Amplifying Maine's Voices.
A new podcast dedicated to in-depth conversations with the leaders, professionals, and connectors shaping the future of our state.
A huge thank you to the University of Maine School of Law for providing the foundational home for this fellowship project, and to John Bride (Maine Law '64) and The Bride Family Foundation, who made it all possible through their generous support with the Bride Family Foundation Entrepreneurial Fellowship.
Our Mission: To Unearth and Share Maine's Wisdom
There is a deep well of talent and wisdom in this state. But in a time when so many public conversations feel disheartening or intimidating, the most meaningful discussions—the ones that could spark collaboration—often stay confined to the rooms where they happen. This podcast was born out of a frustration with that simple truth and a desire to change it.
"Our goal is to create a living archive of dialogue—one that tackles tough issues while remaining focused on the opportunities that define Maine's future."
Bridging the Divide
Growing up in rural Maine, I experienced both the richness of our close-knit communities and the limitations imposed by distance—geographic, economic, and informational. The Maine-ifesto Podcast aims to bridge that divide. We will connect individuals and ideas across Maine, humanizing complex challenges by sharing the stories and expertise of the people on the front lines.
From Networking to Narrative
This platform is how we turn everyday networking into something broader. By taking the insightful conversations happening every day and sharing them with a wider audience, we transform simple connections into a powerful tool for civic empowerment, community building, and shared progress.
A Resource for the Next Generation
This platform is for every Mainer, but it is especially for the young people who, like I once did, may not see the full range of opportunities ahead of them. My goal is to create a resource that gives them access, encouragement, and information they may not find in a traditional classroom. By listening to someone who sounds like them, who comes from a town like theirs, we can show them that there is a place for them in Maine’s future—and that their voice matters.
Meet Your Host, Collin McGarr
My frustration with the information gaps in our state is personal. Growing up in rural Maine, I saw firsthand how talent and ambition can be limited by a simple lack of exposure to opportunities. That experience drove me to pursue a degree in Management and Finance from Bentley University and is why I returned home to simultaneously earn my J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law and my MBA in Finance from the Maine Business School.
This podcast is the intersection of that journey. As an Alfond Leadership Ambassador through the Maine Business School and President of the Business Law Association at Maine Law, I have the privilege of connecting with leaders across the state. As a volunteer at Maine Needs, I've seen the direct impact of community action. I'm starting this podcast to use my experiences and network to bridge the divides I once felt, ensuring these vital conversations are accessible to everyone, from Kittery to Fort Kent.
Episodes
Join the conversation.
Episode 07
This Episode's Guest: Katie Shorey
Our guest this episode is a key figure in Maine's economic and entrepreneurial landscape. Katie Shorey is the Director of Engagement for Live + Work in Maine, but her journey first took her to the political and nonprofit sectors of Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. Upon returning to Maine—making her a proud "boomerang"—she continued to build an impressive resume at People's United Bank and on the New Business Ventures team at WEX. Today, Katie channels that experience into fostering innovation and attracting talent. She serves as president of the nonprofit Startup Maine and is a board member for the Portland Community Chamber. Her work has been widely recognized, earning her a spot on the Mainebiz 40 Under 40 list and the title of "Maine Ambassador of the Year" from PROPEL. Listen in to hear Katie's story and insights!
Episode Resources
Episode 06
This Episode's Guest: Austin French
The future of Maine's economy runs through our forests, mountains, rivers, and coastline. In this episode, we talk with Austin French, an outdoor industry professional and workforce development leader who is creating powerful pathways from the classroom to a career in Maine's natural world. We dive into what drew Austin to Maine, the business of tourism, UMF's role in the future of Maine's tourism industry, and how Maine is attracting and retaining the next generation of talent. As the co-founder and co-host of the new "More Than Outdoors" podcast, Austin is taking these crucial conversations to an even wider audience, sharing real-world stories from the leaders and changemakers shaping Maine's outdoor recreation economy. Join us for an essential conversation about the people, passions, and strategies shaping Maine's outdoor future.
