Explore every episode of the podcast Vermont Viewpoint

Meghan Sullivan is the Vice President of the Vermont Chamberm, talking about

the 2026 election cycle, and chamber initiatives

Matt Cota with Meadow Hill Consulting will discuss, tax and spending policy in Montpelier, and how Rising fuel prices may affect the agenda, as the U.S.-Iran conflict and disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz have led to sharp changes in the market, including the cost of heating fuel as we head into the colder months.

and Denise Smith- Executive Director -- Vermont council on Rural Development

discusses the Village Trust Initiative (VTI): A partnership with the Preservation Trust of Vermont and the Vermont Community Foundation that helps rural towns build community trusts and fund transformational revitalization projects in historic villages, such as converting general stores or community centers.

Climate Economy Initiative & Model Communities Program: Helps rural towns build economic vitality while cutting emissions through energy efficiency, renewable energy generation, and business incubation.

Climate Catalysts Innovation Fund: Offers small grants ranging from $500 to $4,000 for local organizations, municipalities, and businesses implementing local energy and climate solutions.

Town-by-Town Strategic Planning: Facilitates local democratic engagement processes, bringing residents together in community forums to identify local needs, set priorities, and build concrete action plans.

Working Lands Partnership: Supports local farm, food, and forest-based enterprises to strengthen the backbone of Vermont's rural economy. 

In this extended episode, Myers Mermel & Friday Viewpoint host Lachlan Francis discuss the topics of the day live from Tunbridge World's Fair.

Later, Myers Mermel interviews Republican Congressional candidate Gerald Malloy.

Independent Vermont Gubernatorial candidate Brian Judd

Originally broadcast Thursday, September 17, 2026

Brad Ferland & David Zuckerman have gubernatorial candidate Amanda Janoo as their guest from Tunbridge World's Fair

Bryce Chinault, Director of State Affairs with the Abundance Institute, explains the myths, misinformation, and facts about the future of Artificial Intelligence.

Elizabeth Brown, State Director with the Fiscal Alliance Foundation, discusses their recent poll on key policies, Governor Scott’s approval, and Proposition 3.

Sarah Scott, State Director with Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire, recaps the Granite State’s recent primary election and the outlook to one of the most critical Senate races in the nation for the midterms.

AJ Kierstead, host of the New England Take Podcast, breaks down each party’s strategy on affordability before Election Day, the rise of DSA candidates and why they fell short in NH, and the national political environment for the Midterms.

Vermont Republican Party Chair Paul Dame talks with:

Mitchel Cypes, Development review coordinator in Hinesburg, who is running in the Chittenden-8 House District.

Representative Tony Micklus (Chittenden-Franklin) represents the towns of Georgia and Milton. He is member of the House Committee on Commerce & Economic Development

www.tonyformilton.com

and two-term Representative Ashley Bartley is running for the Vermont State Senate to represent the towns of Essex, FAirfax, Milton, and Westford.

www.ashleybartley.org

Suzanne Seymour. (Suz)

Suzanne Seymour, running for the United States Congress as an Independent to represent the people of Vermont.

Elliott Greenblott

AARP Fraud Watch monthly segment

Craig Meads Marketing Director National Street Rod Association

1,000 street rods, muscle cars, customs and trucks expected at Champlain Valley Expo, Essex, vt.  — The National Street Rod Association (NSRA®) will bring the region’s largest gathering of street rods, muscle cars, custom cars and trucks to the Champlain Valley Exposition for the 32nd annual Northeast Street Rod Nationals on Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19, 2026.

Originally broadcast Friday 9-11-2026

Senate Majority Leader Kesha Ram Hinsdale

Windham County Sheriff Mark Anderson

Originally broadcast Thursday 9-10-2026

This weekend's South End Art Hop. With the SEABA.com ED Christy Mitchell, Erin Bundock, and Savanah Tebeau-Sherry.

Joe Reil & Danny McGibney, Board Members at Barre Pride and then Rep. Kate McCann exploring running for Speaker of the Vermont House.

Spike Whitmire is a Republican candidate for the Vermont Senate in Bennington County.

spikewhitmirevt.org

Jace Laquerre is the Republican candidate for Chittenden County State's Attorney;

and former Vermont Representative Vickie Strong is the mother of Jesse Strong, who was killed in Iraq in 2005, talking about Jesse Strong Patriots Day event this Saturday September 12, in Irasburg, at Creek Hill Barn, on Creek Road in Irasburg from 5pm to 10 pm.

Originally broadcast 9-4-2026

Host Lachlan Francis

Lachlan and Matt Dunne (founder of the Center on Rural Innovation) talked about Matt's journey through Vermont politics and national service with a mission to close the rural opportunity gap.

