Smarter Than Us

  What happens when you lead your life with curiosity and a willingness to say yes? For Laura Regis, the answer is a life full of unexpected turns, rich experiences, and a story worth telling. From saying yes to cross country running to working on a flower farm, Laura’s journey has been anything but predictable — and that’s exactly what makes it so good. She shares how she found her way into teaching and the incredible care she puts into making every student feel valued and seen. She opens up about the power of therapy, the importance of staying curious, and how simply being willing to say yes has shaped her career and her creativity in ways she never could have planned. This one is inspiring, honest, and a great reminder that sometimes the best thing you can do is just say yes

It started with a bad bottle of fruit wine and turned into a lifelong friendship. This week we sit down with Leigh Hardiman — storyteller, motel kid, Shannon's chosen family, and a passionate leader in nonprofits supporting causes close to her heart. Leigh opens up about the deep bond she shares with her family, the loss of her beloved dad, and the stories — and famous guests — from a childhood spent growing up in a family motel. This one has heart, humor, and a whole lot of love. You're going to love this one.  

This week's episode features two very special guests: Shannon's parents, Bob and Jean
Poodiack of New Fairfield, Connecticut.

Bob and Jean both grew up in Danbury and met in the late 1950s-Bob was serving in the

Marines, and Jean was working at McCrory's. They married in 1961 and moved into the home

they still live in today.

Now 86 and 90, Jean and Bob are beloved fixtures in their community. Bob was

recently voted the most popular teacher in New Fairfield High School history, where he

taught Social Studies until retirement. Before that, he made a name for himself at Meeting

House Hill School-his science experiments were legendary (and occasionally explosive).

Jean became a competitive runner in her 40's, starting from training with Bob daily, then

beating her age group at races, qualifying for the Boston Marathon which she ran until age

60! Jean also has several careers, as a hairdresser, raising two children as a stay-at-home

mom, and later opening a beauty shop at the local nursing home, where she worked until

retiring.

They’re still active—often spotted walking around town or playing fiercely competitive rounds of golf.

Join Shannon and Susan as they sit down with Bob and Jean to talk about love, longevity, and life in a small town. The episode is out today!

Smarter Than Us is a conversational interview podcast where everyday people take center stage. Join Susan and Shannon as they take on a new podcast journey in a new home.