There's No "A" in Creemee

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.

Andy and Joanna interview Kurt Wright—former Morning Drive host, Vermont legislator, and Burlington City Councilor—in a conversation covering political identity, authenticity, local media, Burlington's role in Vermont's economy, and predictions for the 2026 races.

In Last Licks, Joanna explains the upcoming Jewish Holiday Calendar.

In the Season 2 premiere of There's No A in Creemee, Joanna and Andy reflect on a year of partnership, political organizing, and podcasting through turbulence and transformation.

They share stories from the campaign trail, the challenges of Democratic Party leadership, and a rising tide of discontent among Vermont voters.

Then, they welcome Mark Redmond, Executive Director of Spectrum Youth and Family Services, for a powerful conversation about youth homelessness, mental health, and the urgent need for systemic change. From the streets of Burlington to new beginnings in St. Albans, Mark shares stories of resilience, advocacy, and the kind of hope that’s built one meal, one bed, and one relationship at a time.

Ready for a rewind? In this "greatest hits" episode, we’re scooping up all the best of Season 1. We’ve got an exclusive look at suing Trump with VT Attorney General Charity Clark, former Governor Howard Dean @ing the Dems, and the VT statehouse's resident style expert Becca White.

Plus, hear us recount the time Andy and Rep Doug Bishop canvassed a naked guy, the dark side of Town Meeting Day, and finally reveal the best Creemee order of all time.

We’re also pulling back the curtain on how we got started, and we'll even drop in Joanna's 3rd grade pro-tips on the Bush vs. Dukakis race. And as a bonus, stick around for a sneak peek at our new trailer at the end!

Elaine Haney sits in for Andy to Guest Host. Elaine and Joanna go deep on electoral political culture in Vermont. We talk about primaries and the outsized power of incumbency, and its ramifications on elections, the Democratic party, and the leaders who want to participate in democracy. In the opening segment we talk about partisanship, protecting Vermont in our changing political landscape, and more. In Last Licks Elaine teaches us about gravel, wet walnuts, and never to keep the public from popsicles.

@justbeingmelani

This Week on the Podcast: Privacy, Policy, and Public Education

We’re joined by two remarkable guests tackling some of Vermont’s most pressing issues.

First we have an exclusive interview with Attorney General Charity Clark to discuss the Scott administration’s release of personal data belonging to SNAP benefit recipients—what happened, why it matters, and what comes next.

Then Kim Gleason, member of the Vermont School Redistricting Task Force, stops by the Skate Shack to share insights on the task force’s work, the challenges of reshaping school districts, and the systemic weaknesses she sees in Vermont’s education landscape.

In our opening segment, Joanna and Andy share reflections on last week's activism episode.

And in Last Licks, Joanna thanks Andy for managing social media during her unusually long vacation… by pointing out his flaws.