Priscilla Marden is the co-founder of Horse Warriors and co-owner of Diamondfly Ranch. She first came out to Jackson Hole in the 70s to work at a dude ranch just outside of The Grand Teton National Park. Priscilla has helped numerous non-profits in the community including the Teton Science School and the Art Association. She now operates Horse Warriors, a equine facilitated leadership and empowerment program.
In this episode, Priscila reminisces about what it was like to live and work in Jackson Hole in the 70s. She talks about the impactful work that Horse Warriors does to help make the world a better place, one relationship at a time by connecting people with horses, nature and art.
Steve Ashworth is a father, husband, landscape architect and the Director of Teton County/Jackson Parks and Recreation Department.
Whether you swim at the Rec Center, play broomball, watch moose hockey, or play with your kids on the playground, the parks and rec department makes an impact in your daily life. Listen to this episode to learn about all that goes into operating one of the most important organizations in Teton County. You’ll also find out the interesting history behind the parks and how some of our most beloved parks were formed. Stephan and Steve also chat about the new developments happening at the Rec Center and the complications of managing playground safety.
Akop is a Professional Figure Skater, coach, husband, father, performer, actor, stunt double in Will Farrell’s Blades of Glory, and the President/CEO and Executive Director of the Grand Teton Skating Association. Originally from Armenia, Akop has traveled and performed with some of the best figure skaters in our time. After performing all over the world, Akop made Jackson his home in 1999.
Dr. Sugden is a veteran, pilot, entrepreneur, physician, paramedic, and teacher to young aviators. Dr. Sugden first called Jackson Hole home back in the 40s when his family owned a dude ranch in Kelly. Dr. Sugden helped establish the first air ambulance service in Jackson Hole back in 1980. He has been inducted into the Wyoming Aviation Hall of Fame and is the recipient of the Harrison Ford Aviation Legacy Award. Currently, Dr. Sugden is a family medicine doctor based in Jackson Hole.
Brenda is a former Astro Geophysical Data Monitor for the U.S. Air Force, she is now the Superintendent of Teton County Integrated Solid Waste & Recycling.
Did you know that our trash has to travel over 70 miles to be disposed of? Can you guess how many semi-trucks full of waste are sent out of Teton County each day? Do you know how many tons of trash were sent to the landfill in 2021? What material do you think is the most valuable to recycle? Listen to this episode to find out the answers to these questions and learn what happens to our waste and recyclables once they are out of our hands.
Johnny has worked for one organization his whole time in Jackson and that is working for the town of Jackson. He started driving the START Bus as a way to ski in the day and work at night. Now he leads one of the most essential departments in the Jackson community, The Public Works Department. Many of us don’t even realize all of the essential services this department handles, from maintaining public infrastructure, keeping our roads and sidewalks operational, managing our waste to ensuring we have clean water to drink. These are only a few of the core responsibilities of the Public Works Department.
Emily is the Executive Director and Station Manager of Jackson Hole Community Radio, KHOL. She is also developing a new podcast called Under the Covers that will go in-depth on some of our oldest and most popular folk songs.
In this episode, Emily shares what brought her out to Jackson. She talks about how she pivoted from a position as a community planner into community radio. Emily goes into what it takes to be a volunteer DJ at KHOL and how radio continues to thrive as a medium for news and information. Stephan and Emily also discuss the podcast she is producing that dives into the history of some of our most covered folk songs.
Phil made his way out to Wyoming a week after graduating from college in Massachusetts. After spending a summer guiding tourists on fly fishing trips, he transitioned into the non-profit sector and took a position at the Teton Science School. Utilizing his knowledge of scientific literacy and non-profit operations Phil pivoted to a job as Executive Director of Yellowstone-Teton Clean Cities. His work with Clean Cities helped Phil discover his passion for working on energy efficiency projects and paved the way for him to take an opportunity to be the Executive Director of Energy Conservation Works.
Listen to this episode to learn all about what Energy Conservation Works does for the Jackson Hole community. Phil goes into detail about the programs that not only reduce energy consumption but can also save residents and businesses lots of money. Stephan and Phil also talk about the history of conservation in the Valley and how Lower Valley operates differently than other energy companies.
In this episode, Brenden talks about what goes into monitoring Avalanche conditions around the highways. He shares what it is like currently being the only full-time Avalanche forecaster in the state and what the public sometimes perceives his role as. Brenden goes into why WYDOT takes certain precautions and how stressful keeping the roads safe can be. Stephan and Brenden also discuss mudslides and how it is handled differently than avalanches.
Laurie helped run the Jackson Hole Land Trust for 15 years and now she is the president of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole. She is also an avid climber, ultra runner, and a lover of dogs.
In this episode, Laurie shares how her tenure at the Nature Conservancy brought her out to the Valley. She talks about the work she did with the Jackson Hole Land Trust and how it led her to her current role at the Community Foundation. Laurie describes what it was like to take on such a big position just as the pandemic was forcing closures and safety measures. She goes into the impact that climbing and outdoor recreation have had on her life and how she is driven to get out into nature to re-energize. Stephan and Laurie also discuss the importance of stepping up to support the community and what makes the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole truly unique.