There's No "A" in Creemee

On this Double Scoop episode, Joanna and Andy catch up on all the political and policy news fit to podcast. We survived another week on the doors — rained on, recognized by a fan, and mourning two beloved pod mascots: Chester and Chuck.Then it's statehouse time. We ponder if legislators can handle devices better than high school students. Also, the governor is threatening to shut down Vermont state government, we get the latest on the buydown, and forced school district consolidation. Meanwhile, the wealth tax is picking up steam. Plus: Act 181 loses Tier 3 and the road rule, data privacy heats up in two competing bills, and Joanna asks why legislators keep vetoing bills before the governor even gets the chance.#TheresNoAInCreemee #VTPoli #VermontPolitics #VTLeg #WealthTax #EdFinance #Act181 #DataPrivacy #GreenUpDay #VTElections2026 #Creemee

Andy returns from his birthday moose expedition to the Northeast Kingdom. Joanna makes a shocking confession about creemees. Plus, a teaser of the all-star cast for the upcoming pod-iversary.On the policy front: the Vermont ticket scalping bill hits snags in Senate Economic Development (even with a Noah Kahan endorsement), Act 181's Road Rule and Tier 3 look headed for full repeal, and H-955 — the education transformation bill — passes the House with a second homeowner tax attached and heads to the Senate.Then, live from the Statehouse, Joanna and Andy sit down with Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. Emilie breaks down how Vermont actually raises money — from the consensus revenue forecast and the emergency board to property tax buy-downs and the second homeowner's tax that could be a game-changer for Vermont homesteaders. She also weighs in on the fair share campaign, keeping Vermont dollars out of Amazon's pocket, and what it means to fund democracy from the ground up.In Last Licks, Andy redeems his mooseless weekend with stories of moose in deeply wrong places — hospital lobbies, Walmart trampolines, and one very tipsy moose stuck in a Swedish apple tree.

Joanna kicks off the episode fresh from the campaign trail — and with a fresh set of trolls. Meanwhile, there's a big win to celebrate: the Act 250 commission has ruled in favor of the community again in the fight against Amazon.Then, Joanna and Andy sit down with Dr. Steve Leffler, the brand-new CEO of UVM Health and President of UVM Medical Center about the future of UVM medical. #TheresNoAInCreemee #VTPoli #VermontPolitics #VermontHealthcare #UVMHealth #SteveLeffler #HealthcareAffordability #RuralVermont #GreenMountainCareBoard #Act181 #AmazonVT #Act250 #VTLeg #VermontMedicine #HealthcareAccess #JoannasRunning #VTElections2026 #Creemee #PapaNicks

This week we kick things off with a holiday double-header — Passover at the Grossman/Cramer house and an epic Easter egg hunt at the Julows new addition. Joanna also shares what it felt like to finally be the candidate at the mic for the first time on Kurt Wright's show. Then things get a little more serious: the ongoing fight over Democratic Party neutrality in primaries, the memo, the apology to Ryan McLaren, and why Joanna is pushing for a codified resolution in May.Then we bring you live from Barr Hill in Montpelier, where over 200 people packed in for the launch of Aly Richards' campaign for Governor of Vermont — kids, families, old teachers, ex-boyfriends' moms, the works. We sit down with Aly for a deep dive into why she's running. She brings her decade leading Let's Grow Kids — and the most significant child care law in the country — to a conversation about Vermont's structural challenges: a housing crisis that underlies almost every other problem, rural hospitals staring down bankruptcy, and an economy that needs a strategic offense, not just a goalie. She talks about growing up on a dirt road in Newbury, working the Obama campaign, and why Vermont's smallness — its ability to literally pull each other out of the mud — is still its greatest strength.Plus, Statehouse Style, Campaign Design Edition — the story behind the red clover campaign logo and her Creemee order with a tactical approach to sprinkles.#TheresNoAInCreemee #VTPoli #VermontPolitics #VermontGovRace #AlyRichards #LetsGrowKids #VermontHousing #VTHealthcare #VermontElections2026 #Creemee #VermontGovernor #VTLeg #DemocraticPrimary

