Podcasts about montana office

As students head back into the classroom, they'll find many of their fellow classmates are…not there. Overall, more parents are choosing to teach their kids at home. A perception of safety and the flexibility to teach their children religious or cultural values are among the top reasons parents give for homeschooling. In addition, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced students to learn from home, more parents got used to the idea of taking on the task. We'll talk with Native homeschooling families and advocates about what is important to them this school year. GUESTS Chris Morigeau (Bitterroot Salish), director of American Indian Education for All at the Montana Office of Public Instruction Sara Gon (Diné), homeschool mom and vlogger The Navajo Mama Lisa Iron Cloud (Oglala Lakota), community member

Today, Hunter is once again joined by Brett Schandelson, the Director of the Montana Office of the State Public Defender. Last time he was one, we discussed his efforts to make Public Defense policy in Montana driven by data. Today, we discuss how those efforts have drastically turned the state system around. Specifically, Brett details how doing a better job of tracking cases and sticking to a workload standard has reduced turnover and helped retain Public Defenders throughout the state. Guests: Brett Schandelson, Director, Montana Office of the State Public Defender   Resources: Office of the State Public Defender https://publicdefender.mt.gov/ Agenda-DIBC-12-13-2023.pdf (mt.gov) 61080-OPD-QFR-Dec2023.pdf (mt.gov) Quick video on the OPD Quarterly Update (at meeting start) Brett's presentation 12/13/23 IBC OPD Section Materials https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/fiscal/2025-Biennium/Section-D/Interim/OPD-Narrative-Response.pdf https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/fiscal/2025-Biennium/Section-D/Interim/OPD-Fees-Assessed-and-Paid.pdf https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/fiscal/2025-Biennium/Section-D/Interim/OPD-Ethical-Case-Management.pdf https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/fiscal/2025-Biennium/Section-D/Interim/OPD-FTE-Allocation.pdf https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/fiscal/2025-Biennium/Section-D/Interim/OPD-Fees-Assessed-Q1-FY24.pdf https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/fiscal/2025-Biennium/Section-D/Interim/OPD-Contractor-Capital-Hours-Q1-FY24.pdf https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/fiscal/2025-Biennium/Section-D/Interim/OPD-Number-of-Matters-by-FTE-and-Contractors-Q1-FY24.pdf https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/fiscal/2025-Biennium/Section-D/Interim/OPD-Number-of-Matters-Without-MCA-Violations-Q1-FY24.pdf https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/fiscal/2025-Biennium/Section-D/Interim/OPD-Active-Matters-and-Weights-December-7-2023.pdf https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/fiscal/2025-Biennium/Section-D/Interim/OPD-HB-190-Annual-Plan-FY24.pdf https://leg.mt.gov/content/Publications/fiscal/2025-Biennium/Section-D/Interim/OPD-IBC-Update-Dec2023.pdf   Contact Hunter Parnell:                                 Publicdefenseless@gmail.com  Instagram @PublicDefenselessPodcast Twitter                                                                 @PDefenselessPod www.publicdefenseless.com  Subscribe to the Patron www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast  Donate on PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN  

In this episode of Rural Health Leadership Radio, hosted by Bill Auxier and Sydney Grant, guest Kristen Juliar, a capital resources consultant with the National Organization for State Offices of Rural Health, discusses her journey into rural healthcare. In our discussion with Kristin, she talks about the importance of understanding rural healthcare needs and highlights various successful partnerships and projects that integrate healthcare with broader community services. Kristin helps rural communities sustain healthcare services by engaging partnerships and accessing capital resources. “There is a ton of expertise out there, so don't be afraid to tap into that” -Kristin Juliar Kristin Juliar is a seasoned consultant with the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health, where she leads the Rural Health Capital Resources Council and Center. She has an extensive background in rural health and community development, having previously directed the Montana Office of Rural Health and the Montana Area Health Education Center at Montana State University for 16 years. Before her tenure in Montana, she directed Minnesota's Healthcare Education-Industry Partnership and served as Executive Director of a rural development organization. Juliar is actively involved in various national rural health committees, including the Executive Committee of the National Rural Health Resource Center and the AHA Population and Community Health Advisory Committee. She holds an M.A. in Urban and Regional Studies.

