Vermont Viewpoint

Brad talks first with Vermont Guard General Hank Harder with an update on the Air Guard, deployments, recruitment, and their mission.Then Governor Phil Scott talks with Brad and callers about several important Vermont issues, including State Rights vs. Federal Mandates, Education reform, and Wheels for Warmth.And Paul Dame, Chairman of the Vermont Republican Party, with some Commentary about civility, and his run to be re-elected at chair of the VRP.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 10/23/2025.

Ross welcomes in Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, on rising energy costs in Massachusetts.Joel Valenzuela, Business Development and marketing for Dashpay, on the Amazon Web Services OutageHarris Van Pate, Policy Analyst at the Maine Policy Institute, on the Maine Senate race and Governor Janet Mills aiming to challenge Senator Susan Collins,and Ashley Klingensmith, Vice-President with Americans for Prosperity, on the government shutdown, and why no agreement is taking place.

Rob welcomes in Phani Mantravati, a recently naturalized U.S. Citizen who created a voter roll database in Michigan, on voter integrity.and Dave Soulia, of FYIVT.com, on money and politics in Vermont.

Brad Ferland speaks with Sascha Mayer, Chief Experience Officer and Co-Founder of Mamava, a company that designs and manufactures freestanding lactation pods for nursing and pumping parents in public spaces and workplaces. They also provide a free mobile app that helps users find these pods, as well as other lactation spaces, and unlock them with their phone. The company was founded to provide a more private and comfortable alternative to using bathrooms or cars for pumping or nursing. Then, Meghan Sullivan from the Vermont Chamber of Commerce gives updates on upcoming Chamber goals and Legislative initiatives. Also featuring Chad Butt from MENTOR Vermont. MENTOR Vermont supports and strengthens youth mentoring programs across the state by providing resources, technical assistance, and funding to ensure quality mentoring relationships for young people. This includes offering training for mentors, administering grants to local programs, building partnerships, and advocating for increased investment in mentoring to help every young person in Vermont thrive

Brad welcomes in Sascha Mayer CEO and Co-founder of Mamava, a company that designs and produces freestanding lactation pods.Then, Meghan Sullivan, of the Vermont Chamber of Commerce talks about the Chamber's goals and Legislative initiatives,and Chad Butt on MENTOR Vermont, which supports youth mentoring programs across the state.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 10/16/2025.

Carrie O'Rourke, General Manager of Business Development with OnMed, joins the show to discuss new options and innovations in providing healthcare in rural area. John Goodnight updates listeners about the historic Israel-Gaza peace agreement and the future of the Middle East. Matt Davison, Deputy State Director with Americans for Prosperity Virginia, breaks down the Virginia elections this November and what to watch for as the polls tighten in the final weeks of the election season. Scott Sheller, Argentinian political expert, discusses the economic revitalization of Argentina under President Javier Milei and what the US could learn from their reforms

This episode o Vermont Viewpoint was published 10/14/2025.

Brad Ferland on Indigenous People Day/ Columbus Day, Guest Lila Bennett from the Journey to Recovery Community Center, Peer Grief and Loss Support Group Ben's House, and Jess O'Brien on her New Record Release "These Days" and the Vermont Music Scene.

10/9/25 Liza Earle-Centers joins David Zuckerman about Vermont's new Phone and Social Media-Free School bill and what it means for students and teachers. Then, Brenda Siegel of End Homelessness Vermont to discuss the state's housing and homelessness crisis.

First, Jimmie Smith, Coalitions Director with Concerned Veterans for America, talks about veterans' healthcare, the government shutdown impact on veterans, and the administration's foreign policy.Then, Dennis Hull, State Affairs Manager with Americans for Tax Reform, on the government shutdown, its impact on Americans, and the path to a deal.Alison Despathy talks about her recent article on the lack of transparency and negative impacts of Vermont's carbon policies,and David Iglesias, Deputy Director of State Government Affairs at Libertas talks about a new way to provide benefits for healthcare and retirement.

Jeb Smith author of Missing Monarchy, talking about Medieval History and implications for today.and Hayden Deblois, of the Foundation for Government Accountability, on Medicaid and the Government Shutdown.

