Sarah Giffen Carr is a conservation leader whose lifelong connection to Maine’s landscapes has shaped both her personal journey and professional career. Raised in Hallowell, she spent summers with her family in a rustic cabin built by her father. As a result of that yearly re-immersion into the natural world, Sarah developed a deep love for the outdoors that guided her toward studying geography and environmental science at McGill University. She went on to work with organizations including the U.S. Geological Survey and Maine’s Land Use Planning Commission, before serving as co-executive director of conservation at the Midcoast Conservancy. In this conversation, Sarah shares how her upbringing, family influences, and the writings of Aldo Leopold shaped her conservation ethic. She reflects on balancing land use with preservation, the unique ecological treasures of Maine—from intact northern forests to Atlantic salmon populations—and the personal meaning she draws from place, loss, and legacy. Join our conversation with Sarah Giffen Carr today on Radio Maine. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more inspiring stories!

Contemporary landscape artist Sam Chappell brings a compelling blend of intuition, emotion, and resilience to her creative journey. With a background in art history, focused on the Renaissance, Sam never imagined she’d return to art through painting—especially not in the loose, expressive style she now embraces.

After years in nonprofit fundraising and the corporate world, she rediscovered painting during the isolation of the pandemic, finding the process both meditative and transformative. Motherhood, and a move to Maine in 2023, gave her the clarity and courage to pursue art full-time.

Beginning with vibrant red underpaintings, she recreates fleeting moments from her travels and memories, creating works that resonate far beyond the canvas. Her story of vulnerability, persistence, and reinvention will inspire anyone seeking creative fulfillment.

Join our conversation with Portland Art Gallery artist Sam Chappell today on Radio Maine—and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Dr. Lisa Belisle, physician, writer, and host of Radio Maine, returns with a deeply personal solo episode exploring the rhythms that shape our inner and creative lives. Drawing on her experience in medicine, motherhood, and writing, Dr. Belisle reflects on the power of slowing down, honoring transitions, and reconnecting with the quiet wisdom within us. She weaves insights from traditional Chinese medicine with her own stories of long runs through the woods, tea-filled mornings, and the cyclical nature of creativity. Inspired by artist Emma Ballou and conversations with others in the Portland Art Gallery community, she invites us to reimagine rest not as retreat—but as return. Whether you're navigating change or simply feeling out of step, this episode offers a gentle and grounding reminder: you're not falling behind, you're coming home. Join our conversation with Dr. Lisa Belisle today on Radio Maine—and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Michael Keighley, Chief Yoga Officer of Archangel Yoga and former Army helicopter pilot, shares a powerful and deeply personal journey from war zones to wellness. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Michael found his way to Maine through the University of Maine ROTC program. He served more than eight years in the military, including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Struggling with PTSD and disconnection after his military service, Michael discovered yoga as a lifeline—eventually dedicating his life to teaching trauma-informed yoga to veterans, first responders, and underserved communities. Now based in Augusta, Maine, Michael’s work centers on restoring connection, identity, and purpose through movement, breath, and self-compassion. His yoga teaching experiences—from the Kennebec County Jail to the Travis Mills Foundation—highlight the healing power of choice and community. Join our conversation with Michael Keighley today on Radio Maine—and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more stories that celebrate creativity and the human spirit!

Anni Pat McKenney, Director of MaineHealth’s Coulombe Center for Health Improvement, joins us on Radio Maine to share her inspiring journey from occupational therapy to pioneering community-based youth health programs. Raised in Newcastle, Maine, Anni Pat brings a deep personal connection to the communities she now serves. With past experience in the mental health field and a passion for service, she has helped transform school-based health centers into trusted spaces where students receive vital medical and behavioral care—right where they learn.

Her work addresses rural healthcare gaps, early childhood trauma, and the importance of trusted relationships in healing. Anni Pat’s story—from growing up in a home her father built to returning and leading community health efforts—reflects a powerful cycle of care, purpose, and local impact.

Join our conversation with Anni Pat McKenney today on Radio Maine, and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel!

