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BONUS: The Quest Express talks to the principal of a middle school in Canada, but not the kind of principal on Ferris Bueller, "Nine times, Mrs. Bueller. Nine times." No, Danielle Shantz is more of a People's Principal and advocate for students, parents and teachers alike. She was inspired to write Healing in the Halls after witnessing the widespread damage to kids, parents and teachers in the aftermath of Covid. Website: www.healinginthehalls.com

Book your own VIP Day / Weekend: info@thedinnerstory.com

Season 2: host@thequestexpress.com

Inside:

• Artistic roots
• Consequences of Covid on kids
• A path forward for education
• Experiential learning & engagement

Danielle is a lifelong learner with a deep connection to her farm family heritage, placing great importance on family bonds. An educator by profession, she loves nature and enjoys writing as a way to connect with others. Her passion for continuous learning and her appreciation for the natural world reflect her nurturing spirit and commitment to personal and communal growth.

Healing in the Halls: A Reflection of the Pandemic and Its Impact on Schools, Education, and Families is a poignant and timely exploration of the profound changes wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic in the realm of education. This thought-provoking book delves into the heart of the crisis, shedding light on how schools, educators, students, and families navigated unprecedented challenges in Saskatchewan with her family, her roots are here, in the Land of the Living Skies. The art of sharing stories comes from her grandfather and father, who instilled in her a love of the art of communication and making connections with all you meet. Through these experiences, stories, and the love of learning and educating, the idea of creating a collection of stories, problems, and most importantly solutions, emerged. Read more here...

The Vacant Farm - By A.C.(Tony) Steiert
Not a scene from a painter's book.
Just a vacant farm-with an aging tired look.
The yard once a haven and a farmer's pride,
Taken over by nature in her stride.
A lonely windmill hanging its head,
No longer pumping-just resting instead.
The barn, weather-beaten with aching back.
Not a single eye left anywhere,
But broken and shattered through wear and tear.
Once it housed the farmer's steeds,
Ready and waiting for the family needs.
Gone is Bossy with her four bottles of milk-
More important to mother than botts of silk.
The outhouse with open door and empty chair-
With an old Eaton's catologue still hanging there.
The house - once a home and happy abode,
just full of memories yet to be told.
No longer does the chimney mother's secrets tell
For the wood and heat had its own special smell.
In the attic, some antiques giving way to rust,
Resting silently beneath a mantle of dust,
I feel the presence of a family here,
Although they have been gone for many a year.
I can see the mother with apron wrapped,
Working a strudel with fin

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Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

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BONUS EPISODE: Today we meet an American expat and former journalist who has made Buenos Aires her permanent home. We talk tango, AI, the globalist agenda, off grid living & Bucket List travel.

Visit her platform at the links below:

• https://wander-argentina.com/travel/
• https://wander-argentina.com/buenos-aires-tours/
• https://wander-argentina.com/f-a-q-living-in-argentina/
• https://andewanderer.com/about/

Inside this episode:

• Ande's winding road to Argentina
• The political change Argentines need
• A peek inside the Tango Obsession & Lifestyle
• Wander Argentina
• How Google & AI are destroying indie publishers
• The "One Year to Live" Question
• Carrie's new phobia from Bali
• Ande's travels to Bangalore, Nepal & Portugal
• Ancestry DNA tests - get yours here
• Bucket list & fave locales
• B-YOU: Build Your Own Utopia

Next week: A Middle School Principal turns the trials of Covid into a book and restores hope in parents, engagements in students, and a clear path forward for teachers.

Questions? host@thequestexpress.com

Bio:
Andy Wanderer is a former journalist who moved to Buenos Aires to escape the live-to-work matrix. Once she became fluent in Spanish and established herself here, she redirected her zeal for exploration, learning and storytelling into creating "Wander Argentina," a digital platform for those captivated by this expansive and fascinating country.

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Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: host@thequestexpress.com

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

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ASPEN: Today we conclude the Aspen Series with 4th generation Aspenite and Aspen Hall of Famer, Tony Vagneur, who gives us a historical tour of Aspen.