Brad welcomes in Dan Murphy, music director at the Zen Barn, and musician Drew Angus, who will be performing at the Zen Barn this weekend.Elliott Greenblott joins Brad for the AARP Fraudwatch Segment;and Mark Isselhardt from UVM Extension and Johanna Haas, Maple Quality Specialist, on establishing a lab to standardize the testing and grading of pure maple syrup.

Hour 1David talks with Rachel Miner, founder of Bellwether International, a nonprofit that works to promote human rights and support vulnerable communities around the world. They'll discuss the group's Five-Year Impact Report and how Vermonters can help build a more fair and caring world.Hour 2David is joined by Alison Nihart, Executive Director of Rights & Democracy Vermont. They'll talk about the group's work to support human rights, economic fairness, and democracy. In this time of political division and economic stress, they'll explore how people can get involved and make a difference in their communitiesThis Episode Of The Vermont Viewpoint Aire on 10/02/2025

AJ Kierstead, of the New England Take PodcastRosemary Becchi, President and Founder of Jersey 1st, on the New Jersey Governor's race, perhaps America's most watched election of 2025.Greg Moore, with Americans for Prosperity, on the upcoming New Hampshire Senate Race and control of the U.S. Senate in 2026.and James Cziernawski of the Consumer Choice Center, on AI developments, YouTube's settlement with President Trump, and the British digital ID Proposal.

State Representatives Gina Galfetti, James Gregoire, and Matt Birong on their recent trip to Israel with 2 other VT Reps and 245 other U.S. State Representatives.Then Vermont Daily Chronicle's Paul Bean on Vermont Election issues and other local matters.

Brad welcomes in Major Austin Barber, Director of Plans, Training, and Security for the Ethan Allen Firing Range.Frank Cioffi joins to remember Richard Tarrant, SMC Basketball star, and founder of IDX Systems in Burlington, And Jan Clancy is a Saint Albans resident who is building a netzero house on Lake Champlain, and Paul Kealey Founder and President of Eko Build has designed and built hundreds of homes since 2006.

Rod Smolla joins David Zuckerman to discuss the First Amendment, and in the second hour, is joined by Miro Weinberger, the executive chair of Let's Build Homes, to talk about their initiatives. This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published on 09/25/2025.

Rob Roper talks with Jodi Emerson, of the Central Vermont Career Center, on the upcoming bond vote over possible expansion of the center, and Planet Hank, the reporter, and online blogger out of Brattleboro, on his coverage of issues in the Brattleboro area.

Brad talks art with John Killacky, then award-winning Western musician Dave Stamey and local musician Jess O'Brien, as they get ready for a concert September 27th and the Highland Center for the Arts in Greensboro.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published on 09/22/2025.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint with David Zuckerman was published 09/18/2025.

This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 09/17/2025.

Brad Ferland talks with Jay Wahl, the executive director of the Flynn theater in Burlington on what role does performance art play in Vermont's society today. Also on the show is Singer-Songwriter Kate Taylor to talk about her concert later this month.

Kevin Ellis reacts to the Charlie Kirk killing, talks to Luke Albee about the coming government shutdown and goes deep with UVM's Dr. Robert Althoff about the mental health challenges for UVM, patients and providers. We end with a bright spot: The Tunbridge Worlds Fair. This Episode Of The Vermont Viewpoint aired on 09/12/2025

David speaks with Mary Collins, discussing her work as a 6th-generation Vermonter, being active in her community through her work and her spare time. in the 2nd hour, David will be joined by Melinda Moulton to talk about her journey with activism, business development in Burlington, bringing the train to the waterfront, and her and Rick's new documentary on Ethan Allen

Ross opens with Jason Sorens, Senior Research Fellow at the American Institute for Economic Research, about the U.S. economic condition, tariff impacts, and housing reforms in New Hampshire.Kurt Couchman, author of Fiscal Democracy in America, discusses his new book, and how America can fix our fiscal problems.Paul Dame, Chairman of the Vermont Republican Party, talks about the GOP mission to make Vermont more affordable, elections this November, and an outlook to the 2026 midterm elections.and Planet Hank, YouTube creator and investigative independent reporter, talks about his work exposing corruption, government waste, crime, and tackling Vermont's biggest problems.

