This episode aired on 04/04/25.

Week in Review of the news in Vermont and Washington with Kevin Ellis.

10:30 - Vermont Poet Laureate Bianca Stone on Montpelier’s Poetry Week. 

Music comes from the VSO Jukebox Quartet.

VSO Jukebox: This Must Be the Place, Talking Heads

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Tom Hughes and Anna Seuberling from VPIRG discussing toxic chemicals, election laws, and consumer safety. 

Im then joined by Mark Redmond discussing the work of Spectrum Youth and Family Services followed by Brenda Siegel to discuss the issues around the ending of the motel voucher program for hundreds of Vermonters.

9-9:30am Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Portfolio Director with Americans for Prosperity, discusses DOGE, what they are doing, misconceptions, and what should be done at the federal level to address waste and abuse.

9:30-10am Aaron Terr, Director of Public Advocacy with FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression) joins the show to talk about the importance of free speech and the threats coming from both sides of the political aisle.

10-10:30am Ilana Blumsack, Economic Policy Analyst with Americans for Prosperity, rejoins the program to update listeners on housing policy reforms being passed in states across the country.

10:30-11am Rosemary Becchi, Founder of Jersey1st, discusses the results of important special elections for Congress in Florida and a Supreme Court race in Wisconsin and what the results mean for the national political picture. 

9:00 to 10:00

New farm venture/ Brad 

Charlie Papillo helping interview

10:30 to 11:00

Terry Lovelette

In Praise of Eagle Mountain

In Praise of Eagle Mountain is a book of poetry and prose that explores themes of nature, solitude, and spiritual reflection. The author presents a contrast between two worlds: the chaotic, drama-filled world of human society and the peaceful, meaningful solitude found in nature.

9:00 to 10:00

Vermont National Guard

Master Sgt. Courtney Weisert Recruiting and Retention Battalion. current efforts including benefits, referral program and some lesser-known opportunities with the Guard through the State Partnership Program.

Public Affairs Officer, Joseph (Joe) Brooks. Upcoming State of the Guard Address by the adjutant general to the joint assembly in Montpelier. This is the first address like this of Maj. Gen. Knight’s tenure. Joe is a civilian PAO with us but is a retired guardsman, though not from the VTNG

10:00-10:45

Dr. Dean Barcelow

Update

S.64

An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

• Sen. Rebecca White
• Additional Sponsors
• Sen. Philip Baruth
• Sen. Scott Beck
• Sen. Patrick Brennan
• Sen. Randolph Brock
• Sen. Thomas Chittenden
• Sen. Alison Clarkson
• Sen. Brian Collamore
• Sen. Samuel Douglass
• Sen. Ruth Hardy
• Sen. Wendy Harrison
• Sen. Larry Hart
• Sen. Joseph Major
• Sen. Christopher Mattos
• Sen. Robert Norris
• Sen. Robert Plunkett
• Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky
• Sen. David Weeks
• Sen. Terry Williams

10:45

Senator Mattos. (tentative)

Legislative update

9-9:30am John Goodnight, Foreign Policy Expert, joins the program to discuss classified leaks, the conflict in Yemen, and the restart of the conflict in Gaza.

9:30-10am Rachel Burgin, Deputy Regional Director with Americans for Prosperity, discusses the potential impact on the region if the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is not renewed.

10-10:30am Rep Will Greer updates listeners about common ground legislation at the Statehouse and how we can get past partisanship.

10:30-11am AJ Kierstead, Host of the New England Take Podcast, rejoins the show to talk about controversies surrounding deportations, court battles, and President Trump’s approval rating.

9:00 to 10:00

Gregory J. Overacker

The Hunt for Brianna Maitland: The Relentless Pursuit of Answers to One of Vermont’s Biggest Mysteries.

By Gregory J. Overacker

21st anniversary of Brianna Maitland's disappearance, which occurred on March 19, 2004, when she left work at the Black Lantern Inn in Montgomery, Vermont. 

10:00 to 10:15

Open show, Brad

10:15 to 11:00

Vermont Fish and wildlife, Rule making changes on deer herds and hunting rules. Public comment period and public engagment

Andrea Shortsleeve

Interim Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife

Nick Fortin, Wildlife Biologist - Deer Project Leader, Rutland Office

Nick has been working with the department since 2015. He has a B.S. in wildlife ecology from University of Maine and an M.S. in Natural Resources/Wildlife from University of New Hampshire.

Agency of Natural Resources

(Sec. Julie Moore)

9:15 to 10:00

Mark Isselhardt

[email protected] | 802-656-7564

Mark Isselhardt has been involved with maple research and education for over 20 years, the last nine of which as the University of Vermont Extension Maple Specialist. In that role, Mark leverages degrees in Forest Management and Plant Biology as he leads the Extension Maple Program with a mix of original research and outreach activities with established maple producers and individuals looking to learn about maple at all scales of production

10:00 to 11:00

Gary De Carolis

Former Executive Director of Turning Point Burlington, Vermont Recovery Network, Mental Health Commissioner, Host, Celebrate Life, CCTV; Founder & Lead Tour Guide, Burlington History Tours, Family Recovery Coach; and Consultant

Lt. Gov. John Rodgers talks about his first months in office.

And Former Senator Leahy Chief of Staff Luke Albee talks about how the Democrats can come back.

Jordan Heiden and Tom Hughes from Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) discussing their goals and legislation at the Vermont Statehouse.

Followed by Mark Redmond. The Executive Director of Spectrum Youth and Family Services discussing their annual Sleep out fundraiser and more importantly their work to help young kids get back on their feet with job training, life supports and housing when necessary.