VT Peeps – Bringing Vermont Stories to the Screen
VT Peep’s Sarah Blow interviews Jane Lindholm. Screenshot.
“I grew up performing. I’m a dance minor and I’ve always done plays and sang in local concerts,” said Sarah Blow, the producer and interviewer of the new show, VT Peeps. “But only in the last six months have I’ve realized what I love is hearing peoples stories.”
Sarah Blow, a rising senior at UVM, is the mastermind behind VT Peeps. The show centers around interviews she conducts with local Vermont figures. With her questions, Sarah allows their talents and projects to take center-stage. Each episode debuts on the VT Peeps Facebook page.
It all started with her internship at UVM’s Center for Research on Vermont. She began her work with social media management, but realized quickly that she wanted to branch out.
“I wanted to start interviewing people in the arts and theatre with interests like mine,” Blow said.
Her first subject was Steve Macqueen, artistic director at the Flynn theater in Burlington. The Flynn has always been close to Blow’s heart.
Growing up, her background in theater made the Flynn a personal landmark. She saw performances there frequently. Connecting with Steve was an initial step towards her goal of reaching out to noteworthy Vermont locals.
Her next episode was with Steve Cormier, a Vermont sports radio legend. His talk show, “Corm & the Coach” was the longest running morning show in Vermont.
“We went to the studio, WDEV in Waterbury. It was so cool. He was a really nice guy,” Blow said.
Her latest interview, posted on April 9th, was with Jane Lindholm, former host of VPR’s Vermont Edition program. Jane now works on a podcast called “But Why”, a show centered around answering tough questions in a way which kids can understand.
“I was so excited to interview you.” Sarah said “But also terrified. Have you ever been star-struck by a guest?”
“I still get star-struck every time I get to interview Alison Bechdel” Lindholm said. “Because she was such a legend to me before I became a journalist.” “Just two weeks ago you stepped down from your role at Vermont Edition,” Blow said “How are you feeling about that change?”
“So far so good” Lindholm said. “I haven’t really processed it yet. Leaving Vermont Edition. I’m excited for the new hosts, but I think it’ll take more adjusting than I’ve given it credit for, at this point.”
What started as a passing idea has grown into a thriving enterprise. First conceived in January, with a series of scattershot notes, Blow’s show has turned into more than an intern’s project.
“My best friend and roommate is the videographer,” Blow said. “ We’ll be in the kitchen and brainstorm together.”
There aren’t just friends among her crew. She’s enlisted the help of her family too. “The intro music is actually my sister’s. She’s a musician.”
Before releasing the episode, she never told her sister, Kirsti Blow, that she’d be using her music. It came as a welcome surprise to her family. The song she used, “Black Mood”, is available for streaming on Spotify.
Going forward, Blow hopes to get more in-person interviews for her show.
“It was cool when I was finally able to do things physically. People are becoming more comfortable doing in-person interviews.” With the prospect of widespread vaccination on the horizon, this should be easier.
Blow plans on continuing her show throughout the Summer. You can find episodes on her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VTPeepswithSarahBlow/.
