Learning Life with Jon Tota

DJ Barry is an entrepreneur, artist and changemaker with a vision to bring the world a little closer together through random acts of kindness. Listen to this interview with DJ to learn how we're "all spots on the same cow" and what DJ is doing to spread that mission around Vermont, the US and now the world! Check out DJ's mission and gallery at https://www.worldcow.earth. 

Rachel Vandenberg grew up in her family's hotel business in Stowe, Vermont then traveled the world and worked in several industries before returning to Vermont to co-own and operate the Sun & Ski Inn and Suites with her husband, Mark. In this episode, she shares their Vermont origin story and discusses her latest industry endeavors. With her expertise in leadership and organizational developme...

Emiliano Void is the Founder and CEO of nuwave Equity Corporation. He is responsible for the development and implementation of systemic solutions centered around the dismantlement of anti-Black and systemic racism through profitable and innovative approaches. Emiliano grew up in Montreal, Canada and has spent the last decade living and working in the Burlington, Vermont area and serving in several...

Born and raised in Vermont, Ashley Reynolds is the President and Co-Founder of Elmore Mountain Therapeutics. Ashley and her husband Colin founded EMT 2017 after Ashley’s personal struggle with postpartum anxiety. Finding relief through the use of CBD, Ashley saw a need for cannabis advocation to all. With a deep understanding of the science behind it, she dispels misconceptions and educates others...

This week, Jon speaks with C.J. Knudsen, Senior Vice President for the Vermont Lake Monsters. C.J. graduated from Rice Memorial High School in 1992 and served as the Lake Monsters Assistant General Manager from 1997-1999 and the team's General Manager from 2000-2009. C.J. returned to the Lake Monsters in 2021 as Senior Vice President and has helped the team navigate the transition from MLB's minor...

In the previous episode, we delved into the fascinating world of Synchronicity with Dr. Tom Myers and Dr. Rob Williams. Now, in Part 2 of our series, we invite you to embark on a transformative journey through a profound meditation session led by Rob himself, the co-founder of Peak Flow. Prepare yourself by finding a peaceful spot, turning off your devices, and allowing Dr. Rob to guide you into a...

Dr. Tom Myers is a Synchronicity Researcher, Educator, and Coach, dedicated to helping individuals and businesses discover the power of Synchronicity and implement it in their lives. Having had a distinguished career as a professor and faculty chair at Champlain College, Tom now focuses on assisting people in understanding the concept of Synchronicity, recognizing its occurrences, and learning how...

Doug Lewis is a 2-time Olympian, 8-year member of the US Ski Team, and in 1985 won the first ever World Championship medal for an American in downhill. And he grew up right here in the Green Mountains, cutting his teeth at Middlebury's Snow Bowl, then honing his skills at the GMVS Ski Academy at Sugarbush. After a great run on the US Ski Team, Doug returned to Vermont to attend UVM and to later co...

In this episode, Jon sits down with Alex Hernandez, President of Champlain College, who was recently inaugurated as just the 10th President in Champlain's long history.  Alex's vision for the college is centered on a theme of “readiness,” as he outlines plans to build a better future for students, the college, and Vermont. Jon talks with Alex about how education creates opportunity and what he thi...

In this episode, Jon sits down with Jason Lorber, the Founder and President of Aplomb Consulting, where they help people facilitate change in their lives and businesses. Based in Burlington, VT, Jason is also a standup comedian who served four terms in the Vermont state legislature. We talk about change, how comedy can help through the process, and why everyday citizens should get involved in poli...

In this episode, Jon sits down with Bridget Conry, founder of High Fidelity and host of the new High Fidelity podcast show. Bridget is an herbal practitioner and cannabis industry educator, advocate and entrepreneur based in Burlington, VT. High Fidelity intends to explore the intersection of cannabis, wellness, culture and the arts through insightful conversations with industry experts and though...

This week, Jon sits down with Beth Hill. Beth is the President and CEO of Fort Ticonderoga, the historic 2,000 acre destination overlooking Lake Champlain and educating visitors since 1909.  Beth has a passion for history and a long career in the development and management of historical sites.   In this episode, we discuss the importance of learning from our history, why sense of place matters tod...

This week, Jon sits down with Will Raap. Will is a pioneer in sustainable, regenerative farming in Vermont and the entrepreneur who founded Gardener’s Supply Company, spearheaded the start of the Intervale Center and, most recently, is transforming the Nordic Farm in Charlotte into Earthkeep Farmcommon.   In this week’s episode, we discuss Will’s entrepreneurial journey as well as his latest innov...

