Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

How Sue Inches Transformed Environmental Advocacy—And How You Can Too!

California Artist Andrew Faulkner

Andrew Faulkner is a Maine-connected artist whose vibrant landscapes captivate viewers with bold color and playful textures. Based in Sausalito, California, Andrew draws on his background in graphic design and fine art to create pieces that blur the line between representation and abstraction. His recent series explores the interplay of color, light, and texture, incorporating cold wax into oil paint for added depth. Andrew’s evolving style reflects a growing confidence in creative exploration, free from the constraints of trends or expectations. His work, described as joyful and whimsical, invites viewers to interpret each piece through their own lens. Join our conversation with Portland Art Gallery artist Andrew Faulkner today on Radio Maine.

Breaking the Cycle: Melissa Skahan on Transforming Lives at Mercy Hospital

Melissa Skahan is the Vice President of Mission at Northern LIght Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine. With a background in education and healthcare, Melissa has spent 17 years leading initiatives that support vulnerable populations. She played a key role in transforming Portland’s McAuley Residence into a statewide program providing housing, healthcare, and education for families affected by substance use disorder. Melissa’s work extends to serving pregnant women who have immigrated from other countries, ensuring that they receive culturally responsive care. Passionate about breaking cycles of poverty and addiction, Melissa helps families build stability and opportunity. Join our conversation with Melissa Skahan today on Radio Maine.

Can Alzheimer’s Be Reversed? A Doctor’s Groundbreaking Approach: Dr. Chip Teel

How can we keep our brains healthy as we age? Dr. Allan “Chip” Teel has spent decades exploring this question, both as a Maine-based family physician and an innovator in independent senior living. Maine has the highest percentage of people over 65 in the United States. Practicing in Lincoln County (which itself has one of Maine’s oldest populations), Dr. Teel has seen firsthand the challenges of cognitive decline—but he also sees hope. Inspired by groundbreaking research, Dr. Teel has developed an approach that blends cutting-edge brain imaging with lifestyle interventions to slow, and even reverse, memory loss. From volumetric MRIs to tailored cognitive exercises, Dr. Teel helps patients reclaim their mental sharpness and independence. In this conversation, Dr. Teel shares surprising insights about brain health, the role of community in aging, and why early intervention is key. His work is transforming the way we think about Alzheimer’s Disease and other conditions causing dementia, proving that proactive brain care can make all the difference.

Join our conversation with Dr. Allan “Chip” Teel today on Radio Maine.

Bridging Science & Wellness: Dr. Lucy Liaw’s Unique Approach to Health

Dr. Lucy Liaw is a scientist, educator, and wellness advocate whose work bridges the worlds of biomedical research, martial arts, and mindfulness. A faculty scientist at MaineHealth, and professor at the University of Maine and Tufts University School of Medicine, Lucy’s research focuses on cardiovascular health and metabolic disease, tackling some of today’s most pressing health challenges. Outside the lab, Lucy is a dedicated practitioner of Japanese martial arts and a certified yoga instructor, bringing her passion for mind-body integration to her community.

In this episode, Dr. Liaw shares her path from studying biology at the University of Arizona to earning her PhD at the University of Washington, and how she followed both science and intuition to Maine. She discusses her work in research mentorship, her efforts to expand life sciences in Maine, and her commitment to fostering resilience through movement and mindfulness.

Join our conversation with Dr. Lucy Liaw today on Radio Maine–and remember to subscribe!

Brewing Maine’s Future at Blue Ox :Joel Alex

Joel Alex is the founder of Blue Ox Malthouse, a business dedicated to connecting Maine-grown grains with the craft beer industry in his home state. Joel’s family has deep roots in Maine: his mother’s family once worked in the Rumford mills, and his father grew up on a dairy farm in Unity.  Raised in Old Town, Joel graduated from Colby College in Waterville, where his exposure to study abroad programs in Madagascar and Switzerland piqued his interest in sustainable development. After working in community organizing and environmental policy, Joel discovered a gap in local grain processing, leading to the creation of Blue Ox. From living out of a car while researching Maine’s agricultural landscape to pioneering a craft malt industry, Joel’s journey is a testament to innovation and perseverance. Join our conversation with Joel Alex today on Radio Maine.

How Virtual Healthcare is Transforming Patient Care: Michael Dalton, Ovatient CEO

Michael Dalton, the CEO of Ovatient, is redefining virtual healthcare by bringing high-quality, patient-centered care directly to the people who need it. With a background in healthcare leadership at The MetroHealth System and Summa Health in Ohio, Michael saw firsthand the barriers patients face—from transportation and family/work schedules, to limited availability of specialists. His passion for improving healthcare accessibility led to the creation of Ovatient, a virtual-first care model seamlessly integrated with major health systems like MetroHealth and The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. In this conversation, Michael discusses the power of digital health, the importance of rebuilding trust between patients and providers, and how Ovatient leverages technology to enhance care, while keeping the human connection at its core. From his Midwest roots to his leadership in healthcare innovation, Michael shares how virtual care is transforming the industry.

Join our conversation with Michael Dalton today on Radio Maine–and subscribe to the channel for your weekly dose of creative inspiration!

From Olympic Silver to Portland’s Skyline: Jim Brady’s Bold Vision

Jim Brady is the president and founder of Fathom Companies, a real estate development and hotel management firm based in Portland, Maine. A former professional sailor, Jim was a silver medalist in Barcelona's 1992 Summer Olympics, before transitioning to real estate. His journey into the field was influenced by his partnership with Maine native Kevin Mahaney. Jim’s projects, such as The Press Hotel, located in the former Portland Press Herald building, have played a significant role in revitalizing the city’s downtown. Jim is now working on transforming  nearby Monument Square, as he creates unique spaces that bring life to Maine. Join our conversation with Jim Brady today on Radio Maine.

Portland Art Gallery Artist: Emma Ballou

Emma Ballou is a Maine-based artist whose work reflects her appreciation for the beauty of her natural surroundings. Raised in rural Buxton, Emma cultivated her artistic perspective through a family legacy of creativity and formative experiences at the Maine College of Art in Portland. After more than a decade away in Baltimore, Maryland, Washington, DC, and Long Island, New York—attending Goucher College and subsequently working as a historical museum curator—Emma returned to Maine to immerse herself in art and homesteading. Emma now creates her ethereal landscapes in a renovated barn studio, surrounded by the family goats and invigorated by the scents emanating from nearby Milkweed Coffee Roasters, a micro-batch endeavor shared with partner Jennilee Morris. Join our conversation with Portland Art Gallery artist Emma Ballou today on Radio Maine.

Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness: Lisa Sockabasin

Lisa Sockabasin is the co-CEO of Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness (WPHW), an organization addressing health and cultural restoration for indigenous communities in Maine. A member of the Passamaquoddy Nation, Lisa holds degrees in nursing and epidemiology, and has dedicated her career to community wellness. Lisa draws upon her considerable experience to further the integration of traditional Wabanaki practices with modern public health strategies at WPHW. Lisa also co-hosts Aunties on Air, a podcast amplifying indigenous voices and stories. Join our conversation with Lisa Sockabasin today on Radio Maine