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.
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
Host Ross Connolly welcomes in Alison Despathy updating lawsuits against the Global Warming Solutions Act and how it could impact Vermonters.Sofia Hamilton with Americans for Prosperity on efforts in New England to ban nicotine and tobacco products.Rachel Burgin, Deputy Regional Director for Americans for Prosperity, on efforts to make Vermont more affordable, and their statewide tour coming in August,and Lisa Linowes, Co-Chair at Energy and Wildlife Coalition, on the negative impacts of off-shore wind on wildlife, and the movement to stop the industrialization of our oceans.
Rob talks first with Laura Derrendinger, with the Smartphone Free Childhood Leadership Council, on the impending smartphone bans in Vermont and New York Schools.Then former Vermont Governor Jim Douglas talks about his legal battle with Middlebury College on the school's renaming of the Mead Chapel, cancel culture, and other political issues in Vermont and in the country.
Brad welcomes in Melinda White, co-chair of the 4th Annual Substance Use Addiction Summit, Friday August 1st at the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds, Tracy Thomasson, Director of Operations at SaVida Health, and Dawn Tatro, co-founder of Jenna's Promise sober housing program in Johnson.Then Brad talks with Scott Detwiler, the Public Affairs Officer at Vermont Army National Guard about the PRIME Program to strengthen Recruitment, Retention, and Employment Opportunities.
Hour 1 - The Amazon distribution center issue/controversy in Essex. What happened and why? Guests are Lois Whitmore of the Essex community opposition and Essex Reporter reporter Ella Ruehsen.Hour 2 - Fixing Burlington - among other topics - through the eyes of a a serial entrepreneur with Alan Newman, founder of Seventh Generation, Magic Hat, and many other Vermont businesses.
In todays (July 24th) episode, Margaret McLean will join the show to discuss the new education law. How will t impact the future of rural schools in Vermont.In the second hour, Joe Wooden (President and CEO) and Anne Bongiorno (Board Chair) from Copley Hospital will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing rural hospitals and patient care under the current financial strains and the upcoming impacts of the massive changes and cuts to Medicaid in the just passed law in Washington.This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was Aired on July 24th, 2025.
Host Ross Connolly talks first with Representative Zak Harvey (R) Rutland-3 (Castleton, Fair Haven, Hubbardton, and West Haven) about his background, what drove him to be involved in politics, and how Vermont should avoid the path of socialism NYC seems to be taking.Then Sarah Scott, Deputy State Director for Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire, on the Granite State expanding education freedom programs.John Reynolds, State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, discusses the private health insurance market in Vermont, and how state government policies are driving costs higher, and what can be done to improve the situation.and AJ Kierstead, Host of the New England Take Podcast lays out the potential political impact of President Trump's approach to the Jeffery Epstein case, and how it could demotivate his base supporters for the midterms.
Rob speaks with John Klar, who was taking part in a Making America Healthy Again gathering in Washington DC.Then, Andrew Cline with the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy, talks about policies in New Hampshire, including their new law eliminating a required annual inspection for motor vehicles.
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published on July 10th, 2025.Hosted by David Zuckerman.
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint was published on July 17th, 2025.Hosted by David Zuckerman.Guests: Chad Simmons - Liasson for Vermont Housing Finance AgencyPerspectives from Ali Hadji Jafari.. one of the only Iranian Americans living in Vermont
Vermont Viewpoint with Kevin Ellis 7-18-2025 10am HourA Tribute to Steve TerryAnd Easter Seals around 10:45
Vermont Viewpoint with Kevin Ellis 7-18-2025 9am hourFilmmaker Jay CravenProfessor Chris Appyon The Ellsberg Archive Project
Brad opens the show with Grill-em-up Gabby, and Bun Length Ben, who have been driving the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile across the country, and made a recent stop in Vermont.Then, Duncan MacDougall with Waterbury LEAP and Dave Roberts with Drive Electric Vermont, getting ready for the Waterbury LEAP Electric Vehicle Fest Tuesday, August 5th at 5:30 p.m. at Crossett Brook Middle School in Duxbury.Orleans Country Senator Sam Douglas joins to talk about what the Vermont Senate is doing this summer.and Brad and producer Lee Kittell talk about the music and life of Tony Trischka, legendary banjo player who is performing in Waterbury Friday night at Zenbarn.
Ross starts with Paul Bean with the Vermont Daily Chronicle.Then Joel Valenzuela talks Crypto Week in DC.Representative Gina Galfetti of Barre Town talks about Flood Recovery efforts in Vermont.Then John Goodnight discusses changes in the Trump administrations approach to the war between Ukraine and Russia.
Rob talks with Tom Koch about his life and career, and discusses some key issues at the State House in Montpelier.Then Leslie Hiner joins to talk about the importance of School Choice in improving outcomes for students.
