Wit and Wisdom from a Wyoming Political Icon: Alan Simpson
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/ 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!
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17:30
From Chemistry to Entrepreneurship with Norberto Orellana
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. 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!
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31:18
Blending Ecology and Art: The Unexpected Path of Reilly Dibner
“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. 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!
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31:32
From London to Wyoming: Building Community for Aspiring Writers with Francesca King
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. 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!
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Wyoming's Creative Economy and Innovation with Audio Engineer John Wilhelm
“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. 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 Winds of Change podcast is centered on the people, places, history, and stories of Wyoming. We talk about identity, community, land, change and what it means to thrive in the state. How does someone identify with wide spaces and big personalities in small towns? Listen to folks from across our state share their connection to Wyoming and home. Or others who are pining for opportunities to invite change. And still, there are many voices who welcome the challenge. Making a life here means persistence. Some families have been here for generations and stay true, heads held high, through the blustery winters. Others are newcomers making sense of the unfamiliar winds the world continually blows in.
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