Episode 197 – Living a Happy Life in Jackson Hole with Hal Johnson
Hal Johnson is a father, long-time local, entrepreneur, horseshoer, ranch hand, and one of the first tram operators. Hal has called this valley his home for over 65 years. Born in Firth, ID, and raised in the Blackfoot area, he made his way to Wyoming as a teenager and landed in Jackson back in 1957.
In this episode, Hal shares with Stephan many stories of what it was like to live in work in Jackson over the years. He talks about owning a feedlot that was run out of business by Purina. Hal goes into detail about all the longtime locals he has worked for, how he became a part-owner of the rodeo and why he left Jackson for a brief period of time. He also talks about being a member of the Order of Odd Fellows and what they do for the community. Stephan and Hal then discuss the importance of finding your happiness and surrounding yourself with people who also share a passion for life.
Read MoreEpisode 174 – Flying to Save Lives with Dr. Richard Sugden
Dr. Sugden is a veteran, pilot, entrepreneur, physician, paramedic, and teacher to young aviators. Dr. Sugden first called Jackson Hole home back in the 40s when his family owned a dude ranch in Kelly. Dr. Sugden helped establish the first air ambulance service in Jackson Hole back in 1980. He has been inducted into the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame and is the recipient of the Harrison Ford Aviation Legacy Award. Currently, Dr. Sugden is a family medicine doctor based in Jackson Hole.
Read MoreEpisode 171 – Si Ferrin, The Cattle Baron of Jackson Hole with Janis Ferrin Allen and Donna Clark
Janis and Donna share the same great-great-grandfather, Josiah “Si” Ferrin. Si was one of the original homesteaders in the valley and at one time he was the largest property owner and taxpayer in Jackson Hole. In this episode, Janis and Donna talk about their family lineage and the life of Si Ferrin. They discuss how Si built up his cattle-ranching land and earned the nickname The Cattle Baron of Jackson Hole.
At the peak of land ownership, the Ferrin family had over 3,600 acres of land and 2,000 head of cattle. Foreseeing changes in the cattle industry and the struggles of ranching in a Jackson Hole, Si decided to eventually sell his property to the Snake River Land Company.
Read MoreEpisode 165 – Fueling Generations of Jackson Locals with Bob Shervin
Bob is a grandfather, entrepreneur, former mayor of Jackson, former county commissioner, the founder of Shervin’s Independent Oil, and a born and bred Jackson local.
In this episode, Bob shares the history of his family lineage and the story of when he was born back in 1933. He talks about what it was like growing up in Jackson in the 40s and how isolating the winters could be. Bob reminisces about his time working in Big Piney and how a scuffle almost led to his demise. He goes into how he met his wife, moved back to Jackson, and eventually started Shervin’s Independent Oil. Stephan and Bob discuss all the changes that have happened in Jackson since the 30s and what Bob accomplished when he was mayor and county commissioner.
Read MoreEpisode 161 – Never Stop Moving Forward with Jay Petervary
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.