Brad Ferland withLisa Schermerhorn with new documentary "Zero Limits",Wendy Steager and Caroline Castaldo of the "Gardens of Waterbury" tour,and George Woodard, Waterbury Center farmer, filmmaker, musician and storyteller.
Rob and Kevin and callers debate issues around immigration, education, energy policy, and more.
Brad Ferland welcomes in Sarah Stromeyer. Her new novel "A Mother Always Knows" is just out.Troy Ramey, singer-songwriter, turned all 4 chairs on 'The Voice', and is performing Thursday night at the Haybarn Theater in Plainfield.Elliott Greenblott has the latest on the local and national scams being used to try to get your money.And Duncan Macdougall talks about Window Dressers, where local volunteers build low-cost window inserts and provide them to neighbors who have cold, drafty houses, often for free or very discounted prices.
Marcela Crossman, Chair of Jersey 1st and a Wall Street Executive talks about the potential impacts on NYC if Zohran Mamdani is elected Mayor in November.Kurt Couchman,Senior Policy fellow with Americans for Prosperity, on the Senate version of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill'Mike Sylvester on the trade disputes between the U.S. and Canada, and what Independence Day means to him as a Canadian immigrant.and NH Representative Michael Granger on his efforts to end mandatory vehicle inspections in the Granite State.
1st Hour - Sgt 1st Class Bo Willoughby is a member of Vermont's own 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and the Army Warfare School in Jericho. He recently participated in a large-scale European exercise with our NATO allies.2nd hour - Dr. Sunil Eappen - President and CEO of the UVM Health Network on the latest developments in Health Care in Vermont.
Hour 1: Rob welcomes in Rutland County Republican State Senator Terry Williams on Energy and Education issues addressed by the Legislature in the Legislative Session.Hour 2: Dave Soulia founder of FYIVT.com and owner of Blackpowder farm in Pittsford.
Rob talks with Guy and Paul about the VDC and the growth of the online site and the stories they are covering.
Vermont Viewpoint with Kevin Ellis Friday, June 20, 2025 10am hourKevin's guest is Emily Belarmino ..UVM Assistant Professor in Nutrition and Food Sciences and Director of the undergraduate Food Systems program
Vermont Viewpoint for Friday, June 20, 2025 9 am hourHost Kevin Ellis has Vermont Political Observer John Walters as his guest
Rep Chris Keyser (R- Rutland 7), Sofia Hamilton Healthcare Policy Analyst Americans for Prosperity, John Reynolds NFIB, AJ Kierstead New England Take Podcast
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint hosted by David Zuckerman aired on 06/19/2025.
9-9:30am Senate Minority Leader Scott Beck joins the program to discuss the end of the legislative session and what policies were passed to help Vermonters 9:30-10am John Goodnight rejoins the show to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran 10-10:30am Alison Despathy informs listeners about rising energy costs, action listeners can take, and how the lack of action by the legislature on key issues is hurting Vermonters. 10:30-11am Nick Murray, Public Affairs Manager for Yes. Every Kid, provides an update on New Hampshire passing Universal Education Freedom Accounts into law last week.
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint hosted by Rob Roper aired on 06/17/2025.
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint hosted by Brad Ferland aired on 06/16/2025.
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint aired on 06/13/2025.
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint hosted by David Zuckerman aired on 06/12/2025.
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint with host Rob Roper aired on 06/10/2025.
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint hosted by Brad Ferland aired on 06/09/2025.
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint aired on 06/06/2025.
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint aired on 06/05/2025.Host David Zuckerman welcomes Jonathan Pride, a Norwich University graduate, combat veteran, and founder of the Caterpillar Leadership Institute (CLI). Pride shares his journey from military service to leadership development, and discusses how CLI empowers young professionals—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—through holistic programs focused on equity, practical skills, and personal growth.In the second hour, Zuckerman is joined by Tim Arsenault—also known on-air as Tim Johnson—a Vermont Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame inductee and recently retired Vernon Town Clerk. Together, they explore life in retirement, the value of civic engagement, and Tim's decades of service to his community.
This episode of Vermont Viewpoint aired on 06/04/2025.9-9:30am Rep James Harrison joins the show to discuss Vermont's financial situation, the impact on taxpayers, and potential solutions to rising costs 9:30-10am James Czerniawski, Senior Policy Analyst with Americans for Prosperity, discuss changes to Artificial Intelligence regulations in the federal spending bill, the Trump admin's approach to crypto, and potential deregulation to make innovation easier across the country 10-10:30am Rep Mike Tagliavia informs listeners about Vermont's energy issues, action taken this session, and potential solutions for ratepayers 10:30-11am Sarah Scott, Deputy State Director with Americans for Prosperity, discusses New Hampshire's efforts to pass a “right to try” law for experimental health care treatments
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???