High Mountain Living

About High Mountain Living

High Mountain Living is your front-row seat to the heart and soul of Lake Tahoe and Truckee. This podcast dives deep into the incredible stories of the people who make this mountain paradise more than just a destination—it’s a way of life. Join us as we sit down with local residents, passionate business owners, and influential changemakers who are shaping the culture, spirit, and future of our vibrant community. From uncovering hidden gems and untold histories to celebrating the unique mountain lifestyle, every episode is a journey into what makes this area so extraordinary. Whether you’re a long-time local, a curious visitor, or someone who dreams of mountain living, High Mountain Living offers inspiring conversations, authentic connections, and a fresh perspective on life at elevation. Tune in and discover the stories that make our community thrive.

Publisher

Kari Chalstrom

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Oct 2025

Latest episode

18 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Mar 2026

   Crafting Community: Inside the Truckee Roundhouse with Karyn Stanley

   Summary In this engaging interview, Karen Stanley, the executive director of the Truckee Roundhouse, shares her journey from the mountains of California to leading a vibrant community makerspace. Discover how her diverse background in conservation, fundraising, and outdoor recreation has shaped her vision for fostering creativity, community engagement, and educational opportunities through the Truckee Maker Space. keywords: Truckee Maker Space, community makerspace, youth education, trades, creativity, Tahoe, community development, maker movement, nonprofit leadership key topics Truckee Maker Space expansion and future plans Community engagement and education programs Bridging gaps in local youth and adult trades education Sound Bites "I grew up coming up to Tahoe" "I wanted to work on the mountain" "The 10 year anniversary gift is LEDs" Chapters 00:00Introduction and Background 00:51Journey to Truckee Tahoe 05:46Career Path and Makerspace Involvement 09:31Education and Community Engagement 14:36Future Aspirations for the Community 21:46Personal Interests and Outdoor Activities 26:42Closing Thoughts and Community Connection

2. 

   26 Feb 2026

   Chasing Nirvana in Truckee: Priya Hutner’s Story of Spirit & Creativity

   In this engaging conversation, Priya Hutner shares her journey from a spiritual community to becoming a local author and private chef in Truckee. She discusses her upcoming memoir, 'Chasing Nirvana', the importance of community support, and her role in founding the Tahoe Literary Festival. Priya emphasizes the significance of storytelling and the literary arts, while also expressing her aspirations for the Truckee community's future. Keywords: Priya Hutner, Tahoe Literary Festival, memoir, spiritual community, Truckee, writing, cooking, community support, literary arts, personal journey Takeaways: Priya Hutner is a local author and private chef. She moved to Truckee after a breakup and fell in love with the area. Priya has a background in a spiritual community and as a food editor. Her memoir, 'Chasing Nirvana', explores her spiritual journey. The Tahoe Literary Festival celebrates literary arts and community. Priya aims to support emerging authors through the festival. The Truckee Literary Crawl brings together local authors and readers. Community support has been vital for Priya's writing journey. Priya encourages others to share their stories and write books. She envisions a more sustainable and supportive community in Truckee. Sound Bites: "I feel very lucky to live here." "I want to write a book." "Everything's a story." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Priya Hutner 00:59 Journey to Tahoe: A New Beginning 03:37 Life in the Ashram: Spirituality and Community 07:51 The Birth of a Memoir: Chasing Nirvana 11:56 Building Community: The Tahoe Literary Festival 17:09 Future Aspirations: Growth and Sustainability 29:38 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

3. 

   6 Feb 2026

   Inside PT Revolution: Building Stronger Mountain Athletes with Jason Collin

   The conversation with Jason Collin, the Director of Awesomeness at PT Revolution, covers his journey to thriving in Tahoe, the mission of PT Revolution, his passion for physical therapy and leadership, community engagement, and his vision for the future of the community. Jason's commitment to physical therapy, leadership, and community involvement shines through in his insights and experiences. Takeaways Director of Awesomeness Physical Therapy and Performance Training Leadership and Community Involvement Chapters 00:00 Favorite Forms of Play and Community Vision

4. 

