Part 2 of the Collaboration with Your Mountain Podcast on the Rock Springs RMP"
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
Release Date: 10/17/2023
Echoes of the Tracks: Breanna Ball & the Wyldlife Fund
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
Joey, Janet and Chris sit down with Breanna Ball with The Wyldlife Fund—a nonprofit partner created in 2019 to help fill funding gaps for Wyoming Game and Fish priorities, with 90% of funds going to on-the-ground work. Breanna shares how the fund has grown from about $500,000 raised in 2020 to over $4.4 million last year, and how that support turns into fast, measurable conservation wins. They talk wildlife crossing projects, including how roughly $1 million in support helped strengthen a federal grant application. Breanna also explains the Red Desert Fence Initiative, prompted after severe...
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Putting the 'U' in Hunt: Evan Cooper’s First Bull Elk Story
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
Evan was selected to participate in Wyoming’s “Un Hunt” program, creating an opportunity that brought the Coopers to the West for a hunt they’ll never forget. Evan describes the experience in a way that makes you feel like you’re right there with him. The heart of the episode is the story of when Evan harvested his first bull elk. It’s not told as a highlight reel. It’s told honestly: the anticipation, the effort, the nerves, the reality of it all—and the pride that comes after. For Evan, this wasn’t “just” a successful hunt. It was proof of strength. Proof of progress....
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The Heart and Hope Behind MFF’s “Putting the U in Hunt” Program
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
This truly touching episode of Wild Things & Wild Places brings listeners into the heart of the Muley Fanatic Foundation’s Putting the U in Hunt program — a life-changing experience for youth facing life-threatening or terminal illnesses. Hosts Joey Faigl and Janet Crofts sit down with longtime volunteers John Grossnickle and Jason Faigl, who share deeply personal stories from their years helping with these special hunts. From emotional first encounters to unforgettable moments in the field, this conversation highlights the compassion, teamwork, and purpose that drive everyone...
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What Is a Conservation Easement? Kerry Schultz with the Green River Valley Jackson Hole Land Trust Explains
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
In this episode of the Wild Things & Wild Places podcast, hosts Joy Faigl, Janet Crofts, and Chris Steffen sit down with Kerry Schultz, Program Director of the Green River Valley Jackson Hole Land Trust. Kerry breaks down the concept of conservation easements, which are legal agreements between private landowners and a qualified entity such as a land trust to permanently protect the land from development. She explains how these agreements play a vital role in conservation, particularly on private lands that are essential for wildlife habitats and migration corridors. The conversation dives...
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Summer Projects 2025 Has MFF Working Hard for Mule Deer
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
In this episode of Wild Things and Wild Places, Janet, Chris, and Joey from the Muley Fanatic Foundation recap their busy and impactful summer of 2025. The team took part in fawn captures in the Wyoming Range to support ongoing mule deer monitoring efforts, gathering critical data on population health. They also tackled invasive species and habitat restoration through Cheatgrass spraying near Rock Springs and Juniper removal south of town—both essential to preserving quality mule deer habitat. Additional efforts included sagebrush mowing in Kemmer, Wyoming, where the goal was to...
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Bear Tracks & Good Company: A Conversation with Jessica Evans
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
In this laid-back and personal episode of Wild Things & Wild Places, we welcome Jessica Evans...hunter, business owner, and all-around outdoor enthusiast from Rock Springs, Wyoming. Jessica pulls up a chair and shares her story in a way that feels like you're right there beside her in the field, on the mountain, or at the truck tailgate after a long day outdoors. She walks us through her early memories of hunting with her parents, how she found her own path in the sport after college, and the thrill of her first antelope hunt. But it’s not just about the harvest—it’s about what you...
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Public Lands in Public Hands: Important Message
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
In this episode of the MFF Podcast, the focus is on the controversial topic of selling public lands, a pressing issue in Wyoming and other Western states. The special guest is Jess Johnson, Government Affairs Director of the Wyoming Wildlife Federation (WWF), who will soon be heading to Washington, D.C. to represent Wyoming. The discussion underscores the potential catastrophic impact the proposed sale of 2 to 3 million acres of public land has on outdoor recreationists, hunters, campers, and the wildlife that depends on these lands. The bill's vague and broad language, lack of community...
