Vermont's Voice

Join hosts Elijah Kushen and Alexis Drown for a conversation with author, educator, and all-around plastics expert Judith Enck. We'll discuss the growing plastics problem, the health impacts of microplastics, the legislative situation in Vermont, and what you can do about it.

Hosts Jordan Heiden and Elijah Kushen kick off season 2 of Vermont's Voice with an exploration of some of VPIRG's legislative priorities for 2026, and discuss the rise of authoritarianism & VPIRG's plan to meet it with Executive Director Paul Burns. 📖 Read more about VPIRG's legislative priorities: www.vpirg.org/news/2026-priorities🎁 Make a gift to support the pod: www.vpirg.org/donate🏥 Submit your healthcare stories: https://secure.ngpvan.com/grWGFtKqW0WUmeAEMdHcsw2

In this special bonus episode, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D, VT) stops by for a conversation on climate, immigration, Gaza, voter suppression, and more. If you appreciate the Vermont's Voice podcast, consider a small gift to keep us going: www.vpirg.org/vtvoicedonate

On the final episode of Season 1 of the Vermont's Voice podcast, co-producer Elijah Kushen takes over the interviewer's chair to talk to usual-host-and-campaign-director Jordan Heiden, about the longest-running anti-Trump protest in Woodstock, Vermont, and her exciting new campaign, Democracy Summer. 👕 Get your Democracy Summer T-Shirt!🇺🇸 Sign the pledge for Democracy and stay involved!📋 Take Action With VPIRG!🎁 Support the pod & VPIRG's work!🖥️ Community Activism Webinar📆 Labor Day Rally

Welcome back to another episode of Vermont's Voice! This summer marks the 40th anniversary of the VPIRG Summer Canvass – a unique grassroots organizing operation that allows us to connect with Vermonters all around the state. We'll hear from four former VPIRG canvass directors - Dan Barry, Drew Hudson, Taylor Johnson, and Marcie Gallagher - to learn about their memorable experiences. If you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can support the podcast by liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, and rating us 5 stars! You can support the podcast financially at: vpirg.org/donate. Vermont's Voice is a weekly series where host Jordan Heiden investigates some of Vermont's most pressing issues by connecting with leaders and community members all around the state. YOU are Vermont's Voice -- so let's talk!

From suing the Trump Administration to protecting Vermonters' data privacy to rounding out her VT State Park passport, Attorney General Charity Clark is staying busy. We sat down with Vermont's top legal officer for a lively conversation about her work & the current political moment, consumer protection, and her favorite spots around the state..🔎 Learn more about the work of the Attorney General: ago.vermont.gov/📰 New Yorker Opioid Article: www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/10/30/the-family-that-built-an-empire-of-pain📕 Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/612861/empire-of-pain-by-patrick-radden-keefe📘 Your Face Belongs to Us by Kashmir Hill: www.kashmirhill.com/book🎁 Support the podcast: www.vpirg.org/donate

The 2025 VT Legislative Session has come to a close (we hope) and a lot has happened! We sat down with Senator Anne Watson and Representative Monique Priestley to take stock of the session. We'll talk victories, setbacks, summer plans, and favorite spots around the districts. As always, the legislative work continues, so tune in for a sneak peek at what to expect for next session.

Did you know national studies project a 70% loss of honeybee colonies this year alone? In our latest podcast episode, we sit down with Chas Mraz, a beekeeper and co-owner of Champlain Valley Apiaries, to learn all about beekeeping in Vermont and the existential threats they face. We'll also share some buzz-worthy updates on Act 182, Vermont's new pollinator protection law, and how you can take action to support a neonic-free future.🐝✉️ Submit a public comment to the VT Agency of Agriculture urging them to strengthen the neonic ban. 🎁 Support the pod & our advocacy with a gift

We're back with another episode of Vermont's Voice, this time featuring Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas. With our democratic foundations under constant attack, we felt it important to connect with the person at the helm of protecting and strengthening our democracy here in Vermont. Throughout this episode, many useful references are mentioned. Check them out for yourself below: 🔗 Statement on Trump's Election Executive Order: 🔗 Civic Health Index: 🗳️ My Voter Page: ✉️ If you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected]. 🎁 Support the pod by making a gift at vpirg.org/donate

