Vermont Viewpoint

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

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.