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

By Michael Moeri | 10/07/2021 |

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

By Michael Moeri | 09/30/2021 |

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 158 – Wow, It’s Been 3 Years! with Stephan Abrams and Michael Moeri

By Michael Moeri | 09/22/2021 |

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. 

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Episode 157 – More Than An Influencer with Meagan Murtagh

By Michael Moeri | 09/16/2021 |

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. 

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Episode 156 – Take a Look, It’s in a Book (From Your Local Bookstore) with Wendy Dodson of Valley Bookstore

By Michael Moeri | 09/08/2021 |

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. 

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

By Michael Moeri | 09/02/2021 |

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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Episode 154 – A Life of Invention and Adventure with John Simms

By Michael Moeri | 08/26/2021 |

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. 

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Episode 153 – Seeing the World On Two Wheels with Brook Yeomans

By Michael Moeri | 08/19/2021 |

Brook is a special education teacher at Colter Elementary. He is also a member of Teton County Search and Rescue. When Brook isn’t helping others, he can often be found on the open road doing long distance bicycling trips with his friends and family. 

In this episode, Brook shares how going to camp in northern Wisconsin would eventually help him land in Jackson, Wyoming. He shares how his passion for caring for others has helped him work in many impactful organizations in the Teton community. Brook talks about his love for bicycling and shares some of his adventures from his long distance trips. He also shares how a tragic experience in the mountains has led him to be a part of the Search and Rescue team that helped save his life. Stephan and Brook also discuss the good in humanity and the kindness of strangers. 

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Episode 152 – Death by Toasting with Heather Gould & Polly Filice of Pearl Street Bagels

By Michael Moeri | 08/12/2021 |

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. 

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Episode 151 – Handcrafted in Jackson Hole with Pam Barlow of Copperdot Leather Goods

By Michael Moeri | 08/05/2021 |

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. 

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