The Community Cast

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Zach Poole, co-owner of Portland Beer Hub and Portland Explorer. Zach shares how a love for Maine's craft beer scene and community led him from launching the Maine Brew Bus to creating experiences that help visitors connect with the people, places, and stories that make Portland unique. They talk about entrepreneurship, h...

In this episode of The Community Cast , Carissa Chipman sits down with Terri Mulks, Camp Director of Camp Susan Curtis, to highlight a place that has changed thousands of young lives here in Maine. For more than 50 years, the camp has provided tuition-free summer experiences for kids who need it most. Terri shares what makes those 10 days so meaningful, from first-day nerves to the confidence and...

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Heather Nyquist, wedding and branding photographer and director of Maine Women in Business. Heather shares how her creative work and experience as an entrepreneur led her to build a growing community centered on connection, support, and collaboration. They talk about the power of showing up authentically, building confide...

In this episode of The Community Cast, Carissa Chipman sits down with Crystal Brown, Community Marketing Manager for Maine and New Hampshire at Aroma Joe's and Chair of the AJ Cares Foundation. Crystal shares how she's built a career rooted in connection and bringing Aroma Joe's mission to "positively impact people" to life every day. From empowering baristas in their first jobs to building meanin...

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Cholla Foote, owner of The Useful Witch, a professional organizing service that helps people turn overwhelmed homes into spaces that truly support their lives. Through compassion, intuition, and practical systems, Cholla works with clients to create physical order that leads to greater mental clarity without judgment or s...

In this episode of The Community Cast , Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Allison Poole, physical therapist, integrative women's health coach, and owner of Allison Poole Midlife Wellness & Community. Allison brings a thoughtful, compassionate voice to conversations about midlife health, connection, and what it really means to feel supported during a season of change. She shares why perimenopau...

In this episode of The Community Cast , Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Mackenzie Parsons, CFP®, principal and financial planner of Cornerstone Financial Planning. Mackenzie has built her career around thoughtful planning, trusted relationships, and a deeply personal, values‑driven approach to financial advice. She shares how she empowers women, demystifies financial decision‑making, and hel...

In this episode of The Community Cast , Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with creative entrepreneur Becky McKinnell — founder of iBec Creative and creator of the iconic Wildwood Oyster Co. handbags loved around the world. Becky shares how she built not one, but two thriving Maine‑based businesses by leading with creativity, listening closely to customers, and staying rooted in community. From laun...

In this episode of The Community Cast , host Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Tammy Buss, founder of Blue Roots, to explore the world of family-owned businesses and succession planning. Tammy shares why she launched Blue Roots after decades in financial services, reflects on the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, and explains how tools like Kolbe and Print help fami...

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Emily Drappi, co-owner of Island Treasure Toys. Emily takes us from her Maine roots to working at Wayfair and ultimately becoming the owner of beloved local toy stores. She reveals the joys and challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of creative play, and how her team fosters community connection. Discover toy trends, nostalgic favorites, a...

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Kendra Gobeil, founder of Mainely Massage and Holistic Solutions in Windham, Maine. Kendra shares her journey from athlete to therapist, her passion for personalized wellness, and powerful client transformations—from avoiding surgery to healing chronic pain and swelling through massage and lymphatic therapy. This episode is a celebration of healin...

In this episode of The Community Cast, host  Carissa Chipman chats with Marissa Campbell, brand photographer and founder of Marissa Elise Photography. From her unexpected journey from dietician to full-time creative entrepreneur, to building a vibrant studio and community in Southern Maine. Marissa shares how she helps entrepreneurs show up confidently and authentically in their businesses—and why...

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Jenn Ross-Boshes, founder of Beauty Mark Co. in Portland, Maine. Jenn shares how she pivoted from a successful corporate career to pursue her passion for skincare. She discusses launching Beauty Mark in 2007, the science-backed brands she trusts, and how training with a dermal scientist transformed her approach. Jenn champions personalized ski...

In this episode, Carissa Chipman sits down with professional organizer Stephanie Treantos, founder of Lemonaid Solutions, to talk transformation, organization, and the power of creating calm in the chaos. From the meaning behind her brand to her simple, intuitive systems—and how to start small when organizing feels overwhelming—it's a heartfelt conversation full of fresh perspective and practical...

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Tenaya Britton and Mary Beth Golden, co-founders of Held Portland—a community initiative helping women connect through intentional gatherings. They share how Held was born from friendship and a shared desire to build meaningful connection, the power of storytelling, and how creating space for vulnerability is transforming lives in Portland and bey...

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Philip Hussey, CEO of Thomas Moser. Philip shares his journey from growing up in Kennebunk to leading a renowned furniture company. They discuss leadership, craftsmanship, and preserving the company's heritage. Philip reflects on customer experience, community engagement, and the future of Thomas Moser.

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews John Isaacson, CEO of Lee Auto Malls. John shares his journey from a summer job in the car business to leading one of Maine's largest auto retailers. They discuss leadership, innovation, and resilience during economic downturns. John reflects on mentoring, customer care, and the future of the auto industry, including electric vehicles and smart te...

In this episode of The Community Cast, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Lily Jocham, owner of Reframe Fitness. Lily shares how her early experiences and background in mental health shaped her approach to fitness. From discovering boutique fitness in college to founding Reframe Fitness, Lily emphasizes the importance of connection, personalized support, and community collaboration. She also reflec...

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Kara Pass, President and CEO of Market Street Trust Company. Kara shares her inspiring journey from working as a bank teller to leading a client-owned, shared family office. She offers an inside look at how Market Street Trust supports multigenerational families through a comprehensive suite of services. Kara also highlights the critical role...

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Ashley Tucci, owner of Aristelle, a lingerie boutique in Portland. Ashley shares her journey from a career in software and financial service sales to becoming a small business owner. She discusses the mission of Aristale, the importance of empowering women, and her involvement in community initiatives. Tune in to hear Ashley's inspiring story, her...

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Matt Pouliot, founder and CEO of Pouliot Real Estate. Matt shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Augusta to becoming a successful real estate agent and founding his own company. Tune in to hear Matt's insights on balancing his roles as a business leader and former state senator, his approach to community engagement, and his advice for as...

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Sally Helgesen, author of How Women Rise. Sally shares powerful insights on women's leadership and career advancement. She discusses how to build the right relationships, advocate for yourself, and position yourself for success. Listen in for expert advice on navigating workplace challenges, developing key leadership habits, and rising with confid...

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Tawni Whitney, Executive Director of the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce. Tawni shares insights on community engagement, the challenges and successes of local businesses in Freeport, and how the Chamber supports economic growth. Listen to learn more about Tawny's efforts to revitalize downtown Freeport and foster strong community relationship...

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter sits down with Courtney Wyse, also known as @CocoWyse, a fashion influencer and blogger. Courtney shares her journey from rural Maine to becoming a successful influencer, her transition from nursing to fashion, and how she stays authentic to her followers. Tune in to hear about her daily life, the challenges she faces, and her tips for staying true to onesel...

In this episode, Dottie Chalmers Cutter interviews Kim Anania, President and CEO of KMA Human Resources Consulting. Kim discusses the inspiration behind her women-owned HR consulting firm and the services KMA offers. She also talks about her passion for community involvement and her involvement in various community organizations. Additionally, Kim highlights the most common HR pitfalls businesses...