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Beyond the Front Door

Lindee Wiltjer and Rhea Parsons

Welcome to Beyond the Front Door Podcast. A community-driven podcast hosted by Wyoming real estate agents Lindee Wiltjer and Rhea Parsons, this show dives into the stories that make our community what it is- local businesses, big life changes, personal growth, leadership and the bold jumps people take along the way.

We believe everyone has a story, every door opens to something new, and every life change deserves to be celebrated. Whether you're planted in Wyoming, planning a move, or simply love hearing authentic community stories, you'll feel right at home here.

Pull up a chair, open the door, and join the conversation.

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S3 · E199
Today · 57 min
Four Sisters. Same Questions. Zero Filter. | Beyond the Front Door | Episode 199
Four sisters. One family name. The same career field. And a lifetime of being mistaken for each other. We sit down for a sister roundtable that starts with real estate life at Peak Properties and quickly turns into the stuff we rarely say out loud: how busy can get out of control, how motherhood changes your standards overnight, and why gratitude can exist right next to chaos. We go question by question through the season of life we’re in, what we like most about the women we’ve become, and what we used to judge other women for before we truly understood it. We talk about health habits that stick, the pressure we put on ourselves to be “successful,” and the constant mental load of forms, schedules, sports, appointments, and keeping everyone moving. If you’re a working mom, a career-driven woman, or just someone trying to keep your head above water, you’ll hear your own thoughts in this conversation. Then we get fun and strangely honest: the ridiculous hills we’ll die on, the underrated power of showing up for people, and our rapid-fire overrated vs underrated takes on Botox, girls’ trips, self-care, marriage advice, five-year plans, matching family pajamas, and youth sports. We wrap with what we’re currently obsessed with, including the podcasts that get us through carpool, chores, and everything in between. If you enjoyed the sister energy, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review. Also, comment and tell us: what’s your most ridiculous hill to die on?
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S3 · E198
September 17 · 1 hr 9 min
Four Women. Same Questions. Zero Filter | Beyond the Front Door | Episode 198
You can feel it when life shifts: the kids get older, the house gets quieter, your body starts doing new things, and the rules you lived by in your 20s stop working in your 40s. We sit down with three women who represent different corners of our world to talk about womanhood without filters, with plenty of laughter and a lot of lived experience from Wyoming life in Cheyenne and beyond. We name the season we are in, then get honest about what we actually like about the women we have become. That includes slowing down, choosing peace, dropping the constant need for validation, and learning to stop apologizing for taking up space. We also talk about perimenopause and menopause as a real backdrop to midlife, and how hormones, stress, and sleep can shape everything from patience to confidence. From there, we go deep on connection and what it means to show up. We explore women’s friendships, chosen family, and the tension of wanting support while feeling awkward asking for it. We admit the judgments we have outgrown, the boundaries we wish we set sooner, and why “self-care” often looks like protecting time, saying no, and refusing to pour into every bucket until we are empty. Then we lighten it up with ridiculous hills we will die on, a rapid-fire underrated vs overrated round, and a few current obsessions, including strength training and weightlifting as a true fountain of youth. If you want a funny, thoughtful conversation about identity, confidence, mental health, and the messy beauty of becoming, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a woman you trust, and leave us a review with the season of life you are in right now.
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S3 · E197
September 10 · 52 min
Keeping Animals Safe Takes Policy & People | Britney Tennant | Cheyenne Animal Shelter | Episode 197
A hoarding case can drain hundreds of thousands of dollars from a community while animals sit in kennels as “evidence,” and the public often has no idea why it happens. We sit down with Brittany Tennant of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter to unpack the real mechanics behind animal control, shelter intake, and the policies that decide what’s possible when things go wrong. Along the way, Brittany shares her path from founding Black Dog Animal Rescue to helping lead one of Cheyenne’s most important community institutions. We break down what the Cheyenne Animal Shelter does beyond adoptions: vaccine clinics, public spay and neuter services, foster programs for neonatal kittens, and humane education that builds empathy and reduces dog bites. Brittany also explains why “open admission” matters, why shelters sometimes must make hard decisions, and how prevention is cheaper than crisis response when communities want fewer animals entering the system. Then we go deep on animal welfare advocacy in Wyoming, including why animals being treated as property complicates enforcement, how Title 6 statutes shape cruelty cases, and what listeners can ask elected officials to do. Finally, Brittany lays out a growing national threat to shelters: liability lawsuits and an insurance market that’s shrinking fast, forcing changes to programs people love. If you care about animal welfare, public safety, or smart local policy, you’ll get clarity and practical next steps. Subscribe, share this conversation with a fellow pet lover, and leave a review to help more people find the show.
