What happens when a task force charged with drawing maps ends up rewriting the conversation about education in Vermont?

In this episode, we sit down with State Senator Martine Laroque Gulick, co-chair of the Education Redistricting Task Force, to unpack the much-anticipated report and what it means for cost, quality, and equity in our schools. From cooperative service models to regional high schools, we explore ideas that could reshape education for the next generation—and why rushing the process might do more harm than good.

Plus, Andy and Joanna share Thanksgiving adventures, debate parade bingo strategy, and reveal which Muppets they most identify with. Spoiler: it gets loud.

#TheresNoAInCreemee #VermontPodcast #EducationMatters #PolicyTalk #FutureOfEducation

What if prosperity wasn’t measured by GDP, but by the health of our communities and the planet?

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Janoo of the Wellbeing Economy Alliance to explore a bold vision for Vermont and beyond—one that prioritizes dignity, fairness, and sustainability.

From global lessons in economic policy to local strategies for resilience, Amanda shares how we can design systems that truly serve people, not profits.Plus, we dig into the role of government, the rise of authoritarianism, and why small businesses might hold the key to our future. And yes, we end with the ultimate question: maple creemee with jimmies or sprinkles?

This is an episode so great, we are releasing it early instead of our planned holiday break (so yes, if you are counting episodes this one is out of order!).

#TheresNoAinCreemee #WellbeingEconomy #VermontValues #EconomicJustice #CommunityFirst #LocalEconomy #SustainableFuture #MapleCreemee #PodcastLife

We’re stepping out of the Skate Shack and into the bright lights of the Media Factory with our first ever video!

We kick things off with a behind-the-scenes look at the new setup (and Andy’s DIY table) before diving into Vermont’s education redistricting task force and the governor’s sharp critique, followed by a discussion of Democratic candidates so far and a noticeable absence at the top of the ticket.

Later, we sit down with former Burlington mayor and Let’s Build Homes founder Miro Weinberger to talk about Vermont’s housing crisis, Act 250 reform, and creative solutions like CHIP and Right-to-Home Zones.

Plus, we wrap up with Thanksgiving plans, parade nostalgia, and a Statler and Waldorf style rant about Millenials refusal to accept the Muppets

In this powerful and inspiring conversation, Jessica Barquist from Planned Parenthood of Northern New England talks with us about challenges and victories in reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare in Vermont. She also has a choice gotcha moment for us.

We explore the impact of federal policies, the importance of state shield laws, the breadth of services provided by Planned Parenthood, and how Vermonters can advocate for holistic support and legislative change.

#theresnoaincreemee #podcast #vtpoli #repro #vermont

Joanna & Andy unpack the School Redistricting Task Force. In this episode, we break down the Winnooski meeting of Vermont’s school redistricting task force, including the proposals, public feedback, and the big questions about cost, consolidation, and the future of local schools. We share firsthand accounts from the forum, reactions from parents and school board members, and why so many Vermonters are skeptical about the process.

We catch up with Charity Clark and the Democratic Attorneys General at a fundraiser in Burlington with live coverage and talk about how they are pushing back on Trump.

In an admittedly long opening segment, we share updates on our podcast’s winter move, the Great Ice Festival, a new must creemee shop in Burlington (donut sandwiches, anyone?), and discuss what is being done, or not done, to win back legislative seats lost in the 2024 election.

From sticky notes at public meetings to sticky pumpkin soft-serve, it’s a lively mix of local flavor and policy debate.

#vtpoli #podcast #vermont #vermontnews #ressit #savedemocracy #vted #charityclark #daga #icecream #theresnoaincreemee

Krista Huling, former Chair of the Vermont State Board of Education, joins us to speak candidly about her fight to level the playing field for public schools.

From her work with Friends of Vermont Public Education to her push for ethical accountability and equitable funding, Krista challenges the status quo and calls out the deep disparities between public and independent schools.

In this powerful conversation, she shares why Vermont’s education system needs bold reform, transparent leadership, and a renewed commitment to all students—not just a privileged few.

#theresnoaincreemee #vermont #podcast #vtpoli

Collab with Justin Marsh & Democracy Dispatch! Andy and Joanna welcome Vermont Conservation Voters to the show. Justin tells us all about how VCV is teaming up with groups to train and recruit new candidates around the state. We talk about the challenges of campaigning in the digital world, the ongoing value of face to face interactions, and the increasing competitiveness of local races.

We talk about the our podcast stories and of course get Justin's creemee order and try to trace the infiltration of "jimmies" into Lamoille County.

From political monsters to ghosts of the Green Mountains, this is another episode full of resistance for There’s No “A” in Creemee.

Joanna shares her reflections on meeting with Dems across the county and the rise of younger leaders.

We take a deep dive into Senator Douglass’s  controversy and explore how MAGA is making inroads into the Vermont Legislature. We also discuss establishment Democrats pushing back on a populist candidate in Maine, review updates on the impact of federal funding, and give a nod to inflatable frogs protesting ICE.

We wrap up with a spooky tour of Vermont’s lesser-known legends and ghost stories. Taphophobes, consider yourselves warned.

This week we revisit a conversation with friend and cherished mentor, Howard Dean. Howard talked with us in July about his deeply held belief that his generation has got to get out of the way to create space for younger leaders in our party. He expressed explicit frustration with the party’s blocking of primary challengers and wants to see folks running for office now, not waiting their turn as is the custom here in Vermont.

In this episode, Matt Musgrave, Vermont Regional Director for the Associated Builders & Contractors, joins us to explore the vital role of investing in people—especially the next generation—in strengthening the construction workforce. Matt shares powerful stories from the Vermont Construction Academy, a new initiative that’s already making a meaningful impact on Vermont’s youth and the future of the trades.

