Episode 163 – Meet Me Down at the Library with Jerry Bilek

By Michael Moeri | 10/27/2021 |

In this episode, Jerry shares why he left Minnesota to move out to the mountains. He goes into how he survived owning a bookstore during the recession of 2008. Jerry gives insight into how the library chooses the media and books it loans out and how long they typically last. He talks about the podcast he does for the library on KHOL called Back of The Stacks. Stephan and Jerry also discuss all the other services the library offers on top of their amazing book selection. 

Episode 162 – Looking For The Hidden Story with Danielle Shapiro

By Michael Moeri | 10/21/2021 |

Danielle is a writer, editor, journalist, and social justice warrior. 

In this episode, Danielle shares how she left the city life in Chicago for the Tetons. She talks about why she pivoted from pursuing a career as a human rights attorney to becoming a freelance journalist. Danielle goes into what it was like to chase stories about human rights all over the world. She then discusses how having a daughter changed her perspective on work and helped her find her way back to Jackson. Stephan and Danielle also talk about the challenging and rewarding work of sharing individuals’ personal stories. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Episode 150 – Supporting Our Business Community with Anna Olson of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce

By Michael Moeri | 07/29/2021 |

Anna is the former Communications Manager at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and is now the CEO and President of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce. Anna also serves on the board of the Wyoming Office of Tourism. 

In this episode, Anna shares how she made her way to Jackson from England. She talks about working for JHMR for over two decades and what it was like being a part of the growth spurt in Teton Village. Anna goes into what it is exactly that the Chamber does for the business community and the people of Jackson. Stephan and Anna discuss how it is the chambers responsible to not only promote Jackson but also manage the visitors that come to the Valley. They also talk about the importance of mental wellness as a part of staying healthy. 

Episode 149 – Let’s Talk About Mental Wellness with Deidre Ashley of the Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center

By Michael Moeri | 07/22/2021 |

Deidre is the Executive Director of The Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center. In this episode, Deidre shares the path that led her back home to Jackson after graduating from college. She talks about the services that the Jackson Hole Community Counseling Center offers, which includes a wide range of counseling, therapy, crisis services, and case management. The community counseling center also offers a 24hr crisis line. Stephan and Deidre discuss the stigma of talking about mental health and how the pandemic has changed how we look at mental wellness.

If you are in need to talk to someone, the crisis line is available 24hrs a day at 307-733-2046

Episode 147 – Celebrating 60 Years of the Grand Teton Music Festival with Emma Kail

By Michael Moeri | 07/08/2021 |

Emma recently joined the Grand Teton Music Festival as Executive Director in September 2020 after serving as General Manager of the Kansas City Symphony for nearly a decade. A lifelong musician, she previously held positions with the Alabama Symphony, Omaha Symphony, and the Humanities Division at the University of Chicago. 

Episode 146 – Changing How We Operate with Dr. Gary Roubin

By Michael Moeri | 06/30/2021 |

Dr. Roubin is an internationally renowned interventional cardiologist, entrepreneur, author, speaker, and one of the inventors of the coronary stent. Dr. Roubin’s latest life-saving undertaking is Mountain Air Medical, a life flight service based in Jackson which assists in transporting people to facilities where they can get the care they need.