Ginny Hussey, General Manager of Canopy Portland Waterfront, brings a deep passion for hospitality and an abiding love for Maine to her leadership role in one of Portland’s most dynamic hotels. Raised in Colorado Springs but with early connections to Biddeford Pool, Ginny moved to Maine with her family when she was in high school. After returning to Colorado for college, and gaining experience in the hospitality industry, Ginny returned to the Pine Tree state and enjoyed being part of the team that launched Portland’s Press Hotel. Her deep local knowledge, commitment to authentic guest experiences, and dedication to showcasing Maine’s food, art, and people make her a true ambassador for the region.

Ginny thoughtfully guides visitors through Portland’s vibrant culinary and cultural scene, reveals her favorite hidden gems, and discusses her work championing local art through initiatives like Canopy’s Epic Grant for Maine College of Art & Design students. Whether it’s welcoming guests at the front desk or connecting them to Maine’s unique spirit, Ginny is shaping what it means to experience hospitality with heart.

Join our conversation with Ginny Hussey today on Radio Maine—and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel!

Dr. Gerard Gawalt, esteemed historian and author, joins us from New Harbor, Maine to share his deep knowledge of the state’s often-overlooked past. With a career rooted in archival work and a passion sparked by his wife’s Maine lineage, Dr. Gawalt has spent decades uncovering the complex layers of our history—from intertribal conflicts among the Abenaki to the turbulent land disputes involving Henry and Lucy Knox. Dr. Gawalt also explores how a longstanding mistrust of outsiders and a fierce sense of independence helped shape Maine’s identity. Our conversation offers a compelling look into the events and people that helped define the state. Join our conversation with Dr. Gerard Gawalt today on Radio Maine—and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel!

Dr. Rebecca Boulos, Executive Director of the Maine Public Health Association, brings an extraordinary blend of academic insight, personal experience, and deep-rooted commitment to her home state. With a PhD in Food Policy and Applied Nutrition from Tufts, along with degrees from Yale and George Washington University, Rebecca has spent years exploring how our environment, mindset, and stress shape health outcomes. A Cape Elizabeth native, Rebecca shares how growing up in Maine—and eventually returning to it—shaped her belief in both self-sufficiency and community care. From her early days volunteering in local schools to groundbreaking research on optimism and public health policy, Rebecca offers a compelling perspective on how small shifts can lead to big health improvements. Her work is a powerful reminder that place, purpose, and people all matter. Join our conversation with Dr. Rebecca Boulos today on Radio Maine—and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

Dr. Lisa Belisle—physician, writer, and host of Radio Maine—returns for a solo episode that resonates with emotional depth and quiet strength. In this intimate reflection, she explores the art of wayfinding: how we move through uncertainty, loss, and transformation with grace and authenticity.

Drawing on recent experiences, Lisa speaks candidly about the death of a cherished patient, the evolving role of caregiving, and the one-year anniversary of her father's passing. Her words are grounded in the perspective of a healer and shaped by a lifelong connection to Maine’s rugged, contemplative landscape.

Rather than offering tidy answers, Lisa invites listeners into the messy, beautiful process of becoming. She reflects on how moments of grief can sharpen our insight, loosen our grip on old narratives, and open the way for something more honest and alive.

With lyrical clarity and emotional steadiness, this episode holds space for anyone navigating change. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, the surest direction comes not from knowing where we’re going—but from paying attention to what calls us forward.

Krista Cole, owner and Director of Operations for Sur Lie in Portland and Gather in Yarmouth, brings Northern Maine grit and hospitality to the heart of the restaurant world. A two-time James Beard semifinalist, Krista’s journey began in healthcare management, where she built a foundation in operations and strategy before stepping full-force into entrepreneurship. Her story is one of dual passions—caring for people and creating meaningful food experiences. From her humble roots in Houlton to balancing two full-time careers, she’s stayed true to her small-town values: honesty, hard work, and community. At Sur Lie, she redefines upscale casual dining, while Gather feels like a welcoming neighborhood table—complete with a team that shares her passion for service. Krista’s love of systems, branding, and culture-building has made her a force in Maine’s culinary scene and a role model for women entrepreneurs. Join our conversation with Krista Cole today on Radio Maine—and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel.