Permit To Think

Permit to Think — Episode 34

Tom Bie & Paul Puckett

Host: Mike Dawes, Westbank Anglers Guests: Tom Bie (Editor at The Drake magazine) | Paul Puckett (Artist and Illustrator)

Episode Description
Some of the best fly fishing stories start in a shop, not on the water — and in Episode 34 of Permit to Think, host Mike Dawes sits down with two guys whose careers trace straight back to Westbank Anglers. Tom Bie, founder and editor of The Drake magazine and a former Westbank guide, and Paul Puckett, the sporting artist behind decades of fly fishing illustration and the Flood Tide apparel brand, reconnect with Mike after a chance run-in at Westbank's 40th anniversary party sparked the idea for this episode.

The conversation traces both guys' start in Jackson Hole — Tom guiding scenic floats and fishing trips before launching The Drake in 1998 (dreamed up, fittingly, while working as a lift operator at Deer Valley), and Paul talking his way into a job at the original Dallas Westbank Anglers store before eventually landing in Jackson himself. From there it's a wide-ranging look at what made — and still makes — that shop culture so magnetic: the tight-knit, competitive-but-supportive community of guides, artists, and writers who passed through Westbank's doors, and how those connections shaped both of their careers.

Mike, Tom, and Paul also swap recent trip reports — tarpon and permit fishing in the Florida Keys and Mexico, and Tom's latest run on British Columbia's Dean River for big, ocean-hardened steelhead — before digging into Paul's evolution as an artist, from painting anglers' trophy fish for cash in the Westbank shop to his signature simplified, drippy compositions today. The episode wraps with a few can't-make-this-up shop stories (Dick Cheney's fishing license, presidential Secret Service detail included) and a genuinely interesting take on where fly shops, print magazines, and hand-painted art fit into a fishing culture that's about to be reshaped by AI.

About the Guests

Tom Bie is the founder and editor of The Drake magazine, which he launched in 1998 after a stint as a lift operator at Deer Valley and years working scenic floats and guiding trips out of Grand Teton Lodge Company and Westbank Anglers in Jackson Hole. Before The Drake grew into the quarterly it is today, Tom spent years in the broader outdoor magazine world as managing editor of Paddler, senior editor of Skiing, and editor-in-chief of Powder. He lives in Denver, Colorado.

Paul Puckett is a sporting artist and illustrator known for his paintings and illustrations across the fly fishing world, as well as the Flood Tide apparel brand he built around his character-driven fish art. Paul got his start painting anglers' trophy catches while working at the original Westbank Anglers store in Dallas, later spending four years fishing, snowboarding, and (by his own account) barely painting in Jackson Hole before relaunching his art career in Atlanta and eventually settling in Charleston, South Carolina, where he's based today.

About Permit to Think

Permit to Think is a fly fishing podcast hosted by Mike Dawes of Westbank Anglers. Each episode digs into the people, places, and fish that define the sport — from technical conversations about gear and tactics to big-picture discussions on conservation and culture. New episodes available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Westbank Anglers | Jackson Hole, Wyoming 🌐 https://www.westbankanglers.com/

Permit to Think — Episode 33

Cosmoledo | Blue Safari Fly Fishing

Host: Mike Dawes, Westbank Anglers Guests: Colin (Operations Manager, Westbank Anglers) | Keith Rose-Innes (Managing Director, Blue Safari / Alphonse Fishing Company)

Episode Description
What happens when the GT capital of the world lives up to every bit of the hype? In Episode 33 of Permit to Think, host Mike Dawes sits down with Westbank Anglers Operations Manager Colin and Blue Safari Managing Director Keith Rose-Innes to break down one of the most remote, raw, and unforgettable fly fishing destinations on the planet — Cosmoledo Atoll in the Seychelles.

Keith brings nearly 30 years of Seychelles experience to the table, including a firsthand account of witnessing GTs eat birds off the water — the original discovery that sparked the now-famous footage seen on Blue Planet 2. Colin brings the wide-eyed perspective of a first-time Cosmo angler, fresh off a trip that left him, in Mike's words, "glowing like he'd just met his first girlfriend."

