Erwin Velasquez is a bilingual yoga teacher and a personal trainer. Originally from Bogata, Columbia, Erwin made his way out to Jackson in 2006. A few years ago he decided to change the path his life was headed by quitting his job to focus on his health. This change led him to Yoga. He is now serving the Spanish speaking community in Jackson by helping make their fitness goals more attainable.
In this episode, Erwin shares what it was like growing up in Columbia and why he left to come out to Wyoming. He talks about the obstacles he had to overcome when it came to his health and well being. Ewin goes into discussing the Spanish speaking community of Jackson and how classes like his are helping improve the overall health of our community. Stephan and Erwin then talk about Teton Trail Runner and some of their favorite hiking and running spots.
Akop is a Professional Figure Skater, coach, husband, father, performer, actor, stunt double in Will Farrell’s Blades of Glory, and the President/CEO and Executive Director of the Grand Teton Skating Association. Originally from Armenia, Akop has traveled and performed with some of the best figure skaters in our time. After performing all over the world, Akop made Jackson his home in 1999.
Lisa Smith-Batchen is an ultra runner, Ironman competitor, personal coach, mom, mentor, wife, and sister. Her athletic achievements have been documented in The NY Times, The LA Times, The Washington Post, Sports Illustrated for Women, ESPN Magazine, Outside Magazine, and many more. After the tragic events of 9/11, Lisa and her family decided to leave New Jersey and move to where they have always wanted to live, Jackson Hole.
In this episode, Lisa gets a little more personal with Stephan and talks about her latest fitness journey. In October of 2021, Lisa’s sister Julie passed away of colon cancer.
Laurie helped run the Jackson Hole Land Trust for 15 years and now she is the president of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. She is also an avid climber, ultra runner, and a lover of dogs.
In this episode, Laurie shares how her tenure at the Nature Conservancy brought her out to the Valley. She talks about the work she did with the Jackson Hole Land Trust and how it led her to her current role at the Community Foundation. Laurie describes what it was like to take on such a big position just as the pandemic was forcing closures and safety measures. She goes into the impact that climbing and outdoor recreation have had on her life and how she is driven to get out into nature to re-energize. Stephan and Laurie also discuss the importance of stepping up to support the community and what makes the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole truly unique.
Everything Jay does revolves around cycling. He is an ultra-endurance cyclist, ambassador, guide, teacher, speaker, race director, and sponsored athlete.
In this episode, Jay shares why he left a lucrative career in the city to move out west. He talks about the moment his life changed when he found his passion and reason for living. He explains the intense preparation and dedication that goes into doing an endurance ride. Jay goes into the work he does for the cycling community and why he doesn’t want to just be labeled a professional athlete. Stephan and Jay also talk about the importance of mentorship and how it can be rewarding on both sides.
John is a father, husband, inventor, entrepreneur, former ski patrolman, avalanche expert, and an artist.
In this episode, John talks about how he made his way out to Jackson from New York over 60 years ago. He shares how his father encouraged his inventive and entrepreneurial spirit which led him to start many impactful companies and create numerous life-changing inventions. John goes into how he started a local rafting company, outdoor retail company, and a research organization, all while being a ski patrolman at JHMR. John also discusses with Stephan how he transitioned from operating Simms Fishing Products into becoming an artist.
Brook is a special education teacher at Colter Elementary. He is also a member of Teton County Search and Rescue. When Brook isn’t helping others, he can often be found on the open road doing long distance bicycling trips with his friends and family.
In this episode, Brook shares how going to camp in northern Wisconsin would eventually help him land in Jackson, Wyoming. He shares how his passion for caring for others has helped him work in many impactful organizations in the Teton community. Brook talks about his love for bicycling and shares some of his adventures from his long distance trips. He also shares how a tragic experience in the mountains has led him to be a part of the Search and Rescue team that helped save his life. Stephan and Brook also discuss the good in humanity and the kindness of strangers.
John is a Doctor of Chiropractic and Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician. He is also a board member of Teton Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit whose core focus is to provide ways of outdoor recreation to those of all abilities living in the Greater Teton Area.
Gordy is a freelance journalist based in Jackson. His work can be found in publications such as Outside Magazine, Men’s Journal, Bloomberg Businessweek, WIRED, and SKI. He is also the author of the forthcoming book, “100 Slopes of a Lifetime” which is being published by National Geographic and is due out in October.
Andy is a professional photographer, former mountain guide, entrepreneur, and creator of Wild Common. Wild Common is a new additive-free tequila and mezcal spirit line which is committed to transparency and sustainability. In this episode, Andy talks about how a ski trip to Jackson changed the course of his path in life. Andy shares how a few breaks helped turn a passion for adventure photography into a full-time career. He also goes into detail about why he turned his focus to creating a line artesenal tequila and mezcal. Stephan and Andy also discuss the importance of sustainability, helping small communities, and fair trade certification.