Headwaters is a public radio-style podcast by Glacier National Park, produced with support from the Glacier National Park Conservancy. By visiting familiar places, the show tells unfamiliar stories about the park. We travel to every major region of Glacier in search of confluences: places where nature and culture come together in unexpected ways.
Glacier National Park - National Park Service
The Headwaters podcast exceeded my expectations with its high-quality production and engaging content. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of professionalism, comparable to any NPR segment. The topics covered in this season were surprisingly interesting, and I found myself eagerly anticipating each new episode. Overall, I am thoroughly impressed with the work that the hosts and the Glacier NP Conservancy put into this podcast, and I hope to see many more seasons to come.
One of the best aspects of The Headwaters podcast is its excellent production quality. The sound design, editing, and overall presentation are on par with professional podcasts from major media outlets. This attention to detail enhances the listening experience and makes it easy to stay engaged with the content. Additionally, the hosts are knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matter, which shines through in their storytelling. They have a knack for presenting complex information in a fun and approachable manner, making it easy for listeners to learn about the natural world.
While it is difficult to find any significant faults with The Headwaters podcast, one minor drawback is that it may not appeal to those who are not interested in nature or national parks. The focus on Glacier National Park and its ecosystem may limit its audience to those specifically interested in this topic. However, for nature enthusiasts or anyone planning a visit to Glacier National Park, this podcast is an invaluable resource.
In conclusion, The Headwaters podcast is a well-produced, informative, and entertaining show that teaches listeners about the natural world in a fun and approachable manner. It serves as a valuable resource for those planning a visit to Glacier National Park or anyone interested in learning more about nature conservation. I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen and look forward to future seasons. Kudos to the hosts and the Glacier NP Conservancy for creating such a fantastic show!
A conversation with Katie Pfennigs, who is the Director of External Affairs and Energy Services at the Flathead Electric Cooperative. This episode was recorded in May 2024. Headwaters is created by Daniel Lombardi, Gaby Eseverri, Peri Sasnett, and Madeline Vinh. Glacier Conservancy: glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: www.instagram.com/stella.nall/ Climate change in Glacier: www.nps.gov/glac/learn/nature/climate-change.htm
A lively debate between Michael Faist and Peri Sasnett about the best activities in Glacier, moderated by Sophia Britto. If you're planning a visit to the park, this episode might give you some ideas! Glacier Conservancy: glacier.org Frank Waln music: instagram.com/frankwaln Stella Nall art: instagram.com/stella.nall Glacier National Park: nps.gov/glac
A conversation with Jennifer Gibson, who coordinates post-wildfire response for the National Park Service. This episode was recorded in May 2024. Headwaters is created by Daniel Lombardi, Gaby Eseverri, Peri Sasnett, and Madeline Vinh. Glacier Conservancy: glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: www.instagram.com/stella.nall/ Climate change in Glacier: www.nps.gov/glac/learn/nature/climate-change.htm Whiskeytown National Recreation Area: www.nps.gov/whis
Planning a trip to Glacier and don't know what to wear? We've got fashion tips for you, along with the latest news from the park. Glacier Conservancy: glacier.org Frank Waln music: www.instagram.com/frankwaln Stella Nall art: stellanall.com
A mini mailbag episode answering listener-submitted questions. Send us your questions for future episodes at glac_media_lab@nps.gov with the subject "Headwaters." Glacier Conservancy: glacier.org Frank Waln music: www.instagram.com/frankwaln Stella Nall art: stellanall.com
A mini episode on the various ways to plan a trip to Glacier. Tune in to our next bonus episode where we'll answer listener-submitted questions on the show. Email your questions to glac_media_lab@nps.gov with the subject, "Headwaters." Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters/ Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://stellanall.com/
A conversation with Dr. Danielle Buttke, who works for the National Park Service at the intersection of human, wildlife, and environmental health. This episode was recorded in September 2023. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall/ Climate change in Glacier: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/nature/climate-change.htm Public health in National Parks: https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1735/index.ht
