Shows
The OctagonSeason 2: #13 Drew Clymer: Exploring a Passion for Service as Deputy Chief of Stowe Mountain RescueThis week we had the pleasure of chatting with Drew Clymer about all things back country rescue. Drew currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Stowe Mountain Rescue and The Search and Rescue Coordinator for the Vermont Department of Public Safety. Service runs in Drew’s blood and when he is not deep in the back country for pleasure or rescue he serves as the Chair of the Development Review Board for the Town of Stowe.
2026-02-0258 minThe OctagonSeason 2: #12 Hardeaux Roundtable: Love em or Hate em?This week we rounded out the 2025 season at the Octagon Podcast with the long awaited Hardeaux Roundtable. The Hardeaux's have what could be described as a controversial reputation around town and on the mountain for their hard charging attitude on the uphill scene, desire to push the limits and most importantly creating a tight knit ski community. If you see headlamps scattered on Nosedive in the early morning darkness or the iconic sticker on the lower left of an oversized truck or SUV there is a high probability it is a Hardeaux. We will explore the history, passion and...
2025-12-201h 11The OctagonSeason 2: #11 Mike Hayes: The Endless Pursuit of Filming the Mt. Mansfield BackcountryThis week we chatted with Mike Hayes who is one of the key figures in Stowe’s extreme skiing and ski-filming community. He’s someone who doesn’t just chase lines—he documents them and helps tell the story of what it really takes to ski big terrain on the East Coast. From epic powder days, dawn patrol missions to bluebird days when everything comes together, Mike has been behind the lens capturing some of the most compelling images and moments on Mt. Mansfield.
2025-12-1048 minThe OctagonSeason 2: #10 Maura Wieler: A Career in Education and Stowe Elementary School PrincipalThis week we welcomed our first educator into the Octagon Studio, Maura Wieler. Maura is the Principal of Stowe Elementary School, whose leadership has played a significant role in shaping the school’s academic direction and its culture of student-centered learning. Under Maura’s guidance, Stowe Elementary has continued to strengthen its instructional practices, support professional growth among educators, and prioritize the well-being and development of every student. When not serving as principal you can find Maura on the mountain bike trails or chasing fresh powder lines with her family up at Stowe.
2025-11-3052 minThe OctagonSeason 2: #9 Jen and John Kimmich: Inside the Alchemist Brewery StoryThis week we were honored to welcome craft beer legends Jen and John Kimmich, co-owners of The Alchemist Brewery into the Octagon studio. The Alchemist makes Heady Topper, one of the top rated beers in the world and has been instrumental in the evolution of craft beer over the last 20 years. Jen and John not only make some of the best beer in the world but also are incredibly generous in the broader Stowe community and go to great lengths to support their employees, the environment, social causes and charities. The Alchemist Brewery has become a...
2025-11-2058 minThe OctagonSeason 2: #8 Jackie Henderson and Carter Getty: Stowe High School Seniors and Reflections On Growing Up In StoweThis week we welcomed Jackie Henderson and Carter Getty into the Octagon Studio. Jackie and Carter are both Seniors at Stowe High School and provide a unique perspective on what it's like to grow up in Stowe. We explore their time in this unique community, working their way through the school system, athletic endeavors and even dating! We are excited to present this fresh perspective on all things Stowe.
2025-11-1240 min
XANADU: Il Meraviglioso Mondo della ScienzaSylvia Earle: La Regina degli AbissiDalla Florida degli anni ’50 alle profondità del mar dei Sargassi, Sylvia Earle ha seguito un’unica direzione: conoscere il mare da dentro. Durante la missione Tektite II visse due settimane a 15 metri di profondità per studiare alghe e habitat marini, aprendo la strada a nuove forme di ricerca. Oggi il suo lavoro continua a influenzare scienza e tecnologia, ricordandoci che l'oceano è ancora un mondo poco esplorato e poco preservato.Music: https://youtu.be/9Ip2zm7ydXk?si=_Js5HBrpghSzW27P piano version of september 15th by Metheny and Mays by "the piano player"; Leo Adrian. Sigla XANADU.Re...
2025-11-0411 minThe OctagonSeason 2: #7 Scott Braaten: Mt. Mansfield Weather Guru and Creator of BraatencastThis week we welcomed Scott Braaten into the Octagon studio as we are building stoke for the upcoming winter. Scott is one of the leading weather forecasters for Mt Mansfield and runs the popular Braatencast social media weather prediction page. Scott started his weather forecasting while a student at the University of Vermont and the popularity of his in depth reports spread like wildfire. Skiers and outdoor enthusiasts have come to rely on his knowledge and weather passion as they plan their next adventure.