Durango School District 9-R teachers achieved their certification for teaching Native American Games over the summer, thanks to a three-day training program through the Montana Office of Instruction. The traditional Native American games offer students of all grade levels various challenges and benefits, mental and physical. Title VI Program Manager Orlando Griego believes the addition will bring a sense of belonging to Native American students in the district. By Connor Shreve.Watch this story at www.durangolocal.news/newsstories/durango-schools-add-native-american-games-to-curriculum This story is sponsored by Kroegers Ace Hardware and The Payroll DepartmentSupport the show

Montana Public Defense has seen a lot in the 21st century. A lawsuit in the early aughts lead to massive changes and the creation of the state public defender system. Now almost 20 years later, the Montana Public Defense system is still only treading water. Driven by an shortage of attorneys around the state and severe under pay, the system is looking for new, innovative ways to stay afloat. Joining Hunter to discuss these newer data driven approaches is Brett Schandelson, Director of the State Public Defender. With so few attorneys in so much of the state, the challenges ahead of Brett and his team are immense, but the changes he is implementing just might be what saves Public Defense in Montana.     Guests: Brett Schandelson, Director, Montana Office of the State Public Defender     Resources: Office of the State Public Defender https://publicdefender.mt.gov/ Case Refusal Yellowstone County https://apnews.com/article/courts-montana-billings-5c9b515e281d4f53ca02bc4880226bf8 Broken Defense Coverage of Montana Public Defense https://missoulian.com/news/national/unconstitutional-public-defense-systems-upend-lives-freedom-across-west/article_22b17815-34f2-5798-a6a4-6d537e6a9886.html   Contact Hunter Parnell: Publicdefenseless@gmail.com  Instagram @PublicDefenselessPodcast Twitter                                                                 @PDefenselessPod www.publicdefenseless.com  Subscribe to the Patron www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast  Donate on PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN  

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Specialist Kei Matsunami talks with Chris Gaskell of Grasmick Produce of Twin Falls and Boise, Idaho, about the company's farm to school sales and DoD Fresh contract with the Montana Office of Public Instruction. This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.This podcast episode is one of a number of case studies featuring farmers successfully navigating school sales as part of Bringing the Farm to School, a training program developed as a cooperative agreement between NCAT, the National Farm to School Network and the USDA Food and Nutrition Services.

In this episode of Voices from the Field, NCAT Specialist Kei Matsunami talks with Chris Gaskell of Grasmick Produce of Twin Falls and Boise, Idaho, about the company's farm to school sales and DoD Fresh contract with the Montana Office of Public Instruction. This podcast is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.This podcast episode is one of a number of case studies featuring farmers successfully navigating school sales as part of Bringing the Farm to School, a training program developed as a cooperative agreement between NCAT, the National Farm to School Network and the USDA Food and Nutrition Services.

It's Friday, September 2. Today, Montana's wildfire risk is high heading into the holiday weekend, the Montana Office of Public Defender has a new boss, and the state could have its first new copper mine in almost 20 years.

Montana Office of Public Instruction Superintendent Elsie Arntzen joined the KGEZ Good Morning Show with John Hendricks and Robin Mitchell on Tuesday August 2nd, 2022 to talk about Chapter 55 Negotiated Rulemaking and Title IX definition of sex and school nutrition.  

Montana Office of Public Instruction's Superintendent Elsie Arntzen joined the KGEZ Good Morning Show with John Hendricks and Robin Mitchell on Tuesday June 7, 2022 to talk about Assessment participation data, Chapter 55 Negotiated Rulemaking Committee update, School Finance Summit and Summer Institute.

Montana Office of Public Instruction's Superintendent Elsie Arntzen joined the KGEZ Good Morning Show with John Hendricks and Robin Mitchell on Monday April 18, 2022 to talk about the innovative solutions to the one-size-fits-all standardized testing.

Montana Office of Public Instruction's Superintendent Elsie joined the KGEZ Good Morning Show with John Hendricks and Robin Mitchell on Monday August 30, 2021 to talk about the letter she recently wrote to the Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona.

