Let's Connect

Host Tom Bell explores how Accessory Dwelling Units are helping Maine homeowners navigate the state’s housing affordability crisis. He talks with two local residents—Mark Baker of Portland and Keri Ouellette of South Portland—who have each built an ADU for different reasons.

Mark Baker and his wife, Lynn, recently retired and wanted to move from Fresno, California, to Portland, Maine, to be closer to their daughter, her husband, and their two young grandchildren. But with housing costs in Portland significantly higher than in Fresno, they chose a creative solution: tearing down their daughter’s detached two-car garage in North Deering and building an ADU in its place. 

In South Portland, Keri Ouellette and her husband were looking to create a little more breathing room in their 1,250-square-foot home. Because of their lot’s unusual shape, they found that building a detached ADU was more practical and less expensive than a conventional addition. Their 550-square-foot ADU includes a full kitchen, a living room with a dedicated home office area, and one bedroom, and thanks to modular construction, the unit was move-in ready just six months after the project began.

Visit our Guide to ADU's website

Host Kristia Egan explores how schools across Maine are going greener—cutting energy use, improving air quality, and giving students hands-on lessons in sustainability. Dr. Glenn Cummings, Director of Green Schools for the Maine Department of Education, shares how the state’s new initiative is transforming everything from leadership practices to building systems, highlighting innovative projects already underway. Superintendent Christopher Howell of RSU 14 (Raymond and WIndham) discussa Windham Middle School’s forward-thinking design, including its unique “Ice House” thermal system. Together, they unpack why greener schools matter for every Mainer, the connection between clean energy and clean air, the barriers districts face, and how communities can help move sustainability forward.

Host Kristina Egan explores the growing urgency of keeping our unhoused neighbors safe as winter approaches.  

Joined by Portland Mayor Mark Dion, Portland Downtown Executive Director Cary Tyson, and Westbrook Housing Director John Concannon, the conversation explores the pressure on Portland’s shelter system, the need for more day space resources, and the financial strains municipalities face in addressing homelessness. The panel also highlights ongoing regional efforts, including proposed day space projects, food security hubs, and the importance of supportive housing solutions.

A candid discussion on the complexities of homelessness in Maine and the collaborative efforts needed to protect vulnerable community members this winter.

Host Tom Bell heads out on Casco Bay—at least in spirit—to explore the Heron, the largest electric aquaculture workboat in Maine and maybe the nation. Built through a multi-year collaboration among local innovators, Heron is transforming oyster farming with cleaner, quieter, zero-emission technology that offers a glimpse into the future of Maine’s working waterfront. Tom is joined by Nick Planson of Shred Electric, Willy Leathers of Maine Ocean Farms, and Lia Morris of the Island Institute, to talk about how Heron performs on the water, and why electrification matters for coastal communities, climate goals, and the future of sustainable aquaculture.

Video of the Heron

Host Tom Bell talks with leaders from two Maine industries about how they’re turning sustainability into opportunity. Jason Perkins, Brewmaster at Allagash Brewing Company, explains how the brewery’s B Corp values drive efficiency and partnerships with local farmers. And Briana Warner, Vice President of Marketing and Strategy at Mark Foods—the new owner of Bristol Seafood—describes how Maine’s seafood industry is advancing traceability and ocean stewardship. Sophie Piette of ClimateWork Maine discusses how the Sustainability Council helps businesses collaborate, cut emissions, and share climate solutions.

Host Kristina Egan talks with Phil Devlin, Vice Chair of the Harrison Selectboard, and South Portland City Councilor Linda Cohen and about why more people should consider running for local office. They discuss what motivates people to step into public service, the challenges and rewards of local leadership, and how ordinary residents can make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Host Kristina Egan speaks with Saco Mayor Jodi MacPhail and Biddeford City Administrator Truc Dever about how their neighboring cities are growing, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening regional collaboration. They discuss the essential role of roads, stormwater systems, broadband, and public facilities in shaping the future, and the opportunities that come from sharing services and working together across the Saco River.

Host Tom Bell explores one of Maine’s most vital yet often overlooked landscapes—its salt marshes.  Guests Jeremy Gabrielson from the Maine Coast Heritage Trust and landscape architect Mitchell Rasor talk about why marshes matter, the risks they face from rising seas, and what ’s being done to restore them.

Host Kristina Egan talks with Andre Briere, the new executive director of the Maine Turnpike Authority. A Seattle native and Air Force veteran, Briere brings nearly three decades of leadership experience, including his time as New Hampshire’s deputy transportation commissioner, to guide the future of Maine’s busiest highway. The conversation explores his vision for the turnpike—centered on transparency, technology and modernizing service plazas—along with the agency’s role in the region’s growth, its partnership with MaineDOT, and its investments in public transit and sustainability. Tune in for a candid look at how the Turnpike Authority is balancing mobility, innovation, and environmental responsibility across southern Maine.

In Yarmouth, a single pump station near the Royal River moves about two-thirds of the town’s wastewater — and it’s now running close to capacity. Town officials say that unless it’s upgraded, future housing and commercial projects could stall, and the town could risk another overflow event like the one that happened in early 2024. Critics are concerned about the costs to taxpayers and wonder why the town was not prepared for this crisis. To help us understand what’s at stake and how the town plans to move forward, host Tom Bell interviews Town Manager Scott LaFlamme and Town Council Chair Karin Orenstein.