Kyle Kissock is the Communications Manager for the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation. Originally from Ohio, Kyle moved out west to work for the Teton Science school before finding his home at the Wildlife Foundation.
In this chat, Kyle and Stephan talk about all things wildlife. Not just the big ones like moose, bears, and elk, but the little creatures that make up our ecosystem. Kyle dives into some of the big projects that the Foundation is working on, such as modifying fences to make them friendlier to wildlife movement and some initiatives that help reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions. Stephan and Kyle also talk about some of the elusive wildlife in the Tetons such as the mountain lions and wolverines.
Read MoreHal Johnson is a father, long-time local, entrepreneur, horseshoer, ranch hand, and one of the first tram operators. Hal has called this valley his home for over 65 years. Born in Firth, ID, and raised in the Blackfoot area, he made his way to Wyoming as a teenager and landed in Jackson back in 1957.
In this episode, Hal shares with Stephan many stories of what it was like to live in work in Jackson over the years. He talks about owning a feedlot that was run out of business by Purina. Hal goes into detail about all the longtime locals he has worked for, how he became a part-owner of the rodeo and why he left Jackson for a brief period of time. He also talks about being a member of the Order of Odd Fellows and what they do for the community. Stephan and Hal then discuss the importance of finding your happiness and surrounding yourself with people who also share a passion for life.
Read MoreAaron Gray is a coach, trainer, oil and gas landman, and the host of the Go Be WYO podcast. Aaron is a 3rd generation Wyomingite based in Sheridan, Wyoming. His podcast Go Be WYO provides Wyoming people, businesses and organizations the opportunity to share their stories of grit, kindness, and legacy.
In this episode, Aaron shares his family’s Wyoming legacy. He tells Stephan about the many hats he wears to make a living and be connected with his community. They talk about what goes into being a coach in a state where you sometimes have to travel 8+ hours for a game. Stephan and Aaron also discuss some of the interesting guests they’ve had on their podcasts and share some of the fascinating stories they’ve heard.
Read MoreAnnie Fenn is a mother, former OBGYN, chef, food blogger, culinary instructor, and the founder of Brain Health Kitchen. Brain Health Kitchen is a cooking school and online resource focused on fending off Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
In this episode, Annie tells the story of why she decided to retire early from a successful OBGYN practice. She goes into how her medical background and personal life came together to form the idea of Brain Health Kitchen. Stephan shares with Annie how he lost his mother at a young age to Alzheimer’s. Annie discusses the evidence-based research that formed the foundation of Brain Health Kitchen. Stephan and Annie then discuss what types of foods have a big positive and negative impact on long-term cognition.
Read MoreJohn Hamon is a husband, father, entrepreneur, community leader, and the Founder and CEO of Fortimize. Fortimize is a company that helps bankers, mortgage lenders, and asset managers build valuable customer relationships, experiences, and outcomes
In this episode, John tells his story about why he decided to move out to Jackson full-time during a pandemic. John shares how he hitchhiked out west and fell in love with California. He goes into how he ended up moving back east to start a church in New York. John tells Stephan the origin story of Fortimize and how some In and Out burgers made a big impact when starting his company. Stephan and John then discuss the importance of family and the human connection.
Read MoreKate Schade is the Founder of Kate’s Real Food. Originally from upstate New York, Kate moved out to Jackson almost 30 years ago. She started off as many locals do, playing during the day and waiting tables in the evening. A summer position at Cosmic Apple Gardens instilled a passion for organic farming and changed her perspective on food. Kate used this knowledge and inspiration to create and perfect the recipe for the original Tram Bar.
In this episode, Kate shares her journey out to Jackson and her pursuit to live a life full of adventure. She goes why she began making whole-food, energy bars and how she grew a local fan base. Stephan and Kate then discuss how her business grew from personally wrapping bars in plastic wrap or in slabs to having a facility that creates over 50 million bars a year.
Read MoreSharel Lund is the Executive Director of One22 Resource Center. Originally from the Seattle area, Sharel moved out to Jackson over 31 years ago. After a decade of working in advertising and retail, Sharel transitioned to the nonprofit sector where she has helped local residents in her roles at the Community Safety Network and One22 Resource Center.
In this episode, Sharel and Stephan discuss some of the real problems that residents are facing and how Jackson has the perception of being a Utopia. Sharel talks about her work for the Community Safety Network, an organization that provides a refuge for people affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking. She then goes into what the One22 Resource Center does for the community.
Read MoreJim 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.
Read MoreCarrie Geraci is the Executive Director of Jackson Hole Public Art, Jackson’s only non-profit dedicated to commissioning public art in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
In this episode, Carrie tells the story of how she made her way out to Jackson over 30 years ago. She goes into how she transitioned into the non-profit world when she became the founding director at the Center of Wonder. Carrie shares her love for art and the incredible talent Jackson has to offer. Stephan and Carrie then talk about some of the beautiful installations that Jackson Hole Public Art has helped create such as the giant troll installation at R Park, Mama Mimi.
Read MoreTana 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.
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