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New Voices, Same Mission: Wild Things & Wild Places Welcomes a New Hosting Crew
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
This episode of Wild Things & Wild Places marks the first with our new crew! While Josh is off doing important work in D.C., the Muley Fanatic Foundation podcast lives on and it’s in great hands. Meet your new hosts: Joey Faigl, Chris Steffen, and Janet Crofts—a trio of longtime MFF champions who bring deep knowledge, big laughs, and a whole lot of heart to the mic. In this transition episode, they reflect on Josh’s impact, share some behind-the-scenes banter, and give a glimpse of what’s ahead for the podcast. Expect all the things you’ve come to love: honest conversations,...
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Joshua Coursey: So Long, Not Goodbye
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
This week's episode of Wild Things & Wild Places is an emotional one. Host Joshua Coursey is setting out on a new adventure, but this is not goodbye, just a “see you later.” The podcast can continue, and Josh will remain a part of the MFF family forever. He’s taking on a new role working for the government, and while it’s bittersweet, it’s also an exciting new chapter. This episode is especially heartfelt for all who have known Josh or been involved with the Muley Fanatic Foundation. The bond between Josh and Joey shines through... a grand friendship built on trust, passion, and...
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Josh & Joey: Genuine, Real, and All About the Mile High Hunt & Fish Expo
Echoes of the Tracks: MFF podcast
This one feels like sitting around the campfire with old friends. In this episode of Wild Things & Wild Places, Joshua Coursey is joined by his longtime friend and fellow co-founder of the Muley Fanatic Foundation, Joey Faigl. These two have been in it together since the beginning building MFF from the ground up with a shared love for wildlife, conservation, country, and community. Recorded at the Mile High Hunt & Fish Expo in Denver, this episode is raw, uncut, and straight from the heart. No script... just two guys reflecting on where it all started, where it’s going, and what...
info_outlineIn Part 2 of this compelling podcast collaboration, the spotlight shines on a crucial aspect of the Rock Springs Management Plan (RMP): how to be a true statesperson and maintain respect while passionately debating or validating your point of view. With emotions running high over the RMP, David Wilms and Nephi Cole, the hosts of "Your Mountain" podcast, return to help guide us through this essential discussion. They offer invaluable insights on how to effectively communicate and engage in respectful debates, no matter where you stand on the matter. Joshua Coursey, the host of "Wild Things and Wild Places", encourages this enlightening dialogue, ensuring that listeners gain the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the intricate landscape of RMP discourse.
As the episode unfolds, you'll discover the wisdom and experience of these hosts in addressing the RMP issue. They offer guidance on fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the passionate community dedicated to Wild Things and Wild Places. Don't forget, the 90-day public comment period for the RMP began on August 18 and will conclude on November 16, 2023, making this discussion exceptionally timely and relevant. Tune in to part 2 of this riveting series for a masterclass in becoming a statesperson in the world of conservation and a chance to better understand the critical significance of the RMP.
The return of the sub-show "Campfire Chat" within the "Wild Things & Wild Places" podcast is a highly anticipated event for listeners. This special edition features none other than Nephi Cole, bringing his wealth of knowledge and passion to the forefront. In this episode, Nephi embarks on a journey through history, providing listeners with a captivating glimpse into the roots of hunting and its profound connection to our identity as human beings.
As the digital campfire crackles in the background, Nephi skillfully weaves tales of hunting's timeless significance, reminding us of its intrinsic role in shaping who we are. For Nephi, the family memories are the jewels of his campfire experiences, igniting a warm, communal atmosphere that resonates deeply with hunting enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. "Campfire Chat" is back in full swing, and Nephi Cole's narratives promise to kindle the spirit of adventure and connection to the wild in every listener's heart.
The quick growth of MFF is a direct tribute to the value folks place on ensuring our wild things and wild places continue to exist for generations to come
Don't miss out on furthering the journey with Wild Things & Wild Places. Become a member of the Muley Fanatic Foundation and help make a difference. Join an organization that gets things done. Find out more here.