Together, they map out the full Blue Safari operation — from permit-junky flats to the bumphead parrotfish of Farquhar, the iconic milkfish fishery at Alphonse, and the wild, barely-explored Astove — before zeroing in on what makes Cosmoledo something else entirely.

About the Guests

Keith Rose-Innes is the Managing Director of Blue Safari and the Alphonse Fishing Company. With nearly 30 years in the Seychelles, Keith has guided, explored, built lodges, and pioneered fisheries across the Indian Ocean. He is widely credited as the first person to document GTs eating birds at Farquhar — footage that later became part of Blue Planet 2. He is also a co-designer of the Schulten reel.

Colin is the Operations Manager at Westbank Anglers in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. A former guest on the Mexico episode of Permit to Think, Colin made his first trip to Cosmoledo as part of a Westbank-hosted group and came back a changed man.

About Permit to Think

Permit to Think is a fly fishing podcast hosted by Mike Dawes of Westbank Anglers. Each episode digs into the people, places, and fish that define the sport — from technical conversations about gear and tactics to big-picture discussions on conservation and culture. New episodes available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Westbank Anglers | Jackson Hole, Wyoming 🌐 https://www.westbankanglers.com

"Where are the small fish?" This is a question that routinely comes up when fly fishing for trout in areas of New Zealand. Mike Dawes joins up with Ben Hall and Sean Andrews, two highly experienced New Zealand trout guides, to share some of the highlights of a recent trip to the Taupō region of NZ's North Island. These guys discuss some of the characteristics of South Island and North Island fly fishing, the necessity of team work and strong wading, and the thrill of observing Ben maneuver the helicopter into super narrow and super fishy areas!

Colin Ah and podcast guest, Greg Case, are back from a recent trip to Mexico chasing Permit at Blacksmith Lodge. Mike and the team talk about some of the amazing Permit behavior that was witnessed on this recent trip and the unbelievable fishing opportunities that were provided. The team also discuss the local Jackson Hole One Fly event, catching Permit on dry flies, and other fishy topics.

Mike Dawes and some of the Westbank crew reflect on their most recent adventure to Australia. Westbank Anglers guide Jimmie Cheers is introduced, followed by a recap of an amazing trip with the Aussie Fly Fisher. Permit to Crocs, fishing rigs to Dingos, sit back and enjoy a trip to the Down Under.

In this episode I sit down with Harris Buddig. Harris is the Fly Fishing Sales Representative for Patagonia in the Rocky Mountains. Harris originally hails from Hinsdale. He graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder and was working at the Rocky Mountain Angler before taking a job with Patagonia. We first met about a year and a half ago when we started to carry Patagonia at Westbank Anglers. Since then we were fortunate to travel to MX together and chase some fish around, as well as fish some local waters in the JH area. During our time together I have gotten snippets of Harris’s story, and I wanted to hear more. There are a bunch of similarities in our stories. I think. The fishing industry needs to hear more about those who have worked hard to take advantage of opportunities and earned them. Harris currently sits on the board of the American Fly Fishing Trade Association and currently resides in Missoula, MT with his fiance Sydney (fiance not for long) and his dog Reno. Without further adieu please welcome Harris to the show!

In this episode I sit down with RA Beattie. RA hails from Woody Creek, CO. He has been immersed in the fly fishing world since he could walk. RA started apprenticing at the age of 14 in and around his home waters. RA went on to attend the University of Puget Sound and then went on to attend Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL where he studied film. While his family has deep roots in the ski industry, RA started to blaze his own trail in the world of fly fishing filmmaking and media. RA started to put his films in the Fly Fishing Film Tour in 2005 and has been putting out content and films ever since. He has been fortunate enough to film on every continent on this planet and is still at it today. RA is a pioneer in the world of fly fishing film and media. I first met RA in MT in 2013 and shortly after we started to do some work together but more importantly we became really close friends in a very short amount of time, for which I am extremely grateful. RA and I have been able to travel the world together, forging relationships while filming some projects. What has always fascinated and boggled my mind about RA is that while all of his work is in Media the fishing Media is done on his own time. Throughout the years he has put out 25 longer films and 30 plus shorter films which is truly remarkable. During the days. RA is the Director of Marketing and Talent Relations at Breedlove Guitars in Bend OR where he currently resides. Without further adieu please welcome my good friend RA Beattie to the show.

