Episode 240 – A Heartfelt Journey into Horse Rescue with Maury “Jonesy” Jones
Maury “Jonesy” Jones is the dedicated founder and operator of Jackson Hole Horse Rescue, a nonprofit sanctuary for older horses in need. With a deep passion for horses and a heart for their well-being, Jonesy shares the inspiring story of how he started the rescue and the challenges and joys that come with running it.
From braving harsh winters to making tough decisions about end-of-life care, Jonesy gives us a candid look at what it takes to keep a horse rescue going, and how the support of committed volunteers has made all the difference. We also explore the importance of proper horse care, and how initiatives like Old Bill’s Fun Run have helped the organization become financially self-sufficient.
But what really sets this episode apart are the unforgettable stories of the horses themselves. Jonesy takes us on a journey of discovery, introducing us to some of the amazing equines under his care and sharing the unique paths they have taken to find love and purpose. And as the episode draws to a close, we delve into the sensitive but necessary topic of horse euthanasia, and the empathy and respect Jonesy brings to this difficult decision.
Read MoreEpisode 239 – Singing, Storytelling, and Wyoming Roots with Jill King
Jill King is a singer, business owner, marketing maven, and rancher with deep ties to Wyoming. Jill originally moved to Wyoming to fulfill her dream of becoming a singer, forming her own band, and eventually cutting an album in the heart of country music. Today, Jill is the owner of a local franchise in the publication industry and runs a cattle ranch with her husband near Lander, Wyoming.
In this episode we delve into Jill’s background, her family’s history in Wyoming, and her journey from working in marketing in New York City to pursuing her passion for singing in Jackson Hole. Jill shares her experience of leading a cowgirl band and the challenges of balancing her music career with her desire to be a mother. She also discusses her passion for marketing and her commitment to supporting her clients through her work with The Scout Guide, a national publication that she bought the franchise for in both Jackson Hole and Bozeman.
Read MoreEpisode 238 – From Cowboy to Chocolatier: Crafting Single-Origin Chocolate in Wyoming with Tim Kellogg
Tim Kellogg is a former rodeo competitor and wrangler turned chocolatier, living in the beautiful community of Meeteetse, Wyoming.
In this episode, Tim shares the journey from growing up in his grandmother’s kitchen to handcrafting gourmet chocolate at his business, Meeteetse Chocolatier. Originally created as a side hustle to earn money for a new saddle, Tim now makes high-quality chocolates without additives, preservatives, or stabilizers as a full-time business.
Tim talks about sourcing beans directly from Belize, where he visits farms and meets the families, ensuring they receive a fair share of the profits. This direct support of farmers not only provides them with a better income but also guarantees that the chocolates produced at Meeteetse Chocolatier are of the highest quality. Stephan and Tim then discuss the terroir of cacao, and its similarity to wine and how it affects the taste of the chocolate and why he chooses not to blend beans from different countries.
The world of single-origin chocolate may be lesser-known, but thanks to dedicated individuals like Tim, more people can experience the unique and complex flavors that each variety of cacao has to offer.
Read MoreEpisode 237 – Women-Led Wildlife Conservation: Exploring “Her Wild Life” with Jocelyn Stokes
Jocelyn Stokes is a passionate conservationist and filmmaker focused on documenting and sharing the importance of wildlife conservation and the success stories that inspire and educate people about protecting the natural world. Growing up in the Arizona desert, Stokes developed an early interest in wildlife and animal behavior. She has traveled around the world to document the impact of conservation efforts on various ecosystems, including Nepal’s success in tripling its tiger population in the past ten years and seeing a significant increase in their one-horned rhinoceros population since 2010.
Stephan and Jocelyn also discussed her upcoming documentary series, “Her Wild Life,” which focuses on women-led wildlife conservation solutions worldwide, showcasing the incredible stories of real-life legendary women working to protect endangered species and wild places. She talked about the importance of educating visitors about wildlife behavior and safety protocols, as well as finding a balance between human expansion and respecting our wild spaces.
Jocelyn Stokes’ work serves as an inspiring and educational reminder of the importance of protecting our natural world, and she hopes to inspire a new generation of conservationists dedicated to preserving our planet’s incredible biodiversity. To learn more about her work and upcoming documentary, you can follow her on Instagram at @wildandstoked or visit her website, jocelynstokes.com.
Read MoreEpisode 235 – Preserving the Diamond Cross Legacy with Lauren Long
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.
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