Joanna and Andy are back in double scoop mode — just the two of them — digging into a packed post-crossover moment at the Vermont Statehouse. They open with dispatches from the No Kings Rally, where Joanna emceed, Senator Becca White airdropped in and owned the mic for three minutes flat, and Joanna's 15-year-old Isa Cramer delivered a speech that brought down the house — and handled an interruption like a seasoned pro.On education, they unpack the House Education Committee's significant pivot away from forced district consolidation and toward Cooperative Service Agreements — a shared-services model similar to BOCES in New York that could deliver real administrative savings without blowing up local schools. The Senate remains stalled with no clear direction, setting up a potentially messy conference. Joanna also reflects on the moment Chittenden County superintendents and school board chairs collectively broke from the sidelines to tell families that Act 73 would pull $63 million from their districts — and what it meant that they felt they had to do that.On housing, they break down S325, which puts an 18-month pause on Act 250's Tier 3 implementation and delays the road rule by three and a half years. A Republican-led amendment to strip Tier 3 entirely — which would have collapsed the political bargain that made Act 181 possible in the first place — failed on party lines. On healthcare, H-585 just passed the House with a quietly big provision: mandated site neutrality for physical therapy, which equalizes reimbursement rates between hospitals and independent providers. It also expands prior authorization relief, giving independent practices a fighting chance. And finally: H-621, the Priestly-Cole wealth tax, is now a standalone bill creating two new income brackets for earners above $500K and $1M. The JFO estimates it could raise $100 million — money that would otherwise come out of the other 99%. Joanna's heard from plenty of high-earners who say they'd sign up for it.Plus: the first creemees of the season and Front Porch Forum's not-so-candidate-friendly "candidate access" program.#TheresNoAInCreemee #VTPoli #VermontPolitics #NoKingsRally #DoubleScoop #VTLeg #Act73 #VermontEducation #Act250 #S325 #VermontHousing #H585 #SiteNeutrality #HealthcareVT #H621 #WealthTax #PriestlyCole #Crossover #VTElections2026 #Creemee #FrontPorchForum

Joanna and Andy open with a candid conversation about Democratic Party neutrality in primaries — and why the Vermont coordinated campaign's "buy-in" model undermines voter trust.Then Alex LeClair, CEO of Essex Physical Therapy, joins the pod to pull back the curtain on what it's actually like to run a small healthcare business in Vermont. Alex unpacks the authorization gauntlet that delays patient care, the jaw-dropping disparity between what hospitals and independent clinics get reimbursed for the same PT visit, and what House Bill 585's site-neutral billing proposal could mean for primary care. He also digs into Vermont's housing and healthcare premium crisis through a very personal lens — including a high school friend with a spinal injury who called him last summer worried he wouldn't be able to afford catheters if Medicaid cuts went through. Alex grew up in Essex, built a career in Boston, came back ready to plant roots — and is living in his parents' basement because the down payment isn't enough. He is the thirty-year-old in the basement.Plus: Joanna launches her State Senate campaign at the Richmond Library — live on mic, with her kid Isa by her side. The cookies got rave reviews. The signs are very slightly pink. And Isa has strong opinions about miniature horses.#TheresNoAInCreemee #VTPoli #VermontPolitics #VermontHealthcare #PrimaryCareCrisis #SiteNeutralBilling #HousingCrisis #AffordableVT #VTLeg #SmallBusiness #GreenMountainCareBoard #JoannaForSenate #VTElections2026 #Creemee #VermontLife #BasementGeneration

Joanna and Andy open with a St. Paddy's Day debrief — cement trucks, cold wind, and Andy's complicated relationship with foundation construction. Then it's into Act 73 territory: a CVU legislative breakfast where school board members laid out the math showing the foundation formula could slash Chittenden County school funding by 14%. Plus: Mets heartbreak, fantasy baseball drafts, and jersey fashion dilemmas.Then Molly Gray — former Lieutenant Governor, leader of the Vermont Afghan Alliance, and our first-ever repeat guest — joins the pod on her birthday to talk about why she's back in the race for Lieutenant Governor. She makes the case for fierce, experienced leadership in a moment that doesn't have room for on-the-job training. We get into the South Burlington ICE raid and what it exposed about Vermont law enforcement's lack of preparedness, the governor's decision to cut SNAP for Afghan SIV holders, and the real cost of a Vermont that's becoming a playground for the wealthy. Molly also reflects on the Democratic Party's identity crisis and how to bring back the people it's lost.In Last Licks, it's a Maple Weekend tribute: fun facts about syrup from space to the Civil War, and the jaw-dropping story of the Great Canadian Maple Syrup Heist of 2012 — $18 million of Quebec's strategic reserve, 30 arrests, and the longest food-theft sentence in Canadian history. Don't mess with the maple.#TheresNoAInCreemee #VTPoli #VermontPolitics #MollyGray #LieutenantGovernor #VTElections2026 #ICERaids #ImmigrantRights #Act73 #VermontEducation #VTLeg #AfghanAlliance #VermontValues #HoldTheLine #MapleWeekend #MapleHeist #VermontMaple #GreatMapleHeist #Creemee #VermontPodcast #802Politics

