There's No "A" in Creemee

From grassroots movements to jellyfish diplomacy

Joanna and Andy talk about the rise of activism in Vermont and why it's happening outside of the Democratic party.

Joanna also recounts her most recent encounter with a stinging sea monster, but insists the jellyfish is blameless and likely misunderstood.

In a return of our popular Last Licks segment, Andy retaliates against Joanna's ruthless campaign management by making her determine whether an item is a cocktail from a New York bar, or a flavor from the Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard.

Representative Doug Bishop fills in for a vacationing Joanna, sharing stories from his first year on the House floor.

Doug and Andy swap memorable moments from the campaign trail, and Doug reflects on the challenges of adjusting to the early days of the legislative session and finding his rhythm as a new lawmaker

Joanna calls into the show to make sure Doug isn't getting too comfortable in her chair.

Doug shares a previously undiscussed creamy order and his thoughts on the role of manure in testing the authenticity of Vermonters.

This week Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale of Chittenden Southeast, and Representative Teddy Waszazak of Barre City, join us to speak out about their decision to vote yes on the Education Bill after it came out of conference committee on June 16th.

We discuss the factors that played into the decision, what they are hearing from their constituents, and the shortcomings of Vermont's current education funding formula.

Mike and Katie DeSanto, owners of Phoenix Books, share their journey in opposing the construction of a massive 107,000 square foot Amazon warehouse in Essex. They discuss the vital role of keeping dollars local, the community support that independent businesses foster, and the essence of entrepreneurship.

In the opening segment, Andy and Joanna discuss their experiences with Development Review Boards, catch up on Joanna's recent activities fighting the oligarchy in Vermont, and discuss shapes they might be willing to shave into the side of their heads.

We talk with former Vermont Governor and DNC Chair Howard Dean about the current state of the Democratic Party, the unique political culture of Vermont, and why it's time for his generation to make space for new leadership.

He also shares his thoughts on the end of the Vermont Legislative session, what it means to be a Vermonter, his favorite creemee spot, and books everyone should read to understand the state.

In our opening segment Joanna and Andy talk about patriotism in current times, their recent appearance on What Matters This Week, and Joanna's latest failure to properly consume a creemee.

This week two educator-legislators, Senator Martine Gulick of Chittenden Central, and Representative Erin Brady of Williston, join us to speak out about their decision to vote no on the Education Bill after it came out of conference committee on June 16th. These two passionate education policymakers go deep with us about how they came to that choice and what went down in the statehouse.

We discuss the factors that played into the decision, what they saw on the house and senate floor during the vote, and their hopes and concerns for the future of public education in Vermont.

Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas joins the podcast to discuss the elections bill, The Kid Governor Program, office initiatives, and voter security. She also shares her thoughts on what it means to be a Vermonter and, of course, her favorite creemee order.

In the opening segment, Andy and Joanna break down the activity from the June 16th legislative session, including the drama surrounding the education reform vote

Joanna and Andy discuss whether the Philly Phantic is cute or obnoxious and his obvious inferiority to Mr. Met.

Are Vermonters born, or are they forged through mud, snow, and ice? We asked some of Vermont's political and community leaders what being a real Vermonter means to them. Andy and Joanna share their own perspectives but end up debating the proper way to merge on the interstate.

In our opening segment Joanna gets philosophical about her elderberry tree while Andy discovers the surprising lack of pockets in women's clothing.

In our final segment, Joanna and Andy preview the upcoming week in the legislative session, including the conference committee report on the education bill, the election bill, and potential reconsideration of two bills vetoed by the governor.

Senator Becca White drops by the podcast to share her thoughts on the session, climate policy, immigration, and transportation.

Joanna and Senator White take a deep dive on statehouse style, while Andy tries to think of something smart to say but ultimately decides not to speak.

Senator White gives us her creemee order and in our opening segment Andy continues to complain about getting wet at a golf tournament where he and Senator White were partners.

We explore the housing bill, now on its way to the Governor’s desk, and examine the recent events that have caused a stalemate in the education bill.

In our opening segment, Andy talks about his ongoing feud with a local rooster and his lingering resentment over getting drenched at a golf tournament. Joanna and her husband introduce the Julows to the world of oysters.

In our "Last Licks" segment, Andy challenges Joanna to name some overlooked gems of Vermont, while Joanna asks Andy unfair questions about Lake Champlain.

Original Music by Ryan Ronzoni.