Best Vermont Public Radio Podcasts (2025)

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Vermont's community radio stations get state funding for disaster response work 4:38

3d ago4:38

4:38

Lawmakers put $150,000 in the budget for community radio stations. The money will help the stations purchase public safety equipment so they are better equipped to assist in disaster response.By Howard Weiss-Tisman

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5/30/25: Volunteers who keep libraries strong 9:52

1d ago9:52

9:52

(May 30, 2025) We're kicking off our series about volunteerism in the North Country with a story about how volunteers in Schroon Lake power one essential community institution - their local library. Also: Democrats in New York continue to criticize the House-passed bill that slashes funding for social services. They say tens of thousands of people …

1
What's in the Waterbury water that makes businesses bloom? 49:50

1d ago49:50

49:50

Darn Tough. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. Ben and Jerry’s. Ivy Computer. Verde Technologies. KORE Power Battery Cell Developers. What do all these businesses have in common? They either were, or still are, in the small town of Waterbury, Vermont. Today on Vermont Edition: what makes this one town in Washington County a good home for growing compa…

1
When one of their own lost his home, this pick-up group turned to soccer 4:43

2d ago4:43

4:43

Players in the White River Valley have been coming together over soccer for decades. But of course, it’s about more than just soccer.By Sabine Poux

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05/29/25: Remembering Dana Fast, who survived the Holocaust and found a home in the Adirondacks 9:54

2d ago9:54

9:54

(May 29, 2025) We remember Dana Fast, a Holocaust survivor who lived in the Adirondacks until her death earlier this month. Also: North Country at Work visits the only tattoo shop in Lake Placid.By NCPR News

1
Checking in on Lake Memphremagog and Lake Champlain 49:50

3d ago49:50

49:50

Lake Memphremagog provides drinking water for around 200,000 Canadians, and recreation for countless Vermonters. It also faces serious environmental challenges. Today on Vermont Edition: the fight to restore and protect the water quality of our region’s largest lakes. We’ll hear from a Quebec-based group about their effort to designate Memphremagog…

1
5/28/2025: What a 50% cut in funding for North Country airports would mean 9:49

3d ago9:49

9:49

(May 28, 2025) As part of his goal to reduce federal spending, President Donald Trump wants to cut funding for rural airports in half. What would that mean for the North Country, where all five regional airports are federally subsidized? Also: Clinton County is trying to make building new housing easier, in hopes of alleviating the region’s housing…

1
Rep. Balint on the budget bill; outgoing VT Progressive Party leader; and Seven Days on local food 49:47

4d ago49:47

49:47

First up, we're joined by Josh Wronski, the outgoing Executive Director of the Vermont Progressive Party to talk about his tenure there, what he learned in his nine years leading Vermont's third party, and how they should move forward. Then, Rep. Becca Balint joins us to talk about the Big Beautiful Bill, Medicaid cuts, the war in Gaza, impeachment…

1
Sweet survival: Vermont businesses navigate climate cocoa crisis 4:39

4d ago4:39

4:39

Chocolate is one of Vermont’s top food exports. But cacao doesn’t grow here — and climate change has been disrupting the global supply chain.By Keely Ehnstrom, Community News Service, Kate Newton, Community News Service

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5/27/25: The North Country's best spellers at the national bee 9:49

4d ago9:49

9:49

(May 27, 2025) Two North Country students will compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which kicks off today. They don't see themselves as rivals, but they're both hoping to go deep into the national tournament. Also: New York food banks say more people are looking for food assistance, and that cuts to SNAP, included in the recently passed Ho…

1
Seniors 13:34

6d ago13:34

13:34

Thirty-seven hours before graduation, Erica Heilman talks with nine high school seniors about their hopes and dreams for the future...and prom. They also talk about prom.By Erica Heilman

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Keep it, compost it or cut it? Some answers to common gardening conundrums 5:17

6d ago5:17

5:17

From pepper plants with pests to hydrangeas that are slow to bloom, you might wonder whether you should keep or toss your plant and start over.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

1
Should I stay or should I go? One recent grad reflects on a future in Vermont 5:14

8d ago5:14

5:14

Most people who go to college in Vermont leave the state after graduation. That's more than any other state.By Lucia McCallum, Community News Service