Joanna and Andy welcome Alison Novak, Seven Days education reporter and soon-to-be Reporter of the Year from the New England Newspaper and Press Association, for a deep dive into Vermont schools during a pivotal crossover week. They unpack the stalled implementation of Act 73, the fight over school choice and independent school funding, the lawsuits already in the pipeline, declining enrollment, technical education, and second homeowners tax proposals. In our opener Joanna opens up about his first week as a candidate in the wild — and the emotional gut-punch of an ICE raid in South BurlingtonPlus: a Glossary of Shame on bills "stuck on the wall," Amanda Janoo announces she's running for governor, and Allison reveals what may be the most creative Creemee order we've ever heard — the Dreamee from Yates Family Orchard.#TheresNoAInCreemee #VTPoli #VermontPolitics #Act73 #VTLeg #VermontEducation #AllisonNovak #SevenDaysVT #EducationReform #VermontSchools #Crossover #Creemee #AmandaJanoo #VTElections2026

We've got big news here on There's No "A" in Creemee.

We sit down with Ryan McLaren, longtime behind‑the‑scenes force in Vermont politics and now a candidate for Lieutenant Governor. We talk about what shaped him (including growing up in a 900‑square‑foot house in Essex Jct), what he's hearing from voters, and why he's running.Ryan digs into affordability, rebuilding trust with working Vermonters, the soft‑power weirdness of the LG’s office, and what it means to be “Made in Vermont.” Plus: rural vitality, floods, dairy, and how not to get pushed around by a Trump administration.Ryan levels up our Creemee Order segment with a deeply considered opinion on the subject.

This week’s episode centers on a deep-dive conversation with Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak. We talk about:The intertwined crises of homelessness, mental health, and substance use—and why Burlington’s challenges are really Vermont’s challengesCommunity safety, media narratives, and what it actually means for Burlington to be ranked among the safest communities in the countryPreparing for a potential ICE surge: what the city can do, where its authority stops, and how mutual aid and neighboring towns fit into the response“Modern Gov,” budgets, Dillon’s Rule, and why Vermont’s government structures need an updateGun policy, charter changes, and why Emma chose the Progressive PartyThe politics of style, taking up space in heels, and (crucially) what the Mayor orders at the creemee standWe also bring you along for a quick Great Ice Festival dispatch—bonfires, fireworks, and a goat named Lord Voldemort. Plus, we check in with Elaine Haney about her run for State Senate in Chittenden Central and what it means to challenge incumbents in a crowded primary.And finally: Vermont Business Magazine has added a Best Vermont Podcast category this year. It’s a write‑in, penultimate‑question situation—so if you’ve got a minute before March 1, we’d be honored to have your vote for There’s No "A" in Creemee.#Burlington #VTPoli #VermontPolitics #EmmaMulvaneyStanek #MayorEmma #TheresNoAInCreemee #CreemeeCulture #VTNews #CommunitySafety #HomelessnessCrisis #Act250 #HousingVT #LocalGov #ModernGov #GreatIceFestival

This week Joanna and Andy start with a hard look at Vermont’s relationship to the federal government: the illegal detainments of Steven Tendo and Hussein Noor Hussein, the senate's confirmation of Michael Drescher to the Vermont Supreme Court, and what it means when federal power collides with Vermont values. They also spotlight the Vermont Immigration Legal Defense Fund and why “every purchase is a protest” when local retailers step up where Amazon won’t.Then Deputy Auditor Tim Ashe joins the pod to talk about what the state auditor actually does, why accountability is a prerequisite for restoring public trust, and how the office can influence big-ticket issues like healthcare costs, water quality spending, housing policy, and municipal capacity. He shares stories from the Statehouse, his vision for a truly independent watchdog, and, of course, his go‑to creemee order.#TheresNoAInCreemee #VTPolitics #VermontPodcast #PodcastsOfVT #MontpelierMatters #802Politics #VermontNews #VermontLife #VermontAuditor #TimAsh #GovernmentAccountability #PublicTrust #VTLeg #VermontElections #WatchdogOffice #FollowTheMoney #VermontValues #ImmigrantJustice #VLIDF #HumanRights #VTEd #EducationFunding