The Montana Office of Public Instruction has submitted a plan to distribute $382 million to schools from federal pandemic aid. The state's public schools superintendent is pushing back on some of the strings attached to the money.

March 17, 2021 45 Minutes Dave Lankes & Mike Eisenberg In this episode, Mike and Dave start with a brief exchange on the changing nature of work and the need to help low-wage earners find out about high demand jobs, requirements, and opportunities for getting access to quality training. Mike & Dave then pick up the conversation about education in the evolving new normal from episode 3's insights from Colet Bartow, Teaching and Learning Senior Manager in the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Colet raised such issues as the increased interest in homeschooling or perhaps moving to a blended or hybrid approach to schooling, as well as the continued challenges of the digital divide. Mike laments that education is still stuck in a “19th Century, industrial model of mass-production education with cookie-cutter classrooms, fixed schedules, bells, and a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Do we really want to go back to this “old normal”? Dave sees a need to experiment, learn more about, and share best practices on how to use the emerging online technologies more effectively with libraries and librarians deeply involved.Also highlighted (as an Awesome Library Thingy) is Barbara Fister's essay (from Project Information Literacy) that was picked up by The Atlantic about librarians confronting the mis- and dis-information efforts of Q-Anon and other conspiracy theory promoters by expanding exposure to skills and knowledge concerning social media, inquiry, and how this whole “information thing” works.References & Resources Miller, Elizabeth. (March 1, 20215:00 AM ET) "For Some Black Students, Remote Learning Has Offered A Chance To Thrive,"  National Public Radio: All Things Considered.  https://www.npr.org/2021/03/01/963282430/for-some-black-students-remote-learning-has-offered-a-chance-to-thrive Fister, Barbara (Feb 18, 2021) “The Librarian War Against Qanon.  As “Do the research” becomes a rallying cry for conspiracy theorists, classical information literacy is not enough. The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2021/02/how-librarians-can-fight-qanon/618047/  Fister, Barbara (Feb 3, 2021) “Lizard People in the Library,” Project Information Literacy, Provocation Series.  https://projectinfolit.org/pubs/provocation-series/essays/lizard-people-in-the-library.htmlCreditsYoni Yemini from ACE Chicago Events

Montana Office of Public Instruction's Superintendent Elsie Arntzen appeared on the KGEZ Good Morning Show with John Hendricks and Robin Mitchell on Monday May 24, 2021 to discuss  Civics Education, Masks in School, The Stars & Stripes Initiative and upcoming Graduations across the state. 

March 17, 2021 45 Minutes Dave Lankes & Mike Eisenberg In this episode, Mike and Dave start with a brief exchange on the changing nature of work and the need to help low-wage earners find out about high demand jobs, requirements, and opportunities for getting access to quality training. Mike & Dave then pick up the conversation about education in the evolving new normal from episode 3's insights from Colet Bartow, Teaching and Learning Senior Manager in the Montana Office of Public Instruction. Colet raised such issues as the increased interest in homeschooling or perhaps moving to a blended or hybrid approach to schooling, as well as the continued challenges of the digital divide. Mike laments that education is still stuck in a “19th Century, industrial model of mass-production education with cookie-cutter classrooms, fixed schedules, bells, and a one-size fits all curriculum. Do we really want to go back to this “old normal”? Dave sees a need to experiment, learn more about, and share best practices on how to use the emerging online technologies more effectively with libraries and librarians deeply involved.Also highlighted (as an Awesome Library Thingy) is Barbara Fister's essay (from Project Information Literacy) that was picked up by The Atlantic about librarians confronting the mis- and dis-information efforts of Q-Anon and other conspiracy theory promoters by expanding exposure to skills and knowledge concerning social media, inquiry, and how this whole “information thing” works.References & Resources Miller, Elizabeth. (March 1, 20215:00 AM ET) "For Some Black Students, Remote Learning Has Offered A Chance To Thrive,"  National Public Radio: All Things Considered.  https://www.npr.org/2021/03/01/963282430/for-some-black-students-remote-learning-has-offered-a-chance-to-thrive Fister, Barbara (Feb 18, 2021) “The Librarian War Against Qanon.  As “Do the research” becomes a rallying cry for conspiracy theorists, classical information literacy is not enough. The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2021/02/how-librarians-can-fight-qanon/618047/  Fister, Barbara (Feb 3, 2021) “Lizard People in the Library,” Project Information Literacy, Provocation Series.  https://projectinfolit.org/pubs/provocation-series/essays/lizard-people-in-the-library.htmlCreditsYoni Yemini from ACE Chicago Events

