Mainely Matters: Recent Episodes
Mainely Matters, LLC
Highly qualified hosts cover a variety of topics regarding the state of Maine; Business, Veterans Affairs, Sports, Non-Profits, Politics, Travel & Tourism, Law & Justice, Maine Made, Maine Lobster Industry, Outdoors & Recreation, Real Estate, Music, Odds & Ends, and more. Maine's people, Maine's past, Maine's present, Maine's future.
We explore the unique linkages between the small town of Fredricksburg, Texas, to the September 2025 Powerball jackpot that had soared to $1.9 billion, the second highest in Powerball history.
The Lotto Texas April 2023 $95 million lottery jackpot theft reveals more questions. The connection between White Swan Data, Black Swan Data, J. Streicher, 18 Saville Row, London and others is discussed in light of a recently produced May 2023 email obtained from the Texas Lottery Commission.
On Saturday, April 22, 2023, just hours before the fraudulent Lotto Texas jackpot drawing, the jackpot estimate of $96 million was overstated by $1.8 million by Texas Lottery Officials. The final signature on the jackpot estimate form was then Lottery Director Gary Grief, who has since been indicted for the April 2023 Lotto Texas scheme. The inflated jackpot form resulted in the lottery scam organizers getting paid an extra $1.8 million, with those funds being diverted from the Texas Lottery School Fund.
Gary Grief, the former Director of the Texas Lottery Commission, has been indicted by a grand jury in relation to his role in the April, 2023 Lotto Texas $95 million jackpot scheme that has been declared to have been rigged.
Bobby Charles is the leading GOP candidate in the Maine's race for Governor. Bobby had a substantial professional career fighting crime and eradicating drug trafficking, drug manufacturing and drug distribution. He assembled a team of crime fighters that were hired by the California AG and California DOJ to help California eradicate meth super labs. Political opponents are calling Bobby a "DC Lobbyist" for being a crime fighter and helping California fight narco trafficking. Bobby was not a lobbyist, he was a crime fighter.
Building Strong Communities: A Conversation with former UMaine football alum and retired YMCA CEO Tom Warren. Host Rob Carmichael leads a discussion leadership, fitness, and community.
Escape from Bahrain-Rob Carmichael talks with Maine Maritime graduate and merchant mariner Sheldon Parent, on his career and recent activities in Bahrain under fire.
Recent investigative reporting articles from around the world and Texas reveal new insights into how the Lotto Texas $95 million lottery scheme took place in April, 2023.
Building Champions On and Off the Field; Former UMaine football standout David Harrison shares his long career in coaching and education with host Rob Carmichael.
An explosive investigative story in the Sydney Morning News out of Australia reveals more information on Australia's connection to the April 2023 $95 million Lotto Texas Lottery Scheme.
The Jeffrey Epstein 2008 $80 million Powerball jackpot win, additional guilty plea to Federal crimes by Lottery.com executives, new SEC lawsuit filed, and the Australian connection to the Lotto Texas April 2023 lottery scheme and the mysterious $1 million Powerball ticket awarded to an anonymous resident of Shanghai, China by the Texas Lottery Commission in July of 2021.
43 Years in the Courtroom: A Small-Town Attorney’s Final Chapter” Host Rob Carmichael interviews long time Bucksport attorney, Bill Tymoczko as he concludes 43 years practicing law.
Bobby Charles, the GOP leading candidate for the 2026 Maine Governor election, talks about his background and experience, his vision for Maine, and how to reduce taxes, eliminate crime and stop the non-sense that has brought Maine to the brink. BobbyForMaine.com
From February 2022 through October 2022 IGT worked with Texas Lottery Commission to alter lottery terminal software. These changes were necessary for Lotto Texas April 2023 $95 million jackpot fraud to have occurred.
Host Rob Carmichael talks with Bill McKechnie about how early experiences as a small business owner shaped his approach to building relationships, earning trust, and finding long-term success in commercial insurance.