We sit down with two incredible young organizers — Taylor Garner and Natalie Julow — for a conversation that’s equal parts inspo, reality check, and reminder that Vermont’s future is already rolling up its sleeves.Taylor and Natalie talk candidly about why they stepped up, what younger Vermonters are actually struggling with, and how affordability, voting access, democratic identity, and representation look from the people who are trying to build their lives, in Vermont, right now. We get into the frustrations and the hope — plus a very Vermont detour into rotary phones, basement living, federal overreach, and the perennial statewide question of: what does affordability mean?Also this episode:Is the party ready for the 2026 election season? Are we listening to young voters, or just explaining things at them?Is the Governor protecting democracy?TNAC hitting local TV (yes, really!)And of course… the creemee orders. Maple crunchies are apparently sprinkles now. It’s inspiring, it’s honest, it’s Vermont politics with heart — and some of the fastest Julow‑family wit on record.#elections2026 #vtpoli #theresnoaincreemee #vermont #podcast

This week is a vt-poli sampler pack: three interviews, three locations, and at least three questionable wardrobe choices. We kick things off with friend of the pod Peter Booth, fresh from a nonviolent sit‑in at the Williston ICE facility. Peter walks us through what happened that day, and what it means that ICE’s East Coast targeting runs out of Chittenden County.Then we shift gears for some legislative opening‑day energy under the Golden Dome. First up: retiring House Commerce Chair Rep. Mike Marcotte, who talks about workforce, tech ed, data privacy, and what it’s like to spend 22 years on the same committee.We wrap with Rep. Jana Brown from House Education, who pops in to chat about the mountain of education work ahead this session—and is kind enough to gush about the pod on mic, which we obviously did not edit out.Plus: why the hosts nearly got stranded in Montpelier, the continued saga of Vermont’s redistricting angst, and a reminder that the Islands still exist.

This episode of There’s No “A” in Creemee takes you back to the Vermont State House for a crash course in how the money actually moves. Joanna and Andy sit down with Representative Robin Scheu and Representative Tiffany Bluemle, the Appropriations Chair and Ranking Member whose committee keeps Vermont’s budget standing even when the federal government… doesn’t.From budget surpluses to spreadsheet triage to the weirdness of forecasting revenue when D.C. keeps changing the rules, this is Appropriations 101 — but Vermont‑styleThen, in our field segment, we head to Church Street for the chilly January launch of Nikhil Goyal’s campaign for Chittenden Central Senate. We talked with Nikhil about his campaign, priority issues, and what it means to run a primary challenge in a state where incumbency is everything. Yes, it was cold. Yes, the visuals were great anyway.It’s a packed, policy‑nerdy, creemee‑hearted episode straight from under the golden dome.

Welcome to our inaugural State of the Creemee State address! We break down Governor Scott’s speech, why Act 73 dominated the conversation, and what got left out—like housing, healthcare, and the future of Vermont’s young people. Andy shares a roof update, Joanna dreams of a Darn Tough sticker, and we ask: does Vermont still have its small-town magic? Plus, Last Licks serves up the goofy side of legislation, from UFO task forces to camel parking rules. The state of our creemee state? Melty—but there’s hope, and plenty of sprinkles#VTPolitics #SmallTownMagic #VermontLife #BraveLittleState #Act73 #EducationReform #HousingCrisis #HealthcareCosts #SupportSmallBusiness #UFOTaskForce #CamelParking #WhistleUnderwater #VermontOddities

This episode of There’s No “A” in Creemee takes you straight to the Vermont State House for a jam-packed day of politics, personality, and a little style.Joanna and Andy sit down with Lieutenant Governor candidate Molly Gray to talk about her campaign launch, small business support, and fierce advocacy for working families.Then, we dive into a lively conversation with Senator Becca White, covering legislative priorities like transportation funding, AI data center moratoriums, and anti-ICE masking bills—plus her own podcast and The Art of Passing the Torch. And yes, Statehouse Style makes its comeback! As you would expect, both co-hosts "nailed it".Tune in for candid conversations and behind-the-scenes energy with this road-show edition of There's No "A" in Creemee#elections2026 #VTleg #MollyGray #BeccaWhite #LieutenantGovernorRace #VTLegislature #TheresNoAInCreemee #VermontPolitics #VTStateHouse #VermontPodcast

