits, threats, and the best way to use the toolsJohn Goodnight updates listeners about the potential for peace between Ukraine and Russiaand Ed Tarnowski, Policy Director and host of the State of Choice Podcast with Ed Choice, discusses the state of the education freedom movement, how education freedom policies are more efficient, save taxpayers money, and have better results for the students.

Rob and Kurt discuss the 'December 1 Letter' that predicts a 12 percent increase in the property tax for the upcoming year, political races in the City of Burlington and the State of Vermont, and prospects for the 2026 New York Yankees, among other topics, with plenty of listener phone calls.

Host Brad Ferland talks first with Dr. Douglass Teschner about his new Book, Beyond the Politics of contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times, a hopeful roadmap for Americans trying to make sense of this dark moment and striving to find a better way;Then Lindsay Deslaurier, owner of the family-owned Bolton Valley Ski Resort, on an early start to the season, and what's new this year, plus memories of seasons past;Then WDEV's Lee Kittell talks with Brad about the recently-concluded RadioVermont trip to Antarctica, put together by Milne Travel and Atlas Ocean Voyages.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 11/25/25.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 11/24/25.Brad Ferland talks with Ginny Sweetzer with Wreaths Across America, a national 501(c)(3) whose mission is to have every veteran’s grave covered with a wreath, still has 2,718 wreaths that need to be sponsored in Vermont Wreaths Across America, a national 501(c)(3) whose mission is to have every veteran’s grave covered with a wreath, still has 2,718 wreaths that need to be sponsored in Vermont.This includes 239 at the Vermont Veterans' Home Cemetery in Bennington. On Dec. 13, at noon, Wreaths Across America will be at the Vermont Veterans'' Home Cemetery to Remember and Honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance wreaths on the graves of our country's fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each and every veteran aloud. Then, Sergeant First Class Niels Huisman has served with the 40th Army Band since 2004. His duties have included narrator and announcer for the concert band, leader and bass player for the Department of Jazz Septet, Drum Major for the marching band, and performer on bass and percussion with multiple other small ensembles. Finally, Thomas Ira Chittenden grew up in South Burlington, Vermont. Thomas has a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Vermont and his Vermont family lineage traces back nine generations to Bethuel Chittenden, the brother of Vermont's first governor Thomas Chittenden.

Dr. Marvin Malek diagnoses Vermont’s healthcare headaches and offers ideas for reform. Then, Vermont Democratic Party leaders Lachlan Francis and May Hanlon share their vision for the party’s future—grassroots engagement, infrastructure building, and a roadmap for 2026 and beyond.This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 11/20/2025.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 11/19/2025.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 11/18/2025.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 11/17/2025.

David speaks with Jared Duval, Executive Director of the Energy Action Network, at 9 AM about Vermont’s 2025 Energy Progress Report and the state’s efforts on affordability and emissions. Then at 10 AM, David talks with Margaret MacLean, veteran educator and former Vermont Principal of the Year, about Governor Scott’s school district consolidation plan and Act 73, and their impact on Vermont’s education system.This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 11/13/2025.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 11/12/2025.

Brad opens with Taryn Noelle, talented singer and actress, on some upcoming performances in our listening area.Duncan McDougall from Waterbury Local Energy Action Partnership, talks about the Button Up Weatherization & Home Heating Workshop this Friday in the Waterbury Municipal Building.Matt Cota joins from Meadow Consulting to update on Energy and Housing issues at the Vermont State House.Paul Dame, the recently re-elected Head of the Vermont Republican Party;and Susan Sweetser joins to talk about the Ginny Sweetser Scholarship Award for women veterans, and the Wreaths Across America mission to have every veteran's grave covered with a wreath for Christmastime.

Chuck Collins joins to discuss his new book on wealth and power, Burned by Billionaires. Then, John Sayles of the Vermont Foodbank breaks down how the government shutdown is impacting hunger in Vermont—and what we can do about it.This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 11/06/25.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 11/05/2025.

Rob talks first with Orleans/Essex County Senator Russ Ingalls about his effort to be the next Executive Director of the Vermont Republican Party,and Alison Despathy, citizen advocate, on the Effects of the state's recently passed School District Redistricting Law on School Choice in Vermont.

Brad starts with a few stories from the sheep farm this weekend,then Jody Emerson the Director of the Central Vermont Career Center and Superintendent of the Central Vermont Career Center School District, on Tuesday's Bond Vote for construction of an expanded Career Center in Barre.Elliott Greenblott joins for our monthly AARP Fraudwatch segment, helping listeners stay aware of the latest financial scams to watch out for,and Rachel Feldman calls in live from Israel, talking about the Apartheid-free communities campaign and antisemitism.

