Shows / Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Orleans: Behind the Scenes is a community-focused podcast produced for the Town of Orleans that takes listeners inside the work of local government. Each episode features candid conversations with town officials, department leaders, and community members to explain how town services operate, demystify municipal processes, and highlight initiatives that impact life in Orleans. From budgeting and public safety to cultural events and strategic planning, the podcast aims to educate, engage, and…
Episodes
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Special Town Meeting | Inside the Capital Budget (S3, 20)
Roofs, generators, water systems: someone has to plan for when they wear out and figure out how to pay for them. Finance Director Darrin Tangeman explains the…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Town Meeting | A Voter’s Field Guide (S3, 19)
In Orleans, the voters are the legislature. Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten break down how Town Meeting works, how Annual and Special Town Meeting differ…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Four Zoning Articles | What's Coming to Special Town Meeting (S3, 18)
Zoning decides what gets built in Orleans, where, and how it's used, but bylaw language is hard to read cold. Four zoning articles go to Special Town Meeting…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Connecting to Town Sewer | Your Questions Answered (S3, 17)
Thinking about connecting your home to Town sewer - or already in the middle of it? We sat down with John Nelson, Orleans' Water/Sewer Program Coordinator, to…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Water Watch | Drought Management in Orleans (S03, E 16)
Orleans' water comes entirely from a sole-source aquifer - no rivers or reservoirs to fall back on - which makes the town especially sensitive to how much snow…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
On Call | Fire-Rescue and Emergency Readiness in Orleans (S03, 15)
Fire-Rescue Chief Geof Deering sits down to talk about his path into the fire service and what it's like leading Orleans Fire-Rescue. We get a real look at…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Reading the Water | Cyanobacteria Awareness in Orleans (S3, 14)
Cyanobacteria can turn a summer pond day into a health risk - and Orleans has people watching for it. Health & Human Services Director Alex Fitch breaks down…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Third Space | Inside Snow Library (S03, 13)
Libraries aren't just about books anymore - they're becoming one of the last free, no-strings-attached public spaces left in a lot of communities. This week…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Building a Resilient Downtown, Part 2 | Heat, Walkability & What the Charrette Revealed (S3, 12)
The Downtown & Town Cove Resiliency Project is back - and this time we're talking public health. We're joined again by Elizabeth Jenkins from the Town's…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Four Towns, One District | Inside Nauset Public Schools (S3, 11)
Glenn Brand came to Nauset after more than two decades leading schools across Massachusetts and beyond. We sit down with the superintendent to hear what his…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
More Than Tax Bills | Inside the Treasurer/Tax Collector's Office (S3, 10)
Ever wondered what actually happens inside the Treasurer/Tax Collector's Office? In this episode, we sit down with Scott Walker and Maya Golding to find out -…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Building a Resilient Downtown | Orleans' Ecological Infrastructure Project (S3, 09)
What does it take to make Downtown Orleans more resilient to flooding, water quality threats, and a changing climate? We sit down with Elizabeth Jenkins from…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Sun, Sand & Stickers | Getting Ready for Orleans Summer (S3, 08)
We've been waiting for this! Stacy Faber from the DPW & Natural Resources Sticker Office joins Mia and Amanda to cover everything you need for a great Orleans…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Fire-Rescue Station & Town Meeting | A Project Update for Orleans Residents (S3, 07)
In this episode, we take a closer look at the proposed new Fire-Rescue Station and the articles on the upcoming Town Meeting warrant. Hosts Mia and Amanda are…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Wastewater Planning and Projects | What to Expect at Town Meeting (S3, 06)
In this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, we sit down with Rich Waldo to walk through upcoming wastewater-related items that will be before voters at Town…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Understanding the FY27 Town Budget | What Residents Need to Know (S03, 05)
Annual Town Meeting is where Orleans residents vote on the Town’s budget - and in this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we’re breaking down what that…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Understanding the Role of the Select Board (S03, 04)
What does the Select Board do - and how does it help guide the direction of the Town? In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we sit down with Select…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
On the Water with Natural Resources (S3, 03)
In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, Mia and Amanda sit down with Nate Sears, the Town of Orleans’ Natural Resources Manager and Harbor Master. Nate…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Inside the Town Manager’s Office (S3, 02)
