Beyond the Front Door

Lindee Wiltjer and Rhea Parsons
  • 4.6 (5)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 

  1. 4H AGO

    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.

    29 min

  2. MAY 7

    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.

    42 min

  3. APR 30

    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. 🏡❤️

    52 min

  4. APR 23

    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.

    32 min

  5. APR 16

    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.

    54 min

  6. APR 9

    More Than A House: Real Stories from Habitat Homeowners Audrey Apodaca & Emily Glenn | Episode 179

    This is episode one in the Building Hope in Cheyenne, WY: The Habitat for Humanity Series with Dan Dorsch.  We get the pleasure of sitting down with two incredible homeowners, two recipients of a Habitat for Humanity of Cheyenne. Thank you to Audrey Apodaca and Emily Glenn for sharing your powerful journeys to homeownership. They share what it really takes to earn a Habitat home—from the application process and financial qualifications to completing sweat equity hours and working alongside volunteers to help build their own homes. But more importantly, they open up about what homeownership has meant for their families. From overcoming unsafe and unstable living conditions to finally having a place of their own, their stories highlight the true impact of affordable housing. With stability, safety, and a sense of pride, both families have experienced life-changing transformations—stronger family connections, improved well-being, and the opportunity to put down roots in the Cheyenne community. This episode is a reminder that Habitat for Humanity is about more than building houses—it’s about creating opportunity, restoring hope, and changing lives. Be sure to tune in to the remainder of the series- episodes released every Thursday!

    34 min

  7. APR 2

    Full-Service & Full Heart: Megan Nelson with Minuteman Press- Episode 178

    This week on Beyond the Front Door, we site down with Megan Nelson of Minuteman Press to talk about her journey from mortgage lender to small business owner, Megan shares what inspired her career shift, how she built a business centered around top-notch customer service, and what sets Minuteman Press apart in our community. From full-service printing to in-house graphic design- and even delivery- they truly do it all! If you can print on it, they can make it happen. Whether you're a business owner or just love a good entrepreneurial story, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and local love.  Like and Follow Minuteman Press Cheyenne on social media and visit minuteman.com

    25 min

  8. MAR 18

    More Than a Meal: How Meals on Wheels Cheyenne Nourishes a Community | Mariah & Lauren -Episode 177

    This week on Beyond the Front Door, we’re joined by two incredible women who are the heartbeat behind Meals on Wheels of Cheyenne — Mariah Payne and Lauren Gibbs. As Kitchen Manager and Dietitian, Mariah and Lauren are responsible for creating and executing meal plans tailored to 11 different therapeutic diets, ensuring every client’s allergies, health needs, and personal preferences are met with precision and care. Their work goes far beyond the kitchen — it’s about keeping our community healthy, safe, and supported. Both women are being recognized for their outstanding impact, with Mariah named a 2024 Women of Influence winner and Lauren honored as the 2025 Wyoming Dietitian of the Year. In this episode, we dive into what Meals on Wheels truly represents in Laramie County — and it’s so much more than food. From delivering meals for pets, to checking in on clients, to providing holiday gift baskets filled with essentials and joy, their mission is rooted in connection and compassion. We also talk about their 56th anniversary, the exciting community events happening right now, and how YOU can get involved — from local brewery partnerships to upcoming fundraisers supporting this life-changing work. This episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the smallest deliveries make the biggest difference. ❤️

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

  • Creator
    Lindee Wiltjer and Rhea Parsons
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    189
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond the Front Door
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Front Door

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