In our opening segment, Joanna and Andy unpack the latest on the federal government shutdown and spotlight how one state is stepping up to support its citizens during uncertain times.

And in Last Licks, Andy helps Joanna cope with her post-season Mets blues with a homemade Mad Lib and a license to swear.

In this subversive episode, Joanna and Andy catch up on myriad ways the authoritarian agenda is undermining Vermont including PAC money, losing federal funds, toxic individualism, our local TV conglomerate's attempt to keep Jimmy Kimmel off our TVs, and Amazon's latest tomfoolery. If we go to jail for this please bail us out.

In Last Licks Joanna talks about eating monkey food and Andy shares his early taste for homemade playdough.

Show Notes:

John Oliver on Sinclair Media: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvtNyOzGogc&pp=ygUTam9obiBvbGl2ZXIgc2luY2xhaQ%3D%3D

Jay Nichols, chair of the Vermont Commission of the Future of Public Education and Executive Director of the Vermont Principal's Association joins the pod.

Jay discusses the shifting role of the commission, the growing strains on Vermont's education system, and the importance of putting student need at the center of reforms.

In the opening segment, Joanna and Andy talk about a recent Emerge event, the role of PACs in Vermont, connecting with rural voters, and we hold heated debate on if Joanna overslept during one of Andy's Honk & Waves. Spoiler alert: she did.

In Last Licks, Andy and Joanna share their strangest jobsAdd a comment

Former Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray talks with us about her work with the Vermont Afghan Alliance, helping Afghan refugees build new lives and enter our workforce across the state. Molly reflects on her time in statewide office, the challenges and lessons of election loss, and her lifelong love of Nordic skiing.

The episode opens with Andy’s update on the Vermont's education reform efforts, highlighting the confusion and concerns facing Vermont’s schools. Joanna shares her personal experience as part of the World Trade Center recovery effort.

Andy and Joanna interview Kurt Wright—former Morning Drive host, Vermont legislator, and Burlington City Councilor—in a conversation covering political identity, authenticity, local media, Burlington's role in Vermont's economy, and predictions for the 2026 races.

In Last Licks, Joanna explains the upcoming Jewish Holiday Calendar.

In the Season 2 premiere of There's No A in Creemee, Joanna and Andy reflect on a year of partnership, political organizing, and podcasting through turbulence and transformation.

They share stories from the campaign trail, the challenges of Democratic Party leadership, and a rising tide of discontent among Vermont voters.

Then, they welcome Mark Redmond, Executive Director of Spectrum Youth and Family Services, for a powerful conversation about youth homelessness, mental health, and the urgent need for systemic change. From the streets of Burlington to new beginnings in St. Albans, Mark shares stories of resilience, advocacy, and the kind of hope that’s built one meal, one bed, and one relationship at a time.

Ready for a rewind? In this "greatest hits" episode, we’re scooping up all the best of Season 1. We’ve got an exclusive look at suing Trump with VT Attorney General Charity Clark, former Governor Howard Dean @ing the Dems, and the VT statehouse's resident style expert Becca White.

Plus, hear us recount the time Andy and Rep Doug Bishop canvassed a naked guy, the dark side of Town Meeting Day, and finally reveal the best Creemee order of all time.

We’re also pulling back the curtain on how we got started, and we'll even drop in Joanna's 3rd grade pro-tips on the Bush vs. Dukakis race. And as a bonus, stick around for a sneak peek at our new trailer at the end!

Elaine Haney sits in for Andy to Guest Host. Elaine and Joanna go deep on electoral political culture in Vermont. We talk about primaries and the outsized power of incumbency, and its ramifications on elections, the Democratic party, and the leaders who want to participate in democracy. In the opening segment we talk about partisanship, protecting Vermont in our changing political landscape, and more. In Last Licks Elaine teaches us about gravel, wet walnuts, and never to keep the public from popsicles.

@justbeingmelani

This Week on the Podcast: Privacy, Policy, and Public Education

We’re joined by two remarkable guests tackling some of Vermont’s most pressing issues.

First we have an exclusive interview with Attorney General Charity Clark to discuss the Scott administration’s release of personal data belonging to SNAP benefit recipients—what happened, why it matters, and what comes next.

Then Kim Gleason, member of the Vermont School Redistricting Task Force, stops by the Skate Shack to share insights on the task force’s work, the challenges of reshaping school districts, and the systemic weaknesses she sees in Vermont’s education landscape.

In our opening segment, Joanna and Andy share reflections on last week's activism episode.

And in Last Licks, Joanna thanks Andy for managing social media during her unusually long vacation… by pointing out his flaws.

From grassroots movements to jellyfish diplomacy

Joanna and Andy talk about the rise of activism in Vermont and why it's happening outside of the Democratic party.

Joanna also recounts her most recent encounter with a stinging sea monster, but insists the jellyfish is blameless and likely misunderstood.

In a return of our popular Last Licks segment, Andy retaliates against Joanna's ruthless campaign management by making her determine whether an item is a cocktail from a New York bar, or a flavor from the Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard.

Representative Doug Bishop fills in for a vacationing Joanna, sharing stories from his first year on the House floor.

Doug and Andy swap memorable moments from the campaign trail, and Doug reflects on the challenges of adjusting to the early days of the legislative session and finding his rhythm as a new lawmaker

Joanna calls into the show to make sure Doug isn't getting too comfortable in her chair.

Doug shares a previously undiscussed creamy order and his thoughts on the role of manure in testing the authenticity of Vermonters.