True Stories from an Old Dirt Road

Sharon, Vermont is a sleepy, rural town in central Vermont near the New Hampshire state line. It's a town that isn't well known, except for being the birthplace of the founder of the Mormon religion, Joseph Smith. But, over the years Sharon, specifically a short stretch of dirt road in Sharon, has seen some fascinating things. Host Anthony Ciardelli, who grew up on the dirt road and in the house where some of these things happened, tells you the whole story. From an Oscar-nominated actor and his famous friend visiting to rock stars recording hit songs to drug traffickers sneaking around, this tiny part of this tiny town has seen things you would think only happen in cities like LA, New York and Miami. Stay tuned for True Stories from an Old Dirt Road, premiering on major podcast apps October 30th.

In 1979, the Vermont State Police received a tip about a group of drug traffickers moving massive amounts of drugs through Vermont. Part of the operation was focused on the small farmhouse that Brandon deWilde had once owned, next to Suntreader Studios. The State Police set up a massive surveillance operation before busting the traffickers in what was described as the largest drug bust in Vermont history at that point. The ensuing legal drama and its aftermath created one of Vermont's most wanted men. Find out more from two retired members of the Vermont State Police as well as neighbors and people who lived in the area at the time.

After a group of drug traffickers were arrested by the Vermont State Police in "the biggest drug bust in Vermont history," the group tried everything they possibly could to stay out of prison. That led to a lengthy appeals process and eventually a manhunt. Find out more about what happened in the final episode of "True Stories from an Old Dirt Road."

In episode 1, Anthony explains how he first heard about the things that are alleged to have happened on his street, in his house, and in the house next door in the decades before his family moved there. Meet the neighbors and community members who experienced everything themselves and learn more about exactly what happened. Please feel free to contact me at @dellitweets on Twitter or at ciardellia@gmail.com.

Growing up on the old dirt road was an experience on its own. Meet my parents, who bought the house in 1985 having heard very little about what had gone on in the neighborhood and the house they just bought until they spoke to their new neighbors. Learn more about some of Sharon's older history, which is fascinating, before delving into more details about what happened on the old dirt road.

In 1964, Hollywood came to Sharon. That's when Brandon deWIlde and his wife Susan bought a small Vermont farmhouse that had been left in disrepair. Brandon made his name on Broadway when he was eight years old. From there he carved out a career in film and TV, even garnering award nominations. At the time he was a star, but he grew tired of acting and wanted to make a career in music. That's when he met Gram Parsons who would become one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. In 1966, Brandon, Gram and some friends visited Sharon and stayed at the house I'd grow up in 20 years later. Learn more about deWilde, Parsons and their time in Sharon in episode three!

Just down the road from the house Brandon deWilde owned was a small building that stood up a winding driveway. That building – which was built in the 70s after deWilde sold his house – was a recording studio named "Suntreader Studios," which was founded by John and Jerice Bergstrom. John and Jerice's studio was state of the art compared to what else was available in the region, even Boston. It was so good, it attracted producer Nick Jameson, who brought the band Foghat there to record its album "Fool for the City." That album brought the world "Slow Ride," an iconic song that elevated the band to rock star status. Find out more about the recording of "Slow Ride" from Nick Jameson himself as well as more stories from the studio by its founders, the Bergstroms.

You thought we were finished, but there's one last episode! In this bonus episode, learn about yet more stunning things that happened on the old dirt road. In this case, they all happened at one old private fishing club off of the old dirt road!