Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

Finding Art in the Sound of Maine: Dianne Ballon

Dianne Ballon is a sound artist. A graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston, Dianne originally worked with visual mediums, but became intrigued by the creative possibilities of audio elements, and soon changed her focus to sound. Her current exhibit at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, titled Lost and Found: Sounds of the Maine Coast by Dianne Ballon, features local soundscape essentials such as buoys and  foghorns.  Previously a member of the teaching and production staff at the University of Maine in Augusta, Dianne looks for the right locale, and the perfect circumstances, to record audio of the highest possible quality. She has a particular love for the sounds of nature, which intersects with another of her favorite pastimes: birding. Join our conversation with Dianne Ballon today on Radio Maine.

Leadership Has Evolved. Have You? Alex Sydnor

An experienced leader across various industries, Alex Sydnor brings a unique perspective to the healthcare sector, where he has served as a Chief Strategy Officer for more than a decade. With a background in education and the arts, Alex recognizes the pivotal role creativity plays in problem-solving. Alex emphasizes the value of cross-disciplinary ideas, and encourages a culture that embraces diverse viewpoints. He champions and practices effective group facilitation as a means of fostering communication and visioning within teams. True to his creative roots, Alex believes in the power of narrative and storytelling to enable a deeper understanding of patient experiences and drive positive change in healthcare. Join our conversation with Alex Sydnor today on Radio Maine.

Maine Fintech and Forging New Paths: George Matelich

When George Matelich began his career, he intentionally moved to the West Coast to be in the center of tech entrepreneurship. He understood the importance of spending time with others who were on the cutting edge. Drawing on this exposure, and experience as a software engineer, this former self-described “pizza-influencer,” developed invaluable insights and skills. George has used these to cultivate a tech community, Nexus Maine, that he envisions as a place for like-minded entrepreneurs to find support, collaboration, and camaraderie. George also continues to work in fintech (financial technology) and proptech (property–real estate–technology) from his new home on the coast of Maine. The story of George’s Maine adventure includes a marriage proposal to his now-wife Ann, which involved a special painting by Portland Art Gallery artist Jack Gable.  Join our conversation with George Matelich today on Radio Maine.

It Starts With You: Dr. Sheila Carroll

Dr. Sheila Carroll is a former practicing pediatrician who is finding new joy as a certified life and weight coach. A Maine native, and graduate of Bowdoin College and the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Sheila worked as a physician for two decades. After experiencing professional burnout and recognizing the limitations of traditional medicine, Sheila embarked on a path of personal transformation. Additional training and experience in coaching helped Sheila to solidify her understanding of the interconnectedness of thoughts, feelings, actions, and results. Sheila now empowers children and parents by collaborating with them to reshape their family relationships with food and lifestyle choices. Join our conversation with Dr. Sheila Carroll today on Radio Maine.

The Talent Pipeline: Stacey Dietsch Talks about the Future of HR

Stacey Dietsch specializes in human potential. After almost two decades with a national consulting firm, Stacey became the Executive Vice President of Talent at Liberty Mutual Insurance earlier this year. Drawing upon her educational background in psychology, Stacey has developed an expansive understanding of the nuanced world of human resources over the course of her professional career. Stacey seeks to align personal motivations with organizational objectives, enhancing job satisfaction and productivity. She champions a growth mindset and emphasizes the importance of creating a workplace that nurtures potential and embraces diversity of thought. Join our conversation with Stacey Dietsch today on Radio Maine.

Gratitude with Kristine Newell: Speaker and Author

Kristine Newell is an author and professional speaker known for her transformative insights on gratitude. With a background in real estate and executive leadership, Kristine's journey includes multiple familiar challenging events, including the financial stress caused by the 2008 global economic downturn, and subsequent impact on her personal life. She also describes the unimaginable community grief caused by the deaths of several local teens due to a car accident. Kristine’s debut book, "The Habit of Grateful," chronicles her personal experience and offers practical strategies for cultivating gratitude in daily life. Kristine's message resonates deeply with audiences, inspiring them to shift their perspectives and find resilience amidst adversity. Join our conversation with Kristine Newell today on Radio Maine.

Leadership the United Way: Liz Cotter Schlax

Liz Cotter Schlax, is the President and CEO of United Way of Southern Maine. Originally from Maine, Liz graduated from Waterville High School, then completed an undergraduate degree at Harvard University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. She developed her skills in corporate and non-profit settings across the United States, before returning to her home state, with a desire to have a positive and lasting impact on her own community. At the United Way of Southern Maine, Liz oversees initiatives focusing on issues such as childcare, housing, and mental health. Liz champions the notion of collective action, striving to create lasting change and improve the lives of those in need. Join our conversation with Liz Cotter Schlax today on Radio Maine.

Art Gallery Evolution: Emma Wilson

Emma Wilson is the Director of the Portland Art Gallery, which is celebrating ten years of representing established and emerging artists at its expansive, light-filled space in Portland Maine’s Old Port district. The Gallery Director for the past eight years, Emma has been an integral part of executing the gallery’s unique and successful vision. Her focus on artist and buyer relationships and communication have proven critical to the Portland Art Gallery’s ability to support artists at every stage of their career. This approach, coupled with modern marketing techniques, have made the Portland Art Gallery one of the leading art galleries in Maine. Emma and the gallery staff have truly created a place where community and creativity flourish. Join our conversation with Emma Wilson today on Radio Maine.

Stoking the Entrepreneurial Fire at Startup Maine: Katie Shorey

Native Mainer Katie Shorey has become an enthusiastic promoter of her home state, both as the Director of Engagement for the non-profit Live + Work in Maine, as well as the President of the entrepreneurial resource hub, Startup Maine. Katie grew up in the small Western Maine town of Sweden and graduated from nearby Fryeburg Academy, before getting her college degree from St. Lawrence University in upstate New York.  Subsequent experiences with partnerships and consulting in larger locales such Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, combined with a serendipitous experience with Maine Startup & Create Week, convinced Katie of the importance of sharing Maine’s evolving economic landscape and opportunities with a larger audience. Join our conversation with Katie Shorey today on Radio Maine.

Portland Art Gallery Artist: Catherine Breer

Catherine Breer has been a prolific and popular Maine artist for decades, captivating the imaginations of art-lovers with her colorful landscapes and scenes of coastal living.  A child of Christian missionaries, Catherine spent her childhood in Seoul, Korea, and has found herself influenced by the harmony of Buddhist imagery and thinking. She studied painting and drawing at the Atlanta College of Art (now a part of the Savannah College of Art and Design) and School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. A resident of Freeport, Catherine has worked for L.L. Bean as a graphic designer for many years, and recently joined the Portland Art Gallery as a means of broadening her artistic community and reaching a larger audience of those who love Maine art. Join our conversation with Catherine Breer today on Radio Maine.