Podcast appearances and mentions of josh crane

Not being able to drive in this state can be isolating — especially for older Vermonters navigating the challenges of aging.  Ninety-two-year-old Gerry Quinlan has found a way, with a network of friends that can drive her to their weekly coffee dates in Essex.But she's wondering how others do it, so she came to us with this question:"How do you maintain a social life in Vermont once you can no longer drive?"Join us as we ride along with Gerry and others who have given up their keys, but not their communities and friendships.For a full transcript of this episode and photos from our reporting, check out our web post.This episode was reported by Burgess Brown. Editing and production from the rest of the BLS team: Sabine Poux and Josh Crane. Additional editing from Erica Heilman. Our intern is Lucia McCallum. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Lilias Ide, Andrea Stauffeneker, Laura Brooke, Martina Anderson and Andrew Bernstein. As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi onInstagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. 

Wanting children, and not being able to have them, is an experience people rarely discuss publicly. But it's one that cuts close to the bone for many — like Gina Accorsi, of Milton. Gina is grieving the loss of a path she can't take, and she's looking for support as she charts a new one. She reached out to us with some questions:“How common is childlessness in Vermont today? Is there a support system or community acceptance here for childless people?”If you're looking for more support, check out AllPath Family Building. We also posted a callout seeking advice from Redditors.For a full transcript of this episode and photos from our reporting, check out our web post.This episode was reported by Nina Keck. Editing and production from the rest of the BLS team: Sabine Poux, Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Our intern is Lucia McCallum. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Kim Butterfield, Felicia Kornbluh and Ananda Boyer.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi onInstagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. 

Do you know what rocker panels are? No? Well, one listener found out hers were rusted during her annual car inspection — and that they were in need of a pricey repair. Vermont is one of just nine states that still requires annual safety inspections for all cars. And over and over, car inspections — especially car inspections that end in failure — bring frustrated Vermonters to the BLS question box. Three listeners want to know why Vermont's inspection requirements persist, even as other states have axed theirs. And they ask: Do inspections actually make the roads here safer?For photos from our trip to Brian's North End Automotive (feat. Potato the dog) check out the web version of this story.Thanks to Keese Lane and Mike Santos of Essex Junction, and Julianne Jones of Derby, for the great questions.This episode was reported by Josh Crane. Editing and production from the rest of the BLS team, Sabine Poux and Burgess Brown. Our intern is Catherine Morrissey. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Rick Green, Steve Belitsos, Brian Chase, Drew Cline,  Amy Tatko, Scott Davidson, Jeremy Reed, Ernie Patnoe, Pete Hirschfeld, Abagael Giles, Joey Palumbo, April McCullum, Melody Bodette, Mike Dunn, Andrea Laurion and Lola Duffort, .As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Vermont's logging industry has changed a lot over the last several decades. But one thing remains true: We just can't agree about how to manage our forests in the face of climate change.This raises a lot of questions about how Vermont should manage its forests — and it has led to heated debates around the state.For photos from the episode, check out the web version of this story.This episode was reported by Abagael Giles. Editing and production from the BLS team: That's Sabine Poux, Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Our intern is Catherine Morrissey. Digital support from Zoe McDonald. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Katharine Servidio.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. Correction 5/9/25: A previous version of this story included an incorrect estimate for acres of forest that could be logged under the Telephone Gap Project. It has since been updated.

What does it mean to be a Vermonter if you've left the Green Mountain State? Reporter Myra Flynn brings us on a sonic journey across the globe from Los Angeles to the Dominican Republic, to Jamaica. There are love stories, tales of taking chances and conversations about what it means to call somewhere home. Thanks to question-asker Jesse Wingate of Virginia – formerly of North Troy, Vermont – for the great question. For photos and an episode transcript, head to our website.This episode was reported by Myra Flynn. It was edited and produced by Josh Crane, Sabine Poux and Burgess Brown. Our intern is Catherine Morrissey. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Digital support from Sophie Stephens. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. 

South Royalton has something that no other Vermont town does: a law school. But for a long time, there's been one rumor the town and the school can't seem to shake — that Vermont Law & Graduate School is on the verge of upping sticks for Burlington. Question-asker Tess Mix, of neighboring Tunbridge, has been hearing this rumor her whole life. She wants to know, is it true? And how reliant is the community on the law school, anyway?For more photos and an episode transcript, head to our website.***Get our brand new, limited-edition BLS beanie! You'll feel extra cozy and help support independent public media. Click here to get started.This episode was reported by Sabine Poux. It was edited and produced by Josh Crane and Burgess Brown. Our intern is Catherine Morrissey. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Digital support from Sophie Stephens. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Stephanie Clark, Don Hayes, Lisa Lance, Todd Tyson, Katie Merrill, Victoria Paquin, Andrew Hockenberry, Matthew McGovern, Drew Collins and Kelli Cigelnik.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. 

You can find the swoopy, stylized version of the word “Stowe” everywhere — police cruisers, store windows, a covered bridge. It's as if the entire town is part of one giant marketing campaign. Question-asker Joe Emery of Essex finds this sort of weird, and wants to know how it came to be.We made a video version of this episode! Check it out here. For more photos and an episode transcript, head to our website.This episode was reported by Sabine Poux. It was edited and produced by Josh Crane and Burgess Brown. Our intern is Catherine Morrissey. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Digital support from Sophie Stephens. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Nina Keck, Poppy Gall, Carrie Simmons, Amy Spear, Emily Hurd ,Tommy Gardner, Marina Gisquet, Abby Blackburn, Tim Hayes, Courtney Difiore, Sarah Tauben, Keri Smotrich, Maggie Hughes, Ezra Spring and the folks at the Stowe Free Library..As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

The average marketplace premium in Vermont is more than 140% higher than the national average in 2025. For individuals who get their insurance through their employers, not the marketplace, their contributions are the highest in the whole country.In a recent Brave Little State episode, senior producer Josh Crane explores why Vermont's health care system is so expensive. He looks into the UVM Health Network and compares health care costs in different parts of our region. Then, Chief Health Care Advocate for Vermont Legal Aid Mike Fisher answers your questions about our health care system. Broadcast live on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Five mysterious disappearances were the talk of Bennington in the mid-20th century. Now, they've developed a cult following online. We revisit the initial cases and trace the rise of the “Bennington Triangle” in the popular imagination.Thanks to Kevin Landry of Claremont, New Hampshire for the great question.Check out the web version of this story here.This episode was reported by Howard Weiss-Tisman and produced by Burgess Brown. Editing and additional production from Josh Crane and Sabine Poux. Our intern is Catherine Morrissey. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Digital support from Sophie Stephens. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Laura Nakasaka, Jon Ehrens, Betty Smith, Eric Ford, Laurie Kigonya, Matt Harrington, Ashley Jowet, Nancy Koziol, PJ DeVito, Tyler Resch and Brian Campion.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. 

Check out the web version of this episode for photos and a full transcript. Thanks to Rosie Krueger for the great and timely question.This episode was reported by Josh Crane, with additional reporting from Lexi Krupp. Editing and additional production from Sabine Poux and Burgess Brown. Our intern is Catherine Morrissey. Digital support from Zoe McDonald. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions and Universal Production Music.Special thanks to Laura Nakasaka, Michelle Goodell, Phil Galewitz, Kiana Moore, Annie Mackin, Kristen LaJeunesse and Sara Teachout.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about Vermont Sign up for the BLS newsletter Say hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevt Drop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.org Make a gift to support people-powered journalism Tell your friends about the show! Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Forests for the people! Democracy in the woods! Most towns in Vermont have a locally owned forest, but no two are exactly the same — and their stories are still unfolding.Check out the web version of this episode for photos and a full transcript. You can participate in UVM's town forest census project here.Thanks to Anne Wallace of Bristol for the great question. This episode was reported by Lexi Krupp. It was produced by Burgess Brown, with editing from Josh Crane and Sabine Poux. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. Our intern is Catherine Morrissey. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Larry Bush, Neal Maker, Bob McCullough, Callie Brynn, Michael Giammusso, and Reg Dearborn.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Vermont used to have hundreds of dumps all over the state. These days, most of the state's trash ends up in one place: a landfill in Coventry. Question-asker Sylvia Dodge, of Lyndon, wants to know why all that trash ends up in just one small town. We visit the Coventry landfill, trash bag in hand, and talk to the people doing the dirty work. You can find photos from our reporting, and a full transcript for the episode, here.Share your feedback about BLS! We'd love to hear from you and it will help us make the show even better. Plus: prizes! This episode was reported by Mikaela Lefrak. It was produced by Josh Crane, with additional editing from Burgess Brown and Sabine Poux. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. Our intern is Catherine Morrissey. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Kari Anderson, David Littlefield, Chris Bray and Jeff Weld.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

We track down the Lorax of Vermont cemeteries and visit a farm in East Putney where the past and present collide.Share your feedback about BLS! We'd love to hear from you and it will help us make the show even better. Plus: prizes! Thanks to Kathleen Cuneen of Thetford for the great question. Check out the web version of this episode for photos and a full transcript.This episode was reported by Sabine Poux. It was produced and edited by Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Digital support from Sophie Stephens. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Sam Eaton, Tom Giffin and Martha Howard.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Alex Larrabee is in 10th grade at the Danville School in the Northeast Kingdom. She doesn't hunt, but her family does and her classmates do. And she's noticed that people who go hunting… it's not a casual interest. They're passionate about it. Alex, on the other hand, doesn't really get what all the fuss is about.Now, we at Brave Little State are not big hunters, and neither is Lola Duffort, our reporter for this episode. So, we figured the best way and probably the only way to answer Alex's question was to head into the woods and see for ourselves. We hope you'll tag along.Check out the web version of this episode for photos from our hunting excursion and a full episode transcript. This episode was reported by Lola Duffort. It was produced by Burgess Brown and edited by Sabine Poux and Josh Crane. Digital support from Sophie Stephens. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Abagael Giles, Travis Tremblay, Mike Covey, Matt Breton, Rachel Keach, Natalie Conway, Chris Bray and all the teachers and administrators who helped facilitate the high school voting round that led to this episode.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

