The Octagon

This week Mike and Ted took over the studio and rehashed the 2025-2026 winter and Season 2 at The Octagon Podcast. From powder days, epic travel stories and friendly bets between co-hosts this is a great episode to fire up as you reflect back on your winter!

This week on the Octagon Podcast we sat down with TJ Walden and Sarah  Landry , the co-founders behind Movement Coffee Roasters right here in Stowe. Movement and their flagship store The Roastery has become a key part of the local coffee scene, known for carefully sourced beans, precise roasting, and a focus on bringing out the unique character of each origin.Join us on an adventure that began in remote coffee farms in the hills of Panama into a thriving business in Stowe that now ships coffee worldwide. You will have a new appreciation for that fresh cup of coffee you drink at the Roastery after listening to this episode!

This week we were excited to bring into the studio Karen Wagner to talk all things ski patrol. Karen is the Ski Patrol Director at Stowe Mountain Resort, overseeing one of the most experienced and highly trained patrol teams in the East. Karen and her team provide first response medical care and manage mountain safety during some of the busiest ski days in New England.Karen has built a career in mountain operations and emergency response, earning deep respect within the patrol community and across the resort. Leading a patrol at a mountain with as much terrain and weather variability as Stowe is no small task, and Karen brings both technical expertise and leadership to the role every day.

This week we are excited to be bringing you a special Octagon roundtable edition with everyone’s favorite snow reporters Andre Blais, Matt Testa and Scott Braaten. Whether tuning into the snow phone, reading the carefully crafted daily snow report or searching for the fabled Mount Mansfield stake measurement data these are the guys that make it happen day after day. With winter turning into spring we wanted to bring the boys into the studio to hash out what has been a legendary winter and learn more about some of the new projects they have been embarking on this winter.

This week we welcomed craft distillers Tim Danahy and Howie Faircloth into The Octagon Studio. Tim and Howie both moved to Stowe almost 30 years ago and became the head brewers at The Shed. After 5 years at The Shed  they decided they wanted to start their own business and founded Green Mountain Distillers - one of the very first distilleries in Vermont. They have dedicated the last 25 years to producing hand crafted, award winning organic spirits right from their distillery in Morrisville.

This week we had the pleasure of bringing Jack Morris into the Octagon Studio. Born and raised in Stowe, Jack once dreamed of becoming an athlete — until a life-altering heart diagnosis in his teens forced him to rethink everything. After traveling and developing a passion for photography, he returned home for heart surgery and made a bold decision at just 23 years old: to take over the former Robert Paul Gallery and re-brand it as Front Four Gallery — named after the legendary ski trails of Mount Mansfield.A photographer, a painter, and now one of the youngest gallery owners in Vermont, Jack is reshaping the role that art plays in Stowe.

This week we had the pleasure of bringing into the studio Sports Recovery guru Steph Lawee.  Steph is the Founder of Vibe Sports Recovery here in Stowe. Steph combined her experience as an elite halfpipe skier and passion for healing and recovery to create Vibe. Prior to Vibe, Steph competed for 7 years in slopestyle and halfpipe at USSA, USASA, NorAm, Rev Tour and Grand Prix events. When not helping athletes recover and achieve their highest  level of performance she is a coach at Green Mountain Academy helping shape the next generation of freestyle skiers.

This 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.

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 bond that brings the Hardeaux's back to the skin track together time and time again regardless of weather and conditions. This episode we also brought into the studio a special co-host Porter Thorndike. Not only is he the brother of Octagon co-founder Ted Thorndike but is also known as the Commissioner of the Hardeaux's!

This 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.

This 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.

This 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 hub in the Stowe Community where Stowe residents and guests come to leave the worlds trouble behind and enjoy some of the world's best beer.We also took this opportunity to welcome our first ever guest host- Pete Graves into the studio! Pete is a Focal Banger enthusiast and has been an integral part of the Stowe community coaching youth sports and launching Ride with his wife Joanna. We couldn't think of a better person to co-host this special episode prior to him moving to North Carolina to begin the next chapter in his illustrious golf career.

This 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.

This 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. 

This 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.

This 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 being a small business owner in Stowe

This 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 and he understands the unique quality of life an innovator can have right here in VT. 

This 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!

This 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.

This 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. 

This 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 things trivia with Laura Weber and Nancy Duran. 

This 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 Mindfulness with past Octagon guest, Micheline Lemay and Christine Everitt. 

Join 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!

This 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. 

To 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 passion and primary focus for his entire life. Starting piano lessons at age 5, Petit has enjoyed many years leading groups and performing on guitar and bass in a variety of genres and musical situations all over the world. Over the years, Petit has performed and played with many of the top musicians in the world. In addition, George has composed music for film, television and radio.

This 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, and community member.

This 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 hiking, snowboarding and playing in the outdoors with an eye on the sky for the next storm!

This 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 been a fixture in Stowe for 25 years.

This 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!

This 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 Resort for five years and has served as a volunteer EMT with Stowe Mountain Rescue since 2012. 

Joanna 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.

This 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 paradise. You can find Kristina trail running, XC skiing, spending time with her family- and traveling the globe as an ambassador representing the von Trapp family.

This week we are happy to bring Mike Leach to the studio who is the historian for the Mount Mansfield Ski Club (MMSC), one of the oldest ski racing organizations in the United States. In his role, Leach has contributed significantly to documenting and preserving the rich history of skiing in the Stowe, Vermont area.​ Mike has provided insights into the origins of a variety of local ski events in Stowe. His research also indicates that the first Sugar Slalom was held on April 30, 1939, as a special event to mark the season's end, drawing nearly 100 entrants. Leach's extensive knowledge and dedication have been invaluable in preserving the history and legacy of the Mount Mansfield Ski Club and the broader skiing community in Stowe.

This is a very special edition of The Octagon, bringing you the wild story of Buster Brown, the now famous beagle. On a cold February day, Buster went missing into the woods of Stowe while on a routine walk in Kirschner Woods with his owner Erin Daly. As the days went by, the search for Buster broadened. People across Stowe were searching sheds, crawl spaces, garages - and much of the searching was being led by remote viewing specialist Cris Pryce - who described possible locations of Buster with incredible details. Finally after 24 long, cold and snowy days in the woods- Buster was spotted and reunited with his owners. This episode will take you on the sometimes heartbreaking but  inspiring journey of Buster Brown. It's the feel good story of the year here in Stowe!

Kim Brown is a well-known figure in Stowe, Vermont's skiing community, recognized for his extensive contributions as a columnist, historian, and avid skier. Since making his first turns at Stowe in 1952, Brown has become a fixture on the slopes, sharing his experiences and insights through his long-running column, "Ski Bum Corner," in the Stowe Reporter and Kim knows the off trail map woods trails around Mt Mansfield as well as anyoneIn addition to his journalism, Brown is an architectural designer and one of Stowe's preeminent Ski historians. His deep knowledge of the area's ski culture and history has made him a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of skiing in Stowe

This week we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dustin Martin. Dustin was born and raised in Stowe and operates ARFA Property Management with his father Mike and has been a coach at Mount Mansfield Academy for 11 years. Dustin is an accomplished ski racer and raced at the college level at St. Lawrence University and has an impressive tally of victories at the Stowe Ski Bum races. When not working Dustin can be found tracking the elusive whitetail deer deep in the Mansfield back country and is the co-founder of Northwoods Whitetails. On top of all that Dustin just completed the 80th Stowe Derby on alpine skis!

Hockey in Stowe isn’t just a game—it’s a tradition, a community, and a way of life for many. Few people know that better than Mike Priestley. A longtime player, Mike has witnessed the evolution of the sport here, from the old Jackson Arena to the new rink. He has participated in many Hyde Cup tournaments and was a member of the premier VT team-  The Stowe Slugs. But Mike is also a renaissance man, authoring 3 novels and has had a long career writing educational textbooks, magazine articles, book reviews and crossword puzzles for the New York Times. You can also find Mike in the summer out on the local courses playing golf.

This week we had the pleasure of sitting down with Matt Testa aka “Mansfield Matty”. When not pumping out daily snow reports Matt can be found charging hidden lines deep in the Mansfield back country. Matt has become proficient in filming his ski adventures and providing viewers with enjoyable shots of fresh powder lines and the beauty of the Green Mountain Wilderness. Matt is considered a new age ski bum here in Stowe and logs over 130 days on the hill every season.  Matt's passion for all things Stowe is infectious. This episode will get you more excited than ever to head up to the hill!

In this episode of The Octagon Podcast, we dive deep into the history and strategy of the legendary Stowe Derby with longtime competitor and local icon Cap Chenoweth. From its origins in 1945 to its status as one of the most unique and challenging ski races in North America, Cap shares firsthand stories, expert insights, and tips for tackling the 12.5-mile descent from the top of Mount Mansfield to Stowe Village. Whether you're a seasoned racer or a first-time participant, this conversation offers a fascinating look at what makes the Stowe Derby a true Vermont classic. Tune in for a mix of history, strategy, and classic Stowe spirit!

To ring in our 15th episode at The Octagon Podcast we sat down with Co-Owner of Edelweiss Mountain Deli Jeff Clarke. Jeff provides us with an in depth look at what it takes to run a small business in Stowe and the challenges and rewards that have accompanied this venture. We explore how he has revamped this iconic Stowe institution into a premiere provider of high quality scratch prepared farm to table dishes and co-host Mike Carey’s favorite Sweet Sensation Bar.We also dive into Jeff’s career as the former Director of Development for the US Cross Country Ski Team. From building local club programs to coaching elite Olympic athletes he has been integral to the growth of cross country skiing in the United States. Whether you want to take your Nordic skills to the next level or hear tales of how a business can pump out 500 sandwiches in a day this episode has something for everyone!

Have you ever wondered what really goes into the daily Stowe Snow Report that we enjoy everyday from the comfort of our homes on our iPhone? Well wait no more as this week we have the Godfather of the Stowe Snow Report Andre Blais!Join us for an exhilarating and informative chat with Andre as he runs us through the ins and outs of what it takes to create this product we have all come to appreciate so much. From 5 foot storm cycles, after hours mountain operation tales and Charlie Lord's first snow report at Stowe you do not want to miss this episode. 

Join us on a thrilling and fascinating interview with longtime Stowe resident Jan Reynolds. Jan is a world record setting climber and skier, Olympic athlete, award winning author and photographer known for her ability to capture extraordinary imagery and stories while climbing and skiing in extremely high-risk environments and expeditions. She has spent over 30 years traveling to some of the most isolated parts of the globe, capturing the lives and landscapes of people often untouched by modern society. Reynolds is particularly known for her work in the Arctic, Himalayas, and other high-altitude regions, where she has often focused on environmental and cultural preservation.In addition to her adventurous spirit, she is passionate about humanitarian issues, including education and empowerment for marginalized communities. Through her photography, writing, and speaking, Reynolds brings attention to the stories of the people she meets during her travels, highlighting their challenges and resilience.

With 2024 coming to a close we created a year in review and Octagon “Behind the Scenes” episode. We explore the highlights from the past three months in Stowe, including epic weather, a killer start to ski season, and some jaw-dropping local athletes. Our own Stowe stories—how we got here, what keeps us hooked, and what makes this community so special. Why we decided to start this podcast and what we’ve learned about sharing Stowe’s history, characters, and buzz.Think of this as a chairlift chat with a couple of locals who love this town as much as you do. So grab your favorite holiday drink, tune in, and let’s talk Stowe!

Dive into the rich history of Stowe, Vermont, as we uncover the fascinating stories behind the names of its iconic ski trails. From legendary race horses and fearless mountaineers to colorful local characters, each trail tells a story of adventure and a deep connection to the mountains.But that's not all—this podcast also explores the history of ski culture in Stowe, from its humble beginnings to becoming a world-class destination. Hear tales of the first apres-ski bar and Harlow Hill.Whether you're searching for powder in Tres Amigos or cruising down Perry Merrill, you’ll never look at Stowe's trails the same way again. 🌲❄️

Join us for an exhilarating interview with the king of uphill skiing Noah Dines. We explore the highs and lows of chasing over 3 million vertical feet in a calendar year across the globe. If you have ever spent any time skinning at Stowe - you have definitely seen Noah - probably passing you on the uphill (or down). Noah broke the world record by spending his year skinning sunrise dawn patrol missions on Nosedive to grueling multi-day journeys out West, in the Alps and in Chile. Noah redefines what it means to test your limits and is closing in on the end of an amazing, quad-busting 2024.

In this episode, we sit down with Mila Lonetto, a dedicated member of Stowe’s Planning Commission, to uncover how town government operates and the key issues shaping our community’s future. From zoning changes to housing challenges, development pressures to preserving Stowe's unique character, Mila shares insights into the behind-the-scenes work of the Planning Commission. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about balancing growth, sustainability, and what makes Stowe a place we all love to call home.Perfect for anyone passionate about the future of Stowe, community planning, or just curious about how things get done in our town!

Join us for a down-to-earth conversation with Rusty DeWees, Stowe's most beloved actor and storyteller. Best known for his iconic portrayal of "The Logger" in his one-man show, Rusty has become a Vermont legend, capturing the heart and humor of the Green Mountain State.Rusty shares stories from his acting career, appearing in commercials, TV, Movies and "The Logger". Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering his work, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of a true Stowe icon. Tune in for laughs, insights, and how to make it in show business with Rusty DeWees as your guide!

Brian Lindner has a long history in and around Stowe. His family has deep roots into the early days of skiing on Mt Mansfield and served in the 10th Mountain Division. In fact, Brian grew up living in the Mt. Mansfield Base Lodge. He is currently a leading Historian for lots of unique Vermont history- including the 10th Mountain Division, Stowe Skiing and plane crashes across Vermont. Once the snow flies Brian will be kicking off his 52nd year as a member of the Stowe Ski Patrol. Join us for a nostalgic journey into the legendary history of Stowe Mountain Resort. 

Dr. Rick Barnett is a Licensed Psychologist Doctorate, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor and also holds a masters degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology. Rick has been operating BPS Health which is a private practice located in Stowe for almost 18 years. He is also the Co-Founder of the Psychedelic Society of Vermont and is considered a pioneer in the emerging field of Psychedelic Therapy. Rick has dedicated his professional life to helping individuals struggling with a variety of mental health and addiction disorders. Join us for an enriching conversation with Rick about Psychedelic Therapy and how it is changing the landscape of mental health treatment. 

We had the pleasure of  interviewing State Representative for the Lamoille-1 District Jed Lipsky alongside his son Karl. We explore the challenges and rewards of running a family logging business and what the future looks like for the industry as a whole. Jed’s service as a politician on the state level provides a unique perspective examining the issues that impact the Stowe community.