Aired Out

This morning … buckle up, because G is coming in HOT
We’re diving into a real, honest conversation about:
• Raising your kids the right way in a world that feels more disconnected than ever
• Why gossip destroys trust, respect, and communities faster than people realize
• Trust issues, accountability, and the importance of standing on your word
• Thoughts surrounding the City Manager situation in Barre and the conversations happening locally
• Community connection, respect, and why supporting each other still matters

PLUS — we’re loading you up with everything happening around Central Vermont and beyond this weekend including:

• Upper Valley Cars & Coffee
• Central Vermont Marketplace Food Truck Festival
• Local events, live music, community gatherings, fundraisers, and family activities happening across the region

As always, unfiltered conversations, strong opinions, laughs, community voices, and plenty of moments that have people talking long after the show ends.

There was a time when Brandon Bruttemesso was a troubled middle schooler, struggling to find his direction and footing in life. But sometimes all it takes is the right people stepping in at the right time to completely change the course of someone’s future. With guidance from his father, support and discipline from his wrestling coach, and positive influences from those around him, Brandon was given the opportunity to turn his life around. Programs like Sweethearts & Heroes also made an impact when they came into his school, helping reinforce the importance of leadership, accountability, kindness, and character. Instead of continuing down the wrong path, Brandon put himself on a fast track toward success. Through hard work, perseverance, and the lessons he learned along the way, he grew into the man he is today, proof that with the right support system, mentorship, and determination, people can overcome challenges and completely rewrite their story. 
#sweetheartsandheroes

Here in Vermont, the debate over H.237 has exposed a much bigger national conversation about access to mental health care, provider shortages, patient safety, and how the system adapts to growing demand.


The legislation, now signed into law as Act 84, allows certain doctoral-level psychologists in Vermont to prescribe psychiatric medications after completing specialized postdoctoral training, supervised clinical work, and entering into collaborative agreements with medical professionals.

Supporters say the bill is a response to reality.


Vermont, like much of the country, faces a severe shortage of psychiatrists and mental health providers, especially in rural communities. Patients often wait months for medication management appointments, and many areas simply do not have enough psychiatric prescribers. Advocates argue that highly trained psychologists already spend far more time with patients in therapy than many medication providers do, making them uniquely positioned to recognize symptoms, monitor progress, and provide integrated care.


Opponents, including some psychiatrists and medical organizations, argue that psychologists do not receive the same depth of medical training as physicians. Their concern centers on the risks of prescribing medications that can interact with physical health conditions, other prescriptions, heart issues, neurological disorders, or substance use complications. Critics warn that expanding prescribing authority could create patient safety concerns if oversight and training standards are not rigorous enough.


The law itself attempts to address those concerns through restrictions and safeguards. Under H.237, prescribing psychologists must complete advanced psychopharmacology education and supervised clinical training. Their authority is limited to mental health conditions, and there are restrictions involving children, elderly patients, pregnancy, injectable drugs, and controlled substances. Collaborative agreements with licensed prescribers are also required.


Nationally, Vermont joins only a small group of states that allow psychologists to prescribe medications. States including New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Idaho have adopted versions of similar laws over the past two decades. Supporters point to those states as evidence that the model can work safely when properly regulated. Opponents argue the long-term data remains limited and that expanding psychiatry residency programs would be a better solution.

The bigger question may be where mental health treatment is heading overall. The field is moving toward more integrated and personalized care, combining therapy, medication, neuroscience, digital monitoring, telehealth, trauma-informed treatment, and potentially psychedelic-assisted therapies now being studied nationwide. Vermont has increasingly become part of those conversations, particularly around alternative treatment models, rural access, and behavioral health reform.

At the same time, there is growing frustration with a system many people feel is already overwhelmed. Patients struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, or severe mental illness often face long waits, provider shortages, insurance barriers, and fragmented care. H.237 reflects one attempt to expand the workforce and rethink who can safely participate in treatment delivery.


The reality is that both sides of the debate are arguing from legitimate concerns. One side sees urgency in expanding access during a mental health crisis. The other sees caution as essential when powerful medications are involved.


And Vermont now becomes one of the newest testing grounds for how that balance will work in practice. Please enjoy this episode, keep the comments coming. Rick Barnett is paying attention to them and cares about your prespective.

Josh Miller of Vermont Fatherhood here in Barre is my guest this morning talking about setting good limits and boundaries with your kids, making sure they’re held accountable, and understanding that “no” is a loving word. A reminder that it’s not the mission of a parent to be the good guy or the friend, our job is to do what’s right for our children and raise them the best way we know how.

The Barre Elks Lodge and American Legion Post 10 are coming together for a special Alcutta Fundraiser on Friday, June 12th at the Barre Elks Lodge to help rebuild the American Legion Post 10 kitchen lost in the flood.Only 100 tickets will be sold at $100 each and each ticket includes two meals.To purchase tickets or for more information contact:
American Legion Post 10 at 802-479-9058
Steve England at [email protected]
Bob Campo at [email protected]
Support a great local cause and help restore an important part of our community.

This morning on Aired Out, I’m joined by Brian McKeon of Sweethearts & Heroes for a very unscripted, real conversation about life and human connection.

We’re digging into the meaning behind story, how communication shapes everything we do, and the real power behind circle-based conversations, where people are heard, not just talked at.

Brian’s work has had a massive impact on youth across the country, but now it’s reaching even further—connecting with linemen, first responders, and others on the front lines who are carrying more than most people ever see.

Join us as we explore what it actually means to listen, to connect, and to show up for each other in a world that doesn’t always make that easy.

This isn’t polished. It’s not rehearsed. It’s real. Live, local, unfiltered.

This morning on Aired Out, I sat down with Brad Griffen — a guy whose story is as real as it gets. Brad spent years battling addiction and homelessness, living a life that many don’t come back from. But through grit, resilience, and a refusal to quit, he turned everything around. Today, he’s the owner of Confident K-9, a growing local business right here in Central Vermont, helping people build better relationships with their dogs through trust, structure, and confidence. You can learn more about his work at confidentk-9.com. His story isn’t just about recovery — it’s about rebuilding from nothing and proving that your past doesn’t define your future. Catch the full conversation now on Aired Out!

This morning on Aired Out, we’re talking about something that hits home for a lot of folks across Vermont—keeping your home safe, livable, and affordable. Joining me are Ryan Carpenter, Construction Project Coordinator, and Volicia Smith, Loan Fund Manager with Green Mountain Home Repair—a program run by Downstreet Housing & Community Development.

Green Mountain Home Repair is really a lifeline for homeowners. It helps people tackle critical issues in their homes—especially when it comes to health, safety, and energy efficiency—for those who might not otherwise be able to afford major repairs.

World Laughter Day meets Mental Health Awareness Month, and we’re kicking it off the only way we know how—real, raw, and maybe a little ridiculous. It’s your Friday morning Mental Floss with G… don’t worry, he’ll say what you’re already thinking. It's G's Spot.
Buckle up.

Kate Alberghini - Executive Director at Green Up Vermont