1
Vermont state auction draws deal-hunters from across the Northeast 3:02

8d ago3:02

3:02

Maybe you need an orange plow truck. Or a Mount Philo State Park leaf blower. Or a park ranger’s rowboat that might not float. Everything's a treasure for someone.By April McCullum

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5/23/25: Dirt track racing is a family affair 9:59

9d ago9:59

9:59

(May 23, 2025) Racing season kicks off tonight at the Mohawk International Raceway. Every summer, people and whole families bring race cars from all over the North Country, Quebec, and beyond to compete on the dirt track in Akwesasne. Also: This summer, two more Adirondack lakes will be treated with an herbicide to kill an invasive plant.…

1
Why does Vermont still require car inspections? 26:08

9d ago26:08

26:08

Do you know what rocker panels are? No? Well, one listener found out hers were rusted during her annual car inspection — and that they were in need of a pricey repair. Vermont is one of just nine states that still requires annual safety inspections for all cars. And over and over, car inspections — especially car inspections that end in failure — b…

1
Vermont Edition At Home: Alison Bechdel 44:30

9d ago44:30

44:30

In the latest installment of our series, Vermont Edition At Home: The award-winning cartoonist Alison Bechdel chats with us from her home studio in Bolton. Alison Bechdel is one of the country’s most renowned cartoonists. Her graphic memoir Fun Home was turned into a Tony Award-winning musical. Her new graphic novel, Spent, is set in Vermont.…

1
Wild lake trout populations have rebounded in Lake Champlain. But scientists don't know why 5:03

9d ago5:03

5:03

For the first time in decades, scientists are not going to stock Lake Champlain with hatchery lake trout. That's because wild fish are finally spawning and sustaining their populations again.By Abagael Giles

1
5/22/25: A controversial police chief in Plattsburgh 8:44

10d ago8:44

8:44

(May 22, 2025) The Plattsburgh city council installed a new police chief last week. But some residents are concerned about workplace misconduct allegations against him that still haven't been fully resolved. Also: Voters in most North Country school districts approved their school budgets Tuesday, including Watertown's spending plan that contains a…

1
Got junk? Vermont's home organizers want to help you declutter 49:54

10d ago49:54

49:54

Spring is an annual rite of passage, a time of transition and regrowth. Some spend it gardening. Others reconnect with friends. And a few of us, like Vermont Edition's Mikaela Lefrak, derive actual joy from spring cleaning. Two professional home organizers joined Mikaela to share their best spring cleaning tips: Sarah Thompson of St. George and Ami…

1
With a home-cooked banquet, Abenaki citizens taste traditional foods and preserve culture 4:16

10d ago4:16

4:16

The banquet, called Wlipogwat, offered a taste of animals and plants harvested on Abenaki territory. It's part of ongoing efforts by Odanak and Wôlinak First Nations to protect their knowledge, culture and homelands.By Elodie Reed

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5/21/25: Why a name matters 10:02

11d ago10:02

10:02

(May 21, 2025) In the 19th century, a hill in the Adirondacks was named after the settlers who lived nearby. But because they were Black, the hill was named for their race, not their family. Last weekend, that historical injustice was undone. It's now called Murry Hill. Also: Gov. Hochul called the residential boarding school system "sanctioned eth…

1
Sen. Phil Baruth on the state budget, property taxes, and the Trump Administration 49:49

11d ago49:49

49:49

Sen. Phil Baruth on the state budget, property taxes, and the Trump AdministrationBy Vermont Public

1
5/20/25: The North Country impacts of Medicaid cuts 9:22

12d ago9:22

9:22

(May 20, 2025) New York state and local leaders are warning that Medicaid cuts included in Trump's policy bill will have outsized impacts on the North Country. Republicans, including Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, say they're not cuts at all. Also: The major wind power project in the ocean off of Long Island is back on after President Trump reversed…

1
Vermont prepares for floods in 2025 49:51

12d ago49:51

49:51

Parts of our region are experiencing a very wet and muddy spring. For some, the rains bring up tough memories of the flooding of recent years. For some towns, the floods of 2023 and 2024 caused immense damage and upended lives. While we all hope 2025 doesn’t make this list, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Here to to talk flood preparedness is th…

1
Former AHS Secretary Mike Smith shares plans for reviewing UVM Health Network costs 5:20

12d ago5:20

5:20

Former Agency of Human Services Secretary Mike Smith was recently asked to lead a review of cost effectiveness of many programs at the University of Vermont Health Network. He told Vermont Public that the network’s administrative costs was one area he planned to look into.By Bob Kinzel