Read Tony's column, "Saddle Sore" in The Aspen Times here:

Visit the Aspen Historical Society: www.aspenhistory.org and if you're living in Aspen or moving there...

Hire his daughter Lauren, Creator & Owner of Chic & Tidy: www.chicandtidy.com

Inside this episode:

• The Paepke's vision for Aspen
• Judge Shaw & The Paepke Migration
• Silver, Limestone & Prostitutes
• Aspen Historical Society
• The Story of Hotel Jerome
• A ghost in Tony's childhood home

Next Week: Ande Wanderer, a former journalist from NYC who moved to Buenos Aires to escape the live-to-work matrix.

Questions? host@thequestexpress.com

Bio:
Tony Vagneur was born into the Vagneur ranching family in Woody Creek. His great-grandfather, Jeremie Vagneur arrived from Val d’Aosta, Italy, in 1882, and carved out a ranching dynasty that thus far includes five generations. He is a life-long rancher and businessman. Known primarily for his column, "Saddle Sore", in The Aspen Times and his exploits as a general raconteur and cattle ranching cowboy.

Tony grew up on the original Vagneur homestead in Woody Creek, named the Elkhorn Ranch by his grandfather, Ben. Tony graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and business administration from the University of Colorado.

Once back in Aspen, Tony began working for his aunt and uncle (Eileen and Vic Goodhard) at Aspen Trash Service, Inc., a relationship that would indelibly mark Tony’s business career for the next 25 years. He also did stints as a builder, a bartender, an equipment operator, a horse trainer, a ski racer, a string of Marlboro commercials and a long run at the T Lazy-7 Ranch. Tony put in seven years as an Aspen Mountain Ski Patrolman.

Tony spent much of his free time helping the Vagneur Ranch Company take care of the cattle in the high country. The cow camp became his home away from home. In the late 1980s, he created his own volunteer educational position with the U. S. Forest Service, a relationship he maintains to this day.

Since 2000, Tony has spent winters on the ski hill and summers caring for herds of cows in the mountains above East Sopris Creek. He has been a regular volunteer on boards like the Roaring Fork Valley Planning Commission and the Red Butte Cemetery board. His column, “Saddle Sore,” appears each Saturday in The Aspen Times, and he fills up his spare time playing the piano around town.

The Vagneur family’s ranching legacy continues to now include Tony’s daughter, Lauren, and her husband, Ty Burtard. The couple leases the family’s original homestead in Woody Creek, operating it as a hay and cattle ranch.

Aspen Hall of Fame Inductee

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Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: host@thequestexpress.com

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

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ASPEN: The Quest Express speaks with our final guest in our Aspen series: Tony Vagneur. He writes a column for The Aspen Times, called "Saddle Sore" which you can check out HERE and subscribe to The Aspen Times to follow.

Also check out: www.aspenhistory.org and www.chicandtidy.com (more about this organization business in Part II)


Inside this episode:

• Tony's first childhood memories on the ranch
• Aspen and the Wild West of the 1880s
• Tony's poetry alibi
• Joining the family business
• Horses (here's the documentary mentioned: BUCK)

Part II drops this weekend followed by a few weeks of bonus episodes before the next city.

Email feedback: host@thequestexpress.com

Bio:
Tony Vagneur was born into the Vagneur ranching family in Woody Creek. His great-grandfather, Jeremie Vagneur arrived from Val d’Aosta, Italy, in 1882, and carved out a ranching dynasty that thus far includes five generations. He is a life-long rancher and businessman. Known primarily for his column, "Saddle Sore", in The Aspen Times and his exploits as a general raconteur and cattle ranching cowboy.

Tony grew up on the original Vagneur homestead in Woody Creek, named the Elkhorn Ranch by his grandfather, Ben. Tony graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and business administration from the University of Colorado.

