Beacon Podcast

This week on the podcast, we’re bringing you a special broadcast. Beacon host Cate Blackford sat down with author and advocate Heather McGhee as part of the Authors Guild Foundation’s Pascal Hall Author Series for a conversation about McGhee’s book The Sum of Us and what it can teach us about building solidarity in a… The post What Heather McGhee says we lose when communities are divided first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, we are sharing the full recording of gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows and U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner at a town hall in Old Town hosted by the Maine People’s Alliance (of which Beacon is a project) on May 3, 2026. The two share more on their policy platforms and backgrounds,… The post Who holds politicians accountable? Bellows and Platner point to grassroots organizing first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate is joined by guest host and legislative strategist Gus Dunn-Hindle to break down the latest in Maine politics and local organizing, from Sanford’s new mobile home park rent cap ordinance to growing rent stabilization efforts across the state. They also discuss MPA’s member-led endorsement process, key endorsed candidates, and… The post Maine voters head into high-profile primaries first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast Esther is joined by Andrea Paluso, Director of The Child Care for Every Family Network, and Charlotte Jacobs, community organizer and former program director of a childcare center. They share how both their experience as experts in the field and as parents has shaped their worldview on why free universal child care is crucial — and how we can… The post What it would take to build a truly universal child care system first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Esther is joined by union members and leaders from across Maine for a conversation about why organizing still matters and why more workers are getting involved. Jessie Hargrove, Maine Education Association president; Matthew McDonald, Maine Medical Center nurse and member of the Maine State Nurses Association; and Ally Loukas, pre-K… The post From hospitals to classrooms, Maine unions push for change first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate and Esther unpack the political and human consequences of Pres. Donald Trump’s threats of war crimes and the fragile ceasefire that followed, examining what it means for global alliances, moral leadership, and the growing financial burden on taxpayers. Closer to home, they break down key parts of Maine’s supplemental… The post What’s at stake with Trump’s war rhetoric and the Maine state budget first appeared on Maine Beacon.

Maine’s housing crisis is hitting some of the state’s most overlooked communities: mobile home parks. In this episode, Cate and Esther take a closer look at how corporate ownership is negatively reshaping these parks, where more than one in five are now owned by out-of-state investors. Residents Juliette St. Amand and Marieke Giasson share what… The post The cost of staying: Maine mobile home park residents pushed to the brink as rent spikes first appeared on Maine Beacon.

Ads in the U.S. Senate race are heating up! This week on the podcast, Esther and Cate break down Gov. Janet Mills’ newest attack ad on fellow Democratic candidate Graham Platner, and how words don’t always align with actions. The also take a look at the text messages between the Portland and South Portland police… The post How Janet Mills’ old-school ad attack missed the mark first appeared on Maine Beacon.

Dr. Nirav Shah joins our host Cate Blackford on the podcast to discuss his run for Maine governor and how his background in public health as the former director of the Maine CDC shapes his approach to leadership. He talks about the importance of competent state governance, clear communication and rebuilding public trust. Shah outlines his plans… The post Nirav Shah on public health, housing and the race for governor first appeared on Maine Beacon.

On our latest podcast episode, Esther and Cate look at what has been happening with ICE in Maine and how Mainers have been responding. Beth Weisberger, the owner of Gneiss Spice in Bethel, joins to share why she decided to close her business at the end of January for an anti-ICE strike. They also discuss… The post Why business is political and what to look out for in Maine’s budget hearings first appeared on Maine Beacon.

 On the podcast, Senior Organizing Director Esther Pew interviews Anat Shenker-Osorio, a linguistics and cognition expert, about how movements can more effectively mobilize folks to fight against fascism. Anat explains why simply debunking lies isn’t enough — and why replacing false narratives with truthful, values-driven stories is essential to activating people. She emphasizes the power… The post How language can mobilize people to fight fascism with Anat Shenker-Osorio first appeared on Maine Beacon.

For the first podcast of the new year, Esther is joined by former podcast host Sen. Mike Tipping to preview the legislative session and talk about some priorities, including health care access, taxing the richest Mainers more fairly, and combating ICE’s terrifying tactics closer to home. They also talk about what’s been happening in Minnesota… The post ICE’s unpopularity, taxing the rich and MLK with Sen. Mike Tipping first appeared on Maine Beacon.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner joins our host Cate Blackford this week on the podcast to chat about why he’s jumping into politics and what a true populist agenda looks like to him. Platner shares how his campaign defies the status quo with movement-driven organizing and economic justice at the center. Platner also explains… The post Podcast: Graham Platner on building a movement larger than his U.S. Senate campaign first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate and Channa break down Maine’s big Election Day results — from voters rejecting a restrictive voter suppression law to passing new gun safety measures and a $19 minimum wage in Portland. The two discuss Democratic wins across the country, the strength of grassroots organizing, and voters’ desire for bold… The post Podcast: What Maine’s Election Day says about the future first appeared on Maine Beacon.

