As the Wyoming winds whisper tales of changing seasons, we find ourselves wrapped in the warmth of a March that feels more like a prelude to summer. Weather fluctuations aside, the real storm was on the courts, where the Wyoming Cowboys and Cowgirls faced their own challenges, triggering a mix of heartache and hope within our sporting community. My own tale of seasonal shifts took a personal turn with Luke, my furry companion, whose recent health scare reminded me of the preciousness of each moment we share with our loved ones. We'll toast to belated St. Patrick's Day memories and look toward the Easter horizon, weaving together the threads of community, celebration, and the unbreakable spirit that defines us.

Saddle up for a ride into the past as we honor the indomitable Carolyn Lockhart, a woman whose ink and initiative left an indelible mark on the soul of Cody, Wyoming. Lockhart's legacy, from her vivid portrayals of the Old West in her writings to her instrumental role in founding the Cody Stampede, embodies the spirit of an era that continues to captivate the heart of America. Her story is one of determination and passion, a journey through a life that carved out a legacy as enduring as the rugged landscapes she so cherished. Join us as we honor the memory of a woman whose vision helped shape the cultural heritage of the West, and whose influence still echoes in the hoofbeats of the Stampede.

As a Wyoming local, I've felt the pulse of our community in every spine-tingling buzzer-beater at high school basketball games and in the quiet hum of a tackle maker's workshop. Join me, Mark Hamilton, on a journey where we'll witness the unpredictable dance of early spring weather in Hot Springs County and share in the edge-of-your-seat thrills from the West Regional 3A basketball tournament. Feel the intensity as the fate of Thermopolis and Worland teams teeter on crucial free throws, and revel in stories of sportsmanship that transcend the court.

This episode also casts a line into the rich stream of Wyoming's fishing tackle heritage, where the ingenuity of local craftsmen enhances our angling adventures. We honor the legacy of Desmond Doss, whose battlefield courage during World War II still echoes through our valleys, and we face the poignant reality of loss within our University of Wyoming family. So, whether it's embracing the heartfelt craftsmanship that's embedded in our fishing culture or confronting the trials that test our resolve, this episode is a tribute to the strength and spirit of Wyoming's people.

Wyoming's weather is as unpredictable as a plot twist in your favorite novel, and we're here to unravel the mystery behind our state's recent mild temperatures and how they're blessing our farmers with a hint of early spring. But don't put away those snow boots just yet! We also talk about the looming threat of late-season snowstorms that could spell trouble for the agricultural community. Then, we turn the spotlight to the hardwood, where the Wyoming Cowboys and Cowgirls basketball teams are navigating through turbulence, and we dissect the elements they need to regroup and bounce back. High school athletes are on the edge of their seats, too, as state wrestling and basketball tournaments are about to unfold, marking the crescendo of the winter sports season.

Step back in time with us to the days of the Hayden Geological Survey of 1871, where the unlikely duo of Thomas Moran and William Henry Jackson embarked on an expedition that would change the face of the American wilderness forever. Their groundbreaking collaboration birthed a treasure trove of art that persuaded Congress to designate Yellowstone as the world's first national park. We'll explore how their enduring works—Moran's majestic paintings and Jackson's stirring photographs—continue to inspire conservation and art lovers alike, reminding us of the indelible mark they've left on both Wyoming and the global stage. Join us as we celebrate these trailblazers and the powerful legacy of their partnership in art and environmental protection. If you have any comments, please contact us at mark.hamilton@letstalkwyoming.com.

Wyoming's skies have been kinder than usual this February, and I, Mark Hamilton, can't wait to recount the unexpected blessings brought forth by the serene weather. Not only have our local cattlemen reaped the benefits, but the ski trails at Metalark and Antelope Butte are witnessing a remarkable season. While the weather plays nice, the same can't be said for the Wyoming Cowboys on the basketball court. But it's not all lost; there's a spark of hope for a grand showing in the Mountain West Conference Tournament. And as we cheer from the stands, my heart shares a tale of resilience closer to home—Luca, my rescue dog, his battle with injury, and the incredible journey to his new leash on life. And the passing of Toby Keith!

Our state's history resonates with the echoes of figures like Stephen Nelson Leake, a man whose life reads like a novel, filled with twists of fate from trapper to a herald of wildlife conservation. It's his story that takes us back to the grassroots of the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole and reminds us of the complex dance between human ambition and nature's chorus. While we ponder the moral questions that his legacy poses, we can't help but admire how his actions carved out a sanctuary for wildlife amidst the rugged landscape of Wyoming. No tale in our state is simple, and Leake's involvement in a grim conflict, which some labeled as murder, reveals history's thorny texture.

