Lydia's Lunch Bunch

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!

Roopers Beverage and Redemption Tasting Tales is back! Mark, Sara, and Pam sample some Wild Maine Tequila Seltzer-Lime and it's sooooo good! Visit your local Roopers and score a 4-pack for only $10.99! Plus, the gang talks coffee, head-shaving, and Artemis II's malfunctioning toilet!

Brian Doyon and Pat Penley stop by to talk about the Kora Shrine Outdoor Expo happening April 11-12 in Lewiston! The event will include free admission, vendor booths, a Youth Hunter Safety Course, and educational seminars/presentations throughout the weekend! Plus, the “Bangs for Your Bucks” live raffle & auction (ticketed event).

Woman's Literary Union of Androscoggin County President Kathy Lawrence and Vice President Stefanie Damien join Mark and Pam to talk about the WLU's mission and preservation of Foss Mansion. They also share details on some upcoming events including the Prom Gown Giveaway (April 4), the Pastries & Porcelain A Spring Tea (May 9) and the annual Garage Sale on June 20!

Sara recaps her murder mystery performance, and provides an update on her Equinox Detox. She also reveals her love for queso and convinces an old man to help her with trivia night.

Singer/songwriter/musician Chuck Durang joins Mark and Jacey to talk about a career that has spanned over six decades. He also shares an update following his Maine's Got Talent audition, and plays a few songs for us, live in studio!

290 Maine Street owner Ryan Ricci joins Mark and Jacey to talk about the best pub in Norway, featuring weekly food and drink specials as well as live music and events! He shares some aspects of 290's success, including a spot on Good Morning America, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Mark thinks baseball's Opening Day should be a national holiday, Sara recently began her Equinox Detox (no caffeine, sugar, alcohol, etc...), and tells the story of how she once found housing in Boston by petsitting a turtle named Lester :)

Maine author Jennifer Braunfels joins Mark and Pam to talk about her first novel, "Everything You Love Ends Up in a Yard Sale" which will be released on May 5! Jennifer talks about the inspiration, characters, and process of publishing the book, which was literally a dream come true. Don’t miss the celebration launch on May 13 from 6-8pm at Edward Little High School!

Sara's very excited about her new frog (not the ribbit, ribbit kind). Mark and Sara learn about zarfs, nurdles, and snoods. And Sara discovers that a bunch of movies in her top-ten list are among the greatest films ever to grace the silver screen :)

East Auburn Pools and Services owner Bryan Shaw has been in the swimming pool industry since he was 17-years-old. He joins Mark and Sara to talk about seasonal openings, above-ground and in-ground pools, hot tubs, maintenance, equipment upgrades and more!

Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce Executive Director John Williams joins Mark and Jacey to talk about the Oxford Hills Home Show happening April 24-26 featuring major local builders including Turn Key Homes, Twin Town Homes, and Alternative Modular Homes. The event officially kicks off with a Business After Hours on April 23. Plus, we learn about John’s prowess on the baseball diamond!

Lydia Media owner and LA Metro Magazine publisher Pam Ashby joins Mark and Sara to preview the magazine's spring issue, which will be delivered next week! The Home & Garden Edition features stories on kitchen and bath design, swimming pools, home maintenance, water quality, home organization, and more!

In the last two years, Camden Paquin has raised over $10,000 to support Mission Working Dogs, an organization that trains service and therapy dogs to help people with disabilities live with more independence and fulfillment. The fundraising started with a lemonade stand he built with his grandfather, a U.S. Navy veteran. This year, 10-year-old Cam has organized a June 20 golf scramble at Apple Valley and is hoping you can support through participation or sponsorship!

The Auburn Exchange Club's Mike Mathieu, John Horton, and Tim Rucker join Mark and Sara to share details about their biggest fundraiser, the 48th Annual Twin City Gun & Sportsmen Show, happening March 28-29 at the Lewiston Armory! They also talk about the Club's commitment to family, community, and country.

Lost Valley owner Scott Shanaman, general manager John Herrick, and marketing manager Travis Dow take a look back at one of the most successful season's in Lost Valley's 65 year history. Scott shares some details about purchasing the resort 10 years ago and they talk about the upcoming end-of-season Beach Bash on March 29, which includes plenty of fun and wild events for the whole family!

Bonney Staffing Chief Revenue Officer, Tracey Dorr, and Business Development Manager, Jennifer Billings, talk about Bonney's mission of connecting a wide range of job seekers with employers looking for help with temporary and permanent positions. Bonney specializes in many areas of recruitment for jobs in administration/clerical, customer service, human resources, medical office, legal office, warehouse, general labor, and more!

