Healthy Maine Talks

Happy Earth Day! For this episode of HMT Matt speaks with Keith Carson, former meteorologist turned Director of Environment and Science Communications at Maine Conservation Voters. Matt and Keith talk about how to effectively communicate about issues like climate change. As Keith says in the interview, it's important to meet folks where they're at, and sometimes that means the first goal is just to make sure they see the same reality as you. 

On 4/30 MPHA and AARP co-hosted a “Community Conversation on Health, Aging, and Resilience in Rural Maine” at the Cobscook Institute in the Township of Trescott. About 15 folks showed up from the surrounding towns to share what’s top of mind for them when it comes to their own health and the well-being of their communities. Hear what some of them had to say in this episode of Healthy Maine Talks. Check out the housing resource we discussed that older adults can use to find vetted tenants, Nesterly. 

Happy National Public Health Week! For this episode Matt speaks with University of New England Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Gwendolyn Mahon, M.Sc., Ph.D. about UNE's new Institute of Public and Planetary Health. We dig into the Institute's mission and how it's aiming to support students and have a positive impact in Maine and across the world. We're also excited to announce an innovative,  transdisciplinary workforce training partnership between UNE and MPHA, see more details here. Update 4/28: UNE recently announced a $5 million gift from entrepreneur, activist, and impact investor David Evans Shaw to advance the University’s work at the intersection of environmental and human health. The new institute is now named the Shaw Institute of Public and Planetary Health. 

For this episode of Healthy Maine Talks Matt interviews Carey S. Cadieux, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, RYT, FAAN. Dr. Cadieux is a subject matter expert in medical cannabis, an Associate Professor of Nursing at Binghamton University, and Past President of the American Cannabis Nurses Association. Matt and Dr. Cadieux discuss pending legislation in Maine, LD 1847, that would implement contaminant testing and tracking in Maine's medical cannabis market to ensure safety and transparency for patients. 

For this episode Matt takes you around the Maine State House during the Conservation + Wabanaki Alliance + Youth Lobby Day--a collective effort to show lawmakers that Mainers across generations and communities care deeply about climate action, land and water protection, and Wabanaki sovereignty.Here's more info about each of the groups Matt interviews in the episode:- Maine Farmland Trust - Wabanaki Alliance - Maine Environmental Education Association

Recorded on Jan 7, this in person event featured four panelists who are working across the state to strengthen Maine's downtowns. Co-hosted and moderated by the Maine Development Foundation's Maine Downtown Center & MPHA, this discussion digs deep into the importance of social connection, and how to foster it through smart design, programming, and plain old scrappiness.Speakers:Lisa Miller: Maine Alliance for Health & Prosperity C.J. Opperthauser: Friends of Congress Square Park, Portland Kristina Cannon: Main Street SkowheganTeresa Valliere: Friends of Woodfords Corner, Portland *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

For this episode, Matt speaks with Melanie Ferris, President-elect of the Board at the Minnesota Public Health Association about the public health repercussions of ICE operations in Minnesota, and our very own backyard here in Maine. 

Originally recorded in August 2025, this episode of Healthy Maine Talks features Henry Frank and Ethan Baker of LifeFlight of Maine, a nonprofit committed to ensuring that every person, in every community in Maine, has access to critical care and medical transport. Big thank you to MPHA's summer intern, Tara Sangal, for hosting and producing this episode!*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

For this episode Matt interviews Bruce King, Executive Director of Maine Boys to Men, an organization that works to empower boys and men to embrace and reimagine their own masculinity and build safer, stronger communities. *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

For this episode Matt speaks with Lisa Sockabasin, MS, RN, Co-CEO, Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness. Lisa is a citizen of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Motahkomikuk, and has worked to build Wabanaki Public Health & Wellness into an incredible resource and support system for indigenous communities, and people all across Maine. Check out Aunties on Air...And Some Uncles Too, a podcast co-hosted by Lisa that amplifies indigenous voices while building powerful connections through conversations, culture and community. *This episode was recorded in June 2025*