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S3 · E189
September 10 · 31 min
Mosaica Folklorico of Cheyenne | Mexican Dance, Costumes & Community | Episode 189
The fastest way to understand a community is to watch what it celebrates and today we’re celebrating dance, culture, and the people who keep traditions alive in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We’re joined by Dallas Higginbottom and Alyssa Martinez from Mosaico Folklorico, a nonprofit Mexican folklorico dance group that’s grown quickly by doing something simple and rare: making it welcoming for true beginners while still honoring authentic regional traditions. We talk about how both Dallas and Alyssa found their way back to dance after the real-life “choose one” moments so many of us hit in school. They break down how their folklorico dance classes work, why the group performs at community events, and how costumes can flip a switch from nervous to ready. You’ll also hear what Mexican folklorico really is: a traditional, story-driven style that changes region by region, with percussive footwork (yes, nailed shoes) that people often compare to tap, clogging, and other rhythm-forward dances. Because Mosaico Folklorico is a nonprofit, we also get honest about the biggest challenge: funding handmade performance attire so families aren’t priced out. Sponsorships, fundraising, and community partners make a real difference, and we share how local businesses can help. We close with the leadership traits they live by in rehearsals and on parade routes, plus a thoughtful conversation about home, family, and belonging. If you enjoy local stories, cultural arts, and practical community leadership, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.
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S3 · E196
September 3 · 46 min
Inside A Cheyenne Birth Center With A Midwife-Led Team | Earthside Birth and Wellness Center | Episode 196
If you’ve ever wondered why birth can feel so intimidating in a hospital, or what a birth center actually does when things get complicated, this conversation will give you real answers. We’re joined by Sarah Morey from Earthside Birth and Wellness in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and she walks us through the choices families have when they want skilled care without turning pregnancy into a problem to be managed. We talk through the difference between a doula and a midwife, what the midwifery model of care looks like, and why relationship-based prenatal care can change everything for parents. Sarah explains how they screen for low-risk pregnancies, still handle the same essentials like labs and the 20-week anatomy scan, and spend more time teaching families what labor is actually like. We also get a vivid picture of a freestanding birth center room, including water labor and water birth, upright positions, and why comfort, privacy, and the ability to move can support physiologic birth. Safety is not glossed over. Sarah breaks down what happens when a labor stalls, when vitals change, or when baby shows signs of distress, including how transfers to the hospital work and why collaboration matters. We also go behind the scenes on the business side: national accreditation, state licensing and building code hurdles, insurance contracting, and the hard-won progress of Medicaid coverage that helps more families access midwife-led maternity care. Sarah shares how Earthside supports the broader community too, through childbirth classes, breastfeeding support, and free consults for anyone exploring options. If you care about informed consent, birth options in Wyoming, and building healthcare that respects families, you’ll want to hear this one. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s pregnant or planning, and leave a review with the biggest question you still have about birth.