Welcome back to Vermont's Voice! In this special two-part episode, we'll first catch up with Senator Becca White for a brief and breaking update about her friend and constituent, Mohsen Mahdawi, a 34-year-old Palestinian student & longtime green card holder living in White River Junction. Mohsen was detained by federal agents on Monday, April 14, during a citizenship interview. Afterwards, we'll connect with Anna Tadio, a Rutland City Alderman, Conservation Law Foundation Staff Attorney, Killington Resort Ski and Bike Patroller, and international youth tour guide. We’ll talk about Anna’s passions for local politics, climate action, the beautiful Vermont environment that surrounds us, and a whole lot more.If you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can support the pod by liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, and rating us 5 stars! You can support the podcast financially at: vpirg.org/donate.

Falko Schilling, Advocacy Director of the ACLU of Vermont, joins the pod to discuss Rümeysa Öztürk's detention, heated testimony on free speech in the House Judiciary Committee, immigration policy, the housing crisis, and more. But first, Jordan and producer Elijah recap the recent Hands Off rally in Montpelier and share a short interview from the event with Senator Peter Welch. Take Action ⬇️ACLU VT General Action Page: https://www.acluvt.org/actS.44: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/vt-s44Protecting Vermonters from federal overreach: https://action.aclu.org/send-message/vt-open-letter

Earlier this week, President Trump issued an executive order specifically targeting Vermont’s Climate Superfund law as well as other landmark policies in New York and California. We'll bring you the latest details and a breakdown of Vermont's landmark Superfund law and the current state of play with VPIRG's Ben Edgerly Walsh and Conservation Law Foundation (CLF)'s Anthony Iarrapino.

Welcome to another episode of Vermont's Voice! Today we're sitting down with Vermont State Treasurer Mike Pieciak to talk housing, climate infrastructure, rebuilding the middle class, political division, and of course, Vermont's treasure. Learn more about the Office of the Treasurer here: https://www.vermonttreasurer.gov/ If you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can support the pod by liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, and rating us 5 stars! You can support the podcast financially at: vpirg.org/donate. Vermont's Voice is a weekly series where host Jordan Heiden investigates some of Vermont's most pressing issues by connecting with leaders and community members all around the state. YOU are Vermont's Voice -- so let's talk!

Welcome back to Vermont's Voice! Join Environmental Advocate Anna Seuberling and Environmental Associate Alexis Drown to hear about their experiences in the VPIRG Fellowship Program and all they do to address environmental health concerns in Vermont from the brand-new Safe & Healthy Food campaign to last session's success with the Protect Our Pollinators campaign. (And lots more!)- Apply for the VPIRG Summer Canvass: https://www.vpirg.org/seasonal-job-postings/2025-canvass/- Learn more about how PFAs are passed down (fact check moment): https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfasIf you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can support the pod by liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, and rating us 5 stars! You can support the podcast financially at: vpirg.org/donate. Vermont's Voice is a weekly series where host Jordan Heiden investigates some of Vermont's most pressing issues by connecting with leaders and community members all around the state. YOU are Vermont's Voice -- so let's talk!

We're joined by Vermont State Representative Dara Torre to discuss her important work at the State House and in the Washington-2 House District! We'll also hear about last week's Youth Lobby Day of Action. Before that though, we'll chat with VPIRG's Senior Strategist Tom Hughes as he brings us on a deep-dive into tariffs -- what they are, who pays for them, and how they could impact Vermonters.

Welcome back to Vermont's Voice! In this episode, VPIRG's Consumer Protection Advocate and Communications and Engagement Director Zach Tomanelli will take us through the murky waters of consumer protection and data privacy, covering timely topics including the rise of artificial intelligence and big tech, along with Elon Musk's power grab on the data of millions of Americans. We'll also see if my co-producer Elijah Kushen can stump me in a round of "Generative AI or Genuinely Great Pie". If you're listening in and can't see the images associated with this game, check out the video footage on YouTube or Spotify! If you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can support the pod by liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, and rating us 5 stars! You can support the podcast financially at: vpirg.org/donate. Vermont's Voice is a weekly series where host Jordan Heiden investigates some of Vermont's most pressing issues by connecting with leaders and community members all around the state. YOU are Vermont's Voice -- so let's talk!