Host David Zuckerman speaks with the Vermont Network about 40 years of survivor advocacy, followed by Caledonia Senate candidate and small business owner David Roth

ORIGINALLY BROADCAST: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD 2026

ON WDEV AM 550 & FM 96.1 WDEVRADIO.COM

Jared Rhoads, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Modern Health, joins the show to breakdown the release of the 2026 Health Freedom Index, how Vermont ranks, and what can be done to improve health access and affordability.

Zachary Hampl, candidate for Vermont State Treasurer, discusses his campaign, the role of treasurer, the biggest issues facing Vermonters, and solutions to Vermont’s biggest problems

Elizabeth Brown, State Director for the Fiscal Alliance Foundation, breaks down her recent op-ed on how Vermont cannot spend its way to prosperity and affordability

fiscalalliancefoundation.org

John Goodnight updates listeners on America’s strategy in Asia, mutual understanding & an end to hostilities on the Korean peninsula, and the continuing conflict in Iran.

Chairman Dame hosts Lynn LaFleur, candidate for State Treasurer, followed by House Rep. candidate Susanna Burnham of Morrisville during the first hour.

In the second hour, Chairman Dame takes calls and will discuss the Republican’s candidate in the State’s Attorney’s race, and at the end of the program we will hear from the Chittenden County Republican Chair Janet Metz about their booth at the Champlain Valley Fair this week

CW3 Matthew Tatro, with the 40th Army Band

Champlain Exposition, Monday August 31 free concert

 Chief Warrant Officer 3 Tatro has been a member of the Vermont Army National Guard since 1993. He joined the 40th Army Band as a clarinet player and worked his way up to his current position as commander.  CW3 Tatro has also deployed in support of Vermont Army National Guard state active duty missions, including flood relief and COVID-19 response operations. 

Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport Director Nic Longo updates the latest developments from the airport,

With less than ten weeks to go before the November 3rd election, the campaign for 150 seats in the Vermont House of Representatives and 30 in the state Senate is underway. So is the campaign for Governor and Lt. Governor.

Meadow Hill managed trade organizations are working together to hold a series of Corner Store Conversations with candidates and community leaders this fall.

Lachlan Francis is the Friday host of Vermont Viewpoint

The topic discussed today was the Vermont dairy industry

Guests: Rep. Richard Nelson (Orleans-1) and Rep. John O-Brien (Windsor-Orange 1)

Curtis Clough, President, Teamsters Local 597

Originally broadcast August 28, 2026

Gerald Malloy, candidate for US Congress, joins the show for the first time following his primary victory to discuss affordability and the cost of living in Vermont, his priorities for the state, how his approach would be a change from the status quo, and why he believes his campaign can appeal to voters across the political spectrum.

deploymalloy.com

Mike Sylvester, former Canadian citizen, breaks down the most recent trade disputes between the US and Canada, how it will impact both economies, and how getting back to a better working relationship between the two nations would benefit everyone

Kurt Couchman, Author and Senior Policy fellow with Americans for Prosperity, discusses the ominous milestone of the US hitting $40 trillion in debt, how we got here, why the lack of action, what happens if we don’t correct DC spending culture, and solutions.  

and Suzanne Seymour is an independent candidate for Vermont's U.S. Congressional seat.

ruokvt.com

Guests include:

Ed Kemon is a Republican candidate running for Vermont Attorney General

Ivar Kronick is a Republican candidate running for State Auditor

and Dr. David Barker is the Assistant Secretary for Post-Secondary Education at the

U.S. Dept of Education

Lt. Governor John Rogers

Running for re-election

Top Vermont issues and the role of the Lt. Governor

Lt. Commander John Stevens

The inaugural Burlington Navy Week runs from August 24–30, 2026, marking the first time the U.S. Navy has hosted a Navy Week in Vermont. The commemorative event brings static displays, performances, and active service members to the Lake Champlain region.

Rep. Ashley Bartley-Franklin 1 Georgia and Fairfax

Running for Chittenden North District. Fairfax, Westford, Essex and Milton

ASHLEY BARTLEY is a lifelong Vermonter and was raised by a long line of farmers. She grew up in Charlotte, graduated from Champlain Valley Union High School, and earned her BS in political science and economics from the University of Vermont.

David is joined by Mike Isham, a multi-generation farmer from Williston. He’ll share stories from his new book, “Smoke from the Sugar House”. We will also discuss his planned year-long retirement trek from Mexico to Alaska.

Then, Are school-issued devices doing more harm than good? Public health nurse Laura Derrendinger and attorney Andy Liddell from the EdTech law center join David to discuss the health risks and privacy lawsuits surrounding classroom use of technology in our schools.