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S3 · E195
August 27 · 49 min
Local Mortgage Help That Actually Fits | Legacy Lending | Chris Edwards | Episode 195
Mortgage rates, home prices, and online lenders can make buying a house in Cheyenne feel like you’re trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. We sit down with Chris Edwards from Legacy Lending Group to slow it all down and talk through what matters most right now: realistic budgets, strong preapproval, and choosing a loan that actually fits your life. We start with Chris’s Wyoming story and how he moved from the electrical trade and construction project management into the mortgage industry, trading 60 hour weeks for a career built around flexibility and serving families. From there, we dig into what buyers are experiencing across Laramie County, including the sticker shock of “starter home” prices and the frustration of watching wages lag behind the cost of everything else. We also address the rate conversation head on: why the 2% era was unusual, what the long term average looks like, and why the smarter play can be buying when the payment works and refinancing later if the opportunity shows up. We get practical about loan options and decision making, including how WCDA loans work, why rate shopping is impossible without the full picture, and what a mortgage broker can do differently than a bank lender. You’ll also hear our real world take on why going local can save time and stress: fewer misunderstandings about Wyoming contracts, better coordination with local pros, and a relationship you can rely on when questions come up. We even touch the modern trust problem of “how do I know you’re real,” plus simple habits to reduce wire fraud risk. If you’re planning to buy, sell, or refinance in Cheyenne, subscribe for more local conversations, share this with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a review so more Wyoming homeowners can find the show. Chris Edwards www.legacylg.com
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S3 · E194
August 20 · 33 min
Stage Four Cancer Survivor, Jessica Sayers Shares What Keeps Her Fighting | Lights of Hope | Episode 194
A stage four diagnosis changes more than a treatment plan, it changes how you think about time, fear, and what “normal” even means. We’re back with Jessica Sayers, a Cheyenne, Wyoming mom and advocate, and she takes us straight into the realities of metastatic breast cancer after an earlier stage one triple negative breast cancer diagnosis. Jessica breaks down what metastatic cancer means, how it can move from breast to bone and beyond, and why regular PET scans become part of life when cancer is managed like a chronic disease. We also talk about the part people don’t always see: the emotional toll, the dark days, and the constant mental math of “what if.” Jessica shares what helped her most, including a strong medical team across Cheyenne and Denver and the relief of connecting with others who truly get it. Her story is also a direct reminder about prevention and early detection, including mammogram screening and the importance of following up when your provider says something needs a closer look, even when you’re busy and tempted to put it off. Then we pivot to action and hope through the American Cancer Society and Lights of Hope Across America. Jessica explains how this national event uses luminaria-style bags to honor or remember people affected by cancer, with displays in Washington, DC near the Capitol. We dig into why cancer research funding, access to health care, survivorship support, and prevention matter so much, especially in rural states like Wyoming, and how even small donations add up when a whole community shows up. If you’ve ever wondered where research breakthroughs really come from, this conversation connects the dots. If this moved you, share it with someone who needs encouragement, subscribe so you don’t miss Jessica’s follow-up after DC, and leave a review to help more listeners find these stories.
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S3 · E193
August 13 · 55 min
How One Bar Owner Turned Thursdays Into Millions For Local Nonprofits | Episode 193
A lot of towns talk about “community.” Cheyenne, Wyoming builds it, week after week, with real people and repeatable ideas. We’re joined by Bryan “Alf” Grzegorczyk, longtime local business owner and the unmistakable guy in the bold jackets, to unpack how one person can spark momentum and how a whole city keeps it going. Along the way, Alf shares the story behind his nickname, his 1982 arrival in Cheyenne during a blizzard, and the moment he realized the people here are what make Wyoming feel like home. We get into the practical side of supporting small businesses and nonprofits, including how Small Business Heart of Cheyenne started during COVID as simple awareness videos and unexpectedly turned into more than $70,000 in community-funded help for struggling local shops. From there, we talk about downtown Cheyenne events that drive foot traffic and connection, like Summer on the Streets and a downtown putt-putt golf tournament built inside participating businesses, originally created to help save the Cheyenne Depot and now reinvesting back into downtown. Then we dig deep into Thankful Thursday, Alf’s “party with a purpose” fundraiser that has raised about $4.6 million for local nonprofits. Alf breaks down how the seasons run, how the waiting list and five-year rotation work, why the night feels casual and non-committal for attendees, and what he’s learned about leadership that’s bigger than the bottom line. If you care about local giving, community events, and nonprofit fundraising that actually works, this one is packed with ideas you can borrow. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, share this with someone who loves Cheyenne, and leave a review so more people can find the show.