   22 Jan 2026

   Special Treat! Who are Kari & Mace of the High Mountain Living Podcast?

   Summary In this episode of the High Mountain Living podcast, hosts Kari Chalstrom and Mace Cook introduce themselves and share their personal journeys to Truckee, California. They discuss their motivations for moving to the area, emphasizing the importance of outdoor living and community engagement. Mace reflects on his upbringing in Truckee, his passion for outdoor activities, and his journey into real estate, while Kari shares her transition from city life to embracing the mountain lifestyle with her family. The conversation highlights their shared values of community support and lifelong learning, setting the stage for future episodes where they will interview guests from the area. The hosts delve into their experiences in the local community, touching on their hobbies, volunteer work, and the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life. They emphasize the significance of location in real estate, advocating for a lifestyle that aligns with one's passions and community involvement. The episode serves as a warm introduction to the hosts and their vision for the podcast, inviting listeners to connect with them and explore the vibrant life in Truckee and Tahoe. Keywords Truckee, Tahoe, real estate, outdoor living, community engagement, podcast, lifestyle, interviews, personal journeys, High Mountain Living Takeaways "We ask people that question: who you are and why are you here?" "Experience is equivalent to education, but both have their value." "It takes a lot of grit to live here year-round." "We want to learn about people and how they give back to the community." "You move up here for the lifestyle, not just the snow." Sound Bites "Who you are and why are you here?" "Experience is equivalent to education." "You move up here for the lifestyle, not just the snow." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to High Mountain Living 01:48 Mace's Journey to Truckee 15:51 Carrie's Transition to Truckee 33:08 Community Involvement and Closing Thoughts

5. 

   8 Jan 2026

   Shaping Place: Doug Appleton on Guest House Lake Tahoe and Community Stewardship

   We're sitting down with Doug Appleton, a corporate lawyer who shares his journey to Tahoe and discusses the development of The Guest House here in Truckee. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and responsible growth in the region. Takeaways Community Involvement Transition to Mountain Living Chapters 00:00 Community Involvement and Transition to Mountain Living

6. 

   25 Dec 2025

   Mountain Life Success: When Someone Spots Your Potential with Joey Alfonso

   In this episode of the High Mountain Living podcast, hosts Kari Chalstrom and Mace Cook welcome guest Joey Afonso, owner of Farmers Insurance in Truckee. Discover Joey's inspiring journey from Southern California to the mountains, his unexpected transition from the food and beverage industry to insurance, and the vital role of community and family in his life. This episode is a testament to perseverance, seizing opportunities, and the unique challenges and rewards of the mountain lifestyle. Keywords High Mountain Living, Joey Afonso, Farmers Insurance, Truckee, mountain lifestyle, insurance industry, community, family, food and beverage Takeaways Joey Afonso's journey from Southern California to Truckee was driven by his love for the mountains. Joey's transition from the food and beverage industry to insurance was unexpected but rewarding. Community and family play a significant role in Joey's life and career. Joey's story highlights the importance of perseverance and seizing opportunities. The mountain lifestyle offers unique challenges and rewards. Joey's experience in the food and beverage industry taught him valuable skills for his insurance career. The support of mentors and family has been crucial to Joey's success. Joey's wife plays a key role in their insurance business, particularly in life insurance. The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point in Joey's career, leading him to pursue insurance. Joey's story is a testament to the power of community and the opportunities it can provide. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Joey Afonso 00:03:00 Journey to the Mountains 00:09:00 Transition to Insurance 00:15:00 Building a Family Business 00:21:00 Community and Lifestyle

7. 

