Vermont's Voice

Join hosts Elijah Kushen and Alexis Drown for a conversation with author, educator, and all-around plastics expert Judith Enck. We'll discuss the growing plastics problem, the health impacts of microplastics, the legislative situation in Vermont, and what you can do about it.

Hosts Jordan Heiden and Elijah Kushen kick off season 2 of Vermont's Voice with an exploration of some of VPIRG's legislative priorities for 2026, and discuss the rise of authoritarianism & VPIRG's plan to meet it with Executive Director Paul Burns. 📖 Read more about VPIRG's legislative priorities: www.vpirg.org/news/2026-priorities🎁 Make a gift to support the pod: www.vpirg.org/donate

🏥 Submit your healthcare stories: https://secure.ngpvan.com/grWGFtKqW0WUmeAEMdHcsw2

In this special bonus episode, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D, VT) stops by for a conversation on climate, immigration, Gaza, voter suppression, and more. If you appreciate the Vermont's Voice podcast, consider a small gift to keep us going: www.vpirg.org/vtvoicedonate

On the final episode of Season 1 of the Vermont's Voice podcast, co-producer Elijah Kushen takes over the interviewer's chair to talk to usual-host-and-campaign-director Jordan Heiden, about the longest-running anti-Trump protest in Woodstock, Vermont, and her exciting new campaign, Democracy Summer.

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🇺🇸 Sign the pledge for Democracy and stay involved!

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🖥️ Community Activism Webinar

📆 Labor Day Rally

Welcome back to another episode of Vermont's Voice! This summer marks the 40th anniversary of the VPIRG Summer Canvass – a unique grassroots organizing operation that allows us to connect with Vermonters all around the state. We'll hear from four former VPIRG canvass directors - Dan Barry, Drew Hudson, Taylor Johnson, and Marcie Gallagher - to learn about their memorable experiences.

If you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can support the podcast by liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, and rating us 5 stars! You can support the podcast financially at: vpirg.org/donate.

Vermont's Voice is a weekly series where host Jordan Heiden investigates some of Vermont's most pressing issues by connecting with leaders and community members all around the state. YOU are Vermont's Voice -- so let's talk!

From suing the Trump Administration to protecting Vermonters' data privacy to rounding out her VT State Park passport, Attorney General Charity Clark is staying busy. We sat down with Vermont's top legal officer for a lively conversation about her work & the current political moment, consumer protection, and her favorite spots around the state..🔎 Learn more about the work of the Attorney General: ago.vermont.gov/📰 New Yorker Opioid Article: www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/10/30/the-family-that-built-an-empire-of-pain📕 Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612861/empire-of-pain-by-patrick-radden-keefe📘 Your Face Belongs to Us by Kashmir Hill: www.kashmirhill.com/book🎁 Support the podcast: www.vpirg.org/donate

The 2025 VT Legislative Session has come to a close (we hope) and a lot has happened! We sat down with Senator Anne Watson and Representative Monique Priestley to take stock of the session. We'll talk victories, setbacks, summer plans, and favorite spots around the districts. As always, the legislative work continues, so tune in for a sneak peek at what to expect for next session.

Did you know national studies project a 70% loss of honeybee colonies this year alone? In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Chas Mraz, a beekeeper and co-owner of Champlain Valley Apiaries, to learn all about beekeeping in Vermont and the existential threats they face. We'll also share some buzz-worthy updates on Act 182, Vermont's new pollinator protection law, and how you can take action to support a neonic-free future.

🐝✉️ Submit a public comment to the VT Agency of Agriculture urging them to strengthen the neonic ban.

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We're back with another episode of Vermont's Voice, this time featuring Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas. With our democratic foundations under constant attack, we felt it important to connect with the person at the helm of protecting and strengthening our democracy here in Vermont. Throughout this episode, many useful references are mentioned. Check them out for yourself below: 🔗 Statement on Trump's Election Executive Order: 🔗 Civic Health Index: 🗳️ My Voter Page: ✉️ If you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected]. 🎁 Support the pod by making a gift at vpirg.org/donate

Welcome back to Vermont's Voice! In this special two-part episode, we'll first catch up with Senator Becca White for a brief and breaking update about her friend and constituent, Mohsen Mahdawi, a 34-year-old Palestinian student & longtime green card holder living in White River Junction. Mohsen was detained by federal agents on Monday, April 14, during a citizenship interview. Afterwards, we'll connect with Anna Tadio, a Rutland City Alderman, Conservation Law Foundation Staff Attorney, Killington Resort Ski and Bike Patroller, and international youth tour guide. We’ll talk about Anna’s passions for local politics, climate action, the beautiful Vermont environment that surrounds us, and a whole lot more.

If you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected].

You can support the pod by liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, and rating us 5 stars! You can support the podcast financially at: vpirg.org/donate.