🧵 “Quilting isn’t just for old people—it’s for anyone with a creative spirit and a story to tell.” — Miracle Seminole

✨ “Each quilt carries prayers, patience, and the love of our ancestors.” — Cherokee Brown

In this heartfelt episode of Winds of Change, host Emy DiGrappa sits down with Cherokee Brown and her daughter, Miracle Seminole—both enrolled members of the Northern Arapaho Tribe—to explore how quilting, creativity, and cultural tradition serve as powerful tools for healing, self-expression, and community revitalization.

Cherokee shares her personal journey into star quilt making, inspired by her grandmother’s love for arts and crafts and guided by a deep spiritual connection to her ancestors. As a mother, she passed down not just the skill but the soul of quilting to Miracle, who found strength and purpose in the tradition after surviving a life-altering experience. Together, they speak openly about grief, recovery, intergenerational trauma, and the importance of reclaiming cultural identity through Indigenous art.

Miracle, now a rising quilt artist herself, envisions a future where quilting isn't just a family legacy but a way to uplift her community—one stitch at a time. From smudging rituals to chakra designs and bold aspirations of launching a community sewing space, this conversation is full of inspiration, resilience, and hope.

Whether you're Native or non-Native, an artist or admirer, this episode offers a powerful reminder: creativity can be medicine, and tradition can be revolutionary.

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Stay in the middle of the road and plow as much as you can. Stay out of the furrows and the ruts on the left and the right. And if you're damned if you do and damned if you don't, then do. – Alan Simpson

In this episode of Winds of Change, Wyoming Humanities pays tribute to the remarkable life and enduring legacy of former U.S. Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming. Known for his sharp wit, bipartisan approach, and unwavering commitment to public service, Simpson left an indelible mark on both his home state and the nation.

This episode offers a glimpse into the mind of a seasoned statesman, providing both historical context and forward-looking insights. 

A Statesman's Journey

Join me as I revisit a candid conversation with Senator Simpson, where he shares:

• His motivation for entering politics and passion for legislation

• The importance of maintaining a sense of humor in public life

• His perspective on the current state of American politics

Wisdom for the Next Generation

Simpson offers invaluable advice for young people interested in politics:

• The critical role of active participation in democracy

• The importance of staying centered and avoiding extremes

• Why engagement at the local level matters

Tackling Modern Political Challenges

Simpson doesn't shy away from addressing current issues:

• His concerns about money's influence in politics

• Thoughts on campaign finance reform

• The need for bipartisanship and compromise

Learn More About Alan Simpson’s Life

• https://cowboystatedaily.com/2025/03/18/joan-barron-alan-simpson-grew-to-be-a-statesman/

• https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/news/state/sen-al-simpson-93-had-wit-deep-jackson-roots/article_74b8c132-01b9-11f0-b54d-9f59e5783269.html

• https://apnews.com/article/senator-alan-simpson-dies-faf4826aba710283e4f4e6581082a41f

• https://oilcity.news/wyoming/2025/03/16/photos-alan-k-simpson-a-life-in-photos/

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• Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe! 

As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!

I believe that inside of every single person, especially. Especially when they're in their darkest times, there's a little voice in their head that says, I want to be more, I want to do more, I want to say more, and I want to live more. - Norberto Orellana

In this episode of Winds of Change, I sit down with Norberto Orellana, a motivating individual who has challenged himself to become an entrepreneur. Norberto's journey from homelessness and abuse to founding his own company in Gillette, Wyoming. We love hearing the diversity of stories and voices in this series of Entrepreneurs, innovators and creatives of Wyoming!

Norberto shares his transition from pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry to becoming a business leader and motivational speaker. 

We discuss:

• His early experiences with homelessness and poverty

• The pivotal moment on a bus that changed his perspective

• How he became a three-time TEDx speaker

Overcoming Adversity: Despite facing numerous challenges, including cerebral palsy and a difficult upbringing, Norberto discusses:

• The importance of positive audacity and lifelong learning

• How he balances his healthcare leadership role with entrepreneurship

• Norberto's mission is to help others tap into their inner strength and achieve their goals

• Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

Resources:

• To learn more about Norberto go to Norberto Orellana Enterprises.

• For more information about the Wyoming Humanities Council and their initiatives, go to thinkwy.org to explore their programs, events, and resources.