Leading in law-enforcement, and the community; Host Rob Carmichael talks with Bucksport, Public Safety Director, Sean Geagan.
Running a Firearms Business in Maine—Host Rob Carmichael talks with John Reid from J.T. Reid Gun & Cigars of Auburn, Maine.
Exploring the challenges and rewards of athletic administration at the high school level; Host Rob Carmichael talks with long time Orono High School Athletic Director and Little Ten Conference Football Commissioner , Mike Archer.
Waterfront Concerts and Collaboration--Host Rob Carmichael talks with Chris Rudolph, the Head of Corporate Sponsorships for Waterfront Concerts, about his journey in the service industry to the fast paced business of live entertainment.
From humble beginnings to one of the top CEOs in America---Host Rob Carmichael talks leadership and overcoming adversity with former Bucksport resident, Andy Silvernail, Founder, Chair & CEO of 5 Nails, LLC
Breaking barriers—Maine’s first female Maine Army National Guard General discusses her career and shared her thoughts on leadership with Mainely Matters podcast host RobCarmichael
Host Brian Bickford interviews Maine Duck Tour Owner Khaled Habash, the famous amphibious bus that guides visitors around Portland sites, teaching and entertaining guests. Khaled is a small business visionary who understands the tourism consumer business and contributes greatly to Portland’s tourist land scape.
Host Brian Bickford interviews CEO Kristan Vermeulen of Makers of The USA. Kristan is a visionary helping Maine based small businesses and hospitality resorts embed Maine crafters into their experiential options. Kristan will soon be seen in her own reality series.
Host Brian Bickford interviews Capt. Sam Sikkema of the Victory Chimes (est. 1900), as they explore the many Maine based schooler options available to adventure seekers. You have not lived until you have been on these historic ships.
From the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and distinguished army career, to owner/operator of Chick-fil-A in Bangor, host Rob Carmichael talks with LTC (Ret) Todd Schultz about leadership and building a successful team at one of the most successful franchises in America.
Host Brian Bickford discusses the condition of the Gulf of Maine & its impact on tourism with Blaine Grimes of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Discover how you can make a difference and learn about the Blue Economy.
Host Brian Bickford discusses Portland's Maine Mariners hockey teams contribution to Maine Tourism and economy in a candid conversation with its VP of Business Operations Adam Goldberg.
Brian Bickford interviews Owner Russell Walters of Northern Outdoors in the Forks, the epicenter for access to the best snowmobiling trail systems in Maine. Lodging, brew pub and even rent top of the line sleds.
Colonel (R) J.R. Mosher applies The Interpersonal Theory of Suicidal Behavior (Dr. Thomas Joiner, PhD) and a preventive model to our nation's veterans.
Host Rob Carmichael discusses leadership with University of Maine Alum Dan Martin, the CEO of Xpress Global Systems, a leader in the shipping and distribution of flooring products industry.
Host John Brier talks about the first year of the Mainely Matters podcast platform, which is now listened to in 22 countries with close to 20,000 episode downloads.
From vision to reality, Physical Therapist and founder Jason Adour discusses the concept and growth of the Maine Strong Balance Center with host Rob Carmichael.
Host Brian Bickford invites Survivor winner Bob Cowley to talk about his 100 acre Yurtz hideaway in Durham Maine.
Host Brian Bickford discusses Sugarloaf Mountain’s upcoming season with Ethan Austin. Learn what loyal and new skiers & boarders can expect this year. Time to get your ski and boards ready for an awesome winter!
Leadership and Banking with John Reed, CEO of Maine Savings Federal Credit Union and host Rob Carmichael.
Written On Water takes us to a place where very old ways of life have persisted and, against all odds, the velocity of modern life has not yet invaded its shores and lakes, pines and canoes, and most importantly, its citizens.
You've seen Vinny and his band Dakota on stages all over Canada and New England for decades. Now get to know the artist behind the loud rock and roll and leather jacket!