Representatives Gina Galfetti (R-Barre) and Will Greer (D-Bennington) joined David Zuckerman to discuss their proposal for an ethics bill and a new system for disclosing legislators' travel. Then, Tor Stumo will be with David to share his experience on a humanitarian flotilla that brought aid to Gaza. The mission, which included activists such as Greta Thunberg, was stopped by the Israeli Navy. Listen to Tor’s firsthand account of facing rough seas, tense moments, and what it means to join global resistance. This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 10/30/25.

Rob opens with Retta Dunlap, with the Vermont Home Education Network, on homeschooling and school choice;Then Matt Cota, with Meadow Consulting, on the government shutdown impact on LIHEAP and SNAP benefits, and the update to the Climate Action Plan;And Jodi Emerson, on the upcoming vote on the Barre Technical Center.

Brad talks first with Vermont Guard General Hank Harder with an update on the Air Guard, deployments, recruitment, and their mission.Then Governor Phil Scott talks with Brad and callers about several important Vermont issues, including State Rights vs. Federal Mandates, Education reform, and Wheels for Warmth.And Paul Dame, Chairman of the Vermont Republican Party, with some Commentary about civility, and his run to be re-elected at chair of the VRP.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 10/23/2025.

Ross welcomes in Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, on rising energy costs in Massachusetts.Joel Valenzuela, Business Development and marketing for Dashpay, on the Amazon Web Services OutageHarris Van Pate, Policy Analyst at the Maine Policy Institute, on the Maine Senate race and Governor Janet Mills aiming to challenge Senator Susan Collins,and Ashley Klingensmith, Vice-President with Americans for Prosperity, on the government shutdown, and why no agreement is taking place.

Rob welcomes in Phani Mantravati, a recently naturalized U.S. Citizen who created a voter roll database in Michigan, on voter integrity.and Dave Soulia, of FYIVT.com, on money and politics in Vermont.

Brad Ferland speaks with Sascha Mayer, Chief Experience Officer and Co-Founder of Mamava, a company that designs and manufactures freestanding lactation pods for nursing and pumping parents in public spaces and workplaces. They also provide a free mobile app that helps users find these pods, as well as other lactation spaces, and unlock them with their phone. The company was founded to provide a more private and comfortable alternative to using bathrooms or cars for pumping or nursing. Then, Meghan Sullivan from the Vermont Chamber of Commerce gives updates on upcoming Chamber goals and Legislative initiatives. Also featuring Chad Butt from MENTOR Vermont. MENTOR Vermont supports and strengthens youth mentoring programs across the state by providing resources, technical assistance, and funding to ensure quality mentoring relationships for young people. This includes offering training for mentors, administering grants to local programs, building partnerships, and advocating for increased investment in mentoring to help every young person in Vermont thrive

Brad welcomes in Sascha Mayer CEO and Co-founder of Mamava, a company that designs and produces freestanding lactation pods.Then, Meghan Sullivan, of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce talks about the Chamber's goals and Legislative initiatives,and Chad Butt on MENTOR Vermont, which supports youth mentoring programs across the state.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 10/16/2025.

Carrie O’Rourke, General Manager of Business Development with OnMed, joins the show to discuss new options and innovations in providing healthcare in rural area. John Goodnight updates listeners about the historic Israel-Gaza peace agreement and the future of the Middle East. Matt Davison, Deputy State Director with Americans for Prosperity Virginia, breaks down the Virginia elections this November and what to watch for as the polls tighten in the final weeks of the election season. Scott Sheller, Argentinian political expert, discusses the economic revitalization of Argentina under President Javier Milei and what the US could learn from their reforms

This episode o Vermont Viewpoint was published 10/14/2025.

Brad Ferland on Indigenous People Day/ Columbus Day, Guest Lila Bennett from the Journey to Recovery Community Center, Peer Grief and Loss Support Group Ben’s House, and Jess O'Brien on her New Record Release "These Days" and the Vermont Music Scene.

10/9/25 Liza Earle-Centers joins David Zuckerman about Vermont’s new Phone and Social Media-Free School bill and what it means for students and teachers. Then, Brenda Siegel of End Homelessness Vermont to discuss the state’s housing and homelessness crisis.

First, Jimmie Smith, Coalitions Director with Concerned Veterans for America, talks about veterans' healthcare, the government shutdown impact on veterans, and the administration's foreign policy.Then, Dennis Hull, State Affairs Manager with Americans for Tax Reform, on the government shutdown, its impact on Americans, and the path to a deal.Alison Despathy talks about her recent article on the lack of transparency and negative impacts of Vermont's carbon policies,and David Iglesias, Deputy Director of State Government Affairs at Libertas talks about a new way to provide benefits for healthcare and retirement.