March 3, 2021 75 Minutes Dave Lankes & Mike Eisenberg It pretty much happened overnight: schools are closed, kids are home, teaching and learning are online, parents are responsible for coordinating it all. While every aspect of life has been affected by the pandemic, no sector has been more quickly and more significantly by the pandemic than education – on all levels. The most direct impact is on students, parents, and teachers, but it really affects everyone.  In this episode, we try to get a handle on what's going on and what it means—immediate, short-, and long-term. We do so by speaking with someone who has perspectives on the details but also the big picture, pre-K to 12 and beyond: Colet Bartow, Teaching and Learning Senior Manager, Montana Office of Public Instruction. Colet is an accomplished teacher, education & technology innovator, and advocate for libraries, information technology, curriculum improvement, and information literacy in learning and teaching. Listen in on this far-reaching discussion of the challenges and opportunities in our new normal world.References & Resources Wazzup?Weber, Paul J.; Stengle, Jamie (March 26, 2021). "Texas death toll from February storm, outages surpasses 100". 2021 Texas power crisis. Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Texas_power_crisis Accessed May 1, 2021.Main Topic - EducationMontana Office of Public Instruction. http://opi.mt.gov/ The Big6 Approach to Information & Technology Literacy. https://thebig6.org/ Sullivan-Macdonald, Donna (Oct 02, 2015). “Teach More, Librarian Less, Say SLJ Leadership Summit Panelists,” School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=teach-more-librarian-less-becoming-essential-panel-at-the-slj-leadership-summit Awesome Library ThingysFay, Brigham (Feb 10, 2021). “MIT Libraries develop innovative open access agreements with PLOS. All MIT authors can publish in PLOS journals without publishing fees,” MIT Libraries News & Events. https://libraries.mit.edu/news/libraries-develop/31742/ Shannon McClintock Miller: Innovation Director of Instructional Technology and Library Media at Van Meter Community School in Van Meter, Iowa. https://vanmeterlibraryvoice.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html Burt, Chris. (November 17, 2020). “Librarians leading the way with innovation, support during COVID.” Shannon McClintock Miller shares how this empowered group of school leaders is making a difference with students and teachers, along with some of the tools they are using. https://districtadministration.com/librarians-lead-the-way-with-innovation-guidance-during-covid/ Future Ready Librarians. https://futureready.org/thenetwork/strands/future-ready-librarians/ CreditsYoni Yemini from ACE Chicago Events

Montana Office of Public Instruction's Superintendent Elsie Arntzen appeared on the KGEZ Good Morning Show with John Hendricks and Robin Mitchell on Monday April 19, 2021.

In this episode Beth talks with Andy and how his high resilience and creativity lead to a career of photography rather than one in nursing. Andy Austin is an award-winning landscape and adventure photographer based out of Montana. He graduated with degree in psychology from Montana State University, where he also played football for three-time Big Sky Conference champions Montana State Bobcats. He has photographed on four different continents and 25 countries. Currently, Andy is living out of a converted 2006 sprinter van and traveling the country and sharing his adventures with his more than 30,000 social media followers. Andy has been published in magazines such as World Wildlife Fund, National Geographic Traveler, Sky Magazine, Cowboys and Indians, and more. His clients include Reebok, Kelty Backpacks, Montana Office of Tourism, Atlas Snowshoes, Kammok, Garmin, and FotoPro Tripods. - Taken from Andy's website: https://www.andyaustinphoto.com/about.html To learn if you have behaviors similar or directly opposite of Andy, log onto LoveTrades.org and click Start Your Journey.

Part 2 of a conversation with Area Manager of the Bureau of Reclamation's Montana Office, Steve Davies, about the St. Mary Canal and Conveyance Works System and Fresno Reservoir.

