“My mission is to extend the reach of appreciation for science and the natural world through rich audio-visual experiences that are entertaining and can be powerful vehicles for learning, for self-education or for teaching” – Reilly Dibner &nbsp; In this episode of Winds of Change, I sit down with Reilly Dibner, an ecologist turned stop-motion animator who's bringing science to life through art. Reilly's journey from studying frogs in Irish bogs to creating visual stories about Wyoming's horned lizards is fascinating. A Unique Blend of Science and Art Reilly's background in ecology, combined with her self-taught artistic skills, has led her to create Ecosystem Films. This creative production studio specializes in stop-motion animations about science and the natural world. Her mission? To extend appreciation for science through entertaining and educational audio-visual experiences. From Field Research to Frame-by-Frame Animation we explore how Reilly translates her scientific knowledge into visually compelling stories:   The process of creating stop-motion animations   Using hand-painted paper cut-outs to bring scientific concepts to life   Combining voiceover work with visual storytelling   Challenges and Opportunities Reilly shares insights into:   The technical aspects of stop-motion animation   Balancing scientific accuracy with artistic expression   Collaborating with scientists and filmmakers  Wyoming's Creative Economy  As a recipient of the Wyoming Innovation Partnership's Creative Economy Startup Challenge, Reilly discusses:   The importance of initiatives supporting local creatives   How her work contributes to Wyoming's creative landscape   Future projects and collaborations in the pipeline   This episode offers a unique perspective on the intersection of science, art, and entrepreneurship in Wyoming. Reilly's story demonstrates how diverse skills and passions can come together to create something truly innovative. &nbsp; Resources   Visit  to learn more about Reilly Dibner's creative production studio specializing in stop motion animations about science and the natural world. The website is currently under construction but contains valuable material about Reilly's work.   Follow Ecosystem Films on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes looks, and visual content related to Reilly Dibner's stop motion animations and her mission to extend the reach of appreciation for science and the natural world through rich audiovisual experiences.   Explore  to discover Reilly Dibner's voiceover work, which is related to her creative endeavors and offers a separate aspect of her professional expertise.   Subscribe to  to never miss an episode and stay updated on the stories and conversations brought to you by Wyoming Humanities Council.   For more information about the Wyoming Humanities Council and their initiatives, go to  to explore their programs, events, and resources.   &nbsp; Follow Us on These Channels:               Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!   As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the&nbsp;!

Blending Ecology and Art: The Unexpected Path of Reilly Dibner

I believe that inside of every single person, especially. Especially when they're in their darkest times, there's a little voice in their head that says, I want to be more, I want to do more, I want to say more, and I want to live more. - Norberto Orellana &nbsp; In this episode of Winds of Change, I sit down with Norberto Orellana, a motivating individual who has challenged himself to become an entrepreneur. Norberto's journey from homelessness and abuse to founding his own company in Gillette, Wyoming. We love hearing the diversity of stories and voices in this series of Entrepreneurs, innovators and creatives of Wyoming! &nbsp; Norberto shares his transition from pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry to becoming a business leader and motivational speaker.&nbsp; We discuss:   His early experiences with homelessness and poverty   The pivotal moment on a bus that changed his perspective   How he became a three-time TEDx speaker   &nbsp; Overcoming Adversity: Despite facing numerous challenges, including cerebral palsy and a difficult upbringing, Norberto discusses:   The importance of positive audacity and lifelong learning   How he balances his healthcare leadership role with entrepreneurship   Norberto's mission is to help others tap into their inner strength and achieve their goals     Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs   &nbsp; Resources:   To learn more about Norberto go to .     For more information about the Wyoming Humanities Council and their initiatives, go to&nbsp;&nbsp;to explore their programs, events, and resources.   &nbsp; Follow Us on These Channels:               Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!   &nbsp; As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the&nbsp;!