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S3 · E192
August 6 · 25 min
How A Cheyenne Bartender Built A Mobile Bar Business | Mocktails & Cocktails | Episode 192
A mobile bar can feel like a small detail until you realize it sets the tone for the whole night. We’re joined by Eli Burgess from Gentle Perch Mobile Bartending in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and he walks us through what it’s like to build an event bartending business from the ground up, starting with a simple spark of inspiration at a friend’s wedding and turning it into a service designed to take stress off the host. We get practical about the behind-the-scenes questions people actually have when they’re planning weddings, company events, graduations, or private parties: What does a “mobile bartender” do if they don’t have a liquor license? Who buys the alcohol and ingredients? What’s included in a package quote, and what does a typical price range look like for a 125-guest event? Eli also explains how venue partnerships work and why liquor licensing in the city can be a major hurdle for small business growth. Then we dig into the most fun part: mocktails. Eli shares how he builds custom, themed drink menus that feel personal and elevated, including completely dry weddings and pop culture themed celebrations. We talk about the growing demand for non-alcoholic cocktails, non-alcoholic beer, and zero-proof options that still look great in your hand, plus why having those choices matters for guests of all ages and comfort levels. If you’re searching for a Cheyenne mobile bartender, wedding bar service, or mocktail catering ideas, you’ll leave with clear takeaways and fresh inspiration. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, share this with a friend planning an event, and leave a review so more people can find these local stories.
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S3 · E191
July 30 · 41 min
What If Every Child Had A Second Home | Justin Pendleton | Boys & Girls Club SE WY | Ep 191
After school, a lot can happen in the hours between the last bell and dinner, and not all of it is good. We talk with Justin Pendleton, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Wyoming, about what it takes to make those hours safer, healthier, and genuinely life-changing for kids in Cheyenne, Wyoming. From meals and mentorship to leadership-building, Justin breaks down what the Club actually does day to day and why it is not “just for kids in trouble,” it is for every family that wants a positive place to belong. Justin shares how he grew up in Cheyenne, studied business at the University of Wyoming, and then found his calling working with youth long before he ever became a nonprofit executive. We get into what kids need most: steady relationships, caring adults, and opportunities that build confidence before the pressure hits at school or at home. You’ll hear about Youth of the Year, scholarships, networking moments that widen a young person’s world, and why consistent attendance matters for evidence-based outcomes. We also dive into practical details families ask about all the time: school-year hours, summer registration, fees, and scholarship options so cost does not block access. Justin explains how the Club serves hundreds of kids across multiple sites and why capacity and facility space can still create waitlists even when the mission is clear. Finally, we highlight community support and nonprofit fundraising, including the Dancing With The Stars event in Cheyenne with a Halloween theme and couples on stage. If this conversation moves you, share it with a friend, subscribe to the show, and leave a review so more people can find these local stories.
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S3 · E190
July 23 · 53 min
True Troupe Theater Turns Shakespeare Into A Live Improv | Episode 190
Shakespeare is already dramatic, but what happens when you hand Hamlet to a small cast, a suitcase of surprise props, and an audience member who gets to help decide who plays what? We’re joined by sisters Adri True and Amber True from True Troupe Theater, a Cheyenne, Wyoming nonprofit that produces found space theater across the state. Their mission is straightforward and rare: make community theater accessible, bring performances to unexpected places, and invite people in even if they haven’t been to a play in years. We talk stage combat training and why “found object combat” makes actors sharper and shows safer, plus the wild ways acting skills show up in real life, including emergency training scenarios. Then we get into their improv Hamlet concept: directors provide a scene-by-scene summary, actors receive prompts, and the story comes alive differently every single night. With only six performers, character hats, and audience participation, it becomes part Shakespeare, part improv, and part communal event where anything can happen but the story still lands. You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories from the Visit Cheyenne haunted trolley season, how Classics in the Park works in a rural theater setting, and what it takes to keep classic plays understandable without losing what makes them timeless. Adri and Amber share upcoming Hamlet performance dates in Centennial, Laramie, and Cheyenne at Holiday Park, plus community fundraisers and ways to connect with True Troupe online. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, share this with a friend who loves local arts, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s the most “unexpected” place you’ve ever watched live theater?