It's been seven years since Colorado-based Vail Resorts bought the ski resort at Stowe. Almost immediately, Vail cut the cost of a season pass there in half. But cheaper skiing hasn't deterred people from lampooning Vail online or displaying angry bumper stickers in ski town parking lots — spotlighting a tension over the soul of Vermont ski culture and ski towns. In this episode, we look into what's changed since Vail's entry here, from chairlift upgrades to stress on the housing market. Plus, a general sense of transformation that's harder to pinpoint. Check out the web version of this episode for photos from our reporting and a full episode transcript. And to learn more about a new exhibit on Vermont's lost ski areas, check out the Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum in Stowe.Thanks to Nathan Evans for the great question.This episode was reported by Sabine Poux. It was produced and edited by Josh Crane and Burgess Brown. Digital support from Sophie Stephens. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to Laura Nakasaka, Abagael Giles, Nina Keck, Robert Parrish, , Jason Blevins, Tom Gianola, Lindsay DesLauriers and Izzy Mitchell.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Government for the people! A beacon of democracy! The Postal Service has been essential for free speech and the circulation of ideas since before the founding of the United States. These days, it's becoming increasingly important during elections, as more people vote by mail. And it's still a vital part of many communities, from beloved local mail carriers to shiny, gold P.O. Boxes in general stores.But in recent years, it's been struggling to make good on its public service — and Vermonters are fighting back. Check out the web version of this story here.If you have questions about the 2024 election and its aftermath you want us to answer, we'd love to hear from you. There's a form on our website, or leave us a voicemail at 802-552-4880.This episode was reported by Burgess Brown. It was produced and edited by Josh Crane and Sabine Poux. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Zoe McDonald, Bob Kinzel, Adiah Gholston, Rachel Hellman, Paul Montague, Trevor Braun, Alexia Murray, Bruce Olsson, Ned Swanberg, Justin Hopkins and Alice Angney.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. 

Climate change is here. So is Vermont's energy transition. Ahead of the 2024 election, voters want to know: How do they fit in?Environment and climate reporter Abagael Giles looks into efforts to both mitigate and adapt to climate change in this pivotal moment. And she explores how Vermont can make sure its most remote communities aren't left behind. Thanks to Laura Zettler of Fairfax and Pam Ladds of Newport for sharing their curiosity with us. There's a full transcript for this episode here. If you want to learn more about the Affordable Heat Act or any other Vermont climate policies — and to find out more about where specific candidates stand on climate issues — click here.And for more about how climate change is impacting Vermont, check out more of Abagael's recent reporting.This episode was reported by Abagael Giles. It was produced and edited by Josh Crane, with help from Sabine Poux, Burgess Brown, Brittany Patterson and Sophie Stephens. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Mark Davis, Rachel Cleetus, Terry Callahan, Jennifer Durgan, Tony Eprile, Donna Smyers, Johanna Nichols, Jennifer Francoeur and Jenel Ronn.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

For centuries, humans have transported plants and animals and fungi all around the globe. Whether exotic plants for a home garden or spores hitching a ride on a boot, flora and fauna have found their way into ecosystems that were unprepared for their arrival. These “invasive species” have no natural predators to keep them in check and in that absence, they wreak havoc. But which of these species has wreaked the most havoc in Vermont? That's what Ashley Wojnarowski and Mike Mezzacapo of Pomfret want to know.Josh Crane searches for answers and falls into the “bottomless pit” of invasive species management — and he gets up close with one of  Vermont's most fragile ecosystems. For photos from our reporting, check out the web version of this story.For help with species identification and to record your findings, check out iNaturalist.This episode was reported by Josh Crane. It was produced and edited by Sabine Poux and Burgess Brown. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Mike Bald, Betty Smith, Lexi Krupp, Abagael Giles, Corey Dockser, Charlie Nardozzi, Tim Parsons, Mary Walz, Mike Kiernan, Elise Schadler, Kim Jensen, Noah Hoffman, Evan Horne, David Moroney, Jay Herbert, Jack Lentz, Don Wenner, Virginia Barlow, Tony D'Amato, Markus Bradley, Mariano Rodriguez-Cabal, Noelia Barrios-Garcia, and Mary Holland.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

The “girlie shows” are long gone from the county fairs. Former clubs like Planet Rock in Barre and Club Fantasy in South Burlington have all shut down. Vermont is now the only New England state without strip clubs. One stripper who grew up in Vermont reached out with a simple question: Why?For photos from our reporting, check out the web version of this story.Thanks to Susan Meiselas and Magnum Photos for the materials from Carnival Strippers and Carnival Strippers Revisted. This episode was reported by Sabine Poux. It was produced and edited by Josh Crane and Burgess Brown. Additional support from Sophie Stephens. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Liam Elder-Connors, Jeff Haig, Steve Taylor, Scott Rogers, Fern Strong, Elaine Howe, Gail Weise, Jordan Mitchell, Matt Sutkoski, Lydia Flanagan and The Mutual Zine Society, as well as everyone we spoke to at the Tunbridge World's Fair: Gary and Martha Howe, Baxter Doty, Dave Smith, Louise and Frank Mier, Elliot Morse, Betsy and David Race and Gary YoungAs always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. 

For as long as Carly Berlin has been reporting on housing issues for Vermont Public and VTDigger, she's been hearing some version of this question: Is Vermont's rise in homelessness due to unhoused people moving here from out-of-state?She hasn't been able to track down an easy answer to this question. And in the absence of information, the idea that Vermont's benefits are a “magnet” for those experiencing homelessness has taken root, from the aisles of grocery stores to the Statehouse floor. It's a narrative that's shaping the conversation about homelessness in Vermont, and what the state should do to address it.But is it even true? In this episode, Carly goes digging for data.Find the web version of this story here. Thanks to Joseph Valaske and Mark Tarmy of Putney for sharing their curiosity with us. This episode was reported by Carly Berlin and produced by Burgess Brown. Editing and additional production from Sabine Poux and Josh Crane, with support from April McCullum and Alicia Freese. Angela Evancie is our executive producer. Theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Lola Duffort, Laura Nakasaka, Sophie Stephens, Jess Graff, Sarah Russell, Rick DeAngelis, Frank Knaack, Stephen Waclawik and Mary Mojica. As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

A chapter of Northeast Kingdom history that is most mysterious. A man whose talent and ambition led him down a perilous path. To answer a question from Eric Lucier of Jay, Henry Epp tells the story of the Space Research Corporation and its founder, Gerald Bull.We originally released this episode in 2022. Check out photos of the Space Research Corporation site, then and now, in our web feature.Henry Epp reported this episode. It was produced by Angela Evancie, with additional editing and production by Myra Flynn and Josh Crane. This encore presentation was produced by Burgess Brown. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Anna Ste Marie, Kevin Trevellyan, Mark Davis, Michael Rogers, Kate Phillips and Paul Carnahan.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

What's summer without a road trip? Every year, Brave Little State travels around Vermont to find the stories behind the road signs. But even with several years of investigations under our seatbelts, we're still finding plenty of surprises. This year, we looked into the stories behind Lake Willoughby, Hells Peak Road and Pumpkin Harbor Road. You can find the web version of this story here. And psst — check out our new Brave Little State landing page, which, for the first time, has a searchable archive of all our past episodes.Check out our previous brief histories of Vermont road names:2023: Tigertown, Hateful Hill and Gerts Knob2022: Iranistan Road, a Jericho grab bag and punny highway signs2021: Cow Path 40, Agony Hill Road, Texas Falls2020: Devil's Washbowl, Popple Dungeon Road, Lost Nation Road, Smuggler's Notch2019: Mad Tom River Road, Hi-Lo Biddy Road, Star Pudding Farm Road, Sawnee Bean Road2018: States Prison Hollow Road, Poor Farm Road, Lime Kiln Road, Kelley Stand RoadThis episode was reported, produced, edited and mixed by Adiah Gholston, Burgess Brown, Samantha Watson and Sabine Poux. Our managing editor and senior producer is Josh Crane and our executive producer is Angela Evancie. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Thanks to this year's question askers: Beverly Decker, Sarah Hazleton and John Finlay.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. 

Whew… a big question. And certainly not one with a yes or no answer. Happiness looks different depending on who you ask. So we visited five Vermonters to learn what happiness looks like to them. Question-asker Courtney Rabuffo is a recent transplant to Vermont. She's found a lot of happiness in her new home in North Hero. But she wants to know how other Vermonters are faring, which is why she asked us: "Are Vermonters happy? And are they happier than people in other New England states?"Find the web version of this episode here.This episode was reported by Mitch Wertlieb and produced by Sabine Poux. Editing and additional production from Josh Crane, Burgess Brown and Kevin Trevellyn. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to Zoe McDonald, Winona Johnson and Heather Call.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Jeezum crow, is it tough to find the origin of the phrase ‘jeezum crow'! Join us for our exploration into this quintessential Vermont saying, as we journey from folklore to linguistics to… crows.  Thanks to Sandra Bettis of Middlesex for the great question:“Where did ‘jeezum crow' come from and is it just a Vermont saying?”Find the web version of this episode here.This episode was reported by Mikaela Lefrak. It was produced and edited by Angela Evancie, Josh Crane, Sabine Poux and Burgess Brown. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions and Banjo Dan.Special thanks to Sophie Stephens, Laura Nakasaka, Jim Stanford, Martha Barnette, Grant Barrett and Mary Danko.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. 

