Vermont Viewpoint

9 am - essay re: deportations9:30 - ACLU lawyer on the two VT deportation cases.10 am - VT Secretary of State on voting threats from Trump.10:30 - author Alex beam on his new book about Wallace Stegner.

In this episode, we discussed the full range of housing issues with the Vt. House Chair of the Housing and general committee. David was then joined by Rice Highschool senior Jack Hill to discuss civics, Boys State and Ranked Choice Voting as well as former State Senator Irene Wrenner to discuss the proposed Amazon Fulfilment warehouse and possible Women's Correction and Re-entry facility in Essex Vermont.

9-9:30 Bishop John McDermott joins the show to discuss the life and legacy of Pope Francis9:30-10 am Genevieve Collins, State Director for Americans for Prosperity-Texas, updates listeners on Texas passing the largest school choice program in the nation last week 10-10:30 am Carla Gericke, President Emeritus of the Free State Project, gives a libertarian assessment of the first 100 days of the new administration 10-10:30 am Sofia Hamilton, Policy Analyst for Americans for Prosperity, discusses the Vermont legislature’s passage last week of a bill to increase healthcare options throughout the state

9:00 to 9:45Central Vermont Career CenterJody Emerson, Director of the Central Vermont Career Center, Superintendent of the Central Vermont Career Center School District. Jody also leads the Career Center Association.9:45 to 10:00Matt CotaMeadow Hill Consulting- Montpelier updates 10:10 to 11:00 Green Mountain Rug Hooking GuildSuzanne DirmaierSharon O’Neil

9:00 to 10:00Brian CroteauAdjunct Professor at American Military University, History Teacher, former Lt Colonel United States Army.Patriots DayPaul Revere, Patriots Day, American Revolution

9:15 - Middlebury Professor and poet Jay Parini on what the Trump attack on high educations means for the classroom and the campus. 10 am - Vermont Humanities Council executive director Christopher Kaufman Illstrup on the proposed cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities and what it means for Vermont. 10:30 - Discussion of the Bernie Sanders events around the country.

9-9:30am Greg Moore, Regional Director with Americans for Prosperity, tells the story of the Pine Tree Riot, the forgotten beginning of the Revolutionary War 9:30-10am James Czerniawski, Policy Analyst with Americans for Prosperity, discusses the FISA court system, the need for reform, and his testimony on the topic in Congress last week 10-10:30am John Reynolds, State Director for NFIB, updates listeners about Vermont’s plan to mandate electric truck sales and its potential impact on communities throughout the state 10:30-11am Jason Sorens, Senior Research Fellow at AIER, talks tariffs, their impact, and the Trump Administrations use of them

9:00 to 10:00Nick Bennette, Chair of the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council and E.D. of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, and Abby Long, E.D. of Kingdom Trails, economic value of recreation trails and the need to recognize the landowners who provide recreation on their property. Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy continues to grow, bringing $2.1 billion annually, which amounts to 4.8% of State GDP, according to 2023 US Bureau of Economic Analysis. 10:00 to 11:00Former Burlington Police Chief Jon MuradReflections of being Burlington Chief, repeat offenders, recruitment in an age of defunding and what’s ahead.

9:00 to 9:25League of Vermont WritersSpring event reportStephen Russell Payne 9:30 to 10:00Matt Cota. Meadow Hill ConsultingClean Heat Energy and Electric Vehicles Legislative update 10:00 to 10:45Kesha Ram HinsdaleVermont Senate Majority Leader

9 am - week in review9:15 - Morgan Valley, UConn basketball assistant coach and VT legend.10 am - John Sayles, CEO Vt Foodbank.10:30 - Ian Ackerman, Cabot sugar maker.

David is joined by Chris Pearson and Beth Tanzman representing Vermont Healthcare 911. This in-depth conversation explores why our healthcare costs are so high and what we can do about it. In the second hour David was joined by David Delaney a history scholar at UVM and then Rep. Angela Arsenault to discuss Vermont's education system as well as the proposal to withhold cell phones in schools.

