Send us a text

🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Susan Collins — Part Two

“It Clearly Needs an Investigation.” — Collins on Medicaid Billing and Federal Oversight

In Part Two of this wide-ranging conversation, U.S. Senator Susan Collins discusses several major policy and governance issues affecting Maine and the nation. She begins by reflecting on her long-standing leadership on Alzheimer’s research, sharing how personal experience shaped her advocacy and outlining bipartisan efforts to increase research funding and improve early diagnosis and treatment.

Collins also discusses her role as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and how federal funding decisions translate into tangible outcomes for Maine communities. She highlights investments in public safety, emergency response, infrastructure, higher education, childcare expansion, and public health research, and explains why local insight is important when determining how federal resources are allocated.

The conversation then turns to accountability and oversight, including reports of Medicaid overbilling involving Gateway Community Services. Collins explains why she believes the concerns raised warrant investigation and discusses the respective roles of state and federal authorities, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General, in ensuring transparency and proper use of taxpayer funds.

Part Two also addresses broader public safety and enforcement challenges in Maine. Collins describes difficulties faced by local law enforcement when dealing with complex criminal activity and explains why, in some circumstances, federal involvement can provide additional tools and stronger enforcement options. She also discusses the impact of organized crime, housing damage, and drug trafficking on Maine communities.

The episode further includes a discussion of the Social Security Fairness Act, with Collins explaining why correcting long-standing benefit offsets for public servants such as teachers, firefighters, and police officers was important to her. She reflects on the impact the change has had for thousands of Mainers who earned those benefits and why she viewed the issue as a matter of fairness.

The conversation concludes with reflections on bipartisanship, constituent services, seniority and leadership responsibilities in the U.S. Senate, and what experience and continuity can mean for representing Maine.

📻 Airs weekends on VOM (The Voice of Maine) — Saturday at 6:00 AM and Sunday at 6:30 AM.
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represen

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

Send us a text

🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | US Senator Susan Collins — Part One

“Bath Iron Works Is Absolutely Critical to Our Nation’s Security.” — Senator Susan Collins on Maine’s shipyard, Navy readiness, and global threats

In Part One of this in-depth conversation, U.S. Senator Susan Collins joins Q-Point Podcast to discuss national security challenges with direct implications for Maine and the nation. Senator Collins shares her perspective on the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, addressing drug trafficking, narco-terrorism, regional instability, and serious human rights concerns. She also explains the balance of power between Congress and the executive branch when responding to national security threats and the role of oversight under the War Powers framework.

The discussion turns to Maine’s critical role in national defense, with Senator Collins underscoring the importance of Bath Iron Works to Navy readiness, missile defense, and global security as China expands its naval capacity. She highlights the strategic value of Maine-built destroyers, workforce development, and long-term shipbuilding capacity, emphasizing how federal investments support both national security and Maine jobs.

Senator Collins also addresses healthcare challenges facing Maine and the country, including rural hospital sustainability, workforce shortages, and access to care. She outlines federal funding aimed at transforming rural healthcare delivery, supporting emergency services, expanding telemedicine, and helping hospitals remain viable in underserved and island communities. The conversation includes broader healthcare affordability concerns, bipartisan efforts to prevent coverage loss, and policy approaches aimed at lowering insurance costs.

The episode concludes with a discussion on prescription drug pricing, including insulin costs, the role of pharmacy benefit managers, and efforts to ensure negotiated savings are passed directly to consumers. Senator Collins explains why reforming incentives in the pharmaceutical supply chain remains a priority for improving affordability and access to care.

📻 Airs weekends on VOM (The Voice of Maine) at 6:00 AM Saturday and 6:30 AM Sunday.
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

Send us a text

“We Know There’s a Lot of Fraud” — LePage on Audits, Medicaid Overbilling, and Accountability

In Part Two of their conversation, former Maine Governor and Republican congressional candidate Paul LePage continues his discussion with Corenna and David Quirk, focusing on election integrity, government oversight, and accountability in public programs.

LePage raises concerns about unresolved ballot issues and argues that transparency — including third-party audits — is essential to restoring public confidence in Maine’s voting system. He also addresses reports of Medicaid overpayments and alleged misuse of public assistance programs, referencing actions taken during his administration and his belief that proper audits of organizations receiving public funds have not been conducted.

The conversation turns to the broader political climate, including rising hostility, threats against candidates and public officials, and what LePage describes as a breakdown in communication between parties. He calls for leadership capable of restoring dialogue and reducing the escalation of political tensions.

LePage discusses the role of lobbyists in the legislative process, expressing concern about their influence while also acknowledging that they serve as outside voices and play a role in policy development. Drawing on his experience as governor, he explains how the system works in practice, noting that lobbyists exist on both sides of the aisle and that leadership ultimately determines whether collaboration occurs.

