Vermont Viewpoint covers a lot of ground, both geographically and topically. You'll hear from lawmakers, newsmakers, business people and your own friends and neighbors. This is the show you want to tune into to hear what compelling and/or fun topic you'll be introduced to each day.
Waterbury, Vermont
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint aired on 06/03/2025.
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint aired on 06/02/2025.9:00 to 9:30Governor Phil Scott9:30 to 10:00Legislative updates on the session ending (if it does)Guest to be determined.10:00 to 10:30Elliott GreenblottAARP Fraudwatch10:30 to 11:00Lt. Governor John Rogers
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint hosted by Kevin Ellis aired on 05/30/2025.Week in Review - the legislature moves toward adjournment after budget and education deals. Jamie Kinarney, school superintendent, White River Valley Supervisory Union.Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney Stanak with an update on Burlington. Kuenzi Wiswall, from East Montpelier's Cate Farm joins me to discus the farm's ongoing plant sale for gardeners.
This episode aired on 05/29/2025.
9-9:30am Alex Shieh, Student Journalist from Brown University, will discuss his fight for free speech and free press on campus that has garnered national attention 9:30-10am Derek Proulx, State Director for Defend the Guard, joins the show to talk about the importance of Memorial Day and how we can best honor the fallen heroes. 10-10:30am Representative Laurel Libby from Maine updates listeners about her fight against censorship and the results of her case in the US Supreme Court last week 10:30-11am Carla Gericke, President Emeritus of the Free State Project and former citizen of South Africa, informs listeners about the political instability in South Africa and the controversy between the Trump Administration and the South African leadership.
9-9:30am Alex Shieh, Student Journalist from Brown University, will discuss his fight for free speech and free press on campus that has garnered national attention 9:30-10am Derek Proulx, State Director for Defend the Guard, joins the show to talk about the importance of Memorial Day and how we can best honor the fallen heroes. 10-10:30am Representative Laurel Libby from Maine updates listeners about her fight against censorship and the results of her case in the US Supreme Court last week 10:30-11am Carla Gericke, President Emeritus of the Free State Project and former citizen of South Africa, informs listeners about the political instability in South Africa and the controversy between the Trump Administration and the South African leadership.
David spoke with Sen. Tanya Vyhovsky and and Billy Ray. With Sen. Vyhovsky, the discussion focused on the education bills. How they will affect tax rates, small schools and more. Is the legislation (Governor's guidelines and Foundation Formula) going save Vermonter's money or improve the quality and access for our kids? With Billy Ray, Screenwriter of Captain Phillips, The Hunger Games and more, also political activist/consultant, we spoke about how the Democrats are not messaging well and what they can do to accurately reflect their values and reach more voters.
9-9:30am Mike Stenhouse, Former Red Sox player and current CEO of RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity, discusses shared energy issues between VT & RI and what should be done to address rising costs 9:30-10am John Reynolds, State Director for the National Federation for Independent Businesses, joins the show to inform listeners about Governor Scott's executive order on EV Mandates, what it means, and what should be done going forward 10-10:30am Tyler Koteskey, Policy Director with Concerned Veterans for America, discusses the emerging “Trump Doctrine” and what it means for world order and peace 10:30-11am AJ Kierstead, Host of the New England Take Podcast, rejoins the show to discuss the revelations and scandal of President Biden's health during his presidency
Vermont ViewpointMay 20, 2025 9:00 to 9:30Matt CotaMontpelier updates 9:30 to 10:00Tyler Austin WhitleyKilkare State Park ManagerAward winning state park, new bio initiatives, Father's day events, monument restoration , Ferry to Burton Island 10:00 to 11:00Highland Center for the ArtsConcert June 7th , 7;00 to 9:00Glorious LeaderKyle WoolardJess O' Brien.Glorious Leader is the musical project of Vermont-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kyle Woolard. Writing and recording from his cabin in Glover, deep in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, Woolard creates songs that flow naturally from quiet acoustic narratives to lush, orchestral-rock arrangements and vibrant pop melodies.
May 19th, 2025Host Brad Ferland9:00 to 10:00Mark Isselhardt Elmore Community TrustBecca and Tim LindenmeyrNew owners of Elmore StoreGrand OpeningComplete restorationHistorical artifacts in the wallsComplete Lake view and community center10:00 to 10:30Senator Sam DouglasA freshman's Senator's observations10:30 to 11:00Senator Scott BeckMontpelier updatesSession coming to an EndEducation Bill???
