Writing is an act of celebration. In all my books, I’m celebrating something—whether it’s grizzly bears, the Himalayas, or the paramedic experience – Kevin Grange

Join host Emy Digrappa on Winds of Change as she sits down with award-winning author, paramedic, and firefighter Kevin Grange. In this episode, Kevin shares his journey from the landscapes of New Hampshire to the adrenaline-filled streets of Los Angeles as a paramedic—and how these experiences shaped his storytelling.

His latest book, Grizzly Confidential, where Kevin explores the hidden world of grizzly bears, challenging myths and revealing their surprising intelligence, complex social behaviors, and critical role in the ecosystem. From bear encounters in Alaska’s untamed wilderness to the ethical dilemmas of human-bear coexistence in places like Yellowstone, Kevin offers a fresh perspective on these majestic predators.

Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about the intersection of adventure and conservation, this episode shares Kevin’s passion for the wild and his journey into writing.

Resources:

1. Kevin Grange’s Books:
   • Beneath Blossom Rain (about trekking in Bhutan)

   • Lights and Sirens (paramedic school in LA)

   • Grizzly Confidential (his latest, on grizzly bears)

• Doug and Lynn Seus (trainers of Bart the Bear, the grizzly from The Edge)

• National Parks/Reserves mentioned:
  • Yellowstone National Park

  • Grand Teton National Park

  • Katmai National Park, Alaska (Brooks Falls)

  • McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, Alaska

• Instagram: @kevin.m.grange

• Website: kevingrange.com

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The cowboy myth isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a symbol of independence that still defines Western identity, for better or worse. – Betsy Gaines Quammen

Join host Emy Digrappa on What's Your Why? The Author's Journey as she sits down with historian and writer Betsy Gaines Quammen, author of True West: Myth and Mending on the Far Side of America. In this episode, Betsy discusses the myths and misconceptions surrounding the American West—from Hollywood’s romanticized cowboys to the modern-day influx of newcomers seeking their own slice of wilderness.

Growing up in Ohio but making Montana her home for over 30 years, Betsy brings a unique perspective as both an insider and a scholar of Western history. She discusses how pop culture shapes perceptions of the West, the challenges of tourism and conservation, and the real stories behind the cowboy myth.

Whether you're a history buff, a lover of the outdoors, or just curious about the cultural forces shaping the West, this conversation gives insight into the complexities of a region often misunderstood. Plus, get a sneak peek into Betsy’s next project—a thrilling exploration of ghost stories and the history behind them!

Tune in for our discussion that challenges stereotypes and celebrates the diverse truths of the American West.

🔹 Available on all major podcast platforms. Brought to you by Wyoming Humanities.
#AmericanWest #WesternHistory #CowboyMyths #TrueWest #Conservation #Yellowstone #AuthorInterview #WyomingHumanities #Podcast

Resources:

1. True West: Myth and Mending on the Far Side of America – Betsy’s latest book, exploring myths and realities of the American West.
2. American Zion: Cliven Bundy, God, and Public Lands – Betsy’s first book, examining land-use conflicts and the Bundy family.
3. Billionaire Wilderness: The Ultra-Wealthy and the Remaking of the American West by Justin Farrell – Referenced for its insights on economic inequities in Western communities.

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“It wasn’t just a drug story—it was about memory loss, collective blackouts, and how privilege lets some people escape consequences entirely.”
— Max Marshall on the themes behind Among the Bros

In this episode of What’s Your Why? The Author’s Journey, host Emy DiGrappa sits down with investigative journalist and debut author Max Marshall, whose breakout book Among the Bros explores fraternity life, drug trafficking, and the shadowy systems of privilege on American campuses. Max opens up about turning his true-crime exposé into a feature film for Sony, his brush with organized crime in Vietnam, and his new book-in-progress diving deep into the world of electronic dance music (EDM) as a first-time DJ.

From elite prep schools to underground raves, Max brings a fresh voice to cultural criticism and immersive storytelling. Buckle up for a fascinating conversation about power, memory, addiction, and the pursuit of purpose—on and off the page.