Host Rob Roper talks about Americans for Prosperity, a national group looking to build political influence in the state of Vermont, with Rachel Burgin, a member of AfP in the first hour.Then State Representative Zak Harvey, who has been attending some of AfP's events in Vermont this summer, joins Rob in the second hour to talk about what he has observed in the gatherings.

September 8th, 2025 - Brad Ferland talks with Matt Cota on energy and transportation updates, Craig Meads about the Northeast Street Rod Nationals, Elliot Greenblot from the AARP for Fraudwatch, and Senator Chris Mattos on issues, goals, and senate schedules. This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 09/08/2025.

David Zuckerman talks with Lia Ernst, legal director for the Vermont ACLU. We will discuss the work that the Vermont ACLU is doing to uphold the principles of the Constitution with respect to Vermonters' civil liberties. Next, he speaks with Senator Tanya Vyhovsky (P/D) to discuss her recent trip to Ukraine. What she saw on the ground and her meetings with various groups that are involved politically. We will also cover some of the history and present-day realities that you may not hear about in the mainstream media.  This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published 09/04/2025.

Ross Connolly talks with Richard Morrison, Senior Fellow with the Competitive Enterprise Institute, who joins the show to inform listeners about corporate welfare and the negative impact it has in the economy. Then, Duncan Schroeder, State Policy External Relations Manager with the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, discusses portable benefits and overregulation in the gig worker economy. He's followed by Jack DeOliveira, Policy Director for the Yankee Institute, who dives into the shared political issues between Vermont and Connecticut and what his organization is doing to bring attention and change. Finally, Dave Soulia with FYI VT talks about his data driven approach to bring more transparency to Vermont's governmentThis episode was published 09/03/2025.

Rob Roper speaks with Alison Despathy, a citizen activist and journalist discussing energy issues in Vermont and their impact on low income Vermonters. And Sara Viera, chair of the Election Integrity Network New England Coalition on movements around the region and in Vermont to enhance the security, fairness, and accuracy of elections. Published on 09/02/2025.

Kevin Ellis speaks with VT Attorney General Charity Clark on troops and Trump. And fall books recommendation from Bear Pond Books. Published on 08/29/25.

Host David Zuckerman is joined by Nicole DiVita, the President of the Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals and the President of Healthcare for AFT VT, and Ashley Smith who is a member of the National Writers Union and the Tempest Collective and writes for numerous publications including Spectre, Truthout, Jacobin, New Politics, Against the Current, and Tempest, for a conversation about Labor Day, and the importance of organized labor in helping working class individuals whether unionized or not. He also discusses the upcoming Labor Day events across the state.Then, Brenda Siegel, Executive Director of End Homelessness Vermont, joins David to talk about her work helping find housing for hundreds, if not thousands, of unhoused people, including many who have been kicked out of temporary housing by Governor Scott and the legislature. They also discuss how the state's inaction and lack of planning led to significant challenges for those individuals as well as many communities across Vermont.

Host Brad Ferland talks in the first hour with John Holzscheiter and Andrea Wells, the parents of AJ Holzscheiter, who died by suicide, talking about the tribute and fundraiser AFTERGLOW, September 20th starting at 1:30 pm at Hard'ack Hill, St. Albans.Then Major Meghan Brady Smith of the Vermont Air National Guard talks with Brad about the free, family-friendly Open House, Sunday, September 7th, from 10 to 3, at the Vermont Air National Guard Base in South Burlington.

Host Kevin Ellis welcomes in Sarah Copeland-Hanzas, Vermont Democratic Secretary of State, talking about mail-in voting and other electoral matters, and a program for younger Vermonters to run for office.Then Caledonia County Republican Senator Scott Beck talks about his efforts on the education reform bill, and the Vermont School Redistricting Task Force.And Kevin takes phone calls from listeners.

In the first hour, David talks with Dan Barlow of the People's Health and Wellness Clinic about how free clinics fill gaps in our healthcare system for Vermonters without insurance.Then Ellen Amstutz and Amy Shollenberger talk about the Vermont Parent Child Center, and the support the VPCC provides for hundreds of families.

