In this episode of Unmuted, we’re joined by Rob Hill and Andy Elston for a candid conversation about Career & Technical Education (CTE) and the urgent workforce gap facing Wyoming.

Rob shares his path from the trades into teaching and workforce policy, and Andy explains how early hands-on experience turned into a career in engineering and building systems across the state. Together, we break down why Wyoming is facing an aging skilled workforce, why students often get blocked out of CTE pathways (capacity, scheduling, “level one bottlenecks”), and why “industry-ready” can’t just mean a couple of classes and a credential.

We also challenge some long-held assumptions in education: what “21st century jobs” really require, why competency-based learning matters, and why communities need stronger partnerships between schools, employers, colleges, and mentors. If Wyoming wants to stop exporting talent—and start building opportunity at home—this conversation is a blueprint.

Julie Jarvis returns with a boots-on-the-ground legislative update as Wyoming heads into session—and the stakes for public education are high. In this episode, the crew breaks down the Wyoming school funding “recalibration” bill and why Julie believes the current proposal could reshape classrooms across the state.

Julie explains recalibration in plain terms, then highlights key concerns educators should track: proposed class size changes, a potential reduction of hundreds of classroom teachers, and a major shift away from a block-grant model toward categorical funding—which could reduce local flexibility in how districts staff schools, support students, and use Title I resources. The conversation also digs into the bill’s language around teacher pay (base vs. average salary), the loss of longer-term funding stability, and how these changes could affect everything from staffing to services like counselors, nurses, and intervention supports.

From there, the discussion widens to the bigger budget picture: property tax, the use of the term “backfill,” and how Wyoming’s reserve and investment accounts tie into school funding and statewide services. Julie lays out why she believes the public narrative doesn’t match Wyoming’s education outcomes—and why she’s urging citizens to pay attention and get involved as decisions move quickly.

If you’re a teacher, parent, or taxpayer trying to understand what’s coming and why it matters, this episode is your roadmap to the debate—and what to watch next.

In this stripped-down, two-host check-in, Seth and Coebie pull listeners behind the scenes of their ongoing public records fight with Natrona County School District. They break down two key requests: who authored the Barnon and Woods school closure recommendation documents (and the broader facilities recommendation), and policies tied to class waitlists and student absences—and why the lack of clear authorship and delayed responses have become a major community trust issue.

Along the way, they connect the district’s “stall-and-stress” tactics to a familiar everyday experience: the exhausting runaround of dealing with a massive corporation that keeps billing you even after you’ve done everything right. The takeaway is simple: this process is designed to wear people down—but they’re not backing off. The episode closes with next steps (including the public records ombudsman route), an update for listeners, and a reminder to stay steady, document everything, and keep pushing for transparency.

On this episode the team talks with don anderson about his implementation of problem based learning and his transition from college to k-12 teaching.

In this episode of Unmuted, we sit down with Brandy Sorensen—Wyoming mom, realtor, and advocate—to unpack House Bill 9 (HB9), a proposal aimed at making the grooming of minors a felony. Brandy shares how her family’s experience exposed legal gaps, what “grooming” looks like before it crosses current criminal thresholds, and why protections for kids can’t rely on “it’s concerning, but not illegal.” We also talk warning signs for parents, the role of protective orders, and how listeners can contact their representatives to support HB8 and HB9.

Content warning: discussion includes sensitive, adult topics involving minor

After the district’s decision to close Woods Learning Center and Bar Nunn Elementary, Seth and Coebie explain why they launched a petition—and why transparency matters, especially when families feel blindsided. Joined by Eric Nelsen, they unpack the petition process, what the school board can (and might) do next, and what the community is asking for moving forward: clearer analysis, better communication, and real engagement before future closures are decided.

In this episode, I chat with Ted Hanson about the complexities of behavior and discipline in education, building on our previous discussion. We explore the importance of understanding each child's unique background and context when addressing behavioral issues. Ted emphasizes a nuanced approach to disciplinary methods, debating corporal punishment versus positive reinforcement while highlighting societal influences on student behavior. We discuss the challenges educators face, particularly in under-resourced settings, and the value of restorative practices in fostering accountability. This thought-provoking dialogue urges listeners to consider empathy and community involvement as essential components of effective behavior management.

In this episode of Unmuted, we sit down with Cathy Holman, known to many as Prairie Wife and Heels, to talk about a story no family should ever have to live through: an adult stalking and harassing a minor through fake numbers, impersonation, and calculated attacks meant to isolate and destabilize kids.

Cathy shares how it started, how long it lasted, and what it did to her daughter, her family, and their small-town sense of safety. We unpack the investigative hurdles (including months-long delays to obtain digital evidence), the emotional toll of living on high alert, and the brutal reality of what happens when the legal system lacks teeth.

Most importantly, we discuss Wyoming House Bill 8—a one-sentence fix with major implications: making adult stalking of a minor a felony. This isn’t about attacking a person; it’s about repairing a broken system, protecting kids, and ensuring background checks and school safeguards can actually do their job.

Content note: This episode includes discussions of stalking, harassment, sexualized rumors about minors, and mental health impacts.

This episode features Cody Sullivan discussing his journey into artificial intelligence as a product change manager at Mesa Power Solutions. The conversation covers the evolution of AI, the distinction between traditional and modern applications, and the concept of AI "hallucinations." The hosts explore human versus artificial intelligence and the implications of AI in education, stressing the importance of foundational problem-solving skills for children. They advocate for a balanced approach to integrating AI in learning and announce plans for a multi-part series on AI.

In this interview, Whitney Asay discusses her journey from a family photography business to becoming a community advocate and entrepreneur. She reflects on her experiences in education, emphasizing the challenges faced by marginalized students and the need for understanding socioeconomic factors in learning. Whitney shares the creation of Funky Junk, a platform supporting local artisans, and how it fosters community engagement. Joining her is former student Ari Burback, who highlights the significance of mentorship and safe spaces for youth expression. The conversation underscores the need for inclusive community events and diverse pathways for youth empowerment and success.