Aired Out

Jody Emerson of the Central Vermont Career Center is more than just the executive director — she’s the captain of the ship, leading alongside a dedicated board and administration who truly understand the importance of giving area high school students the opportunity to learn a trade and build a strong future. This morning she says out the proposed ideas behind expanding CVCC programming and what's on the horizon in the months ahead here in Central Vermont.

G goes off on the urgent need to attract new businesses into Barre and the surrounding communities, pointing to crumbling roads, rising taxes, and too many vacant buildings as clear signs something has to change. Using spots like Barre's up and coming Beer & Tobacco Shop as a local example, he highlights the importance of supporting existing businesses while pushing for new construction and smarter development. Bottom line—without real economic growth and investment, the city risks falling further behind.

Superintendent Mark Fish joins the conversation to discuss bullying, the importance of unified leadership among school administrators, and ensuring students have the support systems they need to succeed. He emphasizes that students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being must be addressed before academic success can follow. As one of the first districts to adopt Sweethearts & Heroes, he believes their work is more critical than ever and encourages schools everywhere to consider the powerful impact they’re making in thousands of communities.

Hope Garcia returns to the Aired Out Podcast to tackle a tough but critical issue — bullying in our local schools. From firsthand experiences to what parents and schools can do differently, this is an honest, no-holds-barred discussion about what’s really happening in our communities and how we can protect our kids. 

Real conversation. Real impact.

Real. Raw. Relevant. Relatable.

Middle East advisor to the United States for more than two decades, Gabe Lajeunesse joins the show to break down the escalating conflict and answer the tough questions surrounding Operation Epic Fury. From the origins of the crisis to the military strategy unfolding now, Gabe provides rare insider perspective on what’s happening in Iran, what it means for the region, and what Americans should understand about the stakes involved. No spin — just straight talk and informed analysis on one of the most consequential military operations in decades.

From the Aired Out Podcast this “Fat Tuesday” — also National Random Acts of Kindness Day — here’s what we covered: A 6-year-old girl sells more than 100,000 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies.
Local and celebrity birthdays.
Your chance to win tickets to experience Heartless live this Friday at the Chandler Center for the Arts.
The worst potholes in Vermont.
Olympic gold highlights.
College hoops update.
Community Calendar events around Central Vermont.
A shooting at a skating rink in Pawtucket.
The partial DHS shutdown and where things stand in Washington.
The second round of U.S.–Iran nuclear talks.
Financial strategist Steve Cotton weighs in on IRAs, the economy, and what to watch moving forward. Miss it live? Catch the replay and stay Aired Out.

Your name aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission for a 10-day journey around the moon? 
Live music is front and center this week as Heartless brings the ultimate tribute to Ann Wilson and Heart to the Chandler Center for the Arts this Friday night. It’s shaping up to be a packed house and a huge night for local rock fans. Aired Out gets you there with free tickets this week!

• Trump and his newly floated “Board of Peace.”
• The trial of the parent connected to the Georgia school shooting case.
• Savannah Guthrie makes another public plea on social media.
• Don Lemon continues to stir conversation.

Closer to home:

• A North Country earthquake gave folks a little shake.
• Burlington's new police and fire tax proposal.
• Vermont’s ongoing Wi-Fi and cell service expansion promises — are we there yet?
• A troubling weekend shooting in Corinth.
• And yes… the ongoing “Boy Kibble” conversation.

• Canada men's national curling team.
• Figure skating phenom Ilia Malinin.
• Tyler Reddick wins Daytona.
• Updates from the Revolution Basketball Men’s League.

We also got personal - what have YOU saved for retirement? 

• The incredible impact of Night To Shine.
• “Do A Grouch A Favor” day
•  George and Abe didn't care about their birthdays -at all. 

Hope Garcia, a local mom, and her sister Chrissy Searles recently spoke publicly about concerns regarding bullying happening in area schools. They shared their experiences and perspectives on the issue during an appearance on the AIRED OUT podcast, where they broke their silence on the topic and highlighted specific concerns about how bullying is being handled in their community.
Their comments were shared on the AIRED OUT Facebook page in multiple posts earlier this week, where the conversation centered on raising awareness about bullying inside local schools.
JD has reached out to Barre Town Middle and Elementary School inviting them onto AIRED OUT but has yet to hear back.
Bullying in schools isn’t just individual conflict — it’s recognized as a repeated pattern of behavior that can harm a student’s mental health, academic performance, and sense of safety as discussed EVERY WEDNESDAY on AIRED OUT with Sweethearts and Heroes - who started in Vermont in 2016 and has since traveled near and far, sharing the power of H.O.P.E. and Action with millions! Our focus is to educate society on the impact of hopelessness, build empathy and compassion in our youth, and develop young Sweethearts & Heroes to promote bystander empowerment through leadership roles.

FRIDAY THE 13TH WITH G ON AIRED OUT !
It’s Friday the 13th… so naturally we’re leaning in.
Is Krispy Kreme tempting fate today?
Valentines vs Galentines – which one wins?
Charilyn's Cupcakes wins the TOP MOM award
The impact of Night to Shine TONIGHT in Barre Vermont
Vermont State Inspections – necessary or nonsense?
The reality of VT roads (mud season is knocking…)
DHS funding, Nancy Guthrie
PC commercials & movies
even Kim Jong Un makes the list
Central Vermont’s Podcast — Real. Raw. Relevant. Relatable.