Maine Calling

  Jennifer Rooks was the guest-host, and her guest was Mark Vogelzang, MPBN's new President and CEO about his vision for MPBN.  They discussed his long and varied career in public media; the future of public broadcasting; and much more.

Guest-host Jennifer Rooks spoke with:

Mark Vogelzang, President and CEO of MPBN

  February 18 marks the 22nd edition of Maine's premier event for Maine homeowners and renters to learn about products and services for home updates, improvements and remodeling. More than 180 exhibitors will showcase the latest home improvement products and services for budgets large and small. Hear from the organizers and some exhibitors.

Host Keith Shortall speaks with:

Josh Wojcik, the founder and owner of Upright Frameworks.

Dewitt Kimball of Complete Home Evaluation.

  The issue of same-sex marriage will again appear on the November ballot as a state-wide referendum question. In 2009, voters overrode a law recognizing gay marriage. Supporters have gathered enough signatures to put the question to voters again. Hear from the representatives from opposite sides of the issue discuss the campaign.

Host Keith Shortall speaks with:

Mary Bonauto, Civil Rights Project Director of the based-Boston Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders.

  Just in time for Valentine's day, it's the true story of a chocolatier. Ten years ago Kate Shaffer left the West Coast and headed East for a simpler life. Today, she and her husband operate Black Dinah Chocolatiers on Isle au Haut. She'll share her favorite chocolate recipes and tales from life on the island.

  You may know it best as a place to drop off old clothes and no longer needed household items, but Goodwill is much more than a thrift store. The new CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northern New England discussed the challenges facing her organization, and the community support services it provides to tens of thousands of individuals.

Host Jonathan P. Smith speaks with:

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, Chief Executive Officer, Goodwill Industries of Northern New England

  Learn which make and model of automobile works best for families among other automotive nuggets.

Host Jonathan P. Smith speaks with:

Jamie Page Deaton, Automotive Editor for US News & World Report

 Jamie Page Deaton's "Best Cars" blog on the US News & World Report website

  Learn about the young, adventurous captains of two opposing sailing ships, that fought within eyesight of those on the coast of Pemaquid Point during the War of 1812.

Host Jonathan P. Smith speaks with:

Author David Hanna

Read a review of Knights of the Sea - The True Story of the Boxer and the Enterprise and the War of 1812 by The Bangor Daily News

  During his "State of the State Address," Governor LePage (R) urged lawmakers to close the $220-million budget gap at the Department of Health and Human Services. Commissioner Mary Mayhew, State Senator Margaret Craven (D-Lewiston), and a panel of experts discuss.

Host Keith Shortall speaks with:

Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Mary Mayhew

State Senator Margaret Craven (D-Lewiston)

  It’s the Year of the Dragon and Maine Calling marked the start of Chinese New Year with a conversation about the Chinese community in Maine. Learn about the customs and traditions that mark this festive holiday, and find out about some of the history and trends of Chinese residents living in Maine.

Host Jonathan Smith speaks with:

  Has the college admissions process gotten too complicated? Our guests discuss the latest in what colleges and universities look for in applicants.

Host Keith Shortall speaks with: 

Whitney Soule, Bowdoin College director of admissions

Jon Henry, who works in the admissions office at the University of Maine-Augusta

and Robin Lary, director of placement at Scarborough High School.

  A conversation about polyglots and hyperpolyglots, those with the ability to speak or write several languages. Author Michael Erard discusses his new book about the search for the world's most extraordinary language learners.

Host Keith Shortall spoke with 

Michael Erard author of Babel No More: The Search for the World's Most Extraordinary Language Learners.

  Which issues will dominate the legislative landscape in 2012? Host Keith Shortall was joined by a panel of political watchers as they previewed the year ahead in Maine Politics.

Guests included:

Mal Leary of Capitol News Service

MPBN State House Bureau Chief A. J. Higgins

University of Southern Maine Political Science Professor Ronald Schmidt

  A look ahead to the economic challenges and opportunities for Maine in 2012. Host Keith Shortall was joined by a panel of experts who discussed the state of the Maine economy and its fiscal future.

  Philanthropist and avid sailor David Rockefeller, Jr. discussed his efforts to protect and preserve the world's oceans and the "One Island, One Ocean" project. Rockefeller completed the first circumnavigation by sail of the Americas to raise awareness about the state of our oceans.

Noted philanthropist and sailor David Rockefeller, Jr. joined host Jonathan Smith for a talk about why he helped sponsor the project, his experience aboard the steel-hulled ship, and what he and the crew of scientists and educators learned about the health of our oceans.

  Host Jonathan Smith and two movie critics discuss the best and the worst Hollywood had to offer this year. It's a roundup of the box office hits, misses, and surprises of the past year.

Mary Pols, film critic for time.com and author joined host Jonathan Smith in the studio along with Garen Daly, film critic, festival organizer, and blogger.

Mary Pols' website

The Boston Sci-Fi blog