Jim Williams is an explorer, ski instructor, Exum Guide, business owner, and a record-setting climber. Jim is the founder of Exploradus, a travel exploration company, delivering rich experiences in extraordinary destinations.
In this episode, Jim shares what it was like growing up in California in the 60s. He talks about how his love of climbing had him teaching and guiding by the age of 13. Stephan and Jim discuss how his mother made a big impact on the trajectory of his life. Jim then dives into some of his incredible adventures, including skiing 900 miles in 50 days to the South Pole, guiding climbers up the Seven Summits of the world in less than one year, and successfully following Ernest Shackelton’s 1915 route through the Antarctic’s South Georgia Islands. Stephan and Jim also talk about his efforts to help clean up all the waste left behind on Mount Everest.
Tana Hoffman is an adventure sport and outdoor industry consultant, marketing expert, motorhead, speaker, thought leader and the Founder and CEO of Mountainst and ILLA.
In this episode, Tana shares what it was like to grow up with adventurous parents on the east coast. She talks about her love for powersports and how it inspired her to create Mountainist. Stephan and Tana then discuss her latest venture, ILLA, a service and community network that will help like minded women find their adventure partners.
Stefano Daza Arango was born in Venezuela and migrated to Canada as a refugee when he was six. During his time in college at the University of Rochester, he studied and worked for various organizations that took him to some amazing places like the Amazon Rainforest, Southern Africa, and the Galapagos Islands. Stefano currently lives in Alpine Wyoming and works for the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance as the Development and Communications Coordinator. He recently started a new venture that is taking local composting to a whole new level. Stefano Daza Arango is the Worm Cowboy.
Mikey Franco is a rider, instructor, coach, trainer, guide, shaper and the founder of Franco Snowshapes. Franco Snowshapes crafts custom snowboards and skis with the mission to build the finest shapes in the world.
In this episode, Mikey talks about how he has seen snowboarding change and grow over the decades. He shares the story of how a season ending injury led him down the path of shaping custom boards. Mikey gives Stephan some insight into his Rider Genome questionnaire, which helps him create the perfect custom board from head to toe. Stephan and Mikey also talk about the importance of mentorship and growing at a pace where quality isn’t sacrificed for quantity.
Priscilla Marden is the co-founder of Horse Warriors and co-owner of Diamondfly Ranch. She first came out to Jackson Hole in the 70s to work at a dude ranch just outside of The Grand Teton National Park. Priscilla has helped numerous non-profits in the community including the Teton Science School and the Art Association. She now operates Horse Warriors, a equine facilitated leadership and empowerment program.
In this episode, Priscila reminisces about what it was like to live and work in Jackson Hole in the 70s. She talks about the impactful work that Horse Warriors does to help make the world a better place, one relationship at a time by connecting people with horses, nature and art.
Ryan Stolp is the creator of the Lift Lines comic and co-founder of Orijin Media, a full service marketing agency.
Ryan’s career path has been anything but ordinary. His CV titles could include dog sled guide, Wilderness ranger, alpine hammock creator, illustrator, author and entrepreneur. Ryan recently collaborated with Sam Morse on a new graphic novel called The Ski Town Fairytale. He’s also been exploring the fringes of doodling and drawing tech by live animating groovy musical performances at Eleanor’s.
Kendra Kolb Butler is the Founder of Alpyn Beauty. Alpyn Beauty is a local skin care line crafted from sustainably sourced alpine botanicals grown right here in Jackson Hole. Kendra left Manhattan with her husband and son in 2015 in search of fresh air, open spaces, and a chance to reprioritize what type of lifestyle they wanted for their family.
In this episode, Kendra shares what led her family to leave the city life for the mountains. She talks about what inspired her to create a wildcrafted skin care line and how Alpyn’s products are made for people living in a more unforgiving environment.
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.
Christy is the owner of Foxtail Books and Library Services. Christy and Foxtail curate, manage and organize personal libraries. They also offer assistance with acquiring rare and collectible books.
Listen to this episode to gain a glimpse into the unique profession of library management and rare book acquisition. You’ll learn what makes books rare and why some are more valuable than others. Stephan and Christy talk about the importance of finding books that make you happy and the balance of keeping books in good shape, but also enjoy them. Stephan also finds out what the most “magical” publication Christy has seen recently.
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.