In this episode of the Maine Show Podcast, we are talking with Sean Sullivan, Executive Director of the Maine Brewers Guild, about why the Maine craft beer scene is so vibrant.  And just why are there so many breweries in Maine?  Plus, what comes next.  Can a state of relatively modest size support all of these breweries?   This podcast is a companion piece to an article by host Ben Sprague on the same topic on Substack.  Visit: bensprague.substack.com to read this article and others.  

In this episode of the Maine Show Podcast, we are talking with Sean Sullivan, Executive Director of the Maine Brewers Guild, about why the Maine craft beer scene is so vibrant.  And just why are there so many breweries in Maine?  Plus, what comes next.  Can a state of relatively modest size support all of these breweries?   This podcast is a companion piece to an article by host Ben Sprague on the same topic on Substack.  Visit: <a href="https://bensprague.substack.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bensprague.substack.com</a> to read this article and others.

Episode 130 - Why Are There So Many Breweries in Maine?  

John Burgess

Susan and John Burgess, farmers in Newport who grow, among other things, Christmas trees, talk about their lives in farming, what has changed over time, and what the year is like for people in the Christmas industry.  

Susan and John Burgess, farmers in Newport who grow, among other things, Christmas trees, talk about their lives in farming, what has changed over time, and what the year is like for people in the Christmas industry.

Episode 129 - Susan and John Burgess

Earl Villanueva

Earl Villanueva shares his story of moving to Maine with his wife and working remotely for one of the top companies in the world all from his home in Veazie.  Earl works for AWS, a subsidiary of Amazon, helping to pioneer their 5G and cloud computing services.  He shares his ideas and suggestions on how Maine can attract more people to live here and enjoy life in the anticipated post-COVID world of working remotely.  

Earl Villanueva shares his story of moving to Maine with his wife and working remotely for one of the top companies in the world all from his home in Veazie.  Earl works for AWS, a subsidiary of Amazon, helping to pioneer their 5G and cloud computing services.  He shares his ideas and suggestions on how Maine can attract more people to live here and enjoy life in the anticipated post-COVID world of working remotely.

Episode 128 - Earl Villanueva

Dennis Markatos-Soriano and Kristine Keeney share the story of the East Coast Greenway, a collection of trails, paths, roads, and connectors linking Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida.  With a particular focus on Maine, this episode covers the history and mission of the organization, current efforts underway, and how you can get involved.  Visit www.greenway.org for more information.  

Dennis Markatos-Soriano and Kristine Keeney share the story of the East Coast Greenway, a collection of trails, paths, roads, and connectors linking Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida.  With a particular focus on Maine, this episode covers the history and mission of the organization, current efforts underway, and how you can get involved.  Visit <a href="http://www.greenway.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.greenway.org</a> for more information.

Episode 127 - The East Coast Greenway

Josh Bridges

Josh Bridges talks about growing up in Downeast Maine, making his way to Bangor, and working as a mental health professional with a particular interest in Alzheimers and dementia issues.  

Josh Bridges talks about growing up in Downeast Maine, making his way to Bangor, and working as a mental health professional with a particular interest in Alzheimers and dementia issues.

Episode 126 - Josh Bridges

Emily Burnham

Emily Burnham talks about growing up in the Searsport/Belfast area, becoming a journalist with the Bangor Daily News, and how COVID-19 has impacted the local arts community.  This episode also features a look at some of the key events and people in Downtown Bangor circa 2007-2011 that were catalysts for much of the positive momentum that continued throughout the decade that followed.  

Emily Burnham talks about growing up in the Searsport/Belfast area, becoming a journalist with the Bangor Daily News, and how COVID-19 has impacted the local arts community.  This episode also features a look at some of the key events and people in Downtown Bangor circa 2007-2011 that were catalysts for much of the positive momentum that continued throughout the decade that followed.

Episode 125 - Emily Burnham

Emily Poland

Emily Poland, School Nurse Consultant for the State of Maine, talks about how school nurses have been working to help keep students, teachers, and staff safe and informing public policy during the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to their many other responsibilities in our Maine schools.  

Emily Poland, School Nurse Consultant for the State of Maine, talks about how school nurses have been working to help keep students, teachers, and staff safe and informing public policy during the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to their many other responsibilities in our Maine schools.

Episode 124 - Emily Poland on the role of school nurses in Maine during COVID-19

Jeremy Yardley

Dr. Jeremy Yardley of Northern Light/Eastern Maine Medical Center talks about working in a hospital during this very challenging year, what it felt like to recently get the vaccine, and what he sees for the weeks and months ahead.  Dr. Yardley is a Bangor High School graduate and moved back to Maine several years ago.  