   18 Dec 2025

   From Ski Town Dreams to Community Leadership with Annie Rosenfeld

   In this episode of the High Mountain Living podcast, hosts Kari Chalstrom and Mace Cook sit down with Annie Rosenfeld, the General Manager of the Tahoe Donner Association. Annie shares her journey from moving to Truckee in 1991 to becoming a key figure in the community. Annie highlights the challenges and rewards of living in a small town, the importance of community interconnectedness through bike paths, and her vision for the future of Tahoe and Truckee. She also touches on her role in fostering community engagement and sustainability, emphasizing the significance of strategic decisions in recreation and land management. Keywords Annie Rosenfeld, Tahoe Donner, community, recreation management, sustainable development, Truckee, mountain living, interconnectedness, Tahoe vision, local insights Takeaways Annie Rosenfeld moved to Truckee in 1991 and became a long-time local. She emphasizes the importance of community interconnectedness through bike paths. Annie discusses the challenges of living in a mountain town, including housing and employment. She shares her vision for sustainable development in Tahoe Donner. Annie highlights the role of recreation management in community building. The conversation explores the balance between growth and maintaining a small-town feel. Annie talks about the importance of listening to the community and being transparent. She reflects on the changes in Truckee over the past 30 years. Annie shares her experiences as the first female general manager in 35 years. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of Tahoe Donner and its community. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Annie Rosenfeld 00:00:00 Annie's Journey to Truckee 00:00:00 Community Interconnectedness 00:00:00 Challenges of Mountain Living 00:00:01 Vision for Tahoe Donner 00:00:01 Recreation Management and Community Building 00:00:01 Balancing Growth and Small-Town Feel 00:00:02 Annie's Role as General Manager 00:00:02 Reflections on Truckee's Evolution 00:00:03 Future of Tahoe Donner

8. 

   11 Dec 2025

   Community at Altitude: Kristin York’s Tahoe Truckee Story

   In this episode, we sit down with Kristin York, Vice President of Sierra Business Council and dedicated non-profit leader, to explore her journey from the Bay Area to Truckee, California. Kristin shares how her passion for sustainability, small business, and public service has shaped her work in the Sierra Nevada region. Together, we dive into the challenges of housing, the importance of community engagement, and the role local businesses play in keeping Truckee vibrant and resilient. This conversation is a heartfelt look at what it means to build belonging in a mountain town, and why accessible housing and strong community ties are essential for the future of Truckee. takeaways Community is essential for personal fulfillment and growth. Reinventing oneself in a new environment can be challenging yet rewarding. Public service provides valuable insights into community needs and governance. Accessible housing is a critical issue for maintaining community integrity. Sustainability practices are vital for the future of local businesses. Engagement in local initiatives fosters a sense of belonging. Balancing work and personal life is crucial for well-being. The natural beauty of Truckee enhances the quality of life. Youth programs are important for developing local talent and workforce. Community involvement is key to creating a thriving environment. Sound Bites "The importance of community is paramount." "We are truly blessed to live here." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Kristen York and Her Journey 04:38Reinventing Life in Truckee 15:51Addressing Housing Challenges 20:49The Role of Sierra Business Council 28:13Maintaining Work-Life Balance 34:16Future Changes in Truckee

9. 