Ross talks with:

Juan Martinez, Director of Strategic Expansion with the Libre Initiative, about the rise in popularity of socialism, the results of socialist policies, and how concerning it is for many in the Latino community who escaped socialism in their home countries;

Vermont State Representative Mike Tagliavia updates listeners about the issues driving the cost-of-living crisis, the solutions, and what message will win over voters this November.

Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, talks about energy costs consistently listed as a top concern for New England voters in the midterms and how top-down energy mandates are becoming a liability for candidates across New England and who voters should trust to correct the issue.

and Tyler Lindholm, State Director for Americans for Prosperity-Wyoming, breaks down primary election results in Wyoming, the issues most Cowboy State voters care about, solutions the candidates ran on, and what the results mean for the future of the state and elections nationally.

Republican Congressional Candidate Gerald Malloy is running for Vermont's U.S. Congressional Seat

deploymalloy.com

Republican Addison County Senate candidate Andy Klein,

andrewkleinvt.com

and Paul takes listener phone calls in the second hour.

Reelected Chittenden County Sheriff Dan Gamelin has served as a Vermont police officer for over 45 years and currently serves as the 38th Sheriff of Chittenden County. He began in 1981 with the Winooski Police Department and moved to the Chittenden County Sheriff’s Office in 1982.

talks about the upcoming concert by

the Dan Tyminski Band

at the Trapp Family Lodge Concert Meadow:

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23. DOORS:5 P.M. SHOW 7:00

and Chris McDonald Vice President of

The Vermont National Guard Library and Museum

Located at 789 Vermont National Guard Road at the entrance of Camp Johnson in Colchester, Vermont. Admission is free. The facility preserves state military heritage with tanks, aircraft, historic uniforms, and a 4,000-volume military history library.   

Political organizer Nick Charyk joins David to break down the primary winners, key takeaways, and general election matchups.

Then former Healthy Living barista Adam Franz and wellness associate Mae Barron take us inside their union drive with Workers United. They will update listeners on their recent successful organizing victory and where it currently stands before the National Labor Relations Board under an appeal by management.

Orleans-Essex County Senator Russ Ingalls will recap the VT Primary elections taking place Tuesday 8/11, who voters should blame for the cost-of-living crisis, the policies driving VT to be unaffordable, the Vermont Promise, and why this year is the most important for Vermonters to make their voice heard in the elections.

Dave Soulia from FYIVT.com rejoins the show to discuss his recent series on “What VT Hospitals cost.”  We will break down the issues, costs, how the system is impacting Vermonters, and solutions.

and Drew Cline, President of the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy, reveals the recent study showing NH business tax relief has resulted in more revenue for state coffers, how the decade-long strategy has made the Granite State a national destination for business growth, and what Vermont could learn from the strategy.

J.T. Dodge is running as a write-in candidate for High Bailiff in Orange County.

Representative Ken Goslant represents Berlin and Northfield in the Washington-1 District.

Ryan Silk is running as a write-in candidate for the Lamoille-Washington District.

Lee Kittell guest hosts from the Vermont Antique and Classic Car Meet

David Zuckerman's guests include... Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Amanda Janoo,

Vermont State Representative Kate McCann and Jared Duval from Montpelier on their run for the House.

Vermont State Representative Elizabeth Burrows on her run for State Senate for Windsor County.

Mike Bailey on Solarfest, an open event happening in Brandon on Saturday.

Tim Golding, State Director with Americans for Prosperity-Michigan & Senior Advisor to AFP Action, joins the show to discuss the results of the Michigan Primaries, including the winner of the nomination for US Senate and what it means for potential control of Congress 

Clara Morrison, Executive Director of Right for Vermont Foundation, talks about their new education transparency dashboard, why voters should care, why transparency is critical, and how voters should use these tools to hold legislators accountable

James Czerniawski, Head of Emerging Technology at the Consumer Choice Center, breaks down how anti-tech/data center positions are being used as a way to influence voters, the reality of a world without data centers, the vision this movement has for the future, and what alternative solutions exist to address concerns

AJ Kierstead, host of the New England Take Podcast, informs listeners about revelations in Dr. Anthony Fauci’s diary, his refusal to answer questions from lawmakers, and the need for accountability over COVID-era policy making

H. Brooke Paige is running in the Republican primary for Vermont Secretary of State. Paige and Paul Dame talk about the responsibilities of the statewide offices in Vermont, and encourage people to vote in the primary on Tuesday, August 11.

Senator Scott Beck

Vermont Promise

Talking about tax relief, affordable health care and housing, public safety, revitalization of rural areas and fully funding the transportation fund to repair roads and highways.

