Collaborate & Listen

This episode features Lori Waltz, the executive director of Leadership Seacoast, discussing the program's impact on community engagement, leadership development, and regional growth. Discover how the program fosters civic responsibility across diverse participants and learn how to get involved.

In this episode of Collaborate & Listen, Ben VanCamp sits down with Kara Anne Rodenhizer executive director of Home for All, about the organization’s work across the housing spectrum, innovative programs like pop-up care villages, and upcoming initiatives including Affordable Housing Week. They discuss the importance of comprehensive housing solutions, community engagement, and the evolving landscape of housing policy in the Seacoast region.

In this episode, Lisa Keslar shares her inspiring journey from being hesitant about networking to becoming a top networker and community leader. We explore her work with Keslar Insurance, her teaching at UNH, and her involvement with the Women's Business League, highlighting the importance of community, collaboration, and giving back.Congratulations to Lisa Keslar, our 2026 CelebrateHER Small But MIGHTY Business Leader of the Year - Sponsored by First Seacoast Bank

This episode features community leader Anne Weidman sharing her inspiring journey of small acts leading to big community impacts. From building inclusive spaces to fostering local engagement, discover how tiny actions can create lasting change.Congratulations to Anne Weidman, our 2026 CelebrateHER Outside the Box Leader of the Year - Sponsored by Vent Activity Rooms

In this episode, host Ben VanCamp connects with Kaylee Gagne and explores her journey as a young professional in banking and community leadership, highlights her role in fostering collaboration through Catapult Seacoast, and celebrates the achievements of 2025. Discover insights on community building, leadership, and the exciting plans for 2026.This episode is part of our series celebrating the recipients of our 2025 Collaborative Awards. Kaley was recognized as our Collaborator of the Year - sponsored by Novocure.

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Larry Vannata, founder of Portsmouth Team Building, as he shares how his passion for interactive entertainment and community engagement led to the creation of multiple successful businesses. Discover insights on entrepreneurship, innovative team-building activities, and the importance of experience-driven business models.In this special edition of Collaborate & Listen, we also celebrate Portsmouth Team Building's selection as our 2025 Small But MIGHTY Business of the Year!

In this episode, host Ben Van Camp speaks with Sophie Gee., co-owner and COO of janegee, about her journey in the retail community of downtown Portsmouth and celebrate her selection as the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year.Sophie and Ben discuss the Local Love initiative aimed at revitalizing local businesses, the challenges faced by retailers, and the importance of community engagement. Sophie shares her vision for a collaborative retail environment and the future aspirations for both janegee and the Local Love initiative.The 2025 Volunteer of the Year is presented by Centrus DigitalCollaborate & Listen is sponsored by Daystar

In this episode of "Collaborate and Listen," host Ben Van Camp speaks with Lisa Wolford, the executive director of the Children's Law Center of New Hampshire, a nonprofit dedicated to providing legal representation for children in the state. Founded in 2022, the organization aims to support children growing up in poverty and facing various legal challenges, including those related to abuse, neglect, and special education needs. Lisa shares her journey into this field, highlighting her experiences as a public defender and her work with the attorney general's office, which shaped her understanding of the systemic issues affecting vulnerable youth in New Hampshire.The conversation delves into the complexities of the child welfare system, the challenges faced by children in legal proceedings, and the importance of community support and policy advocacy. Lisa emphasizes the need for a shift in how the system addresses the needs of children, advocating for more resources and training for foster homes, as well as a focus on preventive measures to avoid the costly and damaging consequences of institutional placements. The episode serves as a call to action for listeners to engage with and support initiatives aimed at improving the lives of at-risk children in New Hampshire.

In this episode, Ben Van Camp connects with Brendan from Service Dogs NH, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with service dogs. They discuss the various roles of service dogs, the financial aid available for veterinary bills, and the importance of advocacy and education regarding service dog rights. Brendan shares insights into common misconceptions about service dogs and highlights the organization's growth and future goals.

In this episode of Collaborate and Listen, Ben VanCamp interviews John Moro, a pharmacist at The Herbal Path, discussing the integration of herbal medicine into traditional pharmacy practices. They explore the calming environment of The Herbal Path, the importance of knowledgeable staff, and the misconceptions surrounding herbal medicine. John shares his journey from traditional pharmacy to herbal medicine, highlighting the challenges faced in conventional pharmacy and the benefits of an integrative approach to health. The conversation also touches on the risks of polypharmacy and the importance of patient education in navigating health care.

In this episode of Collaborate and Listen, host Ben VanCamp speaks with Tina from My Breast Cancer Support, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to breast cancer patients in New Hampshire and southern Maine. They discuss the organization's mission, the high incidence of breast cancer in New Hampshire, the various support services offered, and the importance of community involvement. Tina shares personal stories and insights into the emotional and financial challenges faced by patients, as well as the organization's fundraising events and future initiatives aimed at improving patient care and support.

In this episode of Collaborate and Listen, we connect with Emmy Ham from the Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast. We discuss the importance of affordable housing, the challenges faced by communities, and the innovative strategies employed by the Coalition to advocate for housing solutions. Emmy shares her personal journey into housing advocacy, the role of charrettes in community engagement, and the significance of local businesses in supporting housing initiatives. Our conversation highlights the pressing need for affordable housing and the collaborative efforts required to address this critical issue.

In this episode, we get to know Anne Hayes, the executive director of Gather, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building food security in the community. We discuss Gather's rich history, innovative programs, and the importance of treating clients with dignity. The conversation highlights the expansion of mobile markets, the strategic planning behind community outreach, and the upcoming new facility that will enhance Gather's capacity to serve the community. The episode emphasizes the growing need for food assistance and the critical role of community support in addressing food insecurity.