The Jackson Hole Connection

Kylie Louise McCormick is a Wyoming based historian who was born and raised in Casper. On our 250th and final episode, what better way to conclude our journey than by delving into the rich history of Wyoming and exploring the lives of its remarkable figures?

In this episode Kylie and Stephan explore Wyoming’s past, discussing topics such as the experiences of religious minorities, the women’s suffrage movement, the significance of figures like Esther Morris and Grace Raymond Hebard, and the boom and bust cycle of the state. Kylie shares her personal experiences growing up Jewish in Wyoming and how she found her passion for researching and sharing stories about Wyoming's history. Stephan and Kylie also touch on the impact of jokes and the importance of teaching history in a way that fosters empathy and understanding. This final episode serves as a reminder to find joy, gratitude, and love in life and to engage in meaningful conversations with others.

To learn more about Kylie, visit KylieTheHistorian.com

We will miss sharing the amazing stories of the wonderful people connected to Jackson Hole. Thank you so much to our listeners and over 250 guests in the past 4 and a half years. Stephan would like to thank his wife and kids for always supporting him and also thank Michael Moeri who has been helping with the podcast on editing and marketing since the inception of the podcast back in September of 2018. To connect with Michael you can visit MichaelMoeri.com

Finally, we extend a special thank you to all our sponsors, particularly Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling, Jackson Hole Marketplace and The Liquor Store for their steadfast support throughout the years. 

We hope to see you all out around town. Cheers….until next time.

Kristin Combs is the Executive Director of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates. In this episode, Kristin shares her background and the journey that led her to Jackson Hole, fueled by her love for nature and animals. They discuss the importance of wildlife conservation and the unique wildlife species found in the area.

Kristin sheds light on the challenges faced by wildlife populations and the efforts being made to protect them. They delve into the topic of wolves and the cultural influences that have shaped public opinion about these majestic creatures. Kristin highlights the work of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates in advocating for wildlife, educating the public, and implementing programs to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

The conversation also touches on the initiatives offered by Wyoming Wildlife Advocates, including providing bear-resistant trash cans, electric fencing, and educational resources to the community.

Learn more about Kristin and Wyoming Wildlife Advocates at WyomingWildlifeAdvocates.org

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling, reminding residents and commercial businesses of Teton County’s food waste programs; the next frontier material in the quest to achieve the County’s goal to reduce, aiming for zero waste. More at TetonCountyWY.gov or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram.

Support also comes from The Jackson Hole Marketplace. The Deli at Jackson Hole Marketplace offers ready-made soups, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and hot lunch specials. More at JHMarketplace.com

Have a comment or a question? Email us at [email protected]. Marketing and editing support by Michael Moeri (michaelmoeri.com)

Macye Maher is a mom, business owner, published author, and advocate for land preservation. She moved to Jackson in 1998 and has fully embraced mountain life. Macye and her husband Alex are the founders of Live Water Properties, and they are currently working on restoring a historic ranch in Wyoming.

The conversation starts with Macye sharing her adventurous tale of moving to Alaska with friends after high school. She then discusses her love for the outdoors and explains why she chose to move to Jackson in '98. Macye and Stephan then delve into her book, "Fireworks and Fertility," exploring the title's representation of the emotional and explosive nature of both fireworks and fertility issues. Macye emphasizes the significance of embracing one's identity as a writer. They also discuss Macye and Alex's recent purchase of a ranch near Thermopolis, Wyoming, highlighting Macye's commitment to restoring, preserving and enhancing the land.

Learn more about Macye and her book “Fireworks and Fertility” at MacyeLavinderMaher.com

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling, reminding residents and commercial businesses of Teton County’s food waste programs; the next frontier material in the quest to achieve the County’s goal to reduce, aiming for zero waste. More at TetonCountyWY.gov or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram.