Elliott Greenblott -- AARP Fraudwatch

To help you learn about fraud and scams and how to protect yourself

Molly Gray Candidate for Lt. Governor, and former Lt. Governor)

·discussing Support for universal primary care for every Vermonter

·       Urgently building more affordable housing

·       Protecting every Vermonter against unlawful and unconstitutional federal actions

·    and Fighting for Vermont’s rural communities

Lachlan Francis hosts Vermont Viewpoint originally broadcast July 31, 2026

David's guests are

Deputy State Auditor Tim Ashe,

Sheriff candidate Joshua Lake,

Senate candidates UVM sociology professor Nikhil Goyal,

and former City Councilor Elaine Haney.

Originally Broadcast - Thursday, July 30, 2026

Guests include:

Jason Sorens, Senior Research Fellow at AIER, rejoins the show to update listeners about the new tariffs implemented by the Trump Administration, what impact they could have, and if the reasoning behind them is strong enough to stop another challenge in court.

Representative Mike Tagliavia (R-Orange-1) discusses GOP solutions to affordability and why voters should be skeptical of members of the Majority claiming they have the solutions to VT’s problems.

Matt Griffiths, Chair of the Maine Young Republicans, breaks down the mess in the Democratic Primary for US Senate in the Pine Tree State and why voters should be concerned with Democratic Socialists running for office.

and Andrea Murray, Candidate for VT State Senate Windsor District, talks about her campaign, fighting for rural Vermonters, and the need for more balance in the State House.

Javen Sears and Bruce Roy are both running for Senate Seats in Chittenden County. Paul also discusses the VTGOP Monday Message, and the late appointment process for the Democratic and Republican parties after the primaries.

Sergeant First Class Melanie LaPerle

State Headquarters, Vermont National Guard

 Originally from Venice, Florida, Melanie LaPerle has built a distinguished military career spanning active duty and National Guard service, marked by versatility, historic achievements, and a profound multi-generational family legacy.

Matt Cota Meadow Hill Consulting

Political updates, Montpelier, High Profile races

and Brad closes the show with a legendary number from Rick Norcross and his All Stars.

Secretary of State Sarah Copeland-Hanzas on the upcoming primary and general elections, federal interference in state-run elections, etc.

Nick Charyk. on recent polling from the University of New Hampshire and a preview of the upcoming elections after a tangent on the Red Sox season so far.

Representative Kumulia "Kase" Long (R-Milton)

Calls & general news

Representative David Soucy (R-Barre Town)

Representative Val Taylor (R-Mendon)

Melinda White and Dawn Tatro - talk about the 5th Annual Substance Use Addiction Summit

Friday July 31, Champlain Valley Exposition

10:00-4:00

Montpelier City Council member Pelin Kohn is Running for the Washington-4 District House seat in Montpelier;

Wendy Steager Garden Club President

Caroline Castaldo, of Gardens of Waterbury and Across the River, presented by A River Runs Through It (ARRTI) Garden Club Private self-guided tours

this Sunday, July 26 • 10 AM - 4 PM

Vermont Viewpoint originally broadcast Friday, July 17, 2026

"The irreverent Bob Stannard joins David for 2 hours of entertaining banter, music, political moments, poignant memories, and teaching his grandson to fish. It'll make you smile."

Elizabeth Brown & Paul Craney with the Fiscal Alliance Foundation discuss the announcement of their expansion into Vermont, why VT is falling further behind, the affordability issues impacting the Green Mountain State, and solutions to VT’s problems.

John Goodnight updates listeners on the restart of hostilities between the US & Iran, why the MOU failed, and the path to peace going forward.

Justin Ouellet, musical artist and teacher, discusses his upcoming shows in Vermont, his music background, his passion for performing, his musical style, and how listeners can follow his work.

Dave Soulia from FYIVT.com discusses his recent article titled, “VT: Can't afford to live here - Can't afford to leave” and what we can do to turn around the out migration, especially with young Vermonters, that is setting the state on a backwards path.

Host Paul Dame discusses the increasing role of women in the Vermont Republican Party and the growth of the VT Federation of Republican Women.

Rep. Pattie McCoy (R-Poultney)

Andrea Treadway, the Chair of Orwell Selectboard

Stephanie Mack, VFRW candidate in Essex

and Stacey Malloy, VFRW President

Pam MacKenzie named

New President of Campaign for Vermont

Campaign for Vermont is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to the vision of a more prosperous Vermont. Their mission is to advocate for public policy changes by reconnecting middle-class Vermonters to their government. 