For this episode, Matt explores Maine's outdoor recreation economy, a $3+ billion industry that helps get people outside, safeguard Maine's natural environment, and improve health. Check out Maine's 10 Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap here.Big thanks to the folks who contributed to this episode: Jeff McCabe: Director, Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation, Department of Economic & Community DevelopmentAustin French, MBA: Project Director, Outdoor Recreation Hub of Excellence, University of Maine at FarmingtonJenna Vanni: Owner, Woods + Waters Gear Exchange*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Welcome to our first "Healthy Maine Snapshot". Moving forward, we'll feature a monthly snapshot that's shorter than our typical episodes, highlights a health issue and gives practical tips for how to keep you, and your loved ones healthy and safe. For this snapshot we discuss the importance of lung cancer screening with Nicole Heanssler, Associate Director of Cancer Center Partnerships at the American Cancer Society, and Snow Tardif, Program Manager for the Lung Cancer Screening Program at Maine Health for the Maine Medical Center's Portland Campus. Snow and Nicole are representing the Maine Lung Cancer Screening Workgroup. Check out more info here:"Can Lung Cancer Be Found Early?"State of Maine Proclamation on Pink and Pearl Awareness Weeks*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Welcome to the second installment of our special series in October around Mental Health Awareness Month. For this episode, Matt went up to Bremen, Maine to check out the Hearty Roots Campus for Mindful Adventure on the shores of Biscay Pond. Haley Bezon, Founder and Executive Director of Hearty Roots, shares the history of the group, it's mission to guide youth off the grid and into their hearts, and how its new 100+ acre campus helps them fulfill that mission. *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Welcome to the first installment in our series honoring Mental Health Awareness Month in October. For this episode, Matt comes to you from Bangor ME at the Maine Council on Aging's Change AGEnt Summit, where he speaks to Anna Guest, MCOA's Power in Aging Director, and Dr. Delvina Miremadi-Baldino, keynote speaker at the summit and Executive Director of Maine Youth Thriving. Delvina is also a former guest on Healthy Maine Talks (check out her full episode here). And a reminder that Maine Public Health Association's annual conference is Oct 27th, and our theme this year, "Connections Build Health: Sparking Conversations, Strengthening Communities," ties in well with this episode of Healthy Maine Talks. See more details and registration info here.*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Welcome to another installment of our special series that takes a peak behind the curtain of public health in Maine, and highlights the positive impact that federal funding can have on our communities. For this episode, Matt chats with Melissa Fochesato, MPH--Director of Mid Coast Hospital Community Health at MaineHealth. 

In this episode of Healthy Maine Talks, Matt sits down with Monique Coombs, Director of Community Programs at Maine Coast Fishermen's Association. Monique is working to keep fishermen healthy and working waterfronts thriving well into the future. She digs into those efforts and more in the episode. Plus, she teaches Matt a new word: Solastalgia. *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Buckle up, this episode's a blast. A few months ago MPHA went to a Sea Dogs game (the minor league baseball team in Maine), for a member outing. It was a chance to connect with each other and just generally have a grand old time. We also took the opportunity to chat with people coming to the game (not just MPHA members). We asked them a simple question: What do you love about public health? Tune into this episode to hear what they said. *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Heather Drake, MPH joins Healthy Maine Talks to highlight findings from the 2025 Maine Shared Community Health Needs Assessment. Heather serves as the Program Manager for the Maine Shared CHNA, which she describes as a menu of what's happening across the state that partners can use to improve health and well-being in their communities. Check out the Maine Shared Community Health Needs Assessment reports here. *Thank you to Tara Sangal, MPHA intern, for her editing support on this episode**This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

The latest installment of our special series on federal policy features Dr. Brian C. Castrucci, President and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation.Brian and Matt dig into three areas:- A recent survey from the de Beaumont Foundation, "100 Days In: Americans' Perceptions and Expectations About Health" that gauges peoples' views on health across the political spectrum.- Marketing/communicating public health's return on investment - Striking the right balance between being idealistic vs. being effective Enjoy the episode!*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