Part 1 of a conversation with Area Manager of the Bureau of Reclamation's Montana Office, Steve Davies, about the St. Mary Canal and Conveyance Works System and Fresno Reservoir.

Montana Office of Public Instruction Superintendent Elsie Arntzen says Gov. Steve Bullock has not included her office in discussions about the state’s coronavirus response involving education. Hours after Gov. Bullock announced an update on relief dollars for K-12 schools, Superintendent Arntzen, who is running for reelection, criticized the governor in a tweet .

In this episode, Kevin talks with Rachel Schmidt, Director, Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation. They talk about public lands, the outdoor recreation economy and what Rachel does for the State of Montana.

In this episode, Kevin talks with Rachel Schmidt, Director, Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation. They talk about public lands, the outdoor recreation economy and what Rachel does for the State of Montana.

Rachel VandeVoort is the Director of the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation, an office that advocates for the outdoor recreation industry and works to leverage its numerous benefits to the state. The office was created in 2016 by Montana Governor Steve Bullock, and he tapped Rachel to be its first director, where she built the office from the ground up. Since then, the office has experienced amazing growth in influence and effectiveness, and it has served as a shining example for other states that have formed similar offices. - A native Montanan, Rachel has a diverse background that makes her uniquely qualified for her role as Director. She grew up working for her family's river guiding business in and around Whitefish, MT and also spent time as a fishing guide. After graduating from the University of Montana, she worked in a wide variety of industries that are closely connected with land and recreation, including organic farming, skiing, and firearms manufacturing. Thanks to her diverse and deep experience in all facets of the outdoor world, Rachel has had great success finding common ground between sometimes-competing stakeholders to harness the collective power of Montana's recreation industry. - Rachel was slated to be a keynote speaker at Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Partners in the Outdoors Conference, an annual gathering that brings together stakeholders from all corners of the conservation and outdoor recreation industries. But because of the COVID pandemic, the in-person conference was transformed into a virtual conference—and Rachel's keynote speech was transformed into this episode of Mountain & Prairie. I was thrilled to have the chance to speak with Rachel, because her work aligns so well with the theme of the Partners in the Outdoors Conference, specifically, how do we find common ground and mutually beneficial solutions for balancing conservation and recreation. - We covered a lot in a little over an hour, including the history of her job and the office, the staggering positive economic impacts of the outdoor industry, and ideas around funding conservation through recreation now and into the future. We also talked a lot about Rachel's eclectic background and how all of her varied experiences make her uniquely qualified for her position. Rachel shares some thoughts on finding common ground among competing stakeholders, the importance of understanding history in the West, and the collaborative nature of the outdoor recreation industry. Be sure the check out the episode notes for a full list of topics discussed. - Big thanks to Rachel for taking the time to chat and to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for partnering with Mountain & Prairie for this series of podcasts. If you have a chance, visit the Partners in the Outdoors website all of the conference content—there's quite a line up of virtual courses and learning opportunities. But in the meantime, enjoy this educational episode with Rachel VandeVoort. --- FULL EPISODE NOTES: https://mountainandprairie.com/rachel/ Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation CPW's Partners in the Outdoors Virtual Conference --- TOPICS DISCUSSED: 3:45 - Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation explained 7:45 - Massive economic impacts of outdoor recreation 10:00 - Economic impacts in Montana specifically 11:30 - Process of creating the office for Montana 12:45 - Outdoor infrastructure in Montana 15:15 - The positivity of the recreational economy 17:45 - Learning from other states' outdoor rec offices 18:45 - How Montana's rec office differs from Colorado's 20:45 - Rachel's eclectic background 22:45 - Desire to stay in Montana 26:00 - First job in organic food 29:30 - Starting her job in the firearms industry 34:00 - Communication lessons learned from a childhood in recreation 37:15 - Techniques for finding common ground between competing stakeholders 39:45 - The false premise of "consumptive" vs "non-consumptive" recreation 46:45 - Thoughts on Pittman-Robertson, Dingell-Johnson, and the future of conservation funding 54:45 - Collaboration between outdoor rec stakeholders 59:35 - Favorite books 1:01:00 - Favorite films 1:02:45 - Rachel's family history in Montana 1:03:45 - Parting words of wisdom ----- ABOUT MOUNTAIN & PRAIRIE: Mountain & Prairie Podcast Mountain & Prairie SHOP Mountain & Prairie on Instagram Upcoming Events About Ed Roberson Support Mountain & Prairie  

