Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

Storytelling, Teamwork, and the Art of Creative Connection: Chip Brewer

Chip Brewer, founder of Growth Story LLC and a Bowdoin College alum, joins Dr. Lisa Belisle on Radio Maine for a dynamic conversation about storytelling, community, and the power of collaboration. A longtime resident of Cape Elizabeth, Chip blends decades of corporate consulting with his passion for improv, screenwriting, and novel writing—crafts he uses to explore themes of teamwork and empathy. From teaching improv to the Bowdoin Alumni Council to co-authoring a screenplay inspired by his over-40 hockey team, Chip infuses every project with insight and humor. He shares stories of unexpected connections, lessons from summer camp, and the value of "sneaky bonding" to bridge generational or ideological divides. Rooted in the belief that creativity flourishes in collaboration, Chip's work reflects a deep commitment to kindness and shared purpose. Join our conversation with Chip Brewer today on Radio Maine—and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel!

The Creators of Final First Edition: Rich Horn & the Ninja Turtles

Christoph Gelfand, Wes Sterrs, and Jeff Griecci—filmmakers behind the dynamic short documentary Final First Edition—join us for a lively and insightful conversation about collaboration, creativity, and a deep dive into pop culture history. This trio, each with impressive individual credentials in Maine’s tight-knit film community, came together to chronicle a fascinating project: collector Rich Horn’s mission to recreate the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic, using the same techniques and even the original negatives—first printed in Biddeford, Maine nearly 40 years ago. Christoph, founder of True Life Media, Jeff, a Biddeford-based cinematographer with a passion for indie films, and Wes, the film’s director and a Belfast native, reveal how Final First Edition became a joyful exploration of fandom, nostalgia, and artistic obsession. Their camaraderie shines throughout—whether joking about their own Ninja Turtle alter egos or reflecting on the powerful lessons learned from documenting Rich’s meticulous archive. Beyond the humor and energy, this conversation highlights the unique spirit of Maine’s creative scene, where small communities foster big projects—and where teamwork transforms vision into reality. It’s a testament to friendship, shared passion, and the magic that happens when artists unite behind a common goal. Join our conversation with Christoph, Wes, and Jeff today on Radio Maine—and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more inspiring stories!

Portland Art Gallery Artist: Ryan Kohler

Ryan Kohler is a Portland Art Gallery artist known for his vibrant mixed-media paintings that blend acrylic and collage into energetic “parties on canvas.” Based in Skowhegan, Ryan’s journey to full-time art began with a brief stint in architecture, followed by years immersed in music—writing, performing, and producing—before a major life shift brought him fully into the studio. His process is intuitive and tactile, often sparked by color, texture, and rhythm, with unexpected elements like fragments of album covers adding layers of meaning. A self-taught builder, Ryan even renovated his own studio above a garage, embracing the physicality of creativity in all forms. Inspired early by Picasso and Dalí, he sees each canvas as a self-portrait in energy, offering viewers a dynamic and personal visual experience rooted in Maine’s landscape and artistic community. Join our conversation with Ryan Kohler today on Radio Maine. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more inspiring artist stories.

From Tax Forms to Fresh Starts: Karla Brannen’s Financial (and Creative) Journey

Karla Brannen, principal at Brannen CPA Services, shows that accounting is as much about insight and problem-solving as it is about numbers. A native of Maine's Aroostook County and graduate of Thomas College, Karla has built a thriving firm grounded in expertise and a deep understanding of her clients’ unique situations. In this Radio Maine interview, she shares how no two tax returns are ever quite the same, and how careful interpretation, judgment, and experience are essential to finding the best path forward for each client. Karla also reflects on her bold decision to leave a traditional firm and launch her own practice—bringing fresh ideas and a personal touch to every aspect of her work, from welcoming office design to her strong ties with the Portland Art Gallery. It’s a thoughtful look at how accounting can be both precise and personal. Join our conversation with Karla Brannen today on Radio Maine—and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel.

Capturing Portland’s Truth: A Conversation with Photographer Nick Gervin

Documentary photographer Nick Gervin has spent the last decade capturing the soul of Portland, Maine—its beauty, its struggles, and its untold stories. In this inspiring Radio Maine interview, Nick shares how photography became a lifeline in his recovery from traumatic brain injury and substance use disorder, guiding him from solitary nighttime shoots to a vibrant artistic community at the Bakery Photo Collective. His work, including the acclaimed book Portlanders, blurs the line between documentary and fine art, inviting viewers to see the city’s complexities: its flaws, its resilience, its humanity. With powerful images of everyday life and a deep commitment to truth-telling, Nick shows how photography can both witness and heal. Join our conversation with Nick Gervin today on Radio Maine—and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel.

Transforming Patient Participation: Dr. Susan Woods

Susan Woods, MD, MPH is a digital health pioneer whose career has bridged the exam room and the cutting edge of technology. In this inspiring conversation with Dr. Lisa Belisle on Radio Maine, Dr. Woods shares how her Maine roots and collaborations with forward-thinking public health pioneers like Dr. Richard Rockefeller, Deborah Deatrick, M.P.H., and Dr. Dora Anne Mills helped shape her path—from launching the Maine Tobacco Helpline to leading national innovations at the VA. A passionate advocate for participatory medicine and co-designed care, she brings exuberance to every pivot—from telehealth to AI, food as medicine, and her latest role as a Food for Health ambassador connected to Portland’s Fork Food Lab.

Through it all, Susan remains grounded in her belief that patients are not just recipients of care—they’re experts, too. Her story offers an uplifting reminder of what’s possible when we listen, collaborate, and design with real people in mind.

Join our conversation with Dr. Susan Woods today on Radio Maine. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel.

Communication is Medicine: A Conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Barkin

Dr. Jeffrey Barkin is a practicing psychiatrist, multimedia journalist, and co-host of A Healthy Conversation on WGAN, where he brings clarity and calm to today’s most pressing healthcare issues. Known for his positivity and thoughtful communication style, Jeff has spent decades helping people navigate uncertainty—first in clinical settings and now through public dialogue. A Swarthmore and Yale-trained physician, he traces his love of radio back to childhood nights spent listening to a tiny transistor tucked inside a stuffed animal.

From his early DJ days to leading the Maine Medical Association, Jeff’s journey reflects a deep belief: better communication leads to better care. Whether breaking down pandemic anxieties or advocating for more humane healthcare models, he champions honesty, empathy, and the power of process over prescription. His Maine roots, paired with a global outlook, make his voice a vital one in reimagining how we connect, care, and heal.

Join our conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Barkin today on Radio Maine. Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel.

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.