   5 Dec 2025

   Passion, Purpose and Plates! The Hey Chef! Journey with Holly Verbeck

   In this conversation with Holly Verbeck, owner of Hey Chef, shares her journey as a private chef staffing company owner in Truckee, Tahoe. She discusses the importance of culinary skills, the challenges chefs face, and how her business supports them in their careers. Holly also reflects on raising her children in the Truckee area, the sense of community, and her aspirations for the future, including support for local development and initiatives. Takeaways Holly Verbeck runs a private chef staffing company called Hey Chef. The inspiration for Hey Chef came from Holly's desire to support her husband, a chef. Chefs need more than cooking skills; they need to be personable and organized. Private chefs offer a unique dining experience that restaurants cannot replicate. Holly emphasizes the importance of professionalism in the culinary field. The model of Hey Chef allows chefs to experiment without the risks of opening a restaurant. Raising children in Truckee offers a strong sense of community and excellent schools. Holly's children have benefited from the local education system and community activities. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local initiatives and community development. Holly is excited about future projects, including a new library and support for the homeless. Sound Bites "Chefs are overworked and underpaid." "I just want to be on the water." "I'm really stoked for the library." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Hey Chef and Holly Verbeck 02:23The Role of Private Chefs in Home Entertaining 05:23Skills and Qualities of a Successful Chef 07:49Holly's Journey to Truckee and Starting Hey Chef 10:22Supporting Chefs and Building Confidence 12:31The Unique Experience of In-Home Dining 14:23Raising Kids in Truckee and Community Involvement 16:52The Evolution of Truckee and Personal Growth 19:25Future Aspirations and Community Support 22:09Reflections on Life in Truckee

10. 

    27 Nov 2025

    Creative Writing in the Heart of Tahoe with Karen Terrey!

    Karen Terrey is an accomplished instructor and poet laureate who has made significant contributions to the creative community in Tahoe. Since moving to the area in 2004, she has been teaching at Sierra Nevada College and has founded Tangled Roots Writing, a business dedicated to fostering creative expression through writing workshops. Her work emphasizes the importance of community engagement and offers generative writing workshops for all levels and genres. Karen's journey reflects a deep commitment to giving back to the community and nurturing creative talents. Chapters 00:00:30 Introduction and Background 00:00:55 Journey to Tahoe 00:03:43 Teaching and Writing 00:04:29 Creative Workshops 00:16:48 Community Engagement 00:29:34 Closing Thoughts Takeaways Karen up to Tahoe in 2004. She started teaching at Sierra Nevada College. Founded Tangled Roots Writing business. Creative writing workshop for all genres. Importance of community engagement. Generative writing workshop for all levels. Instructor and poet laureate journey. Giving back to the community. Creative expression through writing. Started Monday night creative writing workshop.

11. 

    20 Nov 2025

    From Delivery Room to Retirement: Our Guest Dr. Steve Thompson

    In this engaging interview, Steve Thompson, a 40-year resident of the Tahoe Truckee area, shares his journey from Denver to Truckee, where he began his career as an obstetrician in 1984. Steve discusses his professional experiences, having delivered over 5,600 babies, and reflects on the lifestyle changes he has witnessed in the community. He talks about his love for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and kayaking, and shares insights into raising a family in the area. Steve also highlights his involvement with the Public Arts Commission of Truckee and shares his vision for the next five years in the community. Keywords Steve Thompson, Tahoe Truckee, obstetrician, outdoor activities, family life, Public Arts Commission Takeaways Steve Thompson has lived in Tahoe Truckee for 40 years. He started his career as an obstetrician in 1984. Steve has delivered over 5,600 babies. He enjoys skiing, hiking, and kayaking. Steve is involved with the Public Arts Commission of Truckee. He moved to Truckee from Denver. Steve reflects on lifestyle changes in the area. He raised two kids in Truckee. Steve shares his vision for the next five years. The community's outdoor lifestyle is a highlight for Steve. Chapters 00:00:05 Introduction to Steve Thompson 00:00:34 Journey to Truckee 00:01:11 Career as an Obstetrician 00:02:05 Outdoor Activities and Lifestyle 00:07:22 Family Life in Truckee 00:18:02 Community Involvement and Future Plans

12. 

