Two Castleton grads and their Olympian sister make noise in the podcast world.

The House of Maher is what you get when you combine three crazy funny women with a knack for storytelling and an obsession with sister FaceTimes. 

It’s a one-of-a-kind, unfiltered podcast where sisters Ilona, Olivia and Adrianna Maher share everything from intimate life confessions to hilarious stories. 

Born and raised in Burlington, the Maher sisters bring their unique personalities and life experiences to the mic — and they are not scared to shy away from anything. From childhood birthday parties in grocery store aisles to big life questions about self-worth and mental health, the sisters have built a space where laughter and vulnerability go hand in hand.

“We wanted to do it right,” said Adrianna Maher, a 2021 Castleton University graduate. “What inspired us was our sister’s video calls — we always have such a blast. I feel like we’re our funniest selves over FaceTime.”

And that FaceTime energy is exactly what listeners get. One moment you’re listening to Adrianna’s feud with neon signs outside of restaurants, and in other moments you explore deep conversations around anxiety or how working out and having some time off for yourself can influence the lives of people. 

“We talk about literally everything,” Adrianna said. “I know how lucky I am to even be in a space where we have a podcast that people want to listen to. And so, it’s been a cool time. I’m very grateful for everything.”

The Mahers are a close-knit family and each member brings a very different personality to the table. Ilona is the Olympic rugby player, huge social media personality, and Dancing with the Stars runner-up. She brings confidence and quick sarcasm. 

Olivia is the oldest sister and also a Castleton graduate. She’s the creator of the viral “Girl Dinner” trend, is unapologetically quirky and very creative. 

Adrianna Maher is a New York City human rights activist with a gift for insight and is the youngest of the three.

The sisters may now be spread all over the country — Ilona and Olivia in California, Adrianna in New York — but their bond has never been stronger. Their podcast is not just content; it’s a connection for them.

“It was just kind of the perfect project to start together and just be able to be sisters even more,” Adrianna said.

Vermont makes regular appearances — whether it’s heartfelt memories from their small-town childhood or shoutouts to quirky Vermontisms that only New Englanders will understand.

“I’m always going to be a Vermonter. Vermont will always have my heart,” Adrianna said. “We had a really good public school education there, and my mom, Olivia, and I all went to Castleton.”

Professor Dave Blow, who taught both Olivia and Adrianna at Castleton, isn’t surprised the trio is taking over the podcasting world.

“Liv was very outgoing… she was everywhere,” Blow said. “She played guitar on the steps of Woodruff and made up a song to the tune of ‘12 Days of Christmas.’ She was a lot of fun in class.”

He remembers a hilarious Feature Writing blog assignment of Olivia’s that had her classmates, and him, howling. She called the blog “Liv Sips,” which she would write after a glass of wine or two. 

“It was hilarious,” he said. “People were tuned in to hear what she had to say.”

Adrianna, meanwhile, left a quieter but lasting impression and her time at Castleton was marred by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“She was deep, but also funny. One that sticks out to me was something she wrote for a COVID Chronicles blog about taking the senior year thing too far — doing puzzles at home like she was a senior citizen,” he said.

Some of her entries for the class assignment were turned into a book by Blow called “COVID Chronicles.”

Blow says what makes the Mahers special is their mix of humor, heart and authenticity.

“They come across as this cool, normal-ish family with good values,” he said. “They’re good people, raised right. It’s one of the coolest things about being a professor — seeing students like them take off.”

Blow isn’t the only teacher at Castleton who holds the Mahers in high regards. 

Professor Michael Talbott remembers having the sisters in class as well.

“Liv was one of those students who was exceptional from the beginning, a great contributor to class work, really engaged, jumped at every opportunity, involved in everything,” Talbott said. 

The sisters’ dynamic is strong, thanks in part to their openness and communication.

“We’re very vocal people,” Adrianna said. “So, if we have an issue, we’re not stewing on it. Let’s fix it. Let’s figure it out.”

Their creative process shows the trust they have in each other.

“It’s wonderful to work with them,” she said. “We already have such a great foundation together… there’s always a way we can figure anything out.”

While Olivia and Ilona are more used to sharing their lives online, Adrianna admitted she’s more cautious.

“I’ve always been very aware of privacy and anonymity,” she said. “Olivia and Ilona have already shared so much. So, they’re less afraid, but I’m getting the hang of it more.”

Still, the sisters are committed to honesty and authenticity. 

“We’re telling our stories unfiltered — little thoughts and situations that remind people: everyone feels this way,” Adrianna said.

That balance of serious and silly is what makes “The House of Maher” feel like a hug — with a side of sass.

“We want to build something lasting,” Adrianna said. “More seasons and more episodes that people can come back to — a place where our three voices shine.”

Whether they’re diving into awkward dates, recounting bizarre moments, or tackling heavy topics with grace and grit, the Maher sisters are a trio you’ll want to hang out with again and again.

“The House of Maher” is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.