Remember, Honor & Teach. Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America, talks about the 30-year history of one of America's most amazing non-profits. With over 12,000,000 wreaths placed to date this is a fascinating episode.
Host Jared McCannell with another episode of the Mainely Matters - Nonprofit Report. In this episode we are joined by Kaleb Robinson from Maine based nonprofit Trekkers. Join us to learn about the great youth programming they are currently offering and a glimpse into the future for the organization!
Host Patricia Matthews talks with Jen Nason, owner the Win Win thrift store located in Brewer, Maine. Learn why the Win Win is known as the thrift store that makes a difference.
Major General retired Gregg Martin describes his battle and ultimate victory over bipolar disorder as an example for others to follow. With host Colonel (R) Jack Mosher.
CEO Matt Lewis of Hospitality Maine and Sebasco Estates Owner Bob Smith join Host Brian Bickford to discuss the unique offerings of Maine’s sought after destination resorts and restaurant locations.
Join Mainley Matters Nonprofit Report host Jared McCannell for an interesting discussion about Maine's heritage languages and linguistic and cultural restoration and preservation with Julia Schulz, co-director of Rockland based nonprofit Speaking Place.
Gordie Grownkowski joins host John Brier in talking about his families fitness business G & G Fitness, their VUE Drink line, and the projects they have worked on in Maine. Sprinkle in some athletic development tips and find out the origin of the Gronk Spike made famous by his brother Rob Gronkowski.
On 24 January 1963 a United States Air Force Boeing B-52C Stratofortress with nine crew members on board lost its vertical stabilizer during turbulence at low altitude and crashed on Elephant Mountain in Piscataquis County, Maine. There were 2 survivors and 7 fatalities.
In this podcast, Tom interviews Maine singer Allison Ames, who has sung professionally in the Allison Ames band for over 3 decades. We'll talk her inspirations, some tips for upcoming Maine female singers, and I even surprise Allison at the end with a touching tribute to her biggest inspiration, her Mom.
A look back at Maine's connection to 9/11 twenty years later. Mohamed Atta, the lead hijacker behind the 9/11 terrorist attack launched his attack on the morning of 9/11/2001 from Portland, Maine. Listen to how those Mainers who came in contact with the terrorists on 9/10 and 9/11 remember those events.
In this episode, Host Brian Bickford invites Daniel Ungier, VP of Guest Experience & Education, Superfan Tish Stoneburner and Newcomer Dr. Lauren Dyer. This episode will give you all the reasons why you need to visit now and every year. This is a world class destination!
Host Elisha Hardy goes over the things buyers and sellers should be aware of when purchasing or selling real estate in Maine.
Colonel (R) Jack Mosher, former Chief of Staff of the Maine National Guard, shares his views on the chaotic withdrawal of the U.S. military from Afghanistan.
Business leader and former university professor Dr. Eric Holsapple discusses how to find purpose and meaning in life and business. Using Yoga and meditation to help find your greater purpose and manifest your vision into reality.
Shawly Farms of Hermon, Maine is the focus of this episode. Locally produced yogurt and feta cheese. Small batch yogurt and feta cheese from locally sourced Jersey cow milk is what they specialize in. Maine Made.
Jack and Wendy Mosher review their dining experience at the Waterville, Maine restaurant 18 Below.
From the Acadian Festival in Madawaska, the Thomas Point Bluegrass Festival in Brunswick, to the Famous Moxie Festival in Lisbon and the 149 year old Cumberland Fair, Maine is moving on, in some cases, with its traditional venues. Hear what the organizers are thinking!
Maine artist David Smus has been sculpting Maine wildlife in wood and bronze for well over 30-years. Learn about how he does what he does, why he does what he does, and learn about some of the exciting projects he is involved with around the state.
Author Lauretta S. Blackstone speaks with Host Brian Bickford about her book "Barns of Aroostook County". Learn about these beautiful and historical landmarks that dot Maine's landscape. They hold a special value to our early settlers and today are critical for our next generation farmers.
