This podcast will be a conversation with ordinary women who became extraordinary lawmakers. Hear their story in their own words, become part of the history of the women that led Maine politics.
Rita Melendy discusses her experiences and insights in an interview on the Dirigo Women podcast.
23 Aug 2025
A conversation with Laurie Osher
Host Laurie Osher discusses her impactful work across environmental, LGBTQ+, progressive women, and interfaith committees, clarifying legislative and caucus structures in this interview.
17 Aug 2025
A conversation with Sue Salisbury
Representative Sue Salisbury discusses her legislative work on education, criminal justice, and public safety, highlighting concerns about food insecurity and rural emergency medical services in this interview.
10 Aug 2025
A conversation with Judy Tunkle
Judy Tunkle discusses her experience running for Maine State Representative and how she continues to serve her community, demonstrating resilience and dedication in this interview.
2 Aug 2025
A conversation with Kristen Cloutier
Representative Kristen Cloutier discusses her legislative priorities, including paid family leave, respite care, tribal sovereignty, and bipartisan collaboration in an interview.
16 May 2025
A conversation with Hailey Lewis
Out of the mouths of babes is the first thing that comes to mind. Hailey is my 11-year-old granddaughter that ask a simple question that started this whole project! The simple question was, why? Why are women not represented in the State House?
9 May 2025
A conversation with Lori Gramlich
Lori talks about her advocating for children's mental wellness in Maine. She speaks on protecting children's rights and ending the statute of limitations for sexual crimes against children. She also addresses PFAS and why they are so dangerous, plus why she is so committed to environmental issues and underground water rights.
2 May 2025
A conversation with Claude Berube / Georgette Berube's Legacy
Claude talks about his mother and what it was like for a woman in politics in the 1970s to 2000 in Maine. He speaks of how special it was to grow up around the State House, from going to work with his mother, to being her page, to the historical Flags, and the old museum that was in the south entrance. He talks of Georgette's grace and how she carried herself with strength, dignity and always gracefully.
25 Apr 2025
A conversation with Cathy Breen
Cathy talks about serving both locally and on a state level. She also explains why every vote counts! Ms. Breen also talks about chairing the Appropriations Committee, and after Maine Senate how she became a lobbyist.
18 Apr 2025
A conversation with John Taylor / MCS Library
John talks about Senator Margaret Chase Smith's life. He covers everything from not being able to go to college, to McCarthyism, to the aerospace program, to building the Library in Skowhegan Maine, and much more. Senator Smith was truly Maine's hero.
13 Apr 2025
A conversation with Rebecca Millett
Rebecca talks about her time in the Peace Corps. After returning back to the US, she speaks about moving back to Maine with her family. Being elected to Maine Senate, chairing the committee Maine's Education and Cultural Affairs, working on bills for affordable housing, and Maine paid time off. Why now is the time to stop talking and do something about ERA!!!!
4 Apr 2025
A conversation with Terry Hayes
Terry talks about her time in the Maine Legislation. She discusses what committees she served on. After leaving the legislation, she was voted as the Maine State Treasurer under the Lepage administration and now working at the Bond Bank.
28 Mar 2025
A conversation with Anne Perry
We discuss methadone clinics, mental health, and planned parenthood.
21 Mar 2025
A conversation with Allison Hepler
14 Mar 2025
A conversation with Eloise Vitelli
Eloise talks about her work before Maine State Senate. How she worked with displaced women and that led to new programs to help women and people struggling in the state of Maine. The committees she served on in the senate and being elected Senate Majority Leader. After the senate, she still works on women rights and affordable energy for Maine residents.
7 Mar 2025
Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows
Listen to the Secretary discuss Maine elections, Maine BMV, Maine Bureau of Corporations, and Maine State Archives. Shenna will also give a look in to the history of Maine and the United States. Plus, talk about our 250th national celebration.
1 Mar 2025
A conversation with Susan Deschambault
Susan talks about what it was like to go to an all-male college, being the first female correctional caseworker in a men's prison and being Biddeford's first female police commissioner. She gives us a glimpse inside the Maine Senate serving on the law enforcement committee. After the senate, how she spends her time today in her community.
22 Feb 2025
A conversation with Maureen "Mo" Terry
Maureen talks about being a chef before running for office in Maine State Legislation. After winning a house seat, she served on the taxation committee. What it was like to serve as the House Majority Leader. Now that she has termed out of the house, what she is doing that still serves Maine!
Who has been a guest on Dirigo Women
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Rita Melendy
Sue Salisbury
Judy Tunkle
Kristen Cloutier
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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