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. Dinwoody’s song “Rodeo” from their album Momento: Rodeo, has been the theme music for the second season of the podcast. In this conversation, Jordan and Liv join fellow musician and our very own Houli team member, Kris Hampton, to talk about how they each found their way to songwriting, how place finds its way into their songs, and how they let their listeners fill in the blanks in between. You can learn more about Dinwoody at this episode's page.  Also be sure to check them out online: Dinwoody on Spotify Dinwoody on Apple Music Jordan Carr on Bandcamp The Houlihan Narratives is produced by Plug Tone Audio. You can learn more about us and our storytellers at thehoulihannarratives.com  

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 story on September 16, 2022, at our live storytelling event held as part of the Bookmarked Literary Arts Festival. Our theme that evening was “Origin Story.”   See photos and learn more about Kris at this episode's page.   Music for this season comes from artist Dinwoody, featuring the song “Rodeo” from the album Momento, Rodeo. The Houlihan Narratives is produced by Plug Tone Audio. You can learn more about us and our storytellers at thehoulihannarratives.com

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 help keep us grounded in love. She told this story on December 9, 2023, at our live storytelling event we titled “Dear Jordan, Love Lander” held as a fundraiser for a beloved friend. Our theme that evening was “Life Imitates Art.” See photos and learn more about Chanthy at this episode's page.   Music for this season comes from artist Dinwoody, featuring the song “Rodeo” from the album Momento, Rodeo. The Houlihan Narratives is produced by Plug Tone Audio. You can learn more about us and our storytellers at thehoulihannarratives.com

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 of the American West in Lander. Our theme that evening was “Love Is...” See photos and learn more about Mei at this episode's page.   Music for this season comes from artist Dinwoody, featuring the song “Rodeo” from the album Momento, Rodeo. The Houlihan Narratives is produced by Plug Tone Audio. You can learn more about us and our storytellers at thehoulihannarratives.com

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 with the Wyoming Wildlife Federation at their annual Wild Game Cook-Off. Our theme that evening was “How the Wild Feeds You.” See photos and learn more about Mara at this episode's page.   Music for this season comes from artist Dinwoody, featuring the song “Rodeo” from the album Momento, Rodeo. The Houlihan Narratives is produced by Plug Tone Audio. You can learn more about us and our storytellers at thehoulihannarratives.com

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 own. She told this story at our event held on December 6, 2019, hosted in partnership with the Wyoming Outdoor Council. Our theme that evening was “The Spark: Why We Do What We Do for Wyoming.” See photos and learn more about Jessie at this episode's page.   Music for this season comes from artist Dinwoody, featuring the song “Rodeo” from the album Momento, Rodeo. The Houlihan Narratives is produced by Plug Tone Audio. You can learn more about us and our storytellers at thehoulihannarratives.com

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 partnership with the Todd Skinner Legacy. Our theme that evening was “Never Let the Truth Get In the Way of a Good Story.” See photos and learn more about Steve at this episode's page.   Music for this season comes from artist Dinwoody, featuring the song “Rodeo” from the album Momento, Rodeo. The Houlihan Narratives is produced by Plug Tone Audio. You can learn more about us and our storytellers at thehoulihannarratives.com

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 “Love Is…” and we can’t think of anyone that better fit that theme than Lucille. See photos and learn more about Lucille at this episode's page.   Music for this season comes from artist Dinwoody, featuring the song “Rodeo” from the album Momento, Rodeo. The Houlihan Narratives is produced by Plug Tone Audio. You can learn more about us and our storytellers at thehoulihannarratives.com

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 partnership with the Lander Art Center, in celebration of their exhibition titled Reflection: The Art of Being. Our theme that evening was “Look Closer.” See photos and learn more about Cristina at this episode's page.   Music for this season comes from artist Dinwoody, featuring the song “Rodeo” from the album Momento, Rodeo. The Houlihan Narratives is produced by Plug Tone Audio. You can learn more about us and our storytellers at thehoulihannarratives.com

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.” See photos and learn more about Anna at this episode's page.   Music for this season comes from artist Dinwoody, featuring the song “Rodeo” from the album Momento, Rodeo. The Houlihan Narratives is produced by Plug Tone Audio. You can learn more about us and our storytellers at thehoulihannarratives.com