In this "in the field" episode of Healthy Maine Talks Matt heads up to the City of Bangor to explore the connection between public health and economic development. Spoiler alert: They're inextricably connected. Here's a rundown of the folks Matt spoke to for this episode:Anne Krieg, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Bangor Matt Dexter, Executive Director of the Christine B Foundation, which provides medically tailored meals to cancer patients in and around Bangor. www.chrisbfund.orgJamie Comstock, Health Promotion Program Manager at Bangor Public Health and Community Services*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

In the latest installment of our series looking at federal policy decisions that will impact Maine, Matt speaks with Jolene Luce, BSHA, Program Director for Western Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Jolene shares details about the critical shortage of health care workers in rural Maine, and how AHEC, a federally funded program through HRSA, is working to recruit and retain more medical professionals to live and work in rural Maine. *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

This episode is the first in a special series here at Healthy Maine Talks where we'll dig into upcoming policy decisions in D.C. that will impact communities in Maine. For this episode we cover SNAP and SNAP-Ed. There's a lot of unknowns right now about what's happening in D.C, but what we do know is SNAP and SNAP-Ed are potentially on the chopping block as Congress considers the reconciliation bill and the future budgets. Hannah Siladi has a history of working with SNAP-Ed in Maine, and she joins Matt in this episode to share details about these programs in Maine and why they're a lifeline for families and older adults in our state.

We're kicking off this summer's "Healthy Maine Talks" tour across Maine with Matt's visit to Skowhegan, lovingly referred to by some locals as "Skowvegas." Over the last several years, Skowhegan has undergone a major transformation, with a booming local economy, and an increasingly tight connection to the beautiful natural resources that surround it, particularly the Kennebec River. Matt chatted with folks around town about how things have changed and what the future might look like, and he sat down for an inside look at how the revitalization happened with the president and CEO of Main Street Skowhegan (MSS), Kristina Cannon. Photos from the day:Kristina Cannon over the Kennebec River, site of the future river park Skowhegan's murals, depicting the history and future of the town The Skowhegan Outdoors Base Camp, a gear library where you can rent anything from a white water kayak to a youth mountain bike.Kennebec River Gorge"Skowvegas" decor in Unwined, a local wine bar that features mocktails and more*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

This special episode of Healthy Maine Talks covers the second event in our "Pollinator Series"--events that brings folks together across the state around issues related to health and wellness that matter in their communities. The theme for this event, "Rewilding Your Yard", covers practical tips for how you can bring biodiversity back to your home environment. Big thank you to Andrew Tufts, the Bringing Nature Home Manager at Maine Audubon, for speaking at the event and to Viles Arboretum for co-hosting us. And check out the photo here with the plants/labels that Andrew references during the talk! *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

To mark Mental Health Awareness Month, Matt sat down with Dr. Delvina Miremadi-Baldino, the new Executive Director of Maine Youth Thriving. Dr. Miremadi-Baldino is a psychologist who specializes in fostering resilience in both adults and children. In this episode of Healthy Maine Talks she shares the work MYT is doing to encourage positive environments, experiences and relationships for young people in Maine. Spoiler alert, we all have a role to play!*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

For this episode of Healthy Maine Talks Matt sits down with Noël Bonam, AARP Maine's State Director, to discuss "Vital Voices", the group's new survey that highlights issues that impact adults age 45 and older in Maine. *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

In honor of National Public Health Week 2025, please check out this special episode of Healthy Maine Talks featuring a real example of public health in action in Maine's communities. Jennifer Gunderman, MPH,  Director of Public Health & Community Services for the City of Bangor, joins us to share her team's response to the ongoing HIV outbreak in the Bangor area. We cover evidence-based approaches to containing an outbreak, combating stigma and more. *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

