Episode 210 – Overcoming Adversity and Carving the Future with Talia Atkins

By Michael Moeri | 10/06/2022 |

Talia Atkins is the Executive Director of Carving the Future. She was born right here in Jackson. After graduating from High School in 2008, Talia left home to volunteer, travel, and find her place in the world. 6 years and 35 countries later, Talia realized everything she was searching for was back in Jackson. She returned to her hometown in 2014, to coach for the JHSC Freeride Team. Talia has worked with youth of all ages, teaching English, music, art, yoga, gymnastics, big-air, snowboarding, and leading therapeutic wilderness trips for teens.

In this episode, Talia and Stephan talk about mental health, childhood adversity, addiction, loss, gratitude, resilience, and helping underserved populations.

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Episode 209 – Making Friends with Stillness, Boredom and Courage with Suzanne Boots Knighton

By Michael Moeri | 09/29/2022 |

Suzanne Boots Knighton is an author, ski instructor, educator, aspiring rollerblader, survivor and a friend. In this episode, Boots and Stephan talk about overcoming tragedy, listening to your body, and looking for the magic and joy in the world.

Boots was inducted into the Heart Warrior club on January 15, 2021, via open-heart surgery for unroofing for a rare congenital heart defect – myocardial bridging. She continues to monitor her other defects which include a bicuspid valve and tortuous arteries. All of this came to light while on a mountain bike ride on in 2020 when she experienced heart attack symptoms at age 42. Thanks to all of this, Boots has been given a priceless perspective on life and wants to spread the gifts of that awareness and joy in knowing we aren’t born perfectly, and that life can still be kick-ass despite imperfect hearts or whatever didn’t quite pan out for us in utero. She is working on her first of three books and publishes weekly on her Substack, Joyful Beat.

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Episode 208 – 4 Years of The Jackson Hole Connection with Stephan Abrams and Michael Moeri

By Michael Moeri | 09/22/2022 |

In this special episode, Stephan and Michael take a look back on the past 4 years of doing the podcast. Michael Moeri is the editor and marketing director of The Jackson Hole Connection.

In this episode, Stephan and Michael talk about some of the unexpected life stories, funny guests, and heartfelt conversations of the past year. They discuss how life can sometimes make it a struggle to create a weekly podcast and what motivates them to share new stories each week. Thank you to all of our listeners and supporters, we couldn’t do this podcast without you.

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Episode 207 – Helping People Build a Better Future with Dr. Diane Hudson

By Michael Moeri | 09/15/2022 |

Dr. Diane Hudson is the founder of Advanced Behavior Change. Advanced Behavior Change’s mission is to use the science of Applied Behavior Analysis to give children, teens, and caregivers the tools to change their environments and behaviors and to meet and exceed their goals.

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Episode 206 – Reach Your Peak Health with Georgie McNiff

By Michael Moeri | 09/07/2022 |

Georgie McNiff, RN is the founder of Nurse Georgie Health which offers in-office, concierge and telehealth services that are science backed and researched based.

In this episode, Georgie shared why she picked up during the pandemic and moved out to Jackson from New York. She talks about what went into starting up her practice and how it has grown over the past couple of years. Stephan and Georgie discuss the health of our community and some of the unique services that Nurse Georgie offers, including vitamin IV therapy, functional nutrition and testing.

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Episode 205 – Life At The Center with Willi Brooks

By Michael Moeri | 09/01/2022 |

Willi Brooks is the Event Operations Director for The Center for The Arts. Willi is one of the lucky ones who was born and raised right here in the Valley. On top of working full-time at The Center, Willi is also one of the owners of Roots Cannery and is an active member of the Travel and Tourism Board.

In this episode, Willi shares what it was like to grow up in Jackson. He goes into how a part-time job at The Center has turned into a full-time career as the Event Operations Director. Willi talks about the impact The Center has on the area and how appreciative they are to be a part of such a supportive community. Stephan and Willi also chat about the Scouts, the Jackson Hole Food Cupboard, Roots Cannery, the farmers market, and the importance of volunteering.

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Episode 204 – Conserving Our Resources in Teton County with Carlin Girard

By Michael Moeri | 08/25/2022 |

Carlin is the Executive Director of the Teton Conservation District. Originally from western Massachusetts, Carlin grew up surrounded by nature. He ventured out west to attend college in Prescott, AZ and made his way to the oil fields of the Big Piney area before landing in Jackson Hole over 15 years ago.

In this episode, Carlin shares what it was like growing up near the Appalachian Trail and why he eventually headed west. He talks about how a college thesis landed him in the oil fields near Big Piney and the research he was conducting. Stephan and Carlin then talk about some of the important work that the Teton Conservation District does for the community. Some of the programs and collaborations that they have been involved in include growing the native plant species, wildfire risk mitigation, well water test kits, wildlife monitoring, alternative energy, and many more.

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Episode 203 – A Chat with Our Friends of the Bridger-Teton with Scott Kosiba

By Michael Moeri | 08/17/2022 |

Scott Kosiba is the Executive Director of Friends of Bridger-Teton. Originally from Michigan, the study of Sage-grouse brought Scott out to Wyoming in 2010.
 
In this episode, Scott shares the story of what brought him out to Wyoming and what it is like living in the Pinedale area. He talks about the increase in visitation to the Bridger-Teton area and the impact it has had on the public lands. Scott dives into some of the bigger initiatives that they have accomplished, including installing and maintaining vault toilets at Shadow Mountain. He then explains the three different types of camping on the Bridger-Teton land. Stephan and Scott also touch on fire and bear safety, tagging photos responsibly, and how volunteers can make a big difference. 

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Episode 202 – Making an Impact On and Off the Slopes with Lynsey Dyer

By Michael Moeri | 08/11/2022 |

Lynsey Dyer is a freestyle skier, artist, filmmaker, entrepreneur, activist, podcaster, and a new mom. Lynsey is the founder of the movie production and apparel company Unicorn Picnic and co-founder of SheJumps.org.

In this episode, Lynsey shares how her cousin (A.J. Cargill) was a big influence in helping her make the move to Jackson from Sun Valley, ID. She talks about her early days of living in the Hole, working at D.O.G., and getting her start with Teton Gravity Research. Stephan and Lynsey chat about some of the impactful organizations she has helped create and her latest project that involves local wildlife. They then discuss sponsorships, parenthood, the changing pro athlete industry, and what is in store next for Lynsey.

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Episode 201 – Photographing our Community with Brad Boner of the Jackson Hole News & Guide

By Michael Moeri | 08/03/2022 |

Brad Boner is a father, photographer, author, and the Director of Visuals for the Jackson Hole News & Guide. Originally from the Black Hills area of South Dakota, Brad moved out to Wyoming back in 2004.

In this episode, Brad shares the path that led him to the Jackson Hole area. He talks about his family’s western roots and the legacy of the 12 Mile Ranch. Brad then discusses his stunning 2017 photography project that takes a new look at some of William Henry Jackson’s most famous photos of the Yellowstone area. Stephan and Brad also chat about the Jackson Hole News & Guide, what goes on behind the scenes, and some of Brad’s more powerful stories.

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