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🎙️ Q-Point Podcast

"Humans Over Houses"
— Cota On Maine Real Estate

Award-winning NextHome Experience Broker/Owner Jon Cota joins Q-Point Podcast for an in-depth conversation about Maine's real estate market, home affordability, interest rates, company culture, and the philosophy that has helped build one of the nation's top-performing NextHome brokerages.

Cota discusses why he believes homeownership remains one of the best long-term investments, even in today's market, and explains why buyers shouldn't necessarily wait for interest rates to fall before purchasing a home. He also shares his perspective on affordability, capital gains, 1031 exchanges, first-time homebuyer programs, and the trends shaping Maine's housing market.

The conversation also explores what has helped NextHome Experience become one of the company's top offices nationwide, including its commitment to training, technology, leadership, and a culture centered around what Cota calls "Humans Over Houses." He also discusses the recent acquisition of NextHome by AGNT, what it means for agents and clients, and why he believes the company's future is stronger than ever.

Beyond real estate, Cota talks about giving back through community events, developing future leaders, his involvement with Bangor Junior Rams football, and why investing in Maine's communities is just as important as helping families buy and sell homes.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine and WLOB Portland.

⬇️ 🎧 Stream On: QPointPodcast.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music | YouTube Music

This episode was prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.

The views, information, opinions, and comments expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Q-Point Podcast, its hosts, associates, affiliates, or sponsors.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | TJ Baggett

"It Was For The French Fries"
— Baggett On How His Golf Journey Began

Director of Golf and General Manager of Astor Creek Golf & Country Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, TJ Baggett joins Q-Point Podcast to share the remarkable journey that took him from riding his bicycle to a local golf course in Virginia for french fries to pursuing a career in professional golf.

Baggett reflects on competing on mini tours across the country, Monday qualifying for what is now the Korn Ferry Tour, and the realities of chasing a professional golf career—including the financial challenges, long hours on the road, and the mental discipline required to compete at a high level.

The conversation explores what separates elite golfers from everyone else, the importance of confidence, why so few players ever reach the PGA Tour, and the significant costs involved in pursuing a professional career.

Baggett also shares his perspective on the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, Tiger Woods' impact on the game, and the experiences that took him from Virginia to golf operations and management roles in the Bahamas, Russia, Hawaii, California, and now Florida.

The discussion concludes with an inside look at Astor Creek Golf & Country Club, where Baggett discusses creating a member-focused experience, building community through events and activities, growing the game of golf, and why he believes the business is ultimately about serving people.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine and WLOB Portland.

⬇️ 🎧 Stream On: QPointPodcast.com │ Apple Podcasts │ Spotify │ iHeartRadio │ Amazon Music │ YouTube Music

This episode was prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.

The views, information, opinions, and comments expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Q-Point Podcast, its hosts, producers, sponsors, associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Chris Gardner

"The Community Is Always Seen As The Grand Marshal"
— Gardner On Eastport, Maine's Fourth Of July Parade

Executive Director of the Eastport Port Authority and former Washington County Commissioner Chris Gardner joins Q-Point Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation beginning with one of Maine's most celebrated Fourth of July traditions.

Gardner discusses what makes Eastport's Independence Day celebration unique, including Old Home Week, the arrival of a U.S. Navy destroyer, one of Maine's largest Fourth of July parades, community traditions, tourism, and the volunteers who help transform the city into a destination for thousands of visitors each year.

The conversation then shifts to the future of Down East Maine, where Gardner discusses Eastport's working waterfront, commercial fishing, aquaculture, cruise tourism, economic development, and the challenges of attracting younger families to rural Maine.

A significant portion of the interview focuses on Washington County's recent financial challenges, where Gardner explains the accounting error that resulted in years of undertaxing, the county's budget process, property taxes, law enforcement staffing, rural public safety, drug enforcement, cross-border relationships with Canada, and what he believes policymakers should prioritize to strengthen Maine's rural communities.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine and WLOB Portland.

⬇️ 🎧 Stream On: QPointPodcast.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music | YouTube Music

This episode was prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.

The views, information, opinions, and comments expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Q-Point Podcast, its hosts, associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno (Ohio)

"We Could Drive Maine's Energy Prices Down Dramatically"
— Moreno On Maine Energy Costs

Senior United States Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio returns to Q-Point Podcast for an in-depth conversation covering some of the biggest issues facing Maine and the nation.

Moreno discusses President Trump's approach to Iran, the future of U.S. manufacturing, tariffs, housing affordability, property taxes, interest rates, artificial intelligence data centers, and the federal government's role in shaping economic policy.

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Maine's high electricity costs, where Moreno argues that expanded natural gas infrastructure could dramatically reduce energy prices across New England. He also discusses small modular nuclear reactors, energy permitting, and what he sees as the biggest obstacles to affordable power in the region.

The interview also explores Moreno's Connected Vehicle Security Act, which would restrict Chinese-connected vehicles from entering the U.S. market, along with federal electric vehicle mandates, charging infrastructure spending, and the future of the American auto industry.

Additional topics include the capital gains exclusion on primary residences, housing inventory, institutional investor ownership of homes, the Road to Housing bill, tax policy, and the outlook for the 2026 elections.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine and WLOB Portland.

⬇️ 🎧 Stream On: QPointPodcast.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music | YouTube Music

This episode was prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.

The views, information, opinions, and comments expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Q-Point Podcast, its hosts, associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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🎙️ Q-Point Podcast

“The Number Shouldn’t Exist”
— Packard On Child Deaths Under Maine State Custody

Republican candidate for Maine House District 64 Shawn Packard joins Q-Point Podcast to discuss his firsthand experience in Maine's foster care system, his advocacy for children in state custody, and why he believes significant reforms are needed within Maine's child welfare system.

