Maine Calling

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and Maine resident Richard Russo joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about his approach to writing, how his success as a novelist – whose books have been made into television series and films – affects his work, Maine’s literary community and how it inspires him… and his latest book, "Chances Are… ," about the complex power of friendship. Russo's eagerly awaited novel comes out the day that he joins us on Maine Calling.

As deaths from opioids are slowing, deaths involving methamphetamine are on the rise. The most recent CDC data shows a 21% increase in deaths involving methamphetamines in one year. Local officials say Maine reflects the national trend, with more deaths and alarming cases. According to his girlfriend, the suspect in the recent brutal attack of a couple in Bridgton was “high” on meth. Last month, a 21-one year old Bangor mother accused of exposing her baby to meth through her breast milk entered

Maine has a vibrant community of Civil and Revolutionary War historical reenactment groups throughout the state. Other groups focus on pre-Colonial times, or World War I. There are also Medieval reenactments (some that focus on early 15th century military). These groups try to bring living history directly to Maine schools, libraries, and other organizations. We’ll hear from reenactors about why they do what they do, and learn about up oming events--including their role in the state’s

Our panel of expert gardeners return to answer listener questions about planting, weeding, pruning, picking—and all else garden-related.

Ireland’s ambassador the U.S., Daniel Mulhall, will be in Portland for a series of events. We will discuss Maine’s close connections with Ireland through both family ties and trade and how Brexit will impact Ireland, among other topics.

In advance of the national Alzheimer’s Foundation conference, which will be held in Portland this year, we discuss the latest in Alzheimer’s research and treatments, as well as guidance for caregivers.

Maine offers not only a variety of indoor rock climbing gyms, but an abundance of outdoor destinations for coastal rock climbing, bouldering, and even ice climbing. We’ll learn more about what goes into the varieties of rock climbing, the benefits and dangers involved, and why people come to Maine to pursue this popular and demanding sport.

Maine Calling broadcasts from the North Light Gallery in Millinocket for an update on the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. New trails are currently under construction, road signs are ready and expected to be installed any day now, and the National Parks Service just wrapped up a series of public meetings seeking feedback. Following Maine Calling will be another public discussion as part of Maine Public’s “Tell Me More” Tour. This is part of Maine Calling’s yearlong focus on rural

The 30th Annual Open Farm Day takes place on July 28, and more than 130 farms are participating. Our panel discusses statewide farming and agricultural community trends and news. This is part of Maine Calling’s yearlong focus on statewide rural issues . Anne Trenholm , Maine Open Farm Day Coordinator Ellen McDougal with McDougal Orchards Cory Fowle r with Northern Solstice Alpaca Lee Burnett of Sanford Trails ; she organizes Springvale Farm Walk —AgriTourism Jason of Aroostook Hops

Many businesses in Maine are having a difficult time finding workers—particularly during the busy summer season. We’ll hear from the state economist, the Maine Commissioner of Labor, and the President and CEO of Hospitality Maine about how big of a worker shortage there is and what, if anything, can be done to address it.