Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle

Sonia Cook-Broen is a trailblazing innovator whose focus is the intersection of technology and art. A former software engineer and longtime Maine resident, Sonia is the founder of TheTechMargin, which embraces “coloring outside of the lines, creativity, mindfulness, and allyship,” through its online classes and other content. Sonia advocates for diversity in the tech industry, emphasizing the value of varied perspectives in problem-solving. Sonia also transforms artwork into wearable pieces, as a means of making art more accessible, and providing financial sustainability for artists like Christopher O’Connor (who also happens to be her husband). Join our conversation with Sonia Cook-Broen today on Radio Maine.

Page Eastburn O’Rourke spent decades developing a successful career based on a creative style she called “Pop Folk Art,” that became beloved by loyal collectors of her work. She hopes that her new work will be even more appealing to those who have come to love and appreciate her approach. Page recalls a “lightning bolt” moment while exploring the Left Bank in Paris that convinced her of the clear immediate need to shift her painting to a more abstract form. Although this change represents a potential risk to her current success, Page has no regrets about her decision to embrace her truth and take hold of her future, as she fully pursues significant artistic growth. Join our conversation with Page Eastburn O’Rourke today on Radio Maine.

Raised in Winslow, Maine, Addiction Medicine specialist Dr. Nick Gallagher is the latest in a long line of family members to provide care for his community. He began his employment with the local hospital when he was a teenager, scrubbing floors and emptying trash cans, as a member of the environmental services team. After working his way through the University of Maine at Augusta, Nick went on to the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in Biddeford, Maine. During his emergency medicine training, Nick saw firsthand the devastating impact of substance use disorder (SUD). This prompted Nick to pursue a fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, before returning to practice in his home state. Now a medical director for the same hospital system in which he “grew up”--and where his mother worked for four decades– Nick stresses the importance of a compassionate, comprehensive, community-oriented approach to SUD. Join our conversation with Dr. Nick Gallagher today on Radio Maine.

Coffee by Design owner and co-founder Mary Allen Lindemann is a pioneering force in the coffee industry, and a longstanding supporter of arts and community in Maine. Her deep connection to the state dates back to 1971, when her family first began summering on Chebeague Island in Casco Bay. Mary Allen would go on to pursue fashion marketing and advertising, before a chance intersection with Seattle’s specialty coffee scene seeded her desire to focus on what would become her life’s work. Portland-based Coffee By Design has flourished for three decades, and her leadership has shaped not only local culture, but also the global coffee landscape. As an advocate for sustainable sourcing, Mary Allen maintains direct connections with coffee farmers worldwide. Join our conversation with Mary Allen Lindemann today on Radio Maine.

Emerging artist Miriam Webber found her way back to art as a means to rediscover herself after becoming a mother. Miriam has long enjoyed painting and drawing. A friend who featured Miriam’s work at her local business catalyzed Miriam’s shift toward sharing her art publicly, and the subsequent sell-out show affirmed Miriam’s artistic path. Currently balancing her role as a mother and work as a hairstylist with her artistic pursuits, Miriam actively involves her son in her creative process. This collaboration has influenced her artwork, yielding imaginative pieces such as "Fruit Solar System.” Miriam draws on her knowledge of color theory to bring beauty to all aspects of her life: from people and painting, to interior spaces. Join our conversation with Miriam Webber today on Radio Maine with Dr. Lisa Belisle.

Dr. David Salko is a family physician and medical leader dedicated to community health. A graduate of Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and the Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Dave completed his family medicine residency at Maine Medical Center in Portland. He and his wife, Jen, have four active children, whose interests range from ice hockey to art. Passionate about teaching, Dave mentors the next generation of health practitioners at the Topsham practice where he has worked since 2007. Dave is also a member of Central Maine Healthcare’s Board of Directors. An avid runner and cyclist, Dave is a regular participant in the The Dempsey Challenge, a yearly run/walk/cycle event that raises money for the Dempsey Center, founded by actor Patrick Dempsey to help cancer patients and their families. Join our conversation with Dr. David Salko today on Radio Maine.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Carolyn Delaney is the founder of Journey Enterprises, a media company focused on making recovery from addiction more visible and accessible. Carolyn’s own life-altering experience created an impetus for the significant work she has done supporting individuals and families who are challenged by substance use disorder. While Carolyn encountered a lack of understanding and awareness as a young single mother in early recovery many years ago, she also found hope and encouragement through community. As a result, Carolyn became convinced of the incredible need to combat stigma through education and storytelling. Her message of amplifying hope and providing resources earned Carolyn the title of Maine’s Small Business Person of Year in 2023. Join our conversation with Carolyn Delaney today on Radio Maine.

Bill Laurita is the president of the Swans Island Company, a well known maker of traditional wool blankets. Now located in Northport, Maine, the company had its origins on the picturesque isle that bears its name. Bill, his wife, and brother took over the business in 2004, when its original owners retired. This was a natural progression for Bill and his wife, who began their careers in Waldorf education. They found the work of the Swans Island Company to be holistic and process-oriented, which is very much in alignment with the Waldorf approach. Blankets created by the Swans Island Company are made of high quality fibers, hand-dyed and woven on vintage looms by skilled craftspeople. Swans Island blankets reflect the quality and authenticity for which Maine has become known. Join our conversation with Bill Laurita today on Radio Maine.

Dr. Robert McArtor is a longtime Maine resident and leader in medicine, who had a significant impact on Maine’s healthcare landscape. One of the state’s first chief medical officers in the newly created MaineHealth system, Bob drew upon his skills in family medicine and teaching to engage clinicians in improving quality measures and the health of the community. Bob models healthy lifestyle behaviors, both as a former marathoner and as a triathlete who earned the honor of representing the United States at the World Triathlon Age Group Championships in 2020. Bob speaks to the importance of community and finding purpose as a means of impacting both personal and professional longevity. Join our conversation with Dr. Robert McArtor today on Radio Maine.

Rebecca Hoffmann is the director for the Maine Health Center for Trauma Resilience and Innovation. As part of this role, Rebecca focuses on the challenges faced by caregivers and staff in the healthcare system. One significant challenge is an underlying cultural belief that healthcare providers should be superhuman, and able to continually put aside their own needs in order to care for others. While this view was prevalent before the COVID-19 pandemic, it has not diminished in the past several years, as health systems address issues such as strained access to services, and increased violence against healthcare workers. The need for healthcare worker resilience is more important than ever before. While Rebecca recognizes the importance of self-care, she also emphasizes the need for all organizations, but particularly those in healthcare, to prioritize the well-being of their employees. This includes providing resources and support for building teams, and sharing responsibilities to prevent burnout. Join our conversation with Rebecca Hoffmann today on Radio Maine.