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

Every hobby starts somewhere, and in my case, it started with this episode's guest.

Sarah works at New England Fabrics in Keene, New Hampshire, and she's largely responsible for my newest obsession: sewing. What began as curiosity quickly turned into a hobby that has challenged me, surprised me, and given me a whole new appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship.

In our conversation, Sarah shares how she first got into sewing, what has kept her passionate about it, and why sewing remains such a unique and interesting skill.

Whether you've been sewing for decades, have never threaded a needle, or are simply curious about what draws people to creative pursuits, I think you'll enjoy getting to know Sarah and hearing her story.

https://newenglandfabrics.com/

www.rickyartist.com

On this episode of Eager to Know, Julia of Ryan Rickles Auction takes us behind the scenes and explains how history, art, textiles, and a whole lot of curiosity come together in her fascinating work.

https://ryanricklis.com/auction/

www.rickyartist.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.