Dr. Jeremy Yardley of Northern Light/Eastern Maine Medical Center talks about working in a hospital during this very challenging year, what it felt like to recently get the vaccine, and what he sees for the weeks and months ahead.  Dr. Yardley is a Bangor High School graduate and moved back to Maine several years ago.

Episode 123 - Dr. Jeremy Yardley

Mary Butler talks about playing college basketball at Brown University and then choosing to move back home to Bangor to work in public health.  

Mary Butler talks about playing college basketball at Brown University and then choosing to move back home to Bangor to work in public health.

Episode 122 - Mary Butler

A bride prepares for her wedding, a restaurant owner negotiates a changing landscape, and a sportscaster with no sports: three stories of how COVID-19 has changed life as we know it here in Maine.   Special thanks to Jordan Bragg, Susan Stephenson of Pepino's, and Eric Gullickson from WABI TV 5 for joining the podcast to share their stories.   Musical content provided courtesy of BenSounds Royalty Free Music on YouTube.  

A bride prepares for her wedding, a restaurant owner negotiates a changing landscape, and a sportscaster with no sports: three stories of how COVID-19 has changed life as we know it here in Maine.   Special thanks to Jordan Bragg, Susan Stephenson of Pepino's, and Eric Gullickson from WABI TV 5 for joining the podcast to share their stories.   Musical content provided courtesy of BenSounds Royalty Free Music on YouTube.

Maine Stories: impact of COVID-19

The Maine Show Podcast was launched in August 2015.  The goal of the show is to share the stories behind the people, events, and ideas driving the state of Maine forward.  For hundreds of years Mainers have come together around campfires, fishing holes, wood stoves, and kitchen tables to tell stories.  At its purest form, that is what The Maine Show is all about.  New episodes are launched each Tuesday morning at 7:00 am EST.

...and produced on a regular schedule. Topical and interesting. I&#39;m a subscriber.

High quality show...

The Maine Show Podcast is awesome. Ben Sprague is doing a great job. Keep up the awesome!

Well done Ben!

The Maine Show

Michael Westphal

Michael Westphal of Cranberry Island reflects on his running career after being diagnosed with Parkinson's and yet still qualifying for the Boston Marathon.  In the process he has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and has served as an inspiration for countless people, runners and non-runners alike. To learn more about Michael's efforts with the Michael J. Fox Foundation or to donate, visit:  http://www2.michaeljfox.org/site/TR?fr_id=1890&amp;px=1980419&amp;pg=personal To see a video about Michael's efforts, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4I9sHka2Rc

Michael Westphal of Cranberry Island reflects on his running career after being diagnosed with Parkinson's and yet still qualifying for the Boston Marathon.  In the process he has raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and has served as an inspiration for countless people, runners and non-runners alike. To learn more about Michael's efforts with the Michael J. Fox Foundation or to donate, visit: <a href="http://www2.michaeljfox.org/site/TR?fr_id=1890&amp;px=1980419&amp;pg=personal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> http://www2.michaeljfox.org/site/TR?fr_id=1890&amp;px=1980419&amp;pg=personal</a> To see a video about Michael's efforts, visit: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4I9sHka2Rc" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4I9sHka2Rc</a>

Episode 058 - Michael Westphal

Matt Dunlap

Maine's Secretary of State Matt Dunlap talks about what it is that a Secretary of State does, the uniqueness of how the Maine Secretary of State is chosen, and how he got interested in politics.  He also shares some of his thoughts on the current mood of the country as it pertains to elections and election integrity, as well as some stories about his own work and experience as a former Maine state legislator.  

Maine's Secretary of State Matt Dunlap talks about what it is that a Secretary of State does, the uniqueness of how the Maine Secretary of State is chosen, and how he got interested in politics.  He also shares some of his thoughts on the current mood of the country as it pertains to elections and election integrity, as well as some stories about his own work and experience as a former Maine state legislator.

Episode 092 - Maine Secretary of State Matt Dunlap

Jen Hazard, author of "The Maine PlayBook: a Four Season Guide to Family Fun and Adventure" and the driving force behind the Cute Potato blog and website talks about her work as a writer, raising a family in Maine, and some of her favorite spots to explore.   Visit www.cutepotato.com for more information about Jen and her work or find her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! 

Jen Hazard, author of "The Maine PlayBook: a Four Season Guide to Family Fun and Adventure" and the driving force behind the Cute Potato blog and website talks about her work as a writer, raising a family in Maine, and some of her favorite spots to explore.   Visit <a href="http://www.cutepotato.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.cutepotato.com</a> for more information about Jen and her work or find her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Episode 112 - Jen Hazard

Tony Sohns

Tony Sohns (aka "The Bug Guy") drops by the studio to talk about his work as a Natural History Educator and to share the story of how Rock &amp; Art Shop, with locations in Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, and Bangor, came to be.   This episode is brought to you by Tiller &amp; Rye and the Maine Science Festival.   Please visit www.maineshowpodcast.com for all past episodes of the show.  

Tony Sohns (aka "The Bug Guy") drops by the studio to talk about his work as a Natural History Educator and to share the story of how Rock &amp; Art Shop, with locations in Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, and Bangor, came to be.   This episode is brought to you by Tiller &amp; Rye and the Maine Science Festival.   Please visit <a href="http://www.maineshowpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.maineshowpodcast.com</a> for all past episodes of the show.

Episode 061 - Tony Sohns of Rock & Art Shop

A rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes ever, a roundtable discussion of how to climb Mt. Katahdin!   The Maine Show Podcast is on a brief hiatus while we collect and record more stories to bring you. Check www.maineshowpodcast.com for past and future episodes as well as iTunes.  You can connect with host Ben Sprague on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  

A rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes ever, a roundtable discussion of how to climb Mt. Katahdin!   The Maine Show Podcast is on a brief hiatus while we collect and record more stories to bring you. Check <a href="http://www.maineshowpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.maineshowpodcast.com</a> for past and future episodes as well as iTunes.  You can connect with host Ben Sprague on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/benspraguebangor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/bensprague" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.instagram.com/benspraguebangor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.

Rebroadcast: How to Climb Mt. Katahdin

Sarah Nichols

Bangor City Councilor Sarah Nichols stops by the studio to talk about her background, running for office, the Emerge Maine program, and more!  Follow Sarah on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nicholsforbangor Find the Maine Show at www.maineshowpodcast.com.  

Bangor City Councilor Sarah Nichols stops by the studio to talk about her background, running for office, the Emerge Maine program, and more!  Follow Sarah on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/nicholsforbangor" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/nicholsforbangor</a> Find the Maine Show at <a href="http://www.maineshowpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.maineshowpodcast.com</a>.

Episode 066 - Sarah Nichols

Evan Richert

Evan Richert, former Director of the State Planning Office under Governor Angus King, talks about his career as a Planner, teacher, and even his early days as a journalist.  From projects in South Portland to Augusta to Orono, Evan has been involved with many notable efforts throughout the state of Maine. This conversation touches on Evan's work history but also his thoughts on what it takes to grow a culture of entrepreneurism, what the missing pieces are in the state of Maine currently, and how they can be filled.   

Evan Richert, former Director of the State Planning Office under Governor Angus King, talks about his career as a Planner, teacher, and even his early days as a journalist.  From projects in South Portland to Augusta to Orono, Evan has been involved with many notable efforts throughout the state of Maine. This conversation touches on Evan's work history but also his thoughts on what it takes to grow a culture of entrepreneurism, what the missing pieces are in the state of Maine currently, and how they can be filled.

Episode 111 - Evan Richert

Mike DeVito

Mike DeVito, a nine year veteran of the NFL where he played for the Jets and Chiefs, talks about growing up with the game of football, coming to play at the University of Maine, and the challenges and joys of a career playing professional football.  This is an honest, insightful, thoughtful conversation with someone who made it to the peak of his profession and then decided to take a step back to be with his family and settle down in Hampden, Maine.   Follow Mike DeVito on Twitter at @MikeDeVito70. Find past episodes of the Maine Show Podcast at www.maineshowpodcast.com and connect with host Ben Sprague on Twitter @bensprague. Special thanks to Purple Planet Music for contributing music to this week's episode.   Photo credit: Chiefs.com

Mike DeVito, a nine year veteran of the NFL where he played for the Jets and Chiefs, talks about growing up with the game of football, coming to play at the University of Maine, and the challenges and joys of a career playing professional football.  This is an honest, insightful, thoughtful conversation with someone who made it to the peak of his profession and then decided to take a step back to be with his family and settle down in Hampden, Maine.   Follow Mike DeVito on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/mikedevito70" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@MikeDeVito70</a>. Find past episodes of the Maine Show Podcast at <a href="http://www.maineshowpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.maineshowpodcast.com</a> and connect with host Ben Sprague on Twitter <a href="http://www.twitter.com/bensprague" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@bensprague</a>. Special thanks to <a href="http://www.purple-planet.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Purple Planet Music</a> for contributing music to this week's episode.   Photo credit: <a href="http://Chiefs.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chiefs.com</a>

Episode 079 - NFL veteran and UMaine grad Mike DeVito

Kristen Wells

Kristen Wells, Director of the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative, joins the show to talk about supporting students in the County as well as why she and her husband and four daughters decided to move back to Aroostook County after she grew up there as a child.   Find the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aroostookaspirations.  

