The Octagon

Ted Thorndike and Mike Carey
  • 5.0 (35)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to "The Octagon" - the podcast that dives into the vibrant lives of Stowe Vermont's most adventurous residents. Join us as we explore the passions, pursuits, and personalities that make this mountain town unique.

  1. 4D AGO

    Season 2: #12 Hardeaux Roundtable: Love em or Hate em?

    This week we rounded out the 2025 season at the Octagon Podcast with the long awaited Hardeaux Roundtable. The Hardeaux's have what could be described as a controversial reputation around town and on the mountain for their hard charging attitude on the uphill scene, desire to push the limits and most importantly creating a tight knit ski community. If you see headlamps scattered on Nosedive in the early morning darkness or the iconic sticker on the lower left of an oversized truck or SUV there is a high probability it is a Hardeaux. We will explore the history, passion and bond that brings the Hardeaux's back to the skin track together time and time again regardless of weather and conditions.  This episode we also brought into the studio a special co-host Porter Thorndike. Not only is he the brother of Octagon co-founder Ted Thorndike but is also known as the Commissioner of the Hardeaux's!

    1h 11m

  2. DEC 10

    Season 2: #11 Mike Hayes: The Endless Pursuit of Filming the Mt. Mansfield Backcountry

    This week we chatted with Mike Hayes who is one of the key figures in Stowe’s extreme skiing and ski-filming community. He’s someone who doesn’t just chase lines—he documents them and helps tell the story of what it really takes to ski big terrain on the East Coast. From epic powder days, dawn patrol missions to bluebird days when everything comes together, Mike has been behind the lens capturing some of the most compelling images and moments on Mt. Mansfield.

    48 min

  3. NOV 30

    Season 2: #10 Maura Wieler: A Career in Education and Stowe Elementary School Principal

    This week we welcomed our first educator into the Octagon Studio, Maura Wieler. Maura is the Principal of Stowe Elementary School, whose leadership has played a significant role in shaping the school’s academic direction and its culture of student-centered learning. Under Maura’s guidance, Stowe Elementary has continued to strengthen its instructional practices, support professional growth among educators, and prioritize the well-being and development of every student.  When not serving as principal you can find Maura on the mountain bike trails or chasing fresh powder lines with her family up at Stowe.

    52 min

  4. NOV 20

    Season 2: #9 Jen and John Kimmich: Inside the Alchemist Brewery Story

    This week we were honored to welcome craft beer legends Jen and John Kimmich, co-owners of The Alchemist Brewery into the Octagon studio. The Alchemist makes Heady Topper, one of the top rated beers in the world and has been instrumental in the evolution of craft beer over the last 20 years. Jen and John not only make some of the best beer in the world but also are incredibly generous in the broader Stowe community and go to great lengths to support their employees, the environment, social causes and charities. The Alchemist Brewery has become a hub in the Stowe Community where Stowe residents and guests come to leave the worlds trouble behind and enjoy some of the world's best beer. We also took this opportunity to welcome our first ever guest host- Pete Graves into the studio! Pete is a Focal Banger enthusiast and has been an integral part of the Stowe community coaching youth sports and launching Ride with his wife Joanna. We couldn't think of a better person to co-host this special episode prior to him moving to North Carolina to begin the next chapter in his illustrious golf career.

    58 min

  5. NOV 12

    Season 2: #8 Jackie Henderson and Carter Getty: Stowe High School Seniors and Reflections On Growing Up In Stowe

    This week we welcomed Jackie Henderson and Carter Getty into the Octagon Studio. Jackie and Carter are both Seniors at Stowe High School and provide a unique perspective on what it's like to grow up in Stowe. We explore their time in this unique community, working their way through the school system, athletic endeavors and even dating! We are excited to present this fresh perspective on all things Stowe.

    41 min

  6. NOV 2

    Season 2: #7 Scott Braaten: Mt. Mansfield Weather Guru and Creator of Braatencast

    This week we welcomed Scott Braaten into the Octagon studio as we are building stoke for the upcoming winter. Scott is one of the leading weather forecasters for Mt Mansfield and runs the popular Braatencast social media weather prediction page. Scott started his weather forecasting while a student at the University of Vermont and the popularity of his in depth reports spread like wildfire. Skiers and outdoor enthusiasts have come to rely on his knowledge and weather passion as they plan their next adventure.

    53 min

  7. OCT 22

    Season 2: #6 Octagon Labs: Peter Hawks and The Flyin Ryan Foundation

    This week we had the honor of sitting down with Peter Hawks for our third Octagon Labs episode. Peter takes us on a journey of the legacy of his son Ryan who lived with passion, purpose, and integrity. Whether Ryan was carving fresh ski lines or spreading kindness to a stranger he left an impact on everyone he met. His zest for life and free spirit continues to inspire thousands. Peter started the Flyin Ryan Hawks Foundation to share Ryan’s 13 Core Values — and to help others live with the same sense of intention and adventure.

    53 min

  8. OCT 11

    Season 2: #5 Joey Davis: The Art of Tracking Whitetail Deer

    This week we sat down with 7th generation Stowe resident Joey Davis who is considered one of the premier whitetail deer trackers in the region. Deer hunting in Stowe and throughout the State of Vermont is on the decline but Joey is keeping the tradition alive by creating Northwoods Whitetails with past Octagon guest Dustin Martin. When not on the elusive hunt for a big woods whitetail buck Joey operates Pinnacle Painting which he started right out of high school. He has grown the business into a 20 employee plus operation and brings a unique perspective of being a small business owner in Stowe

    48 min
See All (46)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

Welcome to "The Octagon" - the podcast that dives into the vibrant lives of Stowe Vermont's most adventurous residents. Join us as we explore the passions, pursuits, and personalities that make this mountain town unique.

Information

  • Creator
    Ted Thorndike and Mike Carey
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Octagon
  • Show Website
    The Octagon

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