Smarter Than Us
Susan and Shannon
Smarter Than Us is a conversational interview podcast where everyday people take center stage. Each episode, hosts Susan and Shannon sit down with real people to talk about life's detours, unexpected turns, and hard-won lessons — with plenty of humor along the way. No experts required. Just real stories from real people. If you have a story, you belong here.
Episodes
Leigh Hardiman is Smarter Than Us
It started with a bad bottle of fruit wine and turned into a lifelong friendship. This week we sit down with Leigh Hardiman — storyteller, motel kid, Shannon's chosen family, and a passionate leader in nonprofits supporting causes close to her heart. Leigh opens up about the deep bond she shares with her family, the loss of her beloved dad, and the stories — and famous guests — from a childhood spent growing up in a family motel. This one has heart, humor, and a whole lot of love. You're going to love this one.
Bob & Jean Poodiack are Smarter Than Us
This week's episode features two very special guests: Shannon's parents, Bob and JeanPoodiack of New Fairfield, Connecticut.Bob and Jean both grew up in Danbury and met in the late 1950s-Bob was serving in theMarines, and Jean was working at McCrory's. They married in 1961 and moved into the homethey still live in today.Now 86 and 90, Jean and Bob are beloved fixtures in their community. Bob wasrecently voted the most popular teacher in New Fairfield High School history, where hetaught Social Studies until retirement. Before that, he made a name for himself at MeetingHouse 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, thenbeating her age group at races, qualifying for the Boston Marathon which she ran until age60! Jean also has several careers, as a hairdresser, raising two children as a stay-at-homemom, and later opening a beauty shop at the local nursing home, where she worked untilretiring.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!
Welcome To Smarter Than Us
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.