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

• 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 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!

I think Wyoming is still working on making these things accessible and showing people the exact directions of where to go. Bailey and I really fill that gap in terms of our programming and this sort of investor strategy, really, that's our niche. - Stephanie Reece

People don't necessarily show up for a venture capital seminar because they don't necessarily understand it. They feel intimidated by it. So, we're trying to break down those walls and pop the bubbles and try to help people understand that this is something that they can take advantage of. - Baylie Evans

If you're feeling lost in the vast landscape of venture capital and entrepreneurship in Wyoming, struggling to find the right support and resources to turn your business dreams into reality, then you are not alone! Achieve a deeper understanding of venture capital and entrepreneurship in Wyoming with the insights shared by Bailey and Stephanie, who are on a mission to make the path to success more accessible for Wyoming entrepreneurs.

In this episode we learn more about entrepreneurship in Wyoming. Hear how a nationally ranked venture capital firm and accelerator is uniting startup founders, investors, corporations, job seekers, universities, musicians, and artists. Want to know more about these diverse success stories in Wyoming? Listen to this podcast to learn more!

My special guest are Baylie Evans and Stephanie Reece of gener8tor

Baylie Evans and Stephanie Reece from Gener8tor, a nationally ranked venture capital firm and accelerator, join Emy DiGrappa on this episode. With their diverse professional journeys, Baylie and Stephanie offer a wealth of lived experiences and expertise in entrepreneurship. Baylie, originally from the Denver area, has a journalism background and a passion for storytelling, while Stephanie, a Wyoming native with a background in higher education, customer service, and running a brewery, brings her insights and understanding of people's needs. Together, they provide valuable perspectives and guidance on venture capital and entrepreneurship, making this episode a must-listen for Wyoming entrepreneurs and small business owners.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the success to securing venture capital funding for your startup and propelling your business to new heights in Wyoming.

• Uncover the thriving landscape of entrepreneurship in Wyoming and learn how to harness its potential for your own business success.

• Explore the opportunities offered by accelerator programs for early-stage companies and how they help business growth in Wyoming.

• Be inspired by the innovation and success stories in Wyoming and learn how to apply their strategies to your own entrepreneurial journey.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• 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

• 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!

Discover the surprising history of rural Wyoming's innovative spirit! From using barbed wire fences for early telephone lines to uncovering the untold stories behind the Wyoming state flag, historian Kylie McCormick's journey explores the innovation and inspiration of Wyoming's past. From patent filings to tales of influential figures. Learn about Wyoming's rich heritage with Kylie, where every story holds a lesson waiting to be learned. Explore the history of rural Wyoming and uncover the spirit of rural communities that has shaped the state.

My special guest is Kylie McCormick

Kylie McCormick, a historian dedicated to preserving and sharing Wyoming's rich history, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the conversation. Hailing from Casper, Wyoming, Kylie's educational journey has taken her to various parts of the world, including Virginia, Berlin, London, and Nebraska, where she pursued her interests in writing and history. As an Assistant Editor for wyohistory.org. Kylie continues to delve into Wyoming's innovative heritage, showcasing how rural areas are creative and innovative. Her dedication to education makes her a great resource for those interested in the state's cultural and innovative heritage.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the fascinating history of Wyoming through the Wyoming Humanities Spark Exhibit. Follow this link to learn more.

• Discover the remarkable innovations that have shaped rural Wyoming's unique heritage.

• Learn about the history and symbolism behind the Wyoming state flag.

• Gain insight into the pivotal role Wyoming played in women's suffrage, a crucial part of American history.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Sign up for the Podcast Storytelling newsletter by clicking on the link: http://eepurl.com/igy4fH

• Learn more about Wyoming Humanities at Thinkwy.org.

• Visit Kylie's website, Kyliethehistorian.com, to learn more about Wyoming history and her history presentations.

• Read articles on wyohistory.org to explore fascinating stories about 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!

