Editor and Marketing Director

Episode 235 – Preserving the Diamond Cross Legacy with Lauren Long

By Michael Moeri | 03/29/2023 |

Lauren Long is the Head of Events at Diamond Cross Ranch and is raising the 5th generation of stewards. Lauren shares her journey from New York to Jackson Hole, as well as the ranch’s origins, evolution and its serenity.

Discover the rich history of the Diamond Cross Ranch, which has been maintained by the same family for over a century. Stephan and Lauren explore the ranch’s past, present, and future, and the family’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and history while meeting changing needs. Lauren also dives into the unique experiences and events hosted at the ranch, such as weddings, photoshoots, and celebrations of life, and the hand-built log cabins that have been part of the ranch for 30 years.

Episode 234 – Navigating the Tetons and Beyond with Morgan McGlashon

By Michael Moeri | 03/23/2023 |

Morgan McGlashon is an ex-ski racer turned freeride competition skier turned mountaineering and backcountry skier and now full-time guide. She is also the youngest documented female to ski the Grand Teton.

In this episode, Morgan shares her experiences growing up in Jackson Hole, competing as a professional freeskier, and becoming the youngest woman to ski the Grand Teton at just 19 years old.

Morgan discusses how her ski racing background has contributed to her body awareness, nutritional habits, and work ethic, and emphasizes the importance of taking care of one’s self helps in pursuing a passion. Stephan and Morgan also chat about the highlights and challenges of leading groups in both the winter and summer seasons, and the importance of educating young athletes about the backcountry.

Episode 233 – Racing to the Top: The Jackson Hole Snow Devils Hill Climb with Jeff Toolson

By Michael Moeri | 03/15/2023 |

Jeff Toolson was born and raised right here in Jackson Hole. He is the owner of Toolson Telephone and a board member of The Jackson Hole Snow Devils.

This week’s episode of The Jackson Hole Connection is all about the Jackson Hole Snow Devils and their impact on the community. Jeff Toolson, whose family has been part of the Snow Devils for decades, discusses the history of the Snow Devil’s, their fundraising efforts, and the 46th Annual World Championship Jackson Hole Snowmobile Hill Climb happening March 23 – 26. Get an inside look into the history of this extreme sport and learn about the challenges riders face during the ascent up Snow King Mountain.

Episode 232 – Creating Gear for Every Body with Taylor-Ann Smith

By Michael Moeri | 03/09/2023 |

Taylor-Ann Smith is a graphic designer and the entrepreneur behind Ride Force. Taylor-Ann is originally from Montana, but has Wyoming roots. Taylor-Ann started Ride Force 3 years ago after she discovered that she couldn’t find any clothes that made her look and feel good on her mountain bike.

In this episode, Taylor-Ann shares her fascinating story about what led her to move to Jackson and her family’s deep roots in Wyoming. We learn about her grandfather Duane Wiltse, who pioneered the first KOA in Wyoming, and her other grandparents who owned a cabin in Colter Bay.

Stephan and Taylor-Ann engage in a compelling conversation about the birth of Ride Force, delving into how Taylor-Ann manages to balance her full-time job as a graphic designer while also running a successful business. The two explore the topic of overcoming obstacles and fears when embarking on new ventures, and Taylor-Ann openly shares the ups and downs of creating a clothing brand from scratch. Above all, she explains how she is striving to make a positive difference for anyone who wants to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities, no matter their body type.

Episode 231 – Flying Our Furry Friends to Their Forever Home with Peter Rork

By Michael Moeri | 03/02/2023 |

Peter Rork is a retired orthopedic surgeon and co-founder and pilot for Dog is My CoPilot. In this episode, Peter shares his inspiring journey of finding purpose in his life after his wife passed away.

In 2012, he teamed up with Judy Zimet, a Scottsdale real estate attorney and animal lover, to start Dog Is My CoPilot. Over the past decade, Dog is My CoPilot has grown from flying 20-30 pets at a time to now rescuing 1,000 dogs and cats a month all across the country.

Peter and Stephan talk about the dedication of the volunteers at the animal shelters and the hard work and logistics that goes into transporting hundreds of animals at a time. In 2023, their volunteer pilot team has grown, and they now have ten pilots helping to fly their rescue missions.

Dog is My CoPilot works collaboratively with city shelters, local animal welfare organizations, and individuals to save the lives of pets abandoned in animal shelters. They reduce animal euthanasia in overcrowded shelters by ensuring that each pet has the chance to find a safe and loving home.