Beyond the Front Door

Hosted by Lindee Wiltjer and Rhea Parsons

Business Investing Leisure

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Episodes

206

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Beyond the Front Door Podcast. A community-driven podcast hosted by Wyoming real estate agents Lindee Wiltjer and Rhea Parsons, this show dives into the stories that make our community what it is- local businesses, big life changes, personal growth, leadership and the bold jumps people take along the way. We believe everyone has a story, every door opens to something new, and every life change deserves to be celebrated. Whether you're planted in Wyoming, planning a move, or simply love hearing authentic community stories, you'll feel right at home here. Pull up a chair, open the door, and join the conversation.

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60 recent

October 15, 2026Episode 20255 min

A Well-Trained Dog Can Give Someone Their Life Back | K9's For Mobility | Episode 202

Dropped keys, a heavy door, a transfer out of bed, a crowded store aisle, these are tiny moments that can become daily barriers when you live with a mobility disability. We talk with Michelle Warner from K9s for Mobility about what changes when a highly trained service dog steps into that gap, not as a gadget, but as a working partner that brings skills, safety, and real companionship. The through-line is simple and powerful: independence is not a luxury, it’s a quality-of-life issue. Michelle breaks down what mobility assistance dogs can actually do, from retrieving items and opening doors to helping with stability and reducing the exhausting “what if” anxiety of going out alone. We also dig into facility dogs in schools, hospitals, and courthouses, including how a trained dog can help children and victims of abuse feel calmer and more empowered in high-stress settings. Along the way, we cover what it takes to train and match the right dog, why health testing and temperament matter, and how long placements and follow-up really take when you do it ethically. We also clear up a topic that causes constant confusion and conflict in public spaces: the difference between a service dog, a therapy dog, and an emotional support animal, plus the simplest rule for all of us to remember when we see a working dog. If you’re searching for service dog training, mobility service dogs, facility dog programs, or ADI-accredited assistance dogs in Wyoming, this conversation gives you a grounded starting point and practical next steps. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share the episode with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it. What’s one everyday task you never realized could be a barrier?

October 8, 2026Episode 2011 hr 15 min

Stop Calling It A Trailer And Start Building Equity | Clayton Homes WYO | Episode 201

If you’ve toured homes lately and thought, “Wait, this is what $250,000 to $300,000 buys now?”, you’re not alone. We feel it too, and that’s why we brought Vincent Pachelli back for a honest conversation about what “affordable” even means in today’s Cheyenne housing market and how buyers can still find a path to homeownership. Vincent walks us through the stigma that follows manufactured homes, why so many people still say “trailer” like it’s a punchline, and how Wyoming’s energy boom years helped lock in that image. Then we get specific about what has changed: modern off-site built housing is built under HUD code standards with tighter installation requirements, inspections, and materials that look and perform more like what you’d expect from new construction. We also talk about the real-life details people worry about, including wheels and tongues, skirting, drainage, freezing lines, pests, and the simple truth that every home needs maintenance, no matter the price tag. We also shift into the money side without the hype. Instead of obsessing over interest rates, we focus on the monthly payment, how to work backward from your budget, and how land lease communities plus lot rent can compare to apartment costs while letting you own an asset. We cover depreciation honestly, explain insurance options like replacement cost coverage, and explore creative solutions like ADUs and placing a home on family land. If you’re curious about manufactured homes, mobile homes, modular options, or any attainable housing strategy, listen through and then share this with someone who’s stuck renting and feeling hopeless. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us what part of the home buying process you want us to break down next.

October 1, 2026Episode 20055 min

The Wyoming We Don't Want to Lose: Bit-o-Wyo Ranch, Preserving the Past & Embracing Growth | Episode 200

Episode 200 deserved a story with heart, grit, and a little Wyoming dust, so we sat down with Hailey Parsons and Lacey Coward to talk about the comeback of Bit-o-Wyo Ranch outside Cheyenne. What began as a real estate showing quickly turned into a bold family decision: buy a historic property with deep local memories and rebuild it into a place meant to be shared. We dig into the real history of Bit-o-Wyo Ranch, from its 1980s roots under Dennis Steele to the nostalgia people still carry from dinner shows, horseback rides, and kids’ camp. Then we get honest about what it takes to reopen something like this the right way: repairs, surprises like pack rats, the never-ending upkeep of a log home, and the slow, unglamorous work of permits, planning, and environmental health requirements. From there, the vision gets exciting. Hailey and Lacey lay out a Western experience built for both locals and visitors: horseback riding, family nights, date nights, weddings, retreats, hiking, and creative community events like outdoor movie nights that can raise money for a cause. We also talk about Wyoming values, supporting local vendors, and how to welcome growth without losing what makes Wyoming feel like Wyoming. If you’ve ever wished Cheyenne had more authentic things to do, this one is for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves Wyoming, and leave a review to help more people find the show.

