Embracing Identity: Aiden Thomas on Writing Trans and Latinx Characters
Release Date: 04/25/2024
Wyoming's Creative Economy and Innovation with Audio Engineer John Wilhelm
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“I think the thing that makes something a piece of artwork is the intention that an artist imbues into it.”- John Wilhelm Want to deepen your understanding of sound preservation and creative storytelling? Discover the intersection of art and environment with audio engineer John Wilhelm as we explore Wyoming's Creative Economies and Innovation. In this episode, John Wilhelm discusses his involvement in various musical endeavors in Laramie, Wyoming, showcasing the diverse creative talent present in the state. His project, the Audio Library of the West, emphasizes the importance of creativity...
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Following the Manito Trail: The New Mexican Migration to Wyoming: Dr. Trisha Martinez
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"Life is beautiful, you know, and even hard times, like, we can still find the good in those." - Trisha Martinez A journey from Wyoming to New Mexico unfolds through the rich cultural narrative of Dr. Trisha Martinez. Discover how her roots in New Mexico have deeply influenced her work in Wyoming, creating a bridge between two distinct yet interconnected communities. Dr. Martinez's passion for preserving cultural traditions and her efforts to empower students through ethnic studies will leave you feeling inspired. Listen to learn more about the unexpected connection between these two...
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One Ranch Family’s Invention Journey Led to an Innovative Solution for People Across the Globe with Shondah Otwell
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We truly believe that God positions everybody where he needs them, when he needs them, in what point of life. And we can look back through the journey that we're currently on with the Water Rippler and see contacts that we made 30 plus years ago in college that are now a part of what we're doing with the Water Rippler. - Shondah Otwell Discover the journey of a husband-and-wife team that set out to solve a problem on their working ranch and discover the trials and successes of becoming entrepreneurs. From facing the challenges of ranching in Wyoming to innovating a game-changing solution...
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The universe is predicated on abundance. Our existence, our Planet, our communities, our love, our communications, all of this is all abundance. That's what we need to tap into. - Marko Ruble Imagine a Wyoming entrepreneur who started his journey in the heart of Cody, Wyoming with a childhood filled with adventures, family travels and curiosity. Little did he know that his upbringing in the land of high altitudes and low multitudes would spark an innovative transformation in the travel industry. In this episode we go on a journey that led him to create AI-driven smart maps in a state...
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The American dream is often elusive, but it's also not necessarily the right dream. - Mark Koep Have you ever felt frustrated by the lack of information when trying to plan a camping trip? Let's explore how innovative technology is revolutionizing the way we choose and experience campgrounds, making outdoor getaways more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Today on the Winds of Change podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Mark Koep, an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking technology called . My special guest is Mark Koep...
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I think Wyoming is still working on making these things accessible and showing people the exact directions of where to go. Bailey and I really fill that gap in terms of our programming and this sort of investor strategy, really, that's our niche. - Stephanie Reece People don't necessarily show up for a venture capital seminar because they don't necessarily understand it. They feel intimidated by it. So, we're trying to break down those walls and pop the bubbles and try to help people understand that this is something that they can take advantage of. - Baylie Evans If you're feeling lost in the...
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Bridging Past and Future: Celebrating Jeremy Johnston's Legacy
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Discover the story of Jeremy Johnston, Wyoming historian and teacher, and the impact he had on the state's history and culture. His unique upbringing and deep connection to Wyoming shaped his passion for preserving the past and understanding the complexities of the state's heritage. My special guest is Jeremy Johnston Jeremy Johnston, a highly regarded historian from Park County, Wyoming, established himself as a leading figure in the preservation and dissemination of Wyoming's rich history. Born and raised in Powell, Wyoming, Jeremy's formative years were shaped by the proximity and...
info_outlineMy focus is always on my readers and the people who are impacted by not having those stories. So it's young folks and it's folks who are trans and queer and who are, you know, marginalized or brown, black, Bipoc. - Aiden Thomas
My special guest is Aiden Thomas
Aiden Thomas is a New York Times bestselling author and a prominent figure in young adult literature. Their expertise lies in crafting narratives that authentically represent the intersection of gender identity and cultural diversity. Aiden's notable work, particularly the acclaimed novel "Cemetery Boys," has garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling portrayal of underrepresented voices. With a background in creative writing and a deep commitment to inclusivity, Aiden's literary contributions have significantly enriched the representation of marginalized communities in literature. Their unique perspective as a trans Latinx individual brings a valuable and insightful dimension to the exploration of identity and cultural heritage within the literary landscape.
In this episode, you will be able to:
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Uncover the art of writing fantasy with rich cultural influences, adding depth and authenticity to your storytelling.
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Discover the rewarding journey of transitioning from nonfiction to fiction writing and unleashing your creative potential.
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Embrace the importance of authentic representation of Latinx characters in young adult novels, contributing to diverse and inclusive literature.
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Delve into the captivating role of ancestry and culture in storytelling, enriching narratives with depth and resonance.
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
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Visit the Wyoming Humanities Council website at ThinkWY.org to stay updated on upcoming events and programs, and to engage with their content on Instagram and Facebook.
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Follow Aiden Thomas on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok using the handle @AidenSchmaiden for updates on his books, events, and interactions with readers.
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Explore the book Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody for guidance on transitioning from nonfiction to fiction writing, including the use of the 15-point beat sheet story structure.
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Look for Aiden Thomas's books, including Cemetery Boys, Lost in the Neverwoods, and The Sun Bearer Trials, to explore diverse and inclusive storytelling, particularly for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
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