In this episode, we interview Chris O'Brien on Maine’s strategic role as a nuclear frontier during the Cold War, highlighting how bases like Loring became central to national defense. We examine the legacy of Senator Margaret Chase Smith, balancing her famous stand against McCarthyism with her firm support for nuclear military readiness.

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Transcript: Coming Soon

In this episode, we discuss the high-stakes expiration of the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits (ePTCs)—a pandemic-era policy that is set to sunset at the end of 2025. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) laid the groundwork for subsidized health insurance in 2010, the 2021 American Rescue Plan significantly boosted these savings, making coverage affordable for thousands who previously sat just outside the eligibility line.

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In this episode, we explore the critical role whales play in the marine ecosystem and how advances in research technology have transformed our ability to study and protect them. Our guest, Toby Stephenson, shares inspiring moments from the field, insights from recent population studies, and the challenges posed by a changing climate. We also discuss the importance of collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and local communities in shaping the future of whale conservation. Looking ahead, we ask what gives reason for hope and how Maine can continue leading efforts to protect these ocean giants for generations to come.

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In this episode, library leaders from across Maine share how their roles reflect the modern mission of public libraries and why these institutions remain vital to their communities. Listeners will learn how Maine libraries are adapting to meet today’s needs, the impact of federal funding cuts, and the strategies librarians employ to defend intellectual freedom amid growing pressures for censorship. The conversation also explores libraries’ role in climate action, the challenges of ensuring equitable digital access, and inspiring stories of how libraries especially in rural areas are fostering education, resilience, and stronger community connections.

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In this episode, we interview Shannon Coffin, Lynne Holland, Lisa Morin, and Amanda Levesque on food insecurity in Maine’s higher and lower education systems. This episode is part 2 of our series on food insecurity in Maine. If you haven’t listened yet, please check out part 1, where we discuss the statewide prevalence of food insecurity in Maine.

Part 1: https://mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/maine-policy-matters/

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Transcript: Coming Soon

In this episode, we interview Heather Paquette, Kelly Sirimoglu, and Justin Strasburger on the prevalence of food insecurity in Maine.

Resources

Donate to Maine Policy Review: https://mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/donate-to-maine-policy-review/

Our Website: https://mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/maine-policy-matters/

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Transcript: https://mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/2025/03/27/s7e2-feeding-maine-the-fight-against-hunger-in-urban-and-rural-communities/

In this episode, we feature a special host, Nicole Leblanc, who is a writer for our podcast. This episode focuses on climate resilience, Maine's efforts toward clean energy and transportation, and Maine's climate change infrastructure and will have two segments. The first will feature a one-on-one interview with Chief Engineer for the Maine Department of Transportation Joyce Taylor. The second segment will feature a panel with Sarah Curran, Judy East, and Samantha Horn.

Resources

MaineDOT's Climate Initiative

Maine Climate Council

Maine Climate Resilience Grant

Maine Adaptation Toolkit

Donate to Maine Policy Review: https://mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/donate-to-maine-policy-review/

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In this episode, we interview Gordon Smith, Alex Rezk, Dr. Rachel Solotaroff, and Glenn Gordon on the opioid epidemic in Maine.

Resources:

Donate to Maine Policy Review: https://mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/donate-to-maine-policy-review/

Our Website: https://mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/maine-policy-matters/

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Transcript: Coming soon.