Why are healthcare costs in Vermont so high?! In this episode of There’s No “A” in Creemee, Owen Foster, Chair of the Green Mountain Care Board, explains. He joins us to unpack Vermont’s healthcare challenges and opportunities. From hospital costs to the looming of ACA subsidy cuts affecting tens of thousands of Vermonters, Owen offers candid insights on what’s driving the crisis—and what bold steps Vermont has taken to keep care accessible. We also dive into UVM Medical Center’s transformation, the fight for primary care, and why fixing the fundamentals matters. Plus, Owen shares his favorite creemee order and what being a “real Vermonter” means to him.If you care about healthcare, affordability, and the future of Vermont, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.#VermontHealthcare #GreenMountainCareBoard #HealthcarePolicy #AffordableCareAct #VermontLife #CreemeeCulture #PublicPolicy #HealthReform #VermontPodcast #TheresNoAInCreemee

Holiday break style, Joanna and Andy are at chillin the mics for 3 mini episodes this week— dropping bonus installments to get you through.In this special “double scoop” series of There’s No "A" in Creemee, we ditch the usual setup for a raw, unfiltered conversation in comfy chairs. In our final installment, we dive into some of the tax policies that may be on the table in 2026 such as additional taxes on second homes, wealth taxes, and the corporate tax before realizing our beers are empty and its time to go home. We hope you enjoy our candid, fun, and revealing takes. Plus we have a little elderberry sour beer and a reluctant correction about Yukon Cornelius.We'll be dropping all three installments this week as our late Christmas/Hanukkah gift to our listeners. #vtpoli #theresnoaincreemee #vermont #vermontnews #politics #podcast

Holiday break style, Joanna and Andy are at chillin the mics for 3 mini episodes this week— dropping bonus installments to get you through.In this special “double scoop” series of There’s No "A" in Creemee, we ditch the usual setup for a raw, unfiltered conversation in comfy chairs. In our second installment, we delve into some of the budgeting challenges that will face legislators this year, break down the organization that supports legislators in making fiscal policy, and compare our Vermont homesteading credentials. We hope you enjoy our candid, fun, and revealing takes. Plus we have a little elderberry sour beer and a reluctant correction about Yukon Cornelius.We'll be dropping all three installments this week as our late Christmas/Hanukkah gift to our listeners. #vtpoli #theresnoaincreemee #vermont #vermontnews #politics #podcast

Holiday break style, Joanna and Andy are at chillin the mics for 3 mini episodes this week— dropping bonus installments to get you through.In this special “double scoop” series of There’s No "A" in Creemee, we ditch the usual setup for a raw, unfiltered conversation in comfy chairs. In our first installment, we delve into 2026 predictions for elections and legislation, the latest twist in the Amazon saga, the future of Emerge Vermont, and we make some bold calls about the Mets (and rainbows!). We hope you enjoy our candid, fun, and revealing takes. Plus we have a little elderberry sour beer and a reluctant correction about Yukon Cornelius.We'll be dropping all three installments this week as our late Christmas/Hanukkah gift to our listeners. #vtpoli #theresnoaincreemee #vermont #vermontnews #politics #podcast

This week There's No "A" in Creemee does a little holiday special as only we can. We're back in the Skate Shack to talk with with Courtney Lockerby—assistant librarian, mom of three, and champion of values-driven shopping. Courtney shares how she’s turning everyday purchases into acts of resistance. We talk about why thrifting and local buying matters, and the tools she uses to help her align spending with her principles. We also talk about the realities of rural shopping, raising kids with conscious habits, and the surprising joy of deleting the Amazon app. In our Last Licks segment, Andy and Joanna do an inter-faith holiday review of Christmas songs that were written by Jewish composers with only a few side-tangents into space lasers and the illuminati.

We’re back with the second half of our conversation with Senator Martine Gulick, chair of Vermont’s Education Redistricting Task Force. Picking up where we left off, Martine dives deeper into the political dynamics surrounding Act 73 and what its implementation could mean for communities across the state.In the opening segment Andy and Joanna unpack the surprising unity between party leaders, the growing tension within Democratic ranks, and why rural districts and independent schools are at the center of this debate. Plus, we explore the unprecedented involvement of local school boards and superintendents in pushing back against state-level consolidation.Stick around for “Last Licks,” where we lighten things up with a Hanukkah quiz testing just how much Andy has learned over the last 12 months.