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S3 · E188
July 9 · 40 min
How A Family Business Built Smoker Friendly & Brought Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival To WY | EP 188
A cigar festival that sells out in minutes is a logistics feat anywhere, but bringing it to Cheyenne on a tight timeline is something else. We sit down with Dell Peterson and Stacy Linger to unpack how the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival found a new home at Little America, why escalating restrictions in Colorado forced a move, and what it takes to host 2,300 people outdoors in Wyoming weather. Dell walks us through a rare, boots-on-the-ground business story: growing up in Cheyenne, learning operations in the restaurant world, scaling Moreland Wholesale, then getting hit by big box disruption when Walmart and Sam’s Club changed the playing field. That pressure led to a bold pivot and the creation of Smoker Friendly, a network of independent tobacco stores that grew into hundreds of locations and thousands of employees. We talk capital requirements, tight controls, taxes, and why service and culture matter when you’re building a niche retail brand across multiple states. Then we get practical about the festival itself. We cover ticket tiers, VIP sellouts, what’s included in the goodie bag, drink tickets, live music, vendor booths, and why there’s a social ticket for friends who want the fun without the cigars. Stacy shares how the local community is preparing, from restaurants to visitors coming in from around the region. We close with the leadership traits they value most and a surprisingly moving conversation about what “home” really means when you’re building a life in Cheyenne. If you enjoy stories about entrepreneurship, community events, Cheyenne tourism, and the economic impact of festivals, hit play, subscribe, and share this with someone who loves a great Wyoming weekend.
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S3 · E187
July 2 · 34 min
The Downtown Cheyenne Revival, Growth and Future with Patrick Graham | Episode 187
A broken sign can tell you a lot about a city. When the iconic Wrangler horse in downtown Cheyenne stopped “galloping,” it didn’t just feel like a maintenance issue, it felt like a piece of local identity went quiet. We sit down with Pat Graham of eXp Realty, who decided to do something about it, from getting permission to pull the horse down to rebuilding the mechanics and lining up a fresh repaint so it can shine again before Cheyenne Frontier Days. From there, we get into the real-world nuts and bolts of downtown life. Pat explains the problem parking spots on Lincoln Way that keep costing drivers their side mirrors. We also talk about the upgraded downtown parking garage and why Cheyenne’s “pull up at the front door” habits might need to evolve as the city center grows. The biggest shift coming is housing: new apartment projects mean well over a hundred new downtown households, and that changes what services make sense. We dig into the missing piece that keeps coming up, a walkable grocery store, plus what it would take to support car-light living with more foot traffic, bike-friendly options, and business-owner collaboration like Downtown First. If you care about downtown Cheyenne, local business, walkability, and smart community development, you’ll leave with ideas you can actually use. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves Cheyenne, and leave us a review with your pick for what downtown needs next.
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S3 · E186
June 18 · 39 min
How Wyoming & the Capitol City, Cheyenne Plans To Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday | Episode 186
America is turning 250, and Wyoming isn’t treating it like a one-day headline. We’re joined by Nick Nealin and Nathan Dore from Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources to talk about what the America 250 semi-quincentennial really is, how Wyoming 250 fits into the national picture, and why these anniversary years can shape how we see our communities for decades. We get into the big ideas first: how reflecting on history includes both the highs and the lows, and how Wyoming’s contributions to the nation deserve a louder spotlight. Women’s suffrage comes up right away, along with a preview of programs that dig into unique pieces of the Wyoming Constitution. If you’ve ever wondered what your state has truly added to the American story, this conversation gives you a clear starting point. Then we go practical. Nick and Nathan share how Wyoming supported celebration and historic preservation through a major statewide grant program, plus how to find events on Wyoming250.com. We also preview Cheyenne’s Fourth of July plans at the Capitol Complex, including the parade, activities at the State Museum and Supreme Court, a time capsule dedication, live performances, the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, and fireworks over the Capitol. We wrap with community builders like America’s Potluck and a coordinated statewide reading of the Declaration of Independence, plus quick personal questions on leadership and what “home” means. Subscribe, share this with a friend in Wyoming, and leave us a review so more neighbors can find the stories and events that bring us together.