2025-11-0253 minThe OctagonSeason 2: #6 Octagon Labs: Peter Hawks and The Flyin Ryan FoundationThis week we had the honor of sitting down with Peter Hawks for our third Octagon Labs episode. Peter takes us on a journey of the legacy of his son Ryan who lived with passion, purpose, and integrity. Whether Ryan was carving fresh ski lines or spreading kindness to a stranger he left an impact on everyone he met. His zest for life and free spirit continues to inspire thousands. Peter started the Flyin Ryan Hawks Foundation to share Ryan’s 13 Core Values — and to help others live with the same sense of intention and adventure.
2025-10-2253 minThe OctagonSeason 2: #5 Joey Davis: The Art of Tracking Whitetail DeerThis week we sat down with 7th generation Stowe resident Joey Davis who is considered one of the premier whitetail deer trackers in the region. Deer hunting in Stowe and throughout the State of Vermont is on the decline but Joey is keeping the tradition alive by creating Northwoods Whitetails with past Octagon guest Dustin Martin. When not on the elusive hunt for a big woods whitetail buck Joey operates Pinnacle Painting which he started right out of high school. He has grown the business into a 20 employee plus operation and brings a unique perspective of...
2025-10-1148 minThe OctagonSeason 2: #4 Dave Bradbury: Growing Local Entrepreneurship Through The Vermont Center for Emerging TechnologiesThis week we explore the Vermont start up and entrepreneurial landscape with Dave Bradbury. Dave is the President of VCET — the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies — where he’s spent years helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into businesses right here in VT. What’s cool about David is that he’s not trying to make Vermont into the next Silicon Valley — he’s working to help Vermont become the best version of itself: a place where creativity, grit, and community fuel innovation. You can often find Dave on the slopes, in the backcountry or out on the mountain bike trails an...
2025-10-0159 minThe OctagonSeason 2: #3 Mike Giorgio: Stowe Mountain Resort General ManagerThis week we sat down with Mike Giorgio, General Manager at Stowe Mountain Resort. Mike started his career at Mt Snow as Executive Chef and Head of Food and Beverage. He then was promoted to run resorts in the Midwest for Vail before joining Stowe as GM in November 2024. Mike has now been at the helm for almost a year and we are thrilled to have Mike on the podcast - to learn more about his background, what it's like to be the GM and get his perspective on all things Stowe Mountain!
2025-09-2254 minThe OctagonSeason 2: #2 Charles Safford: 18 Years Serving as Stowe's Town ManagerThis week we had the pleasure of welcoming into The Octagon studio Charles Safford. Charles is the Town Manager of Stowe, Vermont, a role in which he serves as the CEO of the town - responsible for day-to-day municipal operations, advising and implementing Select board policy, and shepherding the town’s budget to the voters’ consideration. Charles has served in this role for 18 years and has guided Stowe through many transitions and changes to make the town what it is today.
2025-09-1253 minThe OctagonSeason 2: #1 Brian Buczek: Stowe High School Soccer Championship Coach and Growth of the Sport in Rural VermontThis week we had the pleasure of sitting down with local soccer icon Brian Buczek. Brian is the founder of the Vermont United Soccer Academy and current Associate Head Coach of the Stowe High School Girls Varsity Soccer team. As part of his rich coaching career he led the Stowe High School Boys Varsity Soccer team to multiple state titles and had stints coaching at Johnson State College and Middlebury College. Brian has played an integral role in the growth and development of soccer in Stowe and surrounding communities.
2025-08-3157 minThe Octagon#34: Octagon Labs: Trivia Buzz with Laura Weber and Nancy DuranThis week we veered off from our traditional format diving into the stories and characters that make Stowe, Vermont so legendary. We are calling this new series Octagon Labs. Many community members have connected with us wanting to start their own podcast and this Labs extension of the traditional format brings an episode from community members diving into a specific topic or passion. The goal of Octagon Labs is to provide our listeners with additional educational and thought provoking content to implement into their lives. For the second episode of Octagon Labs we explore all...
2025-08-0746 minThe Octagon#33: Octagon Labs: Mindfulness Workshop with Micheline Lemay and Christine EverittThis week we veered off from our traditional format diving into the stories and characters that make Stowe, Vermont so legendary. We are calling this new series Octagon Labs. Many community members have connected with us wanting to start their own podcast and this Labs extension of the traditional format brings an episode from community members diving into a specific topic or passion. The goal of Octagon Labs is to provide our listeners with additional educational and thought provoking content to implement into their lives. For the first episode of Octagon Labs we explore Min...
2025-07-2451 minThe Octagon#32: Season 1 Recap and July 4th Parade Bonus FootageJoin us for a trip down memory lane as we recap what was an unforgettable season 1 at the Octagon Podcast. We revisit the epic tales, personalities and history that makes Stowe such a special and unique community. In this episode we will also throw out some teasers for what to expect in season 2!Stay tuned in after the season 1 recap for live footage of the sights and sounds of the famous Stowe 4th of July Parade!
