Advertise on podcast: Vermont Viewpoint

David Zuckerman discusses November as Lung Cancer Awareness month and then two different candidates for Speaker of the Vermont House, Rep. Gina Galfetti and Rep. Kate McCann.  Originally broadcast Thursday, Nov 12, 2026

Lauren Stewart, Senior Legislative Affairs Director with Americans for Prosperity, gives an update from Congress on the good policy still achievable by the end of the year, the agenda for lame duck, and what policies are going to be the focus of the next Congress. Michael Tanner, Senior Fellow with FreOpp (The Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity), dives into Americans frustration with lack of affordability, how tariffs drive up costs, and solutions from their Affordability Handbook. Representative Tom Mannion (New Hampshire) talks about the bipartisan Defend the Guard legislation across the country, why it is a veteran led movement, and the signal voters sent to the GOP after another misadventure in the middle east. Jimmie Smith with Concerned Veterans for America informs listeners about the meaning and importance of Veterans Day, what policies Veterans care about the most, and how veterans issues can be an opportunity for bipartisan agreement that will help all Americans.

For the first hour Chairman Dame will take your calls and talk about last week's election results. Then we start looking ahead to Veteran's Day on Wednesday first with Robert Burke, Director of the Vermont State Office of Veterans Affairs, then we'll talk to Mike Battig, the former Director of the Leahy School for Cyber Security at Norwich University about Vermont's gem of a military college hidden in the heart of the Green Mountains.

AJ Kierstead, Host of the New England Take Podcast, recaps election results across the country and in New Hampshire Senator Russ Ingalls discusses Vermont election results, what it means for the average Vermonter, how the results impact affordability policies over the next two years, and the Vermont Promise agenda. John Goodnight breaks down the election implications in foreign policy, the imminent escalation increase in Iran, and Ukraine/Russia Clara Morrison, Executive Director for Right for Vermont Foundation, talks VT election results, including Question 3 and what it means for Vermonters over the next two years and beyond.

Guests include: House Majority Leader Rep. Lori Houghton (D-Essex Junction) Former Democratic House Caucus Director Spencer Dole Former Gov. Phil Scott Campaign Manager Jason Maulucci  Former Rep. Becca Balint Campaign Manager Natalie Silver  Originally broadcast- Friday, November 6, 2026

David Zuckerman hosts with Nick Charyk and a range of guests discussing what the election results mean for the upcoming session, and how that will impact Vermonters.  Originally broadcast Thursday, November 5th 2026

VT Commissioner of Housing & Development, Alex Farrell talks about progress in Vermont’s housing laws. [email protected] During the second hour we speak to Greg Moore, Regional Director of Americans for Prosperity about New Hampshire’s ballot proposal to cap property taxes. https://americansforprosperity.org

Vermont Senate Minority leader Scott Beck offers Election eve insights and updates https://scottbeck4vermont.com Frank Cioffi is the President of Greater Burlington Industrial Development Corp talks about Economic development, Vermont Economy, Vermont politics vs. National politics. https://gbicvt.org/about/ and Elizabeth Brown, Vermont State Director for Fiscal Alliance Foundation. Election eve insights and updates https://www.fiscalalliancefoundation.org

VT REPRESENTATIVE Becca Balint on federal updates, Monique Priestley on her Orange County Senate campaign, Tanya Vyhovsky on her Chittenden Central re-election, and Larry Moquin from the VT- AFLCIO union with state rep Conor Casey on Proposal 3 Originally broadcast: Thursday, October 29, 2026

Tim Egan, State Director for VT NORML, and Lt Governor John Rodgers join the show together to discuss breaking through partisanship to deliver for Vermonters  https://www.rodgersforvt.com https://normlvt.org Spike Whitmire, Candidate for VT State Senate, talks about his campaign, affordability, property taxes, and education solutions. https://spikewhitmirevt.org Dave Soulia from FYIVT.org rejoins the show to break down the two competing visions for Vermont this election and which gives Vermonters the best path to affordability Rep Mike Tagliavia gives the closing arguments before the midterms, solutions to VT’s biggest problems, and VT energy policy heading into another winter season. https://www.miketagforvt.com

Senator John Benson talks about joining the legislature in the middle of the session, his first campaign as an incumbent, and the work he’s doing on behalf of the people of Orange County, including recent developments with the Two Rivers Regional Planning Commission. https://bensonforvtsenate.com Then House candidate Nicholas Dilorenzo covers business creation and accountability in Education Nicholas DiLorenzo (@salohcin.oznerolid)

Chief Master Sergeant Daniel W. Dickerson is the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 158th Fighter Wing, South Burlington, Vermont. He is the commander’s key enlisted advocate and advisor on all enlisted matters related to force utilization, mission effectiveness, training, development, and morale for over 1,000 personnel. He ensures the commander’s directions and policies are carried out, and Airmen understand and are dedicated to the unit’s missions. Nick Fortin Wildlife Biologist - Deer Project Leader, Rutland Office has been working with the department since 2015. Nick is the department's head deer biologist and is responsible for all aspects of deer management in the state of Vermont. He is a member of the Big Game Team, providing input on the management of other hunted species. He also works on state lands, managing habitat for a wide variety of species. Zach Weight is a Candidate for Franklin County State’s Attorney Democrat/Republican Experience 12+ Years in Criminal Law Current Role Deputy State’s Attorney, Washington County

Guests: Jody Emerson: Superintendent, Central Vermont Career Center District  Jonathan West: Chair, Bennington County Democrats and Member, Manchester Select Board. Conor Casey: State Representative (WAS-4) Originally broadcast: Friday, October 23, 2026

Guests include Ariel Bolles, Tim Ashe, Senate candidate Nikhil Goyal, and State Rep Brian Cina. Originally broadcast - Thursday, October 22, 2026

AJ Kierstead, host of the New England Take Podcast, rejoins the show to breakdown the final weeks of campaigning in New Hampshire’s Senate race, who has the best chance at victory, and whether the surrogate strategy will work or backfire for candidates. Representative Gina Galfetti updates listeners about the final weeks of the campaign season, what is at stake for Vermonters, what are the solutions to VT’s biggest problems, her race for Speaker of the House, and why the status quo of a VT progressive majority can’t solve Vermonters concerns. Jon Ebel, Senior Trainer with Americans for Prosperity, dives into the tactics used during campaigns to influence voters. What tactics actually work, which don’t, and why timing is everything. Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, breaks down the race for Massachusetts Governor; why the race his closer than it appears, the messages the candidates are using to gain support, and the questions on the ballot for Massachusetts voters.