Al Perkinson has been an executive in the outdoor industry for the past 20 years. He is a brand builder and growth agent who believes that social responsibility and great storytelling are keys to building beloved brands.

Al is the founder and CEO of Bajío Sunglasses, based in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Bajío designs and builds performance sunglasses for anglers and other water enthusiasts. It is a privately held company with a mission to operate sustainably and contribute to addressing environmental issues faced by the world’s oceans.

Prior to starting Bajío, Al was in senior management roles at Huk Apparel and Simms Fishing Products and owned a consulting practice whose clients included, Orvis, Trout Unlimited, Guy Harvey, and Pure Fishing.

Al was CMO for Costa Sunglasses for 12 years, where he was responsible for business strategy, brand, marketing, e-commerce, and apparel. He helped the brand achieve a 20% annual growth rate and a sales price that was the highest multiple ever paid in the industry.

Al was named by Outdoor Life magazine as one of the 25 most influential people in conservation, received the Lefty Kreh Sportsman of the Year Award from Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, and was named Angler of the Year by Fly Fisherman magazine. Al was elected to the Explorer’s Club in New York City and is an active member.

I first met Al while we were both fishing the Permit Tournaments in Key West back in 2016. Al’s willingness to think outside the box, commitment to the resources we are lucky enough to work in and on, and entrepreneurial spirit & vision are all traits that I have tremendous respect for. I look forward to diving deeper into Al’s story today and hearing more about his wild ride with Bajio that he had been on since launching the company in 2021. Without further adieu please welcome Al Perkinson to the show.

In this episode I sit down with my kids and we take a little detour from the regular format as we did last season for the family interlude. The thought process behind this idea is more thoroughly explained in Episode 11. The summary would be: It would be very interesting and cool if one day you wanted to go back and reflect on who you were when you were younger and had access to an annual snapshot of yourself as you grow and change. I am going to sit down with my children once a year and do a short show for those reasons, until they will no longer have it, hopefully that will not be the case.

In this episode I sit down with Boots Allen. Boots is a third generation fly fishing guide who each year guides 130-plus day on the waters of the Greater Yellowstone area. He is the author of numerous publications including Modern Trout Fishing (Lyons Press) and Catching Trout in All Conditions (Graphic Arts Books) and top finisher in numerous fly fishing tournaments and contests over the years. Boots also hosts trips to destination lodges in South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific, and gives talks at fly fishing events throughout the country. His popular fly patterns are available through Montana Fly Company. In addition to his guiding Boots is also the Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator at the Snake River Fund a fund whose mission is to promote stewardship of and recreational access to the Snake River Watershed in WY with an emphasis on partnerships education and public outreach. Boots is an amazingly well respected guide, father and husband and currently lives in Victor ID. Without Further adieu please welcome Boots to the show!!

Be sure to subscribe to this show on iTunes, Spotify, and your favorite podcast hosting platform. Check our website (https://www.permittothink.com/), subscribe to the newsletter, and get updates on the show. Please forward the show onto anyone who you think might dig it. Reviews help, thank you!

In this episode I sit down with Brian Matthews. Brian was the first guest on PTT and now he is the first repeat guest on the show. To listen to Brian’s full introduction please go back to episode #1 and get some more color on our journey together. Brian is one of the 3 partners at the Harmonic Growth Fund, a Venture Capital firm with an investment strategy that identifies incredible entrepreneurs and gives them growth capital to pursue their visions. He specifically focuses on founders in several markets, namely enterprise SaaS, FinTech, consumer internet and healthcare IT. He currently sits on numerous boards but still finds time to hang with the family, fish, ski, bike whenever possible. Brian lives right here in JH with his wonderful family. Without further adieu for the first time, the second time, please welcome Brian Matthews back to the show!