In this episode, we sit down with Kim Newman to talk about her role as Orleans’ chief administrative officer and what happens behind the scenes at Town Hall…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
2025 in Review | Progress, Priorities, and What’s Next (S3, 01)
As Orleans enters a new year, this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes takes a step back to reflect on what defined 2025 - and looks ahead to what’s coming…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Understanding Town Finances and the Budget Process (S2, 23)
How does a town manage its finances - and what goes into building the annual budget? In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, Amanda Converse and Mia…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
What Is a Comprehensive Plan | How Can You Help Shape It? (S2, 22)
What exactly is a Comprehensive Plan, and why is it so important for Orleans’ future? In this episode, host Amanda Converse talks with Planning and Community…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Building the Future of Downtown | Understanding the Downtown Housing Overlay District (S2, 21)
We’re continuing our Town Meeting education series with a conversation about Warrant Article 2, which proposes the Downtown Housing Overlay District. Co-hosts…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Reimagining Eldredge Park | Investing in the Heart of Orleans (S2, 20)
Voters will consider Article 9 at the November 17 Special Town Meeting — a proposal to invest $3 million in Community Preservation Act funds to renovate and…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Elections, Records, and Town Meeting | The Work of the Town Clerk (S2, 19)
In this episode, Amanda and Mia sit down with Town Clerk Kelly Darling to explore one of the most essential — and busiest — departments in Orleans. Kelly…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Civic Spotlight | Town Meeting 101 (S2, 18)
Town Meeting is the oldest form of direct democracy in New England, and it’s how Orleans makes many of its most important decisions. In this episode, Amanda…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Fall Recreation | Quality of Life in Orleans (S2, 17)
Summer may be winding down, but life in Orleans is just as vibrant in the fall. From crisp walks on the beach with your dog to youth sports, adult programs…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Rethinking Public Health | Orleans’ Department of Health & Human Services (S2, 16)
In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, hosts Amanda Converse and Mia Baumgarten talk with Alex Fitch, Director of Orleans’ newly renamed Department of…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Inside the Building Department | Permits, Projects & Public Safety (S2, 15)
In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we talk with Davis Walters, Building Commissioner for the Town of Orleans. Davis shares how he got into public…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Laying the Foundation | Zoning for the Future of Orleans (S2, 14)
In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, co-hosts Mia Baumgarten and Amanda Converse sit down with George Meservey, Director of Planning and Community…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Behind the Screen | Inside Government Access Channel 8 (S2, 13)
In this episode, Amanda flips the script and interviews her usual cohost, Media Operations Coordinator Mia Baumgarten, about the behind-the-scenes work of…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Building a Thriving Local Economy | Economic Development in Orleans (S2, 12)
In this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, host Mia Baumgarten switches things up and interviews Amanda Converse (her usual co-host), the Town’s Public…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Expanding the Vision | Orleans Recreation Gets a Refresh (S2, 11)
In this episode, we catch up with Recreation Director Tom DeSiervo and introduce Jamie Demetri, the newest member of the team. The department has a new…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Beach Ready | Everything You Need to Know for a Safe and Fun Summer in Orleans (S2, 10)
In this episode, Amanda and Mia chat with Beach Safety Officer Tony Pike about everything you need to know to enjoy Orleans beaches this summer. From getting…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Engineering Orleans | DPW Director Rich Waldo (S2, 09)
What does the Department of Public Works and Natural Resources actually do? In this episode, Mia and Amanda talk with DPW Director Rich Waldo about the…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Inside Town Meeting 2025 | What Passed, What Surprised Us, and What’s Next (S2, 08)
In this episode, we sit down with Select Board Chair Mark Mathison and Vice Chair Kevin Galligan to unpack the 2025 Annual Town Meeting. We talk about key…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Behind the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant (S2, 07)
In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we sit down with Assistant Town Manager Mark Reil to break down what’s in the 2025 Annual Town Meeting Warrant…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Inside the Orleans Cultural District and Arts Week (S2, 06)