On the show today, Sarah Calhoun, founder of Red Ants Pants and the Red Ants Pants Foundation, which started the Red Ants Pants Musical—the Montana Office of Tourism Event of the Year as determined by the governor of Montana. She shares her passion and love for small towns, along with valuable insights for starting a business and creating a movement regardless of the size of your small town. If you love your small town and want to be inspired to create something that puts your community on the map and gets everyone involved, listen in to this episode!   About Sarah Calhoun: Sarah Calhoun has two decades of leadership experience in both the non-profit and small business sectors, working in the outdoor education industry before founding Red Ants Pants in 2006. Raised on a farm in rural Connecticut, Calhoun was inspired to move to Montana by Ivan Doig's This House of Sky. From her home in the small town of White Sulphur Springs, she has become an inspiration to entrepreneurs nationwide and is known for her dedication to supporting rural communities. Tired of wearing men's work pants that didn't fit, Calhoun designed pants that would fit, function and flatter working women. Red Ants Pants are made in the USA and that will not change. Red Ants Pants is based out of White Sulphur Springs, Montana where the storefront, distribution center, and international headquarters all reside in an historic saddle shop. Known for their grass roots marketing efforts, including ‘Tour de Pants,' the direct sales business model is proving effective. To show support for the hard-working side of Montana and beyond, the Red Ants Pants Foundation was born in 2011. The Foundation supports women's leadership, working family farms and ranches, and rural communities – the three things most important to Calhoun and the Red Ants Pants Community. That same year the Foundation launched its first program – the Red Ants Pants Music Festival. In 2011, over 6,000 fans came to celebrate rural Montana in a cow pasture. Over the years, attendees have enjoyed headliners including Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yoakam, Wynonna Judd, and Keb' Mo. The festival continues its success into its tenth year on July 23-26, 2020 aiming to improve upon the authentic, rich community culture the 16,000 attendees enjoyed during the 2019 festival. Calhoun's grit has brought her enterprises national recognition over the years – in 2018 she was named to the Montana Business Hall of Fame and the Festival received the prestigious Event of the Year award from the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Development. In 2016, featured in The New York Times and The Huffington Post. In 2015, selected as one of only 100 businesses nationwide to participate in the Small Business Majority's Small Business Leadership Summit in Washington, DC. In 2012, named the National Women in Business Champion for the Small Business Administration. In 2011, invited by President Obama to attend a White House forum on jobs and economic development after serving as a US Delegate to the APEC Women in Business Summit in San Francisco. Closer to home, she was honored when Governor Schweitzer named her the 2011 Entrepreneur of the Year for the State of Montana. Calhoun and her company have been featured in many national publications including Entrepreneur, National Geographic, Delta Sky, Country Woman, and Sunset. Calhoun has been called a “revolutionary figure in rural business today” and a “powerhouse of inspiration for women in business.”  Her dynamic style and inspiring experiences as an entrepreneur make her a highly sought after keynote speaker. She has given two TEDx talks, dozens of keynote addresses, and has been featured on national television programs such as CNBC, CNN, and Bloomberg. As Calhoun has risen to the top echelons of success as a rural entrepreneur, she is paying it forward by actively encouraging and mentoring other women starting their own businesses. Calhoun spends her free time enjoying Montana's great outdoors, cutting firewood, hunting, and camping. She lives in White Sulphur with her dog Nellie. In this episode, we tackle... What makes being a transplant difficult for people? Sarah personally didn't struggle with this, but how she assimilated into a the town she chose with no natural network offers lessons for all of us. It starts with how you view the community you're joining. If you come into a community roaring to change it because of all the experience you bring, you'll likely create walls that never come back down. Sit back. Slow down. Observe your town. Immerse yourself in it as it is, before you set to the work of trying to change. Bottom line: if you believe that where you came from is “better”, you're setting yourself up to create more enemies than community-altering changes.    Listen to this episode to hear more about: How to create something that people really want to be involved with Why small towns can create things of significance more easily than large cities How transplants can become assimilated into their new small town Reasons to find ways to make your spot on the map bolder What mindset you really need to pull off big things in your community   Connect with Sarah: Red Ants Pants Website Red Ants Pants Music Festival Red Ants Pants Foundation

