The Houlihan Narratives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOLS 60th Anniversary Part 1 with Rob Weller, Martha Hellyer, and Steve Matson: 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 1 of 2, features Rob Weller, Martha Hellyer, and Steve Matson.
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

Season 2 of The Houlihan Narratives is Coming Soon!

We've pulled together some of our favorite stories for Season 2, and it's coming in early January!
Our theme song this season is "Rodeo" from the album Momento, Rodeo by Dinwoody.
The Houlihan Narratives is produced by Plug Tone Audio.
You can learn more about us and our storytellers at thehoulihannarratives.com

INTRODUCING | Written in Stone: Climbing’s Most Important Ascents

Written in Stone tells the (mostly) true stories of the most groundbreaking ascents in rock climbing history. Hosted by Kris Hampton, you’ll hear the narrated, sound designed stories about what led to new levels in climbing, alternated with conversations with today’s top climbers about what inspired them about what went down way back then. Season One is focused on the 1990’s, and will tell the stories of how sport climbing came to dominate, how women climbers made their mark, and explore the characters who made it all happen. Moon, Skinner, Gullich, Hill, Nicole and more! Like Todd Skinner always said, ”never let the truth get in the way of a good story.”
 
Learn more at www.plugtoneaudio.com/written-in-stone