Camden Famous

This week, Jena Young and I sat down with Bo Jennings , Operations Manager at Side Street Café and President of the Board of Directors at the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. Bo shared what makes Bar Harbor such a special place in the fall, from Halloween celebrations to the quieter rhythm of winter that still draws people in. We talked about the unique challenges of running businesses in a seasona...

Chef and owner Daron Goldstein of Provender Kitchen in Ellsworth joins hosts April Shaw-Beaudoin and Jena Young for a wide-ranging conversation about food, leadership, and life as a restaurateur in Downeast Maine. Daron shares his journey from Boston to Ellsworth, what it means to be only as good as the last meal served, and why Provender has become a local favorite. Topics include the culture he’...

In this episode of Downeast Famous , cohosts April Shaw-Beaudoin and Jena Young sit down with Michael Boland, the force behind several well-known restaurants in Bar Harbor, across Mount Desert Island, and in Maine’s mountain region. Michael shares how he first landed in Bar Harbor and what keeps him rooted in the community. He talks about his leadership style, his approach to problem-solving, and...

For the first time since starting  Camden Famous  and  Downeast Famous , I (April Shaw-Beaudoin) stepped behind the mic not as the host, but as the guest. My cohost for Season 3,  Jena Young , interviewed me about how this all began. We talked about why I launched Camden Famous, what kind of impact I’ve seen so far, and the vision that’s guiding what comes next. Then I turned the mic around. In th...

For our final episode of the season, I’m joined by guest cohost Allison Brzezinski of Birch Bark Events for a conversation with Elise McCave, the Executive Director of the Camden International Film Festival. Elise shares her journey from London to New York to Rockland, bringing with her a deep background in documentary film and a passion for building community through storytelling. We talk about h...

In this episode, I’m joined by guest cohost Brett Haynie of the Norumbega Inn for a conversation with two local jewelers whose stories mirror a familiar Midcoast rhythm: grow up here, venture out, then find your way back with fresh perspective and purpose. Seth Gideon Fainkujen of Harvest the Light and Jordan Barnett-Parker of Jordan Adam Designs both spent years away—from Arizona to Providence an...

In this episode, I chat with Peter Alsop and Rory Keohane of Tenderwild Farm in Rockport. We talk about what sustainable farming really looks like here in the Midcoast, how they’ve built Tenderwild into more than just a farm, and their vision for creating a community space that brings people together. Peter and Rory also share what’s on the horizon as they keep growing and expanding Tenderwild’s m...

In this episode, I sit down with Kea Tesseyman, founder of KEA Dance Center in Camden. Kea shares what it’s taken to build and sustain her dance studio over the past 20 years: from early obstacles to the mindset shifts that inspired her proprietary K.E.A. Method. We also talk about her own podcast, how she helps students unlock confidence through movement, and the annual performances she and her d...

In this episode, April Shaw-Beaudoin sits down with Isabella Feracci and Caitlin Sackville of the Apprenticeshop—Rockland’s longstanding school for traditional wooden boatbuilding and seamanship. Together, they talk about what it means to make the working waterfront more accessible, from free Friday afternoon sails for walk-ins to hands-on programs for all ages. Isabella and Caitlin share how the...

One of Maine's oldest and most vibrant theatres is right here in Rockland! In this episode, we talk to Executive Director Anne Rogers-Popejoy and Education Director, Brittany Parker about how the programming works, why community is so important, and what exciting events they have planned this summer and beyond.

This summer, there's a lot going on at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art (CMCA). Learn all about it during this interview with Executive Director, Robert Wolterstorff, artist Hannah Berta, and designer Lea Freni.

They don’t just run two of the most buzzed-about spots in the Midcoast—they know how to work the algorithm, too. In this episode, Clementina Senatore of Paper Plane and Adam Roberson of Dos Gatos share about building brands that resonate both in person and online. From reels to real talk, they share what’s surprised them, what’s worked, and what they’ve learned along the way.

Did you know that when three or more people are singing together their heartbeats sync up? Tune in to learn more about how these two non-profit organizations are helping bring harmony to the Midcoast. Featuring Bay Chamber's Executive Director, Josie Davis and Midcoast Community Chorus's Executive Director, Anna Jones. Co-hosted by Brett Haynie.

Join us for an in-depth interview with two time James Beard Award winning chef, Melissa Kelly. Primo Restaurant in Rockland is currently in it's 26th season.

Colin Page joins us to talk about Page Gallery and his community initiatives. From the Camden Art Walk to the Plein Air Festival, learn how art is bringing Camden together and supporting the library.

Today, we're joined by Chelsea Kravitz and Chris Dawson , the innovative minds behind The Place Bakery in Camden. Since opening last summer, they've been the talk of the town. We'll uncover their New York to Midcoast Maine journey, the bakery's immediate success, and the surprises they've encountered along the way. Don't miss their story of bringing a slice of sweetness to...

Today, Bill Laurita from Swan’s Island Blanket Company talks about crafting blankets that are gifts for dignitaries and found in top hotels. Discover their commitment to quality in Camden and Northport.

Molly Feeney and Shannon Shimer from HOMEWORTHY are here to talk about their work in Rockland. Discover how their shelter connects people with homes, jobs, and healthcare, amidst a 100-person waitlist.

In today’s episode, we’re getting up close with Daiva Deupree and Megan Marsanskis of Lucky Betty's, the neighborhood bar that's all the buzz in town. From unique events to genius ways they’ve turned a negative review into a positive impact for charity, there’s a lot to love and laugh about. Tune in to hear how Lucky Betty's is mixing up more than just cocktails.

Join us as Suzanne Vizethann shares her journey from Atlanta chef to opening Buttermilk Kitchen in Camden. We'll hear about her cookbooks, her victory on Food Network show 'Chopped', and what's on the menu for her new venture.

Today we’re chatting with Vicki Murray , Camden’s own 'cupcake lady' and the creative force behind Laugh Loud Smile Big on Main Street. Known for her gourmet cupcakes that brighten any day, Vicki’s not just about baking; she’s also pouring her passion into a book. We’ll dive into her journey from the first cupcake to a flourishing business, discover what fuels her creativity, and maybe get...

Gardiner Bryant owns the Midcoast Maine-based agency, Heavy Element. He produced season 1 of the Camden Famous podcast, and is a rock star in his own creative right, recently helping a client reach one million youtube subscribers. Join us for a conversation about his how he helps small businesses reach their big goals.

Aaron Lincoln and Jaclyn Gilson share the deck on today's episode, discussing what makes sailing in Camden special with the Schooner Olad and Cutter Owl. Discover unique sails with a native captain’s perspective.

Today, Drew and Mackenzie Lyman discuss The Wharf at Lyman Morse. Learn how this hub with shops, dining, and a rooftop deck has become Camden's prime spot for harbor views and community gatherings.

Today we're joined by Will Tims and Brett Haynie, owners of the Norumbega Inn. The Norumbega is the only castle in New England offering overnight stays. Will and Brett bought the inn in 2022 and they've done some pretty incredible renovations. In today's show we'll be learning about what made them decide to undertake such a project, what they're planning next, and you'll wa...