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• Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!

As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!

“My mission is to extend the reach of appreciation for science and the natural world through rich audio-visual experiences that are entertaining and can be powerful vehicles for learning, for self-education or for teaching” – Reilly Dibner

In this episode of Winds of Change, I sit down with Reilly Dibner, an ecologist turned stop-motion animator who's bringing science to life through art. Reilly's journey from studying frogs in Irish bogs to creating visual stories about Wyoming's horned lizards is fascinating.

A Unique Blend of Science and Art

Reilly's background in ecology, combined with her self-taught artistic skills, has led her to create Ecosystem Films. This creative production studio specializes in stop-motion animations about science and the natural world. Her mission? To extend appreciation for science through entertaining and educational audio-visual experiences.

From Field Research to Frame-by-Frame Animation we explore how Reilly translates her scientific knowledge into visually compelling stories:

• The process of creating stop-motion animations

• Using hand-painted paper cut-outs to bring scientific concepts to life

• Combining voiceover work with visual storytelling

Challenges and Opportunities

Reilly shares insights into:

• The technical aspects of stop-motion animation

• Balancing scientific accuracy with artistic expression

• Collaborating with scientists and filmmakers

• Wyoming's Creative Economy

As a recipient of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership's Creative Economy Startup Challenge, Reilly discusses:

• The importance of initiatives supporting local creatives

• How her work contributes to Wyoming's creative landscape

• Future projects and collaborations in the pipeline

This episode offers a unique perspective on the intersection of science, art, and entrepreneurship in Wyoming. Reilly's story demonstrates how diverse skills and passions can come together to create something truly innovative.

Resources

• Visit ecosystemfilms.com to learn more about Reilly Dibner's creative production studio specializing in stop motion animations about science and the natural world. The website is currently under construction but contains valuable material about Reilly's work.

• Follow Ecosystem Films on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and visual content related to Reilly Dibner's stop motion animations and her mission to extend the reach of appreciation for science and the natural world through rich audiovisual experiences.

• Explore reillydibner.com to discover Reilly Dibner's voiceover work, which is related to her creative endeavors and offers a separate aspect of her professional expertise.

• Subscribe to Winds of Change to never miss an episode and stay updated on the stories and conversations brought to you by Wyoming Humanities Council.

• For more information about the Wyoming Humanities Council and their initiatives, go to thinkwy.org to explore their programs, events, and resources.

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• Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!

As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!

Explore how Francesca King, originally from London, made her journey to Wyoming and immersed herself in the literary scene. Her innovative Footnote Literary Consultancy is breaking new ground, offering writers in the state a chance to accelerate their journey to publication while fostering a sense of community. Join us as we talk about Francesca's journey from the eclectic streets of London to the tranquil plains of Wyoming, and how she is learning new ways to connect with writers across the state. She shares her journey and insights into the world of literary consultancy. Through Footnote, Francesca seeks to bridge the gap in Wyoming's literary landscape by offering professional editing services and creating a supportive community for writers.

My special guest is Francesca King

Francesca King, the visionary behind Footnote Literary Consultancy, provides editing and assessment services for fiction writers. She is an accomplished fiction writer with a master's degree in creative writing from London and extensive experience in the MFA program at the University of Wyoming. She holds an MA in Creative Writing from the University of London and an MFA in Fiction from the University of Wyoming, where she works as the Director of the Writing Center. Currently, she is immersed in crafting her latest novel, The Footnote, a captivating narrative inspired by her own life experiences. Her commitment to nurturing Wyoming's literary talent and providing accessible resources reflects her dedication to the creative writing community.

In this episode:

• Discover how Wyoming's creative economy can inspire your writing journey. 

• Learn the opportunities of creative startup efforts around Wyoming, ranging from film production and music to literary and visual arts.

• Be inspired to kickstart your own business and turn your passion into a profession. 

• Hear Francesca’s view on the impact of AI on academic honesty and how it shapes the future of writing and research. 

• Find writers in your community to fuel your creativity and growth. 

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit www.footnotelit.com to learn more about Footnote Literary Consultancy and its professional editing services, including personalized manuscript assessment and consulting. 

• Follow Footnote Literary Consultancy on Instagram at @footnotelit for updates, writing tips, and information about upcoming workshops and events. 

