Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

Jane Dahmen, Maine Artist

Jane Dahmen is one of the Portland Art Gallery’s most beloved and longstanding artists. She was also one of our first Radio Maine guests, joining us on episode four from her Newcastle, Maine home, back when the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a remote conversational format. A proud graduate of Colby College in Waterville, Jane has always been known for her commitment to Maine and passion for promoting her adopted state’s myriad talented artists. Despite challenges such as the death of her husband, Joe, three short years ago, Jane continues to embrace exploration, curiosity and perpetual reinvention, as reflected in her vibrant works of art. Join our most recent conversation with Jane Dahmen today on Radio Maine.

The Mark of Strong Leadership: Judiann Smith

Judiann Smith is a firm believer in the importance of strong leaders in healthcare, especially during times of rapid change.  As the executive director of the Daniel Hanley Center for Health Leadership in Maine, Judiann has coordinated countless programs focusing on leadership skills for doctors, nurses, and others in the healthcare field, since taking this position in 2015. Judiann is no stranger to the reality of change, and the need to approach leadership creatively. After earning her law degree from Suffolk University in Boston, Judiann quickly realized that she wanted to use her education to benefit the greater good. A longtime Maine resident, Judiann spent more than 18 years working for Spurwink Services in Portland, and has functioned in numerous other public capacities, including six years as an elected member of the Yarmouth school committee. Join our conversation with Judiann Smith today on Radio Maine.

Gulf of Maine Research Scientist: Claire Enterline

Research scientist Claire Enterline has found that the ocean has much to teach us about climate resiliency.  As a research associate and project manager with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) in Portland, Claire works with FishSCORE (Fisheries Strategies for Changing Oceans and Resilient Ecosystems by 2030), a global program endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Raised in Ohio, Claire loved being outside as a child. She found her passion for marine biology while studying abroad in Ecuador and New Zealand, as part of her undergraduate degree in environmental science and policy at Boston University.  Claire now spends her time at GMRI helping to develop and deliver solutions to global climate and ocean challenges–right down the street from the Portland Art Gallery. Join our conversation with Claire Enterline today on Radio Maine.

Living with Art: Sarah Verardo

Artist Sarah Verardo has an eye for detail and design. Originally from a small Rhode Island beach town, Sarah grew up in a home filled with art, and socialized regularly with artists from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence. Her father, who briefly owned an art gallery, once brought five-year-old Sarah to Dale Chihuly's studio to watch him make art from blown glass. While a government major at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Sarah took her first painting class right before graduating. She applied her strong visual sense to marketing in fashion and home design, working for storied European fashion houses like Gucci from her New York City base. After 14 years, Sarah returned to Providence, where she picked up her paintbrush again. Her connection to the New England coast is clearly felt in the intricate details of her subject matter, which include seashells, flower petals and beach stones. Join our conversation with Sarah Verardo today on Radio Maine.

The Brand CEO: Mallika Malhotra

Mallika Malhotra is a business strategist, mentor, speaker, and author. Known as the Brand CEO, Mallika has helped hundreds of female entrepreneurs to maximize their strengths and draw upon their passions as they create success in their fields.  Born to parents who emigrated from India and the Philippines, Mallika learned the value of hard work, and the importance of appreciating opportunities, from an early age. Her experiences in the corporate and creative worlds have greatly informed her current work. Join our conversation with Mallika Malhotra today on Radio Maine.

Wylie Garcia:Garden Tender

Artist Wylie Garcia has learned to have faith in her intuition. Based in Charlotte, Vermont, Wylie draws upon memories of gardening with her mother when creating her much sought after floral paintings.  Wylie remains continually inspired by the varying shapes and changing colors of flowers, as she creates layered emotional landscapes with titles such as “A Trusting Place for Bower Birds,” and “Dreams of Southport Island.” Wylie’s creative process also plays into her role as curator at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont, where she seeks to “highlight conversations that are happening visually between artists.” Visit with Portland Art Gallery artist Wylie Garcia today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more.

Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

This artist is represented by the Portland Art Gallery of Maine. Click here to view her art.

Miranda Rico More Women Surf

More Women+ Surf media director Miranda Rico has a passion for fostering safe spaces and driving positive change. Raised in North Yarmouth, Maine, Miranda draws upon her interest in creative portraiture and skills as a photographer to help More Women+ Surf break down socio-economic, physical, and emotional barriers to create surf and water access for those who might not otherwise engage in this sport. The oldest of six children, Miranda experienced the power of unity, cooperation, and support while growing up in a larger-than-average household. Her family taught her the value of inclusivity, empathy, and fostering connections among diverse individuals. Miranda enthusiastically incorporates these values into her work with More Women+ Surf. Join our conversation with Miranda Rico today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. 

Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

Maine Entrepreneur, Jennifer Gutekunst

Jennifer and Neil Gutekunst wanted to spend more time in Maine. Originally from the Philadelphia area (where each of their families had been longtime business owners), Jennifer and her husband immediately felt a connection with the Pine Tree State while vacationing here several years ago. In 2019, they made the dramatic decision to move to Maine and become small business owners themselves. First, they acquired New England Treads, a Gorham millwork company specializing in custom-stained stair treads. Then, at the height of COVID in 2021, Jennifer and Neil purchased the well-known Wooden Screen Door Company in Waldoboro. When it comes to shared leadership decisions, Jennifer's experience as a human resources analyst and love of data has proven to be an effective counterpoint to skills that Neil developed over 20 years as a defense attorney with the U. S. Marine Corps' Judge Advocate Division. Now dividing their time between Portland and Cushing, Jennifer and Neil have shown that it is possible to turn a shared Maine dream into reality. Join our conversation with Jennifer Gutekunst today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. 

Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

Stay Bar Harbor: Stephen Coston

Stephen Coston did not intend to follow in his family’s footsteps.  Despite the fact that his grandfather was a hotelier in Bar Harbor, Maine for decades, Stephen struck off initially in another direction, seeking to make a career out of sports writing. When that did materialize, a book suggestion from his father spurred his interest in reading about business, which led to his getting a degree in this field. Somewhat on a whim, Stephen went on to buy and renovate the seventies-era 12-room Rockhurst Motel in Bar Harbor, and found himself back in the family business.  Since then he’s added multiple properties to his growing real estate collection. Taking a hands-on approach to all aspects of the hospitality business, Stephen continues to learn about design, art and architecture, as he seeks to create unique experiences at each of his properties. Join our conversation with intriguing auto-didact Stephen Cotson today on Radio Maine.

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. 

Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube, so you never miss an episode.

Our Life Stories: Dr. Deirdre Heersink

Dr. Deirdre Heersink understands the importance of truly connecting with patients in long-term care, as a means of positively impacting their health and well-being. Patients who are in these settings often interact with staff over months and years, developing meaningful relationships that become especially important if they do not receive regular outside visitors. Deirdre has seen these relationships blossom when patients are able to share additional information about their lives. Through a grant-funded program called “Life Stories,” Deirdre worked with a team of volunteers and staff to provide this opportunity for patients in the MaineGeneral Health system in Augusta. Join our conversation with physician and medical leader Deirdre Heersink today on Radio Maine. 

Every week, Dr. Lisa Belisle brings you an interview with a member of Maine’s community, including artists, designers, and more. 

Subscribe to Radio Maine on YouTube, so you never miss an episode.