The audio companion to The St. Albans Messenger, where we feature Vermont-focused discussions not always heard in the public conversation — to better explore our communities and provide insight into the state's challenges.
Retail workers make up the third largest group in Franklin County's workforce, trailing the manufacturing and healthcare industries. But in a world of Amazon and online deliveries, finding success in retail is often an uphill battle.
In the latest episode of "Here. Here (In Vermont)," host Josh Ellerbrock brings on two local experts to discuss in more detail what they've done to bring more customers through the front door.
Guests include Abigail Gagne, proprietor of Maple City Candy, and Renee Laroche-Rheaume, owner of Spotlight Vintage.
26 Dec 2025
Episode 9: Directing
Who knew plays could be so serious?
For the last hurrah of 2025, Hear. Here.'s Episode 9 shines a light on collaborative, creative productions by featuring a discussion with longtime educator Brian Rainville, Enosburg Opera House's board chair and show director Suzi Hull-Casavant and Bent Media founder Tom Benton, who recently shipped a full-length feature "Leatherclad."
The resulting conversation gives some insight artistic endeavors, collaborative processes and what directors can do to really bring out an audience.
2 Sept 2025
Episode 8: The Media*
To tell local stories, you often need local people doing the work. In Episode 8 of the St. Albans Messenger's podcast series, we bring a few leaders in Vermont's local media industry—Bridget Higdon, Paul Snyder and Llu Mulvaney-Stanak—to talk about the challenges and obstacles of dealing with information in a world chock full of distraction.
22 Jul 2025
Episode 7: Local foods
Vermont has a brand associated with high-quality local foods and farmer's markets. But what's it like for those doing the work?
In this latest episode of Hear. Here., host Josh Ellerbrock brings in three Vermont food experts—Ricky "The Meadmaker" Klein, Finn & Roots co-owner Holly Counter Beaver and homesteader Anne Lepeltier—for a conversation around the challenges of growing local in Vermont.
22 May 2025
Episode 6: Summer Music
May marks the start of summer concert series across Franklin County, so it seemed fitting to feature a few musicians on this latest episode of "Hear.Here."
Over the discussion, we hear about some of the joys around performing music, as well as some of today's frustrations around finding an audience. Guests include guitarist/producer/performer Andre Maquera, multi-instrumentalist John Notaro and musician Tyrone Shaw.
2 May 2025
Episode 5: High School → College
The time between the end of high school graduation and start of college has many students examining their next steps into adulthood. In our latest episode, we brought in a roundtable of students to discuss that transitional period, right as graduation rears its head.
The conversation also touches on some of the challenges posed by rural students seeking out higher post-secondary education in a place like Vermont, where there are limited job roles due to its smaller population.
Guests include Nolan Marchessault, Amelia Partlow and Hilary Denault.
20 Mar 2025
Episode 4: Town Meeting Day
The tradition of Town Meeting Day in Vermont extends beyond how the tax rate changes each year.
In the fourth episode of the St. Albans Messenger's new podcast, four of Franklin County's long-time volunteers talk about what happens behind the scenes each year on Town Meeting Day, while providing a few political insights and setting a vision for the next generation.
Guests from this episode include Carolyn Branagan, Brian Savage, Helene Biggie and Marie Bessette.
6 Feb 2025
Episode 3: Climate change
Hear. Here. takes a local look at climate change locally in its third episode. The conversation features insights from Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge manager Ken Sturm, Friends of Northern Lake Champlain executive director Bridget Butler and host Josh Ellerbrock, as the three deconstruct how minor changes in the environment can disrupt ecosystems.
Climate experts also offer plenty of ways that people can be a part of the solution when it comes to climate change, especially as it relates to reducing algae blooms in Lake Champlain.
7 Jan 2025
Episode 2: Thanksgiving
After a controversial election season, it's time for some turkey.
And a political palette cleanser.
Join some of the nicest people in St. Albans to get a reminder on how to be on your best behavior with the family next weekend. This episode's guests include Sunni Tipper, the food programs coordinator at the Fairfield Community Center, Arleigh Young, downtown manager with the St. Albans City, Joe Halko, former communications director at Northwestern Counseling & Support Services, and KarenMarie Peltier, Back Inn Time owner.
7 Jan 2025
Episode 1: Local Candidates
The Vermont State House has plenty on its plate for this upcoming legislative session. The first episode of The Saint Albans Message features the four candidates running to represent St. Albans City and Town during the 2024 fall election season. (The third local state representative, Lynn Dickinson (R-St. Albans Town) is running unopposed.)
The conversation features (from l to r) Rep. Mike McCarthy (D-St. Albans City), Democratic candidate Zach Scheffler, Republican candidate Joe Luneau and Rep. Casey Toof (R-St. Albans Town).
Contact Hear. Here.
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