Once back in Aspen, Tony began working for his aunt and uncle (Eileen and Vic Goodhard) at Aspen Trash Service, Inc., a relationship that would indelibly mark Tony’s business career for the next 25 years. He also did stints as a builder, a bartender, an equipment operator, a horse trainer, a ski racer, a string of Marlboro commercials and a long run at the T Lazy-7 Ranch. Tony put in seven years as an Aspen Mountain Ski Patrolman.

Tony spent much of his free time helping the Vagneur Ranch Company take care of the cattle in the high country. The cow camp became his home away from home. In the late 1980s, he created his own volunteer educational position with the U. S. Forest Service, a relationship he maintains to this day.

Since 2000, Tony has spent winters on the ski hill and summers caring for herds of cows in the mountains above East Sopris Creek. He has been a regular volunteer on boards like the Roaring Fork Valley Planning Commission and the Red Butte Cemetery board. His column, “Saddle Sore,” appears each Saturday in The Aspen Times, and he fills up his spare time playing the piano around town.

The Vagneur family’s ranching legacy continues to now include Tony’s daughter, Lauren, and her husband, Ty Burtard. The couple leases the family’s original homestead in Woody Creek, operating it as a hay and cattle ranch.

Aspen Hall of Fame Inductee

Support the Show.

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: host@thequestexpress.com

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

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ASPEN: Today The Quest Express continues with Barclay Dodge, Owner of Michelin-Star Restaurant BOSQ, reveals what it really takes to capture a Michelin Star. What's on the menu for Barclay's Last Supper and how he manages his rock star team.

Make reservations at BOSQ, contact: molly@bosqaspen.com

Part I of the interview HERE on Apple or HERE on Spotify

Visit BOSQ

Inside this episode:

• What makes BOSQ unique
• The COVID rebirth
• Influences of BOSQ
• The Michelin-Star journey: the good, the bad, & the gruelling
• Advice for a young cook or aspiring chef

Bio:
One MICHELIN Star Chef Dodge draws from the best of his local farms to the raw, wild flavors of the wilderness. His plates are accessible and consistently thoughtful.

Chef Barclay Dodge’s love of cuisine began in his grandmother’s kitchen and it grew through his vocational experience as a teenager in Aspen restaurants. His passion deepened during his time working at Michelin Star restaurants and under the tutelage of acclaimed chefs.

After being introduced to the cutting edge experimentation in gastronomy while at El Bulli, under Ferran Adria and Albert Adria, Chef Dodge went to open and operate two restaurants of his own, including Bosq. He is inspired by the roots of a place. From his own roots in the Aspen valley to his extensive traveling and culinary investigations into local food cultures.

In 2010, he returned to his Aspen roots to focus on his restaurant and create a family of two girls, Lennon & Mia along with his wife Molly.

Image by Karl Wolfgang

NEXT WEEK: Tony Vagneur, 4th generation Aspenite, life-long rancher, businessman & columnist of "Saddle Sore" in The Aspen Times.

Support the Show.

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: host@thequestexpress.com

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

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ASPEN: Barclay Dodge has traveled the world and honed his craft for the last 35 years working in great kitchens, under amazing chefs. In 2010, he returned to his Aspen roots to focus on his restaurant and create a family of two girls, Lennon & Mia along with his wife Molly.

Make reservations at BOSQ, contact: molly@bosqaspen.com

Visit BOSQ

Inside this episode:

• The smells of Aspen
• His stage in Spain
• Culinary school in San Francisco
• One of his favorite restaurants in San Francisco while there
• Time in So-Cal and how Barclay came back to Aspen
• Molly's golden touch and hospitality

Part II with Barclay Dodge is up next

Bio:
One MICHELIN Star Chef Dodge draws from the best of his local farms to the raw, wild flavors of the wilderness. His plates are accessible and consistently thoughtful.

Chef Barclay Dodge’s love of cuisine began in his grandmother’s kitchen and it grew through his vocational experience as a teenager in Aspen restaurants. His passion deepened during his time working at Michelin Star restaurants and under the tutelage of acclaimed chefs.

