Morgan McGlashon is an ex-ski racer turned freeride competition skier turned mountaineering and backcountry skier and now full-time guide. She is also the youngest documented female to ski the Grand Teton.
In this episode, Morgan shares her experiences growing up in Jackson Hole, competing as a professional freeskier, and becoming the youngest woman to ski the Grand Teton at just 19 years old.
Morgan discusses how her ski racing background has contributed to her body awareness, nutritional habits, and work ethic, and emphasizes the importance of taking care of one’s self helps in pursuing a passion. Stephan and Morgan also chat about the highlights and challenges of leading groups in both the winter and summer seasons, and the importance of educating young athletes about the backcountry.
Read MoreJeff Toolson was born and raised right here in Jackson Hole. He is the owner of Toolson Telephone and a board member of The Jackson Hole Snow Devils.
This week’s episode of The Jackson Hole Connection is all about the Jackson Hole Snow Devils and their impact on the community. Jeff Toolson, whose family has been part of the Snow Devils for decades, discusses the history of the Snow Devil’s, their fundraising efforts, and the 46th Annual World Championship Jackson Hole Snowmobile Hill Climb happening March 23 – 26. Get an inside look into the history of this extreme sport and learn about the challenges riders face during the ascent up Snow King Mountain.
Read MoreTaylor-Ann Smith is a graphic designer and the entrepreneur behind Ride Force. Taylor-Ann is originally from Montana, but has Wyoming roots. Taylor-Ann started Ride Force 3 years ago after she discovered that she couldn’t find any clothes that made her look and feel good on her mountain bike.
In this episode, Taylor-Ann shares her fascinating story about what led her to move to Jackson and her family’s deep roots in Wyoming. We learn about her grandfather Duane Wiltse, who pioneered the first KOA in Wyoming, and her other grandparents who owned a cabin in Colter Bay.
Stephan and Taylor-Ann engage in a compelling conversation about the birth of Ride Force, delving into how Taylor-Ann manages to balance her full-time job as a graphic designer while also running a successful business. The two explore the topic of overcoming obstacles and fears when embarking on new ventures, and Taylor-Ann openly shares the ups and downs of creating a clothing brand from scratch. Above all, she explains how she is striving to make a positive difference for anyone who wants to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities, no matter their body type.
Read MorePeter Rork is a retired orthopedic surgeon and co-founder and pilot for Dog is My CoPilot. In this episode, Peter shares his inspiring journey of finding purpose in his life after his wife passed away.
In 2012, he teamed up with Judy Zimet, a Scottsdale real estate attorney and animal lover, to start Dog Is My CoPilot. Over the past decade, Dog is My CoPilot has grown from flying 20-30 pets at a time to now rescuing 1,000 dogs and cats a month all across the country.
Peter and Stephan talk about the dedication of the volunteers at the animal shelters and the hard work and logistics that goes into transporting hundreds of animals at a time. In 2023, their volunteer pilot team has grown, and they now have ten pilots helping to fly their rescue missions.
Dog is My CoPilot works collaboratively with city shelters, local animal welfare organizations, and individuals to save the lives of pets abandoned in animal shelters. They reduce animal euthanasia in overcrowded shelters by ensuring that each pet has the chance to find a safe and loving home.
Read MoreTyler Meany is an entrepreneur and the host of another local podcast, Stories From a Mountain Town. Originally from Minnesota, he and his partner moved to Jackson 4 years ago to immerse themselves in nature and the ski town culture.
In this episode, Tyler shares the bold step he took to help his girlfriend land a job at St. John’s, which was crucial in enabling them to settle in Jackson. He and Stephan also discuss the power of podcasting to connect with locals and discover fascinating individuals. Beyond podcasting, they chat about topics ranging from their favorite cocktails to the importance of living in the moment and disconnecting from social media. They also explore the surprising parallels between parenting and being an influencer.
Read MoreBronwyn Minton is a mother, a passionate teacher, and a talented artist. As the Executive Director of the Art Association of Jackson Hole, she has been a driving force behind the organization’s success in promoting art in the local community.
Originally from New Hampshire, Bronwyn developed a deep appreciation for the breathtaking landscapes of Wyoming during her summers spent at a camp in the Wind River Range. Her love for the state led her to make Jackson her permanent home more than 30 years ago in 1992, after leaving bustling cities such as New York and Portland.
Read MoreChristie Watts is a mother, wife, globetrotter, and life coach. With a background rooted in Michigan, she relocated to Jackson Hole in 1998 with aspirations of becoming a professional snowboarder.
In this episode, she shares her journey of discovery and personal growth with Stephan. After leaving the world of corporate advertising in Seattle, she delved into Chinese medicine which led her to discover her true passion of being a life coach. Through her work, Christie has impacted the lives of hundreds of individuals, guiding them towards finding their purpose and living a fulfilling life.
Stephan and Christie also explore how technology has transformed the life coaching industry, and Christie shares her entrepreneurial ventures, including her ultimate goal of becoming a digital nomad. With her unique perspectives and wealth of experience, she is poised to continue making a positive impact on the world.
Read MoreKatie Hogarty is the CEO of Climb Wyoming, a statewide organization with a mission to help low-income single mothers achieve self-sufficiency through career training and placement.
In this episode, Katie shares what it was like growing up in Sheridan and why she left a law career path to work for Climb Wyoming. Stephan and Katie then discuss Climb Wyoming’s impact on single mothers and their families, including inspiring stories of women overcoming some major hurdles and barriers. Katie sheds light on the necessary support to sustain the meaningful work of Climb Wyoming, and presents insightful data to further illustrate the importance of the organization.
Read MoreDina Mishev is a journalist, world traveler, editor, skier, extraordinary athlete, and a Guinness World Records holder.
In this episode, Dina shares her story of moving to Jackson Hole to pursue her passion for skiing and her slight obsession with Harrison Ford. She talks about her decision to leave the path to law school and pursue writing. Dina discusses her world record and how training at Snow King helped achieve it. The conversation also touches on Dina’s stubbornness, her love for hiking off-beat trails in the Tetons, learning to slow down, tracking snow leopards, traveling to a solar eclipse, and her battle with breast cancer. Dina also opens up about how her diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis has affected her outlook on life, and how it continues to drive her to do more.
Read MoreKyle Green is the Host and Executive Producer of The Green Way Outdoors a TV show, podcast, outdoor education series. The Green Way Outdoors is dedicated to inspiring a passion for fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation among millennials and Gen-Z through engaging and informative content.
In this episode, Kyle and Stephan discuss why The Green Way Outdoors team is heading out to Jackson Hole to film an episode of their new show on the History Channel. From fishing and hunting, to the difficulties of shipping meat, car ride games, podcasting, living in Michigan, lost luggage, and the importance of fishing and hunting licenses for conservation, Kyle and Stephan will cover an eclectic range of topics. They’ll also talk about how good the fishing is in Jackson Hole and the many dangerous ways you could meet your maker in the area.
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