Packard shares his journey through 12 foster homes after entering care at age 12, his efforts to expose abuse within a residential facility, and his work advocating for foster youth alongside state leaders. He discusses concerns about children who have died under state custody, accountability within DHHS, communication gaps between mandated reporters and child welfare officials, and proposals aimed at improving oversight and outcomes for vulnerable children.

The conversation also explores Packard's vision for education reform in Maine, including literacy challenges, teacher accountability, workforce readiness, vocational education, and the role technology and artificial intelligence could play in helping students succeed. He argues that Maine must do more to prepare young people for future careers while creating opportunities that encourage them to remain in the state.

Packard also discusses his family, his campaign for House District 64, and why he believes his personal experiences have prepared him to represent the residents of Waterville and Winslow in Augusta.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine and WLOB Portland.

⬇️ 🎧 Stream On: QPointPodcast.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music | YouTube Music

This episode was prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.

The views, information, opinions, and comments expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Q-Point Podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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Q-Point Podcast

"A Brutal, Unforced Error By Government"
— Bennett On Maine's Transportation Funding Crisis

Maine independent gubernatorial candidate and State Senator Rick Bennett joins Q-Point Podcast to discuss the aftermath of Maine's primary election, the issues he is hearing from voters across the state, and why he believes more Mainers are looking beyond the traditional two-party system.

Bennett shares his views on affordability, housing, healthcare, energy costs, education, and economic growth while outlining his vision for governing as an independent and restoring trust in state government.

The conversation also takes an in-depth look at Maine's transportation funding crisis. Bennett discusses the $400 million shortfall, delayed road projects, potential impacts on jobs and economic activity, and why he believes the situation represents "a brutal, unforced error by government." He also shares his thoughts on what state leaders should do next and whether additional legislative action may be necessary.

Additionally, Bennett discusses newly enacted legislation addressing second-generation rodenticides, explains what distinguishes his campaign from Democratic and Republican opponents, and outlines his priorities if elected Maine's next governor.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine.

⬇️ 🎧 Stream On: QPointPodcast.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music | YouTube Music

This episode was prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.

The views, information, opinions, and comments expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Q-Point Podcast, its hosts, associates, affiliates, or sponsors.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Jake Lachance, MBTA

"Nobody's Gonna Be Immune From This"
— Lachance On Maine's Transportation Funding Shortfall

Joining Q-Point Podcast is Jake Lachance, Executive Director of the Maine Better Transportation Association (MBTA), for a discussion about Maine's growing transportation funding challenges and what they could mean for communities across the state.

Lachance explains why MBTA was surprised by the magnitude of the current funding shortfall, discusses the importance of predictability and consistency in transportation funding, and outlines how reductions in state funding could affect roads, bridges, housing developments, downtown revitalization projects, airports, transit systems, and other infrastructure investments.

The conversation explores the role of federal matching funds, the failure of this year's transportation bond proposal, rising construction and operational costs, and why MBTA believes Maine must identify a long-term dedicated funding source to avoid future disruptions. Lachance also discusses how projects are prioritized, the relationship between state and federal funding, and what options lawmakers may have as they work to address the shortfall.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine.

⬇️ 🎧 Stream On: QPointPodcast.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music | YouTube Music

This episode was prerecorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.

The views, information, opinions, and comments expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Q-Point Podcast, its hosts, associates, affiliates, or sponsors.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.

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🎙️ Q-Point Podcast | Dale Doughty, Commissioner, Maine Department of Transportation

“This Isn't A One-Year Problem”
— Doughty On Why MaineDOT Is Delaying Projects

Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner Dale Doughty joins Corenna Quirk to discuss the funding challenges facing Maine's transportation system and why some road and bridge projects may be delayed.

Doughty explains a long-standing transportation funding gap that MaineDOT has managed for years, why the issue has become more urgent, and how a state funding shortfall could impact roughly $400 million in transportation projects. He outlines the difficult decisions facing the department, including delaying projects while lawmakers and transportation officials explore both short-term and long-term funding solutions.

The conversation also examines how transportation projects are prioritized, why some roads are rebuilt while others remain on maintenance cycles, and the challenges of maintaining thousands of miles of roads and nearly 2,800 bridges across one of the nation's largest geographic states.

Doughty discusses the role of federal funding, transportation bonds, fuel taxes, and other revenue sources, while explaining why he believes Maine must begin a broader conversation about how transportation infrastructure will be funded in the future.

The episode concludes with a discussion about the importance of transportation to Maine's economy, communities, and quality of life—and why, as Doughty explains, the current funding challenge is not a one-year problem.

📻 Airs weekends on The Voice of Maine.

⬇️ 🎧 Stream at:
QPointPodcast.com | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Amazon Music | YouTube Music

Pre-recorded, produced, and sponsored by Corenna Quirk, Broker at NextHome Experience.

The views, information, opinions, and comments expressed during this program do not necessarily represent those of the host, Q-Point Podcast associates, or affiliates.

Support the show

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or recommendations of any nature whatsoever, and no warrantee, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy of the information presented is made by your use. The views, information, opinions, comments, and observations of this podcast may not be those of the host or the management, and you entertain and rely on the content presented at your sole risk and responsibility. Your access of this podcast acknowledges that the contents and design are the sole property of the presenter and no use in any shape, manner or form of this podcast may be made without written permission. The presenter of the podcast hereby disclaims any and all responsibility for any and all damages arising out of or related to your use, reference and reliance on podcasts and information presented therein.