Let's Connect

How is Maine’s tourism industry doing, and what does it take to keep it thriving year-round? Host Jamie Garvin welcomes Lynn Tillotson of Visit Portland and Kathleen Pierce of HospitalityMaine for a conversation about changing visitor spending and the challenges facing hotels and restaurants. They explore workforce housing, seasonal workers, tourism marketing, and efforts to bring customers through the doors during quieter winter months. Hear how tourism supports businesses far beyond the hospitality industry—and how residents can help sustain the places that make Maine wonderful place to live. 

Host Kristina Egan explores the algal bloom affecting Casco Bay and what it means for marine life, shellfish harvesters, and Maine’s working waterfront. Joining her are Casco Baykeeper Ivy Frignoca of Friends of Casco Bay, Brunswick Coastal Resource Manager Dan Devereaux, and Harpswell Harbormaster and Marine Resources Administrator Darcie Couture. Together, they discuss losses on local clam flats, what researchers are learning, and why ecological recovery takes longer than a visible change in the water—and consider how coastal communities can prepare for future blooms.

Edited by Tom Bell for the Greater Council of Governments
Broadcast on WMPG 90.9FM

Why do some people continue to sleep outside even when shelter beds are available—and what does it take to help someone find a lasting home? Host Tom Bell welcomes Maggie McLoughlin, director of Portland’s Health and Human Services Department, and Aaron Geyer, the city’s director of Social Services, to explore Portland’s response to homelessness. The conversation examines barriers to using shelters, street outreach, access to mental health and substance use treatment, and the partnerships that help people move into stable housing. 

Edited by Tom Bell 
Produced by Greater Council of Governments for broadcast on WMPG FM

What would a safer, more affordable, and accessible transportation system look like for Maine? On this episode of Let’s Connect Greater Portland, host Kristina Egan welcomes Josh Caldwell and Zoe Miller, co-facilitators of Transportation for Maine, and Andrew Clark of the Greater Portland Council of Governments to explore how a statewide coalition is working to improve the way we get around. From expanding options for people who don’t drive to protecting pedestrians and cyclists and reducing emissions, the conversation explores transportation funding, planning, and policy—and how Mainers can help shape the future.

Edited by Tom Bell
Produced by GPCOG for broadcast on WMPG

How is artificial intelligence changing the workplace—and what does it take to introduce it thoughtfully? Host Kristina Egan welcomes Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, a behavioral scientist and author of “The Psychology of AI Adoption at Work: From Resistance to Results,” and Kyle Hadyniak, Director of Communications and IT for the Town of Gray, to explore the opportunities and challenges of AI adoption. The conversation considers where AI can help, where human judgment remains essential, and how organizations can navigate change while supporting their employees.

How can local leaders gauge public opinion so they can make decisions that reflect the community’s wishes? Host Tom Bell talks with municipal communications officials Andrew Dickinson of Saco, Shara Dee of South Portland and Roger Cropley of Windham, along with FlashVote co-founder and chief scientist Kevin Lyons. They discuss how short, statistically reliable community surveys can broaden participation, inform local decisions and strengthen public trust. The guests also explain how FlashVote works, how residents’ privacy is protected, what Windham has learned from its surveys, and why Saco and South Portland are introducing the service.

Troy Jackson, Maine’s Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, joins host Kristina Egan to discuss the challenges facing Greater Portland and communities across Maine. Their conversation explores housing affordability, property taxes, health care, federal funding, transportation, climate resilience, school nutrition, and the importance of engaging young people in government. Jackson also answers questions from members of the WMPG community and shares some of his favorite music.

Bobby Charles, the Republican nominee for governor of Maine, joins host Kristina Egan to discuss his vision for the state and his approach to some of Maine’s biggest challenges. Their conversation covers his thoughts on property taxes, unfunded mandates, housing, transportation funding, and climate resilience. He also answers questions from WMPG listeners.

Pick-your-own farms are a beloved Maine tradition, but behind every family outing is a seasonal business shaped by unpredictable weather, rising costs and development pressure. Host Tom Bell explores the economics and future of pick-your-own farming with Penny Jordan of Jordan’s Farm in Cape Elizabeth, Brian Skoczenski of Libby’s U-Pick in Limerick, Scott Miller of Randall Orchards in Standish, and Anne Trenholm of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. They discuss what it takes to grow a successful crop, create a memorable visitor experience and keep Maine’s farms and orchards thriving in the years ahead.

Edited by Tom Bell
First Broadcast on WMPG 90.9FM

Guest host Craig Freshley sits down with Portland-area teenagers Wyatt Clegg, Dylan Ginn, and Nika Norris for a candid conversation about communication, gender identity, climate change, trust in government, and the world their generation is inheriting. Rather than asking them to speak for an entire generation, Craig invites each guest to share their own experiences, concerns, and hopes, while encouraging older listeners to set aside their assumptions and simply listen. The teens are all participants in WMPG’s Blunt Youth Radio project.