9-9:30am Dennis Hull, Americans for Tax Reform, rejoins the show to update listeners on the federal tax bill renewal process and when Americans can expect more certainty on taxes 9:30-10am Representative Alissandra Murray (D-NH) informs listeners about New Hampshire's efforts to lower housing costs by putting partisanship aside and working together to make meaningful change and how Vermont should follow the same model 10-10:30am Honorable Timothy Egan, Professor at Northern Vermont University and Chair of the Board of the NH Cannabis Association, joins the program to discuss the potential impact of tariffs on the film industry and updates listeners on changes in cannabis policy 10:30-11am Sofia Hamilton, Policy Analyst for Americans for Prosperity, breaks through the noise in healthcare policy. What actually reduces prices and efforts to reform healthcare nationally.
Vermont ViewpointWDEVMay 13, 2025 Guest Host Jon Murad 9:00 to 10:00Governor Jim Douglas Secretary of State to State Treasurer have the roles changed? Middlebury College is embroiled in a lawsuit stemming from its decision to remove the name of former Vermont Governor John Mead from its chapel. Updates on the lawsuit and public reaction How changes in Washington are affecting Vermont. Vermont's relationship with Quebec: how does ongoing "51st state" rhetoric affect that?Funding and tariffsCheck and balance in the United States 10:00 to 10:30Tucker JonesAssistant General Counsel of Department of Public Safety Raise the age legislation and bail revocation.Are we making progress with public safety. What roles are State's attorney's and Judges playing in all of this? 10:30 to 11:00Highland Center for the Arts Highlights of the Highland Center for the Arts Exciting new shows and about the arts in VermontDavid Kelly, Board memberKeisha Luce Executive Director
May 12, 2025Host Brad FerlandGuest Host Jon Murad 9:00 to 9:15Brad and Jon chatting about guest hosting 9:15 to 10:00Sen Thomas ChittendenLegislative update 10:00 to 11:00Kate Blouin Executive Director Hope Grove RecoveryCheryl Diersch. Step Out Vermont
Rep. Peter Conlon, Chairman of the House Education Committee. Ken Fredette, member of the Friends of Vermont Public Education. Cheryl Charles from the Vermont Rural Schools Community Alliance, and Miriam Hansen on her trip to Montreal with 50 Vermonters to pursue goodwill.
This episode aired on May 8th 2025.David interviews Rachel Nevitt and then Amy Todisco Hartshorn to discus Lyme and tick-borne illness for Lyme awareness month and general green living and simple health choices to reduce toxic exposures in your day to day living.
This episode aired May 7th, 20259-9:30am Rep Zak Harvey joins the show to discuss the Department of Justice's lawsuit against Vermont over climate initiatives 9:30-10am John Goodnight, foreign policy expert, discusses the War in Gaza restarting and the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan 10-10:30am Eric Brakey, Executive Director of the Free State Project, informs listeners about Liberty Forum, the Porcupine Freedom Festival, and their mission in New Hampshire 10:30-11am Rep Keith Ammon, Majority Floor Leader in the New Hampshire House, discusses his bill becoming law in NH making the Granite State the first in the nation in investing in Bitcoin.
This episode aired May 6, 2025Host Brad Ferland 9:00 to 9:30Matt Cota weekly Legislative updateThe beat goes on 9:30 to 10:15Tim Johnson ArsenaultRetired southern Vermont WTSA radio personality in Windham County and recently retired Vernon Town ClerkThe story of two public careers of news and service to Vermonters 10:15 to 11:00Lloyd Devereux RichardsVermont Author of Stone Maidens and his new novel The Runnert's a standalone thriller of young man who gets involved with someone he believes is a savvy businessman and ends up abandoned in a terrible situation and on the run from some very bad people.
This episode aired May 5th 20259:00 to 9:45Meghan SullivanVice President of Government AffairsVermont Chamber of CommerceLegislative updatesand how long will this session go9:45 to 10:00Open segmentCinco de Mayo (Mexican Spanish: [ˈsiŋko ðe ˈmaʝo]; Spanish for 'Fifth of May') is an annual celebration held on May 5 to celebrate Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 186210:00 to 10:30Elliott GreenblottAARP Fraudwatch10:30 to 11:00Senator Steven Heffernan, Addison County SenatorEducation Committee and Agriculture CommitteeLegislative updatesEducation bill moves through Senate committees
We discussed data privacy and how its unregulated nature can really impact everyday Vermonters. Vermont Rep. Monique Priestley has become a national leader in this discussion. We were then joined by Kiki and Rachel from Migrant Justice to discuss milk with dignity as well as the workers who were abducted from a farm in Berkshire. And the show wrapped with Claire Whitehouse, the Secretary/Treasurer of AFT Vermont to discuss International Workers Day (May 1st) and the work of unions as well as todays events across the state.