Here we are again. Exactly one year after historic floods ravaged Vermont, parts of the state are again dealing with devastating flooding following heavy rains. We turn back to a 2023 episode about how understanding why these floods are so destructive is not as simple as measuring rainfall. Last year, reporter Lexi Krupp took on what turned out to be a very timely question from Gus Goodwin of East Montpelier. He wanted to know: “What does an old stream look like? Does Vermont have any? And can we manage for them?”We're revisiting that episode as Vermont assesses the damage from yet another round of flooding. You can find the web version of this episode here. For the most up-to-date flood coverage, you can visit vermontpublic.org. This episode was reported by Lexi Krupp and produced by Josh Crane with help from Mae Nagusky. This re-run was produced by Sabine Poux. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's executive producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Sophie Stephens, Mark Davis, Mikaela Lefrak, Bill Keeton, Mary and Greg Russ, Ellen Wohl, Will Elridge, Skip Lisle and Elizabeth Trail.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

For about a century, a farm operated on a hillside in Hardwick. At one point, it was said to have one of the finest herds of cows in town. But life for those working the farm was less rosy. They were known as “inmates” — though they hadn't committed crimes. This was Hardwick's “poor farm.” Vermont towns used to be required by law to provide welfare locally. That's where poor farms came in. A listener from Shelburne wants to know if there's anything we can learn from this approach — in spite of its problems:“What were Vermont's 'poor farms' like, and could parts of the poor farm model of local aid be adapted for the needs of today?”Find the web version of this episode here.This episode was reported by Elodie Reed and produced by Sabine Poux. Editing and additional production from Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's executive producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Zoe McDonald, Lexi Krupp, Erica Heilman, Liz Gauffreau, Tara Reese, Kent Osborne, Carlotta Hayes, Eric Jonathan, Jackson Miller and all the folks we spoke to at Heartbeet LifesharingAs always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

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Hours and hours of calls. Months-long waitlists. Vermonters are spending a lot of time looking for primary care providers — and those providers are struggling, too.Question-asker Jen Kaufman is a doctor practicing in Vergennes who got into primary care because she likes spending time with patients. But she's cut back on her hours seeing patients to manage her workload. She wants to know: What is the state of primary care in Vermont and where is it anticipated to go? Why is it so hard to get a primary care provider?Find the web version of this episode here.If you can, help us keep Brave Little State free for everyone by making a gift to Vermont Public at this link. It isn't possible to make this show without your support. Thank you!This episode was reported by Lexi Krupp and produced by Burgess Brown. Editing and additional production from Sabine Poux and Josh Crane. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's executive producer. Theme music by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Sophie Stephens, Bobbie Groves, Alex Spieler, Jon Holmer, Gary Drown, Paul Capcara, Jessa Bernard, Susan White, Stuart May, Yalda Jabbarpour, Margaret Gadon, Leigh LoPresti, Fay Homan, John Saroyan, Jess Moore, Sheila Keating, Kristin Barnum, John Olson and Stephanie Pagliuca. As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network. 

Chittenden County has been using buses to move people around for almost a century. But with ridership down and the bus system heading toward a fiscal cliff, one listener wants to know — is there a better way?In the not-too-distant past, Burlington and its surrounding towns dreamt big transit dreams: more efficient buses, commuter trains and light rail. In 2024, those dreams remain unrealized or abandoned, and we're fighting to keep the system we do have alive.Winning question-asker Nathaniel Eisen wants to know what happened. He asks: Why doesn't Chittenden County have better public transit options?Find the web version of this episode here.This episode was reported and produced by Sabine Poux, with editing from Burgess Brown and Mark Davis. Our managing editor and senior producer is Josh Crane and our executive producer is Angela Evancie. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to Charles Dillard, Gregory Rowangould, Marshall Distel, Chris Cole, Patrick Garahan, Corey Dockser, Bobby Lussier, Jordan Mitchell, Richard Whiting, Patty Wight, Irwin Gratz, Caroline Losneck, Winston Lumpkins, Zack Barowitz and Paul Detzer and Elodie Reed.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

There's a tooth embedded in a retaining wall alongside East State Street in Montpelier. Who put it there?This question has been keeping Brave Little State producer Burgess Brown up at night. He and question-asker Elvira Dana channeled their best Holmes and Watson to crack this cold canine case right open. And they enlisted the entire town of Montpelier for help along the way. Find the web version of this episode here.This episode was reported and produced by Burgess Brown, with editing from Sabine Poux and Brittany Patterson. Our managing editor and senior producer is Josh Crane and our executive producer is Angela Evancie. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to Sophie Stephens, Ann Lee, Lexi Krupp, Tim Heeney, Kevin Marlier, Jason Kass, Gideon Kass, Natalie Kass, Dan Groberg, Paul Carnahan, Tom McArdle, Corinne Cooper, Steve Gray, Mike Doyle, and many many other Montpelierites for their help.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Vermont's messy transition from winter to spring always brings its fair share of surprises and obstacles. And this year has been no exception: The mud came early, and it came often.Keith Gadapee is on the front lines of battling mud season as road foreman for the town of Danville — which has more dirt roads than anywhere else in Vermont. We spoke to Keith back in 2022 for an episode we called “Mud Season Madness” and put your pressing mud questions to the expert. We dug out that episode for an encore and checked back in with Keith as this year's roller coaster of a season comes to a close.Find the web version of this episode here.This episode was reported and produced by Sabine Poux and Angela Evancie, with editing and additional production from Burgess Brown. Angela Evancie is our executive producer, and our managing editor and senior producer is Josh Crane. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to April McCullum and Sophie Stephens.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

If you live in a rural part of Vermont, you know it — the one-finger lift or full-hand gesture from the steering wheel. Everyone has their own take on the so-called “Vermont wave.”Who gets a whole-hand wave and who doesn't? When exactly do you do it and what does it mean? Reporter Nina Keck set out with question-asker Mica Tucker to learn the unwritten rules of the road and find out: “What's up with the Vermont wave?”Find the web version of this episode here.This episode was reported by Nina Keck and produced by Burgess Brown. Editing and additional production from the rest of the Brave Little State team: Sabine Poux and Josh Crane. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's executive producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Brittany Patterson, John Delgadillo and Sophie Stephens. As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Two Abenaki First Nations headquartered in Canada contest the legitimacy of Vermont's state-recognized tribes. How are Vermont lawmakers responding? Last October, Brave Little State published “Recognized”: a three-part investigation into contested claims that Vermont's four state-recognized tribes are not legitimate. The Abenaki First Nations making those claims have called on Vermont lawmakers to reconsider the state recognition process. Reporter Elodie Reed followed up on her original reporting and shared her findings with The Frequency podcast host Mitch Wertlieb. We're resharing their conversation here.You can find a transcript of that conversation here.You can listen to the entire “Recognized” series here. This story was reported and produced by Elodie Reed, with help from Mitch Wertlieb. The Brave Little State team is Josh Crane, Burgess Brown and Sabine Poux. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. We'll be back soon with more people-powered Vermont journalism. As always, our show is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

This week, a story from our neighbors at North Country Public Radio. If All Else Fails is a recent podcast about the growing presence — and threat — of far-right extremism in northern New York, and the voters and local law enforcement that are engaging with the movement there.You can learn more about the series here. That's also where you can find photos from NCPR's reporting, and listen to the rest of the series.Heads up: The show contains some harsh language and some listeners might find certain parts of this episode disturbing.This episode was reported by Emily Russell and Zach Hirsch for North Country Public Radio, with grant support from Grist and the Center for Rural Strategies. A big thanks to NCPR for letting us share their show here.The Brave Little State team is Josh Crane, Burgess Brown and Sabine Poux. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. We'll be back soon with more people-powered Vermont journalism. As always, our show is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, better known as VAST, maintains more than 6,000 miles of snowmobile trails across the state. Today, snowmobiling is one of the top contributors to Vermont's winter economy. But for a sport so dependent on reliable snow, the future is uncertain.The majority of VAST trails are on private land. One of those landowners is winning question-asker Barb Huibregtse of Danville, who asks: “What is the impact of the VAST trail on Vermont's economy?”Find the web version of this episode here.This episode was reported by Howard Weiss-Tisman and produced by Sabine Poux. Editing and additional production from Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Augie Melendez, Brian Henderson, Joan Cwirka, Kevin McDonnell and Zachary Amerling.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

