PODCAST · society
What's Your Why?
by Wyoming Humanities | ThinkWY
What’s Your Why? The Authors JourneyEvery writer has a story—long before the first word is written. "What's Your Why?" is the podcast where authors share the journeys, inspirations, and defining moments that shaped their craft. Whether you're a book lover, an aspiring writer, or simply fascinated by the creative process, this show takes you beyond the pages and into the minds of storytellers. Join Emy diGrappa, Executive Producer, Wyoming Humanities, as we explore the passion, struggles, and triumphs that drive authors to write. Through in-depth interviews and solo reflections, we uncover the why behind the words—because behind every book, there’s a journey worth telling. Tune in and get inspired by the voices behind the stories.
Episodes
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Grizzlies, Paramedics, and the Power of Storytelling with Kevin Grange
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...
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Myths of the American West: A Conversation with Historian Betsy Gaines Quammen
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...
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🎙 From Frat House to Feature Film: Max Marshall’s Wild Journey Through Crime, Culture & EDM
“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…
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Writing Between Worlds: Rebecca Balcárcel on Heritage, Identity, and Middle Grade Magic
“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…
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Writing the West: A Literary Life with Tracy Daugherty
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…
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Rachel Berg Weaves Art Identity and Nature into Cultural Tapestry
"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...
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Empower and Lead: A Woman's Journey in Entrepreneurship with Zeahlot Lopez
"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…
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Celebrating Your Uniqueness: A Journey of Self-Discovery: Carrie Klewin Lawrence
"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…
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Sparking Awe in the Next Generation: Catherine Barr Uses Picture Books & Storytelling to Reveal the Wonders of Nature
I think everybody should read picture books, whether you're three or 90 or, in fact, 97, like my mom. - Catherine Barr I absolutely love what I do and embrace the endlessly fascinating, collaborative journey of working with scientists, subject experts and the incredible illustrators and…
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From Family Trauma to Advocacy: An Intimate Portrait of Living with Mental Illness: Meg Kissinger
There's two kinds of families, those with mental illness and those who don't have mental illness yet. - Thomas Insel Are you seeking to overcome stigma and family trauma associated with mental illness? Join Emy Digrappa on What’s Your Why? podcast as she shares a compelling conversation with Meg...
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Beyond Cowboys and Indians: Seeking Common Ground in the American Frontier with Stephen Aron
Even for all the problems that it brings forward, it also brings forward possibilities and promise. - Stephen Aron Discover the American West's alternative history. In this What’s Your Why? podcast we discover some of the little-known stories of peace and friendship amidst the frontier's…
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Indigenous Voices In American History With Shelly Lowe
Did you know that the first Native American to chair the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grew up on a Navajo reservation in Arizona and faced tremendous challenges on her journey to higher education? Her story will inspire you. Discover how she is promoting indigenous knowledge and...
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The Evolution of Young Adult Literature and Representation with Traci Jones
It's almost like someone telling you that your child is wrong - I mean, she'd be really perfect if you would just change her hair and add some freckles and then make her taller. - Traci Jones Traci Jones, an accomplished young adult novelist, brings a unique blend of creativity and insight to her...
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The High Price of Free Land: Reckoning with the Impact of Homesteading
"How do we move forward? How do we hold the past in all its complexity and move forward?" - Rebecca Clarren "I think we're all here to be a good ancestor. How do we not create mess for our children and grandchildren to inherit?" - Judge Abby Abenanti (Yurok Tribal member) Emy Digrappa interviews...
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Sleepless Nights, Epic Road Trips, and the Magic of Books: A Conversation with Mason Engel
I had become a writer. The habit had stuck, and I fell in love with books and reading and writing, and the rest of the path unfurled from there. - Mason Engel Discover the epic journey of Mason Engel, who embarked on a mind-blowing adventure to all 50 states in just 50 days, to read 50 books and...
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The Self-Determination Of Prince And His Audio Engineer: The Susan Rogers Story
"You can move mountains when you're happy and you're motivated and you're getting rewarded for your actions." – Susan Rogers In this episode of "What's Your Why?" hosted by Emy Digrappa, you'll dive into the captivating journey of Susan Rogers, a former record producer renowned for her work with...