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5/19/25: Bicycling for everyone 9:00

13d ago9:00

9:00

(May 19, 2025) Biking is one of life's great pleasures. But it can be hard for older people to get on a bicycle. A nonprofit in Plattsburgh wants to bringing people of all ages and abilities together through the joy of cycling. Also: Governor Kathy Hochul is going to the Seneca Nation in western New York tomorrow to apologize for the state's role i…

1
Garden question lightning round: Charlie's tips for lumpy lawns, raised bed soil and more 5:18

13d ago5:18

5:18

The All Things Gardening inbox is full of listeners' spring gardening conundrums! Charlie aims to answer a few.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

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Vermont musicians Fawn and The Wormdogs share their Tiny Desk Contest videos and songs 8:04

15d ago8:04

8:04

Nearly 40 Vermont musicians submitted their videos to NPR's Tiny Desk Contest. Vermont Public chatted with a few about the original songs they chose and their video ideas. (And we asked them to sit at our colleague's tiny — and meticulously decorated — desk and pose for photos).By Mary Williams Engisch, Adiah Gholston

1
5/16/25: Watertown's pre-K problem 9:14

16d ago9:14

9:14

(May 16, 2025) The Watertown City School District is at odds with the child care providers who run its pre-K program. Those providers are calling for residents to vote down the school’s budget next week. Also: New York is making it easier for adult learners to pursue a free associate's degree at community colleges.…

1
Vermont Edition's annual spring gardening show with Charlie Nardozzi 57:00

16d ago57:00

57:00

Today is Vermont Edition’s annual spring gardening show. Our guest is Charlie Nardozzi – gardening consultant extraordinaire, speaker, and TV and radio host. You can hear him on Sunday mornings right here on Vermont Public for All Things Gardening. This year's show was in front of a live audience at Vermont Public’s Colchester studio.…

1
Vermont musicians Chris Nicotera and Elbi Lewes share their Tiny Desk Contest submissions 7:02

16d ago7:02

7:02

Nearly 40 Vermont musicians submitted their videos to NPR's Tiny Desk Contest. Vermont Public chatted with a few about the original songs they chose and their video ideas.By Mary Williams Engisch, Adiah Gholston

1
Vermont has paused PCB testing in schools, but cleanup costs keep piling up 4:23

16d ago4:23

4:23

Statewide, Vermont has already invested $37.5 million into PCB testing and remediation, and just a little over $3 million is left. More than half of all schools that fall under the state's mandate haven't even been tested yet.By Lola Duffort

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5/15/25: A lifelong Plattsburgh newsman retires 9:27

17d ago9:27

9:27

(May 15, 2025) The editor-in-chief of one of the North Country's daily newspapers retired last week after forty years in local journalism. Joe LoTemplio says he's grateful for his sources and Plattsburgh Press-Republican colleagues. Also: As Republicans in Congress move forward with President Trump’s tax and budget bill, some New York GOP lawmakers…

1
Three new art and culture offerings in our region 49:50

17d ago49:50

49:50

Three new art and culture offerings in our regionBy Vermont Public

1
Vermont musicians Rik Palieri, Judi Emanuel and Bredda Mike share their Tiny Desk Contest entries 8:41

17d ago8:41

8:41

Nearly 40 Vermont musicians submitted their videos to NPR's Tiny Desk Contest. Vermont Public chatted with a few about the original songs they chose and their video ideas. (And we asked them to sit at our colleague's tiny — and meticulously decorated — desk and pose for photos.)By Mary Williams Engisch, Adiah Gholston

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A training program would bring doctors to rural Vermont, if it gets state funding 4:32

17d ago4:32

4:32

Vermont is heading for a shortage of primary care doctors, especially in rural areas, and the problem starts where doctors do their training. A new residency program aims to change that.By Lexi Krupp

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5/14/25: The impact of federal cuts in the North Country 9:23

18d ago9:23

9:23

(May 14, 2025) President Trump's federal funding cuts are having impacts across the North Country, from arts to education to mental health. We talk with orgs that are having to adjust their programs and deal with uncertainty. Also: Some state lawmakers want Albany to better protect food safety as federal agencies are losing funding and staff.…

