What started as a simple desire to bridge the gap between "those who have" and "those who need" has exploded into a statewide movement of radical generosity. Angela pulls back the curtain on how she built an organization fueled not by bureaucracy, but by love, dignity, and an unwavering trust in the community. We discuss the logistics of compassion, the economic impact of basic needs, and how building a stronger social safety net creates a better Maine for everyone. Tune in to learn how one person’s spark can ignite a fire of community impact.

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On today’s episode, we sit down with the co-founder of MedRhythms to find out how a kid from Patten went on to raise tens of millions in venture capital and pioneer a new class of digital medicine. We dig into the tactical realities of entrepreneurship, the "brain drain" myth, and why the next great American startup hub might just be in our own backyard. Whether you're a founder, an investor, or just a Mainer who believes in our state's potential, you can't afford to miss this conversation.

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Kimberly Twitchell is the Senior Director of Affordable Housing at NBT Bank, a role she stepped into after a distinguished career spanning over three decades in Maine's banking sector. Her journey includes 17 years in commercial lending at Bank of America and nearly a decade at TD Bank before she joined NBT Bank, where she served for eight years as the Maine Regional President, overseeing the bank's operations and strategy across the state.

But this isn't just a new job for Kimberly; it's the culmination of a long-held mission. For years, she has served on the boards of two of Maine's most vital housing nonprofits, Avesta Housing and Community Housing of Maine. This unique dual perspective gives her deep insight into both the financial mechanics of development and the on-the-ground needs of our communities.

In this conversation, we breakdown the concept of "affordable housing," the biggest barriers to development in Maine, her vision for how we can build a more accessible future for everyone in our state, and more. Join us for an essential discussion with one of Maine's most experienced leaders in the fight for affordable housing.

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Upon returning to Maine—making her a proud "boomerang"—she continued to build an impressive resume at People's United Bank and on the New Business Ventures team at WEX. Today, Katie channels that experience into fostering innovation and attracting talent. She serves as president of the nonprofit Startup Maine and is a board member for the Portland Community Chamber. Her work has been widely recognized, earning her a spot on the Mainebiz 40 Under 40 list and the title of "Maine Ambassador of the Year" from PROPEL.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the 2025 National History Day in Maine Teacher of the Year and a long-time teacher at Maranacook Community High School, Shane is a leading voice in education. He also serves as a Teacher Ambassador for the Emmy-winning Retro Report and is part of the national Educating for American Democracy Teacher Leadership Task Force. In this powerful conversation, we explore his philosophy on forging thoughtful, empathetic citizens and how he empowers students to find clarity and purpose in a complex world.

This episode is also a personal one for our host, Collin McGarr, who had Mr. Gower as a teacher. Their discussion is a full-circle moment, exploring the lasting impact of a great mentor and the vital mission of public education in our state.

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In this conversation, we explore the real story behind that decision. We discuss her journey from tax accountant to founder, the practical challenges of building a new business, her perspective on access to legal resources for our Maine communities, and more. We also touch on the triumphs and the leadership required to build a unique and supportive culture from the ground up. This is a must-listen for anyone who has ever dreamed of carving their own path and ignoring the chorus of 'no's' along the way.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are talking with Gordon H. Smith, a man whose career represents a nearly unparalleled journey through the intersection of law, medicine, governance and saving lives, in Maine. His journey began not in the State House, but as a lawyer representing physicians. That foundational experience led to a nearly 40-year tenure at the Maine Medical Association, where he rose to become its chief advocate and a nationally recognized leader.

But when Maine faced one of its gravest public health crises, his deep experience was called upon for a different kind of service. In 2019, Governor Janet Mills appointed him as the state's first Director of Opioid Response, charging him with charting the course through a devastating epidemic.

In this conversation, we get access to his unique logbook. We discuss the hard-won lessons from the front lines of the opioid crisis, his seasoned perspective on where Maine is headed next, and much more. This episode is a lesson in stewardship and a look at the quiet dedication required to steer a state toward a healthier and more prosperous future.

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Nick Lacasse, a 5th generation Mainer and founder of Perennial Renewables, joins the show to make a powerful case for a community-based energy future. He pushes back against the common narrative that solar development is driven by out-of-state interests, sharing his perspective as a local leader whose business is deeply invested in its community.

In this inspiring conversation, we discuss his commitment to using 100% local labor in Kennebec County, the fight for thoughtful energy legislation at the state house, and the stunning economic impact of local projects—where nearly 75 cents of every construction dollar stays right here in Maine. This is a must-listen episode about economic self-determination, the power of local leadership, and a new blueprint for building a prosperous future for our state.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.