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S3 · E185
May 21 · 42 min
This one is for the GIRLS! | Abby Lane at Bloom Therapy + Flourish Fitness & Recovery | Episode 185
Postpartum depression is often talked about like it’s obvious, dramatic, and easy to spot. The truth is it can be quiet, subtle, and hidden behind a “fine” smile, especially in places where moms feel isolated and expected to tough it out. We’re joined by Abby Lane, founder of Bloom Therapy WY in Cheyenne, to get real about what postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety actually look like, why sleep can become a major red flag, and why struggling after birth has nothing to do with how much you love your baby. Abby shares her path from working in child protection to becoming Wyoming’s first perinatal mental health certified therapist, then growing Bloom Therapy from a basement office into a team serving moms across the community. We talk through practical ways to get help, including starting with your OB, self-scheduling directly, and using a free 15-minute consultation to find the right fit. We also dig into the bigger cultural shift away from “it takes a village,” and why modern moms are asked to do too much with too little support. Then we zoom out to the next layer of healing: community and movement. Abby explains why she created Flourish Fitness and Recovery, a women-focused gym and wellness space with classes like yoga, Pilates, strength, spin, and more, plus child watch, sauna, and cold plunge. If you’ve been craving a healthier way to make friends, get out of the house, and take care of your mind and body, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a mom who needs it, and leave a review with the one kind of support you wish every new parent had.
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S3 · E184
May 14 · 28 min
Renee Fowler with Make A Difference Cheyenne- Showing Up for Cheyenne | Episode 184
A lot of people think “community help” means writing a check or joining a committee. Renee Fowler is here to prove something different: sometimes the most life-changing support is a ride across town, a truck for a furniture pickup, a cleaned-out fridge, or a safe ramp that lets someone in a wheelchair leave their home without falling. Renee founded Make a Difference Cheyenne, a Cheyenne, Wyoming 501(c)(3) nonprofit built to fill the gaps that other programs can’t touch because of grant rules, staffing limits, or eligibility cutoffs. We talk through what those gaps look like in real life: the bed voucher you can’t use because you can’t transport it, the older adult stuck with the city bus bag limit, the neighbor trying to pass an inspection while dealing with low vision, and the person who needs support but doesn’t have a built-in network. Renee also shares how she vets requests, why the organization avoids duplicating existing nonprofits, and how partnerships with groups like Veterans Rock, the VA, Habitat for Humanity, and Meals on Wheels help more people get served fast. One of the most practical takeaways is the volunteer model. Make a Difference Cheyenne runs on “opportunities” posted to Slack, so volunteers can jump in when they’re available without getting locked into weekly meetings. We also get into new work supporting struggling working households with Thursday-night food boxes, plus a critical Sunday food gap for unhoused neighbors that too many people never see. If you care about volunteering in Cheyenne, mutual aid, nonprofit leadership, or building a stronger Wyoming community one small task at a time, this conversation will give you real examples and a clear way to plug in. Subscribe, share this with a friend who wants to help, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.
