Tag: podcast
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Mayor Jay Ruais: Early Lessons In Service And Second Chances
A premature birth, 78 days in the NICU, and a community that showed up—that’s where our conversation with Mayor Jay Ruais begins. From a young dad’s sleepless nights to a mayor tackling homelessness, addiction, public safety, and affordable housing, Jay connects personal experience to public leadership. He reflects on his own recovery and the decade-long Read more
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From Harley Wrenches To House Gavel: Sherm Packard’s Journey
What does it take to lead a 400-member citizen legislature through a pandemic and a razor-thin majority—and still pass a budget by voice vote? Speaker Sherm Packard joins us to share the craft of leadership, the New Hampshire roots that shaped him, and how to disagree without being disagreeable. From “drive-in” sessions during January 6 Read more
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Beyond the Stethoscope: Dr Jonathan Ballard
Dr. Jonathan Ballard takes us on a fascinating journey from his childhood on a Kentucky farm to his current role as New Hampshire’s Chief Medical Officer. Growing up in Bardstown—the bourbon capital of the world—Ballard worked at his father’s sawmill and raised white cattle to distinguish them from his father’s black Angus herd. This early Read more
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From French Roots to Granite Roots: Karen Liot Hill
Meet Karen Liot Hill, whose life reflects a uniquely American journey with a French twist. Born in Brittany to an American mother and French father, she grew up on Long Island before finding her calling in New Hampshire, where she now serves on the state’s Executive Council. As the oldest of six in a blended Read more
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Policing to Politics: A Senator’s Unexpected Path
Ever wonder what happens when a former police officer becomes a yoga teacher and then a state senator? Senator Tim Lang’s journey shows how life’s most rewarding paths emerge when we embrace new opportunities. Raised in New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Alaska, Lang’s connection to New Hampshire deepened after working as a police officer in Read more
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NH Rep. Laura Telerski
What does it take to go from Middle Eastern studies scholar to four-term state representative? Representative Laura Telerski shares her journey on Anything but Politics, revealing how she ended up in the New Hampshire legislature. As the youngest of five, Laura moved to Nashua in fourth grade after her father’s career took the family to Read more
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Rebecca Perkins Kwoka
In this episode, Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka shares her inspiring journey from scooping ice cream at her family’s Dairy Queen to leading New Hampshire’s Senate Democrats. With wit and wisdom, she reflects on how small-business grit, global perspective from the Peace Corps, and the daily realities of parenting three young daughters fuel her practical, people-first Read more
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Beyond the Diamond: Taylor Fisher
Taylor Fisher’s remarkable journey from teenage fan to General Manager of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats epitomizes the American dream of turning passion into profession. Growing up just 45 minutes away in Merrimack, Massachusetts, Taylor attended Fisher Cats games decades before he would ever imagine running the organization. His story serves as proof that with Read more
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Erin Hennessey: The Quiet Power Behind Democracy’s Paperwork
Join us for this refreshing conversation with Deputy Secretary of State Erin Hennessey, that proves how the most interesting paths in public service often begin nowhere near politics. Whether you’re curious about alternative career paths, the inner workings of state government, or simply want to hear about someone winning on a national TV show, this Read more
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The Remarkable Journey of Senator Ruth Ward
From war-torn China to the New Hampshire State Senate, Ruth Ward’s life reads like a movie script. Born to missionary parents during WWII, she escaped advancing Communist forces as a child, embarking on a harrowing seven-week voyage that led her from China to England, then Sweden, and eventually to the U.S. Ruth built a career Read more