Lydia's Lunch Bunch

Lost Valley's Travis Dow and John Herrick join Mark and Pam to talk about a jam-packed summer full of fun. They highlight live music, community fundraisers, comedy, improved running/walking trails, Wishes in the Valley, a new Brew Pub menu, DIY Tie Dye Part Deux, and a Team USA Soccer Viewing Party on Friday!

Auburn Community Concert Band Founder, Director, and Conductor, Milt Simon, joins Mark and Jacey to provide a bit of history on the band's 45th concert season. He also shares his partnership with the City of Auburn, keys to the band's success and longevity, and much more! Don't miss their outdoor concert season kickoff on Wednesday, June 17!

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark, Pam, and Jacey sample some On the Rocks Piña Colada cocktail in a can and it's goooooood! They also chat about things that used to be affordable, high and low income states, backwards beach day, and a stupid new beer can.

Mark and Jacey take the show on the road to the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Breakfast! They chat with Sharon, Toni, and Tim from the Androscoggin Police Athletic League (PAL), Phyllis from Compass Rose Training Solutions, Cherise from Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, and Joe from Massif MSP!

Kiwanis Club of Lewiston-Auburn's Andy Choate and Don Malpass join Mark and Pam to talk about the 3rd Annual $100,000 Hole-In-One Contest, happening June 20 at Tabers in Auburn! Don’t miss your chance to qualify on June 13 & 14 (noon - 4pm) and June 17, 18, & 19 (4 - 7pm). They also share details about why the Kiwanis Club is such an asset to our community.

President & CEO of Twin City Consulting, LLC, Alyssa Fortin, joins Mark and Pam to talk about her first year in business and her mission of providing small businesses with thoughtful, high-quality HR support. Alyssa helps small business owners navigate growth, hiring, employee challenges, compliance, and much more!

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Pam sample some Shadies Smooth Vodka Limeade and it receives our first unanimous five-star rating! Plus, they talk robot housecleaners, essential travel items, and Pam attempts to spell the the most misspelled words in America!

Sassy Strides Equestrian owner Renae Samay and Barn Manager Cortney Allen join Mark and Pam to talk about their Lisbon facility which welcomes riders of all experience levels. Sassy Strides is dedicated to developing confident riders and well-trained horses through professional hunter/jumper training and horsemanship education.

L/A Community Little Theatre Marketing Chair Sophia Wood joins Mark and Pam to talk about her history in theatre and her LA CLT directing debut, The Marvelous Wonderettes, which opens on June 19th! The jukebox hit features four high school friends performing at their 1958 prom - and later, their ten-year reunion - set to the soundtrack of your favorite ’50s and ’60s hits!

Magician and mentalist Mark Vaillancourt joins Mark and Pam to talk about his 25+ year career. He shares stories of overcoming shyness, best and worst shows, learning the business of magic, and much more. He also may be putting strippers out of business :)

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Pam sample some Super Lyte Blue Chill Vodka+Ade and whooo-boy, it's good...and unnaturally blue :) Pick up a can for only $3.59 at your local Roopers! Also, have you "made it" in life? Mark...has not.

Greater L-A Triple Crown 5K Series committee members Erin Dunbar and Tyrone Fulgham join Mark to talk about the popular run/walk/adaptive series that begins with the YMCA Fit Fest on June 7! Subsequent races include Emily's Run on July 19, and the L-A Bridge Run on Aug. 23. Proceeds from the races benefit the Auburn-Lewiston YMCA, the Fletcher Foundation, and the Bridge Run Foundation.

Pink Feather Foundation co-founder Jen Kyllonen joins Mark and Jacey to talk about improving the lives of students by partnering with teachers to confidentially provide clothing and accessories at no cost.​ She also shares details on the Foundation's Forever Home at 65 King St. in Oxford. Don't miss their Open House and Ribbon Cutting on June 12 at 4:30pm!

The gang returns from the long weekend to recap Uncle Andy's Digest's 30th Anniversary Celebration! The party was a big hit as we celebrated with advertisers, friends, family, loyal readers, and a surprise guest :)

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! The gang samples some Sugarlands Shine Blueberry Muffin while Pam provides a little history on Uncle Andy's Digest and looks forward to tonight's 30th Anniversary Celebration! Plus, they share the nicest compliment they've ever received. Sara's and Pam's tug at the heart strings; Mark's...not so much :)

Pam Ashby, Dave Bishop, and Larry Roy talk about planning and preparation for the 2nd Annual Wishes in the Valley fundraiser at Lost Valley! The Aug. 8 event will benefit Make-A-Wish Maine and feature live music, food trucks, cornhole, disc golf, bucket golf, chair lift rides, a live auction, and more!

