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The Maine Question

The Maine Question

By: The Maine Question
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The Maine Question is a podcast series hosted by Ron Lisnet of the University of Maine. Three times each academic semester, Lisnet is joined by faculty, students, and experts to engage in conversation around just one question. In our complex world, answers to a single question are not always so simple. No matter the topic — big, small, wide, or narrow — we’ll make sense of today’s world through the research happening right here on campus. And you’ll meet the people making a difference. Here, you can explore how tiny pet store fish can lead to groundbreaking medical research or what the future holds for manufacturing and outdoor recreation in Maine. You’ll find the spark for your next big idea or the perfect fun fact to share with family and friends. What’s your question?All rights reserved
Episodes
  • How do you get from rural Maine to Hollywood? Tim Simons shares his journey

    How do you get from rural Maine to Hollywood? Tim Simons shares his journey
    Apr 29 2026
    Tim Simons, who graduated from the University of Maine in 2001, is living a dream that first took root in Orono through college theater. That spark has led to an impressive and growing resume as a working actor in both film and television. Notable credits include playing Jonah, an obnoxious White House liaison, in the HBO series “VEEP,” and Sasha in the Netflix hit series “Nobody Wants this.” Tim's unlikely journey from rural Readfield, Maine, to UMaine to Los Angeles provides a backdrop for his latest gig: speaker for the 2026 undergraduate commencement ceremonies at his alma mater. In this episode of “The Maine Question” podcast, host Ron Lisnet and Allen Adams, communications specialist and marketing coordinator for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, speak with Tim about his journey, the business of show business, memories of his days in Orono and much more.
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    55 mins
  • Are ' Forever Chemicals' really here Forever?

    Are ' Forever Chemicals' really here Forever?
    Mar 12 2026
    A group of chemicals known as PFAS have become a growing concern for human health, agriculture and the environment. Because they resist breaking down, these “forever chemicals” can accumulate in soil, water and food systems and expose people to a range of adverse health conditions. From nonstick cookware and disposable tableware to everyday items like toothbrushes, these oil- and water-repellent chemicals became widespread in the late 20th century. Today, communities across the country are grappling with the residue they’ve left behind. Maine has emerged as a national leader in responding to PFAS contamination, advancing policies aimed at protecting farms, ecosystems and public health. Researchers at the University of Maine are working to understand how PFAS moves through soil, crops and livestock; develop technologies to break it down; and design sustainable materials that could replace it in everyday products. On this episode of “The Maine Question” podcast, host Ron Lisnet speaks with UMaine researchers Jean MacRae, Christina Murphy, Caroline Noblet and Rachel Schattman about how their work, spanning engineering, economics, agriculture and conservation biology, is helping communities confront PFAS and chart a cleaner path forward.
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    43 mins
  • How can creative programming reduce professional burnout?

    How can creative programming reduce professional burnout?
    Jan 30 2026
    Stress has always been a part of life, whether from the news, the economy, the environment, a mortgage, a job or school. It can be found in every profession and any workplace, affecting performance and leading to burnout. Job-related stress in professions like nursing and teaching are increasingly overwhelming many who chose these career paths. At a time when teachers and nurses are in high demand, professional burnout is forcing them to rethink their careers. Faculty at the University of Maine recognized this happening in nursing and education students before they even stepped into the professional world. To reduce it among students and maintain a healthy workforce in Maine, they brainstormed creative programming to help future nurses and teachers cope with demanding professions. In this episode of “The Maine Question” podcast, UMaine faculty members Kelley Strout, Jesse Kaye-Schiess and Faith Erhardt, along with nursing student Ian Beaulieu, explore these programs and more with host Ron Lisnet.
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    44 mins
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