Host Rob Carmichael discusses the exciting journey from career aspiration to reality, with former University of Maine and current University of Miami Hurricane Director of Athletics, Blake James.
Governor Paul LePage is running for governor again and he will go up against Maine's incumbent Governor Janet Mills. This episode reviews some of the numbers under the previous two terms Paul LePage was Maine's governor and suggests its time for bold ideas to turn Maine around.
Host John Brier discusses the employment shortage Maine business owners are facing. Paying able bodied people to stay home...is that a good idea? Also some thoughts on Maine's Governor offering $1,500 a person for people to go back to work.
Host Brian Bickford delivers a special Father's Day introduction as the Blanchard Family episode is replayed. This family of siblings climbs Mount Katahdin every winter to honor the memory of their father.
Guests Alison Sucy, Director of Government Affairs & Communication and Dr. David Meyer, Psychologist discuss Maine's tourism expectations, pandemic fatigue and how visitors and business owners can best be prepared for summer 2021.
Our guest include Don Littlefield, GM of Maine Brew Cruise, their partner Shipyard Brewing Company's Ian McEvoy & Alice Bean Andrenyak of Alice's Awesome Adventures and her current tour guest Charlotte Brown. Learn about how you can be local or away to enjoy various craft beverages, Casco Bay kayaking trips with oyster tastings.
Rob Carmichael discusses public speaking and communication with Lee Szelog, a Keynote speaker, trainer, photographer, and award winning author.
Jared McCannell gives an overview of the current state of affairs in the Maine non-profit sector, as well as providing an overview of his role as Executive Director of the non-profit Penobscot Bay Language School.
Meet 3 Tourist from Massachusetts and Maine Humorist Gary Crocker, our Real Mainer representative. Learn what tourist think about Maine, their experiences and what Humorist Gary Crocker thinks about all things Maine. This is a lively and fun conversation, not to be missed.
Dr. Wendy Weiger follows her calling, leaving the academe life as a researcher at Harvard University to find happiness in an off-the-grid cabin deep in the woods of Maine. Ultimately, her path through the wild has led from anguished isolation into joyful connection with the Earth, and into a new and healing fellowship with its Source.
Carey Kish holds the distinction of being a Maine Hiking Expert, Guide of key locations and trails. In this episode he discusses in detail the Best 12 Hiking Locations in Maine by region.
Host Catherine Gordon talks with Tom Roth about his new book "A Sporting Year in Maine". Tom is a long time columnist with the “Maine Sportsman” and is a Registered Maine Guide on Sebago Lake where he resides.
The Pine Tree Amendment . Ensuring that all Mainers have a constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment and to the preservation of the natural, cultural and healthful qualities of the environment. Host John Brier speaks with Maya Van Rossum, author of The Green Amendment.
Experience The Stephen King side of Maine. Our panel includes the Director of SK Tours who specialized in showing guests Stephen King book locations, Super Fan Michael Hayden of Villanova University and 12 year old New Generation Fan Isaiah Felton. Learn SK facts you may have never heard and visit some of those locations.
Host Rob Carmichael and Daren Seekins discuss the lack of preparedness for retirement in U.S. and the need for good financial planning.
Maine hiking author Jeffery Ryan and Triple Crown Hiker Elysha Dyer give away their favorite trails, hiking secrets and ways to prepare for day hikes and long Appalachian Trail trips.
Rob Carmichael discusses the lack of sufficient, high quality early childhood care and education in Maine with Ben Goodman, National Director of Mission: Readiness, and Major General (Retired) Bill Libby.
On Mother's Day in 1997 a retired school teacher and grandmother of five went missing after working a shift at her part-time job at a local supermarket. Six days later her body was found badly beaten in the woods. Two people where soon arrested and charged with murder after having abducted her at random from the grocery store parking lot in order to steal her car. Soon there after the Virginia Jackson Memorial Scholarship at Scarborough High School, where Virginia has a teacher, was formed. The scholarship continues to this day and is awarded to a graduating senior.