Kristen Wells, Director of the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative, joins the show to talk about supporting students in the County as well as why she and her husband and four daughters decided to move back to Aroostook County after she grew up there as a child.   Find the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/aroostookaspirations" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/aroostookaspirations</a>.

Episode 062 - Kristen Wells 

A rebroadcast of "Holiday Stories," a series of vignettes from Mainers sharing their favorite, meaningful, or nostalgic holiday memories.  This episode was and remains one of the most popular episodes ever of the Maine Show Podcast.   Merry Christmas &amp; Happy Holidays from the staff of the Maine Show Podcast! 

A rebroadcast of "Holiday Stories," a series of vignettes from Mainers sharing their favorite, meaningful, or nostalgic holiday memories.  This episode was and remains one of the most popular episodes ever of the Maine Show Podcast.   Merry Christmas &amp; Happy Holidays from the staff of the Maine Show Podcast!

REBROADCAST: Holiday Stories

Trey Stewart

Maine's youngest member of the state legislature talks about growing up in Aroostook County, his decision to get involved with politics, running a successful campaign, and what it is like to serve in Augusta. Follow Rep. Trey Stewart (R-Presque Isle) on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Connect with the Maine Show Podcast on Twitter or find host Ben Sprague on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Maine's youngest member of the state legislature talks about growing up in Aroostook County, his decision to get involved with politics, running a successful campaign, and what it is like to serve in Augusta. Follow Rep. Trey Stewart (R-Presque Isle) on Twitter or find him on Facebook. Connect with the Maine Show Podcast on Twitter or find host Ben Sprague on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Episode 080 - Trey Stewart

Tim Hudson

The first ever Superintendent of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Tim Hudson, talks about his 50 years of experience in the National Parks Service and what his goals are for this new monument. He also talks about his experience heading up Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts and more.   To find out more about Katahdin Woods and Waters, visit: https://www.nps.gov/kaww/index.htm To find out more about what is happening in the Katahdin Region, visit: www.ourkatahdin.com

The first ever Superintendent of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Tim Hudson, talks about his 50 years of experience in the National Parks Service and what his goals are for this new monument. He also talks about his experience heading up Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts and more.   To find out more about Katahdin Woods and Waters, visit: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/kaww/index.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nps.gov/kaww/index.htm</a> To find out more about what is happening in the Katahdin Region, visit: <a href="http://www.ourkatahdin.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.ourkatahdin.com</a>

Episode 090 - Supt. Tim Hudson of Katahdin Woods & Waters

Paul Edwards

Retired Lieutenant Paul Edwards of the Bangor Police Department talks about growing up in Bangor, the early years of his police career, and how he thinks the job has changed over time.  He also shares what he is up to these days and some further perspective on a life in police work.   Photo credit: Bangor Daily News

Retired Lieutenant Paul Edwards of the Bangor Police Department talks about growing up in Bangor, the early years of his police career, and how he thinks the job has changed over time.  He also shares what he is up to these days and some further perspective on a life in police work.   Photo credit: Bangor Daily News

Episode 091 - Paul Edwards

In this episode, Michael Crowley talks about his recent job change: after many years leading philanthropy efforts for Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, this Millinocket native is returning home to become the first Executive Director of Our Katahdin, which is a community and economic development organization.  Michael shares his story of growing up in Millinocket and what has drawn him back.   Photo credit: EMHS

In this episode, Michael Crowley talks about his recent job change: after many years leading philanthropy efforts for Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, this Millinocket native is returning home to become the first Executive Director of Our Katahdin, which is a community and economic development organization.  Michael shares his story of growing up in Millinocket and what has drawn him back.   Photo credit: EMHS

Episode 089 - Michael Crowley of Our Katahdin

Christopher Poulos

Once a homeless teenager in Portland, Christopher Poulos shares his story of recovery and from going from jail to the White House to graduating from law school and being admitted to the federal bar in the same courthouse from which he was once taken in handcuffs.  His inspiring story touches on a number of themes including the importance of treatment and recovery, of dogged determination, and of not giving up on oneself or the ones we love even in moments of despair.  

