Beacon Podcast

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.

Gubernatorial candidate Angus King III shares why he is pivoting from business to politics in our latest podcast episode. The founder and former president of Peaks Renewables chats with our host Cate Blackford on how he plans to solve some of the biggest problems Mainers are facing today, such as the cost of living, housing…

The post Podcast: Angus King III brings a business mindset to the governor’s race first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree discusses her political journey, starting from her early involvement in Maine’s small communities and her recruitment to the state legislature. The former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives tells our host Ben Chin about her efforts on the Kids Safe Products Act, marriage equality, healthcare…

The post Podcast: Hannah Pingree stresses urgency on housing, climate in run for Maine governor first appeared on Maine Beacon.

In an off-kilter move for someone who is reportedly gearing up to challenge Sen. Susan Collins for her seat, Governor Janet Mills on Monday offered universal praise for Collins’ actions in office. “She’s in a tough position,” said Mills. “I appreciate everything she is doing.” Collins, who has long been personally friendly with Mills, said…

The post Podcast: Mills should be pressuring Collins, not praising her first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Ben Chin sits down with Rep. Rafael Macias (D-Topsham), a retired naval officer and first-time legislator. Rafael reflects on the past session including a landmark bill ensuring farmworkers receive minimum wage, the hurdles of budget negotiations, and frustrations with the lack of progressive action despite a Democratic majority. Rafael also…

The post Podcast: Rafael Macias challenges Maine Democrats to deliver first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, we are revisiting Ben’s conversation with grassroots organizing expert Marshall Ganz for a special encore episode. The two discussed how to strengthen organizing skills, effectively build a movement, and create lasting change. Ganz is a senior lecturer in leadership, organization and civil society at Harvard University and the author of…

The post Podcast: Marshall Ganz on the problems of modern organizing first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Ben, Cate and Channa dig into Sen. Susan Collins’ latest string of controversial votes — from confirming far-right conspiracy theorist Joe Kent and former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, to approving funding for a $1 billion jet for Trump on the back of taxpayers. Also, health insurance rates are proposed…

The post Podcast: The battles over health insurance and voting rights in Maine first appeared on Maine Beacon.