Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

Maine Architect Scott Simons on Design Excellence and Team Building

Scott Simons has spent three decades creating an enduring architectural legacy. Founder, Partner, and Principal of Simons Architects in Portland, Scott’s exceptional work has been incorporated into residential and commercial buildings across Maine. While his success is due in no small measure to his design excellence, Scott suggests that the efforts he and his colleagues have put into team building have had an even more significant impact. As Scott enters “the next third” of his life, he understands the need to make room for future generations in his field. At the same time, he sees the value he still has the opportunity to add. His father, Richard, worked until five years before his death in 2022 at the age of 95. After retiring as a judge from the State of New York at 70, Richard provided 20 years of legal counsel to the Oneida Nation, earning him the respect of an elder in that community. Scott acknowledges that his father’s long-standing service and approach to aging provided him with invaluable role modeling. Join our conversation with Scott Simons 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!

 

A Maine Legacy: Thos. Moser’s Furniture, Family and Future

Founded by former Bates College professor Tom Moser, the Thos. Moser company is venerated for its handmade American furniture and highly respected for showcasing Maine craftsmanship to the world. Thos. Moser has benefited greatly from the involvement of Tom’s sons, each of whom has had a role in the company’s growth. Chairman Aaron Moser has been integrally involved with this evolving local business. Aaron draws on his experience as he reflects on the Thos. Moser commitment to strong design and quality, their upcoming 50th anniversary, and the family dynamics that make this all possible. Join our conversation with Aaron Moser 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.

Breaking the Mold: Shannon Richards’ Company, Hay Runner, Reimagines the Home Building Process

Maine native Shannon Richards has always had a strong and committed vision for her life. Acting upon that vision, Shannon founded an innovative business called Hay Runner, which assists homeowners with everything from planning and construction to interiors and plant design. Given her exuberant personality and strong work ethic, it’s unsurprising that Shannon has surrounded herself with a team of professionals who can take on nearly anything home-oriented. When she’s not working, Shannon navigates the ocean waters in a wooden boat she owns with her partner, architect Caleb Johnson. Join our conversation with Shannon Richards 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.

Art Consultant Returns to Maine to Support Artists: Phoebe Cole

Maine native Phoebe Cole wants art, artists, and art lovers to thrive. A graduate of Simmons College in Boston, Phoebe’s bachelors degree in arts administration focused on the “business of art.”  She regularly uses this foundational knowledge and expertise in the nuances of art collecting in her work with Powell Fine Art Advisory. Phoebe expertly navigates the sometimes competing needs of finding something a client loves, ensuring that it is a good art investment and respecting budgetary considerations. Originally from Damariscotta, Phoebe recently moved back to her home state, and has been refamiliarizing herself with Maine’s rich art history and talented contemporary artists. Join our conversation with art consultant Phoebe Cole today on Radio Maine.

Joining Medicine with Clinical Herbalism and Art: Meet Jill Skrabalak

As a registered nurse and clinical quality specialist who has worked in primary care for many years, Jill Skrabalak is well-acquainted with the traditional tools of her trade. At the same time, she deeply understands that healing can come from many sources. Jill is in the process of completing a master's degree in clinical herbalism as a means of adding the power of plants to her toolbox. As the wife of Portland Art Gallery artist Cooper Dragonette, it may come as no surprise that Jill also believes in the curative nature of creative pursuits. Following her mother's death in March 2022, Jill moved her mother's baby grand piano from upstate New York to Maine, sustaining their lifelong connection through their shared love of music. Join our conversation with Jill Skrabalak 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.

Your Maine Concierge: No One Knows Maine Like Food and Travel Expert Vanessa Santarelli

Vanessa Santarelli is passionate about Maine. A graduate of Cony High School in Augusta, Vanessa credits her Italian grandparents for instilling in her an abiding love of food via their restaurant, which was located on Water Street in that same town for many years. Vanessa’s clients benefit from her lifelong connection to the state through her Rockland-based business, “Your Maine Concierge.” In addition to being familiar with Maine’s coastal towns, Vanessa has spent much time exploring the rural interior of the state, and puts her knowledge to good use when planning accommodations, eatery visits and outings for others. Like her grandparents before her, Vanessa admits that being a small business owner is not always easy, but her fierce resilience leaves no doubt that she will continue the family legacy of hospitality for many years to come. Join our conversation with Vanessa Santarelli 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 Real Estate Leads to Professional Success and Personal Balance: Meet Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch had a successful finance career managing a bond trading group on Wall Street–until it clashed with his desire to be with his growing family. A graduate of Bates College in Lewiston, Chris followed his heart back to Maine in the early 2000’s, seeking a more balanced personal and professional existence. Despite being warned away from real estate, and facing more than one detractor, Chris borrowed from his children’s college savings in order to found and build what would become one of Maine’s most successful residential firms – Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty. Chris has gained many valuable insights about business and life in his beloved adopted state over the past two (plus) decades.  Join our conversation with Chris Lynch 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.

Waynflete Student Creates Climate Conversation Through Innovative Sculptures: Benjamin Pochurek

Sculptor Benjamin Pochurek is highly attuned to the world in which he lives, and is unafraid to explore complex issues that deeply impact humanity. His poignant works articulate contrasting messages of vulnerability and pain; strength and hope. In 2022, Maine’s Portland Museum of Art introduced the “Tidal Shift Award,” to recognize young artists whose creations reflect innovation and sustainability, while focusing on solutions for climate change. Benjamin was one of only three award recipients in the 14-18 age group. A junior at Portland’s Waynflete School and resident of Freeport, Benjamin has been inspired by local artists Matt and Philip Barter, and recently joined them as a represented artist at the Portland Art Gallery.  Join our conversation with Benjamin Pochurek 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.

Evolution of an Art Legacy: Meet Maine-Based Encaustic Artist Annie Darling

Annie Darling is carrying forward her family’s artistic legacy in a way that is uniquely her own. Growing up, she osmosed the ingenuity and perspectives of her creative kin, whose talents are represented in a variety of professions– from photography and interior design, to sculpting and academia. Annie deepened her learning through an educational focus on architecture, psychology and marketing. After many years in the communications field, Annie turned her attention inward, and opened a space for personal exploration. Her recent encaustics reflect both emotional vulnerability and the resilience garnered through life experience. Though she is new to the Portland Art Gallery, she is no stranger to the artistic journey. Thank you for joining our conversation with Annie Darling 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.

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

Unexpected Divergence Leads to a Parallel Life of Medicine and Media: Dr. Lisa Belisle

Many of us have experienced points in life’s journey when, as New England poet Robert Frost once described, “Two roads diverged.” In this 100th episode of Radio Maine, our host Dr. Lisa Belisle reflects upon her ongoing role as a communicator and on-air host. and the significant divergence that brought her to this place. Lisa remembers the sudden death in 2007 of her Bowdoin College classmate, Hanley Denning, who had brought hope and light to countless children whose families lived near the Guatemala City dump. That pivotal event, and a desire to support Hanley’s organization–Safe Passage–revealed an unexpected media path that has complemented Lisa’s professional work as a doctor and leader. Fast forwarding to today, Lisa remains inspired by her conversations with the creative, resilient guests of Radio Maine, and is grateful for the divergence that has led to the evolution of the Radio Maine community of which we are all now a part.

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.