Meg Gargano, Danielle RobertsAutism Walkwhat an autism diagnosis is, terminology around autism and discussing person-first versus diagnosis-first language, and then general ways to support autistic individualsWalk-Sunday, May 19 Registration at 12:30 PM Walk begins at 1:00 PM Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center 890 Fairfax Road in St. Albans, VT10:00 to 10:30Matt CotaMeadow Hill ConsultingLegislative updates10:30 to 11;00Ric CengeriHomeshare VtRaffle

April 7th, 2025Host Brad Ferland9:00 to 9;15Brad- discussion about weekend rallies-listener calls9:15-10:00Senator Steven HeffernanUpdates, Education funding changes seem to be headed nowhere in the Legislature. More studies proposed.10:00 to 10:30Elliott GreenblottAARP fraudwatch monthly updates10:30-11:00Loudon GrangerSweethearts & Heroes, a student empowerment and empathy activation

This episode aired on 04/04/25. Week in Review of the news in Vermont and Washington with Kevin Ellis.10:30 - Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone on Montpelier’s Poetry Week. Music comes from the VSO Jukebox Quartet.VSO Jukebox: This Must Be the Place, Talking Headsyoutube.com

Tom Hughes and Anna Seuberling from VPIRG discussing toxic chemicals, election laws, and consumer safety. Im then joined by Mark Redmond discussing the work of Spectrum Youth and Family Services followed by Brenda Siegel to discuss the issues around the ending of the motel voucher program for hundreds of Vermonters.

9-9:30am Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Portfolio Director with Americans for Prosperity, discusses DOGE, what they are doing, misconceptions, and what should be done at the federal level to address waste and abuse. 9:30-10am Aaron Terr, Director of Public Advocacy with FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression) joins the show to talk about the importance of free speech and the threats coming from both sides of the political aisle. 10-10:30am Ilana Blumsack, Economic Policy Analyst with Americans for Prosperity, rejoins the program to update listeners on housing policy reforms being passed in states across the country. 10:30-11am Rosemary Becchi, Founder of Jersey1st, discusses the results of important special elections for Congress in Florida and a Supreme Court race in Wisconsin and what the results mean for the national political picture.

9:00 to 10:00New farm venture/ Brad Charlie Papillo helping interview 10:30 to 11:00Terry LoveletteIn Praise of Eagle MountainIn Praise of Eagle Mountain is a book of poetry and prose that explores themes of nature, solitude, and spiritual reflection. The author presents a contrast between two worlds: the chaotic, drama-filled world of human society and the peaceful, meaningful solitude found in nature.

9:00 to 10:00Vermont National GuardMaster Sgt. Courtney Weisert Recruiting and Retention Battalion. current efforts including benefits, referral program and some lesser-known opportunities with the Guard through the State Partnership Program. Public Affairs Officer, Joseph (Joe) Brooks. Upcoming State of the Guard Address by the adjutant general to the joint assembly in Montpelier. This is the first address like this of Maj. Gen. Knight’s tenure. Joe is a civilian PAO with us but is a retired guardsman, though not from the VTNG 10:00-10:45Dr. Dean BarcelowUpdateS.64An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometristsSen. Rebecca WhiteAdditional SponsorsSen. Philip BaruthSen. Scott BeckSen. Patrick BrennanSen. Randolph BrockSen. Thomas ChittendenSen. Alison ClarksonSen. Brian CollamoreSen. Samuel DouglassSen. Ruth HardySen. Wendy HarrisonSen. Larry HartSen. Joseph MajorSen. Christopher MattosSen. Robert NorrisSen. Robert PlunkettSen. Tanya VyhovskySen. David WeeksSen. Terry Williams 10:45Senator Mattos. (tentative)Legislative update

9-9:30am John Goodnight, Foreign Policy Expert, joins the program to discuss classified leaks, the conflict in Yemen, and the restart of the conflict in Gaza. 9:30-10am Rachel Burgin, Deputy Regional Director with Americans for Prosperity, discusses the potential impact on the region if the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is not renewed. 10-10:30am Rep Will Greer updates listeners about common ground legislation at the Statehouse and how we can get past partisanship. 10:30-11am AJ Kierstead, Host of the New England Take Podcast, rejoins the show to talk about controversies surrounding deportations, court battles, and President Trump’s approval rating.

