Best Sarah Vermont Podcasts (2024)

1
The Session Shakedown 49:39

3M ago49:39

49:39

Advocates recap the eleven priority environmental and democracy policies taken up in the 2023/2024 biennium in the Vermont Legislature.By Justin Marsh

1
Celebrating Senator Dick McCormack’s 30+ Years of Environmental Leadership 55:17

3M ago55:17

55:17

On this week’s episode of Democracy Dispatch, we have a conversation with Senator Dick McCormack. The Windsor Senator recently announced his retirement from the legislature after more than three decades of service. He reflects on the pressing issues that the state faced in the late 80s and how they have evolved (or not) over time. He shares his ins…

1
The Future of Elections and Democracy (w/ Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas) 33:29

4M ago33:29

33:29

On this week’s episode of Democracy Dispatch, we welcome back to the podcast two statewide elected officials. Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas joins for a conversation reflecting on her first term in office including the challenges of responding to flooding and building new IT systems. She discusses the future of ranked choice voting in Ver…

1
Cleaning Up Our Act (w/ Gretchen Salter and Anthony Iarrapino) 26:26

4M ago26:26

26:26

Between Big Oil and toxic chemicals, it's time we clean up our act! Just as the Vermont House passes S.25, a bill that would ban PFAS and other harmful “forever” chemicals from a slew of items including cosmetics, cookware, apparel, artificial turf, children’s products, and personal care products, it felt like a great time to hear from a national p…

1
Act 250's Impact on Affordable Housing (w/ Kathy Beyer of Evernorth) 34:47

4M ago34:47

34:47

On this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I’m joined by our 2024 legislative intern, Cora Smith. We will have a conversation about her role and the interests that emerged while spending many hours reporting on committee discussions this year. Later, Cora takes the wheel as host for an interview with Kathy Beyer, Senior Vice Presiden…

1
Act 250 Floor Discussion + Vote; Recapping the AV State Summit 23:42

5M ago23:42

23:42

Lauren speaks with Rep. Amy Sheldon following the floor discussion and vote on H.687, a bill that would modernize Act 250. Justin recaps the America Votes State Summit in Washington, D.C.By Justin Marsh

1
Inside Proposed Act 250 Reform Legislation (w/ Kati Gallagher & Catherine Dimitruk) 35:26

5M ago35:26

35:26

Kati Gallagher, Sustainable Communities Program Director at Vermont Natural Resources Council, and Catherine Dimitruk, executive director of Northwest Regional Planning Commission, join for a conversation about Act 250 reform and the proposed changes within H.687, a bill heading to the House floor this week. The two outline the bill's nexus with pl…

1
When Businesses Get Political (w/ Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, Kristin Warner, and Kate Ogden) 33:28

5M ago33:28

33:28

Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale (D-Chittenden SE), chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs and Kristin Warner, Public Policy Manager at Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility discuss the roles of businesses in shaping policy, how businesses band together to stack a stand on climate protections, and the a…

1
2024 Halftime Report (w/ Lauren Hierl) 23:45

6M ago23:45

23:45

With the legislature on break for Town Meeting Day, it seemed like the opportune time to sit down with Lauren Hierl, executive director, Vermont Conservation Voters, to discuss the policy priorities outlined in the 2024 Environmental Common Agenda and provide a progress report on each. We update you on the latest surrounding Act 250, climate resili…

1
Burlington Mayoral Candidates Joan Shannon & Emma Mulvaney-Stanak 33:58

6M ago33:58

33:58

Democratic Burlington City Councilor Joan Shannon and Progressive State Representative Emma Mulvaney-Stanak, both vying to be Burlington’s next mayor, answer the same set of questions on Burlington’s existing climate efforts and their vision for the future. Senator Christopher Bray of Addison County talks about the advancement of S.213, the Flood S…

1
Chiefs of Staff: Legislative Lassos (w/ Conor Kennedy & Ashley Moore) 47:06

6M ago47:06

47:06

Ashley Moore and Conor Kennedy are the chiefs of staff for Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Baruth (D-Chittenden Central) and Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski (D-Burlington), respectively. The two provide a peek behind the podiums, if you will, sharing details of their roles, what led them to this work, how they spend their rare free time, and …

