AUBURN, ME – Lydia’s Lunch Bunch has reached a milestone with the release of its 500th episode, marking a significant chapter for the local weekday podcast produced by Lydia Media in Auburn.

Hosted by Mark Turcotte with rotating co-hosts Sara Poulin and Lydia Media owner Pam Ashby, Lydia’s Lunch Bunch launched in August 2024 and aims to shine a positive light on the greater Lewiston-Auburn area. The show features local news, events and conversations with people making a positive impact in the community, along with fun, recurring segments including Famous People Birthdays, On This Day and Three Random Questions.

“The format has the feel of a traditional radio morning show,” said Turcotte. “Our focus is on the people of this area,” said Turcotte. “That includes business and nonprofit leaders, public officials, entertainers, educators, artists, athletes and more. If you’re making waves in LA, we look forward to sharing your story.”

“With everything going on in the world, we hope Lydia’s Lunch Bunch can be an outlet for positive energy,” said Ashby. “We also see the podcast, along with our publications, as a way to help businesses tell their stories and show people what our community has to offer. Whether a company is trying to attract employees, introduce someone new to the area or simply connect with the people who live here, local media can play an important role.”

Ashby added that the support of local businesses helps Lydia Media continue that mission.

“We’re fortunate to work with businesses that believe in the value of being part of this community,” she said. “Their support allows us to keep telling these stories, covering local events and highlighting the people, organizations and businesses that make this area special. In that way, it becomes a little bit of a partnership—we help businesses tell their stories, and their support helps us continue telling the bigger story of our community.”

Recent guests have included internationally touring musician Eli Lev, Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Susan Ruhlin, Auburn Manufacturing founder and CEO Kathie Leonard, Maine Shrine Lobster Bowl Classic organizer Bernie McAllister and Poland Spring Resort owner Cyndi Robbins.

The Lunch Bunch also has a mobile setup, allowing the team to broadcast from area events including the B2B Trade Show, Great Falls Brewfest, Art Walk LA and LA Metro Chamber breakfasts. The podcast also expanded its coverage into Western Maine this winter, offering listeners a glimpse into those making an impact in the Oxford Hills area.

The podcast is part of Lydia Media’s broader effort to connect people with their communities through local storytelling. In addition to Lydia’s Lunch Bunch, the company publishes Uncle Andy’s Digest, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and LA Metro Magazine, a quarterly publication focused on the people, businesses, organizations and stories shaping the region.

Lydia’s Lunch Bunch is recorded weekdays and released around lunchtime. Episodes can be streamed or downloaded at LydiaMediaLLC.com and on major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Amazon Music.