Lawrence Hollins, Associate Publisher of Down East magazine and Maine Homes magazine talks about the history of Down East magazine, the evolvement of Maine Homes magazine, and the future of on of Maine's most iconic media properties.
Maine’s Eco Tourism and Adventure Excursions is a huge business driver. This episode explores guided White Water rafting trips and the specific business people who make these unforgettable trips happen. Our panel guests are Jim Murton, Owner - North Country Rivers and Clifford Stevens, Owner - Moxie Outdoor Adventure Rafting. Hear about their history, their dedication to our natural environment and how they assure each white water rafting guest gets the ride of their lives and always come back for more.
Katie Jane Rocks ( www.KatieJaneRocks.org ) is a Maine based non-profit that helps children in need in Maine, Panama and Colombia. Host John Brier talks about this non-profit he founded with his daughter Katie Jane through her connection with Maine's Camp Tracy, a summer camp run by the Alfond Youth & Community Center in Waterville, Maine.
Together Place Peer Run Recovery Center is dedicated to empowering people who are in mental health or substance use recovery to take leadership in their own lives. Sean Faircloth, the Executive Director of the Together Place, speaks with host John Brier about this Bangor based non-profit.
Host Catherine Gordon talks with founder Mark Rodrigue about his new outdoor lifestyle brand, Rogue Life Maine. He also talks about raising $40,000 for his community during covid and his life’s work with the Special Olympics.
6th generation Maine lobsterman Phil Torrey discusses the history of the Maine lobster industry, his family history of lobstering out of Winter Harbor, Maine, and the launch of the Maine Lobster Industry channel at Mainely Matters.
Kelly Roseberry, Physical Therapist and Program Director of The Travis Mills Foundation and Veterans Retreat discusses the origin, mission and future of this amazing organization as part of Mainely Matters’ series on Veteran Service Organizations in Maine.
Deanna Page is a registered Maine Guide and the first female president of the Maine Bowhunters Association. Deanna is the owner of Maine’s Four Seasons Guide Service and here she discusses shed hunting, winter deer feeding, her thoughts on Sunday hunting and more with host Catherine Gordon.
Doc Goodwin is a Navy combat veteran 7.5 years of service as a Corpsman. Doc left the Navy in 2009 where he went on to join a reality TV show and traveled the world. After learning of the veteran suicide epidemic Doc moved back to his home state of Maine and founded the Maine Veterans Project.
Colonel (R) Jack Mosher discusses the current status of Maine’s Homeless Veterans with Jim Bachelder of Maine Veterans In Need and Chairman of the Maine Homeless Veterans Committee, Maine Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing New England Coordinator Joe Cresta discusses healing disabled veterans through fly fishing with host Colonel (R) Jack Mosher. Project Healing Waters is a nationwide non-profit serving the disabled veteran community.
Cristina Brier was legally adopted by this shows host half a decade ago. After attending Erskine Academy in China, Maine, Cristina was issued a Florida birth certificate, an IRS tax payer ID number, and she has full medical insurance in the USA. She has recently been denied legal entry into the U.S.A. at the Texas border and remains at risk, away from her father and family, while her immigration saga continues. Listen to her story here.
While in the throws of mourning the death of her elderly father, joining her brother’s winter trek into the deep woods of Maine was the only thing that seemed to make sense. Together, brother and sister head up the tallest mountain in Maine, at the end of the Appalachian Trail, to “say hi to Dad” above the clouds. Drawing on memories of a father’s teachings and on the power of a loving family, they set upon trails known for centuries to be sacred in search of both adventure and solace. In this outdoor adventure memoir, their memorial trek leads them across one of the most harrowing trails in the winter - Knife Edge Trail.
