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 Grange Join 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, ...
Jun 04, 2025•31 min•Ep. 154
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 Quammen Join 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 in...
May 28, 2025•40 min•Ep. 153
“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 Bros In 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 ...
May 21, 2025•40 min•Ep. 152
“You can actually be whole only if you have both sides of yourself included in your identity.” Rebecca Balcárcel In 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 ra...
May 14, 2025•30 min•Ep. 151
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 Daugherty In 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, ...
Apr 30, 2025•43 min•Ep. 150
"The land has always been my touching stone." – Rachel Berg In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Berg, a multifaceted artist whose work blends diverse cultural influences and artistic mediums. Rachel's unique background, combining Mnicoujou, Lakota, Mexican, and German heritage, serves as the foundation for her creative expression and worldview. This episode offers a glimpse into the mind of an artist who bridges cultures, pushes creative boundaries, and finds inspiration in the natural world...
Mar 06, 2025•41 min•Ep. 149
"Become the honey pot and the bees will come." - Zeahlot Lopez Welcome to "Empower and Lead: Women's Journey in Entrepreneurship." Are you tirelessly proving your worth and significance, yet still feeling unfulfilled? You're not alone. Many women entrepreneurs strive for success and recognition but continue to struggle with old belief systems. The hustle can be exhausting when fulfillment and a sense of worthiness seem just out of reach. In this episode, we learn the fascinating story of entrepr...
Dec 05, 2024•32 min•Ep. 148
"When you take time to listen to yourself and to be excited and to celebrate that individuality, I think it creates such a rich opportunity for conversation and real, authentic connection with people." - Carrie Klewin Lawrence Hey there, get ready to hear about the power of personal storytelling in this conversation. There is a surprising journey, and insights shared by our special guest, Carrie Klewin Lawrence, as she describes her own journey in capturing creativity and conquering imposter syn...
Nov 14, 2024•32 min•Ep. 147
I think everybody should read picture books, whether you're three or 90 or, in fact, 97, like my mom. - Catherine Barr I absolutely love what I do and embrace the endlessly fascinating, collaborative journey of working with scientists, subject experts and the incredible illustrators and publishers who bring my ideas to life. – Catherine Barr Uncover the unexpected story of how a children's book author's accidental journey led to captivating tales of nature and wildlife that have inspired childre...
Oct 31, 2024•30 min•Ep. 146
There's two kinds of families, those with mental illness and those who don't have mental illness yet. - Thomas Insel Are you seeking to overcome stigma and family trauma associated with mental illness? Join Emy Digrappa on What’s Your Why? podcast as she shares a compelling conversation with Meg Kissinger, where they explore managing mental illness and overcoming stigma and family trauma. Gain a new perspective and increased awareness. It's time to uncover the solution to achieving a better unde...
Oct 10, 2024•39 min•Ep. 145
Even for all the problems that it brings forward, it also brings forward possibilities and promise. - Stephen Aron Discover the American West's alternative history. In this What’s Your Why? podcast we discover some of the little-known stories of peace and friendship amidst the frontier's violence. Join us as we unravel the perspectives and role of government in Western expansion. Get ready for a more nuanced understanding of the American West's complex past. But what if everything you thought yo...
Sep 19, 2024•43 min•Ep. 144
Did you know that the first Native American to chair the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grew up on a Navajo reservation in Arizona and faced tremendous challenges on her journey to higher education? Her story will inspire you. Discover how she is promoting indigenous knowledge and cultural inclusivity in education at a national level to make a difference. The National Endowment for the Humanities has a bold new vision focused on expanding its reach and funding organizations it hasn'...
Aug 22, 2024•33 min•Ep. 143
It's almost like someone telling you that your child is wrong - I mean, she'd be really perfect if you would just change her hair and add some freckles and then make her taller. - Traci Jones Traci Jones, an accomplished young adult novelist, brings a unique blend of creativity and insight to her writing, enriching the literary landscape with diverse representation. With a background in psychology and a master's degree in advertising, Traci's unconventional journey to becoming an author reflects...
