The Jackson Hole Connection

In this week’s episode of the Jackson Hole Connection, Stephan chats with Johnny Ziem. 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. In this episode, Johnny talks about why he made his way out to Jackson. He shares the story of how a random trip led to him meeting his future wife. He goes into why he loves to serve the town of Jackson and how he worked his way into the Public Works department. Stephan and Johnny then discuss some of the interesting and often dirty jobs that the Public Works department handles. We bet you can’t guess the most interesting thing that they found in our waste management system this year. This week’s episode is sponsored in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling. Want to become a better recycler?  Well, there’s an app for that – the Recycle Coach app!  Now available for Jackson Hole locals and visitors.More at TetonCountyWY.gov or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on InstagramSupport 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.comWant to be a guest on The Jackson Hole Connection? Email us at [email protected]. Marketing and editing support by Michael Moeri (michaelmoeri.com,@thatsamoeri).

In this week’s episode of the Jackson Hole Connection, Stephan chats with Brian Lenz. Brian was born and raised in Jackson. His father owned a pharmacy and his mother ran a Montessori school for many years. He is now raising his own family in the valley and works as an engineer for the town of Jackson. When he isn’t working to help Jackson’s infrastructure he is helping make people laugh. Brian is a founding member of the Laff Staff - Jackson’s long-standing improv troupe. In this episode, Brian shares what it was like to grow up in Jackson. He talks about why he decided to stay and start his family here and how even with a strong support system, it can still be hard to make it work at times. Stephan and Brian discuss what improv comedy is and dive into the history of Laff Staff. The Laff Staff will be holding shows this Winter in the Black Box Theater in the Center for the Arts. For tickets and information visit JHCenterForTheArts.org or find the Laff Staff on Facebook. This week’s episode is sponsored in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling. Want to become a better recycler?  Well, there’s an app for that – the Recycle Coach app!  Now available for Jackson Hole locals and visitors. 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,@thatsamoeri).

In this week’s episode of the Jackson Hole Connection, Stephan chats with Emily Cohen. 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. Listen live and find out more about Jackson Hole Community Radio at 891KHOL.orgCheck out the Li’l Liza Jane documentary trailer at lizajanemovie.comLearn more about Emily and her projects at TheOtherEmilyCohen.com This week’s episode is sponsored in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling. Don’t trash your mattress; recycle it!  Sleep well knowing 95% of your old rest nest will be recycled and diverted from the landfill, helping to reach the community goal of 60% diversion by the year 2030!  More at RoadtoZeroWasteJH.org 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,@thatsamoeri).

In this week’s episode of the Jackson Hole Connection, Stephan chats with Phil Cameron. Phil is the Executive Director of Energy Conservation Works (ECW). The goal of ECW is to build partnerships with the Town of Jackson, Teton County, Lower Valley Energy, and other organizations to create and instill programs that improve energy conservation and reduce emissions.

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. 

Find out more about Energy Conservation Works at EnergyConservationWorks.org

Follow Phil on Instagram @dpcameronjrThis week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling reminding you to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. Avoid single-use products whenever possible, and remember to bring your reusable bags with you while shopping. More at RoadtoZeroWasteJH.org 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.comWant to be a guest on The Jackson Hole Connection? Email us at [email protected]. Marketing and editing support by Michael Moeri (michaelmoeri.com,@thatsamoeri).

In this week’s episode of the Jackson Hole Connection, Stephan chats with Brenden Cronin. During this interview, Brenden is working in the field hiking up Glory Mountain. Brenden has done numerous types of jobs in the valley, but the winters are all about working in the snow. He has worked on Togwotee Pass as a snowcat skiing guide, an avalanche instructor for the forest service and the American Avalanche Institute, a ski patroller and snowmaker at JHMR and currently he is a Highway Avalanche Forecaster for WYDOT. 

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. 

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling reminding you to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. Avoid single-use products whenever possible, and remember to bring your reusable bags with you while shopping. More at RoadtoZeroWasteJH.org 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,@thatsamoeri).

In this week’s episode of the Jackson Hole Connection, Stephan visits with Bob Shervin. Bob is a grandfather, entrepreneur, former mayor of Jackson, former county commissioner, the founder of Shervin’s Independent Oil, and a born and bred Jackson local. 

In this episode, Bob shares the history of his family lineage and the story of when he was born back in 1933. He talks about what it was like growing up in Jackson in the 40s and how isolating the winters could be. Bob reminisces about his time working in Big Piney and how a scuffle almost led to his demise. He goes into how he met his wife, moved back to Jackson, and eventually started Shervin’s Independent Oil. Stephan and Bob discuss all the changes that have happened in Jackson since the 30s and what Bob accomplished when he was mayor and county commissioner. 

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling reminding you to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. Avoid single-use products whenever possible, and remember to bring your reusable bags with you while shopping. More at RoadtoZeroWasteJH.org 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).

In this week’s episode of the Jackson Hole Connection, Stephan visits with Laurie Andrews. 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.

Learn more about the Community Foundation at CFJacksonHole.org

This week's episode is supported in part by Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates. JHREA is the region's largest and most dynamic real estate company in the Valley. For more info and to view current listings visit JHREA.com

Support also comes from Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling reminding you to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. Avoid single-use products whenever possible, and remember to bring your reusable bags with you while shopping. More at RoadtoZeroWasteJH.org or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram

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

In this week’s episode of the Jackson Hole Connection, Stephan visits with Jerry Bilek. Jerry is the Sr. Library Assistant at the Teton County Library.

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.

Learn more about the Teton County Library at TCLIB.org

Listen to Back of the Stacks on SoundCloud.com

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling reminding you to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. Avoid single-use products whenever possible, and remember to bring your reusable bags with you while shopping. More at RoadtoZeroWasteJH.org or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram

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

In this week’s episode of the Jackson Hole Connection, Stephan visits with Danielle Shapiro. 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.

Find out more about Danielle at Danielle-Shapiro.com or follow her on Instagram at @danielleshapiro

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling reminding you to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. Avoid single-use products whenever possible, and remember to bring your reusable bags with you while shopping. More at RoadtoZeroWasteJH.org or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram

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

In this week’s episode of the Jackson Hole Connection, Stephan visits with Jay Petervary. Everything Jay does revolves around cycling. He is an ultra-endurance cyclist, ambassador, guide, teacher, speaker, race director, and sponsored athlete.

In this episode, Jay shares why he left a lucrative career in the city to move out west. He talks about the moment his life changed when he found his passion and reason for living. He explains the intense preparation and dedication that goes into doing an endurance ride. Jay goes into the work he does for the cycling community and why he doesn’t want to just be labeled a professional athlete. Stephan and Jay also talk about the importance of mentorship and how it can be rewarding on both sides.

Find out more about Jay at JayPetervary.com or follow him on Instagram at @jay_petervary

This week's episode is supported in part by Teton County Solid Waste and Recycling reminding you to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost. Avoid single-use products whenever possible, and remember to bring your reusable bags with you while shopping. More at RoadtoZeroWasteJH.org or at @RoadToZeroWaste.JH on Instagram

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