9:00 to 10:00Gregory J. OverackerThe Hunt for Brianna Maitland: The Relentless Pursuit of Answers to One of Vermont’s Biggest Mysteries.By Gregory J. Overacker21st anniversary of Brianna Maitland's disappearance, which occurred on March 19, 2004, when she left work at the Black Lantern Inn in Montgomery, Vermont. 10:00 to 10:15Open show, Brad10:15 to 11:00Vermont Fish and wildlife, Rule making changes on deer herds and hunting rules. Public comment period and public engagmentAndrea ShortsleeveInterim Commissioner of Fish and WildlifeNick Fortin, Wildlife Biologist - Deer Project Leader, Rutland OfficeNick has been working with the department since 2015. He has a B.S. in wildlife ecology from University of Maine and an M.S. in Natural Resources/Wildlife from University of New Hampshire.Agency of Natural Resources(Sec. Julie Moore)

9:15 to 10:00Mark [email protected] | 802-656-7564Mark Isselhardt has been involved with maple research and education for over 20 years, the last nine of which as the University of Vermont Extension Maple Specialist. In that role, Mark leverages degrees in Forest Management and Plant Biology as he leads the Extension Maple Program with a mix of original research and outreach activities with established maple producers and individuals looking to learn about maple at all scales of production 10:00 to 11:00Gary De CarolisFormer Executive Director of Turning Point Burlington, Vermont Recovery Network, Mental Health Commissioner, Host, Celebrate Life, CCTV; Founder & Lead Tour Guide, Burlington History Tours, Family Recovery Coach; and Consultant

Lt. Gov. John Rodgers talks about his first months in office.And Former Senator Leahy Chief of Staff Luke Albee talks about how the Democrats can come back.

Jordan Heiden and Tom Hughes from Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) discussing their goals and legislation at the Vermont Statehouse.Followed by Mark Redmond. The Executive Director of Spectrum Youth and Family Services discussing their annual Sleep out fundraiser and more importantly their work to help young kids get back on their feet with job training, life supports and housing when necessary.

9-9:30am Rep Gina Galfetti joins to discuss “Legislative March Madness” in Montpelier9:30-10am Megan Novak, State Director for Americans for Prosperity Wisconsin, informs listeners about the race for Supreme Court, an election getting national attention as it is the first major election since Nov 5th10-10:30am Chris Maidment, Republican Campaign Strategist, rejoins the show to discuss the retirement of Senator Jeanne Shaheen and the outlook on an open Senate seat in the Granite State10:30-11am Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, updates listeners on the shared energy policy issues between Mass and Vermont and how it is impacting residents

9:00 to 10:00Treasurer Mike Pieciak updates1. Treasurer’s Task Force and Legislators to Host Town Hall Series on Vermont’s Response to Federal Policy Changes2. Treasurer Pieciak and Legislative Leaders Announce Proposal to Eliminate $100 Million in Medical Debt for Vermonters3. The proposal (S.27) Treasurer Pieciak Reminds Eligible Employers to Enroll in Vermont Saves by March 110:00 to 11:00Rick and the Ramblers. Rick NorcrossThe Last album release, The 2nd bestest songs I ever wroteMarch 23, 2025 will be Rick’s 80th birthday. He has been making music since he was 16.

