18: Cat Heatley

18: Cat Heatley

What makes a community feel like home? This week, I sat down with Cat Heatley, Executive Director of the Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum in downtown Rutland, for a conversation that went in directions I never expected. We talked about why she and her family took a leap of faith and moved to Vermont without knowing anyone, what it’s like stepping into the leadership of one of Rutland’s most beloved organizations, and why creating spaces where kids can learn, play, and belong matters so much. Along the way we got into parenting, raising readers, standardized testing, travel, New Zealand, big emotions, the lessons our children teach us, and one unforgettable story from the pandemic that perfectly captures the kindness and humanity that exists in this community. It’s one of those conversations that starts with simple questions and ends up reminding you why people matter. A huge thank you to McNeil & Reedy for partnering with this episode and helping make these conversations possible. And as always, thank you to our incredible sponsors, ICO Electric and The Hub CoWorks, for supporting the Talking Life in Vermont podcast and helping us continue sharing the stories of the people who make Vermont such a special place.

17: William Kelley

Some conversations leave you with more questions than answers—and sometimes that’s exactly the point. This week, I’m joined by William Kelley, Practitioner or Psychology, holistic wellness practitioner, meditation and yoga instructor, musician, and founder of Pyramid Holistic Wellness Center. We dive into some of life’s biggest questions, exploring spirituality, consciousness, the paranormal, mental health, religion, gratitude, and what it really means to stay open-minded. Whether you’re a skeptic, a believer, or somewhere in the middle, this isn’t about convincing anyone what to think. It’s about having an honest conversation, asking better questions, and exploring ideas that most people don’t talk about out loud. Along the way, we discuss ghosts, haunted locations like Wilson Castle and the Conjuring House, the connection between mental health and spirituality, why gratitude matters, and whether love might be the one thing that truly connects us all. No matter where you land on these topics, I think you’ll walk away seeing the world just a little differently. Episode Partner: McNeil & Reedy - A Rutland tradition since 1956, helping generations of Vermonters look their best with quality menswear, expert tailoring, and exceptional service. Special thanks to our sponsors:  ICO Electric – Powering homes, businesses, and communities across Vermont.  The Hub CoWorks – Rutland’s home for entrepreneurs, remote workers, creators, and community. Thanks for listening to Talking Life in Vermont. If you enjoy the show, please follow, rate, and share it—it helps more than you know.

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.