Maine Calling

What does it take to raise backyard chickens? We’ll learn about the steps and equipment involved, health and safety issues, and what benefits and challenges arise from having chickens. Fresh eggs anyone?

Maine offers a wide variety of biking opportunities: From wilderness trails to island rides to easy family paths. We'll learn about where to go, rules of the road, safety considerations, equipment and more.

With Fourth of July two days away, we check in with the Maine S tate Fire Marshal and a Forest Ranger Specialist to learn how to stay fire-safe this summer. We’ll discuss how high the fire danger is this summer, and how to handle fireworks safely. We’ll also get an update on the best smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and other home safety devices and measures.

Our panel of editorial page editors returns to discuss what made Maine headlines in June. What was – and wasn’t – accomplished at the special session? What’s the reaction to r anked choice voting and the primary elections?

Maine is home to a community of successful cartoonists, whose work has appeared in publications from The New Yorker to Mad Magazine . How do cartoonists combine art, humor and social commentary - and what do Maine cartoonists contribute to the state's identity? A new book by local cartoonists showcases the talent and humor of these artists. We'll learn what it takes to succeed as a cartoonist professionally .

Summer’s here so it’s time to break out the camping gear and head to the great outdoors. We’ll discuss the importance of camping to the Maine economy, off-the-beaten path places to check out, and safety tips for sleeping out under the stars.

You’d be forgiven for thinking beer was the only beverage home-grown in Maine. But winemakers are slowly gaining a foothold in the state. We’ll learn about the different wines of Maine and where you can find them—and how winemaking contributes to the state’s culture and economy. Steve Melchiskey , founder of USA Wine West and owner/winemaker at Maine Coast Vineyards in Falmouth Elmer Savage , co-owner of Savage Oakes Vineyard & Winery in Union David Handley , Vegetable and Small Fruit

China has drastically curtailed its import of recycled materials from the United States. We’ll learn about the impact of this decision on recycling programs in Maine. We’ll also learn about the right and wrong ways to recycle some everyday products.

For the third year in a row, Maine home sales set a record for the number of homes sold. Home prices were up more than 5 p ercent across the state. The tight inventory is good for some and a challenge for others. We’ll get expert advice on approaching Maine’s real estate market and answers to questions about the value of certain home improvement projects.

This show was recorded before a live audience in Iceland; no calls will be taken. In many ways, Iceland is like Maine – beautiful, sparsely populated, and a tourist destination. We’ll discuss the similarities and differences between Maine and Iceland. Jennifer Rooks hosts this special program from Iceland's RÚV Studios.