Episode 170 – Providing Core Essential Services with Johnny Ziem of The Town of Jackson Public Works Dept.

Johnny has worked for one organization his whole time in Jackson and that is working for the town of Jackson. He started driving the START Bus as a way to ski in the day and work at night. Now he leads one of the most essential departments in the Jackson community, The Public Works Department. Many of us don’t even realize all of the essential services this department handles, from maintaining public infrastructure, keeping our roads and sidewalks operational, managing our waste to ensuring we have clean water to drink. These are only a few of the core responsibilities of the Public Works Department. 

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Episode 169 – Keeping Jackson Laughing with Brian Lenz

Brian was born and raised in Jackson. His father owned a pharmacy and his mother ran a Montessori school for many years. He is now raising his own family in the valley and works as an engineer for the town of Jackson. When he isn’t working to help Jackson’s infrastructure he is helping make people laugh. Brian is a founding member of Laff Staff – Jackson’s resident improv group. 

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Episode 168 – Shaping Community Radio for a New Generation with Emily Cohen of KHOL

Emily is the Executive Director and Station Manager of Jackson Hole Community Radio, KHOL. She is also developing a new podcast called Under the Covers that will go in-depth on some of our oldest and most popular folk songs. 

In this episode, Emily shares what brought her out to Jackson. She talks about how she pivoted from a position as a community planner into community radio. Emily goes into what it takes to be a volunteer DJ at KHOL and how radio continues to thrive as a medium for news and information. Stephan and Emily also discuss the podcast she is producing that dives into the history of some of our most covered folk songs. 

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Episode 167 – Advocating For Energy Conservation with Phil Cameron of Energy Conservation Works

Phil made his way out to Wyoming a week after graduating from college in Massachusetts. After spending a summer guiding tourists on fly fishing trips, he transitioned into the non-profit sector and took a position at the Teton Science School. Utilizing his knowledge of scientific literacy and non-profit operations Phil pivoted to a job as Executive Director of Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities. His work with Clean Cities helped Phil discover his passion for working on energy efficiency projects and paved the way for him to take an opportunity to be the Executive Director of Energy Conservation Works.

Listen to this episode to learn all about what Energy Conservation Works does for the Jackson Hole community. Phil goes into detail about the programs that not only reduce energy consumption but can also save residents and businesses lots of money. Stephan and Phil also talk about the history of conservation in the Valley and how Lower Valley operates differently than other energy companies. 

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Episode 166 – Keeping Our Roads Safe From Avalanches with Brenden Cronin of WYDOT

In this episode, Brenden talks about what goes into monitoring Avalanche conditions around the highways. He shares what it is like currently being the only full-time Avalanche forecaster in the state and what the public sometimes perceives his role as. Brenden goes into why WYDOT takes certain precautions and how stressful keeping the roads safe can be. Stephan and Brenden also discuss mudslides and how it is handled differently than avalanches. 

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