9:00 to 9:30Matt CotaWeekly Legislative updates9:30 to 10:00Greg TatroJenna's PromiseCoffee business, appliance business, coffee shop 10:00 to 11:00Jen MorrisonVermont's public safety commissioner
9:00 to 10:00Col Laura CaputoMonthly Army/Air Guard segementStaff Officer Vermont National Guard joint Force HeadquartersVermont National GuardRecent deployment, upcoming flyovers and open house,Maintenance Group Command 10:00 to 11:00Trish EsdenAward winning Vermont authorScandal Mountain Antique Mystery seriesAs Pat Esden, Contemporary fantasy, that's a touch dark and a bit sexy.
9 am - essay re: deportations9:30 - ACLU lawyer on the two VT deportation cases.10 am - VT Secretary of State on voting threats from Trump.10:30 - author Alex beam on his new book about Wallace Stegner.
In this episode, we discussed the full range of housing issues with the Vt. House Chair of the Housing and general committee. David was then joined by Rice Highschool senior Jack Hill to discuss civics, Boys State and Ranked Choice Voting as well as former State Senator Irene Wrenner to discuss the proposed Amazon Fulfilment warehouse and possible Women's Correction and Re-entry facility in Essex Vermont.
9-9:30 Bishop John McDermott joins the show to discuss the life and legacy of Pope Francis9:30-10 am Genevieve Collins, State Director for Americans for Prosperity-Texas, updates listeners on Texas passing the largest school choice program in the nation last week 10-10:30 am Carla Gericke, President Emeritus of the Free State Project, gives a libertarian assessment of the first 100 days of the new administration 10-10:30 am Sofia Hamilton, Policy Analyst for Americans for Prosperity, discusses the Vermont legislature's passage last week of a bill to increase healthcare options throughout the state
9:00 to 9:45Central Vermont Career CenterJody Emerson, Director of the Central Vermont Career Center, Superintendent of the Central Vermont Career Center School District. Jody also leads the Career Center Association.9:45 to 10:00Matt CotaMeadow Hill Consulting- Montpelier updates 10:10 to 11:00 Green Mountain Rug Hooking GuildSuzanne DirmaierSharon O'Neil
9:00 to 10:00Brian CroteauAdjunct Professor at American Military University, History Teacher, former Lt Colonel United States Army.Patriots DayPaul Revere, Patriots Day, American Revolution
9:15 - Middlebury Professor and poet Jay Parini on what the Trump attack on high educations means for the classroom and the campus. 10 am - Vermont Humanities Council executive director Christopher Kaufman Illstrup on the proposed cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities and what it means for Vermont. 10:30 - Discussion of the Bernie Sanders events around the country.
9-9:30am Greg Moore, Regional Director with Americans for Prosperity, tells the story of the Pine Tree Riot, the forgotten beginning of the Revolutionary War 9:30-10am James Czerniawski, Policy Analyst with Americans for Prosperity, discusses the FISA court system, the need for reform, and his testimony on the topic in Congress last week 10-10:30am John Reynolds, State Director for NFIB, updates listeners about Vermont's plan to mandate electric truck sales and its potential impact on communities throughout the state 10:30-11am Jason Sorens, Senior Research Fellow at AIER, talks tariffs, their impact, and the Trump Administrations use of them
9:00 to 10:00Nick Bennette, Chair of the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council and E.D. of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, and Abby Long, E.D. of Kingdom Trails, economic value of recreation trails and the need to recognize the landowners who provide recreation on their property. Vermont's outdoor recreation economy continues to grow, bringing $2.1 billion annually, which amounts to 4.8% of State GDP, according to 2023 US Bureau of Economic Analysis. 10:00 to 11:00Former Burlington Police Chief Jon MuradReflections of being Burlington Chief, repeat offenders, recruitment in an age of defunding and what's ahead.
