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 community. Bob was recently voted the most popular teacher in New Fairfield High School history, where he taught Social Studies until retirement. Before that, he made a name for himself at Meeting House 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, then beating her age group at races, qualifying for the Boston Marathon which she ran until age 60!   Jean also has several careers,  as a hairdresser, raising two children as a stay-at-home mom, and later opening a beauty shop at the local nursing home, where she worked until retiring.  

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!