Support also comes from The Jackson Hole Marketplace. The Deli at Jackson Hole Marketplace offers ready-made soups, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and hot lunch specials. More at JHMarketplace.com

Have a comment or a question? Email us at [email protected]. Marketing and editing support by Michael Moeri (michaelmoeri.com)

Ethan Lobdell is an educator, Search and Rescue volunteer, and the Executive Director of The Jackson Hole Children’s Museum. With a strong background in education and a genuine passion for interactive learning, Ethan brings his expertise to benefit the kids and families of the Jackson Hole community.

In this episode, Ethan dives into the museum's commitment to supporting children's development through joyful and engaging learning experiences that ignite curiosity. We also delve into the exciting plans for the museum's upcoming permanent home, which will showcase world-class exhibits and foster valuable partnerships with educational institutions. Ethan shares his personal fulfillment in witnessing the transformative impact of education on young minds, despite the challenges of administrative duties. Additionally, Stephan reflects on the impact that both the teachers and the museum have had on his own family.

Discover more about the initiatives and programs offered by the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum at JHChildrensMuseum.org.

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling, reminding residents and commercial businesses of Teton County’s food waste programs; the next frontier material in the quest to achieve the County’s goal to reduce, aiming for zero waste. More at TetonCountyWY.gov or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram.

Support also comes from The Jackson Hole Marketplace. The Deli at Jackson Hole Marketplace offers ready-made soups, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and hot lunch specials. More at JHMarketplace.com

Want to be a guest on The Jackson Hole Connection? Email us at [email protected]. Marketing and editing support by Michael Moeri (michaelmoeri.com)

Tina Welling is a local author who has been living in Jackson for 40 years. In this episode, she shares her journey of moving to Wyoming with her family from Ohio to be closer to nature and to become part of a tight-knit community. Tina talks about her experience running a gift shop in Snow King Resort for 25 years and how the off-seasons provided her with time to focus on her writing.

During the conversation, Tina discusses the sense of community she found in Jackson and how it influenced her writing. She describes her transition from writing novels to nonfiction and specifically mentions her book, 'Writing Wild,' which explores the connection between the natural world and personal creativity. Stephan asks Tina about her writing workshops with inmates at the Teton County Jail, and she shares her experiences and the insights she gained from working with them. Tina emphasizes the shared struggles between inmates and those on the outside, highlighting the importance of self-reflection and journaling as tools for self-discovery and personal growth.

The conversation also touches on Tina's most recent book, 'Tuesdays In Jail: What I Learned Teaching Journaling to Inmates.' She explains how journaling can help individuals work through their issues and gain self-knowledge. Tina mentions that while she hasn't focused much on promoting her book due to personal circumstances, she is grateful for winning the Nautilus Book Award in the memoir and personal journey category.

Overall, the podcast delves into Tina Welling's journey as an author, her experiences in Jackson, and the transformative power of journaling and self-reflection.

You can connect with Tina at this year's Jackson Hole Writers Conference (June 22-24) or by emailing [email protected]. You can find Tina’s books at Valley Bookstore or Jackson Hole Book Trader. 

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling, reminding residents and commercial businesses of Teton County’s food waste programs;  the next frontier material in the quest to achieve the County’s goal to reduce, aiming for zero waste. More at TetonCountyWY.gov or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram.

Support also comes from The Jackson Hole Marketplace. The Deli at Jackson Hole Marketplace offers ready-made soups, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and hot lunch specials. More at JHMarketplace.com

Want to be a guest on The Jackson Hole Connection? Email us at [email protected]. Marketing and editing support by Michael Moeri (michaelmoeri.com)

Tracey Garcia is a mom, entrepreneur, and a make-up artist. Growing up in a military family, Tracey's life has been filled with travel and remarkable encounters with individuals from all walks of life. She has worked behind the scenes in the television industry, providing hair and makeup services for various shows. Additionally, Tracey has had the opportunity to work with influential figures in the political arena, contributing her craft as a make-up artist.

In this episode, Tracey shares anecdotes from her time working on television sets and emphasizes the importance of remaining neutral as an artist, regardless of the political affiliations of her clients. She highlights the ordinary nature of these public figures, revealing that they have lives outside the media spotlight.

