The Community Cast

Hosted by Chalmers Insurance Group

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome and thank you for tuning into the Community Cast, a podcast by Chalmers Insurance Group. Since 1857, Chalmers has helped Maine and New Hampshire businesses and families protect what is most important to them. Each episode will feature a team member from Chalmers interviewing entrepreneurs, neighbors and local leaders about their stories, lessons learned, and how they are paying it forward in their communities. Whether you run your own business, or steward a local passion project, this is the podcast for you.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 3, 2026Episode 14626 min

From Capturing Moments to Creating Community with Heather Nyquist

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 confidence, and creating spaces where women feel seen and valued—both in business and beyond. If you've ever felt like you're building something on your own or want to better understand how community and creativity go hand in hand, this episode is for you.

May 20, 202634 min

From Baristas to Big Impact with Crystal Brown

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 meaningful community partnerships, Crystal gives an inside look at what makes the brand more than just a coffee stop. They also talk about the power of showing up as yourself, how local businesses can make a real difference, and what it means to truly invest in people. That includes everything from supporting Make-A-Wish to working on better water access for coffee farmers in Honduras. If you've ever thought about what it looks like to lead with purpose, build real relationships, and create a sense of community through your work, this episode is for you.

May 6, 2026Episode 14432 min

Reclaiming Your Home and Your Peace with Cholla Foote

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 shame. In this conversation, we talk about why decluttering is often more emotional than physical, common misconceptions around professional organizing, and how small changes like labeling, editing down belongings, and storing items where they are actually used can make a big difference in a home's daily flow. Cholla also shares meaningful client stories, her journey to starting The Useful Witch, and how listening to yourself and your space is often the first step toward feeling less overwhelmed. If you are craving calm, clarity, or a better relationship with your home, this episode will meet you right where you are.

April 22, 202629 min

Redefining Support During Midlife with Allison Poole

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 perimenopause and menopause can feel confusing or isolating, what she sees most often from sleep disruption and fatigue to shifts in how our bodies respond to routines that used to work, and how women can reconnect with their bodies in a way that feels empowering and not overwhelming. Allison also talks about the power of community and shared experience and offers a grounded perspective on the flood of quick fix midlife messaging, reminding listeners that real support starts with individualized care, sustainable habits, and making space to pause.

April 1, 2026Episode 14224 min

Building Confidence Through Clarity with Mackenzie Parsons

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 helps clients build confidence through clarity and consistency. Mackenzie also opens up about motherhood, leadership, and the legacy she hopes to create—both within her firm and for the next generation. Dottie and Mackenzie dive into the realities of financial "noise," the long‑game of investing, the importance of inclusive client experiences, and Cornerstone's commitment as a Certified B Corp to community impact and workplace culture. It's an inspiring conversation about purpose, planning, and leading with intention—one that will resonate with anyone seeking more confidence in their financial life or their leadership journey.

March 18, 2026Episode 14124 min

Creative Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Maine Roots with Becky McKinnell

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 launching iBec Creative straight out of college to growing Wildwood Oyster Co. from a side hustle into a recognized e‑commerce brand, Becky offers honest insights into leadership, perseverance, and the realities of running multiple businesses. Together, they explore what it means to be a woman in business, how motherhood has shaped Becky's leadership style, and why surrounding yourself with the right people makes growth possible. Becky also reflects on the importance of giving back, including iBec's Embrace Purpose Grant and her commitment to supporting Maine nonprofits. This conversation is full of thoughtful lessons on entrepreneurship, balance, and building businesses that reflect who you are — and where you come from.

December 23, 2025Episode 14039 min

Navigating Generational Transitions with Tammy Buss

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 families understand each other during transitions. Plus, hear Tammy's perspective on creating workplace flexibility and balance—values that have shaped her leadership and company culture.

December 17, 2025Episode 13935 min

Building Community Through Toys with Emily Drappi

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, and the magic of shopping local this holiday season.

October 15, 2025Episode 13820 min

Transformative Massage and Mindful Healing with Kendra Gobeil

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 healing, growth, and the impact of holistic care.

August 5, 2025Episode 13732 min

Behind the Lens of a Brand Photographer with Marissa Campbell

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 her dream shoot involves cats and a global superstar.