As the discussion shifts back to the campaign trail, LePage reflects on voter enthusiasm in Maine’s Second Congressional District and warns against voter disengagement in a midterm election year. He outlines economic pressures facing Maine families, including heating costs, inflation, food prices, property taxes, and education funding, and reiterates his opposition to county bankruptcy proposals, instead calling for structural reforms to jails, public defense systems, and home-rule governance.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & The Voice of Maine App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Prerecorded. Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience. The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

Send us a text

“Affordability. Affordability. Affordability.” — LePage on What Voters Across Maine’s Second Congressional District Are Saying Most

In Part One of this in-studio conversation, former Maine Governor and Republican candidate for Maine’s Second Congressional District Paul LePage returns to Q-Point to discuss what he says voters across the district are telling him most consistently: the rising cost of living is overwhelming families, workers, and small businesses. From energy and food to insurance and housing, LePage argues affordability has become the defining issue in every corner of Maine — from Lewiston to Fort Kent to Washington County.

LePage addresses the impact of lumber tariffs on Maine’s forest economy, explains cross-border lobster processing with Canada, and details his concerns over how funds were distributed following the Lewiston mass shooting. He describes efforts he led to raise and distribute money directly to victims’ families and first responders, and why he believes greater transparency and accountability are needed.

The conversation expands to Maine’s soaring electricity costs, deregulation, solar subsidies, regional nuclear power, and the role of both state and federal policy in driving energy prices higher. LePage outlines his views on immigration enforcement, drug trafficking, and border security, including support for designating Maine as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. He also weighs in on small business pressures, the Family Leave Act, workforce challenges, student loan debt, healthcare costs, education policy, foster care, public safety, and the proper role of government.

This episode captures LePage’s unfiltered perspective on Maine’s economic pressures, public policy failures, and what he believes must change — setting the stage for a deeper continuation in Part Two.

📻 Airs weekends on VOM (The Voice of Maine) at 6:00 AM Saturday and 6:30 AM Sunday.
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

Send us a text

In this episode of the Q-Point Podcast, Corenna and David Quirk sit down with Keri Kapaldo, RN, SAFE Program Coordinator at St. Joseph Hospital, for an in-depth and informative conversation about Maine’s Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program and the significant gaps that still exist in statewide survivor support.

Kapaldo explains how the SAFE Program operates alongside the emergency department to provide trauma-informed, patient-centered care for individuals impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, and other forms of violence. She walks listeners through how SAFE nurses are accessed in Maine, what makes St. Joseph Hospital unique with guaranteed SAFE nurse availability, and why limiting repeated retelling of trauma is essential to patient care.

The conversation also centers on survivor choice — including receiving medical care without evidence collection, the option of anonymous sexual assault kits, and deciding later whether to involve law enforcement. Kapaldo discusses the extensive training required to become a SAFE nurse, how providers manage vicarious trauma, and the role SAFE nurses may play in court proceedings when cases move forward.

A key portion of the episode focuses on Maine’s lack of a statewide sexual assault kit-tracking system. Kapaldo explains why Maine remains the last in the nation without a funded, mandatory statewide system, what that means for survivors, and how pilot programs and proposed legislation aim to bring long-overdue transparency, accountability, and reform.

🔗 To support the SAFE Program at St. Joseph Hospital, visit:
https://stjosephbangor.org/services/emergency-department/safe-nurses/safe-giving/

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & The Voice of Maine App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

Send us a text

In Part Two, Democratic candidate for Hancock County Sheriff Lieutenant Dakota Dupuis explains how geography and limited staffing shape law-enforcement coverage across the county. He discusses his plan for all administrators to work night shifts to stay connected to deputies, improve communication, and better understand the challenges on the road.

Dupuis outlines the strain created when deputies are positioned on opposite ends of the county, the impact on response times and safety, and the budget pressures that limit staffing expansion. He also addresses recruitment challenges, the limited pool of certified officers, and why even a small increase in personnel would significantly improve service. He closes by highlighting what separates him as a candidate and how he plans to lead the agency forward.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & the VOM App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
Views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

Send us a text

In Part One, Lieutenant Dakota Dupuis shares his career background and the priorities driving his run for Hancock County Sheriff. He discusses modernization efforts within the Sheriff’s Office, including updated equipment, body and cruiser cameras, and expanded training. Dupuis also emphasizes community trust, accreditation goals, and plans to strengthen early mental-health interventions.

He describes the dramatic increase in fentanyl trafficking he witnessed while serving with MDEA and why a dual strategy of enforcement and treatment is essential. He also outlines the steps he’s taken to ensure Hancock County reenters the Down East Drug Task Force.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & the VOM App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
Views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

Send us a text

🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Penobscot County Commissioner Dan Tremble

“It’s Like Death by a Thousand Cuts.” — Commissioner Tremble on Small but Constant Regulations, Fees, and Mandates Piling Up on Small Businesses.

Penobscot County Commissioner Dan Tremble joins Corenna and David for a detailed look inside the issues reshaping Penobscot County — from the long-overdue need for a new jail and the rising cost of boarding inmates out-of-county, to audit backlogs, a 20% increase in the county tax, homelessness, and the mounting pressures on municipal services. He also explains how soaring residential valuations — rising much faster than commercial property values — are shifting more of the tax load onto homeowners, why small businesses are feeling the cumulative impact of layered regulations, and what options the county may need beyond property tax. Tremble reflects on his years as a Bangor city councillor, small-business owner, and county treasurer, offering an on-the-ground perspective of public service during a challenging moment.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine (101.3 FM, 103.9 FM & the VOM App).
⬇️ 🎧 Now streaming on QPointPodcast.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music & more.
Produced and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily represent those of the hosts, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.