Director of McLaughlin Garden and Homestead, Leslie Guenther, joins Mark and Jacey to talk about the historic South Paris site listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a cultural landscape. McLaughlin Garden is home to one of the largest collections of lilacs in New England and the Lilac Festival, happening May 22-24!

Mark and Sara get ready to emcee the LA Metro Chamber Awards, Sara almost gets run over by a car, and the pair ponder committing crimes.

Sara recaps her Auburn Lobster Festival experience, goes on a paddle-boarding adventure, and is still dealing with the aftermath of Roger the Squirrel. Mark destroys garden boxes, plants a few trees, and tries to make sense of male cleavage.

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark, Sara, and Pam sample some On The Rocks Espresso Martini! We learn that Pam's retirement plan involves airplanes, Sara may not be as nice we think, and Mark enjoys antagonizing Yankees fans.

Mark and Sara take the show on the road to the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Brewing Connections at Schooner Estates! They chat with Member Moments presenters from Evidence of You Photography, The Public Theatre, Hampton by Hilton, and Androscoggin Bank.

K&R Auto Sales' Frankie Campbell is "Your Friend in the Car Business." Frankie has been building trust and creating lasting relationships with car buyers for over 45 years. He chats with Mark and Jacey about the K&R difference, his first ever sale, and chocolate chip cookies :)

Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Events Coordinator Justin Morin (and Peaches!) stops by to talk about the Annual Awards Ceremony at Poland Spring Resort (May 21), the Uplift LA Kickball Tournament (July 24), the 26th Annual Knapp Morrison Scholarship Scramble (Aug. 17), and much more!

Maine Source Homes & Realty is your one-stop shop for "All Things Housing!" Mark Turner and Jon Mercier talk about how Maine Source will help find the right home ownership solution for you. With more than 50 years of experience in new home construction and real estate in Maine, their team will help you buy, sell, or build, providing expertise and support at every step along the way.

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Sara sample some Dr. McGillicuddy’s Sour Apple, Sour Blue Raspberry, Sour Peach, Sour Raspberry and, mmmmmmmmm, what were we talking about? Get 'em on sale at your local Roopers - Only $17.49 per bottle and $1.70 per shooter!

SeniorsPlus President and CEO, Betsy Sawyer-Manter, joins Mark and Sara to highlight the May 15 "Fill the Plate Breakfast" at the Auburn Hilton. The event is an annual fundraiser for their Meals on Wheels program and will feature a guest speaker and award presentation. She also provides an update on the new Education and Nutrition Center, and much more!

People are using old texts, voice messages, and images to create artificial intelligence versions of their exes. Good idea? Bad idea? Mark and Sara discuss. Also, cereal box toys are making a comeback...all in the name of selling movie tickets!

Agassiz Village Director of Development, Michael Smith, and Program Manager, Kate Murphy, talk about the 330-acre overnight summer camp in Poland. AV was founded in 1935 and has provided a unique learning program that challenges kids to discover interests, uncover new skills, make lifetime friendships, and connect with inspiring mentors.

True North Landscaping owner Joey Zembas is approaching his one year anniversary as an entrepreneur! He joins Mark and Sara to talk about the skills and lessons he's learned from his mother and how a different approach and solid work ethic can separate you from the competition. Also, did you know that pickles on a burger can ruin your day? :)

Maine's Got Talent contestant Eden Bauer joins Mark and Sara to talk about her journey from the Philippines to Auburn! She shares her deep connection to music and what she hopes to gain from her MGT experience. She also treats us to a live performance in the Lunch Bunch studio!

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! The gang samples Foundation Brewing's Blueberry Pie Imperial Sour Ale and debuts their new five-star rating system! Also, we learn what makes a good candidate for a mission to Mars and...it's not us :)

Bc Love Creations founder Sasha joins Mark and Jacey to talk about turning a passion into a successful business which brings joy to children and adults alike. Sasha has painted faces at LA ArtWalks, Summer Fun & Films, Great Falls Pride, the Lewiston-Auburn Balloon Festival, and so much more!

Maine's Got Talent contestant Brandon Bercian joins the Lunch Bunch to talk about his love for classical music, something that has been a part of his life since his earliest memories. The high school senior shares his thoughts on performing with seven other hopefuls on May 2, including his pre-show routine and being the only classical pianist in the group.