In this episode we sit down with Harry Tebay. Harry has been quietly running around the greater teton/yellowstone region with a fly rod or a set of oars in his hands for the last 25 years. In the offseasons Harry has also quietly mixed in a 15 year plus career guiding in the Florida Keys. Originally from West Virginia and spending much of his youth in Wilmington, NC Harry’s passion for the outdoors was sparked at a very young age through his Father’s influence. After receiving a BA in painting from the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, FL in 1993 Harry found himself in Wyoming shortly thereafter and has been here ever since. I have known Harry for a long time but it wasn’t until the last 5 years or so that we started spending more time together on and off the water. Yet again just another example of why this platform is so valuable to me, why not take it a step farther and ask some questions I have never had the time to ask. Harry is a very thoughtful, passionate, considerate and quiet persona who cares deeply about the people and the resources around him. Harry is still guiding today for the Wyoming Angling Company (with our previous guest AJ Sanders) and additionally spends time as a carpenter, artist, fly tyer and most importantly a husband and a father. Harry lives in Jackson WY with his wife Jodeen and his sons Emerson and Emerson. Without further adieu please welcome Harry to the show!

Be sure to subscribe to this show on iTunes, Spotify, and your favorite podcast hosting platform. Check our website (www.permittothink.com), subscribe to the newsletter, and get updates on the show. Please forward the show onto anyone who you think might dig it. Reviews help, thank you!

In this episode I sit down with AJ Sanders. AJ grew up on the rolling plains of Iowa. He came to Jackson, Wyoming to ski for a season after graduating from St. John’s University in Minnesota in 1996. Like many, he has never left. Owing to a youth spent canoeing and fishing along the Minnesota/Canadian border, AJ began working as a paddling instructor for Rendezvous River Sports in 1997. In 1999 he transitioned into a drift boat as a fly fishing guide. Today he continues to share his passion for these watersheds in a drift boat as a guide, but is also the owner of Wyoming Angling Company, a veteran full service outfitter steeped in the history of JH. Winter brings him full circle, back to working where the water originates. AJ is a guide, trainer & examiner and a ski instructor at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Additionally he works as a heli-ski guide at Alaska Rendezvous Lodge in Valdez, Alaska.

I first met AJ 20 years ago and we have worked together directly and indirectly ever since. AJ is extremely modest and even getting him to come on the show is a win. He is an extremely thoughtful, honest, soulful, and reflective friend who likes to fly under the radar. AJ is one of the most sought after guides on the snow and water in the region who prides himself on his teachings and building relationships through his trades. Actions speak louder than words.

I always value my time with AJ and I don’t seem to get enough of it, life, but I do today and as always I am looking forward to it. AJ lives in JH with his wife Tory, and their sons, Atticus and Oliver. Without further adieu please welcome AJ Sanders to the show!

Be sure to subscribe to this show on iTunes, Spotify, and your favorite podcast hosting platform. Check our website (www.permittothink.com), subscribe to the newsletter, and get updates on the show. Please forward the show onto anyone who you think might dig it. Reviews help, thank you!

In this episode I sit down with Darren Calhoun. Darren was born and raised on the Wind River Indian Reservation. His family is represented by both tribes as his mother was a part of the Northern Arapaho Tribe and his Father a part of the Eastern Shoshone. Darren is an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe. Darren started Wind River Canyon Whitewater & Fly Fishing with his father Melvin “Pete” Calhoun in 1992 and is currently operating his 30th season on the Wind River, one of the finest trout fishing rivers in the world. Darren received a PHD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Montana in 2005. It was around that time that I first met Darren and experienced the Wind River on the reservation. I distinctly remember being shocked that Darren’s company would only put one trip on a section river a day and had done so since inception. Looking back on the forward thinking, stewardship and conservation of the resource, it is truly remarkable. The Wind River reservation and its inhabitants continue to battle for the resource today, as the history of the water rights, lack of change and balance create a very messy picture. This story was highlighted in a film by Patagonia, in conjunction with Teton Gravity Research and Indifly. In the film Darren reflects on the constant attack throughout the years on the water that is crucial to their way of life, culture and history. The film lays out another forward thought, one in which there is hope that an outdoor based, sustainable recreational economy could flourish. Darren is additionally the author of the book titled Fly Fishing the Wind River Canyon. Darren is the husband of and listens to very closely and always agrees with his wife Kristin Kirlin, and is the exceptionally proud dad of Riley and Jaylen Calhoun. Without further adieu, please welcome Darren Calhoun to the show!