In this "in the field" episode of Healthy Maine Talks, Barrett Takesian, Executive Director of Portland Community Squash, shows Matt around the PCS facilities and shares the inside scoop on how his team is building community in a meaningful, and sustainable way.  *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Welcome to the first installment of our new Pollinator Series on Healthy Maine Talks! We're taking HMT on the road across Maine to meet people and talk about what public health means to them in their communities. This episode covers our first event, "Nature & Health", that we held at Penobscot River Trails in Grindstone, ME, co-sponsored by Teens to Trails. Tune in to hear from folks about why its important to them to get outside all year round for their physical and mental health. *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Dr. Dora Mills, Chief Health Improvement Officer at MaineHealth, joins Healthy Maine Talks for this month's episode. Dr. Mills, a longtime champion for health and former Maine CDC Director, shares some history about Maine's public health system, reflects on the current moment, and gives tips on how we can communicate to people that public health has their backs.*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Tune in for this special episode featuring Nafeesha Mitchell, Program Leader with the Groundwater Institute and the Principal of B² Consulting. Matt and Nafeesha dig into the dynamics of power, and the current moment.

Dr. Amy Mayhew, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, joins Healthy Maine Talks to discuss the impact of high potency cannabis use among young people in Maine.According to Dr. Mayhew, high potency cannabis use can alter a young person's brain development and increase their risk for anxiety, depression, and more severe mental illness.If you're interested in helping MPHA advocate for responsible cannabis policies to reduce youth use and encourage a more transparent medical cannabis industry, fill out the form here for more info.*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Check out this year-end episode of Healthy Maine Talks, featuring reflections on MPHA's 40th annual conference from some of the attendees, as well as an interview with Ed Miller--longtime board member and one of the signers of the MPHA's articles of incorporation in 1984. Ed shares how MPHA has helped shape public health in Maine over the last 40 years. Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year!*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Neil Kiely, CEO of Androscoggin Bank, joins Healthy Maine Talks to share how the bank, a Certified B Corporation, leverages its networks and resources to drive community benefit across Maine. Tune in to hear Matt and Neil dig into the ways our financial institutions can strengthen economic prosperity and community health at the same time!*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Don Hoppert, Director of Government Relations for the American Public Health Association, joins Matt for this special post-election episode of Healthy Maine Talks. Don gives his perspective on the potential implications the election results will have for public health across the country and shares ways that people can engage with APHA to protect public health funding and more. 

For this month's episode Kara Kaikini, MS, IBCLC, Executive Director of the Maine State Breastfeeding Coalition, joins Healthy Maine Talks. Kara digs into the wide range of benefits that breastfeeding has for parent and child, and describes the work she and her team are doing to ensure breastfeeding people have the support they need to be successful. Check out a ton of great resources below around supporting lactating employees in the workplace and more. Returning to work employee toolkitLGBTQIAS2+ reference for professionalsResources for workplaces to support lactating employeesLactation friendly workplace recognition program *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

We're excited to welcome back our first ever returning guest to Healthy Maine Talks, Ambassador Maulian Bryant! This episode was recorded before the news officially broke that Ambassador Bryant has been tapped to lead the Wabanaki Alliance as the organization's next Executive Director. Ambassador Bryant joins us to reflect on five years of celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Maine and what comes next for the Wabanaki Alliance. Please check out Ambassador Bryant's first episode where she gives more background on the Wabanaki Nations and their relationship to the state of Maine. 

Evan Murray, Civic Engagement Director of the League of Women Voters of Maine, joins Matt for this bonus episode of Healthy Maine Talks to share tips and tools for non-partisan GOTV. You can check out the League of Women Voters of Maine's voter guide here for information about candidates and voter registration: https://www.vote411.org/. Check out APHA's Vote for Health campaign here. Now get out and vote (early) and encourage your friends and neighbors to do the same!*This episode was recorded on 9/26**This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

In this month's episode, Jennifer Hutchins, Executive Director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits, shares MANP's vision for how we can support nonprofit organizations that play an essential role in our economy and quality of life. *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Welcome to our second special episode of Healthy Maine Talks focused on PFAS (recorded Friday, August 23rd). Background:On Monday, August 19th, more than a thousand gallons of AFFF fire fighting foam containing high concentrations of PFAS-- a class of "forever chemicals" associated with significant health concerns--was accidentally discharged at the Brunswick Executive Airport due to a malfunctioning fire suppression system. For this episode, Matt interviews Dr. Gail Carlson, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Colby College. Dr. Carlson's research focuses on chemical pollution in Maine, including PFAS.You can also check out this recent Portland Press Herald article, which includes Dr. Carlson's reactions to the initial testing of the Brunswick spill site.*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