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Ruth Rathblott: Embracing My Disability And The Power Of Inclusivity
"I was given a gift with my hand, that it was a tool to start to get people talking about what they're hiding and to share my journey of unhiding, so that wherever people found themselves on this continuum of hiding and unhiding, they could say, wow, she did it." - Ruth Rathblott Uncover the...
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The Evolution of an Environmentalist: From Counterinsurgency to Anti-Poaching: Damien Mander
The Evolution of an Environmentalist: From Counterinsurgency to Anti-Poaching: Damien Mander "If we don't protect it, there's going to be nothing left. This is our backyard. There's a responsibility upon all of us to look after nature in whatever way we can." - Damien Mander Discover the…
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Embracing Awkward Conversations About Racism With Comedian W. Kamau Bell
Renowned comedian W. Kamau Bell fearlessly challenges societal norms and amplifies underrepresented voices, sparking conversations on race and identity in America. W. Kamau Bell shared his journey of self-discovery and growth. From childhood dreams of becoming a superhero or entering show…
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Tanner Dunn: Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing Artistic Dreams
“Just treat people the same way you treat anyone else. Don't just assume something about someone and just truly see them for what they can become.” - Tanner Dunn In this episode of What's Your Why? hosted by Emy Digrappa, our guest Tanner Dunn, a photographer and musician with autism, shares his...
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Reclaiming Sacred Spaces: The Importance of Native Identity in Yellowstone
"There are many layers of tradition that people carry with them and their families and their communities." - Shane Doyle In this episode we talk with Dr. Shane Doyle, a Montana-based scholar, teacher, and community advocate whose work focuses on the history and heritage of Native American tribes…
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The Role of Buffalo in Native American Cultural Revitalization with Jason Baldes
"The buffalo is still central to our lifeways, our spirituality, our ceremonies, but has been missing for over 130 years. Bringing them back is integral to our healing from atrocities and the restoration of our cultural value." - Jason Baldes Jason Baldes, an Eastern Shoshone and member of the...
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Finding Inspiration and Purpose: Bonnie Wan
“Action is a byproduct of clarity. When you know what you want and where you're going, it's easier to make decisions, take action, and let your intuition and instincts guide you.” - Bonnie Wan In this episode of the podcast What's Your Why?, you'll hear from Bonnie Wan, a strategist, author, and...
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Transformative Truths: Bob Berky's Journey to Empathy and Connection
"Clowning is about revealing the truth of things. It's about that moment of epiphany when the world makes sense and laughter emerges." - Bob Berky In a world where destiny can take unpredictable turns, one man's journey from the symphony to the circus is a wonderful story of learning and...
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The Power of Unity: Ashleigh Chapman's Call to Action Against Human Trafficking
It's the worst evil on the planet. It's the worst kind of exploitation of the vulnerable populations, and it's everywhere. - Ashleigh Chapman Welcome, Ashleigh Chapman, a truly remarkable advocate in the fight against human trafficking. Ashleigh’s journey began as a child, providing a safe haven…
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Finding Inspiration and Nurturing Personal Growth: Insights from Joanna Kail
We need to encourage women to take a deep dive into their passions and break free from societal labels. We can conquer any field and be successful. - Joanna Kail For Joanna Kail, her journey began with an instilled Wyoming pride and a natural affinity for communication. Born and raised in Lander,...
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Celebrating Diversity: The Inspiring Story of Ivan McClellan and Black Cowboy Culture
Step into a world where cowboy culture meets an unseen community, a world that will leave you captivated and yearning for more. Ivan McClellan, a self-taught photographer, learned about the existence of black cowboys and black cowboy rodeos and embarked on a journey that defied his expectations....
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Discovering Wyoming's Untamed Beauty: Chad Hanson's Awe-Inspiring Journey
In the vast, untamed landscapes of Wyoming, where the echoes of hooves on public lands seem to whisper tales of forgotten beauty, lies a captivating story that will leave you breathless. Join us on a journey that uncovers the unexpected twist in Chad Hanson's mission to nurture gratitude and...
