Vermont Edition

Many of us dream of learning another language. But becoming fluent as an adult is so hard that it can feel impossible.

Here's some good news: our region is full of linguaphiles who have cracked the code on achieving fluency in multiple tongues. 

We discuss the different methods of language learning with: linguistics professor Thor Sawin, the Associate Dean of Curriculum for Middlebury Language Schools; Gabe Wyner, a four-time graduate of Middlebury Language Schools, author of Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It, and creator of the Fluent Forever app; and Eric Agnero, a journalist and French tutor with Alliance française.

Broadcast on Wednesday, Jul. 22, 2026, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

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Vermont Edition host Mikaela Lefrak moderates a debate between the three Democratic candidates for lieutenant governor: Esther Charlestin of South Burlington, Molly Gray of Burlington and Ryan McLaren of Essex Junction.

Broadcast on Tuesday, Jul. 21, 2026, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

The Ben and Jerry’s Foundation announced it will shut down by the end of the year. It’s the latest update in a legal dispute with Ben and Jerry’s parent company, Magnum. 

Today on Vermont Edition, we learn what’s going on at Ben and Jerry’s with co-founder Ben Cohen. He’s leading a charge to buy back the ice cream company from its corporate owners. We'll also hear from Tim McQuiston with Vermont Business Magazine and the president of the Ben and Jerry’s Foundation, Liz Bankowski. 

Then, UVM Health is trying to cut costs. Its support staff want job security and good wages. A union rep will tell us about the upcoming negotiations.

Vermont has six correctional facilities located across the state. Together these prisons house more than 1,500 incarcerated Vermonters.  On Thursday, Vermont Edition, Department of Corrections Commissioner Jon Murad on corrections staffing levels, the department’s overtime spending, and overcrowding in some of the state’s prisons. 

Plus, with the Seven Days staff writer Colin Flanders on the Chittenden County state’s attorney race.

The popular service Front Porch Forum celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. For many Vermonters, it’s a beloved way to connect with neighbors, share local news and find lost cats. The company’s also faced criticism for how it moderates content.

Today on Vermont Edition, we're joined by the founders of Front Porch Forum, Michael and Valerie Wood-Lewis. They’ll tell us about some of the very best posts they’ve read over the last two decades. We’ll also discuss how their team moderates posts, especially about politics.

Then: hot weather draws crowds to local rivers, lakes and streams, but every year, tragedies occur on the water. Vermont’s search and rescue coordinator will share important information on how to stay safe on the water this summer.

Rodeo culture is alive and well in Vermont, thanks in part to Pond Hill Ranch, a 2000-acre family-run business in Castleton, VT. It’s the largest horse leasing service east of Mississippi, and has been hosting professional rodeos for over 50 years. Every summer, bronc riders and barrel racers come from around the country to compete at the ranch.  It’s where novices come for practice and experience, and where pros come to get points before nationals. We’re joined by Harry O’Rourke, the head of Pond Hill Ranch.

 Vermont High School Rodeo Association started in 2020, competing at local jackpot events. Over the years, they’ve gained more members, and with that have started expanding events, including: barrel racing, goat tying, pole bending, breakaway roping, and light rifle shooting. At the end of the season, the top competitors get to go to their respective national competitions. This year, Junior High Nationals were held in Oklahoma, and High School Nationals are happening later this month in Nebraska. We chat with the High School President of the team, Erin Hance and  Junior High President, Peyton Nichols

Then, we spoke with novelist Meg Richardson. Her new book, Paradise Pawn, centers around two best friends who work with their dads at a pawn shop in Cherry Beach, Florida. Early on in the story, they learn that Kayla’s family can’t afford to send her to a private school, but Jackie’s can. So they hatch a plan to embezzle from their families’ business. It’s a story about family, friendships, and class.

On Monday, Vermont Edition aired interviews with the two candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for Vermont state auditor. Political newcomer Nicholas Graeter is running against the current deputy state auditor and former state senator, Tim Ashe.

The Republican candidate for auditor, H. Brooke Paige, is running uncontested. The primary election is on Aug. 11, and early voting is already underway. 

On Monday, Vermont Edition aired interviews with the two candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for Vermont state auditor. Political newcomer Nicholas Graeter is running against the current deputy state auditor and former state senator, Tim Ashe.

The Republican candidate for auditor, H. Brooke Paige, is running uncontested. The primary election is on Aug. 11, and early voting is already underway. 

With America’s 250th, there’s been a lot of focus on Vermont’s early history. You can always read about it in a book, but historical reenactors are out there bringing those stories back to life.

Today on Vermont Edition, we go back in time with two members of Whitcomb’s Rangers. These Revolutionary War reenactors portray an actual Continental Army Ranger unit. They’ll tell us about their upcoming annual event marking the Battle of Hubbardton.

Then: Vermont Human is a new video series that slows down and explores the lives of your neighbors. Creator David Littlefield will pull back the curtain on his work, just for us.

Summer in our region provides many opportunities to see live music outdoors. This year, Montréal’s summer festival season is more packed than ever.

Vermont Edition’s managing producer Jon Ehrens sits down with Seven Days music editor Chris Farnsworth to discuss the Montreal music scene writ large, and some of Chris's favorite new acts. 

We also explore the curious case of the anonymous duo Angine de Poitrine. They’ve gone viral in the last year, and they recently drew a crowd of 70,000 to Montreal’s Jazz Fest. Dr. Robert Zattore, a cognitive neuroscientist and professor at McGill University's Montreal Neurological Institute, tells us why he thinks Angine de Poitrine tickles the brains of listeners. He’s the author of the book "From Perception to Pleasure: The Neuroscience of Music and Why We Love It."

We also hear about the annual African and Caribbean music festival Nuits d'Afrique, which runs through Jul. 19th. It celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The festival's co-founder Suzanne Russeau tells us about the festival's past and present, and about some of the notable acts performing this year.

Broadcast on Wednesdau, Jul. 8, 2026, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.