A conversation with Elizabeth Villano, from the NPS Climate Change Response Program, about telling climate stories and finding hope. This episode was recorded in June of 2023. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall/ Climate change in Glacier: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/nature/climate-change.htm Climate change across the NPS: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/climatechange/index.htm
A conversation with Dr. Tyler Hoecker, who studies forest ecology and the changing dynamics of fire as the climate warms. This episode was recorded in August of 2023. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall/ Climate change in Glacier: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/nature/climate-change.htm Dr. Hoecker's research: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378112721009051
A conversation with Dr. Caitlyn Florentine, research physical scientist with the US Geological Survey, who studies snow and ice in Glacier. This episode was recorded in May 2023. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall/ Overview of the park's glaciers: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/nature/glaciersoverview.htm
A conversation with Mike Durglo, Jr., climate coordinator and head of Historic Preservation for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. This episode was recorded in September of 2023. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall/ CSKT Climate Resiliency: http://csktclimate.org/
A conversation with longtime interpretive ranger Diane Sine about a lifetime of watching change in Glacier. This episode was recorded in May of 2023. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall/ Overview of the park's glaciers: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/nature/glaciersoverview.htm
The twin stories of bats facing white-nose syndrome in Glacier, and a volunteer who dedicated so much of his life to studying them. With disease and decline on the horizon for bats, what does the future look like? This episode is in memory of Lewis Young. Headwaters is created by Daniel Lombardi, Michael Faist, Gaby Eseverri, and Peri Sasnett Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall
What do animals do when we're not around? One way to answer that is by using remote cameras. By focusing on two camera studies in Glacier, we learn more about two animals in the park, and those of us who visit it. Headwaters is created by Daniel Lombardi, Michael Faist, Gaby Eseverri, and Peri Sasnett. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall/
Chasing one of Glacier's most elusive species, and getting comfortable in the dark. This is the story of Black Swifts in Glacier. Headwaters is created by Daniel Lombardi, Michael Faist, Gaby Eseverri, and Peri Sasnett. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall/
The cutest animal in Glacier may be at risk of disappearing, but it's hard to study an animal that lives under rocks, high in the mountains. How can we understand the hidden parts of the world around us? Headwaters is created by Daniel Lombardi, Michael Faist, Gaby Eseverri, and Peri Sasnett. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall/
Morgan Bell spent 10 seasons working on Glacier's trail crews—one of the toughest and most demanding jobs in the park. Until a single day—a single step—changed everything. Headwaters is created by Daniel Lombardi, Michael Faist, Gaby Eseverri, and Peri Sasnett. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall/
We sit down with Chuck Cameron, a lifelong Glacier Ranger, to learn about his incredible and unusual career. Headwaters is created by Daniel Lombardi, Michael Faist, Gaby Eseverri, and Peri Sasnett. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall/
We meet a ranger who lives in one of the wildest corners of Glacier—a place where age-old tools and skills are still practiced daily. But do traditional skills, or this way of life, still have a place in a rapidly-evolving world? Headwaters is created by Daniel Lombardi, Michael Faist, Gaby Eseverri, and Peri Sasnett. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall/
Bear spray saves lives, but where does it come from? We follow a Glacier grizzly to learn the story. Learn how to use bear spray, in the St. Mary episode of Season One: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confluence-st-mary/id1542669779?i=1000501502018 Headwaters is created by Daniel Lombardi, Michael Faist, Gaby Eseverri, and Peri Sasnett Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Stella Nall art: https://www.instagram.com/stella.nall
As parks become more and more popular, what do we want the visitor experience to be like? In this bonus episode, learn how Glacier is trying to answer this question.