This episode aired March 17th, 2025 9:00 to 9:15Open show, BradSt. Patrick’s day 9:15 to 10:00Senator Sam DouglasCrossover, Clean heat standard, Montpelier updates10:00 to 11:00Steve LambrechtBoundless Brothers. BookA graduate of Annapolis with a degree in aerospace engineering, TOPGUN pilot Brigadier General (retired) Steve Lambrecht flew one hundred combat missions in Bosnia and Iraq as a US Marine F/A-18 and Air Force F-16 fighter pilot, amassing over 3,473 hours of flight time. Steve lives with his wife, Laura, and their four children in Vermont, where he works as a United Airlines pilot.

TBA

Tim Egan, former NH State Representative and professor of media and economics at Vermont State University to discuss tariffs and impacts for local business as well as cannabis law in Vermont.Followed by an irreverent conversation with Blues Harmonica player and Former VT State Representative Bob Stannard from Manchester Vermont. We discussed his recent trip to Uganda and various topics related to federal and state policy as well as random banter about a few different topics.

9:00 to 9:30Rachel FeldmanShalom AllianceUpdate on town meeting day votes9:30-10:00Gary MillerGary is the creative director of Writers for Recovery, a series of workshops for people recovering from susbtance use disorder. He is the co-host of My Heart Still Beats, a project of Writers for Recovery.10:00 to 11:00Author Stephen Russel PayneStephen Russell Payne is a fourth-generation Vermonter from the Northeast Kingdom town of St. Johnsbury. A lifelong writer, he has published fiction, non-fiction and poetry in a number of publications including Vermont Life magazine, the Tufts Review, The Vermont Literary Review, Livin’ the Vermont Way magazine and Route 7- Vermont Literary Journal.

9;00-9:45Meghan SullivanVermont ChamberLegislative updates9:45 to 10:00Senator Scott BeckCrossover Legislation updates10:00 to 11:00Elisabeth Von TrappChildhood in Vermont coming from AustriaConcerts in the Southern United State in 2024What's next in life

This episode aired 03/06/259:00Representatives Laura Sibilia from West Dover (Ranking member of the Committee on Energy and Digital Infrastructure) and Kate Logan from Burlington (Committee on Environment) discussing elections laws as well as privacy, coercive debt and more.10:00A discussion with Lauren Hierl, the Executive Director of the Vermont Natural Resources Council (VNRC) to discuss a wide range of issues from energy to forests and forever chemicals.

9am - Essay or news review9:15 - Child Care with the owners of Turtle Island in Montpelier. Where to get it, why’s it’s so expensive and what the legislature is doing about it. 10 am - Bob Ney10:30 - Upcoming Green Mountain Film Festival with the festival’s organizers.

9-9:30am Rob Roper updates listeners on the stalemate in the legislature on energy, taxes, and affordability and how the inaction is impacting Vermonters9:30-10am Rep Zak Harvey joins the show to discuss legislative priorities and the current status of key policy priorities for lowering costs10-10:30 John Gay, Executive Director of the John Quincy Adams Society, discusses the recent tensions with Ukraine, a path to peace, and a new world order in foreign policy10:30-11am John Reynolds, State Director for National Federation for Independent Business (NFIB), informs listeners how his organization helps small business, the economic outlook for VT, and how we can improve VT’s business climate

9:00 to 9:30Matt CotaMeadow HillMeadow Hill helps navigate Vermont’s business, political, and regulatory landscape. We provide management and advocacy assistance to trade associations, focusing on energy, transportation, and economic development. 9:30 to 10:00Matt Cota continuesOpen phone lines,VP Vance visit to Vermont, favorite candidates on Town meeting day 10:00 to 11:00 Jessica FikeChamplain Toxicology LabAccount manager

This episode aired 03/03/259:00 to 9:30Senator Russ IngallsPolitics in the Northeast Kingdom and Town meeting day break9:30 to 10:00Senator Sam DouglasPolitics in the Northeast Kingdom and Town Meeting Day break10:00 to 10:30Elliott GreenblottAARP Fraudwatchmonthly segment10:30 to 11:00Amanda HeadleySelectboard Candidate, St. Albans Town

9-10 - journalist John Walters for seeking review.10 am - Bob Ney10:30 - Roger Allbee on his new book on the history of VT agriculture.

