Dr. Nirav Shah joins our host Cate Blackford on the podcast to discuss his run for Maine governor and how his background in public health as the former director of the Maine CDC shapes his approach to leadership. He talks about the importance of competent state governance, clear communication and rebuilding public trust. Shah outlines his plans…

The post Nirav Shah on public health, housing and the race for governor first appeared on Maine Beacon.

On our latest podcast episode, Esther and Cate look at what has been happening with ICE in Maine and how Mainers have been responding. Beth Weisberger, the owner of Gneiss Spice in Bethel, joins to share why she decided to close her business at the end of January for an anti-ICE strike. They also discuss…

The post Why business is political and what to look out for in Maine’s budget hearings first appeared on Maine Beacon.

 On the podcast, Senior Organizing Director Esther Pew interviews Anat Shenker-Osorio, a linguistics and cognition expert, about how movements can more effectively mobilize folks to fight against fascism. Anat explains why simply debunking lies isn’t enough — and why replacing false narratives with truthful, values-driven stories is essential to activating people. She emphasizes the power…

The post How language can mobilize people to fight fascism with Anat Shenker-Osorio first appeared on Maine Beacon.

For the first podcast of the new year, Esther is joined by former podcast host Sen. Mike Tipping to preview the legislative session and talk about some priorities, including health care access, taxing the richest Mainers more fairly, and combating ICE’s terrifying tactics closer to home. They also talk about what’s been happening in Minnesota…

The post ICE’s unpopularity, taxing the rich and MLK with Sen. Mike Tipping first appeared on Maine Beacon.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner joins our host Cate Blackford this week on the podcast to chat about why he’s jumping into politics and what a true populist agenda looks like to him. Platner shares how his campaign defies the status quo with movement-driven organizing and economic justice at the center. Platner also explains…

The post Podcast: Graham Platner on building a movement larger than his U.S. Senate campaign first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate and Channa break down Maine’s big Election Day results — from voters rejecting a restrictive voter suppression law to passing new gun safety measures and a $19 minimum wage in Portland. The two discuss Democratic wins across the country, the strength of grassroots organizing, and voters’ desire for bold…

The post Podcast: What Maine’s Election Day says about the future first appeared on Maine Beacon.

Election Day is just around the corner, and Esther and Ben are back to remind Mainers to protect absentee voting by casting a “no” vote on Question 1. On the other statewide referendum, Question 2, they are voting “yes” to make it easier for law enforcement to remove firearms from people who pose a danger…

The post Podcast: Absentee voting, gun safety and why mutual aid isn’t enough first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate and Ben break down how the federal shutdown is hitting Maine — from potential SNAP cuts to thousands of state workers facing layoffs — and how a tax conformity issue could leave a $245 million hole in the state budget. They also dig into the latest political shakeups, including…

The post Podcast: Federal shutdown, SNAP concerns and Graham Platner make headlines first appeared on Maine Beacon.

Maine Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows joins our host Esther to talk about her vision for a more transparent, community-driven government. She shares ideas for tackling Maine’s toughest challenges — from housing to healthcare — and lays out her plans for universal healthcare, fair taxation, and stronger support for tribal sovereignty. “No…

The post Podcast: Shenna Bellows draws on rural Maine roots in campaign for governor first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, we are breaking down the two statewide referendum questions on every Mainer’s ballot. Our hosts, Esther and Ben, explain why voters should vote no on Question 1, as it would make it harder for Mainers to vote by adding numerous restrictions to absentee voting.   On the flip side, they are…

The post Podcast: A voter guide to Maine’s 2025 statewide referendums first appeared on Maine Beacon.