Host Ross Connolly welcomes in Jillian Snider, Resident Senior Fellow at R Street Institute, on the federal takeover of the DC Police, and crime in the nation's Capitol.AJ Kierstead, host of The New England Take podcast on New Hampshire's ban on transgender surgeries for youth, and the Granite State is already hosting 2028 presidential hopefuls.Paul Bean of Vermont Daily Chronicle, on his recent trip to the United Kingdom and how the Brits provide a cautionary tale for giving up freedom.and Heather Andrews, Western Region Director of Americans for Prosperity, on issues affecting West Coast states, what AfP is doing to change direction, and how things compare to Vermont.

Rob welcomes in Mike Covey, with the Vermont Traditions Coalition, talks about wildlife encounters.Dave Soulia of FYIVT.com; on top stories on taxation and regulation in Vermont.

Brad opens with Evan Langfeldt, Chief Executive Officer - O'Brien Brothers -- on Housing in Vermont, and what it will take to build more homes.Brad talks about officiating a funeral and a wedding on Saturday.Addison County Senator Steve Heffernan talks about Affordability in Vermont,and Chittenden County - Southeast District Senator Thomas Chittenden on what the Senate is doing in the summer, and plans for 2026.

Kevin welcomes in Chad Ervin, director of the Film "Gone Guys", discussing the new film about the struggles of boys and young men in Vermont,and Vermont State Treasurer Michael Pieciak talks about President Trump's request for information about SNAP recipients, and whether or not he'll run for Governor in 2026.

David Zuckerman talks with members of Indivisible Vermont, Judi Daly, Ginny Sassaman, and Breanna Walsh about what inspired them to get involved, the issues that matter most to them, and how you can find an Indivisible group in your area.And Fran Miller and Kathy Shapiro of Jewish Voice for Peace will talk about the JVP mission, and perspectives on the horror unfolding in Gaza and Israel.

Host Ross Connolly welcomes in John Goodnight to talk about the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska;Americans for Prosperity Deputy Regional Director Rachel Burgin, on AfP's affordability tour across Vermont this summer,Dominik Lett, Budget Policy Analyst with the Cato Institute, on the National Debt, spending, and our fiscal path if reforms are not instituted,and Daniel Bassali, VP with Americans for Prosperity, about the 250th anniversary of the United States, and AfP's "One Small Step" campaign, to encourage Americans to get involved in the political process.

Rob Roper with Saint Michael's College Professor Doctor Robert Letovsky, and Guy Page, founder of Vermont Daily Chronicle.

Brad Opens the show with Vermont Governor Phil Scott, talking about racing, housing, education reform, vehicle registrations, and more.After a chat about a wonderful weekend hike under the full moon on Elmore Mountain, Brad welcomes in Elliott Greenblott with the AARP Fraudwatch.Then Allyssa Berthiaume, of the League of Vermont Writers, on their Summer Event, "Into the Words", coming up August 23rd at the Milton Grange Hall.

This Episode of The Vermont Viewpoint aired on 08/08/25

Ross Connolly welcomes in Paul Craney, Executive Director - Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, on shared issues between Vermont and MassachusettsChris Maidment, Republican Strategist, on the gerrymandering controversy in Texas and its impact on the 2026 midterm elections.John Byrnes, Strategic Director for Concerned Veterans for America, on veterans healthcare and stopping unnecessary wars,and Ilana Blumsack, Economic Policy Analyst for Americans for Prosperity, on housing reform efforts across the nation, and the outlook for Vermont.

Rob Welcomes in Paul Bean of Vermont Daily Chronicle about Geo-engineering and Bernie Sanders' brother; and Nancy Gassett, of the Windham County Republican Committee, talks about Election Integrity.

Rob Roper joins - Trump, school choice, taxes, climate change and all the rest. Both sides and really fun.This Episode of Vermont Viewpoint Aired on 08/01/2025

in todays (July 31st) Episode, Mia Schultz, Melody Mackin, and Amanda Garces join the show for a conversation about the important work of Vermont's Truth and Reconciliation Commission—its goals, progress, and the path ahead.In the second hour, Dean Roy, candidate for Governor in 2026, shares why he wants to take on the Governor, his vision for Vermont and where he stands on key issues facing the state.This Episode of Vermont Viewpoint aired 07/31/2025