The Houlihan Narratives

Jordan Carr and Liv Swant-Johnson are Dinwoody… …the voices behind the song that has set the scene for our second season. Their music shares stories with a strong sense of place, deeply rooted in the Mountain West. And like many of the stories we share here at the Houlihan, their songs somehow manage to leave space – space for memory, for meaning, and for something of our own to take hold. Dinwood...

Kris Hampton is a man of many talents… … and storytelling is just one of them. His curious and creative mind has led to an ever-growing list of accomplishments – as a musician, an artist, an author, and an entrepreneur. With his story, Kris reminded us that the power of someone believing in us – of seeing something in us even before we can see it ourselves – can change everything. He told this sto...

Chanthy Foy knows how to perfectly combine different flavors… … and cultures – all while staying true to her heart. As a first generation Cambodian-American who grew up in Lander, Chanthy combined her heritage and her hometown roots to create her food truck “Far East Foodie.” With her story, Chanthy reminded us that even when it feels like we’re spinning out into space, our friends and families he...

Mei Ratz knows the power of a tight hug, a good laugh, and a long walk… … and repeat viewings of The Notebook. She’s a brave soul who sees the world’s beauty through a lens of cautious optimism — and, often, her camera. With her story, Mei reminded us just how important it is to show up for the ones we love.  She told this story on July 27, 2018, at our live storytelling event held at the Museum o...

Mara Gans knows that some stories mean more than others... … and those are the stories that become family lore. These stories can come to represent who we are and what we stand for, and sharing them can be a way of sharing ourselves. With this legendary tale, Mara told us not just about a brave family pet, but about a fierce family love.  She told this story on August 26, 2023, when we partnered w...

Jessie Allen-Gottwald is right at home in the mountains… … literally! She’s a sixth generation Wyoming outdoorswoman and Director of the Allen’s Diamond 4 Ranch. Her experiences as a yoga teacher, NOLS instructor, and hunting guide help her to create incredible educational and transformational wilderness experiences for others, but with her story, she shared a transformational experience of her ow...

Steve Bechtel didn’t have the nerve to say no… … to some of the best adventures of his life. Oftentimes, the people and experiences that teach us the most are the ones we never saw coming. With his story, Steve reminded us that there can be a lot to learn – and love – even when you thought you were just along for the ride. He told this story at our event held on July 25, 2019, hosted in partnershi...

Lucille Whisler led a life overflowing with adventure… … lovingly dispensing laughter and encouragement to all those she met long the way. Over the years, she dedicated countless hours to bettering her beloved Lander community with an unmatched generosity – a generosity we felt when she shared her story with us. She told this story at our event held on July 27, 2018. Our theme that evening was “Lo...

Cristina Gonzales lives and loves fiercely in all she does... …as a mother, a daughter, a partner, an activist, and more. She's learned that sometimes loss and life, grief and joy, can overlap in big ways – even in the smallest moments. When she shared her story, she reminded us how important it is to treasure those very moments. She told this story at our event held on March 11, 2023 in partnersh...

Anna Smedts knows what it takes to grow food... …and community. She knows that plants – and people – need roots to grow strong. When she shared her story, she reminded us that at the heart of it all is connection. She told this story at our event held on September 9, 2023 in partnership with Central Wyoming College, at their annual Farm-to-Table dinner. Our theme that evening was “Lander Roots.” S...

John Coffman’s dreams soar… …with high-flying peregrines in wide-open spaces. He finds purpose in family, falconry, art, and conservation. We felt that purpose and love when he shared his story with us. He told this story at our event held on March 15, 2024 in partnership with the Lander Climate Action Network. Our theme that evening was “Unless…” See photos and learn more about John at this episo...

The National Outdoor Leadership School has been teaching leadership and wilderness skills for over 60 years… …and building a special community all the while. Members of this community gathered to share some of their favorite moments, harrowing tales, and hilarious outtakes from the past 60 years. This episode, Part 2 of 2, features Christopher Barnes, Meriwether Hardie, and Phil Powers. These stor...

The National Outdoor Leadership School has been teaching leadership and wilderness skills for over 60 years… …and building a special community all the while. Members of this community gathered to share some of their favorite moments, harrowing tales, and hilarious outtakes from the past 60 years. This episode, Part 1 of 2, features Rob Weller, Martha Hellyer, and Steve Matson. These stories were t...

