16: Daniel Villarreal

16: Daniel Villarreal

Talking Life in Vermont: Daniel Villarreal — Second Chances, Building Something Bigger, and Leaving a Legacy In this episode of Talking Life in Vermont, I sit down with Daniel Villarreal, owner of Meticulous LLC. Daniel’s story is one that sticks with you. We talk about growing up in Vermont, hitting some difficult seasons in life, making the decision to change direction, and building something completely different. From starting with one mower and one truck to growing a company that now employs over 20 people, Daniel shares what it really takes to build a business — and more importantly, build a life you’re proud of. We talk about second chances, sobriety, family, parenting, community, and why success isn’t just about numbers on paper. Daniel shares how his company works to give people opportunities, provide stability, and create a culture where people can grow. We also get into the lighter stuff — childhood memories, seven-layer cookies, hunting, golf, food, raising kids, vacation adventures, and what makes Vermont such a special place to call home. This conversation is honest, emotional, funny, and very Vermont. Thanks for listening to Talking Life in Vermont.

15: Casey McNeil

This week on Talking Life in Vermont, I sit down with Casey McNeil, third-generation owner of McNeil & Reedy in downtown Rutland, as they celebrate 70 years in business. We talk about what it means to come home, raise a family here, and help carry on a local business that has been part of Rutland for generations. Casey shares his thoughts on housing in our region, moving back to Rutland County, working with his dad and uncle, renovating the store, and why he sees retail as more hospitality than sales. We also get into fatherhood, old cars, grilling, whiskey, dressing well, the perfect summer day in Vermont, and a terrifying “life flashed before my eyes” moment from his college years in Burlington. A big thank you to The Hub CoWorks on Merchants Row in Rutland for giving this podcast a home, and to ICO Electric for helping support local conversations like this one. If you want to change a community, you have to know who’s in it.

14: Micaiah Boyle

In this episode of Talking Life in Vermont, Jonathan sits down with Micaiah Boyle for a real conversation about sports, family, work ethic, growing up, and figuring out what comes next. Micaiah shares what it was like playing college lacrosse, breaking two vertebrae during his freshman year, and fighting his way back onto the field. He also talks about graduating college, stepping into a new career, moving toward life in Boston, and the lessons he’s carrying with him from his parents, siblings, coaches, and teammates. This episode is about resilience, honesty, family, and the small moments that end up mattering more than we realize. Recorded at The Hub Coworks on Merchants Row in Rutland, Vermont. Sponsored by ICO Electric.

13: Stephen Wilk Returns!

Stephen Wilk returns to the Talking Life in Vermont Podcast to share the story of his month-long trip to Costa Rica and the yoga instructor training that became a deeply transformative experience. In this episode, Stephen talks about the path that led him to yoga, the years it took to finally make this training happen, and what it was like to spend three weeks immersed in movement, meditation, philosophy, silence, community, and self-discovery. Jonathan is also joined by Miranda Schroth as they explore the deeper meaning of yoga beyond stretching, including awareness, healing, mantra, breath, joy, curiosity, and reconnecting with who we really are. Stephen also shares stories from Costa Rica, including the food, the people, the off-grid beachfront setting, the tattoo that marked the experience, and what it felt like coming back home with a renewed sense of light, purpose, and excitement. This is a conversation about transformation, presence, and bringing something meaningful back into the community. And remember: if you want to change your community, you have to know who’s in it Special Thanks to The Hub CoWorks for providing todays recording space!

12: Mandolyn and Tyler Crow

Mandolyn McIntyre Crow and Tyler Crow of The Crow Group at Real joined me this week to talk about real estate, cooking at home, goats, chickens, tiny house living, building your own home from the ground up, traveling, trains, small planes, anxiety, Friday the 13th weddings, and why Rutland feels like it’s in the middle of a real comeback. Huge thank you to ICO Electric, our episode sponsor. Recorded at the podcast studio inside The Hub in downtown Rutland. Subscribe to Talking Life in Vermont on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and come along for more conversations with the people who make up our community.