• Stay tuned on social media for updates on Francesca King's novel, The Footnote, and potential publication announcements. 

• Subscribe to the Winds of Change podcast and visit thinkwy.org for more thought-provoking episodes and stories from Wyoming Humanities Council.

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• https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/

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• Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!

• As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!

“I think the thing that makes something a piece of artwork is the intention that an artist imbues into it.”- John Wilhelm

Want to deepen your understanding of sound preservation and creative storytelling? Discover the intersection of art and environment with audio engineer John Wilhelm as we explore Wyoming's Creative Economies and Innovation. In this episode, John Wilhelm discusses his involvement in various musical endeavors in Laramie, Wyoming, showcasing the diverse creative talent present in the state. His project, the Audio Library of the West, emphasizes the importance of creativity and innovation in preserving the sonic identity of Wyoming. This exploration sheds light on the unique and vibrant creative economies within the state.

My special guest is John Wilhelm

John Wilhelm, an accomplished sound artist, musician, and audio engineer, is based in Laramie, Wyoming. His work has earned him the prestigious 2024 Wyoming Innovation Partnership ArtsWork Investing in Wyoming's Creative Economies award. As the creative sound artist behind the Audio Library of the West, an online hub for western field sound recordings and audio-based art, John's creative endeavor lies in the fusion of sound preservation. With a background in theatrical sound design and a deep-seated passion for music, John's journey as an audio engineer reflects his dedication to exploring the intricate relationship between art and the environment. His innovative approach to field recording encapsulates his commitment to preserving, discovering and sharing the distinct sounds of the West, offering a captivating auditory experience. John is a founding member of the Garrett Guitar Quartet, performing classical and contemporary music for the guitar. 

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the thriving creative economies and innovation in Wyoming, uncovering unique insights and inspiration from the many creative people living in Wyoming. 

• Discover the pivotal role of audio engineering in music production, gaining a deeper understanding of the technical and artistic aspects that shape the music you listen to.

• Get an exclusive overview of the Audio Library of the West project, delving into the rich cultural and environmental tapestry of the Western region through sound. 

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Wyoming Humanities Council - For more information about the podcast and its episodes, visit ThinkWY.org to subscribe and never miss a show. 

• High Iron - Check out the website highiron.org to learn more about the public art project celebrating the history of labor of the transcontinental railroad and the people who built the railroad. 

• Audio Library of the West on Instagram - Follow the Audio Library of the West on Instagram for future news and updates about the project. 

• Bandcamp - Visit Bandcamp, a music retail platform utilized by independent musicians, to explore and purchase high-quality digital downloads of sound recordings and support independent artists. 

• Portable Recording Equipment - Stay tuned for updates on the launch of the Audio Library of the West in the fall of this year and learn how to participate with portable recording equipment and sending it around Wyoming.

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• https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/

• www.ThinkWY.org

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• Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!

• As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!

"Life is beautiful, you know, and even hard times, like, we can still find the good in those." - Trisha Martinez 

A journey from Wyoming to New Mexico unfolds through the rich cultural narrative of Dr. Trisha Martinez. Discover how her roots in New Mexico have deeply influenced her work in Wyoming, creating a bridge between two distinct yet interconnected communities. Dr. Martinez's passion for preserving cultural traditions and her efforts to empower students through ethnic studies will leave you feeling inspired. Listen to learn more about the unexpected connection between these two states, the impact of cultural identity, and the empowering journey of self-discovery.

My special guest is Trisha Martinez

Trisha Martinez, Ph.D., brings a wealth of cultural insight to the forefront. Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, with deep family ties to northern New Mexico, Dr. Martinez's work delves into the migration experiences along the Manito Trail, offering a compelling narrative of resilience and adaptation. Through her research, publications, and curated exhibit "Following the Manito Trail," she passionately illuminates the economic and cultural pathways that have shaped the New Mexican community in Wyoming. She is a co-founder of the New Mexico Chile Connoisseurs trade company. Trisha actively works to preserve and promote New Mexico's rich cultural heritage in Wyoming, fostering a sense of cultural pride and strengthening community connections.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the fascinating Manito Trail migration history and uncover the untold stories of resilience and cultural preservation. 

