Love Maine Radio With Dr. Lisa Belisle

It can be a lifelong process to understand what makes each of us thrive as individuals, and how to create personal environments that foster our best selves.  Today we speak with science commentator Hannah Holmes about her book Quirk: Brain Science Makes Sense of Your Peculiar Personality. We also explore the idea of creative space with Joan Dempsey, a writer and teacher who works out of a converted chicken coop known as “The Shed,” in the back yard of her home in New Gloucester. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/09/personality-place-209/

How do we help older people continue to live fulfilling and productive lives? As a state with a rapidly aging population, Mainers are working to answer this question. Today we explore the special needs of older individuals—and other individuals who are ‘differently abled’—with Jill Johanning and Chris Delenick of Alpha One. We also speak with Kate Adams of Aging Excellence, a non-medical in-home care agency that helps older people ‘age in place.’ https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/09/aging-in-place-208/

Lou and Paul Ureneck have been part of the Maine community for several decades—in very different ways. Paul has worked in construction management, helping orchestrate projects such as the Portland Museum of Art's Winslow Homer home restoration and Thompson’s Point redevelopment. Lou is a writer and Boston University Professor who worked as the deputy managing editor at the Portland Press Herald for many years.  In 2011, Lou wrote Cabin - Two Brothers, a Dream and Five Acres in Maine. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/08/cabin-building-brotherly-love-207/

Coastal Enterprises Incorporated (also known as CEI) has specialized in rural business development and financing since 1977.  Founded in Wiscasset, CEI helps create economically and environmentally healthy communities in which all people, especially those with low incomes, can reach their full potential. Today we speak with Ellen Golden, managing director of CEI Investment notes, and Tae Chong of the CEI StartSmart Program, which helps refugees and immigrants start, strengthen or expand their own small businesses. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/08/coastal-enterprises-inc-206/

Small businesses and nonprofits often have much to offer, but may not have the resources or support they need. How do we help them maximize the work they are doing? Through mentoring and leadership programs, both of which are readily available in Maine. Today we discuss these with Jula Sampson, a mentor with the Top Gun program, and Jan Kearce of Lift360. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/08/bettering-businesses-and-nonprofits-205/

Saint Joseph’s College, located on the shores of Sebago Lake in Standish, is a small Catholic liberal arts school that is experiencing a renaissance. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in Portland in 1912, St. Joe’s has long been known for educating students in fields such as nursing, education and business. Lately, they have added a permaculture farm and are planning a hospitality center and multi-age educational living experience. Today we speak with college president Jim Dlugos, and farm manager Michial Russell, about the future of this forward-thinking institution. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/08/saint-josephs-a-small-college-renaissance-204/

Maine ballet continues to grow in popularity, attracting talented teachers and performers from around the globe. This is good news for the next generation of dancers, as they seek to gain a ‘toe-hold,’ in this intensely competitive and rewarding field. Today we speak with Eugenia O'Brien, founder of Portland Ballet and Portland School of Ballet, and 16 year-old ballerina Olivia Bartlett of the CORPS program at the Portland School of Ballet, about their experience with this beautiful art form. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/07/maine-ballet-203/

Many of us have an emotional—almost physical--response to things that we consider beautiful. This can be true of a piece of art or a compelling vista. Why is this so? Neuroscientists are beginning to offer answers, through the use of modern technology, and the study of what is being called “neuroaesthetics.” Today we speak with Professor William Seeley of Bates College, and Jane Bianco, associate curator at the Farnsworth Art Museum, as they help us understand the relationship between beauty and the brain. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/07/beauty-the-brain/

Maine’s industrial mills have employed multiple generations of Maine families through the manufacturing of products such as paper, shoes and textiles. Although many are no longer used in that capacity, they are experiencing a rebirth, and once again becoming centers of creativity and commerce. Today we explore this subject with Biddeford mill aficionados Tammy Ackerman, co-founder of the community arts organization Engine, Inc., and Angelrox founder & fashion designer, Roxi Suger. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/07/mill-town-creativity-201/