Episode Resources
Episode 05
This Episode's Guest: Shane Gower
In a rapidly changing world, Maine's public K-12 school systems are more important than ever for preparing our next generation of leaders and citizens. But what does it take to educate and inspire students on the front lines today? This week on The Maine-ifesto, we explore that question with one of Maine's most decorated K-12 educators: Shane Gower. As the 2025 National History Day in Maine Teacher of the Year and a long-time teacher at Maranacook Community High School, Shane is a leading voice in education. He also serves as a Teacher Ambassador for the Emmy-winning Retro Report and is part of the national Educating for American Democracy Teacher Leadership Task Force. In this powerful conversation, we explore his philosophy on forging thoughtful, empathetic citizens and how he empowers students to find clarity and purpose in a complex world. This episode is also a personal one for our host, Collin McGarr, who had Mr. Gower as a teacher. Their discussion is a full-circle moment, exploring the lasting impact of a great mentor and the vital mission of public education in our state.
Episode 04
This Episode's Guest: Kate Lanman
In a profession with a clear and established ladder to success, why would anyone choose to start at the beginning and build their own? Our guest today, Kate Lanman, is the living answer to that question. As an attorney and a co-founder of Lanman Rayne Nelson Reade, she chose the entrepreneurial path from the start, bypassing the traditional route of joining a large, established firm. In this conversation, we explore the real story behind that decision. We discuss her journey from tax accountant to founder, the practical challenges of building a new business, her perspective on access to legal resources for our Maine communities, and more. We also touch on the triumphs and the leadership required to build a unique and supportive culture from the ground up. This is a must-listen for anyone who has ever dreamed of carving their own path and ignoring the chorus of 'no's' along the way.
Episode Resources
Episode 03
This Episode's Guest: Gordon H. Smith
In the often-stormy seas of public policy, some figures are the fleeting headlines, while others are the steady hands at the helm, navigating the state through its most profound challenges. Our guest on this episode of The Maine-ifesto is one of Maine's most trusted navigators. We are talking with Gordon H. Smith, a man whose career represents a nearly unparalleled journey through the intersection of law, medicine, governance and saving lives, in Maine. His journey began not in the State House, but as a lawyer representing physicians. That foundational experience led to a nearly 40-year tenure at the Maine Medical Association, where he rose to become its chief advocate and a nationally recognized leader. But when Maine faced one of its gravest public health crises, his deep experience was called upon for a different kind of service. In 2019, Governor Janet Mills appointed him as the state's first Director of Opioid Response, charging him with charting the course through a devastating epidemic. In this conversation, we get access to his unique logbook. We discuss the hard-won lessons from the front lines of the opioid crisis, his seasoned perspective on where Maine is headed next, and much more. This episode is a lesson in stewardship and a look at the quiet dedication required to steer a state toward a healthier and more prosperous future.
Episode 02
This Episode's Guest: Nick Lacasse
Is it possible to power Maine's future while strengthening our local economies at the same time? This week on The Maine-ifesto, we sit down with a leader who argues the answer is a resounding "yes." Nick Lacasse, a 5th generation Mainer and founder of Perennial Renewables, joins the show to make a powerful case for a community-based energy future. He pushes back against the common narrative that solar development is driven entirely by out-of-state interests, sharing his perspective as a local leader whose business is deeply invested in its community. In this inspiring conversation, we discuss his commitment to using 100% local labor in Kennebec County, the fight for thoughtful energy legislation at the state house, and the stunning economic impact of local projects—where nearly 75 cents of every construction dollar stays right here in Maine. This is a must-listen episode about economic self-determination, the power of local leadership, and a new blueprint for building a prosperous future for our state.
Episode Resources
- Perennial Renewables
- LD 1868 - An Act to Advance a Clean Energy Economy
- Investopedia: Request for Proposal (RFP) - A helpful explainer on RFPs.
- U.S. News & World Report: Maine Profile - An overview of Maine's rankings and statistics.
Episode 01
This Episode's Guest: Ryan Low
Our first guest is the man with one of the most unique job titles in today's dynamic workplace: Vice Chancellor for Finance and Strategic AI Integration for the University of Maine System. Ryan Low is a veteran of Maine's public sector, tasked with both balancing the books and architecting our state university's technological future. He's at the center of a high-stakes bet: that embracing artificial intelligence isn't a threat, but the only way for organizations to thrive. A pragmatist with a mandate for disruption, Ryan represents the new wave of leadership in Maine.
Episode Resources
- Applied Generative AI Certificate Course - A course offered by the University of Maine System.
- Summer Lunchtime Lessons: AI Essentials - Learn more about AI through these low-cost sessions.
Maine Legal AI Assistant
This summer I developed the following AI tool. Please note that it is still in its development stage and may have limitations. Always consult a legal professional!
Get Involved
Have a guest suggestion, a question about an episode, or interested in becoming a sponsor? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us here:
themaineifestopodcast@gmail.com