This episode’s guest is someone who, as a little boy, loved playing with dolls—and we’re all better off because he did.

Jon, along with his partner Myles, owns Village Square Booksellers in Bellows Falls, Vermont. It's a wonderful independent bookstore with an incredible toy department and—as you'll soon discover—a truly spectacular doll collection. Together, they also run an eBay business called The Doll Bunny, specializing in vintage dolls and doll accessories.

But this conversation is about much more than dolls. It's about creativity, authenticity, and the courage to embrace what brings you joy, even when it doesn't fit other people's expectations.

I learned a lot from Jon, and I think you will too. It's a thoughtful, heartfelt conversation that stayed with me long after we finished recording.

I hope you enjoy this episode of Eager To Know.

https://www.ebay.com/str/thedollbunny

https://villagesquarebooks.com

We speak with Jeff about his experience in the world of clowns and clowning. This interview is not what we expected.

Jeff is a multidisciplinary clown threading numerous areas of focus into a tapestry of zany, wonder-filled, and spontaneous foolery. He currently lives in southern Vermont, where he is beginning to teach clown with an Animist approach that subverts the narrative of clowning as self-discovery and inspires towards service to culture and bringing poetic beauty to the world. You can find him tending to yearly clown rituals, galavanting through nursing homes in red nose, or bending his hands towards craft and carpentry.

Instagram: @sneffcraft

@sneffcraft

There is a new addition to the wonderful Vermont village where I live - a yoga studio. A former competitive runner with a longtime yoga practice owns Yoga on Main. I am happy to share my conversation about yoga, mindfulness, and breath with Martine.

https://www.instagram.com/yogaonmainsaxtonsriver/

https://www.rickymceachernartist.com/eagertoknow/yoga-on-main

Frog Meadow Farm is a B&B, Inn, and Massage Oasis for Men in Southern VT.

I discovered this wonderful spot many years ago when I lived in Boston, and often looking for a relaxing, welcoming getaway.

Frog Meadow is changing ownership, and I wanted to be sure that it will retain the intent and vibe that love. Spoiler alert - it is transitioning into good hands.

I am pleased to share my conversation with the founders of Frog Meadow, Dave Scott.

https://www.frogmeadow.com/

Author David Jay Collins is back to speak about his latest book, Single & Cooking. This will likely be the beach read of 2025.

David’s Website: https://davidjaycollins.com

David’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidjaycollins

www.rickyartist.com

Recorded at WolfPup® Studios in Chicago, IL, U.S.A.

We welcome back Chicago-based author and artist Dmitry Samarov. He has had 3 books published since our last conversation, so we have lots to catch up on. Thank you for hanging with us on our 2025 Midwest podcast tour.

Dmitry’s Website: https://www.dmitrysamarov.com

Dmitry’s Podcast: https://huuno.dmitrysamarov.com

www.rickyartist.com

Recorded at WolfPup® Studios in Chicago, IL, U.S.A.

Artist, curator, and personal chef Timothy Allen discusses a range of topics, including the balance between creating art for ourselves versus seeking validation from others, how learning to paint can alter our relationship with the world, and the creativity involved in cooking.

Ricky McEachern’s solo art exhibit, Art Array, will be on display at Next Stage Arts in Putney, Vermont, through August 10th, 2025. An opening reception and artist talk will be on May 29th, 6-8 pm.

www.rickyartist.com

https://www.nextstagearts.org

Intro music credit: The Fifth Life by Circus Marcus

We are back with Chicago-based author David Jay Collins to discuss the second installment of the three-part Summerdale horror series. David is just the best guest. We hope to have him back when Summerdale III is released in the fall of 2025. His latest novel, Single & Cooking, is available on his website.

https://davidjaycollins.comp