Election Day is just around the corner, and Esther and Ben are back to remind Mainers to protect absentee voting by casting a “no” vote on Question 1. On the other statewide referendum, Question 2, they are voting “yes” to make it easier for law enforcement to remove firearms from people who pose a danger… The post Podcast: Absentee voting, gun safety and why mutual aid isn’t enough first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate and Ben break down how the federal shutdown is hitting Maine — from potential SNAP cuts to thousands of state workers facing layoffs — and how a tax conformity issue could leave a $245 million hole in the state budget. They also dig into the latest political shakeups, including… The post Podcast: Federal shutdown, SNAP concerns and Graham Platner make headlines first appeared on Maine Beacon.

Maine Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows joins our host Esther to talk about her vision for a more transparent, community-driven government. She shares ideas for tackling Maine’s toughest challenges — from housing to healthcare — and lays out her plans for universal healthcare, fair taxation, and stronger support for tribal sovereignty. “No… The post Podcast: Shenna Bellows draws on rural Maine roots in campaign for governor first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, we are breaking down the two statewide referendum questions on every Mainer’s ballot. Our hosts, Esther and Ben, explain why voters should vote no on Question 1, as it would make it harder for Mainers to vote by adding numerous restrictions to absentee voting.   On the flip side, they are… The post Podcast: A voter guide to Maine’s 2025 statewide referendums first appeared on Maine Beacon.

Gubernatorial candidate Angus King III shares why he is pivoting from business to politics in our latest podcast episode. The founder and former president of Peaks Renewables chats with our host Cate Blackford on how he plans to solve some of the biggest problems Mainers are facing today, such as the cost of living, housing… The post Podcast: Angus King III brings a business mindset to the governor’s race first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree discusses her political journey, starting from her early involvement in Maine’s small communities and her recruitment to the state legislature. The former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives tells our host Ben Chin about her efforts on the Kids Safe Products Act, marriage equality, healthcare… The post Podcast: Hannah Pingree stresses urgency on housing, climate in run for Maine governor first appeared on Maine Beacon.

In an off-kilter move for someone who is reportedly gearing up to challenge Sen. Susan Collins for her seat, Governor Janet Mills on Monday offered universal praise for Collins’ actions in office. “She’s in a tough position,” said Mills. “I appreciate everything she is doing.” Collins, who has long been personally friendly with Mills, said… The post Podcast: Mills should be pressuring Collins, not praising her first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Ben Chin sits down with Rep. Rafael Macias (D-Topsham), a retired naval officer and first-time legislator. Rafael reflects on the past session including a landmark bill ensuring farmworkers receive minimum wage, the hurdles of budget negotiations, and frustrations with the lack of progressive action despite a Democratic majority. Rafael also… The post Podcast: Rafael Macias challenges Maine Democrats to deliver first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, we are revisiting Ben’s conversation with grassroots organizing expert Marshall Ganz for a special encore episode. The two discussed how to strengthen organizing skills, effectively build a movement, and create lasting change. Ganz is a senior lecturer in leadership, organization and civil society at Harvard University and the author of… The post Podcast: Marshall Ganz on the problems of modern organizing first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Ben, Cate and Channa dig into Sen. Susan Collins’ latest string of controversial votes — from confirming far-right conspiracy theorist Joe Kent and former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro, to approving funding for a $1 billion jet for Trump on the back of taxpayers. Also, health insurance rates are proposed… The post Podcast: The battles over health insurance and voting rights in Maine first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate and Ben interview Jordan Wood — a Democrat who is looking to unseat Sen. Susan Collins. Before running for the U.S. Senate, Wood served as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Katie Porter, where he supported her work taking on Wall Street banks and financial interests. He also previously served… The post Podcast: How Sen. candidate Jordan Wood would take on Collins and big money first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Ben, Cate and Channa dig into the Trump administration’s restrictions on federally funded programs, including Head Start, which serves about 3,000 kids in Maine. Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey has joined a coalition of 21 Democratic attorneys general suing to block these restrictions that target immigrants without legal status and would… The post Podcast: Building a universal childcare system that works for all first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Ben, Cate and Channa dig into how Pres. Donald Trump’s budget bill injects roughly $170 billion into immigration and border enforcement with minimal oversight, while creating new barriers to legal immigration. It also weakens and erodes protections for children and immigrants.  Channa explains why Trump’s “Alligator Alcatraz” and new border… The post Podcast: Why Americans are backing immigration under Trump’s presidency first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate chats with Garrett Martin of the Maine Center for Economic Policy. They do some unpacking on what the new federal tax bill really means for Maine families. Garrett breaks down how deep cuts to programs, like stricter work requirements for Medicaid and food assistance could leave many Mainers without… The post Podcast: The real cost of Trump’s federal budget bill first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Andy O’Brien from the Maine AFL-CIO provides an overview of the wins and losses for labor from the 2025 legislative session. Key wins included the rejection of $40 million in childcare cuts, continued funding for free school meals, improved retirement security for mental health workers, and expanding minimum wage to… The post Podcast: Breaking down Maine labor wins and losses in 2025 legislative session first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Ben, Cate and Esther breakdown the final state budget, including wins like the new mansion tax, boosted child tax credit, and more support for General Assistance. Cate also dives into what didn’t make the cut, such as necessary funding for Maine’s family planning network. Esther shares an overview of recent… The post Podcast: Inside Maine’s part 2 budget deal first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Lisa Margulies from Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund joins Cate to break down the serious threats in Pres. Donald Trump’s federal budget reconciliation bill. The proposal would block Planned Parenthood from participating in Medicaid (MaineCare), cutting off care for more than 1.1 million people. This could mean closing nearly 200… The post Podcast: How the federal budget threatens reproductive healthcare and Mainers first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate and Ben share with our listeners how everyday Mainers can take action to protect essential programs and urge lawmakers like Sen. Susan Collins to stand up against federal budget cuts that would slash health care and food assistance while handing a $1.5 trillion tax break to the rich. Plus,… The post Podcast: Trump’s budget is a disaster. Here’s what you can do about it. first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Esther, Cate and Ben are together to discuss the Maine state budget, as well as the federal budget proposal from the Trump administration. In Maine, lawmakers are considering a tax on income over a million dollars (which is supported by a majority of Mainers). On the federal level, the budget… The post Podcast: How Trump’s budget cuts would hurt Mainers first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey breaks down how his office is standing up to President Donald Trump’s executive orders, holding Big Tech and Big Oil accountable, and defending immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights. With an 80% success rate in federal legal challenges, Frey shares why the rule of law still matters… The post Podcast: AG Aaron Frey on defending Maine from Trump administration policies first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate connects with Charlotte Jacobs — a parent and  childcare provider at Seedlings to Sunflowers Nonprofit Childcare and Family Center in Gorham — and Hazel Willow, a Maine parent who has utilized Head Start and now advocates for protecting childcare services and workers. “My child’s last day living in the… The post Podcast: ‘A Day Without Childcare’ and the real cost of care gaps first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Ben interviews award-winning author Ron Currie on his latest novel “The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne”. Currie’s new book takes place in his hometown of Waterville, ME, and explores Franco-American cultural and economic struggles. Even through fiction writing, Currie draws from personal experiences and dives into intimate themes of… The post Podcast: Ron Currie explores Franco-American culture through fiction writing first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, we are bringing back an episode from May 2024 with Luc Kuanzambi, who immigrated to Maine from the Congo. Although this episode was recorded a year ago, Kuanzambi’s message could not be more important: Americans need to be listening to immigrants’ stories firsthand. “The American public is not familiar with… The post Podcast: What the media gets wrong about the Maine immigrant experience first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate brings listeners to the State House, where she momentarily steps out of a public hearing regarding Maine’s paid family and medical leave (PFML). She is joined by Maine People Alliance members’ Cassie Nedwell and Amy Jane Larkin, who share their personal stories that highlight the need for PFML. “With… The post Podcast: Protecting paid family and medical leave for Mainers first appeared on Maine Beacon.