A young national park wages biological warfare and nature finds a way. This is a history of wolves in Glacier. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Eric Carlson art: https://www.instagram.com/esccarlson/ Behind the scenes pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmSxSe2J Sign up for a Glacier Institute course: https://glacierinstitute.org/
This is the history of how a corporation marketed Glacier National Park into existence. We use art to study how the Blackfeet took control of their own histories. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Eric Carlson art: https://www.instagram.com/esccarlson/ Behind the scenes pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmSxSe2J See Winold Reiss's Art: https://iacbmuseums-viewingroom.exhibit-e.art/viewing-room
The twin stories of homesteading and allotment explored through baking and quilting analogies. How Euro-Americans came to settle inside the Glacier National Park and inside the Flathead Reservation. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Eric Carlson art: https://www.instagram.com/esccarlson/ Behind the scenes pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmSxSe2J
Why doesn't anyone remember the first rangers? We trace a Buffalo Soldiers expedition across the park and ask how history becomes preserved. Yosemite's A Buffalo Soldier Speaks Podcast: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/historyculture/buffspodcast16-30.htm Learn about African Americans in the National Park Service: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/africanamericanheritage/index.htm See more show notes on our website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/headwaters-podcast.htm
The Great Northern Railway changed Northwest Montana forever. Who else but Americans could have built it? Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Eric Carlson art: https://www.instagram.com/esccarlson/ Behind the scenes pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmSxSe2J The Empire Builder Documentary: https://greatnorthernfilmworks.com/
The Great Northern Railway changed Northwest Montana forever. Who else but Americans could have built it? Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Eric Carlson art: https://www.instagram.com/esccarlson/ Behind the scenes pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmSxSe2J The Empire Builder Documentary: https://greatnorthernfilmworks.com/
We biography Joe Kipp and join an archeological adventure in order to understand the fur trade. Then, music helps heal the traumatic legacy of history. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Eric Carlson art: https://www.instagram.com/esccarlson/ Behind the scenes pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmSxSe2J Jack Gladstone: https://www.jackgladstone.com/ Native America Speaks Program: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/nas.htm
Lewis and Clark are celebrated yet controversial. If you know what to look for, their names still echo through the park today. We examine their legacy from a variety of perspectives. Edgar Paxson painting: https://mhsmuseum.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/1885CEC9-39C3-4B45-889D-242479808699 Charlie Russell's painting: https://mhs.mt.gov/education/Capitol/Capitol-Art/House-of-Representatives See more show notes on our website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/headwaters-podcast.htm
Tracking down 600 generations of history. We venture out to the edge of the Ice Age to see how people lived and loved when this place was buried in glaciers. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Eric Carlson art: https://www.instagram.com/esccarlson/ Behind the scenes pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmSxSe2J People Before the Park: https://shop.glacier.org/people-before-the-park/
Glacier has a history of oil extraction. We travel to Many Glacier to see the consequences, and the causes of climate change. Along the way we talk to young people about how it feels to live with the weight of history. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Eric Carlson art: https://www.instagram.com/esccarlson/ Behind the scenes pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmSxSe2J Rising Voices Poetry Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
Consider this an extended warm up for season three of Headwaters. This episode includes two interviews about time, landscape, and history, that set the stage for the next nine to come. Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/headwaters Frank Waln music: https://www.instagram.com/frankwaln/ Eric Carlson art: https://www.instagram.com/esccarlson/ Behind the scenes pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmSxSe2J
Season Three of Headwaters is a history of Glacier National Park. From whiskey running and the war on wolves, to drilling for oil and dreaming of riches, this is a collection of stories about how one place in the Rocky Mountains became what it is today.
Season Three of Headwaters is a history of Glacier National Park. From whiskey running and the war on wolves, to drilling for oil and dreaming of riches, this is a collection of stories about how one place in the Rocky Mountains became what it is today.
Summer is coming to an end, how does Glacier change with the seasons? In this bonus episode, a quick look at current conditions in Glacier, and some helpful trip planning information if you're coming to the park soon. Glacier's Website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm Current Conditions & Construction: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/conditions.htm The Glacier National Park Conservancy: https://glacier.org/
For a few short weeks, the mountains are open. In this bonus episode, a quick look at current conditions in Glacier, and some helpful trip planning information if you're coming to the park soon. Vehicle Reservation Information: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrticketedentry.htm Current Conditions & Construction: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/conditions.htm The Glacier National Park Conservancy: https://glacier.org/
The park is opening up, and Montana's most famous plant is ripening. In this bonus episode, a quick look at current conditions in Glacier, and some helpful trip planning information if you're coming to the park soon. Vehicle Reservation Information: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrticketedentry.htm Current Conditions & Construction: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/conditions.htm The Glacier National Park Conservancy: https://glacier.org/