In this episode I sit down with Jeff Currier. Jeff has fished in over sixty countries and has landed over 430 species on a fly rod, I think I need to say that again just so it resonates with people, 60 countries and 430 species on a fly rod. Unreal… Jeff was born in Massachusetts and grew up fly fishing throughout New England. After graduating from High School, his search for new fly fishing adventures led him to Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin.

After four years of hardcore fly fishing for walleye, Northern pike and muskellunge, he graduated with a Naturalist Degree. After graduation he headed for Wyoming for a summer of trout bumming. This led to a fly shop management job in Jackson, Wyoming that for the next 23 years would guide him fly fishing around the world. Jeff’s articles, photographs and artwork have graced the pages of magazines, catalogs, brochures and books. Jeff is the acclaimed author of Currier’s Quick and Easy Guide to Saltwater Fly Fishing and Currier’s Quick and Easy Guide to Warmwater Fly Fishing guide books. He is a well sought after expert for television and commentary on radio appearing on Fishing the West, Fly Fishing the World, In Search of Fly Water, Reel Adventures, Fly Fish TV, Fly Fish America and Ask About Fly Fishing Internet Radio. He was also a featured angler in the popular fly fishing movies Connect, Waypoints, Soulfish 2, Carpland Evolution, Kendjam and Atlanticus.

One of Jeff’s most recognized accomplishments was leading Team USA to its first ever top-ten finish in the World Flyfishing Championships in Jaca, Spain. During the competition Jeff managed to fool fish on every venue and placed third in the individual standings, becoming the first American ever to take home a medal in the thirty year history of the Championships.

When the Fly Fishing Show season kicks off, Jeff can be found with crowds of people watching, listening and actively participating in his presentations. Jeff’s programs entertain, inform and instruct through his stories and beautiful photography. Jeff is an active member of the R.L. Winston Rod Co, Simms Fishing Products, Scientific Anglers, Bauer Reels, Yeti, Costa Sunglasses, Kate’s Real Foods, Fly Fishers International and Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures as well as a fly fishing lecturer and well known fish artist.

I have been fortunate to know Jeff for over 20 years and we have been able to do some amazing trips together, the Amazon, Bhutan to name a few and all around the Rocky Mountain West. We were featured in the film Carpland together which was another adventure in itself locally. Jeff’s sense of humor and authenticity follows him wherever he goes. He has a unique ability to be at ease in all situations (even when being smuggled in and out of India).

Today Jeff resides in Hayward, Wisconsin with his wife Yvonne where he bases his globe-trotting career in fly fishing. Without further adieu please welcome Jeff Currier to the show!

Be sure to subscribe to this show on iTunes, Spotify, and your favorite podcast hosting platform. Check our website (www.permittothink.com), subscribe to the newsletter, and get updates on the show. Please forward the show onto anyone who you think might dig it. Reviews help, thank you!

In this episode I sit down with Hal Hutchinson. Hal originally hails from Denver CO. He headed east and attended Syracuse University and then went on to the University of Vermont where he received a Master’s of Science in Historic Preservation. Hal has been involved in the world of community planning, land planning and land conservation for the past 30 years.

Hal served as the Planning Director of Telluride, Colorado where he focused on protecting historic and natural qualities of Telluride while developing affordable, workforce housing for residents. In 2006 Hal and his family headed north to JH. At that time he was reunited with his identical twin brother Ned aka the Kracken who also resides in JH (which we will explore more thoroughly) Upon his arrival in Wyoming, Hal worked as a land planning consultant before becoming the first Executive Director of the LOR Foundation, a private family foundation focused on community-based land conservation.

Hal is currently the president of HH Land Strategies where he works on land planning projects that provide both financial returns and community benefits. Additionally, Hal sits on the Teton Advisory Board at the LegacyWorks Group a group that accelerates community driven impact. Hal and I have traveled internationally together extensively. Adventures that revolve around fishing and quests to attempt surfing. Oman, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, to name a few. Throughout my years of knowing Hal, I knew what his job title was but didn’t necessarily comprehend what he did for work. It wasn’t until I had the opportunity to work directly with Hal and additionally experience some of his work in the community that my understanding of the gravity and stewardship of his work struck me. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the work that Hal does and his fortitude, that seems to go hand in hand, it can not be easy. Hal has an amazing ability to see the forest through the trees.