Welcome to the 20th episode of 200 Miles Before Breakfast, a podcast by, for and about the members of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. Our guest on this episode is Kristian Richardson of the Montana Office of Tourism. You can learn more by checking out the web page on the BMWMOA website, bmwmoa.org/digital. Thank you for being a member and for listening to the show!

East to West Hunting Podcast Episode 35 - America's Outdoor Economy: A Snapshot of Montana & Vermont With special guests Rachel Vandevoort - Director of the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation and Michael Snyder - Vermont Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation This week, we're on the phone talking with Rachel Vandevoort and Michael Snyder about the significance of America's outdoor industry and its direct ties to economic growth, quality of life and environmental health. Rachel is Director of Montana's Office of Outdoor Recreation and Michael is the Commissioner of Vermont Forests, Parks & Recreation. Along with providing an overview of the importance of the $887 billion outdoor economy nationally, we dive in and talk about the substantial positive impacts it plays in Montana, Vermont & New York. Listen to Rachel and Michael's insights about how outdoor recreation is a win-win for everyone. Its a significant business incubator, a quality of life boon for residents and visitors alike, a boost for land health and stewardship, and a classic partnership between the public and private sectors. Its one of America's largest and most diversified economic sectors...and as Michael says, its "rooted in environmental quality". We also talk about the Outdoor Retailers' historic Confluence Accords in Denver this summer, diversity in America's outdoor economy and more. Outdoor Recreation's Confluence Accords Rachel and Michael both attended the historic Outdoor Retailers' Confluence Accords Summit this past summer and were two of eight signatories to this milestone agreement. Read more about by clicking the link HERE Vermont & Montana Recreation Website Links Visit the website for Vermont Office of Forests, Parks and Recreation - click HERE Learn more about the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation - click HERE   Rachel Vandevoort - Director of the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation Michael Snyder - VT Commissioner of Forests, Parks & Recreation

What does it mean to grow a state's outdoor recreation economy? We talked to someone who does exactly that for a living: Rachel VandeVoort, Director of the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation. Rachel talks about her new position, what brands can do to work with Outdoor Recreation offices, and how important it is to be an informed and passionate voter.    Follow Rachel: @mtoutdoorrec / @mtraerae / MT Office of Outdoor Recreation 

Rachel VandeVoort is a native of Whitefish, Montana, with four generations of family history in Montana. She is also director of the Montana Office of Outdoor Recreation. With a background working for Kimberand in the ski industry, no one could be better suited for this job. Hal goes to Whitefish to talk with Rachel about being a parent of wild outdoor children, outdoor jobs and the outdoor economy, guns, fishing and hunting on public lands.

In her last episode as host, Mara chats about rural school leadership with Dan Domenech, executive director of AASA, the School Superintendent Association; Jule Walker, deputy state superintendent of operations for the Montana Office of Public Instruction; and Jerome Puyau, superintendent of Vermilion Parish School District in Louisiana. Domenech noted that this year AASA is focusing on professional development for rural superintendents, who comprise a majority of superintendents in the country. Walker said that her office will focus, in part, on career and college preparation as part of “redefining ready” in the upcoming school year. Puyau and Walker both noted how important it is to develop multiple pathways to prepare all students for the “real world.” Puyau described some of the difficulties in establishing those pathways, given the lack of funding. Domenech noted that many school districts are functioning with less money than they had a decade ago, and that’s why the upcoming budget discussions are so significant, in regard to Perkins funding and standards, for example. Puyau said it was important for superintendents to view their role as CEOs and creatively use Perkins funds, with alliances with local businesses, for example. He also noted that superintendent turnover is a real problem in his area. The national sponsor for this episode is AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Learn more at www.aasa.org.