Joined by Ben Kinsley Executive director of CFV

Hayden Dublois is the Data and Analytics Director for the Foundation for Government Accountability. Today to discuss Healthcare, after GOVERNOR PHIL SCOTT SIGNED A HEALTHCARE EXECUTIVE ORDER TO EXPAND INSURANCE CHOICES AND LOWER COSTS

Musicians Christine Lynch Malcolm and Marc Edwards, AT the Highland Center for the Arts

Saturday, July 18, 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

In this 250th Anniversary of our Declaration of Independence it is fitting to celebrate the American folk tradition of songs of “resistance, solidarity and hope.”

The Highland Center for the Arts is glad to welcome Patti Casey, Jess O’Brien, Will & Dan Lindner, Christine Malcolm, Don Houghton, Roy MacNeil, Krishna Guthrie and other Vermont artists who will be joining them performing songs from the canon of American folk as well as some of their own originals.

July 9, 2026 - David Zuckerman talks with Chittenden County State's Attorney Sarah George, and Chittenden County State Senator Thomas Chittenden.

John Reynolds, State Director with NFIB, compares New Hampshire to Vermont and informs listeners why the NH Advantage has been so successful, how it has positively impacted the average Granite Stater, how VT’s strategy has failed by comparison, and why a similar model in the Green Mountain State would benefit Vermonters.

Nick Murray with Lead Maine updates listeners about new controversies in the race for US Senate in Maine, whether a new candidate will replace Graham Platner, the process to do so, and the path forward for Maine Democrats.

Chris Maidment rejoins the show to talk about his trip to Washington D.C. over the weekend to celebrate America 250, the festivities, and why it was worth the trouble of security and travel.

Lauren Stewart, Senior Federal Affairs Liaison with Americans for Prosperity, discusses the one year anniversary of the passage of the Working Families Tax Cut, how it is benefiting the American people, misconceptions about what the bill did, and the positive impact it will continue to have in the coming years.

St. Albans Rep. Joe Luneau (R-Franklin-3) joins Paul to talk about the latest Legislative Session, mid-term elections, and major issues facing Vermonters.

And Historian Tom Hughes talks about U,S. History and Vermont's response to the 250th celebration in Vermont and Washington D.C.

Vermont National Guard

Joseph E. Brooks State Public Affairs Officer - on Communications between the VNG and the Public.

Westford Provisions - Owner Kim Harris

Westford Provisions opened in June 2025 in the heart of Westford Village and has since grown into a market, deli, coffee bar and ice cream shop serving residents and visitors throughout the region. Under one roof, visitors will find a full-service deli, Ruby's Ice Cream, Black Orchid Coffee and a retail market stocked with Vermont-made products alongside specialty foods and gifts from around the world.

Amy Brewer (MPH, CHES, Health Educator with the Franklin Grand Isle Tobacco Prevention Coalition) On July 1st, Vermont’s new youth tobacco prevention law (S.198) took effect.

(Act 148). An act relating to the regulation of tobacco products and tobacco substitutes.

Elliott Greenblott -- AARP Fraud watch has the best advice to avoid getting scammed

and Fran Rowell, of the Craftsbury Players, celebrating their 60th anniversary

Founded in 1966, the CCP is a group of world-class musicians who perform both masterworks and lesser known chamber music gems every summer. Concerts feature ever-changing ensemble configurations.

Host David Zuckerman

Originally Broadcast 7-2-2026

Part 1- Amanda Gustin, Director of Collections and Access at the Vermont Historical Society, joins David. They will discuss the exciting 50/250 book and exhibition that explores Vermont’s unique history and leadership since the founding of the US 250 years ago. The exhibit opens Friday, July 3, 2026

Part 2- Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak joins David to update listeners on the Queen City's summer momentum, the opening of the Champlain Parkway and what's ahead for local infrastructure improvements.

Lt Governor John Rodgers joins the show to discuss America turning 250, how far we have come as a nation, how there is still work to do to live up to the intent of the declaration, VT’s pivotal role in American independence, and more.

AJ Kierstead, host of the New England Take Podcast, breaks down the panic over high temperatures in Europe, why they blame the USA, A250 Celebrations across New England, and an update to the US Senate race in NH.

Mike Sylvester with Americans for Prosperity joins live from the Great American Fair in DC, the significance of the 250th anniversary, what this anniversary means to him as a recent citizen, and other ways people can celebrate in the Nation’s Capitol this weekend.

Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, updates listeners about Massachusetts ballot questions on rent control and tax reductions failing to make the November ballot, Boston becoming a favorite of visiting World Cup fans, the suspension of unnecessary regulations that have enabled more freedom and fun in Boston for visiting fans.