Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

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

Maine's Newest National Monument: Giovanna Gray Lockhart Fights for Frances Perkins

Giovanna Gray Lockhart is the Executive Director of the Frances Perkins Center in Newcastle, Maine. Passionate about gender equity and the intersection of policy, politics, and media, much of Giovanna’s career has been in the political arena, including four years working for New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. In her latest role, Giovanna serves as an enthusiastic advocate for Frances Perkins, the first female U.S. Cabinet member whose saltwater farm was recently designated one of only two National Monuments in Maine. This is a fitting tribute to Frances Perkins’ transformative role and her enduring legacy in social reform, including the establishment of Social Security. As a National Monument, Frances Perkins’ former homestead celebrates Maine’s rich heritage of women leaders, and serves to remind us of both the importance of inclusive narratives in historic preservation, and the power of community-driven change. Join our conversation with Giovanna Gray Lockhart today on Radio Maine.

Genomics in Maine: Dr. Tom Brewster

Dr. Tom Brewster is a pediatrician and geneticist who is passionate about improving the health of children beginning at a foundational level. A Nebraska native, Tom earned his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and practiced clinical pediatrics in Maine for more than thirty years. Today, Tom is at the forefront of genomics, focusing on how advances in DNA sequencing can revolutionize newborn screening and disease prevention. He has unique insights into the evolution of genetic medicine, from his early days of painstakingly analyzing individual chromosomes (groupings of DNA segments and other proteins found inside cells) to today’s ability to sequence a genome (a complete set of our body’s DNA) in a matter of hours.  Join our conversation with Dr. Tom Brewster today on Radio Maine.

From Cuba to the Portland Art Gallery: Carlos Gamez de Francisco

Carlos Gamez de Francisco is a Cuban-born artist known for his vibrant, imaginative works. Educated in his home country, and later at the Art Institute of Chicago, Carlos combines classical techniques with contemporary storytelling. His art, deeply influenced by his family’s resilience and rich history, reflects themes of freedom, mystery, and creativity. Carlos incorporates Renaissance inspiration and elements of nature into his paintings, often blending animal and human forms to create striking narratives. Join our conversation with Portland Art Gallery artist Carlos Gamez de Francisco today on Radio Maine.