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Native Wisdom: Inspiring Empowerment and Self-Esteem in Youth w/ Alfreda Algeo
Do you want to empower Native youth through increased representation of Native literature? If so, I have the solution for you. As an expert in Native representation in media and literature, I can share with you the importance of including Native voices and perspectives in educational materials.…
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Alyson Spery: No One Can Tell Your Story Better Than You
About Alyson Alyson aims to amplify stories that are often unheard of in the mainstream. She’s driven by a passion for justice, authenticity, and a really good story. She earned a BA in public policy, and after nearly a decade in social work, then an MFA from the University of Montana in Media...
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Katherine Standefer: A Journey Facing Death, Embracing Life
Her memoir is called "Lightning Flowers: My Journey To Uncover The Cost Of Saving A Life." “This book will make you feel less alone. Pick it up and you will hear a human voice.” New York Times Eleven years ago, when she was 24, Katherine Standefer was working as a ski instructor and a climbing...
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The Constitution: A Historical Document With Contemporary Problems
When I first heard of the book, Fault Lines in the Constitution: I was excited for the opportunity to learn the reason and development of writing this book. And basically, their WHY? Many of the political issues we struggle with today have their roots in the US Constitution. Husband-and-wife team...
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Kealoha: National Poetry Slam Legend
April is National Poetry Month We celebrate and promote the art of poetry and storytelling. We recognize the place and possibilities that poets and poetry have in civic life, including helping communities address issues of importance. Kealoha is the first Poet Laureate of Hawaiʻi. As an...
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Bonnie Wan: What Do You Really Want?
Do you know what you truly want from your life? “You can’t have it all but you can have what matters.” Bonnie Wan That’s her motto and mantra. In her interview she talks about where she grew up, her journey and her inspiration. As the creator of “The Life Brief,” Bonnie Wan has crafted a strategy...
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Mat Hames: Life In The Lens
Mat Hames is an Emmy winning Executive Producer and Director, known for his two feature length Independent Lens documentaries What Was Ours and When I Rise (both available on Prime video), as well as award winning documentary series including Power Trip: The Story of Energy (Prime Video, PBS,...
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Tori Murden McClure: First Woman To Row Solo Across The Atlantic Ocean
Tori Murden McClure is no stranger to trail blazing. Tori Murden McClure is the President of Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. Tori may be best known as the first woman and first American to row solo and unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean. Also she was the first woman and first...
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Celebrating Black History Month with Gigi Jasper
Dr. Gigi Jasper is a retired English teacher living in Rock Springs, Wyoming. In this episode, you'll hear about why Gigi moved to Wyoming, her career as a public school teacher, and her experience with discrimination as an African American woman living in rural Wyoming. Her inspiration…
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Danielle Allen: Teaching Empowerment, Leading Change
I want to give a warm welcome to Danielle Allen. Danielle's work to improve the world for the youth has taken her from intructing college classes to the helm of a $6 billion foundation, writing as a national opinion columnist, democracy, reform, civic education, and most recently running for...
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Wyoming Women To Watch: Artist Bronwyn Minton
Bronwyn Minton is a multi-disciplinary artist, curator, and arts leader living in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Minton holds a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. She is the recipient of the Wyoming Governor’s Arts Award, two Wyoming Arts Council...
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Wyoming Women to Watch: Artist Katy Ann Fox
Katy Ann Fox wanders through the West witnessing windblown mountains and sunlight to gather emotion and imagery for her landscape paintings. Her oil paintings host a feeling of peace and respect for her subject as she focuses on texture and color harmony. She grew up in north central Idaho, moved...
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Wyoming Women To Watch: Artist Sarah Oregon
Sarah Ortegon is an enrolled Eastern Shoshone and also is Northern Arapaho. She is number 10 in a family of 12 kids. In 2013 she graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art with a concentration in drawing. In August of 2013 Sarah was crowned Miss...