This episode aired 2/27/259-10 Steph Yu, President and executive director of Public Assets institute. Discussing taxes, education financing proposals.10-11 Connor Timmons, Executive Director of Homeshare Vermont, discussing creative ways to match single individuals with room in their homes (Host), with folks who are willing to help with some basic household needs with reduced rent (guest).

9-9:30am Professor Andrew Smith, Director of the UNH Survey Center, joins the program to discuss the Vermont poll released last week on President Trump, Governor Scott, and the Governor’s policies approval ratings. 9:30-10am Rep Laurel Libby from Maine updates listeners about the ongoing tensions between Governor Janet Mills and President Trump. 10-10:30am AJ Kierstead, Host of the New England Take Podcast, discusses cabinet appointments, DOGE, and a review of President Trump’s first month back in office. 10:30-11am Rep Gina Galfetti joins the show to give an update from the legislature and the outlook for key policy solutions to Vermont’s biggest problems.

9:00 to 10:00Rachel FeldmanShalom Alliance Vermont, an educational nonprofit focused on antisemitism in VermontResolutions in 6 communities that is an anti-Israel ballot initiative 10:00 to 11:00Habitat for Aviation, a non-profit 501(c)3,Habitat for Aviation will directly address the lack of maintainers by welcoming and encouraging individuals who have traditionally been marginalized from the industry, especially women, who currently make up less than 3% of aircraft mechanics. We wrap our hands-on experiences in relationships, relevance, and practice and leverage the FAA's pathway for certifying individuals as airplane mechanics, pilots, and avionics specialists through on-the-job, apprenticeship-based learning alongside supportive industry professionals.

This segment aired on 02/19/2025.

9 am - week in review.9:10-9:45 - Sunny Eappen, UVMMC CEO10 am - Bob Ney10:30 am - Jay Craven on his latest film coming to Waterbury. 10:15 - The great fiddler player Natalie MacMaster joins us from the road before her show at the Barre Opera House to discuss her career.

(9-10)Reps. Mari Cordes and Bram Kleppner on to speak about income based taxes for education (10-11)Vermont Law and Graduate School President and Professor of Law Rod Smolla on to speak about the Constitution and the current Presidential Administration Executive Orders

9-9:30am Sarah Scott, Deputy State Director with Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire, joins to discuss how occupational licensure laws can limit opportunity and the chances of New Hampshire passing universal education freedom accounts. 9:30-10am Niyoka Powell, Executive Director of Rhode Island Families for School Choice, updates listeners about the bipartisan coalition for education reform in the Ocean State and her candidacy for RI GOP Vice Chair 10-10:30am Mike Sylvester, Canadian political expert, talks about the USA vs Canada rivalry in hockey and politics 10:30-11am David Iglesias, State Government Affairs Associate with Libertas Institute, talks about bipartisan efforts to advocate for digital privacy, regulatory sandboxes, and healthcare affordability I will be in studio tomorrow, but all these guests will be remote. Congresswoman Balint will be in person for our interview at noon.

This episode aired on 02/13/2025. 9-10 Aly Richards, Chief Executive Officer, Lets Grow Kids and Chris who is an owner of a early education facility.