From Chemistry to Entrepreneurship with Norberto Orellana

"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 around us. Rachel's story is a testament to the power of art in exploring identity, connecting communities, and fostering a deeper understanding of our shared human experience. About Rachel Berg:  (Mnicoujou Lakota, Mexican, German) works in diverse media as an artist, teacher, and the founder of  Studio. Graduating from Princeton University and Columbia University Teachers College, since 2004 she has designed and fabricated custom large-scale commissions in notable commercial projects across Turtle Island. Berg expanded her studio practice in 2023 to engage with research-based methodologies that explore Indigenous ontologies, histories, healing, and cultural relationships to nature and ecology. Berg was a 2023 Emerging Artist Fellow with the Ann Street Gallery in Newburgh, NY. She is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. &nbsp; A Journey of Cultural Exploration   The complexities of growing up with diverse cultural influences   The role of language in cultural identity and artistic expression   How Rachel's multicultural background informs her creative process     Her educational journey, from Princeton University to Teachers College at Columbia   The transition from commercial art to personal artistic expression   How teaching has influenced her approach to artmaking   &nbsp; Large-Scale Installations and Public Art   The inspiration behind her monumental installations   Her innovative use of materials and techniques     The use of repetition and natural elements in her installations   &nbsp; Follow Us on These Channels:     &nbsp; Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe! As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on your favorite podcast platform so you don’t miss an episode! And visit the webpage of the Wyoming Humanities!

Rachel Berg Weaves Art Identity and Nature into Cultural Tapestry

Stay in the middle of the road and plow as much as you can. Stay out of the furrows and the ruts on the left and the right. And if you're damned if you do and damned if you don't, then do. – Alan Simpson In this episode of Winds of Change, Wyoming Humanities pays tribute to the remarkable life and enduring legacy of former U.S. Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming. Known for his sharp wit, bipartisan approach, and unwavering commitment to public service, Simpson left an indelible mark on both his home state and the nation. This episode offers a glimpse into the mind of a seasoned statesman, providing both historical context and forward-looking insights.&nbsp; A Statesman's Journey Join me as I revisit a candid conversation with Senator Simpson, where he shares:   His motivation for entering politics and passion for legislation   The importance of maintaining a sense of humor in public life   His perspective on the current state of American politics   Wisdom for the Next Generation Simpson offers invaluable advice for young people interested in politics:   The critical role of active participation in democracy   The importance of staying centered and avoiding extremes   Why engagement at the local level matters   Tackling Modern Political Challenges Simpson doesn't shy away from addressing current issues:   His concerns about money's influence in politics   Thoughts on campaign finance reform   The need for bipartisanship and compromise   Learn More About Alan Simpson’s Life             https://oilcity.news/wyoming/2025/03/16/photos-alan-k-simpson-a-life-in-photos/   &nbsp; Follow Us on These Channels:               Listen on all your favorite platforms and subscribe!&nbsp;   As always leave a review if you enjoyed these stories and follow us on Instagram or visit the webpage of the&nbsp;!

Wit and Wisdom from a Wyoming Political Icon: Alan Simpson

What’s Your Why? 
I know, I know, you’ve heard this before. It’s not a NEW question, but the answer IS always evolving…so WE can’t. stop. asking!

This show explores the human experience by way of our natural and diverse DNA through story telling. 
We bring to life the 4 pillars of humanity: Culture, Faith, Community and History. 

Our purpose is to expand your vision of the world, educate you with the practical wisdom needed to apply to your own journey and create more connectivity and significance within the human experience. 
With nationally and internationally renowned humanists - authors, journalists, philosophers, artists and scientists - we adventure into conversations about where they’ve been, how are they wired, what makes them tick and how their history relates to the greater world and you. Get inspired, gain perspective and reflect - on what’s your Why?

First, but Last? introduces you to the creative, intrepid and influential women all across the state of Wyoming asking them about wisdom, work and adventure in the “equality” state. This special series celebrates Wyoming as the first state to give women the right to vote! 

ThinkWY | Wyoming Humanities podcasts are created to capture the stories in and outside of Wyoming to share ideas, perspectives, and insights about the human experience.