Now We're Talking Darien

In our final episode ever, we sit down with an incredible young woman who embodies everything that inspired us to start this podcast in 2020:  small town success stories and a celebration of great character, unique perspectives, and a passion for country and service.  In this episode, we talk with Darien native Emma Powless and her mother, Amy, about her experience at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  Emma grew up in Darien and tells us what it's like to choose that path; from the admissions process to jumping out of helicopters and successfully completing Ranger School.  She inspires us, like all our guests have, to share these remarkable Darien stories.

Aesthetic "plastic" surgery seems to be more popular than ever before... yet no one talks about it.  In this episode, we demystify the operations women (and men) are getting these days - what's most popular, why it's done, the importance of discretion how much it costs.  Dr. Gregory LaTrenta is one of the country's top plastic surgeons and with offices here in Darien, CT, he helps us peek behind the curtain on a billion dollar industry that many are intimidated to ask about.

Listen to Darien's own Spencer Knight, 2024 NHL Stanley Cup Champion, share his athletic journey with us.  From Rising Stars at Darien Ice Rink to the challenges and realities of playing professional sports, this young man demonstrates work ethic, humility and determination at its highest level.

One of Darien's greatest athletes of all-time, Ryan Damon, endured years of sports injuries and concussions that left his body and mind practically inoperable.  His fight to return to living a normal, happy life led him down the path to found The Current, a wellness center that delivers an exhilarating, 60-minute mindful and physical experience focused on healing both brain and body.

Tune in to hear Ryan's incredible story, unfiltered.  To quote Ryan, "The system's definition of 'tough' needs to change, and society's approach to wellness needs to be reimagined.'" 

Listen to Kim Swift and Laura Bremer, Co-Founders of Wave Strong discuss why they felt compelled to act following a period of tragic community loss.

A conversation with Jenn Montanaro and Bruce Ferguson from Darien Athletic Foundation about raising $10 million that was gifted to Darien.  We also talk about the founding of DAF Media live streaming network, which is a joint venture of DAF and the Darien Foundation.

In an age of increased focus on both health and social engagement, non-alcoholic beer may just have become cool.  Listen to Bill Shufelt, Darien native, Co-Founder and CEO of Athletic Brewing Company, a rapidly growing beverage company talk about his product, inspiration and how he built such a successful business.

After sitting dormant for several years, it's exciting to sit down with the two men finally making this important Darien commercial real estate project a reality.  Meet Jon and Joe Vaccaro, a local father-son duo known professionally as the V20 Group (www.v20group.com). 

In this hour-long conversation we cover the size and scope of the Heights Crossing project, located on the former site of the Noroton Heights Shopping Center.  We discuss their plans for the retail, residential and green spaces, parking, a new preschool, the projected impact to the local student population, community response, traffic, the V20 Group's other projects and much more.

Applying to college feels more complicated, more competitive and more stressful than ever before.  But is the competition for the “perfect” application real or only perceived? What do colleges really look for, and are we providing it here in Darien? How are Darien kids stacking up against others across America?  And, what can (or should) we be doing to keep our kids in contention?

Independent college consultants Deena Maerowitz and Kristin White have over 30 years of combined experience helping our kids apply to colleges, universities and alternate post-graduate programs that yield the best fit and opportunity for each child. Their depth of knowledge and experience helps us understand today’s college application process and how to best navigate it in an increasingly competitive world.  Learn more about Deena and Kristin by visiting their webpages at www.thebertramgroup.com/deena-maerowitz-jd-msw and www.darienacademicadvisors.com

Also referenced in this episode is our local Facebook page “Darien/New Canaan College Admissions” started by our guest, Kristin White.

In the final episode of this series, Dr. Danielle Douglas talks about the role of nutrition in supporting our teens' mental health.