    14 Nov 2025

    Truckee's Whitney Hardy: A Story of Recovery and Community

    Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Whitney Hardy, a Truckee native who overcame a life-altering accident to rediscover her roots and passion for community. From her formative years in Truckee to her college days at Tufts University, Whitney shares her experiences of resilience, recovery, and the power of community support. Discover how she navigated the challenges of a traumatic brain injury and found solace in music therapy, ultimately leading to a cross-country bike trip for stroke awareness. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring bonds of a small-town community. Keywords Whitney Hardy, Truckee, resilience, community, traumatic brain injury, music therapy, stroke awareness, recovery, Tufts University, cross-country bike trip Takeaways Whitney Hardy's journey from Truckee to Tufts University and back. The impact of a traumatic brain injury on Whitney's life. How music therapy played a crucial role in Whitney's recovery. The importance of community support in overcoming life's challenges. Whitney's cross-country bike trip for stroke awareness. The enduring bonds of a small-town community. Whitney's resilience and determination to rebuild her life. The role of sports and outdoor activities in Whitney's recovery. Whitney's involvement in the Truckee Community Chorus. The power of storytelling in healing and recovery. Sound bites "Resilience in Truckee" "From Trauma to Triumph" "The Healing Power of Music" "Strength, Community, and Resilience" "A Journey of Healing" "Cross-Country Quest for Awareness" "The Spirit of Truckee" "Overcoming Adversity" "Whitney's Inspiring Return" "Path to Recovery" Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Whitney Hardy 00:00:00 Growing Up in Truckee 00:00:00 College Years and Beyond 00:00:00 The Accident and Recovery 00:00:01 Music Therapy and Healing 00:00:01 Cross-Country Bike Trip 00:00:01 Returning to Truckee 00:00:02 Community and Resilience

13. 

    7 Nov 2025

    Rooted in Tahoe: Delana Ryan’s Story

    Join us as we dive into the vibrant life of Delana Ryan, a passionate community member who moved from the bustling East Coast to the serene landscapes of Tahoe Truckee. Discover her journey of embracing new adventures, from teaching yoga and skiing to engaging in community theater. Delana shares her insights on building connections, pursuing passions, and the unique charm of living in a small town with big opportunities. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about finding your place and thriving in a new environment. Keywords: Delana Ryan, Tahoe Truckee, community, yoga, skiing, theater, small town, passions, connections, new adventures Takeaways: Delana Ryan's move from East Coast to Tahoe Truckee Embracing new adventures in a small town Teaching yoga and skiing as a passion Engaging in community theater Building connections in a new environment The charm of living in Tahoe Truckee Finding your place and thriving Pursuing passions in a supportive community Insights on building connections Unique opportunities in a small town

14. 

    30 Oct 2025

    Brewing Balance: Alicia Barr's Journey in Tahoe-Truckee

    Episode 3! Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Alicia Barr, a former mayor and local business owner in Truckee. Discover how she and her husband transitioned from the corporate world to founding 50-50 Brewing, a community hub that embodies the spirit of balance and connection. From the challenges of starting a business to the joys of living in a tight-knit community, Alicia shares her insights and experiences that make Truckee a unique place to call home.

15. 

    23 Oct 2025

    From Canvas to Community: Kellie Cutler's Vision for Tahoe-Truckee Arts

    Join Kari Chalstrom and Mace Cook as they sit down with Kelly Cutler, a dynamic community nonprofit ambassador and program manager for the Truckee Cultural District. In this engaging episode, Kelly shares her journey from the arts industry in San Francisco to becoming a pivotal figure in Nevada's cultural landscape. Discover the unique challenges and triumphs of living and working in the vibrant community of Truckee, where world-class recreation meets world-class artistic talent. From the importance of cultural districts to the grit required to thrive in a rural setting, this conversation is a testament to the power of community and creativity. Tune in to explore the intersection of art, culture, and community in one of California's most unique regions.

16. 

    16 Oct 2025

    The Story Starts Here with April Cole as our first guest!

    We have the honor of inviting Truckee local April Cole, who is the Executive Director of the Friends of Truckee Library, to our very first podcast. We'll dive deep into discovering how she became a Tahoe local and how her commitment to this community is shaping the future of our mountain town.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.5 / 5

4 ratings

Contact High Mountain Living

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.