This week, Jon sits down with Sarah DeGray, founder of REV Indoor Cycling. REV is a place of community and wellness, and is a no-judgment zone that helps you achieve your fitness goals through supportive coaching and an uplifting environment. Sarah founded REV Indoor Cycling 10 years ago in Burlington, Vermont, and has some excellent advice to offer entrepreneurs. In this week’s episode, Sarah dis...

This week, Jon sits down with Kimberly DuBrul, a certified business, life and mindset coach who has been coaching for almost 20 years. Kimberly is a Founding Member of the world wide John Maxwell Team of coaches, speakers and trainers and was one of 12 people chosen to make up the very first President's Advisory Council (PAC). She has also received the PCC title through the International Coach Fed...

This week, Jon sits down with Cassie Polhemus, CEO of the Vermont Economic Development Authority. VEDA helps provide financing solutions to Vermont businesses in order to keep companies running and growing, and support the vitality of Vermont’s economy. In this week’s episode, Cassie talks about her journey to Vermont, how VEDA works daily to help Vermont businesses reach their goals and the uniqu...

In this week's episode, we have Vermont serial entrepreneur, Professor, and friend of the show Dr. Rob Williams. Whether you know him from the Yak it to Me Burger stand, teaching at University of Vermont and Champlain College, or as a major voice on Vermont Independent Radio, Dr. Rob always shares something new and interesting. Rob sits down with Jon to discuss Peak Flow, a course to teach the Wim...

This week Jon sits down with Adam Hergenrother to discuss how business can be a conduit for personal growth. Adam is the founder and CEO of Adam Hergenrother Companies, which became a $1 billion organization in 2019 and has been a five-time winner of the Vermont Best Places to Work. In this episode, Adam shares his journey to acquire the skills that have made him a great leader and offers advice f...

This week, Jon sits down with Jenna Sereni, a pioneer in influencer marketing as the VP of Marketing and Creative Services at WHOSAY, the first ever influencer marketing agency.  Today, Jenna is the visionary co-founder and CEO of HandsDown, the social commerce platform that allows users to share what they “hands down” can’t live without and discover what they’ve been missing, from the people they...

This week, Jon sits down with Jeff Weaber, founder and CEO of the famed Kombucha brewery Aqua ViTea, based in Middlebury Vermont. Jeff started as a brewer at Lucky Labrador in Portland Oregon, before discovering the health benefits of Kombucha. He moved to Salisbury VT in 2005 with the goal of helping people sustain a healthy lifestyle. AquaViTea began in a farmhouse in 2007 and is one of the firs...

This week, Jon sits down with Duane Peterson, Co-Founder and Co-President of SunCommon, a benefit corporation powering Vermont and Hudson Valley homes, schools, and businesses with solar. Duane is also a member of the board for both VBSR and VPIRG, organizations pushing for social responsibility and environmental protection across the green mountain state.  Duane began his career in politics in Ca...

This week on Learning Life, Jon talked with Kai Cook about Deep End Fitness. Kai Cook is a lifelong swimmer and when she discovered Deep End fitness in California, she felt it was important enough to bring back to Vermont and became one of the founders of the Vermont branch. Deep End fitness was originally developed by Don Tran and Prime Hall after they started water survival training for marine r...

This week Jon sits down with Riley Seith, co-founder of the Laces App, and student entrepreneur. Laces is a platform for runners to find and share safe running routes when traveling or moving to a new city. After you’re done running, you can report incidents or obstacles. Think Waze for runners. Riley and her co-founder Makenzie started their business from Champlain college. The idea started as a...

This week Jon sits down with Lousia Schibli, co-founder of the Northern New England Women's Investor network, and co-founder and CEO of Milk Money Vermont. Milk Money is a platform for Vermonters to discover local investment opportunities, get tips on how to evaluate those opportunities, and then make an investment.  Louisa has also recently joined RuralWorks Partners as Chief Engagement Officer....

Matty Benedetto solves problems that don’t really exist by creating products that no one is asking for. Benedetto is the inventor, serial entrepreneur and evil genius behind the wildly popular Unnecessary Inventions based right here in Burlington, Vermont. Matty grew up outside New York City, got his marketing degree at St. Michael’s then settled here in the Green Mountains funneling his passions...