Jul 18, 2024•39 min•Ep. 142
"How do we move forward? How do we hold the past in all its complexity and move forward?" - Rebecca Clarren "I think we're all here to be a good ancestor. How do we not create mess for our children and grandchildren to inherit?" - Judge Abby Abenanti (Yurok Tribal member) Emy Digrappa interviews the interesting and sometimes surprising journey of Rebecca Clarren, a journalist investigating the hidden history of her Jewish ancestors' land in South Dakota and its impact on the Lakota people. Uncov...
May 09, 2024•59 min•Ep. 141
I had become a writer. The habit had stuck, and I fell in love with books and reading and writing, and the rest of the path unfurled from there. - Mason Engel Discover the epic journey of Mason Engel, who embarked on a mind-blowing adventure to all 50 states in just 50 days, to read 50 books and interview 50 authors. Whoa! Imagine the day to day of meeting fascinating authors, navigating through time changes and road challenges, and learning the heartwarming stories of small-town America. Hear M...
Apr 04, 2024•35 min•Ep. 140
"You can move mountains when you're happy and you're motivated and you're getting rewarded for your actions." – Susan Rogers In this episode of "What's Your Why?" hosted by Emy Digrappa, you'll dive into the captivating journey of Susan Rogers, a former record producer renowned for her work with music icon Prince. Susan shares her transition from the music industry to pursuing a doctoral degree in behavioral neuroscience, emphasizing the transformative power of passion and continuous learning. S...
Mar 07, 2024•38 min•Ep. 139
"I was given a gift with my hand, that it was a tool to start to get people talking about what they're hiding and to share my journey of unhiding, so that wherever people found themselves on this continuum of hiding and unhiding, they could say, wow, she did it." - Ruth Rathblott Uncover the unexpected truth about embracing differences and the power of unhiding. Join Ruth Rathblott as she shares her journey of self-acceptance and authenticity, challenging the norms of diversity and inclusion. Ru...
Feb 22, 2024•49 min•Ep. 138
The Evolution of an Environmentalist: From Counterinsurgency to Anti-Poaching: Damien Mander "If we don't protect it, there's going to be nothing left. This is our backyard. There's a responsibility upon all of us to look after nature in whatever way we can." - Damien Mander Discover the remarkable journey of a former special operations sniper who transitioned from a life of combat to becoming the founder and CEO of the International Antipoaching Foundation. From the intensity of military operat...
Feb 01, 2024•15 min•Ep. 137
Renowned comedian W. Kamau Bell fearlessly challenges societal norms and amplifies underrepresented voices, sparking conversations on race and identity in America. W. Kamau Bell shared his journey of self-discovery and growth. From childhood dreams of becoming a superhero or entering show business to finding his voice as a comedian. Kamau's path reflects the universal quest for identity and purpose. His decision to use the initial "W" in his stage name was a tribute to the wide-eyed kid within h...
Jan 18, 2024•21 min•Ep. 136
“ Just treat people the same way you treat anyone else. Don't just assume something about someone and just truly see them for what they can become. ” - Tanner Dunn In this episode of What's Your Why? hosted by Emy Digrappa, our guest Tanner Dunn, a photographer and musician with autism, shares his journey from capturing nature's beauty to aspiring to be part of his first ever photography art exhibit. Tanner's determination to achieve his artistic aspirations while emphasizing the importance of t...
Dec 14, 2023•17 min•Ep. 135
"There are many layers of tradition that people carry with them and their families and their communities." - Shane Doyle In this episode we talk with Dr. Shane Doyle, a Montana-based scholar, teacher, and community advocate whose work focuses on the history and heritage of Native American tribes of the Northern Great Plains. Growing up on the reservation, he experienced the rich oral traditions, history, and culture of his community. His native roots inspire him to teach the importance and appre...