Mark and Sara take the show on the road to Schooner Estates for the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce’s Brewing Connections! They chat with Member Moments presenters Barbara Lovejoy of Elevator Evolution, Mike Truchon of PromoBerries, Patricia Law of the University of Southern Maine, and Farmer Keena of Little Ridge Farm!

Auburn Exchange Club District President and Pelletier's Karate Academy owner Sadie Landry stops by to talk about the club's "Paint the Cities Blue" initiative to raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention. Lewiston-Auburn business are encouraged to show support by turning their storefronts blue with free window kits!

Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Shanna Cox talks about some upcoming events, including the B2B Trade Show. As she prepares to leave her post, she reflects on her last six years leading the Chamber and looks ahead to an exciting new chapter!

Mystery for Hire working manager Greg Simpson and Sara talk about “Murder at the Marquee”, an interactive murder mystery theater event on Friday, March 27 at the Franco Center in Lewiston. It's an updated version of their Hollywood award show with some new performers and some of your long time favorites! Plus, Greg, the world's biggest M*A*S*H fan, tells an unforgettable story of how he met Loretta Swit!

DeBlois Electric President Steve Morin and Project Controller Stacey Fournier join Mark and Sara to talk about company culture, community involvement, career advancement, working for an employee-owned company, and much more. We also learn where Stacey would go if she had teleportation powers and why Steve would turn down skybox seats at the big game!

Sara dishes on her Florida adventure, from chilly temps to 60 furry felines and a disastrous whoopie pie encounter. Plus, she and Mark reveal their magician personas that are guaranteed to leave you underwhelmed :)

Phoenix No Limits Karate owner Donna Harris stops by to talk about some exciting fundraisers for the Black Belts Against Domestic Violence program including a Comedy Show Fundraiser (March 14), a Mother's Day Tea Party (May 9), the Jennie's Run 5K (May 10), and the inaugural 9-Hole Classic Golf Tournament (May 31)!

Andwell Health Partners Director of Development and Community Relations, Leslie Ogilvie, and Donor Engagement Specialist, Kristen Filbeck, join Mark and Pam to talk about Maine’s Got Talent, happening May 2nd in Auburn! The premier music competition will benefit Andwell's pediatric program and services.

Rock Mountain Farm owners (and LA Metro Magazine winter issue cover story subjects) Peter and Kathie Bolduc join Mark and Pam to talk about their commitment to quality and healthy products. Their animals are never exposed to antibiotics or growth hormones and Peter explains how healthy eating begins with soil.

The Store Next Door's former Board of Directors President Tom Giberti and Nutty Nettie's Café owner Aaron Buccheri join Mark and Pam to talk about supporting our local homeless youth. The Store Next Door envisions a community where every young person has the safety, security, dignity, and support needed to reach their fullest academic potential, without barriers to education, wellness, or opportunity.

Since 1947, Neokraft has established a reputation as a leading custom sign fabricator in Maine, throughout New England, and beyond. Co-owner/President Mike Mathieu is joined by colleagues Clay Bublak and Mike Langelier to talk about the company's mission, culture, and growth. There's also some conversation about Olympic hockey, a German heavy metal festival, the Stones, and The Who!

We take the show on the road to Oxford Hills Mercantile (aka Ollie and David’s) in South Paris! Situated in the heart of Market Square, and housed in a vintage 1852 General Mercantile building, you'll find a gathering of curated vintage and repurposed finds. Ollie and David’s takes the old and discarded, and gives them new life and purpose!

Mark and Jacey take the show on the road to Western Maine to chat with The Woods Maine owner Samantha Masabny! She shares the decision making process behind choosing Norway for her family and business, which is a Maine lifestyle brand and shopping experience offering original and elevated goods. Oh, and let's not forget the luxury treehouse!

William John Gibson the 23rd, better known as Bim Gibson, is a walking encyclopedia of local sports. His latest book, "My February Vacation", chronicles his 25 years covering the Maine High School Basketball Tournament. He also shares a treasure trove of memories, including Edward Little High School's "NumberGate" with former football teammate Steve Simard!

Our Nordiques guests woke up to a flat tire and had to cancel. So, like champions, Mark and Sara laced up the skates and talked about the glory, majesty, and what-the-heck-did-I-just-watch, of the Winter Games.

Poland Spring Resort owner Cyndi Robbins stops by to talk about Mel's Hilltop Restaurant, which, for the first time in 50 years, is open year-round! She also shares tips from a lifetime in the hospitality industry, the legend of Togo the sled dog, and stories from her travels around the globe.