Pine State Politics: In Session
by Natalie Emmerson and Larsen Van Horn
Latest episode
Angus King III: Getting Things Done
Angus King III: Getting Things Done
About this podcast
After speaking with a candidate for governor in Summer 2025 about an interview, the team had the thought "wouldn't it be cool to speak with all of the candidates running for governor?" While not everyone seeking office was able to join them, our co-hosts conducted nine interviews with candidates from across the political spectrum. Season 2 of the podcast Pine State Politics: In Session finds Natalie Emmerson '27 and Larsen Van Horn '27 joined in the studio by fellow Bowdoin student and California native Sofia Fogg '26.
Episodes
- Angus King III: Getting Things Done · 39 min · Season 2 Episode 1Democratic gubernatorial candidate and businessman Angus King III outlines a problem‑solving agenda focused on making life more affordable in Maine—especially by building more…
- Troy Jackson: From Logging to Legislating · 44 min · Season 2 Episode 9Democratic candidate Troy Jackson—a fifth-generation logger and former Maine Senate president—lays out a working‑class agenda centered on economic security for Mainers. He…
- Rick Bennett: The Importance of Moderation · 38 min · Season 2 Episode 7Independent gubernatorial candidate and state senator Rick Bennett explains why he left the Republican Party and his vision for a less partisan, more collaborative style of…
- Nirav Shah: The Art of Communication · 41 min · Season 2 Episode 5Former Maine CDC director Nirav Shah joins the show to discuss his run for governor and the crisis-management and communication approach that defined his leadership during COVID…
- David Jones: A CEO for Maine · 43 min · Season 2 Episode 2In this interview, Republican gubernatorial candidate and businessman David Jones argues Maine needs a “CEO-style” governor focused on cutting state spending, reducing…
- Owen McCarthy: New Kid on the Block · 43 min · Season 2 Episode 6In this interview, Republican gubernatorial candidate and entrepreneur Owen McCarthy lays out his “Maine 2040” agenda around three themes—opportunity, affordability, and…
- Jim Libby: An Educator's Perspective · 42 min · Season 2 Episode 4Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Libby, a longtime state legislator and economics professor, lays out a platform centered on fiscal responsibility and “common-sense”…
- Shenna Bellows: A Politics of Principle · 46 min · Season 2 Episode 8Maine's current Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows discusses her bid for governor and outlines her “New Deal for Maine.” Bellows talks…
- Hannah Pingree: A Life of Public Service · 37 min · Season 2 Episode 3In this interview, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree draws on her experience as Maine’s former Speaker of the House and as director of Governor Janet Mills’…
- Read All About It! - Reporting on Campaigns · 55 min · Season 1 Episode 8For our eight and final episode, we sit down with the Editor and Chief of the Maine Wire, Steve Robinson. Steve answers questions such as: "what do journalists consider…
- Show Me the Money! - Clean Elections Funding · 47 min · Season 1 Episode 7In our seventh episode we sit down with Maine State Senator Cameron Reny. Senator Reny walks us through how to run a campaign using Clean Election Funds, a system that allows…
- Walking for the Win - A Guide to Campaigning in Maine pt. 2 · 57 min · Season 1 Episode 6In episode six, we hear from former US Secretary of Defense, US Senator, and US Congressman Bill Cohen, alongside his old friend, Professor Emeritus at Bowdoin College and expert…
- Methods to the Madness - Examining Campaign Strategy · 47 min · Season 1 Episode 5In our fifth episode we sit down with seasoned campaign professional and lobbyist Lauren LePage to talk all things campaign strategy. Lauren is the daughter of former Maine State…
- As Maine Goes, So Goes the Nation - Ranked Choice Voting · 41 min · Season 1 Episode 4For episode number four, we speak with Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap. Before becoming the State Auditor, Matt Dunlap served as Maine's Secretary of State for 14 years. During…
- Leave Me Alone! - Referendums, Ballot Initiatives, and Petitions in Maine · 59 min · Season 1 Episode 3In our third episode, we sit down with the former Deputy Campaign Manager for Pine Tree Power Lucy Hochschartner, and Bowdoin Professor Max Lykins. Lucy talks to us about the…
- An Independent Perspective - A Guide to Campaigning in Maine pt. 1 · 58 min · Season 1 Episode 2In our second episode we sit down with current US Senator and former Governor of Maine Angus King, and his long-time campaign manager and chief of staff Kay Rand. Senator King…
- Decoding the Political Ecosystem - Politics from DC to Maine · 1 h 1 min · Season 1 Episode 1For our first episode, we sit down with veteran lobbyist and DC insider Peter Madigan, as well as Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. Our two guests take us through the…
