Podcasts

A Healthy Conversation

A Healthy Conversation

Each week on A Healthy Conversation, hosts Dr. Jeff Barkin and Dr. Lisa Belisle engage national leaders and local experts from the clinical, business, scientific, academic, and political communities about the issues that impact us all. Topics on the show cover everything from emerging technologies and policy work, to personal and/or public health, to educational and environmental issues. Show guests have included representatives from the CDC and medical companies, educators and innovators, as well as local business leaders, retailers, and government officials. An honest and upbeat dialogue about today’s realities and tomorrow’s developing opportunities, each show showcases the thinkers and explores the thinking that will help us change the conversation.

E-Mail us: healthyconversation@wgan.com

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, September 20, 202609/20/2026

A Deep Dive into AI and AI Governance

Who is watching artificial intelligence, who answers when it’s wrong, and what you can ask when it comes to your own medical care when it comes to AI?

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, September 13, 202609/13/2026

Why is healthcare so expensive?

On this week’s show, Dr. Jeff Barkin and Dr. Lisa Belisle try to break down why healthcare in the US has become so expensive.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, September 6, 202609/06/2026

Frank Gruber

Frank Gruber, co-founder and co-CEO of Established, and a singer-songwriter, joins us to talk about following curiosity, reinvention, and a healthier relationship with time.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, August 30, 202608/30/2026

Dr. Liza White and Martina Marrali

The founders of Elivive, Dr. Liza White and Martina Marrali, join us to talk about a Maine built wearable for women’s hormonal health.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, August 16, 202608/16/2026

Dr. Sam Zager

Dr. Sam Zager, family physician and member of the Maine State Legislature, shares what’s current in Maine health policy and the state of health care in general.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Saturday, August 15, 202608/15/2026

George Matelich

George Matelich, co-founder of Rely and co-founder of Nexus Maine, joins us to talk about building an AI company in Maine.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, August 9, 202608/09/2026

Liam Sullivan

Liam Sullivan, organizer of Maine Tech Week, joins us to discuss new businesses in Maine.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, August 2, 202608/02/2026

Kim Block

Kim Block, who was a news anchor at WGME CBS-13 for 39 years, joins us to discuss her career in journalism and her journey following a traumatic brain injury.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, July 26, 202607/26/2026

Rabbi Gary Berenson

Rabbi Gary Berenson discusses Judaism in general, and we take a deep dice into antisemitism- the topic that keeps creeping back into our lives.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, July 19, 202607/19/2026

Phil Hirschkorn

Phil Hirschkorn, host of Political Brew and political reporter at NewsCenter Maine, joins us to discuss what’s been going on in Maine politics, and an analysis of the failed campaign of Graham Platner.

Latest Headlines

17 hours ago in Local

Three People Were Found Dead in a Submerged Vehicle in a Cove in Northern Maine

Sharon Bukulmez, 61, with her 5-year-old granddaughter and 3-year-old grandson both of Bar Harbor, were found dead in their vehicle found at Pond Cove in Roque Bluffs.

20 hours ago in Local

Maine’s Tri for a Cure Named a Top Triathlon Nationwide

The race was included in Triathlete's 50 Best Triathlons

21 hours ago in Local

Augusta School Department Barred from Restricting Public Comments

A judge determined the district's policy was unconstitutional.

23 hours ago in Local

Petition circulating for Maine officials to reopen investigation into 1970 deaths of Canadian teens

A petition on Change.org has garnered nearly 3,000 signatures from Nova Scotians looking for closure regarding the case of the "Cape Breton Three", who died in Aroostook County.

2 days ago in Local

Portland Dog Park and Restaurant ‘Woof Play Eat’ Permanently Closes, Citing Lengthy City and State Delays

Citing prolonged regulatory delays and mounting pre-opening costs from the city and state, Portland’s popular dog park and restaurant concept Woof Play Eat has permanently shut down.