Esther, Cate and Ben are back together to discuss why tax fairness is a crucial part of building a more equitable future for Maine. They touch on how Mainers are putting the pressure on Sen. Susan Collins, delivering a letter signed by 1,300+ Mainers urging her to oppose new tax cuts for the ultra wealthy… The post Podcast: Why Trump’s tax plan would leave everyday Mainers ‘paying more, getting less’ first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Esther is joined by Jan Collins, the assistant director of Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition (MPAC). After Jan’s son was incarcerated in 2012, she became intimately aware of the horrors happening within Maine’s prison system and began fighting to break down harmful stereotypes and inhumane practices. Esther and Jan discuss the… The post Podcast: Building a more humane justice system in Maine with Jan Collins first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate and Ben dive into the real-life impact of national immigration policies right here in Maine. They break down some recent high-profile ICE arrests, including a viral TikTok video out of Waldo County and the troubling case of a truck driver detained in Lewiston. They also take a hard look… The post Podcast: Trump administration targets immigration (again) first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Ben sits down with artists Natasha Mayers and Anita Clearfield to discuss the intersection between art and activism. They share the role art has in shaping political movements, and how they’ve seen their work make an impact in the past. In 2012, Natasha founded the Artist Rapid Response Team (ARRT!),… The post Podcast: How art fuels activism with Natasha Mayers and Anita Clearfield first appeared on Maine Beacon.

This week on the podcast, Cate and Esther do a deep dive on what is happening with health care at the state and federal level. They break down three bills that would help reform Maine’s health care system by: preventing medical debt from affecting consumer reports, preventing AI from denying health insurance claims, and addressing… The post Podcast: How you can fight for fairer health care at the State House first appeared on Maine Beacon.

On this episode of the podcast, Ben, Cate and Esther provide an overview on what’s happened at the federal level this past week — from Pres. Donald Trump’s unconstitutional threat to deport a Palestinian activist with a green card, to how the potential Canadian boycott of Maine would impact the state’s local businesses and overall… The post Podcast: What Trump’s trade war means for Maine and more budget threats first appeared on Maine Beacon.