• Engage with the impactful initiatives by the Wyoming Humanities Council and discover how they are fostering meaningful dialogues and preserving diverse cultural narratives. 

• Embrace the deep-rooted Hispanic heritage and identity in the US, gaining insights into the resilience and contributions of this vibrant community. 

• Manito Trail Migration History: https://manitos.net/

• Tricia Martinez shared insights into the Manito Trail, symbolizing the migration pathways of New Mexican families to places like Wyoming. 

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit the Following the Manito Trail web page at Manitos.net to learn more about the Manito Trail project 

• Connect with Trisha Martinez on Facebook 

• Explore the resources and initiatives of the Wyoming Humanities Council, including the Manito's Community Memory Project and the Following the Manito Trail project, to engage with the community and learn more about New Mexican heritage in Wyoming. 

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• https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/

• www.ThinkWY.org

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• Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!

• As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!

We truly believe that God positions everybody where he needs them, when he needs them, in what point of life. And we can look back through the journey that we're currently on with the Water Rippler and see contacts that we made 30 plus years ago in college that are now a part of what we're doing with the Water Rippler. - Shondah Otwell 

Discover the journey of a husband-and-wife team that set out to solve a problem on their working ranch and discover the trials and successes of becoming entrepreneurs. From facing the challenges of ranching in Wyoming to innovating a game-changing solution called the Water Rippler, this story will inspire you. It took six years to bring their idea to life, a lot of trial and error, but perseverance paid off! Stay tuned to learn more about the resilience and determination that led to this groundbreaking innovation.

Meet Randall and Shondah Otwell, fourth-generation family ranchers from Oshoto, Wyoming, have leveraged their deep understanding of ranching challenges to develop the Water Rippler, an innovative solution for stock tanks. Their experience in managing the family ranch, combined with a commitment to sustainability, led to the creation of a product that effectively addresses the complexities of winter water management for livestock while also providing year-round benefits. Shondah and Randall’s entrepreneurial journey underscores the potential for practical innovation within the family ranching community, offering a tangible example of improved operational efficiency and sustainability.

My Special Guest is Shondah Otwell

Shondah attended the University of Wyoming and graduated with a BS Degree in Finance. For more than 25 years worked as a computer network engineer and owned and operated several business network consulting companies. Her husband, Randall, is originally from Louisiana, and after his high school graduation he joined the Army. After his service he found his way to Oshoto to work on a neighboring ranch. Randall is a Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician and Substation Electrician and worked in the electrical industry for more than 20 years. In 2010, they returned to her family ranch to care for it after her father passed away.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Discover the Water Rippler, an innovative solution for livestock water tanks to optimize water management and improve herd health. 

• Uncover the benefits of the Water Rippler for livestock, and how it can revolutionize your watering system for increased efficiency and cost savings. 

• Visit the Facebook page Water Rippler to learn more about the product and stay updated on its availability and launch date. 

• Check out the e-commerce website www.water-rippler.com to find more information about the Water Rippler and to place orders once it becomes available for purchase. 

•  Gener8tor program’s website and learn more about their free accelerator programs for entrepreneurs and innovators in Wyoming.

•  Visit the website Gener8tor to explore the various programs and resources offered by Generator, including their investment accelerator and free G Beta program.

• Connect with Stephanie or Bailey to learn more about the programs and get involved in the entrepreneurial community in Wyoming.

•  Subscribe to the Winds of Change podcast to never miss an episode and stay updated on stories of Wyoming entrepreneurs and innovators.

• Explore the resources provided by the Wyoming Humanities Council at Thinkwy.org to engage with the humanities and storytelling in Wyoming.

Follow Us on These Channels:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/

• www.ThinkWY.org

• https://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutwhy

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• Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!

• As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!

The universe is predicated on abundance. Our existence, our Planet, our communities, our love, our communications, all of this is all abundance. That's what we need to tap into. -  Marko Ruble

Imagine a Wyoming entrepreneur who started his journey in the heart of Cody, Wyoming with a childhood filled with adventures, family travels and curiosity. Little did he know that his upbringing in the land of high altitudes and low multitudes would spark an innovative transformation in the travel industry. In this episode we go on a journey that led him to create AI-driven smart maps in a state with a population slightly bigger than Fresno, California, but with the potential to impact the world. Discover how this entrepreneur's Wyoming roots and abundance mindset shaped his path, and how his solution-focused approach can inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace problem-solving and strategy.