9:00 to 9:45Daniel FranklinThe Vermont Association for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery (VAMHAR), in collaboration with Recovery Partners of Vermont (RPV), is pleased to announce Recovery Day 2025, February 19th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Governors' Ballroom at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier.9:45 to 10:00Open show & CallsContinued discussion on President’s DayWho was Ralph FlandersRalph E. Flanders: A Featured BiographyIn a dramatic Senate floor speech on March 9, 1954, Vermont senator Ralph E. Flanders became one of the first members of the Republican Party to denounce fellow senator Joseph McCarthy’s methods in fighting communism. Flanders introduced the resolution that would eventually lead to McCarthy’s censure by the Senate on December 2, 1954. Reflecting on this battle, Flanders later wrote, “The conviction grew that something must be done about this, even if I had to do it myself.” During his two-term Senate career, Flanders served on a number of key committees, including Armed Services, Banking, and Finance. Although he had no official college diploma, Flanders received 16 honorary degrees and was an accomplished mechanical engineer and inventor in the field of machine tools from a young age until his death in 1970. 10:00 to 11:00Doris Sumner, AuthorMemoir: Life at CampGender Discrimination and Sexual Harassment: Alive and Well in the MilitaryU.S. military veteran, author, and diversity consultant focused on fostering gender equality in the workplace. I believe a discussion on the tangible benefits of diversity and its challenges in traditionally male-dominated institutions

9:00 to 9:15 Open show and phones, weather updates9:15 to 10:00Senator Chittendenupdates on Education, Safety and Clean Heat Standards10:00 to 10:45Nic LongoRunning for re-electionColchester School BoardBackground and goals

9 am - Former Burlington Mayor Peter Clavelle remembers Sandy Baird.9:15 - Education Secretary Zoe Saunders 10 am - Bob Ney. 10:30 - Week in review.

9-9:30am Rachel Burgin, Northeast Deputy Regional director for Americans for Prosperity, joins the show to discuss their efforts to make Vermont more affordable. 9:30-10am John Kalb, Vice President for National Right to Work Committee, will discuss New Hampshire’s attempt to pass a right to work law this week 10-10:30am Chris Maidment, republican strategist, joins the show to discuss the chances Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr. are confirmed by the Senate 10:30-11am David From, Host of the American Potential Podcast, talks about hosting a top 100 US podcast and the influence it has had in Washington DC and state houses across the nation

9:00 to 9:15Matt CotaMeadow Hill provides management and advocacy assistance to Vermont non-profit trade associations focused on energy, transportation, communications, housing, and economic development.Montpelier updatesClean Heat Standard updates, electric vehicle mandate9:15 to 10:00Jenna’s PromiseGregory Tatro-co-founder Jenna’s Promise/ Madison Perry, workforce development program manager, Jenna’s PromiseTurning Toward the Light: A Healing ConcertRemembering Jenna, Honoring Her Promise, and Celebrating Community TiesA Special Event at Jenna’s House to Honor Jenna’s Legacy and Strengthen Vermont ConnectionsJohnson, VT – On February 15, 2025, Jenna’s Promise will host a Healing Concert at Jenna's House (117 St. Johns Road, Johnson, VT) from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.10:15 to 11:00Kevin ChuEstablishing a Vision for the Future: The Vermont Futures Project Launches its Economic Action Plan

9:00 to 9:15Matt CotaMeadow Hill provides management and advocacy assistance to Vermont non-profit trade associations focused on energy, transportation, communications, housing, and economic development.Montpelier updatesClean Heat Standard updates, electric vehicle mandate9:15 to 10:00Jenna’s PromiseGregory Tatro-co-founder Jenna’s Promise/ Madison Perry, workforce development program manager, Jenna’s PromiseTurning Toward the Light: A Healing ConcertRemembering Jenna, Honoring Her Promise, and Celebrating Community TiesA Special Event at Jenna’s House to Honor Jenna’s Legacy and Strengthen Vermont ConnectionsJohnson, VT – On February 15, 2025, Jenna’s Promise will host a Healing Concert at Jenna's House (117 St. Johns Road, Johnson, VT) from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.10:00 to 11:00Kevin ChuEstablishing a Vision for the Future: The Vermont Futures Project Launches its Economic Action Plan