The Community Cast

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Danni Best of the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (MeANS) to discuss a unique approach to education that helps students thrive beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Danni shares her passion for working with adolescents, the life-changing impact of meaningful adult relationships, and how MeANS combines academics with environmental and experiential learning to create opportunities for students to succeed. From maple sugaring and beekeeping to restorative practices and individualized support, this conversation highlights the many ways MeANS helps students find confidence, purpose, and belonging.

This week on The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Jenny Davis, founder of Haberdashery, and Loretta Bryant, store manager, to discuss the evolution of one of Maine's most beloved resale shops. From entrepreneurship and sustainable fashion to customer connections, team culture, and community impact, they share how Haberdashery has grown from a small startup into a thriving business with a loyal following and big plans for the future.

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On this episode of The Community Cast, Carissa sits down with Ashley Deeb, Marketing Manager at Mainely Tubs, to discuss the growth of Maine's employee-owned hot tub, swim spa, and sauna company. Ashley shares how Mainely Tubs has expanded across New England, the benefits of employee ownership, and how her team helps customers create spaces for relaxation, wellness, and connection at home.

Beyond her professional role, Ashley opens up about her personal journey as a heart disease survivor and how that experience inspired her commitment to community service through the American Heart Association and Make-A-Wish Maine. From leadership and volunteerism to resilience and purpose, this conversation highlights the power of giving back and the impact one person can have on the lives of others.

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Leo Waterston, founder of Waterston Coaching and Consulting. After spending much of his career leading teams in healthcare research, Leo discovered a passion for helping people unlock their potential, navigate challenges, and grow with confidence—ultimately leading him to launch his own coaching practice.

Together, they discuss what separates good leaders from great ones, the role of emotional intelligence and self-awareness, and why developing future leaders is critical to long-term success. Leo also shares practical insights on career transitions, difficult conversations, perfectionism, and accountability. Whether you're leading a team, considering your next career move, or simply looking to grow, this episode will leave you with ideas you can put into practice right away.

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Zach Poole, co-owner of Portland Beer Hub and Portland Explorer. Zach shares how a love for Maine's craft beer scene and community led him from launching the Maine Brew Bus to creating experiences that help visitors connect with the people, places, and stories that make Portland unique.

They talk about entrepreneurship, hospitality, Maine's working waterfront, and why authentic connections are at the heart of every great visitor experience.

In this episode of The Community Cast, Carissa Chipman sits down with Terri Mulks, Camp Director of Camp Susan Curtis, to highlight a place that has changed thousands of young lives here in Maine. For more than 50 years, the camp has provided tuition-free summer experiences for kids who need it most.

Terri shares what makes those 10 days so meaningful, from first-day nerves to the confidence and connection that grow by the final campfire. She brings to life the sense of belonging campers feel and the impact that stays with them long after they leave.

You'll also hear how community support plays a critical role in making Camp Susan Curtis possible, and how local partnerships help ensure every child has the opportunity to experience camp without barriers.

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Heather Nyquist, wedding and branding photographer and director of Maine Women in Business. Heather shares how her creative work and experience as an entrepreneur led her to build a growing community centered on connection, support, and collaboration.

They talk about the power of showing up authentically, building confidence, and creating spaces where women feel seen and valued—both in business and beyond.

If you've ever felt like you're building something on your own or want to better understand how community and creativity go hand in hand, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Community Cast, Carissa Chipman sits down with Crystal Brown, Community Marketing Manager for Maine and New Hampshire at Aroma Joe's and Chair of the AJ Cares Foundation.

Crystal shares how she's built a career rooted in connection and bringing Aroma Joe's mission to "positively impact people" to life every day. From empowering baristas in their first jobs to building meaningful community partnerships, Crystal gives an inside look at what makes the brand more than just a coffee stop.

They also talk about the power of showing up as yourself, how local businesses can make a real difference, and what it means to truly invest in people. That includes everything from supporting Make-A-Wish to working on better water access for coffee farmers in Honduras.

If you've ever thought about what it looks like to lead with purpose, build real relationships, and create a sense of community through your work, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Cholla Foote, owner of The Useful Witch, a professional organizing service that helps people turn overwhelmed homes into spaces that truly support their lives. Through compassion, intuition, and practical systems, Cholla works with clients to create physical order that leads to greater mental clarity without judgment or shame.

In this conversation, we talk about why decluttering is often more emotional than physical, common misconceptions around professional organizing, and how small changes like labeling, editing down belongings, and storing items where they are actually used can make a big difference in a home's daily flow. Cholla also shares meaningful client stories, her journey to starting The Useful Witch, and how listening to yourself and your space is often the first step toward feeling less overwhelmed.

If you are craving calm, clarity, or a better relationship with your home, this episode will meet you right where you are.

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Allison Poole, physical therapist, integrative women's health coach, and owner of Allison Poole Midlife Wellness & Community. Allison brings a thoughtful, compassionate voice to conversations about midlife health, connection, and what it really means to feel supported during a season of change.

She shares why perimenopause and menopause can feel confusing or isolating, what she sees most often from sleep disruption and fatigue to shifts in how our bodies respond to routines that used to work, and how women can reconnect with their bodies in a way that feels empowering and not overwhelming. Allison also talks about the power of community and shared experience and offers a grounded perspective on the flood of quick fix midlife messaging, reminding listeners that real support starts with individualized care, sustainable habits, and making space to pause.