My special guest is Marko Ruble

Marko Ruble - Marko is the CEO and Co-founder of Yerguides.io.  Marko is a traveler, artist, entrepreneur, and father.  He is the founder of WHAT Fest a decentralized music and arts festival providing access to the arts in rural Wyoming, Co-Founder of BendeRuble Sound LLC a live production company, Co-Founder of A&R Trading LLC an import export brokerage formally providing services in Myanmar and the U.S.A.  

While in Myanmar Marko got detained near the Chinese border and while being interrogated realized that despite having access to all major travel apps he needed a map that would help him navigate place, but also a map with waypoints infused with user generated content and experiences to navigate culture, yerguides.io was born. 

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Learn about the art of transforming travel with AI-driven maps.

• Learn the adventure, advantage and struggles of entrepreneurship and innovation in Wyoming.

• Learn the strategies for building scalable startups in low-population states.

• Yerguides.io use of blockchain technology ensures digital copyright, ownership, and incentivization for users sharing their personalized maps. 

• Through the app Yerguides.io opens possibilities for community engagement and economic growth beyond traditional tourism. 

• Visit yourguides.io to learn more about a travel and adventure marketplace that transforms user-generated travel maps into AI-driven smart maps.

• Check out whatfest.com to find out more about WhatFest, a decentralized music and arts festival providing access to the arts in rural Wyoming.

• Gener8tor program’s website and learn more about their free accelerator programs for entrepreneurs and innovators in Wyoming.

• Visit Thinkwy.org to learn more about Wyoming Humanities Council and their support for the Winds of Change podcast.

Follow Us on These Channels:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/

• www.ThinkWY.org

• https://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutwhy

• https://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutwhy

• Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!

• As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!

The American dream is often elusive, but it's also not necessarily the right dream.             - Mark Koep 

Have you ever felt frustrated by the lack of information when trying to plan a camping trip? Let's explore how innovative technology is revolutionizing the way we choose and experience campgrounds, making outdoor getaways more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Today on the Winds of Change podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Mark Koep, an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking technology called Campgroundviews.com. 

My special guest is Mark Koep

Mark Koep is the visionary force behind Campgroundviews.com, a technological breakthrough transforming how individuals discover and secure campsites. With a background in digital marketing, Mark's entrepreneurial journey commenced with a digital marketing agency, followed by an extensive 12-year RV expedition across the United States. Driven by the challenges of traditional camping experiences, Mark's innovative solution offers virtual campground tours, providing comprehensive information for travelers to make well-informed decisions. Drawing from his formative years witnessing his mother's small business, Mark's entrepreneurial spirit has been instrumental in reshaping the outdoor hospitality industry, establishing him as a pioneering figure in redefining the camping landscape for outdoor enthusiasts.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the benefits of RV camping and how it can transform your outdoor experiences. 

• Learn how to start a successful business while embracing the freedom of an RV lifestyle. 

• Learn how COVID impacted RV travel and how entrepreneurs have adapted. 

• Explore the advantages of virtual campground tours and how they can enhance your outdoor adventures. 

Understand the impact

Mark Koep's journey highlights the profound impact that digital marketing and technology can have on niche markets and specialized industries. By delving into the development of CampgroundViews.com, listeners can gain a deeper understanding of how innovative digital solutions can revolutionize traditional business models. Mark's experiences underscore the transformative power of embracing digital strategies to create meaningful connections with audiences and drive business success.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

•  Visit CampgroundViews.com to explore 360-degree virtual tours of campgrounds and RV parks across the country. 

•  Download the Campground Views app from the Google Play Store or iOS store to access virtual tours and information on the go. 

•  Connect with Campground Views on social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for updates, tips, and engaging content related to camping and RVing. 

•  Explore the YouTube channel of Campground Views for video content showcasing various campgrounds and RV parks, providing insights and visuals for potential camping trips. 

•  Subscribe to the Winds of Change podcast to listen to more inspiring stories and conversations brought to you by Wyoming Humanities Council. 

Follow Us on These Channels:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/

• www.ThinkWY.org

• https://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutwhy

• https://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutwhy

• Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!

• As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!