September 24, 2026Episode 19957 min

Four Sisters. Same Questions. Zero Filter. | Beyond the Front Door | Episode 199

Four sisters. One family name. The same career field. And a lifetime of being mistaken for each other. We sit down for a sister roundtable that starts with real estate life at Peak Properties and quickly turns into the stuff we rarely say out loud: how busy can get out of control, how motherhood changes your standards overnight, and why gratitude can exist right next to chaos. We go question by question through the season of life we’re in, what we like most about the women we’ve become, and what we used to judge other women for before we truly understood it. We talk about health habits that stick, the pressure we put on ourselves to be “successful,” and the constant mental load of forms, schedules, sports, appointments, and keeping everyone moving. If you’re a working mom, a career-driven woman, or just someone trying to keep your head above water, you’ll hear your own thoughts in this conversation. Then we get fun and strangely honest: the ridiculous hills we’ll die on, the underrated power of showing up for people, and our rapid-fire overrated vs underrated takes on Botox, girls’ trips, self-care, marriage advice, five-year plans, matching family pajamas, and youth sports. We wrap with what we’re currently obsessed with, including the podcasts that get us through carpool, chores, and everything in between. If you enjoyed the sister energy, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review. Also, comment and tell us: what’s your most ridiculous hill to die on?

September 17, 2026Episode 1981 hr 9 min

Four Women. Same Questions. Zero Filter | Beyond the Front Door | Episode 198

You can feel it when life shifts: the kids get older, the house gets quieter, your body starts doing new things, and the rules you lived by in your 20s stop working in your 40s. We sit down with three women who represent different corners of our world to talk about womanhood without filters, with plenty of laughter and a lot of lived experience from Wyoming life in Cheyenne and beyond. We name the season we are in, then get honest about what we actually like about the women we have become. That includes slowing down, choosing peace, dropping the constant need for validation, and learning to stop apologizing for taking up space. We also talk about perimenopause and menopause as a real backdrop to midlife, and how hormones, stress, and sleep can shape everything from patience to confidence. From there, we go deep on connection and what it means to show up. We explore women’s friendships, chosen family, and the tension of wanting support while feeling awkward asking for it. We admit the judgments we have outgrown, the boundaries we wish we set sooner, and why “self-care” often looks like protecting time, saying no, and refusing to pour into every bucket until we are empty. Then we lighten it up with ridiculous hills we will die on, a rapid-fire underrated vs overrated round, and a few current obsessions, including strength training and weightlifting as a true fountain of youth. If you want a funny, thoughtful conversation about identity, confidence, mental health, and the messy beauty of becoming, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a woman you trust, and leave us a review with the season of life you are in right now.

September 10, 2026Episode 19752 min

Keeping Animals Safe Takes Policy & People | Britney Tennant | Cheyenne Animal Shelter | Episode 197

A hoarding case can drain hundreds of thousands of dollars from a community while animals sit in kennels as “evidence,” and the public often has no idea why it happens. We sit down with Brittany Tennant of the Cheyenne Animal Shelter to unpack the real mechanics behind animal control, shelter intake, and the policies that decide what’s possible when things go wrong. Along the way, Brittany shares her path from founding Black Dog Animal Rescue to helping lead one of Cheyenne’s most important community institutions. We break down what the Cheyenne Animal Shelter does beyond adoptions: vaccine clinics, public spay and neuter services, foster programs for neonatal kittens, and humane education that builds empathy and reduces dog bites. Brittany also explains why “open admission” matters, why shelters sometimes must make hard decisions, and how prevention is cheaper than crisis response when communities want fewer animals entering the system. Then we go deep on animal welfare advocacy in Wyoming, including why animals being treated as property complicates enforcement, how Title 6 statutes shape cruelty cases, and what listeners can ask elected officials to do. Finally, Brittany lays out a growing national threat to shelters: liability lawsuits and an insurance market that’s shrinking fast, forcing changes to programs people love. If you care about animal welfare, public safety, or smart local policy, you’ll get clarity and practical next steps. Subscribe, share this conversation with a fellow pet lover, and leave a review to help more people find the show.

September 10, 2026Episode 18931 min

Mosaica Folklorico of Cheyenne | Mexican Dance, Costumes & Community | Episode 189

The fastest way to understand a community is to watch what it celebrates and today we’re celebrating dance, culture, and the people who keep traditions alive in Cheyenne, Wyoming. We’re joined by Dallas Higginbottom and Alyssa Martinez from Mosaico Folklorico, a nonprofit Mexican folklorico dance group that’s grown quickly by doing something simple and rare: making it welcoming for true beginners while still honoring authentic regional traditions. We talk about how both Dallas and Alyssa found their way back to dance after the real-life “choose one” moments so many of us hit in school. They break down how their folklorico dance classes work, why the group performs at community events, and how costumes can flip a switch from nervous to ready. You’ll also hear what Mexican folklorico really is: a traditional, story-driven style that changes region by region, with percussive footwork (yes, nailed shoes) that people often compare to tap, clogging, and other rhythm-forward dances. Because Mosaico Folklorico is a nonprofit, we also get honest about the biggest challenge: funding handmade performance attire so families aren’t priced out. Sponsorships, fundraising, and community partners make a real difference, and we share how local businesses can help. We close with the leadership traits they live by in rehearsals and on parade routes, plus a thoughtful conversation about home, family, and belonging. If you enjoy local stories, cultural arts, and practical community leadership, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

