“In the Arena” is a podcast for Mainers interested in a deeper understanding of the political issues facing our state, featuring former TV anchor/reporter Pat Callaghan, former Republican state Sen. Phil Harriman and former Democratic Portland mayor Ethan Strimling.

This week, on the first episode, Pat, Phil and Ethan discuss Maine Rep. Jared Golden’s Republican opponent Austin Theriault, the political implications of Hamas’ attack on Israel and the Portland mayoral race.

In their lightning round, the three debate what’s “newsworthy” and “snooze worthy,” including Republicans filing an ethics complaint against Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, Gov. Janet Mills’ opposition to the Pine Tree Power referendum, opponents of CMP being paid to campaign for the company, Mills’ puzzling social media post and whether former Gov. Paul LePage might be gunning for Maine Sen. Angus King’s seat.

Finally, Pat recounts a fun story from former Sen. George Mitchell about his longtime mentor and former U.S. Secretary of State Ed Muskie.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or in your RSS feed.