Maine Calling

This is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (original air date January 21, 2020); no calls will be ta ken. In 1820, the U.S. passed an act that made participation on the slave trade an act of piracy. Yet, dozens of Maine vessels engaged in the slave trade illegally during this period. Thousands of enslaved people were transported and traded, leading to huge profits for slave traders--some of whom were Maine sea captains who are remembered as leading citizens of the day. Much of the millions of

On this Valentine’s Day, we discuss what makes a relationship successful — how do couples forge strong bonds, what is the difference between love and romance, and how important are issues like trust, compassion and communication? We will also talk about how dating has changed in today’s world, and how that can contribute to the quality of relationships that are formed.

Overdose deaths in Maine from substance use rose in 2019, and 84 percent of those involved opioid use. A recent spate of deaths in Portland are a reminder that opioid use continues to be a pressing crisis. We will hear from Gordon Smith, the state's director of opioid response, about the state’s latest plans to address the opioid crisis, and we’ll talk about what recovery experts and law enforcement believe can help stem the epidemic.

The votes are in and the New Hampshire Presidential Primary is now history. Our panel discusses who did well and who failed to live up to expectations. They'll also discuss the next phase in the race for the White House 2020.

Carolyn Chute joins us on the day her new novel, "The Recipe for Revolution," is published. Chute is the author of "The Beans of Egypt, Maine," "Letourneau’s Used Auto Parts," "Snow Man," "Merry Men" and "The School on Heart’s Content Road," a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. Chute has been awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Thornton Wilder Fellowship and is the winner of the PEN New England Award for Literary Excellence in Fiction.

T he rapid outbreak of coronavirus is causing serious illness and death in China and is spreading worldwide, including here in the U.S. We'll discuss the nature of this disease, why it is spreading so quickly, and what people in Maine can do to protect themselves. We will also talk about how this year's flu virus is a more immediate concern for Maine — how bad it is, why this year's cases have surged, and what is being done to address it.

One of Maine ’s best-known figures, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was not on ly a poet, writer and linguist, he was an international celebrity in the 1800s. Born in Portland, he became a dominant cultural force in the 19th century. His home remains a popular attraction in Portland. We will talk about his life, his work, and his impact on Maine —and beyond. This show is part of Maine Calling 's on going coverage of topics relating to Maine 's Bicentennial .

We discuss the history of impeachments and the Senate impeachment trial, its outcome, the votes of Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins, and we get listener reactions to the impeachment process.

Longtime NPR host Diane Rehm join us to talk about her new book, her podcast and her reaction to current affairs. Her latest book, just published, is called "When My Time Comes." Through interviews with terminally ill patients, and with physicians, ethicists, spouses, relatives and representatives of those who vigorously oppose the movement, Rehm gives voice to a broad range of people who are personally linked to the realities of medical aid in dying.

Our panel discusses the results from the Iowa caucuses and looks ahead to the New Hampshire primary. Where do the presidential candidates stand at this point in the race?