1
Vermont Supreme Court Justice Karen Carroll and lawyer Andrew Cliburn 49:50

18d ago49:50

49:50

Vermont’s only law school is the heart of South Royalton. Many residents wonder if the school will stay there, or if it’ll leave town. Today on Vermont Edition, we share a recent episode of Brave Little State. It digs into this listener question about Vermont Law and Graduate School: “Do South Royalton and the surrounding towns actually have to wor…

1
Vermont musicians The Hokum Brothers and Wes Pearce share their Tiny Desk Contest submissions 6:48

18d ago6:48

6:48

Nearly 40 Vermont musicians submitted their videos to NPR's Tiny Desk Contest. Vermont Public chatted with a few about the original songs they chose and their video ideas. (And we asked them to sit at our colleague's tiny — and meticulously decorated — desk and pose for photos.)By Mary Williams Engisch, Adiah Gholston

1
5/13/25: Old dead trees in streams are reducing climate change 9:48

19d ago9:48

9:48

(May 13, 2025) Science has documented the role downed logs play in capturing carbon in the forest floor. New research in the Adirondacks is looking at how decomposing logs in streams and riverbeds play their own role. Also: State lawmakers are holding a special hearing about New York's troubled prison system tomorrow, amidst increasing violence aga…

1
The local impacts of national arts funding cuts; Trump administration sues Vermont 49:52

19d ago49:52

49:52

First, Leading arts organizations in Vermont are reeling, after finding out they’ve lost grant funding from the federal government. The Vermont Symphony Orchestra, the Flynn Center, and Northern Stage are just a few of the local groups that face significant cuts. The head of the Vermont Arts Council, Susan Evans McClure, explains the role of federa…

1
Vermont musicians Sarah Bell and Miles of Fire share their NPR Tiny Desk Contest submissions 6:42

19d ago6:42

6:42

Nearly 40 Vermont musicians submitted their videos to NPR's Tiny Desk Contest. Vermont Public chatted with a few about the original songs they chose and their video ideas. (And we asked them to sit at colleague Eric Ford's tiny — and meticulously decorated — desk and pose for photos.)By Mary Williams Engisch, Adiah Gholston

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5/12/25: Will all the J-1 visa holders make it here? 9:17

20d ago9:17

9:17

(May 12, 2025) Business owners in Lake George are worried the young foreign workers they rely on every summer may get caught up in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. Why J-1 visa holders may get held up this summer. Also: Speaking with reporters in Ticonderoga Friday, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik voiced support for President Donald T…

1
Have some wet spots in your yard but want to plant flowers? Try Iris ensata 5:03

20d ago5:03

5:03

Try this hardy iris that blooms a bit later in the season and provides color and movement to your gardens and landscape.By Charlie Nardozzi, Mary Williams Engisch

1
Wanderstop designer Steven Margolin on video games and life in Burlington 4:51

22d ago4:51

4:51

Game developer and Burlington resident Steven Margolin worked as the lead designer on Ivy Road's Wanderstop, the independent studio's first video game.By Nathaniel Wilson

1
5/9/25: Spotlighting the North Country's volunteers 9:57

23d ago9:57

9:57

(May 9, 2025) Volunteerism is down across the country, yet volunteers still play crucial roles in North Country communities. As we launch a series spotlighting the region's volunteers, we hear about some of the people our listeners told us to profile. Also: Federal cuts in President Trump's so-called "skinny budget" could eliminate popular North Co…

1
Is logging bad for the climate? 28:06

23d ago28:06

28:06

Vermont’s logging industry has changed a lot over the last several decades. But one thing remains true: We just can’t agree about how to manage our forests in the face of climate change. This raises a lot of questions about how Vermont should manage its forests — and it has led to heated debates around the state. For photos from the episode, check …

1
The Arts That Shape Us 49:50

23d ago49:50

49:50

We’re excited to present a new podcast created by the nonprofit Vermont Folklife. It’s called The Arts That Shape Us. It’s devoted to exploring the state’s cultural heritage and what different local artforms say about the past and present of Vermont. This podcast is one of ten projects funded by Vermont Public’s Made Here Fund, created to support V…

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Vermont agriculture secretary says dairy farmers are concerned about migrant farmworker arrests 6:07

23d ago6:07

6:07

Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts said farmers across the state are concerned about federal immigration enforcement after border agents arrested eight migrant farmworkers last month in northwestern Vermont.By Bob Kinzel

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Vermont Public Radio Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen