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.