The Octagon

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!