A smattering of Vermont and New Hampshire towns on either side of the Connecticut River are known collectively as the “Upper Valley.” We set out to learn more about the origin of that phrase, and what makes the Upper Valley a geographic and cultural outlier.Our mission comes from question-asker David Watts, of Norwich:“What is the Upper Valley? And how did it get its name?”Find the web version of this episode here. This episode was reported and produced by Josh Crane. Editing and additional production from Burgess Brown and Sabine Poux. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Sophie Stephens, Mark Davis, Bill Kane, Pat Boerum, John Lowe, Richard Hastings and Kat Blanchard.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Vermont is home to almost 200 independent and locally funded libraries. This means they each must evolve to meet the unique needs of their communities with sometimes limited resources. That got listener Diane Church of Fairlee wondering:“How do our public libraries manage to stay alive and vibrant in this age of technology?”Vermont Public's Sabine Poux and Andrea Laurion visit two of Vermont's libraries to see how things are going.  Find the web version of this episode here. This episode was reported by Sabine Poux and Andrea Laurion, and it was produced by Burgess Brown. Editing and additional production from Josh Crane. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Sophie Stephens, Catherine Delneo, Oceana Wilson, DeAnna Romstad, Max Maylin, Carol Plante, Sarah Lloyd and Paul Dunn.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Burlington has sister cities all over the world — including in Nicaragua, Mississippi and Japan. Winning question-asker Peg Clement is curious about the city's relationship with two, in particular: Bethlehem, in the West Bank, and Arad, in Israel. Find the web version of this episode here.The Burlington-Bethlehem-Arad sister city committee holds public meetings on the first Monday of every month in Burlington's Miller Center. You can find more information here.Additional resources:NPR: Special Series: Middle East crisis – explainedAl Jazeera: What's the Israel-Palestine conflict about? A simple guideVox: What are Israel and Palestine? Why are they fighting?The Washington Post: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict: A chronologyThroughline: A History of HamasThroughline: Palestine (from May 2021)The Ezra Klein Show: The Sermons I Needed to Hear Right NowThis episode was reported and produced by Sabine Poux, Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Angela Evancie is our executive producer. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Sophie Stephens, Sandy Baird, Prudence Doherty, Chris Burns, Rob Bliss, Emery Mattheis, Jonah Spivak, Jim Rader, and the CCTV Center for Media & Democracy.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

We journey into the weird world of Vermont's favorite jam band to explore the culture of "phandom” and Phish's early roots in our brave little state.We originally released this episode in 2021. In it, Ethan Weinstein of South Woodstock asks: “Why do people like Phish? And how did they become such a big part of Vermont music culture?”(Heads up: There's a bit of profanity in this episode, and some discussion of drugs and drug culture.)To see photos of Phish from their early Vermont days, check out our web post. You'll also find a Phish starter kit with resources to further your Phish education, should you so desire.Josh Crane reported this episode, with editing and production from Myra Flynn and Angela Evancie. Mix and sound design by Josh Crane. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music. Thanks to Phish Inc. for permission to use some of the band's music. Special thanks also to Jonathan Heller, Billy Glassner, Paul Brill, Stephanie Jenkins, Jay Curley, Anne Rothwell, Jenn Moore, Beth Montuori Rowles, Anna Van Dine, Mary Engisch, Peter Engisch, Laura Schoenfeld, Steve Zind, Patti Daniels, Chris Albertine, John Van Hoesen, Mitch Wertlieb, Alex Burns and everyone who left a voicemail on our Phish hotline — Chris, Chris, Christina, Jonathan, Jim, Antonia, Ron, Philip, Andy, Stephanie, Molly, Robb, Shannon, Bryant and Nina.Music featured in this episode, in order of appearance:"Orejitas" by Blue Dot Sessions“Gotta Jibboo” by Phish“Ghost” by Phish“Hardboil” by Blue Dot Sessions"BLS Theme" by Ty Gibbons“Sargento” by Blue Dot Sessions“Halley's Comet” by Phish“Trois Gnossiennes 3” by Blue Dot Sessions“Wilson” by Phish“The Queen of Cones” by Blue Dot Sessions“Tyrano Theme” by Blue Dot Sessions“The Curtain With” by Phish“Maldoc” by Blue Dot Sessions“Auld Lang Syne” covered by Phish“Leaves” by Phish“Cran Ras” by Blue Dot Sessions"Ferus Cut" by Blue Dot Sessions"BLS Theme" by Ty GibbonsAs always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on which question we should answer nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a member of the NPR Network.

As many people gather with family and friends for the holidays, we revisit a story about our listener Niall. In 2020, Niall emailed us saying he felt isolated during the pandemic. He wanted to know if we could help him make some new friends. So, we did. Credits: This episode was produced by Josh Crane and Frank Hernandez. Mixing and sound design by Matt Reed. Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson are the co-hosts. Photo: u/archaelleon on Reddit

Volunteers were still pumping water out of basements from the July floods when another round of flooding hit this week. Vermonters on the front lines say the frequency of these events point to the need for more durable solutions.On this episode of Brave Little State, a question from Sophi Veltrop, of Woodbury:"How are towns hit by 2023 flooding doing? What locally-driven solutions are helping those most harmed and setting the stage to rebuild better?"Reporter Pete Hirschfeld talks to some of those who were hit hardest over the summer, from a family whose home is still uninhabitable to a woman on dialysis who lives alone. He also explores how local recovery responses are filling the gaps where state and federal relief have fallen short — as Vermont barrels toward a future filled with more severe, and more frequent, flooding events.Find the web version of this episode here.Pete Hirschfeld reported this episode. It was produced and edited by the Brave Little State team: Sabine Poux, Burgess Brown and Josh Crane. Angela Evancie is our executive producer. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Lexi Krupp, Tom Drake, Sarah Henshaw, Rev. Dr. Wendy Jaine Summers and Meghan Weyland.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Vermont's pastoral, small town charm didn't just happen out of thin air. It's been legislated. And it's especially baked into one really important Vermont law — Act 250. But as Vermont changes, there's an increasing push for Act 250 to change with it. That's why Danielle Laberge of Wells submitted this winning question to Brave Little State: “What's the deal with Act 250, Vermont's signature land-use law? Why is it important and what's changing?”Reporter Sabine Poux digs into the story of Act 250, from its origins in the 1960s to a present-day battle over how it should be implemented. This isn't just a story about a law. It's a story about our shared values, and how we want our state to change — or not — over the next 50 years and beyond. Find the web version of this episode here.Sabine Poux reported this episode. Editing and additional production from Josh Crane and Burgess Brown. Angela Evancie is our Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Sophie Stephens, Pete Hirschfeld, Bruce Post, Mikaela Osler, Marjorie Strong, Prudence Doherty, Katherine Sims, Peter Gregory, Caleb Elder, Todd Heyman, Christine and Mark Hughes, Brian Shupe, Mary Kasamatsu and Mimi Aoun.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

In recent years, Winooski, Montpelier and Burlington made it possible for all legal residents to vote — including asylum seekers, refugees and green card holders like our winning question-asker, Charlotte Blend. Charlotte has been excited to vote on local issues and she's curious about the impact of the rule changes in the towns where it's now legal. Reporter Mikaela Lefrak talks to new Vermont voters — and a lot of city clerks — about how the at-times controversial changes in local election policy have affected three Vermont cities, from their councils and school boards to their residents.  Find the web version of this story here.This episode was reported by Mikaela Lefrak and produced by Sabine Poux. Editing and additional production from the rest of the Brave Little State team: Josh Crane and Burgess Brown. Digital support from Sophie Stephens. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive producer. Theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Martin Austermuhle, Elaine Wang, Liz Edsell, Tracy Dolan and Anna Tadio.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

We met Sweeney Grabin at a Brave Little State mixer last year, right after she moved to South Burlington with her husband and her baby, Maya. She wants to know how other parents with biracial kids are maintaining their heritage in one of the country's whitest states.Myra Flynn turns to old friends and her own experiences to answer Sweeney's question.You can find a full transcript of this episode here. Also, check out Myra's show, Homegoings, for more deep dives into race and identity.Myra Flynn reported this episode. The Brave Little State team is Josh Crane and Sabine Poux, with additional support from Sophie Stephens. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions, Jay Green and Myra Flynn.Special thanks to Corey Dockser, Marlon Hyde and Erin Baker.Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

After the original group of self-proclaimed Vermont Abenaki failed to gain federal recognition, Vermont lawmakers created a state recognition process of their own. One theory in particular informed the state's consideration: that Abenaki peoples hid in Vermont to avoid persecution, including statewide eugenics policies. In this episode, we look at recent evidence, as well as older reports, that cast doubt on this narrative.This is Chapter Two of “Recognized,” a special series from Brave Little State. Chapters One and Three are available right now in this podcast feed. Find a transcript of the series here. And to learn more about our approach to this story, you can read our editor's note, here.***“Recognized” was reported by Elodie Reed. Sabine Poux is our producer. The senior producer and managing editor is Josh Crane. Additional editing from our executive producer, Angela Evancie, as well as Tristan Ahtone, Brittany Patterson, Myra Flynn and Julia Furukawa. Julia also contributed reporting to this episode. Extra support from Mark Davis and Sophie Stephens. Theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.There are lots of other people who contributed to this series along the way — too many to name everyone here. You can find a full list on our website..As always, our show is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the showBrave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.P.S. A previous version of this story described Gordon Day as a historian. We have updated the audio to describe him as an anthropologist.

Two Abenaki First Nations in Canada contest the legitimacy of the four groups recognized by the state of Vermont as Abenaki tribes. This is a dispute that goes back at least two decades, and has gained more prominence in recent years. In this episode, we trace Abenaki history up to 2003, when Odanak First Nation first denounced Vermont groups claiming to be Abenaki.This is Chapter One of “Recognized,” a special series from Brave Little State. Chapters Two and Three are available right now in this podcast feed. Find a transcript of the series here. And to learn more about our approach to this story, you can read our editor's note, here.***“Recognized” was reported by Elodie Reed. Sabine Poux is our producer. The senior producer and managing editor is Josh Crane. Additional editing from our executive producer, Angela Evancie, as well as Tristan Ahtone, Brittany Patterson, Myra Flynn and Julia Furukawa. Julia Furukawa and David Savoie contributed reporting to this episode. Extra support from Mark Davis and Sophie Stephens. Theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.There are lots of other people who contributed to this series along the way — too many to name everyone here. You can find a full list on our website..As always, our show is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the showBrave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.P.S. A previous version of this story described Gordon Day as a historian. We have updated the audio to describe him as an anthropologist.

Who gets to decide who is Abenaki? Vermont's four state-recognized tribes — and the state recognition law — have different definitions and criteria for what it means to be Indigenous than many Indigenous Nations. In this episode, we look at this disconnect, and lay out what's at stake, including power, money and authority.  This is Chapter Three of “Recognized,” a special series from Brave Little State. Chapters One and Two are available right now in this podcast feed. Find a transcript of the series here.And to learn more about our approach to this story, you can read our editor's note, here.***“Recognized” was reported by Elodie Reed. Sabine Poux is our producer. The senior producer and managing editor is Josh Crane. Additional editing from our executive producer, Angela Evancie, as well as Tristan Ahtone, Brittany Patterson, Myra Flynn and Julia Furukawa. Julia Furukawa, Corey Dockser and David Savoie contributed reporting to this episode. Extra support from Mark Davis and Sophie Stephens. Theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.There are lots of other people who contributed to this series along the way — too many to name everyone here. You can find a full list on our website..As always, our show is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the showBrave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

The smash hit Netflix series Wednesday takes place in Jericho … and was filmed in Romania. Megan Matthers of Sutton wants to know — why? Mae Nagusky learns about the barriers keeping Hollywood from setting up shop here, and why things used to be different.Check out the web version of this story here. This episode was reported and produced by Mae Nagusky. Editing and additional production from Josh Crane, Sabine Poux, Angela Evancie and Myra Flynn. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions. Our executive producer is Angela Evancie.Special thanks to Eric Ford, Tim Kavanaugh, Cemi Guzman, Sarah Witters, Myles Jewell and Hyon Joo Yoo.Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Wesley Davis grew up in the woods of Mount Holly. But there was always one place where he could get high above the trees: the fire tower on top of nearby Ludlow Mountain, at Okemo. He's been curious to learn more about the history of these remote towers scattered across Vermont peaks ever since.Reporter Sabine Poux searches for answers in the early 1900s, when timberland owners and railroads ruled the Vermont landscape. And, she arrives at the doorstep of a couple that found a lifetime of artistic inspiration as fire tower lookouts in southern Vermont.We compiled a map of Vermont fire towers past and present. Find it here.Sabine Poux reported this episode, and did the mix and sound design. Josh Crane produced and edited it. Additional support from Sophie Stephens, Corey Dockser and Joey Palumbo. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's Executive Producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Mark Haughwout, Ron Kemnow, Peter Hayes, Alan Thompson, Keegan Tierney, Prudence Doherty, Juls Sundberg and Liam Elder-Connors. And thanks to Danielle Kovacs and the Robert S. Cox Special Collections and University Archives Research Center at the University of Massachusetts for UMass Amherst Libraries for finding the copy of Visitors, Hugh Joudry's radio play.Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

During the pandemic, Daniel Luttrel heard a lot about how Vermont was renting rooms at hotels and motels to shelter people. And he heard that the state was using a lot of money to do it. So, he asked: “Can't we just buy them?”Reporter Liam Elder-Connors digs into Vermont's motel housing program, and learns that Daniel's question has been asked by everyone from housing advocates to those in charge of the motel program itself. He also meets current and former motel residents to get a better sense of the impact this program has had on one of Vermont's most vulnerable populations.Find the web version of this story here.Liam Elder-Connors reported this episode, and it was produced by Josh Crane and Sabine Poux. Additional support from Sophie Stephens. Angela Evancie is Brave Little State's executive producer. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Every summer, we delve into the history behind unusual road names around the state — as voted on by you. This year's show took us to Tigertown Road in Norwich, Hateful Hill Road in Wallingford and Gerts Knob Road in Underhill.Thanks to this year's question-askers: Claudia Marieb, Sarah Aubry and Judy Raineault.You can find photos from our reporting at the web version of this episode. Check out our previous brief histories of Vermont road names:2018: States Prison Hollow Road, Poor Farm Road, Lime Kiln Road, Kelley Stand Road2019: Mad Tom River Road, Hi-Lo Biddy Road, Star Pudding Farm Road, Sawnee Bean Road2020: Devil's Washbowl, Popple Dungeon Road, Lost Nation Road, Smuggler's Notch2021: Cow Path 40, Agony Hill Road, Texas Falls2022: Iranistan Road, a Jericho grab bag and punny highway signsThis episode was reported, produced, edited and mixed by Josh Crane, Andrea Laurion, Mae Nagusky, Joia Putnoi and Sabine Poux. Angela Evancie is our executive producer. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

“Something was always telling me poetry is your purpose. Being an artist, you know, with the power of words, is your purpose. I was just scared of it.”Omega Jade grew up in church choir in San Diego — far from destined to become one of the most unique voices in Vermont's rap scene. This episode focuses on her journey, and the rise of rap in the Green Mountain State.Thanks to Jeremy Buente for the great question: “Who are some current Vermont rappers? And what's it like to be a rapper in Vermont?”***This episode is explicit. There is swearing and mentions of drug abuse and domestic violence. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Domestic Violence hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website. Or, find substance abuse and mental health support here.***To see photos from our reporting, and find more info about the music in this episode, check out the web version of this story here. And you can find all of Omega Jade's music here.Special thanks to Mary Engisch, Joia Putnoi, Hannah Braun, Amelia Catanzaro, Matthew Fisher, Nadia Frazier, Amina Rhoads, Janvier Nsengiyumva and Luke Gauthier of Equal Eyes Records.This episode was reported by Mae Nagusky, who also did the mix and sound design. Editing and production by Josh Crane, with additional support from Myra Flynn and Sophie Stephens. Angela Evancie is our executive producer. Music from Rico James and Omega Jade.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Just as we were putting the finishing touches on an episode about Vermont rivers and streams, historic flooding ravaged the state. Our rivers weren't always this fast, deep or powerful — we made them this way. And efforts to bring them closer to a more natural state are vital to build future resiliency.  Visit vermontpublic.org/flood for ongoing reporting about the flooding and recovery efforts. And check out the web version of this episode here.Thanks to Gus Goodwin of East Montpelier for the great and timely question.Special thanks to Sophie Stephens, Mark Davis, Bill Keeton, Mary and Greg Russ, Ellen Wohl, Will Elridge, Skip Lisle, and Elizabeth Trail.This episode was reported by Lexi Krupp. Josh Crane edited and produced it, with help from Mae Nagusky. Our executive producer is Angela Evancie. Music by Blue Dot Sessions. As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Julie Cadwallader Staub is curious about the families who are on waiting lists for child care. “What decisions are they forced to make? How are they managing?”To answer Julie's question, we visit with four families in wait list limbo, and learn about the tradeoffs they're making.To see photos of the families we featured today, head to our website.This episode was a true team effort, with reporting, producing and mixing by all of us – Mae Nagusky, Josh Crane, Myra Flynn, and Angela Evancie. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Jan Buonanno, Rob Gurwitt, Peter Engisch, Maria Aguirre, and all the folks who replied to our callout for this episode, to share your own stories about child care waitlists. We are rooting for you! And our show gets lots of help behind the scenes, so a special shoutout to Bryan Holland for starting to get our episodes up on YouTube.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public, and a proud member of the NPR Network.

One of the most common genres of questions we get has to do with local dialect and pronunciation. Today, thanks to question-asker Noah Waxman of Starksboro, we help settle a regional debate involving a beloved market in Central Vermont.Check out the web version of this episode to see photos from our reporting.Thanks to all the people who spoke to us outside the market: Brooke Haynes, Jo Palmer, Niclas Thein, Gail Helmer, Brian Albrecht, Karen Rookwood, Toby Bellows, Scout Vitko and Dick Atkinson. Special thanks to Anna Van Dine, Anna Ste. Marie, Celia Cadwell and, of course, the Mehuron family.This episode was reported and produced by Josh Crane, with support from the rest of the BLS team: Angela Evancie, Myra Flynn and Mae Nagusky. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music. Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.As always, our show is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

In honor of graduation season, we're featuring local stories from high school and college students — all on the theme of “change.”(Heads up, this episode contains a few un-bleeped swears.)You can find the web version of this episode here. A big thanks and good luck to the students whose work we shared today: Emma Ginsberg, Samantha Watson, Bre Glover and Addey Lilley. Thanks to the University of Vermont, Dartmouth College and Harwood Union High School for supporting audio journalism, and to Brittany Patterson, Kevin Trevellyan, Anna Van Dine and Sophie Crane for being excellent teachers. (Full disclosure: Sophie is married to Brave Little State's own Josh Crane.) Special thanks to Kate Youngdahl-Stauss.This episode was produced by Josh Crane, with editing and additional production from the rest of the Brave Little State team: Angela Evancie, Myra Flynn and our intern, Mae Nagusky, who also happens to be a student — she's a rising senior at UVM. Music by Blue Dot Sessions, Podington Bear and the band Tallahassee.Our show gets lots of help from colleagues behind the scenes, so we also want to shout out Francesca Orsini for teaching us how to make the BLS newsletter look extra fancy.As always, our show is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Thanks to Brave Little State and Vermont Public for letting me run this episode on Rumble Strip. You can find Brave Little State wherever you listen to podcasts, and you can read more about them by visiting Vermont Public, at vermontpublic.org. Thanks to Myra Flynn, who worked with me on this show, and the rest of the Brave Little State team: Angela Evancie, Mae Nuguskey and Josh Crane. 

When Tim Rapczynski moved to Barre City, he was caught off guard by a nickname he heard some people use to describe the place: “Scary Barre.” So he asked us about its origin. To find the answer, we confront classism, social stigma — and the role of the media.Thanks to Tim Rapczynski for the great question. You can find photos from our reporting, as well as a full episode transcript, in the web version of this episode. Amanda Gustin, the Barre City resident who left the voicemail at the top of this episode, was also in another episode of ours recently, talking about the history of intentional living communities in Vermont. Special thanks to Ashleigh Ricciarelli, John Ricciarelli, Marianne Kotch, Jim and Larissa Haas, Fran Spaulding, Bob Purvis, Hilary Denton, Ellen Kaye, Scott McLaughlin, Jeannie McLeod, Lila Rees, Tracie Lewis, Braedon Vail, Bern Rose, Peter Hirschfeld, Liam Elder-Connors and the Aldridge Library.Our show gets lots of help from colleagues behind the scenes, so we also want to shout-out Anna Ste. Marie for helping BLS shine on social media.This episode was reported by Mary Engisch and Angela Evancie. Production, mix and sound design by Angela Evancie. Editing and additional production from the rest of the Brave Little State team: Josh Crane, Myra Flynn and Mae Nagusky. Music by Blue Dot Sessions.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

A question from a listener prompts a different kind of conversation about guns. Reporter Erica Heilman talks with five Vermonters about how their lives have been impacted by them, and why they have them.Content warning: This episode contains conversation about suicide, domestic and sexual violence; profanity; substance abuse and gun violence, which might be difficult for some to hear. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available. Just dial 988 to talk to someone at the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.If you're experiencing abuse or violence against you of any kind, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available to you for help or conversation. You can reach them at 800-799-7233.Access a transcript of this episode here. This episode was reported and mixed by Erica Heilman. It was produced by Myra Flynn and Mae Nagusky, with editing and additional production from the rest of the Brave Little State team: Angela Evancie and Josh Crane. If you want to hear more of Erica's interviews, check out her podcast Rumble Strip. She's also the creator of a Vermont Public series called What Class Are You? John Rodgers, one of the folks in this episode, is also featured there. Special thanks to Susan Clark, Louis Porter, Amelia Meath, Renee Falconer, Aimee Farr, Kirk Postalwaite, Marilyn Skoglund, Ingrid Jonas, Karen Tronsgard-Scott, Conor Casey, Will Staats, Tena Starr, Kelly Green, Tobin Anderson, Wynona Ward and Russ Shopland.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public, and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Ella Wegman-Lawless has done her fair share of communal and intentional living in Vermont. She wondered: “How much of Vermont as a place cultivates that?”So she asked us: “Does Vermont have a high number of communes, and if so, what's the deal?” To answer Ella's question, reporter Mae Nagusky surveys intentional living communities in Vermont, past and present: communes, co-ops, eco-villages and the like. If your mind immediately goes to the peace and free love hippies of the ‘60s and ‘70s, you're not alone. And that's a part of the story. But intentional communities take many shapes in our state — and not all of them fit that stereotype.To see photos from Mae's reporting check out our web feature.Mae Nagusky reported this episode, and did the mix and sound design. Josh Crane produced it, with editing and additional production from the rest of the Brave Little State team: Myra Flynn and Angela Evancie. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Lexi Krupp, Eric George, Marlie and Julia Hunt, Hannah Braun, Colin Bradley, Sara Peterson, Colton Francis, Luigi Morelli and the Hungerfort Community House. As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it!Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismLeave us a rating/review in your favorite podcast appTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public, and a proud member of the NPR Network.

A few years ago, Jack Widness of Wilmington and Malcolm Moore of Marlboro were part of a crew clearing trails on Hogback Mountain. They noticed stone walls “all over the place, going up at steep angles, very close to the tops of the mountain.”So Jack and Malcolm asked us: “For what purpose did our Vermont forbears do all the hard work of building stone walls in such different and unusual locations?”When we announced this winning question, a lot of you were like, “Come on, it's totally because of sheep.” But is it really? Or is there more to the story?Reporter Anna Van Dine digs through the layers of Vermont's history, and finds not just an answer about stone walls, but a story about them — and the stories they hold. For deeper reading on this topic, and to see lots of photos of stone walls, check out our web feature. For more on Vermont's geologic history, check out our episode: “How has the geology of Vermont affected its character?”This episode was reported and mixed by Anna Van Dine. Angela Evancie produced it, with scoring and sound design by Josh Crane. Editing and additional production from all of us, and Myra Flynn. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Tom Wessels, and to Rebekah Irwin at the Middlebury College archives. As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it!Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public, and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Musician Noah Kahan wrote “Stick Season” after moving back home to Vermont during the pandemic. Now, it's a worldwide sensation, and listener Sara Morin is wondering what else has made Vermont culturally relevant.So, grab a pint of Phish Food and crack open your favorite local beverage, or go for a wander through the woods wearing homemade mittens — whatever you have to do to get ready for a pop culture edition of Brave Little State.Check out our web feature for photos and a breakdown of some of the cultural highlights discussed in this episode.Myra Flynn reported and produced this episode, and did the mix and sound design. Editing and additional production from the rest of the team: Angela Evancie, Josh Crane and Mae Nagusky. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions, Noah Kahan, Ari Joshua, Russ Lawton and Ray Paczkowski.Special thanks to James Stewart, Mikaela Lefrak, Peter Engisch, Mary Engisch, Mike McCallum, Clay Thomas, Alice Thomas, Oscar Deal and Skylar Clauder.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public and a proud member of the NPR Network.

Christiana Martin wants to know how much short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs, are exacerbating Vermont's housing crisis. We survey the data, and visit two Vermont neighborhoods — Decatur Street in Burlington and Gorham Drive in Kirby — to find out how communities across the state are responding to a growing industry.Thanks to Christiana for the great question. To explore the data from this episode, and see photos from Josh's reporting, check out our web feature.Josh Crane reported and produced this episode, and did the mix and sound design. Editing and additional production from the rest of the Brave Little State team: Angela Evancie, Myra Flynn and Mae Nagusky. Data guidance from April McCullum. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Howard Weiss-Tisman, Jacob Mushlin, Amy Ash Nixon, Madeleine Parkin and Jade Tinsley.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgCall our BLS hotline: 802-552-4880Make a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public, and a proud member of the NPR Network.

So, your electricity rates are rising. Oil and gas costs … also rising. This led Remington Nevin of Quechee to wonder if Vermont's electricity is truly as environmentally friendly as some claim it is. Turns out, the answer is complicated. Climate and environment reporter Abagael Giles provides an education in our power grid and explores how Vermont could generate more renewable energy in the future.Additional resources:Find out how you can participate in the Vermont Department of Public Service's public engagement campaign on renewable electricity hereCheck out a tool from ISO New England that shows you what energy source is powering your electricity right nowCheck out photos from Abagael's reporting in our web featureAbagael Giles reported this episode. Angela Evancie produced it, with lots of help from Mae Nagusky. Mix and sound design by Angela Evancie and Mae Nagusky, with additional help from the rest of the Brave Little State team: Myra Flynn and Josh Crane. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Ben Storrow, John Dillon, Anne Margolis, Matt Kakley, Mara Hoplamazian, Miriam Wasser, Oliver Tully, Jared Duval, Peter Hirschfeld and Brittany Patterson.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Twitter, Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

Matt “Beagle” Bourgault wants to know how Vermont's bedrock and soil shaped our identity — and made us different from our neighbors. We originally released this episode in 2017. A lot has changed since then, but our geologic history has not.To see maps showing the “folds” and “blobs” in our local bedrock, check out our web feature. Related listening:Vermont vs. New Hampshire: What's the beef? (Brave Little State, 2021)Geology is destiny (NEXT New England, 2017)Lynne McCrea edited this episode. Angela Evancie reported and produced it, along with Henry Epp, and did the mix and sound design. The re-release was supported by Brave Little State's Josh Crane, Myra Flynn and Mae Nagusky. This episode featured original scoring by Liam Elder-Connors, with other music by Podington Bear and the Sturbridge Colonial Militia. Our theme music was composed by Ty Gibbons.Special thanks to Andy Friedland, Mary Searles, Paul Rumley, John Dillon and Oliver Riskin-Kutz.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

If you live in Vermont, and you have a terminal illness, where and when you die could be up to you. Charlie Bestard of Hartland asked us about the state's medical aid in dying law: How many Vermonters have used it, and how does the medical establishment view it?To see photos of the Fitch sisters, and their parents, Stanley and Elaine, check out our web feature.Additional listening, from our Vermont Edition colleagues: Connecticut patient sues Vermont over residency mandate in aid-in-dying lawMikaela Lefrak reported this episode. Josh Crane produced it and did the mix and sound design. Editing and additional help from the rest of the BLS team: Angela Evancie, Myra Flynn and Mae Nagusky. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Jaina Clough, Erica Heilman, Tim Lahey, Lynda Bluestein and Chelsea Chalfant.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Twitter, Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

Paintbrushes and blank canvases helped Burlington artist Liza Phillip love their biracial identity. Now, they paint colorful genderless monsters and sing songs on the ukulele to celebrate life beyond traditional binaries.Find original artwork related to this episode at bravelittlestate.org.This is the latest installment of Homegoings, a series from Brave Little State that features conversations with Vermont artists of color. Find the full series here. Also, we have exciting news! On February 11, some of the artists featured in the series will join forces for a soulful evening of performance, art and conversation. Learn more and get your tickets to Homegoings: A Live Performance here.Have a recommendation for a future Homegoings interview? Get in touch with our team by emailing hello@bravelittlestate.org.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Homegoings is a production of Vermont Public, created by the Brave Little State team: Myra Flynn, Josh Crane, Angela Evancie and Mae Nagusky. Mae Nagusky reported, produced and mixed this episode. Myra Flynn composed the theme music. Other music by Liza Phillip, including the song “Do It Cause It Feels Good.”Special thanks to Hannah Braun, Dan Cahill and Remi Lemal-Brown. Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

Vermont is the only state in the Northeast without a freestanding birth center. We dig into the reasons why, and talk to folks who are pushing for change.To see the inside of a freestanding birth center, and some super cute baby photos, check out the web feature for this episode.Special thanks to Scott Fleishman, Gail Zatz, Peter Hirschfeld and all the midwives and birthing peoples who trusted us with their stories.This episode was reported by Joia Putnoi, with mix and sound design by Myra Flynn. Additional editing from Lynne McCrea and the Brave Little State team: Angela Evancie, Josh Crane and Mae Nagusky. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public. bravelittlestate.org

"What happened to all the restaurant workers?" That's the question Vermont Public's Josh Crane recently answered for Brave Little State.

