About this podcast
Let's Connect is a weekly podcast focused on how cities and towns in Greater Portland are overcoming challenges in their communities. Hosted by Kristina Egan, Executive Director of the Greater Portland Council of Governments, the show focuses on a range of issues, including housing, transportation, climate change, and economic development.
Episodes
The newest 20 of 179 episodes
- Hannah Pingree on Her Vision for Maine · 30 minHost, Kristina Egan speaks with Hannah Pingree, the Democratic nominee for Governor of Maine, about her priorities for the state and the challenges and opportunities facing Maine…
- Beyond Summer: Keeping Maine Tourism Strong Year-Round · 30 minHow is Maine’s tourism industry doing, and what does it take to keep it thriving year-round? Host Jamie Garvin welcomes Lynn Tillotson of Visit Portland and Kathleen Pierce of…
- Casco Bay’s Algal Bloom: What Happened? What Comes Next? · 30 minHost Kristina Egan explores the algal bloom affecting Casco Bay and what it means for marine life, shellfish harvesters, and Maine’s working waterfront. Joining her are Casco…
- When an Open Shelter Bed Isn’t Enough: Understanding Homelessness in Portland · 29 minWhy do some people continue to sleep outside even when shelter beds are available—and what does it take to help someone find a lasting home? Host Tom Bell welcomes Maggie…
- Building a Transportation System that Works for Everyone · 30 minWhat would a safer, more affordable, and accessible transportation system look like for Maine? On this episode of Let’s Connect Greater Portland, host Kristina Egan welcomes Josh…
- Bringing AI to the Office: From Resistance to Results · 29 minHow is artificial intelligence changing the workplace—and what does it take to introduce it thoughtfully? Host Kristina Egan welcomes Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, a behavioral scientist…
- Beyond the Public Hearing: Hearing More Community Voices · 30 minHow can local leaders gauge public opinion so they can make decisions that reflect the community’s wishes? Host Tom Bell talks with municipal communications officials Andrew…
- A conversation with U.S. Senate Candidate Troy Jackson · 30 minTroy Jackson, Maine’s Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, joins host Kristina Egan to discuss the challenges facing Greater Portland and communities across Maine. Their…
- Bobby Charles on His Vision for Maine · 29 minBobby Charles, the Republican nominee for governor of Maine, joins host Kristina Egan to discuss his vision for the state and his approach to some of Maine’s biggest challenges…
- Keeping Maine’s Pick-Your-Own Tradition Alive · 28 minPick-your-own farms are a beloved Maine tradition, but behind every family outing is a seasonal business shaped by unpredictable weather, rising costs and development pressure…
- What Adults Don’t Get About Young People Today · 30 minGuest host Craig Freshley sits down with Portland-area teenagers Wyatt Clegg, Dylan Ginn, and Nika Norris for a candid conversation about communication, gender identity, climate…
- What Maine’s Mountain Lakes Are Telling Us · 31 minHost Kristina Egan explores how Maine’s changing climate is affecting the lakes and ponds found high in the state’s mountains. Simon Rucker, executive director of the Maine…
- Could Social Housing Help Portland’s Housing Crisis? · 30 minHost Belinda Ray explores the concept of social housing and what it could mean for Portland. Jay Waterman, Director of Real Estate Development for the Portland Housing Authority…
- Returning home to China After Four Years in America · 28 minHost Tom Bell talks with Hazel Zhang, a mapping & data analyst at the Greater Portland Council of Governments, about her recent journey back to China for the first time after…
- Keeping Portland Harbor Moving · 30 minPortland Harbor’s working waterfront is one of the region’s most important economic and cultural assets—but much of the work that keeps it operating happens out of public view…
- Letting Maine’s Rivers Run Again · 29 minAfter centuries of disruption caused by dams, migratory fish are returning to their historic habitats as river restoration efforts in Maine gain momentum. Host Tom Bell speaks…
- Freshwater Invaders: Protecting Maine’s Lakes and Rivers · 30 minFreshwater Invaders: Protecting Maine’s Lakes and Rivers. Freshwater invasive species can threaten Maine’s lakes and rivers, disrupt native ecosystems, and affect recreation…
- Can you live car-free in Greater Portland? · 30 minWhat does it take to live car-free in Greater Portland — and is that really possible? Host Tom Bell talks with Portland Press Herald writer Leslie Bridgers, car-free Portland…
- Rick Bennett’s vision for Maine · 29 minHost Kristina Egan speaks with Rick Bennett, an independent candidate for governor, about his vision for Maine. Bennett discusses his goal of reducing political polarization by…
- Maine’s Energy Future: Opportunities and Challenges · 30 minHost Kristina Egan explores energy policy in Maine with Celina Cunningham, Acting Commissioner of the Maine Department of Energy Resources, and Ethan Tremblay of the Department’s…