1
Kicking the Can: Modernizing the Bottle Bill (w/ Marcie Gallagher) 37:42

6M ago37:42

37:42

Marcie Gallagher, an environmental advocate with VPIRG, joins the podcast to discuss Vermont’s beverage container law known more commonly as the Bottle Bill. We unpack the history of the 50-year-old law, its importance, and the attempts and complexities surrounding modernizing it for today’s economy and consumer trends. Representative Julia Andrews…

1
Generations in Governance (w/ Sen. Ginny Lyons and Rep. Esme Cole) 50:49

6M ago50:49

50:49

Senator Ginny Lyons (D-Chittenden SE) and Representative Esme Cole (D-Hartford) are two trailblazing legislators on opposing ends of the age spectrum. They bridge wisdom and progress sharing their perspectives, their path to politics, experiences with ageism and misogyny, and priorities for the rest of this session. I also welcome back Representati…

1
Climate Solutions Caucus (w/ Sen. Rebecca White and Rep. Gabrielle Stebbins) 42:51

7M ago42:51

42:51

On the this week’s episode of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, I have a conversation with Senator Rebecca White (D-Windsor) and Representative Gabrielle Stebbins (D-Burlington), co-chairs of the Climate Solutions Caucus. They share their environmental priorities for the session, how their caucus operates and moves policies forward, their personal th…

1
Are Dams Holding Us Back? (w/ Karina Dailey) 26:58

7M ago26:58

26:58

Dams exist in almost every Vermont community. Some of us may pass them on our daily commute, some of us may live near them, use the reservoirs created by them, receive our electricity from them, or even have them on our properties. It’s not clear exactly how many dams are in Vermont, but according to recent reporting from VT Digger, experts believe…

1
VCV’s Rising Star Award Winners (w/ Sen. Anne Watson and Rep. Mike Rice) 36:45

7M ago36:45

36:45

This week we unveiled the 2024 Environmental Common Agenda, coalescing the priorities of a record 19 environmental organizations into one publication. We held a press conference in the state house with fellow advocates along with support from House and Senate leadership to give an overview of our collective priorities. Later that evening at a recep…

1
Flood Recovery & Climate Resiliency (Part 2) 31:41

7M ago31:41

31:41

We last dropped a special episode in July in response to the catastrophic flooding that ripped through much of Vermont. Representative Dan Noyes (D-Wolcott) and I walked the streets of Johnson last summer to assess clean up efforts and talk strategies for the future, and he joins the podcast to give an update on progress and how his communities are…

1
Flood Recovery Efforts (Part 1) 30:57

1y ago30:57

30:57

As Vermonters begin week four of clean up from the devastating flooding that occurred the week of July 10th, we hear from four legislators from across Vermont as they share stories from their communities and efforts of recovery. I walked the streets of Johnson with Representative Dan Noyes, assessing firsthand the damages and work to rebuild. I spo…

1
Episode 83: Psychedelic Therapy Coming to Vermont? | Dr. Rick Barnett 49:00

1y ago49:00

49:00

Psychologist Dr. Rick Barnett and Zach Rhoads discuss the psychedelic movement. They touch on: - How psychedelics work in therapy and in general use - Drug safety - Medicalization versus Legalization (or decriminalization) of psychedelics - "Drug exceptionalism" (as coined by Dr. Carl Hart) - Vermont stakeholders - Personal experience with drug use…

1
Episode 84: Christopher Chabris | Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In (and what we can do about it) 1:16:36

1y ago1:16:36

1:16:36

Today’s guest is Dr. Christopher Chabris. We talked about his new book (with Daniel Simons), “Nobody’s Fool.” Chris is a cognitive scientist. His research in this field focuses on attention, decision-making, collective intelligence, cognitive ability, and behavioral genetics. Outside of the his academic community, he is a known chess master, and be…