Completing our journey through Wyoming's past, we reflect on the intertwining fates of Stephen Leake and George Eastman, whose pioneering spirit in photography became a catalyst for wildlife preservation. Their stories culminate in a contemporary call to action, to continue the stewardship of our natural wonders and the creatures that call them home. From the historical challenges that almost stripped us of our elk, deer, and antelope, to the triumphs of the National Elk Refuge, we link arms with the Code of the West and reaffirm our enduring commitment to the land that shapes our identity and the values we hold dear. Join me as we honor the spirit of Wyoming and the legacy that we strive to uphold for generations to come.  If you have any comments, please contact us at mark.hamilton@letstalkwyoming.com.

Wyoming's January skies are as unpredictable as a cowboy's lasso, but Mark 's here to help you keep your hat on straight with the latest weather twists and turns. Not only that, I'm serving up a courtside view of our local heroes, the Cowboys and Cowgirls, as they face off in nail-biting basketball showdowns. Meanwhile, the conversation takes a serious turn towards the pressing issues at our doorstep: the effectiveness of Texas border measures and the concerning rise in cancer rates in Hot Springs County. Tune in for a heartfelt blend of community news and lively local sports that'll keep you rooted in the wild, wonderful world of Wyoming.

But it's not all storm clouds and full-court presses; in this episode, we also carve out space for personal growth and introspection. Alongside our special guest, Marcy, we'll share a roadmap to becoming the architect of your own destiny. Learn how to embrace the discomfort that comes with self-improvement, find purpose in community involvement, and why comparing yourself to media portrayals is the thief of joy. It's about taking the reins of your life with kindness, courage, and a dash of Wyoming grit. So saddle up for an episode that's as rejuvenating as a mountain breeze and as empowering as a sunrise over the prairie.

As we wrap our minds around Wyoming's bone-numbing chill and the sting of rising auto insurance rates, we take a journey to understand how these factors impact us personally and collectively. From the frosty grips of Thermopolis's 28 below zero to the wisdom of Paul Harvey's prophetic insights, we grapple with the truths beneath the ice. My reflections on the financial freeze set the stage for a tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Wild West: Calamity Jane. Her life, etched between legend and reality, unfolds in tales of audacity and personal battles that resonate with the grit and tenacity of our own Wyoming heritage.

Step into the boots of an icon as we honor Calamity Jane, dissecting the mythos that cloaks her legend and the very real struggles she faced in a lawless frontier. Her choice to dress in men's garb for a military escapade and her skirmishes with alcoholism paint a portrait of a woman as complex as the lands she roamed. We'll celebrate her audacity and the Code of the West she embodied, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy and the unvarnished truth of this larger-than-life figure from American folklore. Join us as we traverse the rugged terrain of history and personal reflection where the legends of yesteryear meet the realities of today.

As the biting cold of Wyoming's winter sets in, I'm reminded of the crunch of frost underfoot and the bite of wind on exposed skin, experiences familiar to anyone braving the elements here. We explore the perils and poetry of the season, sharing essential survival tips and empathetic insights into the struggle of our four-legged friends. From the vital importance of proper clothing to the often-overlooked needs of livestock in the freeze, we've got stories that will warm your heart, if not your toes. Whether you're a seasoned winter warrior or someone just learning the ropes of rural life, join us for a conversation as deep and crisp as the snowdrifts piling up outside.

Turning back the pages to the wild, untamed days of Wyoming's past, we uncover the roots of game conservation—a tale of overhunting and the subsequent awakening of environmental consciousness. We narrate the rise of protective laws and the colorful characters who fought for the soul of the wilderness, from the ink-stained editorials to the grassroots associations that laid the groundwork for change. And in the gentle wag of a dog's tail, we find a timeless tale of companionship, reflecting on the love and loyalty that grows between humans and their canine partners. Let's cherish the simple moments of joy and the profound impact of dogs in our lives, as we navigate the years together with our faithful companions.

Let the mild winds of Wyoming whisk you away as we unravel the effects of a winter that refuses to bite, and the surprising consequences it's having on the natural world and our beloved pastimes. As your host, Mark Hamilton, I invite you to ponder with me why the birds are not heading south and what this means for the months ahead. Join us in the afterglow of the Wyoming Cowboys' exhilarating win, as we look forward to a reinvigorated football season, dreaming of gridiron glory with a fresh coaching crew set to revamp our offensive plays.

Step back in time with me to an era of conflict and courage as we recount the Dullknife Fight of 1876, a pivotal skirmish in the Indian Wars etched in the annals of Northern Cheyenne history. Hear the echoes of a village surprised under a freezing dawn by US troops, and feel the tension of a people torn between the old ways and new impositions. This is a tale of valor, tragedy, and the enduring spirit of the Cheyenne, woven into a narrative that honors their struggle and magnifies the voices from our past that still have much to teach us about resilience and the human condition.