Once a homeless teenager in Portland, Christopher Poulos shares his story of recovery and from going from jail to the White House to graduating from law school and being admitted to the federal bar in the same courthouse from which he was once taken in handcuffs.  His inspiring story touches on a number of themes including the importance of treatment and recovery, of dogged determination, and of not giving up on oneself or the ones we love even in moments of despair.

Episode 109 - Christopher Poulos

Matt Damon and Paul Shepherd from Penobscot Home Performance in Bucksport share some of their best tips for how to make your home as energy efficient as possible while taking advantage of rebates through Efficiency Maine.   Find more about Penobscot Home Performance at www.penobscothomeperformance.com and learn more about Efficiency Maine at www.efficiencymaine.com.  

Matt Damon and Paul Shepherd from Penobscot Home Performance in Bucksport share some of their best tips for how to make your home as energy efficient as possible while taking advantage of rebates through Efficiency Maine.   Find more about Penobscot Home Performance at <a href="http://www.penobscothomeperformance.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.penobscothomeperformance.com</a> and learn more about Efficiency Maine at <a href="http://www.efficiencymaine.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.efficiencymaine.com</a>.

Episode 082 - Energy Efficiency tips from Penobscot Home Performance

Austin Smith

Dr. Austin Smith, Economics Professor at Miami University of Ohio, talks about his work studying poker players, the impact of Daylight Savings Time on drivers, and more.  Austin is a Bangor High School graduate.  In this podcast, he also discusses his experience playing in the World Series of Poker.  This episode is brought to you by the Maine Science Festival and Tiller &amp; Rye.  Find all back episodes of the Maine Show Podcast at www.maineshowpodcast.com and connect with host Ben Sprague on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.  

Dr. Austin Smith, Economics Professor at Miami University of Ohio, talks about his work studying poker players, the impact of Daylight Savings Time on drivers, and more.  Austin is a Bangor High School graduate.  In this podcast, he also discusses his experience playing in the World Series of Poker.  This episode is brought to you by the Maine Science Festival and Tiller &amp; Rye.  Find all back episodes of the Maine Show Podcast at <a href="http://www.maineshowpodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.maineshowpodcast.com</a> and connect with host Ben Sprague on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Episode 086 - Dr. Austin Smith

Gil Corey and Nichi Farnham share the story of the Maine Troop Greeters, who have welcomed over 1.5 million military members through the doors at Bangor International Airport.  They also talk about plans for a museum that will commemorate the efforts of the Troop Greeters and preserve the memorabilia that has been collected and donated over time while honoring the members of the United States military who have come through Bangor, Maine.   To learn more about the Maine Troop Greeters Museum or to donate, please visit: http://www.mainetroopgreetersmuseum.org

Gil Corey and Nichi Farnham share the story of the Maine Troop Greeters, who have welcomed over 1.5 million military members through the doors at Bangor International Airport.  They also talk about plans for a museum that will commemorate the efforts of the Troop Greeters and preserve the memorabilia that has been collected and donated over time while honoring the members of the United States military who have come through Bangor, Maine.   To learn more about the Maine Troop Greeters Museum or to donate, please visit: <a href="http://www.mainetroopgreetersmuseum.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.mainetroopgreetersmuseum.org</a>

Episode 083 - The Maine Troop Greeters

Eric Kingsley

Eric Kingsley of Innovative Natural Resources Solutions stops by the studio to talk about the state of the Maine forest products industry, potential in the biofuels market, and the challenges and opportunities ahead.  This episode is a good overview of the recent history of the Maine forests with some insight from Eric on what might happen next.  

Eric Kingsley of Innovative Natural Resources Solutions stops by the studio to talk about the state of the Maine forest products industry, potential in the biofuels market, and the challenges and opportunities ahead.  This episode is a good overview of the recent history of the Maine forests with some insight from Eric on what might happen next.

Episode 093 - Eric Kingsley

Heather Retberg

Heather Retberg shares her story of moving to Maine, bringing neglected farmland back to life, and working to promote local agriculture both in practice and policy.  Raising her children on a farm in Penobscot, Maine, Heather shares her  unique perspective as a farmer, parent, and advocate.  

Heather Retberg shares her story of moving to Maine, bringing neglected farmland back to life, and working to promote local agriculture both in practice and policy.  Raising her children on a farm in Penobscot, Maine, Heather shares her  unique perspective as a farmer, parent, and advocate.

Episode 085 - Heather Retberg of Quill's End Farm

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Best Episodes on Mental Health, Emotions & Thoughts

The best podcasts on investing. For anyone interested in the stories in the investing industry, whether it's an interview with Ray Dalio or Ed Thorp to the writer of The Big Short. This topic includes the most fascinating stories from all the best investors. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!