In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we’re joined by Bonny Campbell-Runyon from the Orleans Cultural District to talk about how Orleans supports and…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Why Orleans Needs a New Fire Station (S2, 05)
In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, Public Information Officer Amanda Converse and Media Operations Coordinator Mia Baumgarten sit down with Fire…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Breaking Down the Town's Annual Budget (S2, 04)
In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we dive into one of the most important topics in town government—the annual budget. Hosts Mia and Amanda are…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Behind the Tap | How Orleans Delivers Clean Water (S2, 03)
Clean, safe water doesn’t just happen—it takes careful management and a dedicated team. In this episode, we sit down with Susan Brown from Orleans’…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Addressing Housing Needs in Orleans (S2, 02)
In this episode ofOrleans: Behind the Scenes, we speak with Elizabeth Jenkins, Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development for the Town of…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Planning for Orleans’ Future | Planning + Community Development Department (S2, 01)
In this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, we chat with George Meservey, Director of Planning and Community Development, to explore how the department…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 28: Understanding the Orleans Sewer Project | Construction, Betterments, and Connections
In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, we dive into the Town of Orleans’ phased sewer project—a vital effort to protect our environment, support…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 27: Town of Orleans Council on Aging and Senior Center
In this episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, we sit down with Judi Wilson, Director of the Orleans Council on Aging, to explore how the Senior Center…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 26: Gabby Parker + Ian Mack, Orleans Fire Department Annual Holiday Donation Drive
This episode focuses on the Orleans Fire Department's "Homeless for the Holidays" initiative, an annual event designed to raise awareness and support for those…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 25: Amanda Converse | Keeping Orleans Informed
In this episode of Orleans Behind the Scenes, Mia sits down with the Town's new Public Information Officer Amanda Converse, who shares her background and…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 24: Kevin Galligan | Special Town Meeting Recap
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, the Mia and Mike recap the highlights from the recent Special Town Meeting with a special guest, Kevin…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 23: Special Town Meeting Preview with Assistant Town Manager, Mark Reil
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Town of Orleans' Assistant Town Manager, Mark Reil to…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 22: Stephen Smith | Cape Cod Technology Council & FixCapeInternet.com
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Steve Smith, Executive Director of the Cape Cod…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 21: Stacy Faber | Town of Orleans Sticker Office
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Stacy Faber, Assistant to the DPW Director/Sticker…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 20: Shelly McComb & Katie Castagno | Coastal Resilience Week 2024
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, host Mia Baumgarten welcomes Shelly McComb, Coastal Resilience Specialist with Cape Cod Cooperative…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 19: Judy Lindahl | First Friday! & Boards in the Stores
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Judy Lindahl, Executive Director of the Orleans Chamber…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 18: Doreen Leggett | Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Doreen Leggett, Community Journalist and Communications…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 17: Christina Wiseman & Katie Geissler | Walk for Hope 2024
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Christina and Katie from Housing Assistance to discuss…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 15: Talitha Abramsen | Lower Cape Housing & Accessory Dwelling Unit Resource Center
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Talitha Abramsen, Housing Resources Program Manager with…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 14: Latham Centers' 2024 Donkey Dash with Jackie O'Connor and Ashley Bulger
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Jackie O’Connor, Advancement Director and Ashley Bulger…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 13: Tavi Prugno | Library Director, Snow Library
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Tavi Prugno from Snow Library. Tune in to catch up on…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 12: Geof Deering, Fire Chief | Town of Orleans
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Geof Deering, Orleans Fire Chief. Tune in to catch up on…
- Orleans: Behind the Scenes
Episode 11: Tyler Hadfield and Cameron Hadfield of The Rail and The Barley Neck
On this week's episode of Orleans: Behind the Scenes, hosts Mia Baumgarten and Mike Solitro welcome Tyler and Cam to talk partnering with a sibling, leading…