DeBlois Electric's Nick Tifft & David Bangs join Mark and Sara to talk about an increase in service requests this time of year, how to prepare for a service appointment, working with neighboring contractors and companies, and much more! Plus, we learn about their ultimate vacations and the band they'd like to join behind the drum kit!

Maine's Got Talent contestant Julia Bryant joins Mark and Pam to talk about her path to the MGT finals! Julia's mother, Jen, shares her thoughts on her daughter's talents and the significance of MGT benefitting Andwell Health Partners' pediatric services. Don't miss the big competition on Saturday, May 2 at the Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center at Edward Little High School!

It’s a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark, Pam, and Jacey sample some Dry Creek Vineyard 2024 Sauvignon Blanc! This delicious offering has layers of complex aromas, flavors and textures, while remaining fresh and bright! Also, Pam shares her Lydia Media poem and her thoughts about being a Maine’s Got Talent judge!

Gutter Brothers owner Corey Binette joins Mark and Sara to talk about his two decades in the trades, his leap into entrepreneurship, and why a quality gutter system is a sound investment for your home. Gutter Brothers uses the best materials available and provide a five-year guarantee on all parts and labor.

Simply Soft owner RaeAnne Richards was named the 2025 Waxer of the Year at The Skin Games, an international competition where she placed 1st in leg waxing and 2nd in Brazilian and brow waxing. Richards has over a decade of experience and specializes in personalized skincare services designed to help you feel confident and comfortable.

Mark and Sara take the show on the road to the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Business-2-Business Trade Show! They chat with vendors, event organizers, and more!

Revived Spaces owner Cindy Letourneau joins Mark and Sara to talk about helping people declutter and decorate their homes. Cindy helps people enjoy and thrive in the spaces in which they live and work, so that they can focus on what really matters to them.

Mark forgets to press 'record', Sara's detox hits a speedbump, and Pam receives some lackluster customer service. It's all good, though, because it's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! The gang samples some Orono Brewing Maine Life Pale Ale and things get hoppy!

Maine's Got Talent contestant Jennifer Nittolo has been singing since she was five years old. She joins Mark and Pam to talk about her MGT audition process, musical inspriations, and following her bliss. She also gives us an MGT preview by singing a couple of songs live in studio!

Big Brothers Big Sisters Androscoggin Director Jennifer Cartmell joins Mark and Pam to chat about the special bond between Bigs and Littles that can last well beyond their time together. She also highlights some fundraising events, including Bowl For Kids’ Sake happening May 7 from 3-8pm at Just-In-Time Recreation in Lewiston! You'll also learn why Jen was known as "The Blonde Shovel" :)

New Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Susan Ruhlin joins Mark and Jacey to talk about the career path that led her to the Chamber. She also shares thoughts on the Greater L-A area, her passion for start-ups and entrepreneurship, and details on upcoming Chamber events!

Mark and Jacey take the show on the road to chat with Daddy O's owner Aaron Ouellette and general manager Becki Boynton. Aaron and his wife, Amanda, opened the Oxford Daddy O's nearly 20 years ago. Since then, they've built an incredibly strong bond with customers, employees, and their community. Becki shares how a wheelbarrow and sledgehammer helped her secure a job in the Mechanic Falls location :)

It's a Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales Friday! Mark and Sara sample some Casamigos Classic Lime Margarita! Mark faces his old nemesis tequila and they get along swimmingly! Plus, Sara has some news for trivia fans!

Mark and Sara take the show on the road to Burnt Ends Barbecue in Auburn for the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Breakfast! They chat with new members Jennifer from Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lily from Seeds to Smiles, Christina from Maine Street Business Consulting, and Sam and Tommy from 207 Undercoating!

Maine Nordiques forward Hutch Rose and his billet dad Dicky Robert talk about their season together and look forward to a strong playoff run. Dicky shares some stories and advice for potential billet families and Hutch looks back on a season full of great memories and camaraderie.

Red Maple Audiology's Dr. Ashlee Vandiver and audiology assistant Katie Somers chat about Maine's premier provider of hearing & speech health services. The independent practice specializes in all aspects of hearing healthcare, and pediatric speech and language assessments, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

207 Undercoating co-owners Tommy Giggey and Sam Chamberlain join the pod to talk about their leap into entrepreneurship and their business, which provides rust protection services at your door. Save time and money by having your vehicle undercoated when and where it’s most convenient for you!