Nov 30, 2023•45 min•Ep. 134
"The buffalo is still central to our lifeways, our spirituality, our ceremonies, but has been missing for over 130 years. Bringing them back is integral to our healing from atrocities and the restoration of our cultural value." - Jason Baldes Jason Baldes, an Eastern Shoshone and member of the Inter Tribal Buffalo Council, joins us on this episode of What's Your Why? to discuss his work in restoring buffalo to tribal lands. With a background in biology and a deep respect for the natural world, J...
Nov 09, 2023•25 min•Ep. 133
“Action is a byproduct of clarity. When you know what you want and where you're going, it's easier to make decisions, take action, and let your intuition and instincts guide you.” - Bonnie Wan In this episode of the podcast What's Your Why?, you'll hear from Bonnie Wan, a strategist, author, and speaker, as she shares her insights on the power of creating a life brief. Bonnie's expertise as the head of brand strategy at an advertising agency shines through as she discusses her role in creating t...
Oct 19, 2023•49 min•Ep. 132
"Clowning is about revealing the truth of things. It's about that moment of epiphany when the world makes sense and laughter emerges." - Bob Berky In a world where destiny can take unpredictable turns, one man's journey from the symphony to the circus is a wonderful story of learning and accomplishment. From the enchanting sound of the French horn to the uproarious laughter of working as an accomplished professional Clown, Bob Berkey’s path took an unexpected twist that changed his life. But wha...
Oct 06, 2023•50 min•Ep. 131
It's the worst evil on the planet. It's the worst kind of exploitation of the vulnerable populations, and it's everywhere. - Ashleigh Chapman Welcome, Ashleigh Chapman, a truly remarkable advocate in the fight against human trafficking. Ashleigh’s journey began as a child, providing a safe haven to three abused children, which sparked a lifetime dedication to the cause. She has since tirelessly worked to institute change, earning her recognition from USA Today as one of their Women of the Year i...
Sep 21, 2023•25 min•Ep. 130
We need to encourage women to take a deep dive into their passions and break free from societal labels. We can conquer any field and be successful. - Joanna Kail For Joanna Kail, her journey began with an instilled Wyoming pride and a natural affinity for communication. Born and raised in Lander, she was influenced by the close-knit community and the one-degree separation that tightly binds Wyomingites together. Her initial dream was to work for the State Department, a dream inspired by her desi...
Sep 07, 2023•22 min•Ep. 129
Step into a world where cowboy culture meets an unseen community, a world that will leave you captivated and yearning for more. Ivan McClellan, a self-taught photographer, learned about the existence of black cowboys and black cowboy rodeos and embarked on a journey that defied his expectations. From the dusty rodeos of Oklahoma to the heart and soul of a culture unknown to many, Ivan's immersion into this world will leave you wanting to learn more. But little did he know, this was just the begi...
Aug 17, 2023•31 min•Ep. 128
In the vast, untamed landscapes of Wyoming, where the echoes of hooves on public lands seem to whisper tales of forgotten beauty, lies a captivating story that will leave you breathless. Join us on a journey that uncovers the unexpected twist in Chad Hanson's mission to nurture gratitude and appreciation for the environment. As the son of a Minnesota Christmas tree farmer, Chad's love for nature was ignited by his childhood amidst towering evergreens. But it was a chance encounter with wild hors...
Jun 28, 2023•29 min•Ep. 127
Do you want to empower Native youth through increased representation of Native literature? If so, I have the solution for you. As an expert in Native representation in media and literature, I can share with you the importance of including Native voices and perspectives in educational materials. By doing so, we can provide Native youth with positive role models and a sense of cultural identity, ultimately empowering them to succeed. Let's work together to ensure that Native youth see themselves r...
Jun 21, 2023•31 min•Ep. 126
About Alyson Alyson aims to amplify stories that are often unheard of in the mainstream. She’s driven by a passion for justice, authenticity, and a really good story. She earned a BA in public policy, and after nearly a decade in social work, then an MFA from the University of Montana in Media Arts. Her focus is in community media documentary filmmaking. Her most recent work, The Sister Cities Docuseries, features twenty-five short films directed by people from the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico, (Ja...
Jun 07, 2023•30 min•Ep. 125