1
Wrapping Up the 2023 Session (w/ Speaker Jill Krowinski) 44:19

1y ago44:19

44:19

On the Season Finale of the Democracy Dispatch Podcast, Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski discusses her role as Speaker, and House leadership’s priorities both currently and with an eye on the second and final year of the biennium. After passing the Affordable Heat Act this year, she lists the environmental policy priorities she hopes to see make…

1
How Wisconsin Organized Voters to Combat Attacks on Democracy (w/ Seth Hoffmeister) 38:14

1+ y ago38:14

38:14

Wisconsin Conservation Voters’ Deputy Director, Seth Hoffmeister joins the podcast from the 2023 Conservation Voters Movement Conference in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Seth shares about the incredible field organizing his organization led, resulting in successfully blocking a Republican supermajority in the Wisconsin House of Representatives. Despite…

1
Addressing Legislative Pay (w/ Rep. Emma Mulvaney-Stanak) 41:21

1+ y ago41:21

41:21

Representative Emma Mulvaney-Stanak (P/D-Burlington) speaks about proposed legislation that would incrementally increase the pay and benefits that legislators receive over the next two bienniums. The former director of the Vermont Livable Wage Campaign addresses historic wage disparities for women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+ persons, and the ways that the curre…

1
All About the Affordable Heat Act (w/ Rep. Gabrielle Stebbins) 41:02

1+ y ago41:02

41:02

We examine the Affordable Heat Act, S.5, with co-chair of the Vermont Legislature’s Climate Solutions Caucus, Representative Gabrielle Stebbins (D-Burlington). Last week, the House voted to advance the Affordable Heat Act by a vote of 98-46. As the bill inches its way closer to the Governor’s desk, we felt it was an opportune time to really get int…

1
The MENA Caucus (w/ Sen. Nader Hashim, Rep. Golrang ”Rey” Garofano, and Rep. Mary-Katherine Abdel-Ghany Stone) 45:13

1+ y ago45:13

45:13

Senator Nader Hashim (D-Windham), Representative Golrang “Rey” Garofano (D-Essex), and Representative Mary-Katherine Abdel-Ghany Stone (D-Burlington) comprise the MENA Caucus. MENA is an acronym referring to the group of countries situated in the Middle East and in North Africa. The three share the stories of their journeys to Vermont, campaigning,…

1
Being Green While Making Green (w/ State Treasurer Mike Pieciak) 46:40

1+ y ago46:40

46:40

Mike Pieciak was elected as our 31st State Treasurer last November after completing his “Road to Victory” - taking part in the 251(+1) Club, visiting every town and city in the state - ending in Victory, VT, and with a resounding victory on election night. The Brattleboro-native, who previously served for six years as the commissioner of the Vermon…

1
A Conversation with Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman 42:54

1+ y ago42:54

42:54

On this week’s Democracy Dispatch podcast, we get the chance to speak with Lieutenant Governor David Zuckerman, who is currently serving as our state’s 84th lieutenant governor, returning for a third term after one biennium break following a run for Governor. Zuckerman is a Progressive/Democrat who was the only third-party candidate to be elected i…

1
Protecting and Expanding Democracy (w/ Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas) 38:32

1+ y ago38:32

38:32

Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas speaks with Justin a few months into her transition to the role after an incredible 18-year legislative career representing Bradford in the Vermont House. During her tenure she was the lead sponsor of the Global Warming Solutions Act and most recently co-chair of the Climate Solutions Caucus. Copeland Hanzas…

1
The Environmental Role of the AG’s Office (w/ Attorney General Charity Clark) 38:27

1+ y ago38:27

38:27

Attorney General Charity Clark is our state’s 28th AG, and the first woman to ever be elected to the position. In a candid conversation with Justin, she talks about her upbringing in Southern Vermont, how the intimacy of Vermont's politics allowed her access to role models where she could see herself reflected, her passion for Vermont's climate and…

