Orleans: Behind the Scenes

About Orleans: Behind the Scenes

Orleans: Behind the Scenes is a community-focused podcast produced for the Town of Orleans that takes listeners inside the work of local government. Each episode features candid conversations with town officials, department leaders, and community members to explain how town services operate, demystify municipal processes, and highlight initiatives that impact life in Orleans. From budgeting and public safety to cultural events and strategic planning, the podcast aims to educate, engage, and strengthen connections between residents and the people serving the community.

Publisher

Town of Orleans with Mia Baumgarten and Amanda Converse as your hosts.

Category

government

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

22 Nov 2023

Latest episode

22 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

69 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   22 Oct 2026

   Town Meeting | A Voter’s Field Guide (S3, 19)

   In Orleans, the voters are the legislature. Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten break down how Town Meeting works, how Annual and Special Town Meeting differ, how to find and read the warrant, and how to get involved well before you take a seat on Town Meeting night. In This Episode •Open Town Meeting: why Orleans voters, not a council, make the big decisions •The 200-voter quorum and why turnout matters•Annual vs. Special Town Meeting: what each one handles, and why "special" doesn't mean less important •The warrant: what it is, where articles come from, and how residents can petition to add one•Finding the warrant: online at Town Meeting Central and in print at Town Hall •Reading the warrant: article language, explanations, board recommendations, and vote thresholds •Getting involved before the vote: voter registration, open houses, public hearings, staff presentations, and more •Town Meeting night: check-in, the Moderator, motions, debate, and how to speak at the mic •What happens after the vote Resources •Town Meeting Central (https://www.orleansma.gov) (Town Meeting Information): warrant, article summaries, presentations, and event dates •Special Town Meeting: Monday, November 16, 2026, 6PM, Nauset Regional Middle School •Town Meeting Open Houses: –Tuesday, Nov. 10 – Town Hall, 4:30–6PM –Thursday, Nov. 12 – Snow Library, 12–1:15PM –Friday, Nov. 13 – Council on Aging, 8:30–10AM

2. 

   8 Oct 2026

   Four Zoning Articles | What's Coming to Special Town Meeting (S3, 18)

   Zoning decides what gets built in Orleans, where, and how it's used, but bylaw language is hard to read cold. Four zoning articles go to Special Town Meeting on Monday, November 16 at 6PM Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten sit down with Elizabeth Jenkins to break down what each article does, why it's on the warrant, and what it means for residents and businesses. Town Meeting Information (https://www.orleansma.gov/894/Town-Meeting-Information)Proposed Zoning Amendments (https://www.orleansma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11647/PROPOSED-ZONING-AMENDMENTS---September-8-2026-Public-Hearing) Orleans: Behind the Scenes takes you inside the work of the Town of Orleans: the departments, projects, and people behind the services you rely on every day. Hosted by Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten.

3. 

   24 Sept 2026

   Connecting to Town Sewer | Your Questions Answered (S3, 17)

   Thinking about connecting your home to Town sewer - or already in the middle of it? We sat down with John Nelson, Orleans' Water/Sewer Program Coordinator, to answer the questions residents ask most: what the process actually looks like, what it costs, and what changes once you're connected. In this episode: The step-by-step connection process - from hiring an engineer through final inspection Why you need both an engineer and a contractor, and what each one handles A breakdown of the real costs: engineering, contractor, sewer use fees, and betterments Financial assistance available through the Cape Cod AquiFund loan program What to expect during construction on your property What never to flush, and how to care for a grinder pump if you have one Where to check current construction updates for your street Resources: Need to Connect to Sewer? | Orleans, MA (https://www.orleansma.gov/1567/Need-to-Connect-to-Sewer) Cape Cod AquiFund — www.capecod.gov/aquifund (http://www.capecod.gov/aquifund) Contact John Nelson, Sewer Program Coordinator: 508-240-3700 x2319 / JNelson@town.orleans.ma.us (mailto:JNelson@town.orleans.ma.us) About the show: Orleans: Behind the Scenes introduces you to the people and departments behind daily life in Orleans - showing how municipal work shapes the town you live in.

Who has been a guest on Orleans: Behind the Scenes

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Tom DeSiervo
• Jamie Demetri
• Tony Pike
• Rich Waldo
• Scott Walker

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

63

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

Contact Orleans: Behind the Scenes

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Orleans: Behind the Scenes