Hal currently resides in Wilson, WY with his wonderful family, his wife Robin, daughters Lucy & Elliot and son Fin. Without further adieu please welcome my good friend Hal to the show.

Be sure to subscribe to this show on iTunes, Spotify, and your favorite podcast hosting platform. Check our website (www.permittothink.com), subscribe to the newsletter, and get updates on the show. Please forward the show onto anyone who you think might dig it. Reviews help, thank you!

In this episode I sit down with Shawn Combs. Shawn is the Director of product design and development for fishing, hunting and dogs at the Orvis Company. He is also the lead designer for rods and reels. Shawn originally hails from Louisville, Kentucky where he grew up in the world of retail as his parents owned a specialty hunting and fishing shop. Shawn went to the University of Louisville where he graduated with a master's in mechanical engineering.

After a 10-year stint in the mechanical engineering world working for the likes of Exxon, GE and Lockheed Martin doing various small jobs all over the world, like developing and designing nuclear fuel for submarines, Shawn was on a flight back to upstate NY from UT, and then things changed. He happened to sit next to Steve Hemkens who at the time was the head of product development at the Orvis company (and also the older brother of Mikey Hemkens Episode 12) and asked him if he could borrow a copy of his Drake Magazine. (a grassroots journal for fly fishing enthusiasts) Five months later Shawn started working at the Orvis company and has been there ever since. I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Shawn since the time he started his professional journey in the fly-fishing industry. From where I sit, Shawn is an extraordinary talent and mind when it comes to developing products in the fly-fishing industry, and the proof is in the products. In talking with Shawn in regard to the products that he and Orvis create, his ability to converse on an earthly level in order to collaborate is wildly impressive.

Shawn currently lives in Winhall, VT with his wife Kate (grandfather-built bamboo rods at Orvis in the 50-70’s quite the coincidence) and his two daughters Blair, Isla. Without further adieu please welcome Shawn Combs to the show!

Be sure to subscribe to this show on iTunes, Spotify, and your favorite podcast hosting platform. Check our website (www.permittothink.com), subscribe to the newsletter, and get updates on the show. Please forward the show onto anyone who you think might dig it. Reviews help, thank you!

In this episode I sit down with Justin Waayenberg. Justin grew up in Caledonia, Michigan on a small farm and struggled to make it through high school. Justin joined the Army when he was just 17 years old as a Cavalry Scout. In 2008 he was deployed to Iraq. After returning from his deployment Justin moved to Montana in 2010 and left the Army in 2011. Justin took a job with Adipose Boatworks, which at the time was a new drift boat company that had been created based out of Helena, MT.

When Justin started working at Adipose Drift Boats he ended up helping finish up their first boat. He was quickly promoted to the production manager in the fall of 2010 and held that position until 2015 when he was promoted again to the General Manager of the company and has held the position with the company ever since and is now a part owner of the company. Additionally, Justin is the president of Mending Waters, MT a non-profit based out of Helena MT dedicated to healing veterans through fishing and nature. I first met Justin in 2012 through the owner of the company Mike Ward (a close friend to both of us) and have worked with him in one capacity or another ever since then, as an Ambassador for the brand and most recently as a consultant for the company.

Justin’s story is an inspiring example of change, commitment, and perseverance at the deepest level, one I look forward to exploring further today. I am honored to call Justin a close friend, he has been an inspiration to me, and I personally think about his story often. Justin currently lives in Helena, MT with his girlfriend Kelly and his daughter Kenna. Without further adieu please welcome Justin to the show.

Be sure to subscribe to this show on iTunes, Spotify, and your favorite podcast hosting platform. Check our website (www.permittothink.com), subscribe to the newsletter, and get updates on the show. Please forward the show onto anyone who you think might dig it. Reviews help, thank you!