After being introduced to the cutting edge experimentation in gastronomy while at El Bulli, under Ferran Adria and Albert Adria, Chef Dodge went to open and operate two restaurants of his own, including Bosq. He is inspired by the roots of a place. From his own roots in the Aspen valley to his extensive traveling and culinary investigations into local food cultures.

Image by Karl Wolfgang

Support the show

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: host@thequestexpress.com

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

Send us a text

ASPEN: Part II of our conversation with Pitkin County Commissioner, Greg Poschman. Paris, Hollywood, and the spirit that buoyed Aspen during the pandemic. To read Greg's bio or listen to Part I, CLICK HERE

Inside this episode:

• Working with Sting in Paris
• The road to the Emmys
• How filming documentaries became public service
• The tension & resolution between groups in Aspen
• How to be heard if you live in Pitkin County
• What makes Aspen so special as a community?
• Six ways to get involved in the Aspen community

1. Roaring Fork Safe Passages: This organization works to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions in the Roaring Fork Valley by advocating for safe passages like land bridges and tunnels. Get involved by subscribing to their newsletter for updates and support opportunities through their website.
https://www.roaringforksafepassages.org/

2. Aspen Valley Land Trust (AVLT): AVLT conserves open lands for agriculture, wildlife habitat, and public recreation in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River valleys. Get involved by volunteering, donating, or attending events listed on their website. | https://www.avlt.org/

3. Lift-Up: Lift-Up provides essential humanitarian services, including food distribution and financial assistance, to struggling individuals and families in Western Colorado. Get involved by volunteering, donating, or participating in their events via their website. | https://www.liftup.org/

4. Brennan Center for Justice: The Brennan Center focuses on democracy, justice, and the rule of law through rigorous research and advocacy. Get involved by donating, subscribing to their newsletter, or participating in their events and campaigns. | https://www.brennancenter.org/about

5. Independence Pass Foundation (IPF): IPF is dedicated to preserving and restoring the ecological health of Independence Pass through various conservation projects. Get involved by volunteering, donating, or attending events as detailed on their website. | https://www.independencepass.org/

6. Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES): ACES promotes environmental stewardship and sustainability through educational programs and conservation projects. Get involved by participating in their programs, volunteering, or donating through their website. | https://www.aspencore.org/

Support the show

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: host@thequestexpress.com

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

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• How Greg's parents met
• Skiing, Edelweiss & wildflower hunting
• The silent PTSD of WWII
• The influence of the Paepke's on Aspen culture
• The old Aspen Design Conference & Aspen Ideas Festival
• Greg's quest to express himself in the most fulfilling career

Bio:

Greg Poschman lives on a mountain side near Aspen, Colorado with his wife Maureen and their two children. Maureen is the president of an international travel and lifestyle communications agency called Promo. Greg has a background as a producer, director and cameraman for documentaries and television series. This focus on the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge and interesting stories has taken him all over the world to document expeditions, foreign cultures, humanitarian issues and exotic wildlife.

Greg has a civil engineering degree from the University of Colorado with minors in business and filmmaking. He’s won three national Emmy awards for directing and camerawork, and he shares those honors with creative and brilliant collaborators.

He has served on the boards or advisory boards of Aspen area non-profits, including Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES, ) Community Office for Resource Efficiency (CORE) and Aspen Public Radio. Activities include mentoring startup non-profits, building boards of directors, recruiting executive talent, empowering development and helping them transition to new business models. He served on Pitkin County’s Healthy Rivers and Streams Advisory Board before joining the Pitkin County Board of Commissioners in 2017. He knows the Aspen community well, having made many biographies and documentaries for and about local people and institutions, including ACES, Wilderness Workshop, English in Action, The Aspen Institute, The Aspen Music Festival, Challenge Aspen, and the Aspen Hall of Fame.

Greg hopes that Aspen kids will grow up having the incredible natural environment, and the recreational and educational opportunities his childhood in Aspen offered him.

Support the show

Website: https://www.thequestexpress.com

Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/6yMieXo2iGEE1Qmr9

Say Hi: host@thequestexpress.com

Music Credits: INTRO: Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel