Maine Policy Matters

Maine Policy Matters is the official podcast of the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center, where we draw inspiration from Maine Policy Review to discuss the policy matters that are most important to Maine’s people and why Maine policy matters at the local, state, and national levels. Our title reinforces the mission, vision, and values of the Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center to inform public policy processes and promote civil discourse to solve the critical issues facing Maine and the nation.

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MPM is available on all major streaming platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud, YouTube, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.

Episodes

Split image with MPM logo on the left and food and vegetables on the right.
General News | MPM S7

S7E2 Feeding Maine: The Fight Against Hunger in Urban and Rural Communities

In this episode, we interview Heather Paquette, Kelly Sirimoglu, and Justin Strasburger on the prevalence of food insecurity in Maine. Resources Coming Soon. Transcript [00:00:00] Kelly Sirimoglu: Food insecurity in this region is really interwoven with poverty, transportation security, lack of state resources, high levels of poor health, and high levels of disability. So it’s […]

Scenery split in half, with left side depicting a growing field and the right a dry field.
MPM S7

S7E1 Climate Resilience in Maine: Protecting Communities and Infrastructure

In this episode, we feature a special host, Nicole Leblanc, who is a writer for our podcast. This episode focuses on climate resilience, Maine’s efforts toward clean energy and transportation, and Maine’s climate change infrastructure and will have two segments. The first will feature a one-on-one interview with Chief Engineer for the Maine Department of […]

Illustration of a hand holding a nasal naloxone unit. Image courtesy of OPTIONS.
MPM S6

S6E3 Harm Reduction: Compassionate Solutions to Maine’s Opioid Epidemic

Byjheim

In this episode, we interview Gordon Smith, Alex Rezk, Dr. Rachel Solotaroff, and Glenn Gordon on the opioid epidemic in Maine. Resources: Transcript [00:00:00] Dr. Rachel Solotaroff: As we have advanced our definitions of a substance use disorder, it’s an understanding that it’s a spectrum disease, right? It’s not black or white, it’s not good […]

Shenna Bellows Headshot
MPM S6

S6E2 Behind the Ballot: Voting Integrity in Maine with Shenna Bellows

Byjheim

In this episode, we interview Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows on election processes, election security, the importance of local municipal elections, and semi-open primaries. This episode explores the extensive systems Maine employs to protect the democratic process. Secretary Bellows provides an in-depth look at how the state ensures every vote is counted accurately, discussing […]

WiFi networks top view highlighting citywide access.
MPM S6

S6E1 Maine Broadband Access Part 2: Digital Equity, Attitudes, and Access

Byjheim

This episode is part 2 of a two-part series on the status of broadband in Maine, with today’s topic focusing on digital equity, attitudes, and access. As we discussed in part one, Maine is uniquely situated for addressing the challenge of getting broadband access to every person, from urban to rural towns, both having their […]

Meet the Team

Jonathan Rubin, Podcast Publisher

Barbara Harrity, Maine Policy Review Coeditor

Joyce Rumery, Maine Policy Review Coeditor

Eric Miller, Podcast Host

Jayson Heim, Podcast Producer, Writer

Kathryn Swacha, Writing Consultant

Amanda Levesque, Podcast Intern

Nathanael Batson, Music Composer

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The information provided in this podcast by the University of Maine System, acting through the University of Maine, (the University) is for general educational and informational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the author(s) and speaker(s) and do not represent the official policy or position of the University. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of the position of any entity other than the author(s) and speaker(s). All information in the podcast is provided in good faith, however the University makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information in the podcast and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in the information in this podcast or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its broadcast or use. It is the listener’s responsibility to verify their own facts. Your use of the podcast and your reliance on any information in the podcast is solely at your own risk. The podcast does not contain nor is it intended to contain any legal advice. Any legal information provided is only for general informational and educational purposes, and is not a substitute for legal advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, the University encourages you to consult with an appropriate legal professional or licensed attorney.