The conversation then shifts to Tracey's current work in Jackson Hole, where she has found success in focusing on weddings and photo shoots. She discusses the importance of self-promotion and reinvention in her industry, highlighting the abundance of opportunities available in the area. 

The conversation then takes a more personal turn as Tracey opens up about the loss of her husband. She reveals that her decision to move to Jackson Hole was influenced by his love for the area. Despite the pain of her loss, Tracey finds solace in feeling his presence and honoring his memory wherever she goes.

Listen to this episode to discover the behind-the-scenes world of styling and makeup, and gain insights into Tracey's passion for her craft and her ability to find strength in the face of adversity.

Follow Tracey on Instagram @traceygarciamua

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling, reminding residents and commercial businesses of Teton County’s food waste programs; the next frontier material in the quest to achieve the County’s goal to reduce, aiming for zero waste. More at TetonCountyWY.gov or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram.

Support also comes from The Jackson Hole Marketplace. The Deli at Jackson Hole Marketplace offers ready-made soups, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and hot lunch specials. More at JHMarketplace.com

Want to be a guest on The Jackson Hole Connection? Email us at [email protected]. Marketing and editing support by Michael Moeri (michaelmoeri.com)

Peter Linn is a father, husband, rancher, 5th generation local, and the owner of Pendergraft Outfitters.

In this episode, Peter shares his passion for his work and the joy he finds in waking up every day, excited to do what he loves. He talks about his long family history in the valley and what brought him back after living up in Alaska. 

Stephan and Peter chat about some of the unique and amazing creatures he has seen while working in the backcountry, including wolverines, grizzly bears, wolves and cougars. He then goes on to discuss the challenges and adventures of expanding his operations to a ranch in Kinnear, Wyoming, where he is learning to farm alfalfa and grass. The conversation then delves into the various types of trips Peter offers, including horse-supported hiking trips and progressive travel. Peter then elaborates on Pendergraft Outfitter’s camp, which offers a more comfortable experience with wall tents and a cook tent.

Stephan and Peter also discuss the logistics of pack trips, including the importance of holding onto horses overnight. Peter shares his personal experiences of waking up to missing horses and emphasizes the need for horses to feel safe and secure in their surroundings.

This conversation offers a glimpse into the ranching and outfitting life, showcasing the remarkable adventures and obstacles encountered in the beautiful wilderness of the Tetons and the surrounding areas.

Learn more about Peter, his family history and Pendergraft Outfitters at PendergraftOutfitters.com. 

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling, reminding residents and commercial businesses of Teton County’s food waste programs; the next frontier material in the quest to achieve the County’s goal to reduce, aiming for zero waste. More at TetonCountyWY.gov or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram.

Support also comes from The Jackson Hole Marketplace. The Deli at Jackson Hole Marketplace offers ready-made soups, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and hot lunch specials. More at JHMarketplace.com

Want to be a guest on The Jackson Hole Connection? Email us at [email protected]. Marketing and editing support by Michael Moeri (michaelmoeri.com)

Tony Molina is an author, avid outdoorsman, and professional firearms trainer. Stephan invited Tony on this week's episode to discuss his book, 'Handgun Selection for Grizzly Bear Defense,' as well as the best defense strategies against bear and other large animal attacks in the backcountry.

During the episode, Tony emphasized the importance of training to become proficient in using a gun, highlighting that simply purchasing one does not make you an expert. He also stressed the significance of carrying a defense mechanism that can be deployed within 3 seconds. Handguns are the popular choice due to their accessibility and ability to meet the suggested 3-second timeframe. Tony also covered essential information about firearms, including the best ammunition for defensive purposes.

The topic of bear spray was also discussed, with Tony providing unique insights into its effectiveness. While bear spray is often successful in deterring bears, it is not foolproof and has limitations. Tony recommends carrying both a handgun and bear spray, allowing for responsible choices based on the specific circumstances.

Overall, this episode serves as an excellent resource for anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge about staying safe in bear country. You can find Tony's book, 'Handgun Selection for Grizzly Bear Defense,' on Amazon.

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling, reminding residents and commercial businesses of Teton County’s food waste programs; the next frontier material in the quest to achieve the County’s goal to reduce, aiming for zero waste. More at TetonCountyWY.gov or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram.

Support also comes from The Jackson Hole Marketplace. The Deli at Jackson Hole Marketplace offers ready-made soups, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and hot lunch specials. More at JHMarketplace.com

Want to be a guest on The Jackson Hole Connection? Email us at [email protected]. Marketing and editing support by Michael Moeri (michaelmoeri.com)

Isaac Hayden is a singer, songwriter, husband and handyman. From his humble beginnings as a preacher's son on the San Juan Islands and in Jackson Hole, to his emergence as a rising star in the vibrant music scene of Nashville, Isaac's trajectory is one of passion, perseverance, and artistic growth.

In this episode, Isaac takes us on a journey through his life, starting with his childhood in Sacramento, California, before moving to the picturesque San Juan Islands. He shares how his father's job as an assistant preacher led their family to Jackson Hole, where they played a crucial role in starting the first Presbyterian church in town.

Growing up as a preacher's son in a tight-knit community had its perks. Isaac reminisces about the supportive church community and the joy of playing the piano in the church auditorium. Music played a significant role in Isaac's life, leading him to explore different places such as Spokane, Southern California, Tallahassee, and Nashville.

Nashville became a turning point for Isaac's music career. Through connections and talent, he immersed himself in the thriving songwriter community. Isaac describes the awe-inspiring experience of attending the famous Bluebird Cafe and the profound impact it had on his songwriting craft. He shares his musical highlights of performing in songwriter nights, making connections, and even opening for renowned artists like Keb' Mo'. Isaac also sheds light on the process of getting his songs performed by other artists. 

The conversation wraps up with Isaac reflecting on what his next goals in life are and how Jackson Hole has lit a fire inside of him to succeed and build a future for his family. 

Learn more about Isaac and buy his music at IsaacHaydenMusic.com

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling, reminding residents and commercial businesses of Teton County’s food waste programs; the next frontier material in the quest to achieve the County’s goal to reduce, aiming for zero waste. More at TetonCountyWY.gov or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram.

Support also comes from The Jackson Hole Marketplace. The Deli at Jackson Hole Marketplace offers ready-made soups, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and hot lunch specials. More at JHMarketplace.com

Want to be a guest on The Jackson Hole Connection? Email us at [email protected]. Marketing and editing support by Michael Moeri (michaelmoeri.com)

Amy Ringholz is an artist, entrepreneur, mother and an author. She made a pivotal decision to pursue art full-time after a remarkable summer in Jackson, where she sold 30 paintings and gained immense support from the Jackson Hole community. Amy attributes her success to her strong work ethic, creating an average of one painting every three days and continually pushing herself to produce new and captivating works. Her dedication serves as a testament to the power of dreaming big and believing in one's abilities, inspiring others to pursue their own goals.

During her college years, winning scholarships played a significant role in altering Amy's path. This experience motivated her to establish art scholarships of her own, providing support to ten aspiring artists each year, helping them realize their dreams and achieve their artistic goals.

In addition to her acclaimed paintings, Amy has ventured into the world of writing and self-publishing. Her upcoming book, 'Rabbit and the Crown of Dreams,' draws deeply from her personal experiences, delving into the pursuit of dreams and the quest for a deeper purpose in life. Scheduled for release on May 13th, the book will be accompanied by a children's show at noon and an adult show at four. Furthermore, an auction of the 14 original paintings featured in the book will take place on August 19th.

For more information about Amy, her remarkable artwork, and the release of her book, visit AmyRingholz.com.

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling, reminding residents and commercial businesses of Teton County’s food waste programs; the next frontier material in the quest to achieve the County’s goal to reduce, aiming for zero waste. More at TetonCountyWY.gov or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram.

Support also comes from The Jackson Hole Marketplace. The Deli at Jackson Hole Marketplace offers ready-made soups, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and hot lunch specials. More at JHMarketplace.com