After speaking with a candidate for governor in Summer 2025 about an interview, the team had the thought "wouldn't it be cool to speak with all of the candidates running for governor?" While not everyone seeking office was able to join them, our co-hosts conducted nine interviews with candidates from across the political spectrum. Season 2 of the podcast Pine State Politics: In Session finds Natalie Emmerson '27 and Larsen Van Horn '27 joined in the studio by fellow Bowdoin student and California native Sofia Fogg '26.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate and businessman Angus King III outlines a problem‑solving agenda focused on making life more affordable in Maine—especially by building more housing, strengthening education and job training, and making it easier to start and grow small businesses. Drawing on his background in affordable housing and renewable energy, he emphasizes a practical, “get things done” approach that streamlines government, while balancing values and affordability.
Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.
29 Apr 2026
Nirav Shah: The Art of Communication
Former Maine CDC director Nirav Shah joins the show to discuss his run for governor and the crisis-management and communication approach that defined his leadership during COVID. He lays out a four-part agenda—“fix housing, fund health care, feed kids, and fuel growth”—focused on tackling Maine’s housing shortage, protecting access to healthcare amid federal cuts, strengthening supports for children and families, and expanding economic opportunity statewide.
Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.
29 Apr 2026
Rick Bennett: The Importance of Moderation
Independent gubernatorial candidate and state senator Rick Bennett explains why he left the Republican Party and his vision for a less partisan, more collaborative style of leadership in Maine. He lays out his main priorities—making housing more affordable, lowering energy costs, strengthening public education, and improving access to healthcare in rural Maine—while emphasizing practical, “what works” solutions borrowed from successful policies in other states.
Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.
29 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
Troy Jackson: From Logging to Legislating
Democratic candidate Troy Jackson—a fifth-generation logger and former Maine Senate president—lays out a working‑class agenda centered on economic security for Mainers. He focuses on lowering everyday costs and raising wages through stronger labor protections and unions, tackling healthcare costs, addressing the housing crisis, and improving childcare and education.
Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.
29 Apr 2026
Hannah Pingree: A Life of Public Service
In this interview, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Hannah Pingree draws on her experience as Maine’s former Speaker of the House and as director of Governor Janet Mills’ Office of Policy Innovation to explain how she’s approached major statewide problems from both the legislative and executive branches. She uses that background to lay out a detailed, policy-driven agenda—centered on building more affordable housing, addressing healthcare access and costs, strengthening rural economic opportunity, and turning climate goals into measurable results for Maine communities.
Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.
29 Apr 2026
Jim Libby: An Educator's Perspective
Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Libby, a longtime state legislator and economics professor, lays out a platform centered on fiscal responsibility and “common-sense” governance, with a focus on lowering property-tax pressure, expanding housing supply, and reducing costs by reforming energy policy. He also emphasizes education and workforce preparation, especially planning for AI’s impact, while highlighting his decision to run as the race’s only Clean Elections candidate as a way to limit big-money influence and increase accountability.Since the recording of this episode, Jim Libby has withdrawn from the Republican gubernatorial primary.
Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.
29 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
David Jones: A CEO for Maine
In this interview, Republican gubernatorial candidate and businessman David Jones argues Maine needs a “CEO-style” governor focused on cutting state spending, reducing regulations, and lowering taxes to create jobs and make the state more affordable and business-friendly. He emphasizes energy costs, education, and taxation as his top priorities, and says his goal is to “unleash” economic growth so young people can build careers and stay in Maine.
Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.
29 Apr 2026
Owen McCarthy: New Kid on the Block
In this interview, Republican gubernatorial candidate and entrepreneur Owen McCarthy lays out his “Maine 2040” agenda around three themes—opportunity, affordability, and discipline—arguing that Maine needs more housing supply, lower energy costs, and tighter control of state spending. Drawing on his tech and healthcare background, he also emphasizes practical education reforms, expanding career-and-technical training, and building an economy that lets young people stay in Maine for good jobs and attainable housing.
Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.
29 Apr 2026
Shenna Bellows: A Politics of Principle
Maine's current Secretary of State and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Shenna Bellows discusses her bid for governor and outlines her “New Deal for Maine.” Bellows talks lowering everyday costs and expanding well-paying job opportunities, improving access to affordable healthcare, and moving faster on clean energy to address climate change to help people afford basic needs and build a secure future in the state.
Pine State Politics is a student-run, educational podcast made possible in part through funding support from the McKeen Center for the Common Good at Bowdoin College. The views and opinions expressed by Pine State Politics guests do not reflect an endorsement, express or implied, by the cohosts, producer, or Bowdoin College. Bowdoin College does not endorse, support, or oppose any political candidates, parties, or platforms. Episodes are intended solely for educational and informational purposes.In preparation for Season Two, Pine State Politics made every effort to provide equal opportunity to participate in the podcast by inviting all candidates in Maine's gubernatorial race known to the cohosts at the time of recording. All episodes of Season Two have been published simultaneously.
17 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Read All About It! - Reporting on Campaigns
Steve Robinson, Editor in Chief of the Maine Wire, discusses journalistic standards and campaign reporting choices, offering insights into how election narratives are shaped for the public in an interview.
17 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Show Me the Money! - Clean Elections Funding
Maine State Senator Cameron Reny explains to host Natalie Williams how candidates utilize Clean Election Funds to finance state campaigns, offering insights into fair campaign practices in this interview.
17 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Walking for the Win - A Guide to Campaigning in Maine pt. 2
Former Secretary of Defense Bill Cohen and Professor Chris Potholm recount their victorious 1972 congressional campaign, offering insights into Maine politics and campaign strategies in this interview.
17 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Methods to the Madness - Examining Campaign Strategy
Lobbyist Lauren LePage examines campaign strategy through the lens of former Maine State Governor Paul LePage's 2010 and 2014 campaigns in this interview episode.
7 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
As Maine Goes, So Goes the Nation - Ranked Choice Voting
For episode number four, we speak with Maine State Auditor Matt Dunlap. Before becoming the State Auditor, Matt Dunlap served as Maine's Secretary of State for 14 years. During that time, he presided over the passing and implementation of Ranked Choice Voting, as Maine became the first state in the nation to use RCV state wide. In this episode, he tells us the story!
7 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Leave Me Alone! - Referendums, Ballot Initiatives, and Petitions in Maine
In our third episode, we sit down with the former Deputy Campaign Manager for Pine Tree Power Lucy Hochschartner, and Bowdoin Professor Max Lykins. Lucy talks to us about the logistics behind referendums, ballot initiatives, and the petition process in Maine, while Professor Lykins walks us through the constitutional theory behind direct democracy and referendums.
7 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
An Independent Perspective - A Guide to Campaigning in Maine pt. 1
In our second episode we sit down with current US Senator and former Governor of Maine Angus King, and his long-time campaign manager and chief of staff Kay Rand. Senator King and Kay provide their thoughts on the 1994 gubernatorial election and reflect on what it took to run their campaign.
6 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Decoding the Political Ecosystem - Politics from DC to Maine
For our first episode, we sit down with veteran lobbyist and DC insider Peter Madigan, as well as Maine's Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. Our two guests take us through the process of how our government works, with a special emphasis on the difference between DC and Maine. (federal and state) structures.
Inside a recent episode
Angus King III: Getting Things Done
Published 29 Apr 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And how do you ultimately find a way to get the job done? Um, and so I think those things are not at all different and you apply those, you know, sort of across any, any policy issue. Uh, and I think you get to the, get to a relatively similar finish line. So you definitely view yourself as a coalition builder then? 100%. That's awesome. And I mean, I think. The reason for that is, A, yes, I grew up watching someone be successful doing that. But I've spent my whole life building these things, whether it's, again, companies or projects. You cannot build a project if you only win 51-49. If your banker says I'm not interested, then you don't have a project. […]
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