The Houlihan Narratives

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We began as a live story-telling event held in the small mountain town of Lander, Wyoming. The stories are true as told by the speakers, their vulnerability offered in exchange for the respectful listening ears of the community. We believe in the power of stories. The power to move us, challenge us, heal us, inspire us, and unite us.

  1. 1D AGO

    Mara Gans: You Can't Put A Price On Pepper

    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

    14 min

  2. FEB 23

    Jessie Allen-Gottwald: Steven's Hunt

    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

    15 min

  3. FEB 16

    Steve Bechtel: Get In, Sit Down, Shut Up, and Hang On

    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

    16 min

  4. FEB 9

    Lucille Whisler: Family

    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

    13 min

  5. FEB 2

    Cristina Gonzales: Illuminated

    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

    17 min

  6. JAN 26

    Anna Smedts: Roots

    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

    17 min

  7. JAN 19

    John Coffman: Do It Together

    John Coffman’s dreams soar… …with high-flying peregrines in wide-open spaces. He finds purpose in family, falconry, art, and conservation. We felt that purpose and love when he shared his story with us. He told this story at our event held on March 15, 2024 in partnership with the Lander Climate Action Network. Our theme that evening was “Unless…” See photos and learn more about John 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

    14 min

  8. JAN 12

    NOLS 60th Anniversary Part 2 with Christopher Barnes, Meriwether Hardie, and Phil Powers: Expedition Behavior

    The National Outdoor Leadership School has been teaching leadership and wilderness skills for over 60 years… …and building a special community all the while. Members of this community gathered to share some of their favorite moments, harrowing tales, and hilarious outtakes from the past 60 years. This episode, Part 2 of 2, features Christopher Barnes, Meriwether Hardie, and Phil Powers. These stories were told at an event held on September 24, 2025 in the Livery Stable at the Museum of the American West in Lander, Wyoming. “Expedition Behavior" was our theme for the evening. See photos and learn more about the event at this episode's page. Learn more about NOLS here!   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

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

We began as a live story-telling event held in the small mountain town of Lander, Wyoming. The stories are true as told by the speakers, their vulnerability offered in exchange for the respectful listening ears of the community. We believe in the power of stories. The power to move us, challenge us, heal us, inspire us, and unite us.

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