This week, we're bringing you another food-related mystery - this time from our friendly neighbors to the north, Vermont Public and Brave Little State producer Josh Crane. If you go out to eat right now, you're likely to run into restaurants that are struggling because they're missing a crucial ingredient: staff. In this episode, Josh sets out to solve the mystery of the COVID-era restaurant industry exodus, by telling the story of one Vermont diner, The Guilty Plate.  The full version of this story was originally published on December 1, 2022 on Vermont Public's podcast, Brave Little State.   Tell us what you think of Last Seen! Please fill out our short survey.

Many Vermont restaurants are understaffed and struggling to stay open. Khrista Trerotola of Waitsfield wants to know,  “What happened to all the restaurant workers? Where have they gone? And what are they doing now?”To answer Khrista's question, Josh Crane tells the story of one restaurant, from the very beginning to the end of an era. Also, he finds out what the people who used to work there are up to now.To see photos from Josh's reporting, check out our website.Josh Crane reported and produced this episode, and did the mix and sound design. Editing and additional production from Lynne McCrae and the rest of the BLS team: Angela Evancie, Myra Flynn and Mae Nagusky. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions and XTaKeRuX.Special thanks to Nicholas Martin and all the other former restaurant workers who shared their stories with us. Also thanks to our colleagues Bob Kinzel, Liam Elder-Connors, Henry Epp, Lexi Krupp, Nina Keck and Mark Davis.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

Vermont has the most breweries per capita. But the more beer they brew, the more they have to deal with their wastewater. Caleb Henderson of Winooski asked us this: “Breweries and cideries were in the news a few years ago for the wastewater. How are they mitigating their waste now? Has it improved?”Reporter Howard Weiss-Tisman learns how breweries — and communities — are grappling with this issue in different ways. And in many respects, Vermont is ahead of the curve. To see photos from Howard's reporting and find a transcript of this episode, check out our web feature.Howard Weiss-Tisman reported this episode, and Angela Evancie produced it, with research and studio help from Mae Nagusky. Mix and sound design by Josh Crane, Mae Nagusky and Angela Evancie, with additional help from Myra Flynn. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to the crew at the Richmond wastewater plant, the Vermont Brewers Association and Lui Schmit.Disclosure: A lot of the folks Howard talked to and mentioned in this episode either are or have been Vermont Public or BLS underwriters, including The Alchemist, Switchback, Citizen Cider and the Agency of Natural Resources, which houses the Department of Environmental Conservation. And Lawson's Finest Liquids, which also brews a beer named after our show that helps support our station.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

On Anna Costello's first visit to Vermont, she was surprised by the large number of Chinese restaurants compared to the seemingly small number of Asian Americans. So, she asked us: "What's the Asian American experience like in Vermont?"To find the answer, Myra Flynn learns to make bao, tours an Asian market, and talks to some of the leaders within this quiet but booming community here in Vermont.Check out lots of photos from Myra's reporting in our web feature. Myra Flynn reported this episode and did the mix and sound design. Engineering support from Peter Engisch. Editing and additional production from the rest of the Brave Little State team: Angela Evancie, Josh Crane and Mae Nagusky. Music from Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to Mae Nagusky, Marlon Hyde, Ita Meno and Anna Ste. Marie.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Twitter, Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

When the federal government banned alcohol in 1920, Vermonters took matters into their own hands. We head to the Northeast Kingdom to collect stories of cross-border bars, liquor hidden in baby bottles and potato cellar robbery.Thanks to Nathan Bangs for the great question. Check out old photos from Prohibition-era Vermont in our web feature. Want to have a say in which question we tackle in an upcoming episode? Vote here!Kevin Trevellyan reported this episode. Josh Crane produced it, and did the mix and sound design. Editing and additional production from the rest of the Brave Little State team: Angela Evancie, Myra Flynn and Mae Nagusky. Our theme music is by Ty Gibbons. Other music from Blue Dot Sessions.By the way, December 5 will mark the 89th anniversary of the repeal of federal Prohibition. If you want to honor this very random anniversary (or any other special occasion), might we suggest a toast with Brave Little State Pale Ale — that's right, our show has a namesake beer. It's brewed by Lawson's Finest Liquids in Waitsfield and it's available throughout Vermont.Special thanks to Andy Kolovos, Kate Phillips, Peter Martin, Odette Crawford and Adrian Thibeault. As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontVote on the question you want us to tackle nextSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Twitter, Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

A listener asked us how White River Junction became such a thriving place, “when it used to be so bleak.” We talk to some of the people behind the transformation.To see photos of White River Junction, check out our web feature. This year's Gory Daze Halloween Parade is on Saturday, October 29. Find more info here.Angela Evancie reported and produced this episode, with help and editing from the rest of the Brave Little State team: Myra Flynn, Josh Crane and Mae Nagusky. Music in this episode courtesy of local artists Chico Eastridge and Matt Mazur.Special thanks to David Briggs, Joie Finley, Kristen Connor, Jordyn Fitch, Chico Eastridge, Samantha Davidson Green, Pat Stark, Lori Hirschfield, Rebecca Bailey, Rob Schultz, Karen Jamiel and James Stewart.

“Vermont was the first state to abolish slavery.” That's the common refrain around here. Except, the history is more complicated. Reporter Lexi Krupp answers a question from Peter Langella about this oft-misunderstood history, and explores how the legacy of slavery is still reverberating in Vermont today.Check out the web version of this story for photos and additional resources from Lexi's reporting. And thanks to Peter Langella for the great question.Lexi Krupp reported this episode. Mix and sound design by Myra Flynn, with editing and additional production from Angela Evancie, Josh Crane and Mae Nagusky. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.  Special thanks to Kari Winter, Stephanie Seguino, Lindsay Varner, Erica Donnis, Rebecca Zietlow and Thomas Denenberg.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Twitter, Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

Question-asker David Hess was curious about Native stories that speak to the Vermont landscape. Enter Mali Obomsawin's new album, Sweet Tooth. Across three movements, she blends Wabanaki music with free jazz, and ancient stories with new ones, all of which offers a unique look at the land called Vermont.Check out the web version of this episode to see photos and music from Mali Obomsawin. And thanks to David Hess for the great question.Josh Crane reported this episode. Mix and sound design by Josh Crane, with editing and additional production from Angela Evancie, Myra Flynn, Elodie Reed and Mark Davis. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Mali Obomsawin.  Special thanks to Savannah Maher, Gregory Cajete, Seth Bedard, and Melody Mackin, and to Mali Obomsawin for her input and help with this episode.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Twitter, Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

The sale of the Vermont Lake Monsters in 2021 would bring lots of changes. In some ways, it's a story of renewal. But the more things change, the more they stay the same.Reporter Liam Elder-Connors walks us through the changes since the sale, and the traditions that have remained.Check out the web version of this story for photos from our reporting. And thanks to Emma Ramirez-Richer for the great question.Liam Elder-Connors reported this episode. Mix and sound design by Angela Evancie. Engineering support from Peter Engisch; editing and additional production from the Brave Little State team: Angela Evancie, Josh Crane and Myra Flynn. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to Kate Phillips and Kevin Trevellan.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Twitter, Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

We hear from former Vermonters about their love/hate relationship with our state, why they left and what it would take for them to come back.Check out the web version of this story for photos from our reporting. And thanks to My Le Goel for the great question.Myra Flynn reported this episode and did the mix and sound design. Editing and additional production from the Brave Little State team: Angela Evancie, Josh Crane and Myra Flynn. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions, the Plattsburgh State Gospel Choir and Myra Flynn. Special thanks to Peter Hirschfeld, Heidi Kalb, Louise Brill, Kate Blofson and Joe Pace.As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it:Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Twitter, Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public.

A question about finding companionship in the Green Mountain State – from wide-eyed hopefuls to frustrated giver-uppers. Plus, a love story.Thanks to Silas Olsen for the great question. To see photos from this episode, check out our web feature.This episode was reported by Anna Van Dine and produced by Josh Crane. Mix and sound design by Josh Crane. Editing and additional production by the Brave Little State team: Angela Evancie, Myra Flynn and Josh Crane. Ty Gibbons composed our theme music; other music by Blue Dot Sessions.Special thanks to Owen Daniel-McCarter & the folks at Babes, and Torrey Carl, journalistic matchmaker.Love BLS? Want to be part of the team? Come be our first-ever intern! Applications due July 31.Brave Little State is a production of Vermont Public. As always, our journalism is better when you're a part of it: Ask a question about VermontSign up for the BLS newsletterSay hi on Twitter, Instagram and Reddit @bravestatevtDrop us an email: hello@bravelittlestate.orgMake a gift to support people-powered journalismTell your friends about the show!bravelittlestate.org

This week I am joined by NIDA grad and "Professional Auditioner" Josh Crane. We talk about being a child star, the changing landscape of the entertainment industry, dream roles and the elephant in the room...being Ginger.