What happens when a task force charged with drawing maps ends up rewriting the conversation about education in Vermont? In this episode, we sit down with State Senator Martine Laroque Gulick, co-chair of the Education Redistricting Task Force, to unpack the much-anticipated report and what it means for cost, quality, and equity in our schools. From cooperative service models to regional high schools, we explore ideas that could reshape education for the next generation—and why rushing the process might do more harm than good. Plus, Andy and Joanna share Thanksgiving adventures, debate parade bingo strategy, and reveal which Muppets they most identify with. Spoiler: it gets loud.#TheresNoAInCreemee #VermontPodcast #EducationMatters #PolicyTalk #FutureOfEducation

What if prosperity wasn’t measured by GDP, but by the health of our communities and the planet?In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Janoo of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance to explore a bold vision for Vermont and beyond—one that prioritizes dignity, fairness, and sustainability.From global lessons in economic policy to local strategies for resilience, Amanda shares how we can design systems that truly serve people, not profits.Plus, we dig into the role of government, the rise of authoritarianism, and why small businesses might hold the key to our future. And yes, we end with the ultimate question: maple creemee with jimmies or sprinkles?This is an episode so great, we are releasing it early instead of our planned holiday break (so yes, if you are counting episodes this one is out of order!).#TheresNoAinCreemee #WellbeingEconomy #VermontValues #EconomicJustice #CommunityFirst #LocalEconomy #SustainableFuture #MapleCreemee #PodcastLife

We’re stepping out of the Skate Shack and into the bright lights of the Media Factory with our first ever video! We kick things off with a behind-the-scenes look at the new setup (and Andy’s DIY table) before diving into Vermont’s education redistricting task force and the governor’s sharp critique, followed by a discussion of Democratic candidates so far and a noticeable absence at the top of the ticket.Later, we sit down with former Burlington mayor and Let’s Build Homes founder Miro Weinberger to talk about Vermont’s housing crisis, Act 250 reform, and creative solutions like CHIP and Right-to-Home Zones. Plus, we wrap up with Thanksgiving plans, parade nostalgia, and a Statler and Waldorf style rant about Millenials refusal to accept the Muppets

In this powerful and inspiring conversation, Jessica Barquist from Planned Parenthood of Northern New England talks with us about challenges and victories in reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare in Vermont. She also has a choice gotcha moment for us. We explore the impact of federal policies, the importance of state shield laws, the breadth of services provided by Planned Parenthood, and how Vermonters can advocate for holistic support and legislative change. #theresnoaincreemee #podcast #vtpoli #repro #vermont

Joanna & Andy unpack the School Redistricting Task Force. In this episode, we break down the Winnooski meeting of Vermont’s school redistricting task force, including the proposals, public feedback, and the big questions about cost, consolidation, and the future of local schools. We share firsthand accounts from the forum, reactions from parents and school board members, and why so many Vermonters are skeptical about the process.We catch up with Charity Clark and the Democratic Attorneys General at a fundraiser in Burlington with live coverage and talk about how they are pushing back on Trump.In an admittedly long opening segment, we share updates on our podcast’s winter move, the Great Ice Festival, a new must creemee shop in Burlington (donut sandwiches, anyone?), and discuss what is being done, or not done, to win back legislative seats lost in the 2024 election.From sticky notes at public meetings to sticky pumpkin soft-serve, it’s a lively mix of local flavor and policy debate.#vtpoli #podcast #vermont #vermontnews #ressit #savedemocracy #vted #charityclark #daga #icecream #theresnoaincreemee

Krista Huling, former Chair of the Vermont State Board of Education, joins us to speak candidly about her fight to level the playing field for public schools. From her work with Friends of Vermont Public Education to her push for ethical accountability and equitable funding, Krista challenges the status quo and calls out the deep disparities between public and independent schools. In this powerful conversation, she shares why Vermont’s education system needs bold reform, transparent leadership, and a renewed commitment to all students—not just a privileged few.#theresnoaincreemee #vermont #podcast #vtpoli

Collab with Justin Marsh & Democracy Dispatch! Andy and Joanna welcome Vermont Conservation Voters to the show. Justin tells us all about how VCV is teaming up with groups to train and recruit new candidates around the state. We talk about the challenges of campaigning in the digital world, the ongoing value of face to face interactions, and the increasing competitiveness of local races.We talk about the our podcast stories and of course get Justin's creemee order and try to trace the infiltration of "jimmies" into Lamoille County.

From political monsters to ghosts of the Green Mountains, this is another episode full of resistance for There’s No “A” in Creemee.Joanna shares her reflections on meeting with Dems across the county and the rise of younger leaders.We take a deep dive into Senator Douglass’s  controversy and explore how MAGA is making inroads into the Vermont Legislature. We also discuss establishment Democrats pushing back on a populist candidate in Maine, review updates on the impact of federal funding, and give a nod to inflatable frogs protesting ICE.We wrap up with a spooky tour of Vermont’s lesser-known legends and ghost stories. Taphophobes, consider yourselves warned.