On Monday, August 19th, more than a thousand gallons of AFFF fire fighting foam containing high concentrations of PFAS-- a class of "forever chemicals" associated with significant health concerns--was accidentally discharged at the Brunswick Executive Airport due to a malfunctioning fire suppression system. Craig W. Douglas, PE, General Manager of the Brunswick & Topsham Water District, joins Healthy Maine Talks for this special episode to share information about why the district believes there is currently no impact to the public water supply from the spill, and what they're doing to monitor the situation. If residents in the area with private wells are concerned and want to access water from the Brunswick & Topsham Water District while they await testing results for their own wells, they can create an account and access the bulk filling station at the district ($8.77 for roughly 750 gallons). Please contact the district for more information.If you want to buy in-home water filter systems as a precaution, here are some resources to reference: Consumer Reports Environmental Working Group *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

In this episode Matt speaks with Gabriela Alcalde MPH, DrPH, Executive Director of the Sewall Foundation. Gabriela shares Sewall's theory of change and how the foundation went through a radical re-thinking of its mission and strategy to center equity, community, and trust in all its work. *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

For this bonus episode of the podcast, Matt sits down with Anna Krueger, MS, an epidemiologist at the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention, to discuss H5N1, otherwise known as avian flu. *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Rose Lundy, a public health reporter at the Maine Monitor, walks Matt through her groundbreaking series that investigated Maine's long-term care facilities.  Tune in to hear about the problems that Rose uncovered, and how we can potentially move forward to improve long-term care for people in Maine.  *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

For this month's episode, Matt speaks to Shelley Hearne, DrPH, the Deans Sommer and Klag Professor of the Practice in Public Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Director of the Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy. Shelley shares why it's critically important for public health professionals to engage in policy-making right now, and simple ways you can make your voice heard and serve as a resource for policymakers.Check out the recent book that Shelley co-authored, Policy Engagement - a field guide for public health practitioners, from government workers to nonprofit leaders, on engaging with policymakers to create a healthier, more equitable world.*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Sarah Alexander from the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) joins Matt to discuss how we can incentivize local, organic food production that supports and nourishes communities.  To learn more check out MOFGA's website.

For this bonus episode of Healthy Maine Talks, Matt sits down with Barry Chaffin, co-founder and managing partner of Nova Analytic Labs, one of a handful of certified, licensed cannabis testing facilities in Maine. Barry and Matt discuss the lack of sufficient testing and oversight in Maine's medical cannabis program and how it puts consumers at risk. Nova Analytic Labs recently conducted its own testing of medical cannabis products, and found that 20.73% of the samples tested failed for pesticide contamination. Despite the lack of adequate testing, Maine's legislators are considering policy changes that would weaken oversight of the medical cannabis program even further. 

For this month's episode, Heather Paquette, new President of Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, and Laura Vinal, Senior Manager of Community Initiatives, join Matt to discuss food insecurity, an issue that intersects health, nutrition and community well-being.  Heather and Laura share how the organization is working alongside partners and community members to implement Maine’s Roadmap to End Hunger by 2030. To learn how you can donate, volunteer, and advocate to end hunger in our communities, visit www.feedingmaine.org.*This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Jennifer Boothroyd, MPA, CCP, Manager of Sustainability at Northern Light Health, joins Healthy Maine Talks to discuss climate resiliency and what that means for Maine's health systems. Jen digs into Northern Light Health's climate resiliency plan, "Keeping Our Promisein the Face of Change" and shares how other health systems can learn from their experience. *This Healthy Maine Talks episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*

Adam Nordell, Campaign Manager at Defend Our Health and previous owner of Songbird Farm in Unity, Maine, joins the podcast to share his experience with severe PFAS contamination on his farm and how it's impacted his family and livelihood. Adam's story is deeply personal and we're grateful to him for sharing it with us and for the work he is doing with Defend Our Health to combat PFAS contamination in Maine. Check out their website for more information: https://defendourhealth.org/. *This episode is supported by the New England Public Health Training Center*