Jeb Smith author of Missing Monarchy, talking about Medieval History and implications for today.and Hayden Deblois, of the Foundation for Government Accountability, on Medicaid and the Government Shutdown.

Brad welcomes in Dan Murphy, music director at the Zen Barn, and musician Drew Angus, who will be performing at the Zen Barn this weekend.Elliott Greenblott joins Brad for the AARP Fraudwatch Segment;and Mark Isselhardt from UVM Extension and Johanna Haas, Maple Quality Specialist, on establishing a lab to standardize the testing and grading of pure maple syrup.

Hour 1David talks with Rachel Miner, founder of Bellwether International, a nonprofit that works to promote human rights and support vulnerable communities around the world. They’ll discuss the group’s Five-Year Impact Report and how Vermonters can help build a more fair and caring world.Hour 2David is joined by Alison Nihart, Executive Director of Rights & Democracy Vermont. They’ll talk about the group’s work to support human rights, economic fairness, and democracy. In this time of political division and economic stress, they’ll explore how people can get involved and make a difference in their communitiesThis Episode Of The Vermont Viewpoint Aire on 10/02/2025

AJ Kierstead, of the New England Take PodcastRosemary Becchi, President and Founder of Jersey 1st, on the New Jersey Governor's race, perhaps America's most watched election of 2025.Greg Moore, with Americans for Prosperity, on the upcoming New Hampshire Senate Race and control of the U.S. Senate in 2026.and James Cziernawski of the Consumer Choice Center, on AI developments, YouTube's settlement with President Trump, and the British digital ID Proposal.

State Representatives Gina Galfetti, James Gregoire, and Matt Birong on their recent trip to Israel with 2 other VT Reps and 245 other U.S. State Representatives.Then Vermont Daily Chronicle's Paul Bean on Vermont Election issues and other local matters.

Brad welcomes in Major Austin Barber, Director of Plans, Training, and Security for the Ethan Allen Firing Range.Frank Cioffi joins to remember Richard Tarrant, SMC Basketball star, and founder of IDX Systems in Burlington, And Jan Clancy is a Saint Albans resident who is building a netzero house on Lake Champlain, and Paul Kealey Founder and President of Eko Build has designed and built hundreds of homes since 2006.

Rod Smolla joins David Zuckerman to discuss the First Amendment, and in the second hour, is joined by Miro Weinberger, the executive chair of Let's Build Homes, to talk about their initiatives. This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published on 09/25/2025.

Rob Roper talks with Jodi Emerson, of the Central Vermont Career Center, on the upcoming bond vote over possible expansion of the center, and Planet Hank, the reporter, and online blogger out of Brattleboro, on his coverage of issues in the Brattleboro area.

Brad talks art with John Killacky, then award-winning Western musician Dave Stamey and local musician Jess O'Brien, as they get ready for a concert September 27th and the Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published on 09/22/2025.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint with David Zuckerman was published 09/18/2025.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 09/17/2025.

Brad Ferland talks with Jay Wahl, the executive director of the Flynn theater in Burlington on what role does performance art play in Vermont's society today. Also on the show is Singer-Songwriter Kate Taylor to talk about her concert later this month.

Kevin Ellis reacts to the Charlie Kirk killing, talks to Luke Albee about the coming government shutdown and goes deep with UVM’s Dr. Robert Althoff about the mental health challenges for UVM, patients and providers. We end with a bright spot: The Tunbridge Worlds Fair. This Episode Of The Vermont Viewpoint aired on 09/12/2025

David speaks with Mary Collins, discussing her work as a 6th-generation Vermonter, being active in her community through her work and her spare time. in the 2nd hour, David will be joined by Melinda Moulton to talk about her journey with activism, business development in Burlington, bringing the train to the waterfront, and her and Rick's new documentary on Ethan Allen

Ross opens with Jason Sorens, Senior Research Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, about the U.S. economic condition, tariff impacts, and housing reforms in New Hampshire.Kurt Couchman, author of Fiscal Democracy in America, discusses his new book, and how America can fix our fiscal problems.Paul Dame, Chairman of the Vermont Republican Party, talks about the GOP mission to make Vermont more affordable, elections this November, and an outlook to the 2026 midterm elections.and Planet Hank, YouTube creator and investigative independent reporter, talks about his work exposing corruption, government waste, crime, and tackling Vermont's biggest problems.