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, July 12, 202607/12/2026

Digital Detox

How can we best use our devices without them harming us? Also- what is good digital hygiene?

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Monday, July 6, 202607/06/2026

Dr. Patrick Connolly and Dr. Garrrett Fontaine

Dr. Patrick Connolly and Dr. Garrrett Fontaine, co chairs of the Maine Medical Association legislative and advocacy committee, discuss the opportunities and challenges Mainers face, and the unique role of primary care and family practice in keeping our communities healthy.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, June 28, 202606/28/2026

Dr. Christopher Murray

Dr. Christopher Murray joins us for a conversation about sleep, sleep disorders, and why rest is medicine.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, June 21, 202606/21/2026

Maulian Bryant

Maulian Bryant, executive director of the Wabanaki Alliance and former Tribal Ambassador for the Penobscot Nation, joins us to discuss the issues which impact indigenous people and how we can all support their communities.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, June 14, 202606/14/2026

Portland Recovery Community Center

This week, Amanda Proctor, executive director of the Portland Recovery Community Center, and addiction expert Dr. Jonathan Fellers join us to discuss the current status of substance abuse in our communities.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, June 7, 202606/07/2026

A Healthy Conversation- Bobby Charles

Bobby Charles, Republican gubernatorial candidate for Maine, joins us to discuss his leadership vision if elected. We discuss his idea of eliminating the state income tax, healthcare, substance abuse, and life in Maine today in contrast to the past.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Friday, June 5, 202606/05/2026

Dr. Garrett Fontaine and Dr. Patrick Connoly

Dr. Garrett Fontaine and Dr. Patrick Connoly, co chairs of the Maine Medical Association legislative and advocacy committee, discuss the opportunities and challenges Mainers face, and the unique role of primary care and family practice in keeping our communities healthy.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, May 31, 202605/31/2026

A Healthy Conversation: Graham Platner

Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for Senator of the state of Maine, joins us for a long form interview, discussing his perspective on many topics and his vision if elected Senator.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, May 24, 202605/24/2026

Shenna Bellows

This week, Shenna Bellows, Democratic candidate for Governor, joins us to discuss her vision for Maine, including ideas on how to reign in state spending.

Healthy Conversation Playback Pic Jeff + Lisa

Sunday, May 17, 202605/17/2026

Garrett Mason

Garrett Mason, Republican candidate for governor of Maine, joins us to discuss his leadership path starting at age 25 when first elected to the legislature and his vision for Maine’s future if elected.

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.

21 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.

24 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.