Well-known Maine outdoorsman George Smith recently announced he has been diagnosed with ALS. George joins us to discuss the diagnosis and how it has – and hasn’t – changed his life. Also joining the conversation is the doctor who diagnosed George. Guests: George Smith is a full-time writer, he writes about hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities, current events and issues, book reviews, and travel, and has been honored with awards from the Maine Press Association. He was the executive

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)? Who falls on the fetal alcohol spectrum? How prevalent is it in modern society? We will answer questions like these and delve into FASD, from diagnosis and treatment to a day in the life with FASD. Guests: Constance Mazelsky , adoptive mother of a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and activist for FASD awareness Nancy Cronin , Executive Director of Maine Developmental Disability Council

Author Craig Grossi joins us to discuss how he rescued a dog while stationed in Afghanistan in 2010, and how this relationship saved each of them. Grossi’s Facebook and Instagram posts are followed by more than 35,000 people who are interested in learning of Craig and Fred’s adventures – and Craig’s recovery from a war injury and the loss of comrades during his deployment. Guest: Craig Grossi is an eight-year veteran of the Marine Corps, recipient of the Purple Heart, and Georgetown University

When the ice is thick enough, Mainers head to the lakes and ponds and get set up to catch some fish (and, yes, beer is usually involved). We'll learn about the most effective methods for ice fishing, the best places to go, and what makes fishing through a hole in the ice an appealing family activity. And is climate change affecting the ice fishing industry in Maine? Guests: Tim Jack , owner of Jack Traps Ice Fishing Outfitters based in Monmouth Brittany Humphrey , Outreach Coordinator, Maine

What's trending in the food world? Are we moving to a more veg-centric diet and embracing new global flavors? What about all of these ancient grains? Our panel of food experts talk about the ingredients and cooking techniques that are moving into the forefront for today's diners (include purple produce). Guests: Peggy Grodinsky , food editor for the Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram Nancy Harmon Jenkins , cookbook author, historian and authority on Mediterranean cuisine Sam Hayward

We discuss the year ahead in Maine politics and what to expect from our local politicians--or aspiring politicians. Guests: Maine Public's "Across the Aisle" team joins us: Meredith Strang Burgess , president and CEO of Burgess Advertising & Marketing and former Maine State Representative (Republican) Cynthia Dill , lawyer and former Maine State Representative and State Senator (Democratic) Dick Woodbury , economist and former Maine State Senator (Independent)

Our panel discusses the economic forecast for Maine in the year ahead. Guests: Amanda Rector , Maine State Economist Yellow Light Breen , Maine Development Foundation President and CEO

Two in-the-know Mainers and the author of The Washington Post ’s annual "In/Out list" join us to talk about the trends to look forward to, and the ones to be leery of, in the new year. Guests: Jessica Contrera, who writes The Washington Post' s annual New Year's "In/Out List" Brian Kevin , managing editor, Down East magazine Shannon Bryan , founder of FitMaine.com and former editor of MaineToday.com

This is a rebroadcast of an earlier show (Sept 7th); no calls will be taken. Is a bachelor’s degree worth the money? What role should humanities play in higher education? And do colleges and universities actually contribute to the common good? We discuss the book For the Common Good: A New History of Higher Education in America , by Charles Dorn. Guest: Charles Dorn , Professor of Education, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and Associate Affirmative Action Officer. Dorn's research into the

We discuss why, in an age of smart phones, tablets, and virtual reality, board games remain so popular. We will hear from two store owners who sell board games of all kinds for all ages, and from a Mainer who created a board game that is selling out everywhere. Guests: Sarah Baldwin , owner of Bella Luna Toys in Rockland. Tom Deschenes , creator of Quest for the Antidote Laura Keith , General Manager, Diversions Puzzles & Games in Portsmouth, NH and South Portland, ME