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.

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umainepolicycenter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/umainepolicy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcs.policy.center/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/umainepolicy

Transcript: Coming Soon

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.

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umainepolicycenter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/umainepolicy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcs.policy.center/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/umainepolicy

Transcript: Coming Soon

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/

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umainepolicycenter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/umainepolicy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcs.policy.center/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/umainepolicy

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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umainepolicycenter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/umainepolicy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcs.policy.center/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/umainepolicy

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/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umainepolicycenter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/umainepolicy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcs.policy.center/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/umainepolicy

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/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umainepolicycenter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/umainepolicy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcs.policy.center/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/umainepolicy

Transcript: Coming soon.

In this episode, we interview Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows on election processes, election security, the importance of local municipal elections, and semi-open primaries. This episode explores the extensive systems Maine employs to protect the democratic process. Secretary Bellows provides an in-depth look at how the state ensures every vote is counted accurately, discussing the critical roles played by officials, volunteers, and election workers at both local and state levels. These dedicated teams work together to implement a secure, transparent election process that fosters trust in the system. Maine is notably #1 in the nation in voter turnout rate due to our state’s policy of same-day voter registration, underscoring the importance of removing obstacles for people to get to the polls. The conversation highlights how rigorous planning, careful oversight, and collaborative efforts are essential to maintaining voter confidence and protecting the integrity of each election in Maine.

Absentee Voting in Maine

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umainepolicycenter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/umainepolicy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcs.policy.center/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/umainepolicy

Transcript: https://mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/2024/10/29/s6e2-behind-the-ballot-voting-integrity-in-maine-with-shenna-bellows/

This episode is part 2 of a two-part series on the status of broadband in Maine, with today’s topic focusing on digital equity, attitudes, and access. As we discussed in part one, Maine is uniquely situated for addressing the challenge of getting broadband access to every person, from urban to rural towns, both having their own distinct set of obstacles and opportunities. We highlighted the importance of putting communities “in the driver’s seat” to make decisions about funding distribution, to choose and advocate for the entities they want to provide that Internet service, and other approaches to making reliable broadband available, depending on the needs of a town’s constituents. In this episode, we discuss broadband access in Maine with Jessica Perez, Marijke Visser, and Diane Small.

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

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umainepolicycenter/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/umainepolicy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mcs.policy.center/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/umainepolicy

Transcript: https://mcspolicycenter.umaine.edu/2024/09/03/s6e1-maine-broadband-access-part-2-digital-equity-attitudes-and-access/