#WhatsYourWhyPodcast #AuthorsJourney #WritersOfInstagram #BookLoversUnite #TrueCrimeReads #AuthorInterview #LiteraryPodcast #StoryBehindTheStory

🔗 Resources & Links:

📘 About the Book

• Among the Bros: A Fraternity Crime Story
• New York Times: Inside a Fraternity Drug Ring That Shook the South
• GQ Magazine: Vietnam, King Kong, and a Journalist’s First Big Break
• Texas Monthly: Coverage on the rise of Xanax abuse among college students

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“You can actually be whole only if you have both sides of yourself included in your identity.” Rebecca Balcárcel

In this episode of What's Your Why?, host Emy Digrappa sits down with Guatemalan Anglo-American author and poet Rebecca Balcárcel, acclaimed for The Other Half of Happy and Shine On, Luz Véliz!. Rebecca shares her inspiring journey from avid young reader to award-winning middle grade author, weaving in stories of family, identity, and the complexities of growing up bicultural.

From raising identical twins to discovering a half-sister in Guatemala, Rebecca opens up about the deep personal roots behind her fiction and the transformative power of writing for young readers. This episode is a heartfelt look at how authors find wholeness through storytelling and how cultural heritage shapes the stories we tell.

📚 Books by Rebecca Balcárcel

• The Other Half of Happy
  A middle-grade novel about Quijana, a biracial girl navigating her Guatemalan and American identities. The book has received starred reviews from School Library Journal and Booklist and was recognized as a Pura Belpré Honor Book.
• Shine On, Luz Véliz!
  This novel follows Luz, a tech-savvy Latina whose life changes when she discovers a Guatemalan half-sister. The story delves into themes of family, identity, and cultural heritage.

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You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to develop a habit. Even when you don’t feel like writing, you show up—and the mind begins to wake up. – Tracy Daugherty

In this episode of What’s Your Why?, host Emy DiGrappa welcomes acclaimed author and biographer Tracy Daugherty for a deep and thoughtful conversation about the craft of writing, the influence of landscape, and the shaping power of culture. From his West Texas upbringing to his literary inspirations like Larry McMurtry and Joan Didion, Tracy shares his journey into storytelling, his disciplined writing habits, and the physicality of language.

They discuss what it means to grow up in a place that feels “unliterary,” how personal and public histories intersect in the writer’s work, and why Tracy is drawn to biography as a form of cultural history. He also opens up about his current project on Cormac McCarthy and the ethical complexities of writing about real lives.

Whether you’re a writer, reader, or lover of Western landscapes and literary voices, this episode offers rich insights into the rhythms of a writing life—and the meaning we find in the stories we tell.

Key topics:

• Writing habit vs. inspiration

• Larry McMurtry’s legacy and the myths of the American West

• Biography as cultural history

• AI and authorship in the digital age

• Sky watching, family, and finding your place through story

Resources:

👉 Learn more about Tracy Daugherty and his work at tracydaugherty.com

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As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss an episode! And visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!

"The land has always been my touching stone." – Rachel Berg

In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Berg, a multifaceted artist whose work blends diverse cultural influences and artistic mediums. Rachel's unique background, combining Mnicoujou, Lakota, Mexican, and German heritage, serves as the foundation for her creative expression and worldview. This episode offers a glimpse into the mind of an artist who bridges cultures, pushes creative boundaries, and finds inspiration in the natural world around us. Rachel's story is a testament to the power of art in exploring identity, connecting communities, and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared human experience.

About Rachel Berg:

Rachel Olivia Berg (Mnicoujou Lakota, Mexican, German) works in diverse media as an artist, teacher, and the founder of LivArtfully Studio. Graduating from Princeton University and Columbia University Teachers College, since 2004 she has designed and fabricated custom large-scale commissions in notable commercial projects across Turtle Island. Berg expanded her studio practice in 2023 to engage with research-based methodologies that explore Indigenous ontologies, histories, healing, and cultural relationships to nature and ecology. Berg was a 2023 Emerging Artist Fellow with the Ann Street Gallery in Newburgh, NY. She is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.

A Journey of Cultural Exploration

• The complexities of growing up with diverse cultural influences

• The role of language in cultural identity and artistic expression

• How Rachel's multicultural background informs her creative process

• Her educational journey, from Princeton University to Teachers College at Columbia

• The transition from commercial art to personal artistic expression

• How teaching has influenced her approach to artmaking

Large-Scale Installations and Public Art

• The inspiration behind her monumental installations

• Her innovative use of materials and techniques

• The use of repetition and natural elements in her installations

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"Become the honey pot and the bees will come." - Zeahlot Lopez

Welcome to "Empower and Lead: Women's Journey in Entrepreneurship." Are you tirelessly proving your worth and significance, yet still feeling unfulfilled? You're not alone. Many women entrepreneurs strive for success and recognition but continue to struggle with old belief systems. The hustle can be exhausting when fulfillment and a sense of worthiness seem just out of reach.