September 3, 2026Episode 19646 min

Inside A Cheyenne Birth Center With A Midwife-Led Team | Earthside Birth and Wellness Center | Episode 196

If you’ve ever wondered why birth can feel so intimidating in a hospital, or what a birth center actually does when things get complicated, this conversation will give you real answers. We’re joined by Sarah Morey from Earthside Birth and Wellness in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and she walks us through the choices families have when they want skilled care without turning pregnancy into a problem to be managed. We talk through the difference between a doula and a midwife, what the midwifery model of care looks like, and why relationship-based prenatal care can change everything for parents. Sarah explains how they screen for low-risk pregnancies, still handle the same essentials like labs and the 20-week anatomy scan, and spend more time teaching families what labor is actually like. We also get a vivid picture of a freestanding birth center room, including water labor and water birth, upright positions, and why comfort, privacy, and the ability to move can support physiologic birth. Safety is not glossed over. Sarah breaks down what happens when a labor stalls, when vitals change, or when baby shows signs of distress, including how transfers to the hospital work and why collaboration matters. We also go behind the scenes on the business side: national accreditation, state licensing and building code hurdles, insurance contracting, and the hard-won progress of Medicaid coverage that helps more families access midwife-led maternity care. Sarah shares how Earthside supports the broader community too, through childbirth classes, breastfeeding support, and free consults for anyone exploring options. If you care about informed consent, birth options in Wyoming, and building healthcare that respects families, you’ll want to hear this one. Subscribe, share with a friend who’s pregnant or planning, and leave a review with the biggest question you still have about birth.

August 27, 2026Episode 19549 min

Local Mortgage Help That Actually Fits | Legacy Lending | Chris Edwards | Episode 195

Mortgage rates, home prices, and online lenders can make buying a house in Cheyenne feel like you’re trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing. We sit down with Chris Edwards from Legacy Lending Group to slow it all down and talk through what matters most right now: realistic budgets, strong preapproval, and choosing a loan that actually fits your life. We start with Chris’s Wyoming story and how he moved from the electrical trade and construction project management into the mortgage industry, trading 60 hour weeks for a career built around flexibility and serving families. From there, we dig into what buyers are experiencing across Laramie County, including the sticker shock of “starter home” prices and the frustration of watching wages lag behind the cost of everything else. We also address the rate conversation head on: why the 2% era was unusual, what the long term average looks like, and why the smarter play can be buying when the payment works and refinancing later if the opportunity shows up. We get practical about loan options and decision making, including how WCDA loans work, why rate shopping is impossible without the full picture, and what a mortgage broker can do differently than a bank lender. You’ll also hear our real world take on why going local can save time and stress: fewer misunderstandings about Wyoming contracts, better coordination with local pros, and a relationship you can rely on when questions come up. We even touch the modern trust problem of “how do I know you’re real,” plus simple habits to reduce wire fraud risk. If you’re planning to buy, sell, or refinance in Cheyenne, subscribe for more local conversations, share this with a friend who’s house hunting, and leave a review so more Wyoming homeowners can find the show. Chris Edwards www.legacylg.com

August 20, 2026Episode 19433 min

Stage Four Cancer Survivor, Jessica Sayers Shares What Keeps Her Fighting | Lights of Hope | Episode 194

A stage four diagnosis changes more than a treatment plan, it changes how you think about time, fear, and what “normal” even means. We’re back with Jessica Sayers, a Cheyenne, Wyoming mom and advocate, and she takes us straight into the realities of metastatic breast cancer after an earlier stage one triple negative breast cancer diagnosis. Jessica breaks down what metastatic cancer means, how it can move from breast to bone and beyond, and why regular PET scans become part of life when cancer is managed like a chronic disease. We also talk about the part people don’t always see: the emotional toll, the dark days, and the constant mental math of “what if.” Jessica shares what helped her most, including a strong medical team across Cheyenne and Denver and the relief of connecting with others who truly get it. Her story is also a direct reminder about prevention and early detection, including mammogram screening and the importance of following up when your provider says something needs a closer look, even when you’re busy and tempted to put it off. Then we pivot to action and hope through the American Cancer Society and Lights of Hope Across America. Jessica explains how this national event uses luminaria-style bags to honor or remember people affected by cancer, with displays in Washington, DC near the Capitol. We dig into why cancer research funding, access to health care, survivorship support, and prevention matter so much, especially in rural states like Wyoming, and how even small donations add up when a whole community shows up. If you’ve ever wondered where research breakthroughs really come from, this conversation connects the dots. If this moved you, share it with someone who needs encouragement, subscribe so you don’t miss Jessica’s follow-up after DC, and leave a review to help more listeners find these stories.