Welcome back to Vermont's Voice! In this episode, VCV's Political Director Justin Marsh, Former Burlington City Councilor Jane Stromberg, and I talk all about Town Meeting Day and the importance of the annual tradition as one of the country's purest forms of direct democracy. We'll also hear from VPIRG's Democracy Associate Quinn Houston to get a temperature check on the health of our democracy, in Vermont and beyond.If you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can support the pod by liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, and rating us 5 stars! You can support the podcast financially at: vpirg.org/donate. Vermont's Voice is a weekly series where host Jordan Heiden investigates some of Vermont's most pressing issues by connecting with leaders and community members all around the state. YOU are Vermont's Voice -- so let's talk!

Welcome back to Vermont's Voice! Today we're digging into cross-generational climate action efforts after a successful Climate Lobby Day at the Vermont State House. Join us for a conversation with UVM Student Katie Erbe and Third Act Member Beth Sachs. To set the stage, VPIRG's Climate & Energy Program Director Ben Edgerly Walsh will talk us through the current climate landscape.See below for resources relevant to this episode: Third Act Vermont: https://thirdact.org/vermont/If you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can support the pod by liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, and rating us 5 stars! You can support the podcast financially at: vpirg.org/donate. Vermont's Voice is a new weekly series where host Jordan Heiden investigates some of Vermont's most pressing issues by connecting with leaders and community members all around the state. YOU are Vermont's Voice -- so let's talk!

Welcome back to Vermont's Voice! Today's episode is all about immigration and we're talking to Jill Martin Diaz, Esq., Executive Director of the Vermont Asylum Assistance Project (VAAP). See below for resources relevant to this episode: VAAP Website: https://www.vaapvt.org/Donate to VAAP: https://www.vaapvt.org/donationsKnow Your Rights: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0uaGz81U--6doerAgo0c0J7x0e6d7V75February ICE Report: https://www.vaapvt.org/blog/vaap-ice-tracker-february-trendsReport ICE Activity: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=LLZtElkH_UeKdQ1_V62dRJRom8BGPY9Fq5Gusji_Bw9UNDNJUzRUT0VNSTk4M0tGV09LU0xRWDBUNy4u&route=shorturlTRAC Reports: https://tracreports.org/immigration/If you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can support the pod by liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, and rating us 5 stars! You can support the podcast financially at: vpirg.org/donate. Vermont's Voice is a new weekly series where host Jordan Heiden investigates some of Vermont's most pressing issues by connecting with leaders and community members all around the state. YOU are Vermont's Voice -- so let's talk!

Welcome back to Vermont's Voice! Join us in episode 2 for a wide-ranging conversation with Vermont State Senator Becca White. We'll talk about the latest news from the State House, the challenges of being a young woman legislator, Senator White's favorite spots in her district, and a whole lot more. Plus, hear a transportation update from VPIRG's climate fellow and podcast co-producer, Josh!If you have questions, comments, stories, or ideas for future episodes, shoot us an email at [email protected]. You can support the pod by liking, commenting, sharing, subscribing, rating us 5 stars, and visiting vpirg.org/donate.Vermont's Voice is a new weekly series where host Jordan Heiden investigates some of Vermont's most pressing issues by connecting with leaders and community members all around the state. Together we'll learn, laugh, and explore opportunities for grassroots action to keep Vermonters engaged and to #KeepVermontCool. YOU are Vermont's Voice -- so let's talk!

Welcome to Vermont's Voice! In today's episode, we'll introduce VPIRG's new podcast series, learn more about our new host Jordan Heiden, and hear an interview with VPIRG Executive Director Paul Burns. Together Jordan and Paul will discuss the Vermont legislative session, Trump presidency, key public interest issue areas for 2025, and a whole lot more. If you have questions or ideas for the podcast, send Jordan an email at [email protected]. To support Vermont's Voice, visit vpirg.org/donate.