1
Episode 82: Sarah Ward | Executive Functioning Skills Skills for You and Your Children 53:53

1+ y ago53:53

53:53

Welcome to episode 82! I t's been a while (sorry!) Today I spoke with Sarah Ward M.S., CCC/SLP and Co-Director of Cognitive Connections, LLP. We discussed strategies that she has developed-- for both children and adults-- to sharpen their executive functioning skills to enhance learning and life. Examples of the skills that Sarah works with people …

1
2023 Halftime Report (w/ Lauren Hierl) 21:39

1+ y ago21:39

21:39

Move over, Rihanna. We've got our own Halftime Show! With the legislature on break for Town Meeting Day, it seemed like the opportune time to sit down with Lauren Hierl, executive director, Vermont Conservation Voters, to discuss the policy priorities outlined in the 2023 Environmental Common Agenda and provide a progress report on each. We update …

1
Banning PFAS and Toxic ”Forever” Chemicals (w/ Rep. Dane Whitman) 41:15

1+ y ago41:15

41:15

Only in his second term, Rep. Dane Whitman (D-Bennington) has already become a leader in policy banning harmful PFAS and toxic "forever" chemicals from several items, earning him VCV's Rising Star Award in 2022. In this episode, he shares why PFAS are of concern to Vermonters and particularly the Bennington region, and outlines the next wave to fur…

1
Is Serving in the State House Sustainable? (w. Rep. Saudia LaMont) 44:50

1+ y ago44:50

44:50

Rep. Saudia LaMont (D-Morristown) speaks about her experience as a freshman legislator and how the reality of serving differed from her perception while campaigning. She discusses the weight she carries representing several different identities in a mostly homogenous state, including being the third Black woman to serve Vermont, and what keeps her …

1
Vermont’s Love/Hate Relationship with Act 250 (w/ Rep. Amy Sheldon) 29:42

1+ y ago29:42

29:42

Rep. Amy Sheldon (D-Middlebury) has been active in several House committees where Act 250 is in the spotlight. In 2017, she was appointed as chair of the Commission on Act 250. In this episode, she breaks down the complicated relationship Vermonters have - both appreciation and opposition of Act 250, what changes need to be made, and what the futur…

1
Roaring Twenties: Three Young Lawmakers’ Reflections (w/ Sen. Becca White, Rep. Jay Hooper, and Rep. Lucy Boyden) 36:12

1+ y ago36:12

36:12

Sen. Becca White (D-Windsor), Rep. Jay Hooper (D-Randolph), and Rep. Lucy Boyden (D-Cambridge) discuss their experiences as legislators in the 20's. The three reflect on ageism both on the campaign trail and in the state house, the difficulties of serving as a young person, as well as why their voices matter. Rep. Larry Satcowitz (D-Randolph) walks…

1
Looking Back on 15 Years of Environmental Justice (w/ Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale) 32:40

1+ y ago32:40

32:40

Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale (D/P-Chittenden Southeast) takes a look back at the environmental justice legislation that inspired her to run for the state legislature over 15 years ago. She explains the importance of equity in the conversation about the environment and climate, as well as the progress that has been made, and where work still needs to hap…

1
Accessibility from State Trails to the State House (w/ Rep. Elizabeth Burrows) 34:16

1+ y ago34:16

34:16

Justin has a conversation with Rep. Elizabeth Burrows (D/P - West Windsor) about her proposed bill that would make state-owned and managed trails more physically accessible. She speaks candidly about the limitations of serving for differently-abled legislators. Lauren chats with Rep. Seth Bongartz (D-Manchester) for our deep dive conversation about…

1
Freedom & Unity: A Graphic Guide to Civics and Democracy in Vermont (w/ Susan Clark) 30:41

1+ y ago30:41

30:41

Justin speaks with Susan Clark about her contributions to Freedom and Unity: A Graphic Guide to Civics and Democracy in Vermont, recently published as a collaboration between The Center for Cartoon Studies, Vermont’s Secretary of State office, and Vermont Humanities Council. Here in Vermont, freedom isn’t a free-for-all and unity doesn’t mean unifo…