9:00 to 9:25League of Vermont WritersSpring event reportStephen Russell Payne 9:30 to 10:00Matt Cota. Meadow Hill ConsultingClean Heat Energy and Electric Vehicles Legislative update 10:00 to 10:45Kesha Ram HinsdaleVermont Senate Majority Leader
9 am - week in review9:15 - Morgan Valley, UConn basketball assistant coach and VT legend.10 am - John Sayles, CEO Vt Foodbank.10:30 - Ian Ackerman, Cabot sugar maker.
David is joined by Chris Pearson and Beth Tanzman representing Vermont Healthcare 911. This in-depth conversation explores why our healthcare costs are so high and what we can do about it. In the second hour David was joined by David Delaney a history scholar at UVM and then Rep. Angela Arsenault to discuss Vermont's education system as well as the proposal to withhold cell phones in schools.
Meg Gargano, Danielle RobertsAutism Walkwhat an autism diagnosis is, terminology around autism and discussing person-first versus diagnosis-first language, and then general ways to support autistic individualsWalk-Sunday, May 19 Registration at 12:30 PM Walk begins at 1:00 PM Collins Perley Sports & Fitness Center 890 Fairfax Road in St. Albans, VT10:00 to 10:30Matt CotaMeadow Hill ConsultingLegislative updates10:30 to 11;00Ric CengeriHomeshare VtRaffle
April 7th, 2025Host Brad Ferland9:00 to 9;15Brad- discussion about weekend rallies-listener calls9:15-10:00Senator Steven HeffernanUpdates, Education funding changes seem to be headed nowhere in the Legislature. More studies proposed.10:00 to 10:30Elliott GreenblottAARP fraudwatch monthly updates10:30-11:00Loudon GrangerSweethearts & Heroes, a student empowerment and empathy activation
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 Headsyoutube.com
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 10:00New farm venture/ Brad Charlie Papillo helping interview 10:30 to 11:00Terry LoveletteIn Praise of Eagle MountainIn 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 10:00Vermont National GuardMaster 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 10:00-10:45Dr. Dean BarcelowUpdateS.64An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometristsSen. Rebecca WhiteAdditional SponsorsSen. Philip BaruthSen. Scott BeckSen. Patrick BrennanSen. Randolph BrockSen. Thomas ChittendenSen. Alison ClarksonSen. Brian CollamoreSen. Samuel DouglassSen. Ruth HardySen. Wendy HarrisonSen. Larry HartSen. Joseph MajorSen. Christopher MattosSen. Robert NorrisSen. Robert PlunkettSen. Tanya VyhovskySen. David WeeksSen. Terry Williams 10:45Senator 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 10:00Gregory J. OverackerThe Hunt for Brianna Maitland: The Relentless Pursuit of Answers to One of Vermont's Biggest Mysteries.By Gregory J. Overacker21st 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 10:15Open show, Brad10:15 to 11:00Vermont Fish and wildlife, Rule making changes on deer herds and hunting rules. Public comment period and public engagmentAndrea ShortsleeveInterim Commissioner of Fish and WildlifeNick Fortin, Wildlife Biologist - Deer Project Leader, Rutland OfficeNick 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 10:00Mark IsselhardtMark.Isselhardt@uvm.edu | 802-656-7564Mark 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 production10:00 to 11:00Gary De CarolisFormer 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.
9-9:30am Rep Gina Galfetti joins to discuss “Legislative March Madness” in Montpelier9:30-10am Megan Novak, State Director for Americans for Prosperity Wisconsin, informs listeners about the race for Supreme Court, an election getting national attention as it is the first major election since Nov 5th10-10:30am Chris Maidment, Republican Campaign Strategist, rejoins the show to discuss the retirement of Senator Jeanne Shaheen and the outlook on an open Senate seat in the Granite State10:30-11am Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, updates listeners on the shared energy policy issues between Mass and Vermont and how it is impacting residents
9:00 to 10:00Treasurer Mike Pieciak updates1. Treasurer's Task Force and Legislators to Host Town Hall Series on Vermont's Response to Federal Policy Changes2. Treasurer Pieciak and Legislative Leaders Announce Proposal to Eliminate $100 Million in Medical Debt for Vermonters3. The proposal (S.27) Treasurer Pieciak Reminds Eligible Employers to Enroll in Vermont Saves by March 110:00 to 11:00Rick and the Ramblers. Rick NorcrossThe Last album release, The 2nd bestest songs I ever wroteMarch 23, 2025 will be Rick's 80th birthday. He has been making music since he was 16.
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