Today is a big day on Love Maine Radio: we have officially reached our 200th episode. We began our journey as the Dr. Lisa Radio Hour & Podcast in 2011, and we have interviewed hundreds of visionary Mainers since that time. We’ve found ourselves continually blessed by what our guests have been willing to share, and hope you have enjoyed our conversations as much as we have. Today we feature philanthropist and music mastermind, Dan Crewe, and a selection of memorable past guests, as we celebrate the joy of giving voice. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/07/love-maine-radio-200/

Music can unlock memories that we may have otherwise lost. This past spring, the Choral Art Society (CAS) of Maine presented Time Remembered — Time Forgotten, the New England premiere of Alzheimer's Stories, to create awareness of the link between music and memory. Today we speak with CAS board member & vocal soloist Andrea Graichen, program director for the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, William Kirkpatrick, about this interesting collaboration. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/07/music-memory-199/

Many Mainers make their living on the water. Today we speak with two individuals who are doing so in very unique ways. Abigail Carroll is the founding farmer of Nonesuch Oysters, which is located in a nature conservancy in Scarborough; Jon Keller is a writer whose latest book, Of Sea and Cloud, was inspired by years of experience working in the secluded lobstering culture of rural Maine. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/06/making-a-living-on-maine-waters-198/

Maine has always welcomed individuals of diverse backgrounds. Whether we are offering a home to those seeking asylum from oppressive regimes in their countries of origin, or those who simply want to experience "the way life should be," our openness becomes a gift to all involved—most especially ourselves. Today we speak with Deqa Dhalac, Human Services Counselor for the City of Portland, and Virginia Dearani, founder and director of the Roots and Fruits Program in South Portland, about the work they are doing to further cultural understanding in our state. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/06/roots-of-humanity/

We may be more impacted by the spaces we inhabit than we realize. Everything from our access to light, to how we experience acoustics, has the potential to contribute to our well-being, and our relationships. Today we speak with architecture professors Roger Richmond and Eric Stark about the work they are doing in this area, and how they are educating the next generation of Maine architects about these important concepts. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/06/designing-space-196/

In each issue of Old Port Magazine, our "Active Life" piece features people who are successfully integrating wellness activities into their busy lives. Many Mainers find their wellness, and simultaneously make a living from, the water. Today we speak with two such Mainers: Aaron Frederick, former director of Rippleffect, and Brianne O'Donnell Fisher, a realtor with the Swan Agency and avid boater. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/06/wellness-on-the-water-195/

Maine is known for constantly reinventing itself—often in fun and interesting ways. Recently a group of developers has been making significant changes to Thompson’s Point in Portland. They will be offering space to businesses, artists and a variety of creative folk, including a new circus group. Today we speak with Chris Thompson of Thompson’s Point, and with Peter Nielsen of the Circus Conservatory of America, about their exciting new ventures. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/05/under-the-big-top-194/

The sporting life is alive and well in Maine. Some of us enjoy organized sports, at the youth, school and professional levels, while others of us are passionate about the great outdoors. Today we speak with longtime Maine sportscaster, Bill Green, who now hosts a weekly show called “Bill Green’s Maine,” and with Brian Corcoran of Shamrock Sports. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/05/the-sporting-life-193/

We never know what silent battles those among us might be engaged in.  Local businessman Jim Godbout faced a series of losses—physical, emotional and social—as a child. Through self-care and healing techniques like yoga, acupuncture and healthy eating,  Jim has created a full and happy life, rising above problems like epilepsy, encephalitis and the loss of his twin brother at the age of five. Jim embodies the quality of resilience to which most of us aspire. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/05/resilient-life-192/

Whether we are traversing our native soil, or sinking our fingers in it, we Mainers are in love with the land.  Today we speak with Chris Franklin, executive director of the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, and Rodney Eason, director of horticulture at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective on what the Earth has to offer—and what we, in turn, have to offer the Earth. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/05/maine-lands-191/

Education is a multi-faceted process, and one that we Mainers feel strongly about.  It is also an integral aspect of well-being, both present and future.Today we speak with Zoe Weil,  founder of the Institute for Humane Education, and longtime Maranacook teacher. nordic ski coach and dean of students, Steve DeAngelis, about their perspectives on education. https://www.themainemag.com/radio/2015/05/rethinking-education-190/