What's Your Why?

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 GrangeJoin host Emy Digrappa on Winds of Change as she sits down with award-winning author, paramedic, and firefighter Kevin Grange. In this episode, Kevin shares his journey from the landscapes of New Hampshire to the adrenaline-filled streets of Los Angeles as a paramedic—and how these experiences shaped his storytelling.His latest book, Grizzly Confidential, where Kevin explores the hidden world of grizzly bears, challenging myths and revealing their surprising intelligence, complex social behaviors, and critical role in the ecosystem. From bear encounters in Alaska’s untamed wilderness to the ethical dilemmas of human-bear coexistence in places like Yellowstone, Kevin offers a fresh perspective on these majestic predators.Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, an aspiring writer, or simply curious about the intersection of adventure and conservation, this episode shares Kevin’s passion for the wild and his journey into writing.Resources:Kevin Grange’s Books:Beneath Blossom Rain (about trekking in Bhutan)Lights and Sirens (paramedic school in LA)Grizzly Confidential (his latest, on grizzly bears)Doug and Lynn Seus (trainers of Bart the Bear, the grizzly from The Edge)National Parks/Reserves mentioned:Yellowstone National Park Grand Teton National ParkKatmai National Park, Alaska (Brooks Falls)McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, AlaskaInstagram: @kevin.m.grangeWebsite: kevingrange.comFollow Us on These Channels:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/www.ThinkWY.orghttps://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutwhyhttps://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutwhyListen 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 cowboy myth isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a symbol of independence that still defines Western identity, for better or worse. – Betsy Gaines QuammenJoin 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 West: Myth and Mending on the Far Side of America. In this episode, Betsy discusses the myths and misconceptions surrounding the American West—from Hollywood’s romanticized cowboys to the modern-day influx of newcomers seeking their own slice of wilderness.Growing up in Ohio but making Montana her home for over 30 years, Betsy brings a unique perspective as both an insider and a scholar of Western history. She discusses how pop culture shapes perceptions of the West, the challenges of tourism and conservation, and the real stories behind the cowboy myth.Whether you're a history buff, a lover of the outdoors, or just curious about the cultural forces shaping the West, this conversation gives insight into the complexities of a region often misunderstood. Plus, get a sneak peek into Betsy’s next project—a thrilling exploration of ghost stories and the history behind them!Tune in for our discussion that challenges stereotypes and celebrates the diverse truths of the American West.🔹 Available on all major podcast platforms. Brought to you by Wyoming Humanities.#AmericanWest #WesternHistory #CowboyMyths #TrueWest #Conservation #Yellowstone #AuthorInterview #WyomingHumanities #PodcastResources:True West: Myth and Mending on the Far Side of America – Betsy’s latest book, exploring myths and realities of the American West.American Zion: Cliven Bundy, God, and Public Lands – Betsy’s first book, examining land-use conflicts and the Bundy family.Billionaire Wilderness: The Ultra-Wealthy and the Remaking of the American West by Justin Farrell – Referenced for its insights on economic inequities in Western communities.Follow Us on These Channels:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/www.ThinkWY.orghttps://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutwhyhttps://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutwhyListen 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

“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 BrosIn this episode of What’s Your Why? The Author’s Journey, host Emy DiGrappa sits down with investigative journalist and debut author Max Marshall, whose breakout book Among the Bros explores fraternity life, drug trafficking, and the shadowy systems of privilege on American campuses. Max opens up about turning his true-crime exposé into a feature film for Sony, his brush with organized crime in Vietnam, and his new book-in-progress diving deep into the world of electronic dance music (EDM) as a first-time DJ.From elite prep schools to underground raves, Max brings a fresh voice to cultural criticism and immersive storytelling. Buckle up for a fascinating conversation about power, memory, addiction, and the pursuit of purpose—on and off the page.#WhatsYourWhyPodcast #AuthorsJourney #WritersOfInstagram #BookLoversUnite #TrueCrimeReads #AuthorInterview #LiteraryPodcast #StoryBehindTheStory🔗 Resources & Links:📘 About the BookAmong the Bros: A Fraternity Crime StoryNew York Times: Inside a Fraternity Drug Ring That Shook the SouthGQ Magazine: Vietnam, King Kong, and a Journalist’s First Big BreakTexas Monthly: Coverage on the rise of Xanax abuse among college studentsFollow Us on These Channels:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/www.ThinkWY.orghttps://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutwhyhttps://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutwhyListen 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

“You can actually be whole only if you have both sides of yourself included in your identity.” Rebecca BalcárcelIn 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, Luz Véliz!. Rebecca shares her inspiring journey from avid young reader to award-winning middle grade author, weaving in stories of family, identity, and the complexities of growing up bicultural. From raising identical twins to discovering a half-sister in Guatemala, Rebecca opens up about the deep personal roots behind her fiction and the transformative power of writing for young readers. This episode is a heartfelt look at how authors find wholeness through storytelling and how cultural heritage shapes the stories we tell.📚 Books by Rebecca BalcárcelThe Other Half of HappyA middle-grade novel about Quijana, a biracial girl navigating her Guatemalan and American identities. The book has received starred reviews from School Library Journal and Booklist and was recognized as a Pura Belpré Honor Book. Shine On, Luz Véliz!This novel follows Luz, a tech-savvy Latina whose life changes when she discovers a Guatemalan half-sister. The story delves into themes of family, identity, and cultural heritage.Follow Us on These Channels:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/www.ThinkWY.orghttps://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutwhyhttps://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutwhyListen 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!

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 DaughertyIn this episode of What’s Your Why?, host Emy DiGrappa welcomes acclaimed author and biographer Tracy Daugherty for a deep and thoughtful conversation about the craft of writing, the influence of landscape, and the shaping power of culture. From his West Texas upbringing to his literary inspirations like Larry McMurtry and Joan Didion, Tracy shares his journey into storytelling, his disciplined writing habits, and the physicality of language.They discuss what it means to grow up in a place that feels “unliterary,” how personal and public histories intersect in the writer’s work, and why Tracy is drawn to biography as a form of cultural history. He also opens up about his current project on Cormac McCarthy and the ethical complexities of writing about real lives.Whether you’re a writer, reader, or lover of Western landscapes and literary voices, this episode offers rich insights into the rhythms of a writing life—and the meaning we find in the stories we tell.Key topics:Writing habit vs. inspirationLarry McMurtry’s legacy and the myths of the American WestBiography as cultural historyAI and authorship in the digital ageSky watching, family, and finding your place through storyResources:👉 Learn more about Tracy Daugherty and his work at tracydaugherty.comFollow Us on These Channels:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emydigrappa/www.ThinkWY.orghttps://www.facebook.com/storiesaboutwhyhttps://www.instagram.com/storiesaboutwhyListen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss an episode! And visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!