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S3 · E183
May 7 · 42 min
Brenda and John Lyttle Share The Atlas Comeback Story & Upcoming Productions | Episode 183
A historic venue doesn’t just reopen, it comes back to life. We sit down again with John and Brenda Little from the Atlas Theatre to talk about what really happened behind the closed doors: the structural work that had to be done in an 1887-era building, the surprise fire suppression requirements that slowed the timeline, and the upgrades that change how the building can be protected for the next 100-plus years. If you love old buildings, downtown Cheyenne, or the behind-the-scenes reality of a major renovation, you’ll get the honest version here. We also get into the fun parts, including what they found during construction: painted peacock designs hidden behind walls, covered brick archways, and a few strange artifacts that remind you just how much history can get tucked away in a theater. Then we shift to what the community is really waiting for: the Atlas grand reopening, how to book Atlas Theatre tours through Cheyenne Little Theatre Players, and the full 2026-2027 season announcement. We talk through the lineup including Shrek the Musical, Misery, Nunsense (dinner theater), Clue, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Rock of Ages, plus how season tickets and the flexible Pick Six package work. To wrap, we zoom out to what makes community theater run: volunteers, youth Summer Stock, and a culture where people can learn lights, sound, sets, box office, or step on stage for the first time. We finish with two closing questions that land with surprising depth: what great leadership looks like, and what “home” means now. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app, share this with a friend who loves local arts, and leave us a review so more people can find the show.
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S3 · E182
April 30 · 52 min
It Takes a Community: From Habitat's Blitz Build to Housing Advocacy | Episode 182
EPISODE 4/4 of BUILDING HOPE IN CHEYENNE We’re closing out our Building Hope in Cheyenne series with an episode that brings everything full circle—and challenges YOU to be part of the solution. We kick things off with Dan Dorsch and Daffney Sandoval from Habitat for Humanity, diving into the incredible Blitz Build—a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together. In just days, homes go from foundation to reality, showing firsthand how collaboration, volunteers, and shared purpose can create real impact for local families. Then, we take the conversation a step further. We’re joined by Jason Mincer, Executive Director of Wyoming Neighbors for Housing, to talk about what comes next. Because solving the housing crisis doesn’t stop at building homes—it requires advocacy, education, and community involvement. Jason shares how you can: ✔️ Stay informed on housing issues ✔️ Advocate for smart, attainable housing solutions ✔️ Support policies that make building possible ✔️ Get involved and make your voice heard This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a call to action. If you’ve been inspired by this series, this is your next step in helping build a stronger, more attainable future for Cheyenne. 🏡❤️
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S3 · E181
April 23 · 32 min
Building More Than Homes: How Habitat, the Army Guard & Community Are Changing Cheyenne | Episode 181
In Episode 3 of our Affordable Housing Series, we sit down with Derek Fisbeck and Daffney Sandoval from Habitat for Humanity to unpack the real challenges—and innovative solutions—behind workforce housing in Laramie County. What started as a piece of land sitting idle for years turned into a powerful momentum shift after $1.8 million in infrastructure funding unlocked the ability to build at scale. Now, Habitat is breaking ground on 12 homes, including a high-energy “Blitz Build” where 4 homes will be built in just 10 days with help from the community. This episode also highlights a groundbreaking first: a partnership between Habitat and the Wyoming Army National Guard through the Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program. This collaboration allows military engineers to gain real-world training while helping build homes locally—a true win-win for both the community and those who serve. We also dive into the bigger picture: Why Wyoming is losing hundreds of millions in revenue due to lack of workforce housing The overwhelming demand for housing funding across the state And how bold, community-driven solutions are stepping up where traditional systems fall short At its core, this episode is about more than building houses—it’s about building stability, opportunity, and long-term change.
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S3 · E180
April 16 · 53 min
Building the Future: How Wyoming Hemp Company Could Change Affordable & Sustainable Housing | Episode 180
BUILDING HOPE IN CHEYENNE, WY | THE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SERIES WITH DAN DORSCH EPISODE 2 OF 4 In this episode of our Building Hope in Cheyenne series, we explore an innovative approach to affordable and sustainable housing that’s taking root right here in Wyoming. We’re joined by Justin Loeffler of the Wyoming Hemp Company to talk about how hemp is being used as a building material—and how it could help create more attainable, energy-efficient homes in our community. Dan Dorsch with Habitat for Humanity of Laramie County also joins us as we continue this important conversation around housing solutions in Cheyenne and what the future could look like. This episode is all about thinking differently, building smarter, and exploring new ways to make homeownership more accessible.
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