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Wyoming Women To Watch: Artist Jennifer Rife
"They each have a different perspective. They each in their own way... And I can say this just based on how I've heard them talk about this and from what I think you'll see in this wonderful video about this project that we have made, each of our five artists is so profoundly connected to the…
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Wyoming Women to Watch: Artist Leah Hardy
Leah Hardy, an amazing artist, is 1 of 5 Wyoming artists selected for Women To Watch. The 2024 exhibit is the National Museum of Women in the Art's biennial exhibition series that features underrepresented and emerging women artists who create in any medium including, but not limited to…
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Juan Martinez: Spirit of Conservation Award Recipient & Founder of Fresh Tracks
Juan Martinez received the 2022 Rising Leader Award given to outstanding young professionals in the field of conservation. He received his award alongside famed ethologist and global conservation icon Dr. Jane Goodall whose life work demonstrates a commitment to conservation, civility and...
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Patricia McInroy: The Storytelling Art of FIlmmaking
Patricia McInroy, a filmmaker, is a former photojournalist who grew up in Wyoming and graduated from Casper College in 1989. After graduating from the University of Missouri, she returned to Wyoming to work as a photographer for the Casper Star-Tribune in the 1990s. After more than 10 years in…
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Travis Helms: Poetry, Spirituality, & Conversation
Travis Helms is the author of Blowing Clover, Falling Rain: A Theological Commentary On The Poetic Canon Of The ‘American Religion’ (Wipf & Stock). His poetry and prose has been published, or is forthcoming, in Image Journal, Poetry Northwest, Slushpile, New Haven Review, The Austin...
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Jason Baldes: Native American Ecology
Jason Baldes, an Eastern Shoshone who lives on the Wind River Reservation, is the Tribal Buffalo Coordinator for the Tribal Partnerships Program at the National Wildlife Federation. He works to restore bison back to homelands of indigenous tribes, like his own, as a way to reconnect and celebrate...
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Tyler Rogers: Author And Inspiration For The Wyo Youth
Tyler Rogers is the author of The Marvelous Invention of Orion McBride, and is also the music educator at Big Horn Elementary School in Sheridan, WY. Between piano, percussion, acting, and writing, Tyler has found many homes in the world of the arts. Outside of work, Tyler directs the Sheridan...
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Megan Kate Nelson: Writing The West
Megan Kate Nelson is a historian and writer, with a BA from Harvard and a PhD in American Studies from the University of Iowa. She is the author of Saving Yellowstone: Exploration and Preservation in Reconstruction America(Scribner 2022) and her previous book, The Three-Cornered War: The Union…
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Sarah Ortegon: Dancing for Native America
Sarah Ortegon was born in Denver, Colorado and is an enrolled Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho. In 2013 she graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a Bachelors degree in Fine Art with a concentration in drawing. In August 2013 she was crowned Miss Native American, USA.…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What’s Your Why? The Authors JourneyEvery writer has a story—long before the first word is written. "What's Your Why?" is the podcast where authors share the journeys, inspirations, and defining moments that shaped their craft. Whether you're a book lover, an aspiring writer, or simply fascinated by the creative process, this show takes you beyond the pages and into the minds of storytellers. Join Emy diGrappa, Executive Producer, Wyoming Humanities, as we explore the passion, struggles, and triumphs that drive authors to write. Through in-depth interviews and solo reflections, we uncover the why behind the words—because behind every book, there’s a journey worth telling. Tune in and get inspired by the voices behind the stories.
HOSTED BY
Wyoming Humanities | ThinkWY
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does What's Your Why? have?
What's Your Why? currently has 154 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is What's Your Why? about?
What’s Your Why? The Authors JourneyEvery writer has a story—long before the first word is written. "What's Your Why?" is the podcast where authors share the journeys, inspirations, and defining moments that shaped their craft. Whether you're a book lover, an aspiring writer, or simply fascinated...
How often does What's Your Why? release new episodes?
What's Your Why? publishes regularly with 154 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to What's Your Why??
You can listen to What's Your Why? on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts What's Your Why??
What's Your Why? is created and hosted by Wyoming Humanities | ThinkWY.
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