We've pulled together some of our favorite stories for Season 2, and it's coming in early January! Our theme song this season is "Rodeo" from the album Momento, Rodeo by Dinwoody. The Houlihan Narratives is produced by Plug Tone Audio . You can learn more about us and our storytellers at thehoulihannarratives.com

Written in Stone tells the (mostly) true stories of the most groundbreaking ascents in rock climbing history. Hosted by Kris Hampton, you’ll hear the narrated, sound designed stories about what led to new levels in climbing, alternated with conversations with today’s top climbers about what inspired them about what went down way back then. Season One is focused on the 1990’s, and will tell the sto...

We've got two events on the calendar, and we'd love to have you there - in the audience or on the stage!  Close Call Wednesday July 12, 7pm Carnegie Room at Lander Library Special musical guest Jason Tyler Burton . How the Wild Feeds You Saturday, August 26th, 7pm Lander City Park In partnership with Wyoming Wildlife Federation. If you have a story you want to tell, please let us know! For more in...

Jason Tyler Burton is a seasoned storyteller… …who truly understands the importance of connection and how to create it. With music as his medium, he bravely invites his listeners to join him in tales of his upbringing in Kentucky, his life here in the mountain west, and more. Jason’s song “On My Mind” from his album Lost Behind the Ranges, has been the theme music for this first season of the podc...

Griffin Leemon can travel through time, space, and reality… …all in the span of a few minutes. And when he shared this story, he invited us all along to do the same. His thought-provoking performance challenged the audience to rethink their ideas of a true story.   He told this story at our event held on January 6, 2018 at the Bhava Shala in Lander, Wyoming. Our theme that evening was “Any Minute”...

Alma Law has a hearty appetite… …for a good book as much as a good dish. As an avid reader, a literature and creative writing teacher, an adventurous cook, and fantastic dinner party host, Alma brings a lot to our local community’s plate. He told this story at our event, held on February 20, 2023 at Lander Valley High School in Lander, Wyoming. This event was one of our Schoolihan events, where we...

Bill Yankee actually knows how to throw the houlihan… …which is just one of his many talents! As a teacher, a rancher, a trucker, and an artist, he’s touched the lives of many during his more than 40 years spent living in Lander. He told this great story at our event, held on January 6, 2018 at the Bhava Shala in Lander, Wyoming. Our theme that evening was “Any Minute”. See photos and learn more a...

Ari Kamil is active in the Lander community… …and that’s an understatement! They’ve given their time and efforts to local organizations like Lander Performing Arts, Sinks Canyon Summer Camp, WyoJazz, Wind River Pride, and more. Ari brings a creative and positive energy to everything they do, uplifting our community in the process. They told this story at our event held on June 24, 2022 at the Land...

Justin Fielding bravely put his name in a hat… …and ended up sharing a story! At each of our events, we invite anyone from the audience who is interested in telling a story to drop their name in a hat. We choose a name at random during intermission, and then they’re up! Justin’s name was pulled and lucky for us, he really rose to the occasion. He told this story at our event held on January 31, 20...

Willy Ratz is one of a kind… …who can do it all. He’s got a foot in science, he’s an excellent cook, and quite the photographer. He can fix your bike, tell the best jokes, and make a mean chocolate cake. He told this story at our very first Houlihan Narratives event, held on November 4, 2017 at the Bhava Shala in Lander, Wyoming. Our theme that evening was “Time Out”. See photos and learn more abo...

Annalissa Purdum is a true Lander local… …and when folks talk about the magic of the Lander community, they’re talking about people like her. She told this story at our event held on July 27, 2018 at the Museum of the American West in Lander, Wyoming. Our theme that evening was “Love Is…”. See photos and learn more about Annalissa at this episode's page .   Music for this season comes from artist...

Ellen Bechtel is a force, making big things happen… ...as a mom, wife, climber, coach, and community builder. She told this story at our event held on January 6, 2018 at the Bhava Shala in Lander, Wyoming, with a theme of "Any Minute". See photos and learn more about Ellen at this episode's page .   Music for this season comes from artist Jason Tyler Burton , featuring the song “On My Mind” from h...