Episode 163 – Meet Me Down at the Library with Jerry Bilek

In this episode, Jerry shares why he left Minnesota to move out to the mountains. He goes into how he survived owning a bookstore during the recession of 2008. Jerry gives insight into how the library chooses the media and books it loans out and how long they typically last. He talks about the podcast he does for the library on KHOL called Back of The Stacks. Stephan and Jerry also discuss all the other services the library offers on top of their amazing book selection. 

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Episode 162 – Looking For The Hidden Story with Danielle Shapiro

Danielle is a writer, editor, journalist, and social justice warrior. 

In this episode, Danielle shares how she left the city life in Chicago for the Tetons. She talks about why she pivoted from pursuing a career as a human rights attorney to becoming a freelance journalist. Danielle goes into what it was like to chase stories about human rights all over the world. She then discusses how having a daughter changed her perspective on work and helped her find her way back to Jackson. Stephan and Danielle also talk about the challenging and rewarding work of sharing individuals’ personal stories. 

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Episode 160 – Creating the Future of Movement in Wyoming with Babs Case and Erin Roy

Babs is the long-time Artistic Director of Dancers’ Workshop and Erin Roy recently stepped up as the Executive Director. Dancer’s Workshop is located in the Center for the Arts and provides diversity in movement experiences through education, performance, and outreach for students and audiences of all ages.

In this episode, Babs and Erin share their stories about how they ended up making it out to Jackson. Babs talks about the potential she saw in Dancers’ Workshop and how she has transformed the organization over the past 24 years. Erin discusses what it has been like to step up into a leadership role and how having a mentor like Babs has impacted her vision. Babs and Erin also talk about the outreach Dancers’ Workshop has, not only in the Jackson Hole area but the surrounding Wyoming communities. 

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Episode 159 – Your Property Tax Dollars at Work with Melissa Shinkle

In this episode, Melissa shares what it was like growing up on a ranch in Torrington, WY. She goes into how a job at a car rental company brought her out to Jackson. Melissa talks about starting work for Teton County as the Chief Deputy County Clerk and how that led her to pursue an opportunity to work as the County Assessor. Stephan and Melissa talk about the ins and outs of working as the County Assessor and she clarifies some misconceptions people have of what her position entails. 

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Episode 155 – Recreating a Jackson Hole Landmark with Dory Sumner of the Astoria Park Conservancy

Dory is the Manager of Programs and Development at Astoria Park Conservancy which are stewards of the Astoria Hot Springs and nearly 100 acres of wildlife habitat and wetlands. 

In this episode, Dory shares the history of Astoria Hot Springs and how the new hot springs compare to the old facilities that closed in 1998. Dory also talks about the nearly 100 acres of habitat and the plans for developing more recreating spaces for the community. Stephan and Dory discuss what the hot springs mean to the community and the importance of saving recreation land for future generations. 

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