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.
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.
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.
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.
Joe Stone is an athlete, motivational speaker, filmmaker, and the Director of Mission at Teton Adaptive. Teton Adaptive’s mission is to promote, support, and develop outdoor sports and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities living in and visiting the Greater Teton Area.
In this chat, Joe shares the story of how a speed flying accident in 2010 changed the course of his life. The accident left Joe an incomplete C7 quadriplegic, meaning he is paralyzed from the chest down and has impairment in both his hands. Within a year of his accident, he overcame the challenges of being in a coma and rehabilitation to become the first quadriplegic to bike the Going-to-the-Sun-Road in Glacier. Joe then shares with Stephan another big first that you’ll have to listen to the episode to find out. Joe and Stephan then discuss the incredible work that Teton Adaptive is doing in our community.
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.
Sharel 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.
Carrie 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.
Leslie Mattson is the President of The Grand Teton National Park Foundation. She has over 35 years of experience in nonprofit administration and fundraising. Since 2004, Leslie has helped raise over $80 million from private sector donors for park projects, including the renewal of the trails and educational elements at Jenny Lake, partnering with the National Park Service on the construction of the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, and supporting wildlife conservation, youth engagement, and cultural resource improvement projects in Grand Teton National Park.
In this episode, Leslie shares why she left the northeast and made her way out to Jackson over 32 years ago. She talks about how the Jackson Hole non-profit community has changed and developed over the decades. Stephan and Leslie then discuss the impact that The Grand Teton National Park Foundation has had in shaping the inspiring park we love today.
Amy Moore is the Executive Director at PAWS of Jackson Hole. She moved to Jackson in 2004 from Boston, MA where she spent 13 years in corporate marketing. After working in the service industry after moving out to Jackson, she took the chance at joining the nonprofit community at PAWS and she hasn’t looked back.
In this episode, Amy talks about the work that the PAWS organization does for the community. She shares how much has changed in the past 40 years with regard to saving rescued animals and controlling the pet population. Stephan and Amy also talk about the importance of cleaning up after your pet and how social media has made an impact on finding our furry friends their forever home.