In this episode, we learn the fascinating story of entrepreneur Zeahlot Lopez who became the youngest cosmetologist in California at just 17. Later transitioning into a career as a psychotherapist, she discovered the transformative powers of meditation and self-discipline. Now, she's on a mission to empower women across the globe. Listen to her journey as a first-generation Mexican American entrepreneur.

My special guest is Zeahlot Lopez

Zeahlot Lopez, an international speaker, mentor, and author, has dedicated over a decade to empowering women. As a first-generation Mexican American with a master’s in counseling psychology and advanced leadership studies from USC, she has founded multiple businesses and mentored hundreds globally. Zeahlot's role as CEO of Business and Pleasure Inc. has transformed countless lives, particularly for culturally diverse and first-generation women. Her journey of navigating both cultures and being the first generation of women to understand the power of female leadership has shaped her perspective. With a deep understanding of the importance of self-awareness and the power of choice, Zeahlot brings a unique and insightful approach to the topic of women's empowerment in entrepreneurship.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Appreciate the obstacles and struggles of first-generation women entrepreneurs

• Discover the transformative benefits of meditation for your leadership in business

• Break free from cyclical patterns through self-awareness and create new paths to success

• Harness the power of discipline for personal and professional growth.

• Learn about worthiness for increased empowerment as a woman in entrepreneurship.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Connect with Zeahlot Lopez on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Medium, and Substack by searching for her unique name Zeahlot.

• Visit Zeahlot's website at Zealot.com to explore more about her work, services, and resources.

• Never miss an episode of What's Your Why? by visiting thinkwyde.org.

• Support Wyoming Humanities and their mission by learning more about their work and how you can contribute to their initiatives.

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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 your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss an episode! And visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!

"When you take time to listen to yourself and to be excited and to celebrate that individuality, I think it creates such a rich opportunity for conversation and real, authentic connection with people." - Carrie Klewin Lawrence

Hey there, get ready to hear about the power of personal storytelling in this conversation. There is a surprising journey, and insights shared by our special guest, Carrie Klewin Lawrence, as she describes her own journey in capturing creativity and conquering imposter syndrome. Discover how embracing your uniqueness can lead to increased confidence and decision-making. We are excited for you to learn about this inspiring and fun conversation, so stay tuned! Carries talks about the solutions to help you embrace your uniqueness and build your personal story with confidence.

My special guest is Carrie Klewin Lawrence

Carrie Klewin Lawrence, a seasoned stage director, public speaking coach, and author, joins the conversation with a wealth of experience in strategic storytelling for success. Her journey from theater to business coaching offers a refreshing take on embracing individuality and conquering imposter syndrome. Carrie's dynamic background and passion for storytelling provide a compelling angle for delving into creativity and personal growth. With her unique insights and relatable approach, she brings a valuable perspective to the exploration of personal storytelling and decision-making.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn the art of strategic storytelling.

• Unleash your creativity to build a powerful and authentic personal brand that sets you apart.

• Overcome imposter syndrome by harnessing the power of storytelling to boost your confidence and self-belief.

• Carrie Klewin Lawrence offers insights into unleashing the power of creativity through storytelling.

• She encourages individuals to tap into their creativity and unique perspectives to craft compelling narratives. By embracing creativity, individuals can overcome imposter syndrome and confidently share their stories with the world.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit Carrie Klewin Lawrence and her work in coaching, branding, and public speaking. The website also provides information about her book Origin Story and her upcoming journal.

• Check out Carrie Klewin Lawrence's book Origin Story to explore the power of storytelling, finding your why, and deepening your relationship with your instincts and intuition.

• Look out for Carrie Klewin Lawrence's upcoming journal, designed to help individuals step by step through exercises and preparations outlined in her book Origin Story.

• Subscribe to What's Your Why? podcast brought to you by Wyoming Humanities to never miss an episode exploring the human experience with various guests. https://thinkwy.org/

• Learn more about Wyoming Humanities and their initiatives by visiting ThinkWY.org and consider supporting their work through donations or other means.

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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 your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss an episode! And visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!