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.
Read MoreEpisode 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.
Read MoreEpisode 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.
Read MoreEpisode 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.
Read MoreEpisode 164 – Investing In Our Nonprofits with Laurie Andrews of the Community Foundation
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.
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