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Authentic Wyoming

Union Telephone
38 episodes   Last Updated: Dec 17, 24

Engaging, funny, and rarely – as in never - at a loss for words, Union’s Tressa Barnes and Myra Robinson are on a mission to celebrate and highlight the businesses and organizations that help grow, foster, and care for those who live in the communities Union serves in Wyoming, and some of our closest neighbors in Colorado, and Utah. (They’re practically Wyomingites.)

In conversations running a gamut of topics, you’ll get insight into what drives the entrepreneurs and small business owners that make Wyoming tick. You’ll laugh. You may cry. But mostly you’ll come away with a better understanding of the Cowboy state and its people.

We hope that others will be inspired to support these efforts or follow in their footsteps in altruistic undertakings of their own. Because a journey of a thousand miles always begins with a single step.

Episodes

Join Tressa and Myra as they take a look back at the year. Between their asides about Bill Belichick (and it snowballs, folks), they talk about their favorite shows in the Authentic Wyoming catalog.
As a writer and the Executive Director of the Wyoming Cowboy Hall of Fame, Candy is a true champion of all things cowboy. She pens stories that capture the grit, heart, and humor of the cowboy life, making sure that the culture stays alive for years to come. At the Hall of Fame, she’s the driving force behind preserving the legacy of those who’ve shaped Wyoming’s rugged ranching and rodeo roots. With a passion as big as the wide-open plains, Candy is on a mission to keep the cowboy spirit kicking, ensuring that the history, stories, and values of the American West stay front and center in the modern world.
Executive Director Shari West and her team work with community partners to provide support for families of all shapes, ages, and circumstances with the goal of helping them achieve independence and self-sufficiency. 
Her title is Rock Springs Center Manager for Wyoming's Department of Workforce Services. What the title doesn't convey is the compassion, understanding, and unique problem-solving skills Amy brings to helping people find employment.
If you had the chance to create a platform to make the world a better place, what cause would you champion? For Lexi, it’s about shining a light on the devastating impact of opioid addiction and the urgent need to address mental health struggles. Her passion and dedication are clear in every word she speaks. Listen to her story, and you’ll quickly see why the world could use more voices like Lexi Revellis’.
The AW duo talks with Tia Fitzgerald, Community Engagement and Marketing Coordinator for United Way of Laramie County, about the many ways in which the non-profit is helping the community.
 Straight out of the heart of Wyoming, Chancey Williams is a country music sensation with a knack for songwriting and a past as a bronc rider. In this episode, he takes us on a journey through his musical inspirations and gives us insider info on his favorite artists and how they've molded his own sound. Plus, he dishes out some electrifying tales from the stage at legendary spots like Cheyenne Frontier Days and the Grand Ole Opry. 
Homelessness is not just something we see on the news in urban centers in other states; it is an issue right here in Wyoming. Robin Bocanegra, the Executive Director of COMEA, sheds light on the extent and causes of homelessness in Cheyenne and what COMEA is doing to offer solutions for those in need.
Wait, that title is a little misleading... Tressa and Myra haven't been with Union for 110 years. That would be a record!! What we meant to say is that this is Union's 110th year of providing telecommunications service in Wyoming. Now that's impressive. And it's probably a record, too. Give a listen to learn more!
Dana and Annalisa Beck made the bold move to Wyoming 9 years ago, dreaming of a peaceful retirement. Instead, they found themselves embarking on an exciting new chapter by establishing Beck Ranch. Nestled within a valley of Wyoming, the ranch has become a cherished community hub. Here, Dana and Annalisa lovingly raise grass-fed cattle and sell their locally renowned beef. The ranch has become a beloved spot for locals to gather, share stories, and indulge in the delightful ice cream that has become a true community favorite.