Normally you hear a mixture of VPR reporters on this show, and that’s not gonna change -- but you’ll also be hearing a lot from our new producers, Myra Flynn and Josh Crane.

  -RIP Xavier -Thoughts on New Jack —“I don’t really buy him whippin’ a** in 2020” -“Dangerous and irresponsible” behavior at Sturgis -Trump vs USPS —MAGA: “I don’t see the greatness” -Dream rap battles -Josh Crane goes shopping for wrestling figures —“Just standing there looking mentally challenged” -“Dream match of the century” —“Who gives a f**k about Frankie Pickard vs ANYONE?!?” -Football season is here! -NBA: “That ‘bubble’ sh*t is the move”  

Steve and Mike are back for Deathmatch News Radio. We are moving Deathmatch News Radio to its own dedicated RSS Feed. This will operate the same way as the current feed and you can listen to us on iTunes, Stitcher and any other podcatcher app you may use. Head on over to https://anchor.fm/s/a0b9ec4/podcast/rss and bookmark that for future use. As always we are a listener supported podcast so if you feel we've delivered value to your day think about sending some value to us at http://patreon.com/deathmatchnews This week we cover all kinds of topics including -GCW's Mania Weekend -Bloodsport -Spring Break -The Collective -CZW vs. Wrestlepro -Brandon Kirk bashing CZW -Tournament of Death, Session Moth Martinez -Best of the Best -Steve Karel investing in CZW -Upcoming GCW shows -Great Sasuke and TOS 4 -Upcoming shows and tournaments -Freedoms March 31 Recap -Toru Sugiura -Takashi Sasaki in BJW -Ikki Tousen Finals -Drew Parker and Josh Crane in Japan

-Josh Crane comes through —“a long, long time coming” —“I’m training while my opponent’s sleep ...” -The Hamhead debacle  —“I only got on Team Hamhead cuz it seemed like the cool thing to do” -More on Crane ... —“We’re fu**ing married ... No Beckham” —“Persistence is key” —“Not gonna’ go out of my way to bash Josh Crane anymore” -Robert Kraft gets caught on “some blowj*b sh*t” -Who is the masked singer? -“The Happytime Murders” -Adam Bueller —“you ain’t Magic Johnson, mfer ...” -Maria Manic “investigated for cannibalism” -Jimmy Lloyd —“I’m not sold on him being the future of anything” -Shane Mercer —“... out there fu**in’ killing it now” -“Where the hell is CZW?” —“Like nothing ... that wants to succeed” -H20 Student photo shoot —“I would worry about his level of strength if he was mowing my fu**ing lawn” —“These guys look pre-pubescent” —“Rightfully shi**ing himself” -Will Onita come? -LuFisto is retiring -“I don’t feel bad shi**ing on wrestling fans ...” —“Clowns will listen to you talk sh*t about them and tune in every fu**ing week” -Undertaker making that f**k money -Sage Sin retires  

Steven is back with Mike talking his trip to Japan, Josh Crane, Sakuda's future, Gage vs. Shlak and more As always let us know what you think with feedback to deathmatchnews@gmail.com If you think I have given your life value think about giving me some value back at my Patreon at HTTP://PATREON.COM/DEATHMATCHNEWS with multiple tier levels of support that give access to interview archives, early podcast access and more. The History of FMW is just one of the podcasts offered with the Wrestling Cult Podcast Network. We also offer the Deathmatch News Radio where Steve and Mike form the Deathmatch Cult Facebook group discuss the news in deathmatch wrestling from the US, Japan and Mexico as well as UK, South Africa, Australia, Chile and so much more. Mike and Bret also have started a new show called Kawasaki dreaming where they go over classic deathmatch topics from around the world and much more in store. Join me on my website, indiewrestlingintl.wordpress.com/ where I will be covering Japanese wrestling indies such as BJW, Basara, Freedoms, DDT, any news covering deathmatches with videos, articles, news reports, results and so much more! I have also launched a podcast series chronicling the History of FMW and various Independent Japanese Wrestling new updates and analysis with friends I meet that you can find at indiewrestlingintl.libsyn.com/website or on rss atindiewrestlingintl.libsyn.com/rss Don't forget to check out bahufmw.com and fmwwrestling.com for all the archived news and results concerning FMW as well as where to buy all the latest Freedoms and classic deathmatch DVD's.

-Comedy is under fire in 2018 —Nick Cannon held down by the ‘white man’ -“I decided I don’t like Meek Mill” -“F**k you. Eat my a**. Love, Maria Manic” -“Because I can ...” -Thoughts on Roman Reigns / Sozio Facebook  -A look ahead to CZW Cage of Death  —The “Wire-y” Champion Jordan Oliver —“A pretty rough show” -IWA King of All Kings —No Filler! —“300-plus pounds of fu**in’ filler” -Neil Diamond Cutter  —“Brother, brother, brother ...” —Josh Crane ... “What’s the problem?” -Wrestlers that mess with underage girls -Shane Mercer’s “a fu**in’ beast”  

Josh Crane of The Coffee Ride talks about his sustainable coffee business practices and growing a brand one bike ride at a time. Along they way, he and Hamish talk about grassroots marketing and how a small business can scale.

Join host Dave Dynasty and producer Ike Isaacs as they discuss part-time wrestlers, and Isaacs interviews Josh Crane. Plus another installment of "Warner's Wisdom" from Mance Warner. You can follow the Dave Dynasty show online at: WEBSITE: http://www.davedynasty.com FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thedavedynasty TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/thedavedynasty INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/the_davedynasty

Special episode of the Dave Dynasty Show collecting interviews with all four members of the Young Dragons: Tripp Cassidy, Ace Perry, Dale Patricks, and Josh Crane. You can follow the Dave Dynasty show online at: WEBSITE: http://www.davedynasty.com FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thedavedynasty TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/thedavedynasty INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/the_davedynasty

"The Undisputed King of Hardcore" is back on the show!! And he's got a lot on his mind ... Topics include: -What's going on with the CZW-"IWA" angle? --What happened backstage on the night Ian cost Tremont the title? --How does Josh Crane fit in? --"This is not my first fu**ing rodeo" --Status of Crane/Patricks with IWA -Thoughts on the Zandig "return"  -Thoughts on DJ Hyde --What stopped the CZW-IWA angle? --Why did it take John Wayne Murdoch so long to get to CZW? -Running weekly shows --Plans for 2017 -Feelings on the current IWA roster -Why is Reed Bentley no longer in IWA? -Thoughts on the Mitch Ryder situation --Axl Rotten's addiction --Corporal Robinson -Thoughts on wrestlers & social media -Kevin Brannen & Carnage Cup -What's the future look like for Death Match Wrestling? -Why has he returned to the ring? --Updates on his health --Evaluating talent in spite of his blindness -Thoughts on CM Punk's brief stint in UFC -How 'Bout Them Cowboys!?!?    

This week we had 5 out of 9 of the participants in this weekend’s “CZW Tournament of Death 14”. We had Conor Claxton, Josh Crane, Matt Tremont, Ron Mathis and of course, The CZW owner DJ Hyde. You do NOT want to miss this episode as DJ Hyde goes over plenty of exclusive news including:CZW possibly joining TNA, WWE & ROH on LIVE PPV this year. CZW releasing their own 24/7 Wrestling Network for 9.99! Introducing CZW to the world on an international level through the CZW studios. Tournament Of Death on June 13th. Talks about possibly bringing in foreign talent again like Aeroboy & Violento Jack. Talks about ROH. His thoughts on MASADA & you heard it here first…he wants MASADA back! CZW working on coming to NY again & possibly to Mexico. CJ Parker & NXT. He CHALLENGES Wayne Murdoch to show up this weekend at TOD 14. Speaks his mind about the former “ECW” arena; the pros & cons about running a show there. Possibly running a 3rd building out of Philadelphia? Nick Gage’s return & what we can expect from him at TOD. His thoughts on the transition from John Zandig’s CZW to the current product. His thoughts on NXT & CZW being the real developmental territory. Thoughts on Sami Callihan now known as “Solomon Crowe” His thoughts on Chris Dickinson & his interview on our show. He talks about the weapons the fans bring & the weedwacker!We also take plenty of calls and talk about #WWE #Moneyinthebank, as well as RAW, ROH, TNA and other various Wrestling topics that were brought up in discussion. We stream live every Tuesday at 8:05 PM EST Time @ www.mixlr.com/THTPodcast. You can also join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/thtpodcast and you can always stream us live or listen to the archives on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Tunein Radio, as well as our website www.THTPODCAST.com. Join us next week as the PWS World Heavyweight Champion “The Boriqua Beast” Dan Maff Join us to talk PWS, JAPW, his time in CZW & ROH, as well as other topics. This is one you don’t want to miss.

From the midwest we will be joined by Josh Crane. He is one of the young stars in his area and competes in several promotions across several states. He is a hungry young wrestler with loads of potential. Join us and find out more about this wrestler in the early stages of his career.

Making his way to Turnbuckle Turmoil for the first time is Josh Crane. He's a young wrestler out of the midwest who is trying to make himself into one of the all time greats out of that area. He's trained at the CZW Dragon Den Academy and has been trying to climb the ladder of success. Having competed in promotions like EPW, Rockstar Pro Wrestling, and D1W he is on his way to a great start. Make sure you tune in and learn more about this rising star.