This week we revisit a conversation with friend and cherished mentor, Howard Dean. Howard talked with us in July about his deeply held belief that his generation has got to get out of the way to create space for younger leaders in our party. He expressed explicit frustration with the party’s blocking of primary challengers and wants to see folks running for office now, not waiting their turn as is the custom here in Vermont.

In this episode, Matt Musgrave, Vermont Regional Director for the Associated Builders & Contractors, joins us to explore the vital role of investing in people—especially the next generation—in strengthening the construction workforce. Matt shares powerful stories from the Vermont Construction Academy, a new initiative that’s already making a meaningful impact on Vermont’s youth and the future of the trades.In our opening segment, Joanna and Andy unpack the latest on the federal government shutdown and spotlight how one state is stepping up to support its citizens during uncertain times.And in Last Licks, Andy helps Joanna cope with her post-season Mets blues with a homemade Mad Lib and a license to swear.

In this subversive episode, Joanna and Andy catch up on myriad ways the authoritarian agenda is undermining Vermont including PAC money, losing federal funds, toxic individualism, our local TV conglomerate's attempt to keep Jimmy Kimmel off our TVs, and Amazon's latest tomfoolery. If we go to jail for this please bail us out. In Last Licks Joanna talks about eating monkey food and Andy shares his early taste for homemade playdough.Show Notes:John Oliver on Sinclair Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvtNyOzGogc&pp=ygUTam9obiBvbGl2ZXIgc2luY2xhaQ%3D%3D

Jay Nichols, chair of the Vermont Commission of the Future of Public Education and Executive Director of the Vermont Principal's Association joins the pod. Jay discusses the shifting role of the commission, the growing strains on Vermont's education system, and the importance of putting student need at the center of reforms.In the opening segment, Joanna and Andy talk about a recent Emerge event, the role of PACs in Vermont, connecting with rural voters, and we hold heated debate on if Joanna overslept during one of Andy's Honk & Waves. Spoiler alert: she did. In Last Licks, Andy and Joanna share their strangest jobsAdd a comment

Former Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray talks with us about her work with the Vermont Afghan Alliance, helping Afghan refugees build new lives and enter our workforce across the state. Molly reflects on her time in statewide office, the challenges and lessons of election loss, and her lifelong love of Nordic skiing. The episode opens with Andy’s update on the Vermont's education reform efforts, highlighting the confusion and concerns facing Vermont’s schools. Joanna shares her personal experience as part of the World Trade Center recovery effort.

Andy and Joanna interview Kurt Wright—former Morning Drive host, Vermont legislator, and Burlington City Councilor—in a conversation covering political identity, authenticity, local media, Burlington's role in Vermont's economy, and predictions for the 2026 races.In Last Licks, Joanna explains the upcoming Jewish Holiday Calendar.

In the Season 2 premiere of There's No A in Creemee, Joanna and Andy reflect on a year of partnership, political organizing, and podcasting through turbulence and transformation. They share stories from the campaign trail, the challenges of Democratic Party leadership, and a rising tide of discontent among Vermont voters. Then, they welcome Mark Redmond, Executive Director of Spectrum Youth and Family Services, for a powerful conversation about youth homelessness, mental health, and the urgent need for systemic change. From the streets of Burlington to new beginnings in St. Albans, Mark shares stories of resilience, advocacy, and the kind of hope that’s built one meal, one bed, and one relationship at a time.

Ready for a rewind? In this "greatest hits" episode, we’re scooping up all the best of Season 1. We’ve got an exclusive look at suing Trump with VT Attorney General Charity Clark, former Governor Howard Dean @ing the Dems, and the VT statehouse's resident style expert Becca White. Plus, hear us recount the time Andy and Rep Doug Bishop canvassed a naked guy, the dark side of Town Meeting Day, and finally reveal the best Creemee order of all time. We’re also pulling back the curtain on how we got started, and we'll even drop in Joanna's 3rd grade pro-tips on the Bush vs. Dukakis race. And as a bonus, stick around for a sneak peek at our new trailer at the end!