In this episode I sit down with “Iron” Mike Steadman and talk about people that have brought me here, Mike literally walked me right into the podcasting chair. Iron Mike has so many things going on it is challenging to write his intro but here we go, this could take a little while: Iron Mike is the CEO and Founder of Ironbound Media a Veteran-owned media company that creates, distributes, and grows podcast series for brands and organizations. Mike is the CEO and Founder of Ironbound Boxing, a free boxing academy for inner city youth and adults located in Newark, NJ.

Mike is the host of multiple podcasts, Dog Whistle Branding, Confessions of a Native Son and the Transition. Mike is a Hoover Veteran Fellow at Stanford University, a public policy think tank promoting the principles of individual, economic, and political freedom. He is also the author of a new book “Black Veteran Entrepreneur '' which will be released fall 2022. Mike is an Advisor and brand strategist for Dope Coffee a specialty coffee company based in Atlanta, GA. that is on a mission to show the world that premium coffee and Black culture go hand in hand. He has been a consultant for multiple corporations including WeWork, Spotify, & Estsy.. Mike is also a member of the Lion’s Pride, a cohort with a mission to powerfully and positively impact Veteran Founded CEO’s and small business CEO’s, located right here in the Tetons.

Mike grew up in Tyler, TX and then went on to attend the United States Naval Academy where Mike was a three-time National Collegiate Boxing Champion. After the Naval academy Mike served as a Marine Corps Infantry Officer with deployments to Afghanistan and Japan/Philippines. (Thank you for your service) Mike’s dedication to the community and his corporate partners is an unwavering reflection of his military background. A champion for community, entrepreneurship, social impact, and economic development, Mike has established himself as a high-profile, relentlessly vocal advocate for Veterans and opportunity youth. I first met Mike when I decided to start this podcast through a mutual friend Mark Fisher of Fisher Creative who we will get on the show eventually and is also a member of the Lion’s Pride. It was an idea at the time when we first talked on the phone about a year ago, and now here we are. Mike is the producer of this show, and it is an honor to be able to sit down today and spend some time today with Iron Mike. We have yet to fish together, but we will, and I look forward to it. Mike currently resides in Newark, NJ with his girlfriend Symone. Without further adieu please welcome Iron Mike Steadman to the show.

Be sure to subscribe to this show on iTunes, Spotify, and your favorite podcast hosting platform. Check our website (www.permittothink.com), subscribe to the newsletter, and get updates on the show. Please forward the show onto anyone who you think might dig it. Reviews help, thank you!

In this episode I sit down with Stephen "Sulli" Sullivan. Sulli is a fixture in the Outdoor Industry and the JH Community. Sulli was the co-founder and president of Cloudveil Mountain Works from 1997 to 2010, an apparel company born and bred in the Tetons and a staple of the community. I still have some of the products and I often notice them on folks who too have old favorites that die hard.

After a brief hiatus and the expiration of a non-compete Sulli founded Stio in 2011 where he remains today as the CEO. Stio was founded to inspire connection with the outdoors through beautiful, functional products infused with mountain soul. True to the authenticity of the brand, the Stio catalog is on full display daily in and around the Rocky Mountains and beyond. In recent years Stio has experienced exponential growth (something I look forward to discussing today) To see Sulli’s vision come to fruition after decades of hard work and persistence is an inspiration and a case study of entrepreneurship for those lucky enough to work in industries, they are passionate about.

You can still find Sulli on the mountains, trails and rivers that fueled his vision some 30 years ago, daily. Sulli is a frequent panelist and lecturer in the outdoor/snow sports/fly fishing space and serves as a business mentor to several local and national companies. He is a board member/treasurer of the Jackson Hole One Fly Foundation and Center Management inc.

Sulli grew up in Grand Junction, CO and went to school in Durango where he graduated from Fort Lewis College. Sulli lives in Wilson, WY with his wife Anna and his three children Pryor (a former coworker of mine), Stewart and Harriet. Without further adieu, please welcome Sulli to the show!

Be sure to subscribe to this show on iTunes, Spotify, and your favorite podcast hosting platform. Check our website (www.permittothink.com), subscribe to the newsletter, and get updates on the show. Please forward the show onto anyone who you think might dig it. Reviews help, thank you!