Smarter Than Us

We're thrilled to welcome Kelly Catale for a powerful and uplifting conversation that dives deep into mental health, authentic advocacy, and the courage it takes to embrace new opportunities. Kelly brings wisdom, warmth, and a little magic—yes, we're talking about the transformative power of speed sparkles. You won't want to miss this inspiring episode! Kelly is the Founder and President of KellCa...

This week's episode features two very special guests: Shannon's parents, Bob and Jean Poodiack of New Fairfield, Connecticut.  Bob and Jean both grew up in Danbury and met in the late 1950s—Bob was serving in the Marines, and Jean was working at McCrory's. They married in 1961 and moved into the home they still live in today. Now 85 and (almost) 89, Jean and Bob are beloved fixtures in their commu...

Our next guest is Dr. Kate Harris.  She is a Chiropractor, Runner, Mother of 4 and all around badass.  Kate was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, grew up in Leominster, went to school in Springfield, MA and New York, and now resides in Lancaster, Massachusetts.  She is the author of the children's book "Bennie the Backbone", a chiropractic book for children and parents to understand the value of c...

Our next guest is the generous and fabulous Betsy Bowman!  She's one of nine siblings and an extraordinary aunt to 28 nieces and nephews. Betsy is also a proud cat mom to the adorable Poppy.  By day, Betsy serves as a Restorative Practice Specialist at Cambridge Public Schools, helping students build stronger relationships and communities. She sits on the Board of the Haitian Project, championing...

Our next guest is prize winning writer and visual Artist, Sheila Squillante! Sheila's writing includes the essay collection, All Things Edible, Random and Odd: Essays on Grief, Love and Food. She is the author of the poetry collections, Mostly Human, winner of the 2020 Wicked Woman Book Prize and Beautiful Nerve as well as four chapbooks of poetry: Dear Sunder (dancing girl, 2023), In This Dream o...

Join us for the first episode of Smarter Than Us , featuring guest Trisha Blanchet! Trisha is the author of The Neath Trilogy : Herrick's End , Herrick's Lie , and Herrick's Key . She's also a former reporter, magazine editor, and award-winning humor columnist. In 2013, she founded Operation Delta Dog: Service Dogs for Veterans , a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans. Additionally, she works a...

Welcome to the Smarter Than Us podcast!  We are Susan and Shannon, two friends who interview some of the smartest people we know. Well, one of us knows the guest, and the other host is meeting the guest for the first time.  Our podcast is like hanging out with new friends getting to know each other.  Our first episode drops tomorrow, May 13th!   These episodes are perfect for your walk, commute, o...