Sign Up for our newsletter Here: http://eepurl.com/igy4fH

Uncover the unexpected truth about indigenous contemporary art! Discover how one artist's work is revolutionizing storytelling through innovative, progressive art. Learn the surprising impact of indigenous knowledge in modern creativity. Stay tuned as we unravel the story behind art that's more than just a painting—it's a powerful poem. Al Hubbard, a contemporary indigenous artist of Navajo and Northern Arapaho descent, has established a unique artistic identity rooted in his rich cultural heritage. His subsequent move to the Wind River Reservation further deepened his appreciation and respect for tribal cultures, significantly shaping his personal and artistic trajectory. His innovative approach reflects his connection to tradition and a commitment to preserving and evolving indigenous knowledge through contemporary artistic expression, making a substantial impact on the incorporation of indigenous wisdom in the art world. #ContemporaryArt #IndigenousCulture #WindsOfChange #PodcastInterview

My special guest is Al Hubbard

Al Hubbard is a contemporary indigenous artist born to a Navajo father and Northern Arapaho mother. Being raised off the reservation in Idaho Falls, Idaho and Las Vegas, Nevada, his parents taught him to be proud of both his native bloodlines. After relocating to the Wind River Reservation at age 17, he developed a deeper appreciation and respect for both tribal cultures.

It is from this early path of movement that Al gained his perspective of the world around him. The method of reflecting his environment after enrolling at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico became a lifelong journey of storytelling through memory, concept, and visual language. His development of painting is based within printmaking techniques, photography, mark-making, and image-transfer. His exploration of textures and color is based in landscape, environmental, and indigenous material culture. The layers of acrylic mediums, colors, and images are carefully applied to the surface and sanded to reveal the historical process.

The unique manipulation of the materials he chooses reflect the historical complexity and multi-levels of living as a Native American in today's world. His efforts to challenge the anthropologic narrative and to transform the pop culture image of Native America through his works remain an ever-evolving path. Al currently resides on the Wind River Reservation in central Wyoming.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Learn about the rich tradition of storytelling in Native American culture and its profound impact on art and identity.

• Explore the profound influence of oral traditions on indigenous knowledge and gain deeper insights into its significance in contemporary art.

• Discover the pivotal role of art in preserving and celebrating indigenous heritage, fostering a greater appreciation for cultural diversity.

• Hear Al’s Native American identity story and discovery through art, gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities and beauty of indigenous experiences.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Sign up for the newsletter by clicking on the link in the description of the podcast.

• Learn more about Wyoming humanities at ThinkWY.org.

• Follow Al Hubbard on Instagram for updates on artwork, events, and exhibitions.

Discover the story of Jeremy Johnston, Wyoming historian and teacher, and the impact he had on the state's history and culture. His unique upbringing and deep connection to Wyoming shaped his passion for preserving the past and understanding the complexities of the state's heritage.

My special guest is Jeremy Johnston

Jeremy Johnston, a highly regarded historian from Park County, Wyoming, established himself as a leading figure in the preservation and dissemination of Wyoming's rich history. Born and raised in Powell, Wyoming, Jeremy's formative years were shaped by the proximity and influence of his grandparents and great-grandparents, fostering a deep-rooted connection to the state's heritage. As a professional historian, Jeremy has actively contributed to the community through lectures and discussions, highlighting the significance of Wyoming's past. His comprehensive understanding of the state's diverse historical experiences positioned him as an advocate for comprehending the past to navigate the future.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Explore the life of Jeremy Johnston and his perspective of Wyoming history.

• Discover the impact of natural resources on shaping Wyoming's identity and economy.

• Learn about the cultural heritage of Park County, Wyoming, and its influence on the state's identity.

• Learn how Wyoming communities have adapted to change throughout history, and the resilience that defines them. The impact of external demand on Wyoming's natural resources is a central theme in Jeremy Johnston's discussion, highlighting the significant role these resources play in shaping the state's economy and industries. From coal mining to the transition towards renewable energy, the management of natural resources has been a key driver of change and evolution in Wyoming. Jeremy's insights shed light on the complexities and challenges associated with balancing economic demands with environmental concerns.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:

• Visit the website ThinkWy.org to learn more about Wyoming humanities and explore the people, places, and history of Wyoming.

• Subscribe to the Winds of Change podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Google, or your favorite podcasting platform to never miss a show.

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!

Sign Up for our newsletter Here: http://eepurl.com/igy4fH