What is it like in Glacier right now? The answer has been: Rainy. In this bonus episode, a quick look at current conditions in Glacier, and some helpful trip planning information if you're coming to the park soon. Vehicle Reservation Information: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrticketedentry.htm Current Conditions & Construction: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/conditions.htm The Glacier National Park Conservancy: https://glacier.org/
What is it like in Glacier right now? This June, the answer has been: Rainy. In this bonus episode, a quick look at June in Glacier, and some helpful trip planning information if you're coming to the park soon. Vehicle Reservation Information: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrticketedentry.htm Current Conditions & Construction: https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/conditions.htm The Glacier National Park Conservancy: https://glacier.org/
Trees, fish, and ferrets—what is our relationship with nature? The Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/ Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation: https://whitebarkfound.org/ Revive and Restore: https://reviverestore.org/ Pictures of whitebark pine: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWJ2S4F Ben Cosgrove Music: https://www.bencosgrove.com/ See more show notes on our website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/headwaters-podcast.htm
Collecting pinecones, planting seeds, and other acts of hope. The Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/ Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation: https://whitebarkfound.org/ Pictures of whitebark pine: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWJ2S4F Ben Cosgrove Music: https://www.bencosgrove.com/ See more show notes on our website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/headwaters-podcast.htm
Mountain pine beetles, an invasive fungus, and climate change—is whitebark pine doomed? The Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/ Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation: https://whitebarkfound.org/ American Chestnut book: https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520259942/american-chestnut Documentary about Ranger Doug: https://www.instagram.com/rangerdougfilm/ Pictures of whitebark pine: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmWJ2S4F Ben Cosgrove Music: https://www.bencosgrove.com/
An entire ecosystem held together by one tree. The Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/ Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation: https://whitebarkfound.org/ Tree Huggers Comedy: https://www.treehuggerscomedy.com/ Picture of Clark's Nutcracker: https://flic.kr/p/2mqRdzH Ben Cosgrove Music: https://www.bencosgrove.com/ See more show notes on our website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/headwaters-podcast.htm
Journey across the Flathead Indian Reservation to the most important tree you've never heard of. The Glacier Conservancy: https://glacier.org/ Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation: https://whitebarkfound.org/ Pictures of Ilawye, the Great Great Grandparent Tree: https://flic.kr/p/2mtQsSH Ben Cosgrove Music: https://www.bencosgrove.com/ Claire Emery Art: https://www.emeryart.com/ See more show notes on our website: https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/headwaters-podcast.htm
Season Two documents the generational effort to restore a whitebark pine in five chapters. It's also a story about the purpose of national parks and our relationship with nature. We ask, can people have a positive impact on their environment?
You should always bring food, water, and plenty of layers when you go hiking in Glacier—but sometimes you might even need… a passport? In this episode, we'll learn about the friendship that led to the world's first International Peace Park. After that, two stories about how that designation has affected those that live and work here. Featuring: Natalie Hodge, Tracey Wiese, Lisa Bate, and Justin and Kim McKeown. Voice acting from Bob Adams. For more information, visit: go.nps.gov/headwaters
How does fire affect our relationship with the park? In this episode of Headwaters we explore our relationship to fire through different lenses. What is it like to be in a wildfire? How have native people used fire? How does fire affect plants and animals? And finally, what can we learn about our history from fire? Featuring: Chris Peterson, Tony Incashola Sr., Dawn LaFleur, Teagan Hayes, Mike Sanger, Sarah Peterson, and Brent Rowley. For more information, visit: go.nps.gov/headwaters
In this episode of Headwaters we visit one of Glacier's most popular and unique destinations: Logan Pass. First, we'll learn about the road that gets us up here, the Going-to-the-Sun Road, and about some hilarious attempts to reduce our impact at Logan Pass. We'll learn about appreciating the natural smells of the park, and end with the search for a rare and disappearing flower. Featuring: Bill Schustrom, Jeff Hoyt, Emlon Stanton, Will Rice, and Darren Lewis. For more info, visit go.nps.gov/headwaters
Many Glacier is home to some of the park's most popular trails, like the Grinnell Glacier trail. Many want to see Grinnell because—like the other glaciers in the park—it is retreating. In our search to understand how Grinnell has changed, we meet someone who last visited the glacier over 30 years ago and hike with a researcher who discovered the power of portraits. Featuring: Gerard Byrd, Bob Adams, Diane Sine, and Lisa McKeon For more info, visit: go.nps.gov/headwaters
In this episode, the Flathead River reveals our own notions of wilderness, and remarkable fossils. We learn about a glacier with a complicated past—and we climb to a mountaintop to learn that even the park's most isolated office isn't as lonely as it seems. Featuring: Colter Pence, Amanda Wilson, Kurt Constenius, Dale Greenwalt, Christoph Irmscher, Beth Hodder, Karen Reeves, and interviews & letters from Kay Rosengren—courtesy of the NWMT-FFLA. For more info, visit: go.nps.gov/headwaters
In this episode of Headwaters, we visit St. Mary, looking for experiences that are disappearing from the world. After hearing about the legendary St. Mary winds, Michael gets up early to try to see a grizzly bear, and we learn how these animals are faring in Glacier's ecosystem. Andrew stays up late to visit the St. Mary observatory and learn about dark skies and stargazing in Glacier. Featuring: Debby Smith, Bob Adams, Tabitha Graves, and Lee Rademaker. For more info, visit: go.nps.gov/headwaters