The ties between siblings are a unique mix of the biological and psychological. Shared DNA can go way beyond the physical, especially when it joins the same gender. Join us today as we explore the highs and lows of sisterhood with two sets of remarkable sisters: Best-selling author and sea captain, Linda Greenlaw and  her sister, Beth Shissler,  co owner of Sea Bags Inc, and Jessica Tomlinson, Director of Artists at Work at Maine College of Art and Board President of Space Gallery and her baby sister, local hip-hop artist, Sonya. Whether you have a sister or just feel like you do, discover how these kind of intense relationships add joy and inspiration to life.

The Dr. Lisa Radio Hour & Podcast airs weekly at 11 am on WLOB radio 1310 AM (Portland)/streaming online. Listen to the Podcast or click on this link:

Sisters: Dr. Lisa # 41

Click here to read the article referenced in our "Wellness Innovations" segment, sponsored by the University of New England.

Listen to individual interviews with our guests here.

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Our first featured guest is Beth Shissler of Sea Bags. Beth Shissler, co-owner and President of Sea Bags, Inc. was born and raised in Maine.

Shissler established a career in technology manufacturing where she progressively developed distribution channels for global accounts. She was ultimately responsible for creating intricate business plans based on rapid but strategic growth and it required extensive overseas business travel. 

To facilitate a lifestyle change and to return to Maine, Shissler became a co-owner of the Portland-based Sea Bags, a privately owned company that designs and manufacturers tote bags and other products from recycled sails. Now she combines her astute business experience with her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to her home state to run this domestic manufacturing company that markets products worldwide.

Shissler and business partner, Hannah Kubiak, are committed to keeping manufacturing local and providing jobs (and careers) in Maine.  The company strongly believes it's their responsibility to contribute in community and actively work with the charities they choose to support.

Named in 2011 as a “Woman to Watch ”by Maine Biz, Shissler serves on the Board for Make-A-Wish Foundation for Maine and is on the steering committee for Maine’s Advanced Textiles Consortium.

She earned an undergraduate degree in business and international studies from Heidelberg University and an MBA from Boston University. She and her husband, Ben, reside in Harpswell.

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Our second featured guest is her sister, Linda Greenlaw, who is America’s only female swordfishing captain.  Linda is the author of three New York Times bestselling books about life as a commercial fisherman: THE HUNGRY OCEAN (1999), THE LOBSTER CHRONICLES (2002) and ALL FISHERMEN ARE LIARS (2004). She is the winner of the U.S. Maritime Literature Award in 2003, and the New England Book Award for nonfiction in 2004. Time Magazine called her 2005 RECIPES FROM A VERY SMALL ISLAND, co-authored with her mother Martha Greenlaw, a "must-have cookbook". Additionally, she’s written two mysteries: SLIPKNOT (2007) and FISHERMAN’S BEND (2008).

Linda is featured in the hit Discovery Channel series Swords: Life on the Line. The second season of Swords will premier in August 2010.

Greenlaw’s latest book SEAWORTHY: A SWORDFISH BOAT CAPTAIN RETURNS TO THE SEA is a chronicle of her return to swordfishing after ten years as a lobsterman and marks her return to non-fiction and high-seas adventure.

Greenlaw first came to the public’s attention in Sebastian Junger’s THE PERFECT STORM, where Junger called her “one of the best captains  … on the entire east coast.” She’s also been featured on Good Morning America, Today, CBS Sunday Morning, The Martha Stewart Show, and National Public Radio.

She lives on Isle au Haut, Maine.

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Our second set of sisters includes Jessica and Sonya Tomlinson.

Jessica Tomlinson is the Director of Artists at Work at Maine College of Art. She is the Board President of Space Gallery. A graduate of Hampshire College, she lives in the West End of Portland with her husband, the artist Henry Wolyniec and their 9-year old son Otto.

Her past experiences include co-founding the Dead Space Gallery, serving on the board of the Maine Arts Commission and the Portland Arts and Cultural Alliance and working as the Community Coordinator for the Portland Press Herald.

Her sister, Sonya is a local hip-hop artist who was featured in the June 2010 issue of Maine Magazine.  Tomlinson, who performs as Sontiago, has been killing it since she moved to Maine 13 years ago. In 2001, her sister encouraged to try out her skills at a local hip-hop open mic night. She was 24 and fresh out of college, a blow-in from North Carolina. “At that time I was so bored, working on the men’s floor at L.L. Bean. I didn’t know anyone and was craving social stimulation,” she says. “We got to the club and it was so nerve-racking—a million guys, all these dudes with their hoodies up. But I thought: I’m just going to do it.” The 5’3” newcomer to the Portland hip-hop scene stole the show. “Everyone just stopped, and I thought, ‘Yes, this is great. I own this stage right now.’”

 

Join us next Sunday, July 1st at 11 am for the next Dr. Lisa Radio Hour & Podcast on WLOB radio Portland 1310 AM/streaming online. Our topic will be "Independence" and guests will include Dr. Elizabeth Kubik, Psychologist and Peggy Woodcock of Reiki Partners.