2025-07-121h 06The Octagon#31: Gregg Goodson: Animal Care and Community as a Stowe VeterinarianThis week we were excited to welcome Gregg Goodson into the Octagon studio. Gregg is a highly respected veterinarian based in Stowe, Vermont, serving as the owner and lead veterinarian at Stowe Veterinary Clinic. A graduate of Tufts School of Veterinary Medicine, Gregg is known for his compassionate and attentive care, treating pets as if they were his own.
2025-06-3052 minThe Octagon#30: George Petit: World Class Musician and Founder of Stowe Jazz FestivalTo ring in the 30th episode at The Octagon we had George Petit join us in the studio. George is a jazz guitarist, a composer, an educator… and the force behind the Stowe Jazz Festival — happening this July which brings world class Jazz musicians to our community. George Petit has been a working musician, composer, arranger, engineer and producer for the better part of 37 years, playing his very first gig at the age of 13 in a West-end, London Pub...but even before that, he performed as a young musician at Carnegie Hall and on Broadway. Music is his pass...
2025-06-1955 minThe Octagon#29: Bryan Huber: A Lifetime of Medical Care as a World Renowned Orthopedic SurgeonThis week we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Bryan Huber. Bryan is a world renowned orthopedic surgeon with a long career serving in the Navy, as Team Physician for the USSA and U.S. Snowboard Team, Burton Snowboards, Stowe Mountain Ski Patrol and has performed countless surgeries on local Stowe residents and athletes. An avid athlete himself, Bryan played soccer, rugby and water polo in college and has been an avid snowboarder for years. Bryan was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2018 and that journey brings a unique perspective on life as a father, husband, a...
2025-06-081h 18The Octagon#28: Teagan Reeves: Life as a Vermont MeteorologistThis week we had the pleasure of sitting down with Stowe native and local meteorologist Teagan Reeves. Teagan has always had a passion for weather. She graduated from Northern Vermont University – Lyndon with a degree in Atmospheric Science. After she graduated in spring of 2023, Teagan packed her bags and moved to Michigan to work as a weekend meteorologist - after being there for a little over a year - she came back to VT and in September of last year, she became the Meteorologist on the Burlington TV Station Ch 22/44. In her free time you can find Teagan hi...
2025-05-2835 minThe Octagon#27: Charlotte Brynn: Adventures of a World Class Open Water SwimmerThis week we had the pleasure of sitting down with world-class open water swimmer Charlotte Brynn. Charlotte has completed over 50 marathon swims including some of the toughest swims on Earth — Charlotte is also one of the top women open water coaches and mentors in the world. Charlotte has been the Executive Director of the Swimming Hole here in Stowe for over 20 years and has motivated and helped countless people to set big goals for a specific event or simply begin their swimming and exercise journey. Charlotte grew up in the beautiful country of New Zealand and has...
2025-05-1756 minThe Octagon#26: 2025 Winter Recap with Ted and MikeThis week Ted and Mike give a recap on what was an epic 2025 winter here in Stowe. We explore the mountain scene, legendary Hyde Cup tales, a banner Nordic ski season and all the happenings and events in this unique mountain town. We also give listeners a behind the scenes snapshot of what goes into creating Octagon Podcast episodes.Tune in and relive all of your favorite winter moments with us in this special edition winter 2025 recap!
2025-05-0738 minThe Octagon#25: Tom Rogers: Stowe Land Trust Executive Director and Wildlife BiologistThis week we had the pleasure of sitting down with Tom Rogers, Executive Director of Stowe Land Trust . A certified wildlife biologist with a master’s degree in Biology and Ecology, Tom came to SLT in 2024 from The Nature Conservancy, where he was Associate Director of Philanthropy for the past five years. Tom lives in Stowe with his wife and two daughters. He is an avid mountain biker and backcountry skier, and he’s often out on the trails in the early morning before work. Tom also worked as a part-time ski instructor at Stowe Mountain Reso...
2025-04-2849 minThe Octagon#24: Joanna Graves: Building Community Through FitnessJoanna Graves has been a fixture in the Stowe fitness community for 30 years - often recognized as the top fitness workout instructor in the area and is also the owner of RIDE indoor cycling studio. You can most often find Joanna teaching a Spin class, a bootcamp, at the rink - both playing and watching hockey, and in the summer on the tennis courts and golf course. Joanna has motivated countless people to incorporate workouts into their daily routine and has built a loyal and supportive community around fitness here in Stowe.
2025-04-1845 minThe Octagon#23: Kristina von Trapp Frame: A Life at the Iconic von Trapp Family Lodge and ResortThis week we are joined in the Octagon studio by Kristina von Trapp Frame. The von Trapp name is synonymous with Stowe and its outdoor culture. Kristina von Trapp Frame is carrying forward her family legacy that began when her grandparents settled in Stowe and built what would become one of the most iconic mountain lodges in the country.From pioneering cross-country skiing in North America to expanding into mountain biking, beer brewing, and other unique mountain experiences, Kristina has helped shape the von Trapp Family Lodge and Resort into an outdoor enthusiast’s...
2025-04-1140 min