Elaine Haney sits in for Andy to Guest Host. Elaine and Joanna go deep on electoral political culture in Vermont. We talk about primaries and the outsized power of incumbency, and its ramifications on elections, the Democratic party, and the leaders who want to participate in democracy. In the opening segment we talk about partisanship, protecting Vermont in our changing political landscape, and more. In Last Licks Elaine teaches us about gravel, wet walnuts, and never to keep the public from popsicles.@justbeingmelani

This Week on the Podcast: Privacy, Policy, and Public EducationWe’re joined by two remarkable guests tackling some of Vermont’s most pressing issues.First we have an exclusive interview with Attorney General Charity Clark to discuss the Scott administration’s release of personal data belonging to SNAP benefit recipients—what happened, why it matters, and what comes next.Then Kim Gleason, member of the Vermont School Redistricting Task Force, stops by the Skate Shack to share insights on the task force’s work, the challenges of reshaping school districts, and the systemic weaknesses she sees in Vermont’s education landscape.In our opening segment, Joanna and Andy share reflections on last week's activism episode.And in Last Licks, Joanna thanks Andy for managing social media during her unusually long vacation… by pointing out his flaws.

From grassroots movements to jellyfish diplomacyJoanna and Andy talk about the rise of activism in Vermont and why it's happening outside of the Democratic party.Joanna also recounts her most recent encounter with a stinging sea monster, but insists the jellyfish is blameless and likely misunderstood.In a return of our popular Last Licks segment, Andy retaliates against Joanna's ruthless campaign management by making her determine whether an item is a cocktail from a New York bar, or a flavor from the Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard.

Representative Doug Bishop fills in for a vacationing Joanna, sharing stories from his first year on the House floor.Doug and Andy swap memorable moments from the campaign trail, and Doug reflects on the challenges of adjusting to the early days of the legislative session and finding his rhythm as a new lawmakerJoanna calls into the show to make sure Doug isn't getting too comfortable in her chair.Doug shares a previously undiscussed creamy order and his thoughts on the role of manure in testing the authenticity of Vermonters.

This week Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale of Chittenden Southeast, and Representative Teddy Waszazak of Barre City, join us to speak out about their decision to vote yes on the Education Bill after it came out of conference committee on June 16th.We discuss the factors that played into the decision, what they are hearing from their constituents, and the shortcomings of Vermont's current education funding formula.

Mike and Katie DeSanto, owners of Phoenix Books, share their journey in opposing the construction of a massive 107,000 square foot Amazon warehouse in Essex. They discuss the vital role of keeping dollars local, the community support that independent businesses foster, and the essence of entrepreneurship.In the opening segment, Andy and Joanna discuss their experiences with Development Review Boards, catch up on Joanna's recent activities fighting the oligarchy in Vermont, and discuss shapes they might be willing to shave into the side of their heads.

We talk with former Vermont Governor and DNC Chair Howard Dean about the current state of the Democratic Party, the unique political culture of Vermont, and why it's time for his generation to make space for new leadership.He also shares his thoughts on the end of the Vermont Legislative session, what it means to be a Vermonter, his favorite creemee spot, and books everyone should read to understand the state.In our opening segment Joanna and Andy talk about patriotism in current times, their recent appearance on What Matters This Week, and Joanna's latest failure to properly consume a creemee.

This week two educator-legislators, Senator Martine Gulick of Chittenden Central, and Representative Erin Brady of Williston, join us to speak out about their decision to vote no on the Education Bill after it came out of conference committee on June 16th. These two passionate education policymakers go deep with us about how they came to that choice and what went down in the statehouse. We discuss the factors that played into the decision, what they saw on the house and senate floor during the vote, and their hopes and concerns for the future of public education in Vermont.

Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas joins the podcast to discuss the elections bill, The Kid Governor Program, office initiatives, and voter security. She also shares her thoughts on what it means to be a Vermonter and, of course, her favorite creemee order.In the opening segment, Andy and Joanna break down the activity from the June 16th legislative session, including the drama surrounding the education reform voteJoanna and Andy discuss whether the Philly Phantic is cute or obnoxious and his obvious inferiority to Mr. Met.

Are Vermonters born, or are they forged through mud, snow, and ice? We asked some of Vermont's political and community leaders what being a real Vermonter means to them. Andy and Joanna share their own perspectives but end up debating the proper way to merge on the interstate. In our opening segment Joanna gets philosophical about her elderberry tree while Andy discovers the surprising lack of pockets in women's clothing.In our final segment, Joanna and Andy preview the upcoming week in the legislative session, including the conference committee report on the education bill, the election bill, and potential reconsideration of two bills vetoed by the governor.

Senator Becca White drops by the podcast to share her thoughts on the session, climate policy, immigration, and transportation. Joanna and Senator White take a deep dive on statehouse style, while Andy tries to think of something smart to say but ultimately decides not to speak.Senator White gives us her creemee order and in our opening segment Andy continues to complain about getting wet at a golf tournament where he and Senator White were partners.