Rob Carmichael talks to former University of Maine and current Stetson University Head Baseball Coach Steve Trimper who shares his leadership advice as detailed in his book, "Walk Off Winning"-- A Game Plan for Leading Your Team and Organization to Success.
Christi Holmes, registered Maine Guide and founder of Maine Women Hunters, speaks with host Catherine Gordon. The Machias native works as a design engineer and writes monthly columns for The Maine Sportsman and the Bangor Daily News.
Mainely Matters Real Estate channel host Elisha Hardy introduces herself and talks about how covid has affected the buying and selling of real estate in Maine over the past year, as well as the pitfalls of buying or selling a home through a "For Sale By Owner" listing.
From truck driver to healthy baking, how it's done! Our Maine Made host Patricia Matthews speaks with Kelly Thompson, owner of The Whole Grain bake shop of Brewer, Maine.
Chris Olsen, founder of Welcome To Housing, talks about the good work this Bangor based non-profit does for people in need across the entire state of Maine.
Aislinn Sarnacki. She is a columnist and editor for the Bangor Daily News, where she writes stories and produces videos about outdoor activities, conservation and wildlife for the Act Out section. She’s the author of three hiking guidebooks: “Family-Friendly Hikes in Maine” (2017), “Maine Hikes Off the Beaten Path” (2018) and “Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maine” (2019)
Bob Brennan talks with Catherine Gordon about guiding adventures in the beautiful Greenville Lake Region.
J.P. Nickerson talks about his unique approach to designing and selling limited edition knives at The Maine Knife Company, based out of Bangor, Maine. Listeners will also get a $50.00 off coupon good on a future purchase of a Maine Knife Company knife.
Commissioner Judy Camuso discusses what the department has done to break down barriers to encourage people to get outdoors during the pandemic including the free fishing license week.
Elijah Davis talks with host John Brier about the Schooner Hill Joiners. Elijah and his partner Ben are building a wooden schooner by hand in the woods of Northport, Maine. When finished they plan to sail the boat to ports around the world.
Host Rob Carmichael talks with Mark Cross, University of Maine graduate, Harvard M.B.A about Mark’s domestic and international business endeavors working with Fortune 500 companies. Mark discusses his “Play to Win” business strategy and other leadership essentials.
Bill Green discusses all things Maine including his endorsement of Susan Collins and the great Maine outdoors.
Two young missionaries talk about what it is like being a missionary in Maine during Covid. Hear their story on how they got to Maine and what they do to help their mission for the Church of the Latter Day Saints.
Should transgender athletes be allowed to compete against female athletes in the state of Maine? Is this practice fair or is it discriminatory to traditional female athletes?
Entrepreneurship and growing a new business. Rob Carmichael, of Cadeo Group discusses his experiences as the founder and leader of a successful seven year old enterprise.
Rusty Vallee, CEO and President of the Maine Thread Company, Lewiston, Maine, discusses the history of the 4th generation family business.
Ken Walsh, CEO of AYCC, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club of Waterville, Maine, discusses how their organization serves the community and how the organization has transformed over the past 29-years under his direction. Ken's describes his vision of collaboration amongst non-profits to achieve greater efficiencies and greater benefits .
Brian Olas, Grassroots member of the Say No To NECEC organization, explains why he feels the CMP Corridor Project is not a good project for Maine or Maine's people.
Dan Tremble, Mayor of the City of Bangor, Maine, discusses the City of Bangor and his role as Mayor.
Camp Tracy is a 30 + acre youth summer camp run by the YMCA / Boys & Girls Club, Alfond Youth Center. Founded in 1968 along the shore of McGrath Pond, in Oakand, Maine. Special guest Katie Brier, age 8, gives a child's perspective of attending Camp Tracy.
Host John Brier discusses Maine's income tax rate, which at over 7% for earnings over $50,000 a year is considered to be by many to be the most oppressive state income tax structure in the country. Does this income tax rate hurt Maine's ability to grow, does it drive people to leave Maine, and are there options to consider to change it for the betterment of Maine?