1
The Winooski Dome Proposal Project of 1979 (w/ Rep. Taylor Small) 27:15

1+ y ago27:15

27:15

Guest Representative Taylor Small (P/D-Winooski) talks about the Winooski Dome Proposal Project of 1979, a PFAS bill set to be taken up this session, and climate priorities for her city. Lauren Hierl catches up with Middlebury Representative Amy Sheldon for our deep dive conversation outlining her priorities for the new biennium as chair of the res…

1
Introducing the Democracy Dispatch Podcast 1:00

1+ y ago1:00

1:00

Welcome to the Democracy Dispatch podcast, hosted by Justin Marsh, political outreach director at Vermont Conservation Voters. Justin will be joined every Monday with folks from their team as they update you on the latest happenings in the Vermont State House, speak with legislators, environmental allies, go deeper on some policy initiatives, and s…

1
Samhain: The origin of Halloween and Torture at the Tower of London 1:11:49

2y ago1:11:49

1:11:49

It's always spooky season around here, but in this episode we go extra spooky and educational. Yasmine explains the origin of Halloween and why we trick or treat. Jen takes us to London to explore the executions performed there, a certain famous disappearance of two Princes and also common methods of torture in England. We love to hear from our lis…

1
Sarah Ware Murder Finale and Atlantis 1:15:48

2y ago1:15:48

1:15:48

It's finally here! The final part of the Sarah Ware historical true crime series. Let us know what you think happened to Sarah-in this episode we discuss theories and find out if anyone is convicted. Yasmine is determined that Jen WILL learn Greek mythology! She brings the fascinating new research into an age old question: Did Atlantis ever exist? …

1
Sarah Ware Murder Part 2 and The Dudley Curse 1:16:39

2y ago1:16:39

1:16:39

In this episode we are back with Part 2 of the historical true crime story about Sarah Ware. A coroner's inquest has been held and a suspect arrested, but will justice be done? Many theories are starting to emerge and secrets are being revealed! Source material for this episode-Emeric Spooner's book "Sarah Ware Revisited". Yasmine takes us to Dudle…

1
The Fates and Sarah Ware Murder Part 1 1:12:42

2y ago1:12:42

1:12:42

Do you believe everything that happens on this big marble is by chance or do you believe your life path is predetermined? In Greek mythology the Moirai or the fates determine your best life. Yasmine breaks it down for us in the first half of the episode. Then we dive into a historical true crime from 1898 in Bucksport, Maine that remains unsolved d…

1
The Frozen People of Vermont and the Stanley Hotel 1:14:53

2y ago1:14:53

1:14:53

This one is a doozy! First we discuss a legend from Vermont where apparently cryogenics was invented in 1887 per the tale: The Frozen People of Vermont. Next Yasmine takes us to the Disneyland of Ghosts--The Stanley Hotel in Colorado made even more famous by Stephen King's The Shining. Spooky season is upon us-Reach out and let us know your persona…

1
Bucksport, ME curses and Red Paint People of Maine and Vampire Folklore! 1:59:18

2y ago1:59:18

1:59:18

Fresh from vacation Jen takes us through a couple of incredible Maine legends. First, a visit to the historical society in Bucksport, ME prompted a visit to the cemetery to visit the well known grave of Col Jonathan Bucksport that was defaced following a curse from a witch he had condemned to death. Also in the Bucksport region is the mystery of th…

1
The Ladies with Poisonous Hair--Elizabeth Ridgeway and Medusa 1:32:35

2y ago1:32:35

1:32:35

Elizabeth Ridgeway was known by those closest to her to have some serious character flaws, but many realized far too late the lengths she would go to to rid herself of those that irritated her in some way. Jen kicks us off with 17th century apothecaries that provided many "cures" for common ailments via arsenic and other poisonous concoctions, but …

1
The Dark Watchers and The Devil's Hoofprints 1:14:27

2y ago1:14:27

1:14:27

Yasmine starts us off with the Dark Watchers that closely monitor the California mountains, known to be present since the Chumash people. Reportedly featureless and make their presence known to hikers and travelers. Are they just watching over their land? Or is there a more sinister reason behind their presence, like aliens studying our planet and …