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.
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.
In this episode, Stephan and Michael take a look back on the past 3 years of doing the podcast. Michael gets some insight on what doing the podcast means to Stephan and what motivates him to connect with so many people. They discuss some memorable and motivational guest experiences. At the end of the episode, Stephan and Michael also talk about the people they’d love to have on the podcast, but haven’t yet.
Meagan is a local influencer, the former owner of The Scout Guide Jackson Hole and a realtor. Many people around the valley know her by her childhood name and now social media handle @meagtheegg. In this episode, Meagan shares how she ended up landing in Jackson Hole from Ohio. She goes into how a simple blog for friends and family helped her develop into becoming an owner of a lifestyle magazine and an influencer. Meagan explains what exactly is a local influencer and the importance of keeping a part of yourself off social media. Stephan and Meagan also discuss her work with the Wyoming Office of Tourism to help promote tagging responsibly and creating a better visitor to our community.
Wendy is the new owner of Valley Bookstore. In this episode, Wendy shares how she finally feels connected to the community after becoming a local business owner. She talks about her love of books and how impactful reading a good book is. Wendy also gives some great recommendations on how you can find books to fit your interests. Stephan and Wendy then discuss the importance of shopping local and supporting the community you live and work in.
John is a father, husband, inventor, entrepreneur, former ski patrolman, avalanche expert, and an artist.
In this episode, John talks about how he made his way out to Jackson from New York over 60 years ago. He shares how his father encouraged his inventive and entrepreneurial spirit which led him to start many impactful companies and create numerous life-changing inventions. John goes into how he started a local rafting company, outdoor retail company, and a research organization, all while being a ski patrolman at JHMR. John also discusses with Stephan how he transitioned from operating Simms Fishing Products into becoming an artist.
In this episode, Heather and Polly talk about how they made it from opposite sides of the country to work in the same bagel shop in Wilson. They go into how they went from working as an employee to owning the whole business. Polly talks about the bagel-making process and how their bagels are made in the traditional east coast style of boiling and baking, which eliminates the need for toasting when made fresh. Stephan, Heather, and Polly talk about some of the challenges of operating a business in Jackson but also how it is one of the most supportive communities as well.
Pam is a long-time resident, a mom, a wife, a former school bus driver and she is the Owner and Founder of Copperdot Leather Goods.
In this episode, Pam shares how she packed up her car 30 years ago and left Detroit in hopes of landing a career-track job in Jackson. She talks about what it was like to be a school bus driver and how it was one of the best jobs she has ever had. Pam then goes into how the creation of one leather bag led to building a successful locally crafted brand. Stephan and Pam also talk about the importance of leaning into positive feedback and how starting a business can be a lonely road.
Anna is the former Communications Manager at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and is now the CEO and President of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce. Anna also serves on the board of the Wyoming Office of Tourism.
In this episode, Anna shares how she made her way to Jackson from England. She talks about working for JHMR for over two decades and what it was like being a part of the growth spurt in Teton Village. Anna goes into what it is exactly that the Chamber does for the business community and the people of Jackson. Stephan and Anna discuss how it is the chambers responsible to not only promote Jackson but also manage the visitors that come to the Valley. They also talk about the importance of mental wellness as a part of staying healthy.
Brice is a father, husband, entrepreneur, former massage therapist, and is the owner of White Glove Professional Cleaning Service. In this episode, Brice shares the story of how he left Oregon for the mountains of Alaska, and later found his way to Jackson to work in the hotel industry as a massage therapist. He talks about how he came about working and owning a 40-year-old family cleaning business, White Glove Professional Cleaning. Stephan and Brice discuss what it takes to keep morale high for employees and also what kind of dirty jobs Brice has had to tackle.