In this powerful and inspiring conversation, Jessica Barquist from Planned Parenthood of Northern New England talks with us about challenges and victories in reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare in Vermont. She also has a choice gotcha moment for us.

We explore the impact of federal policies, the importance of state shield laws, the breadth of services provided by Planned Parenthood, and how Vermonters can advocate for holistic support and legislative change.

#theresnoaincreemee #podcast #vtpoli #repro #vermont

Joanna & Andy unpack the School Redistricting Task Force. In this episode, we break down the Winnooski meeting of Vermont’s school redistricting task force, including the proposals, public feedback, and the big questions about cost, consolidation, and the future of local schools. We share firsthand accounts from the forum, reactions from parents and school board members, and why so many Vermonters are skeptical about the process.

We catch up with Charity Clark and the Democratic Attorneys General at a fundraiser in Burlington with live coverage and talk about how they are pushing back on Trump.

In an admittedly long opening segment, we share updates on our podcast’s winter move, the Great Ice Festival, a new must creemee shop in Burlington (donut sandwiches, anyone?), and discuss what is being done, or not done, to win back legislative seats lost in the 2024 election.

From sticky notes at public meetings to sticky pumpkin soft-serve, it’s a lively mix of local flavor and policy debate.

#vtpoli #podcast #vermont #vermontnews #ressit #savedemocracy #vted #charityclark #daga #icecream #theresnoaincreemee

Krista Huling, former Chair of the Vermont State Board of Education, joins us to speak candidly about her fight to level the playing field for public schools.

From her work with Friends of Vermont Public Education to her push for ethical accountability and equitable funding, Krista challenges the status quo and calls out the deep disparities between public and independent schools.

In this powerful conversation, she shares why Vermont’s education system needs bold reform, transparent leadership, and a renewed commitment to all students—not just a privileged few.

#theresnoaincreemee #vermont #podcast #vtpoli

Collab with Justin Marsh & Democracy Dispatch! Andy and Joanna welcome Vermont Conservation Voters to the show. Justin tells us all about how VCV is teaming up with groups to train and recruit new candidates around the state. We talk about the challenges of campaigning in the digital world, the ongoing value of face to face interactions, and the increasing competitiveness of local races.

We talk about the our podcast stories and of course get Justin's creemee order and try to trace the infiltration of "jimmies" into Lamoille County.

From political monsters to ghosts of the Green Mountains, this is another episode full of resistance for There’s No “A” in Creemee.

Joanna shares her reflections on meeting with Dems across the county and the rise of younger leaders.

We take a deep dive into Senator Douglass’s  controversy and explore how MAGA is making inroads into the Vermont Legislature. We also discuss establishment Democrats pushing back on a populist candidate in Maine, review updates on the impact of federal funding, and give a nod to inflatable frogs protesting ICE.

We wrap up with a spooky tour of Vermont’s lesser-known legends and ghost stories. Taphophobes, consider yourselves warned.

This week we revisit a conversation with friend and cherished mentor, Howard Dean. Howard talked with us in July about his deeply held belief that his generation has got to get out of the way to create space for younger leaders in our party. He expressed explicit frustration with the party’s blocking of primary challengers and wants to see folks running for office now, not waiting their turn as is the custom here in Vermont.

In this episode, Matt Musgrave, Vermont Regional Director for the Associated Builders & Contractors, joins us to explore the vital role of investing in people—especially the next generation—in strengthening the construction workforce. Matt shares powerful stories from the Vermont Construction Academy, a new initiative that’s already making a meaningful impact on Vermont’s youth and the future of the trades.

In our opening segment, Joanna and Andy unpack the latest on the federal government shutdown and spotlight how one state is stepping up to support its citizens during uncertain times.

And in Last Licks, Andy helps Joanna cope with her post-season Mets blues with a homemade Mad Lib and a license to swear.

In this subversive episode, Joanna and Andy catch up on myriad ways the authoritarian agenda is undermining Vermont including PAC money, losing federal funds, toxic individualism, our local TV conglomerate's attempt to keep Jimmy Kimmel off our TVs, and Amazon's latest tomfoolery. If we go to jail for this please bail us out.

In Last Licks Joanna talks about eating monkey food and Andy shares his early taste for homemade playdough.

Show Notes:

John Oliver on Sinclair Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvtNyOzGogc&pp=ygUTam9obiBvbGl2ZXIgc2luY2xhaQ%3D%3D

Jay Nichols, chair of the Vermont Commission of the Future of Public Education and Executive Director of the Vermont Principal's Association joins the pod.

Jay discusses the shifting role of the commission, the growing strains on Vermont's education system, and the importance of putting student need at the center of reforms.

In the opening segment, Joanna and Andy talk about a recent Emerge event, the role of PACs in Vermont, connecting with rural voters, and we hold heated debate on if Joanna overslept during one of Andy's Honk & Waves. Spoiler alert: she did.

In Last Licks, Andy and Joanna share their strangest jobsAdd a comment

Former Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray talks with us about her work with the Vermont Afghan Alliance, helping Afghan refugees build new lives and enter our workforce across the state. Molly reflects on her time in statewide office, the challenges and lessons of election loss, and her lifelong love of Nordic skiing.

The episode opens with Andy’s update on the Vermont's education reform efforts, highlighting the confusion and concerns facing Vermont’s schools. Joanna shares her personal experience as part of the World Trade Center recovery effort.