Vermont Viewpoint

Latest Episodes:

Ross Connolly talks Americans for Prosperity, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, Economic Policy and Rosemary Becchi, Founder of Jersey1st Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

9-9:30am Jeremiah Mosteller, Policy Portfolio Director with Americans for Prosperity, discusses DOGE, what they are doing, misconceptions, and what should be done at the federal level to address waste and abuse.

9:30-10am Aaron Terr, Director of Public Advocacy with FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression) joins the show to talk about the importance of free speech and the threats coming from both sides of the political aisle.

10-10:30am Ilana Blumsack, Economic Policy Analyst with Americans for Prosperity, rejoins the program to update listeners on housing policy reforms being passed in states across the country.

10:30-11am Rosemary Becchi, Founder of Jersey1st, discusses the results of important special elections for Congress in Florida and a Supreme Court race in Wisconsin and what the results mean for the national political picture.

Brad Ferland talks with Charlie Papillo and Terry Lovelette of In Praise of Eagle Mountain Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

9:00 to 10:00

New farm venture/ Brad

Charlie Papillo helping interview

10:30 to 11:00

Terry Lovelette

In Praise of Eagle Mountain

In Praise of Eagle Mountain is a book of poetry and prose that explores themes of nature, solitude, and spiritual reflection. The author presents a contrast between two worlds: the chaotic, drama-filled world of human society and the peaceful, meaningful solitude found in nature.

Brad Ferland speaks VT National Guard, Dr. Dean Barcelow, and Legislative updates with Senator Mattos Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

9:00 to 10:00

Vermont National Guard

Master Sgt. Courtney Weisert Recruiting and Retention Battalion. current efforts including benefits, referral program and some lesser-known opportunities with the Guard through the State Partnership Program.

Public Affairs Officer, Joseph (Joe) Brooks. Upcoming State of the Guard Address by the adjutant general to the joint assembly in Montpelier. This is the first address like this of Maj. Gen. Knight’s tenure. Joe is a civilian PAO with us but is a retired guardsman, though not from the VTNG

10:00-10:45

Dr. Dean Barcelow

Update

S.64

An act relating to amendments to the scope of practice for optometrists

10:45

Senator Mattos. (tentative)

Legislative update

Ross Connolly talks with John Goodnight, Rachel Burgin, Rep Will Greer and AJ Kierstead Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

9-9:30am John Goodnight, Foreign Policy Expert, joins the program to discuss classified leaks, the conflict in Yemen, and the restart of the conflict in Gaza.

9:30-10am Rachel Burgin, Deputy Regional Director with Americans for Prosperity, discusses the potential impact on the region if the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is not renewed.

10-10:30am Rep Will Greer updates listeners about common ground legislation at the Statehouse and how we can get past partisanship.

10:30-11am AJ Kierstead, Host of the New England Take Podcast, rejoins the show to talk about controversies surrounding deportations, court battles, and President Trump’s approval rating.

Brad Ferland speaks The Hunt for Brianna Maitland By Gregory J. Overacker and Vermont Fish and Wildlife with Andrea Shortsleeve and Wildlife Biologist, Nick Fortin Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

9:00 to 10:00

Gregory J. Overacker

The Hunt for Brianna Maitland: The Relentless Pursuit of Answers to One of Vermont’s Biggest Mysteries.

By Gregory J. Overacker

21st anniversary of Brianna Maitland's disappearance, which occurred on March 19, 2004, when she left work at the Black Lantern Inn in Montgomery, Vermont.

10:00 to 10:15

Open show, Brad

10:15 to 11:00

Vermont Fish and wildlife, Rule making changes on deer herds and hunting rules. Public comment period and public engagment

Andrea Shortsleeve

Interim Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife

Nick Fortin, Wildlife Biologist - Deer Project Leader, Rutland Office

Nick has been working with the department since 2015. He has a B.S. in wildlife ecology from University of Maine and an M.S. in Natural Resources/Wildlife from University of New Hampshire.

Agency of Natural Resources

(Sec. Julie Moore)

Brad Ferland kicks off this week with University of Vermont Extension Maple Specialist Mark Isselhardt and Former Executive Director of Turning Point Burlington Gary De Carolis Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

9:15 to 10:00

Mark Isselhardt

Mark.Isselhardt@uvm.edu | 802-656-7564

Mark Isselhardt has been involved with maple research and education for over 20 years, the last nine of which as the University of Vermont Extension Maple Specialist. In that role, Mark leverages degrees in Forest Management and Plant Biology as he leads the Extension Maple Program with a mix of original research and outreach activities with established maple producers and individuals looking to learn about maple at all scales of production

10:00 to 11:00

Gary De Carolis

Former Executive Director of Turning Point Burlington, Vermont Recovery Network, Mental Health Commissioner, Host, Celebrate Life, CCTV; Founder & Lead Tour Guide, Burlington History Tours, Family Recovery Coach; and Consultant

Kevin Ellis on What ails the Democrats? w/Lt. Gov. John Rodgers & Former Senator Leahy Chief of Staff Luke Albee Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Lt. Gov. John Rodgers talks about his first months in office.

And Former Senator Leahy Chief of Staff Luke Albee talks about how the Democrats can come back.

David Zuckerman talks with Jordan Heiden and Tom Hughes from Vermont Public Interest Research Group and Mark Redmond, The Executive Director of Spectrum Youth and Family Services Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Jordan Heiden and Tom Hughes from Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) discussing their goals and legislation at the Vermont Statehouse.

Followed by Mark Redmond. The Executive Director of Spectrum Youth and Family Services discussing their annual Sleep out fundraiser and more importantly their work to help young kids get back on their feet with job training, life supports and housing when necessary.

Ross Connolly speaks on “Legislative March Madness”, Americans for Prosperity Wisconsin, Chris Maidment, Republican Campaign Strategist and Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

9-9:30am Rep Gina Galfetti joins to discuss “Legislative March Madness” in Montpelier

9:30-10am Megan Novak, State Director for Americans for Prosperity Wisconsin, informs listeners about the race for Supreme Court, an election getting national attention as it is the first major election since Nov 5th

10-10:30am Chris Maidment, Republican Campaign Strategist, rejoins the show to discuss the retirement of Senator Jeanne Shaheen and the outlook on an open Senate seat in the Granite State

10:30-11am Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, updates listeners on the shared energy policy issues between Mass and Vermont and how it is impacting residents

Brad Ferland talks with Treasurer Mike Pieciak, Rick Norcross and the best of Rick and the Ramblers Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

9:00 to 10:00

Treasurer Mike Pieciak updates

1. Treasurer’s Task Force and Legislators to Host Town Hall Series on Vermont’s Response to Federal Policy Changes

2. Treasurer Pieciak and Legislative Leaders Announce Proposal to Eliminate $100 Million in Medical Debt for Vermonters

3. The proposal (S.27) Treasurer Pieciak Reminds Eligible Employers to Enroll in Vermont Saves by March 1

10:00 to 11:00

Rick and the Ramblers. Rick Norcross

The Last album release, The 2nd bestest songs I ever wrote

March 23, 2025 will be Rick’s 80th birthday. He has been making music since he was 16.