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The Montana Invasive Species Council (MISC) and partner agencies are coordinating a statewide celebration of National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) to educate Montanans about invasive species threats and empower them to take preventive action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recent data show around 4,000 fewer Montanans purchased an Affordable Care Act health plan in 2026, a roughly 5% decline. That decline is attributed to the loss of federal subsidies for monthly premiums. More people are expected to drop coverage.
You know full well that I am a dog lover, and I know that many of you are dog lovers, or just pet lovers in general. They are our family, and much like humans, our domesticated pets have a pretty big impact on our planet and the environment around us. Think about walking into a store like PetSmart, or even your local pet store, there are aisles and shelves lined with single use toys, plastic bones, and items destined for one use just destined for the landfill. But that's not all, we've done several dog related episodes including one on the impact of our pet's waste and another on pet food and the reliance on high impact meats. I'll link both episodes in the description below. Episode 39: Benefits of Insect Proteins for Us, Our Pets, and Our Planet (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/outdoor-minimalist/id1586174667?i=1000565326336)Episode 112: Does It Matter If I Pick Up My Dog's Poop or Not? (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/outdoor-minimalist/id1586174667?i=1000634653124)So, today, we are looking at the industry as a whole. Why it is the way it is, and what some within the industry are working to change. Joining me to share his experience and expertise is Spencer Williams, the CEO and owner of WestPaw.A fifth-generation Montanan, Spencer grew up on a ranch near Columbus. His love for his home state and its pristine beauty, led Williams back to Montana after receiving a bachelor's degree in German from Middlebury College in Vermont. Since 1996, Williams has grown the Bozeman, Montana-based West Paw into a world-class manufacturer of eco-friendly pet toys and treats. West Paw's products are sold in over 7,500 U.S. retailers and in over 45 countries. From its start, the company has focused on environmentally friendly business methods and product materials, including recycled, recyclable, regenerative and organic materials. Spencer is a founding board member and past board chair of the Pet Sustainability Coalition. West Paw became the first pet product manufacturer to become a certified B Corp and in 2015 became Montana's first Benefit Corporation. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/Website: https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistBuy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/outdoorminimalistListener Survey: https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976------------------West PawWebsite: https://www.westpaw.com/YouTube: http://youtube.com/c/westpawInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/westpawUSCradle to Cradle Book: https://mcdonough.com/cradle-to-cradle/Pet Sustainabilty Coalition: https://petsustainability.org/
Thousands of Montanans are petitioning the federal government to hold public meetings on a proposal to rescind roadless protections. The change would impact more than 6 million acres of forest lands across the state.
Key House conservatives bow to Trump ahead of government funding vote, signaling swift end to shutdown; Trump prepares to let go of arms control with Russia; Montanans share deep concerns about data centers; Federal bill looks to expand responsible, large-scale fish farming in VA.
Key House conservatives bow to Trump ahead of government funding vote, signaling swift end to shutdown; Trump prepares to let go of arms control with Russia; Montanans share deep concerns about data centers; Federal bill looks to expand responsible, large-scale fish farming in VA.
Montanans respond to the Minnesota protester shootings with peaceful protests and policy changes. Democratic congressional candidates denounce the shootings. Sen. Steve Daines calls for an investigation and defends ICE. And the jury is still out on the long-term political impact of the shootings and the government response.
Montanans charged or convicted of crimes in the state often face barriers finding a job and housing, long after their cases have closed. And the internet creates a permanent record. The state is looking at ways to change that.
Montanans respond to the Minnesota protester shootings with peaceful protests and policy changes. Democratic congressional candidates denounce the shootings. Sen. Steve Daines calls for an investigation and defends ICE. And the jury is still out on the long-term political impact of the shootings and the government response.
Lesley Robinson is a lifelong Montanan rancher and outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband Jim have been married for 39 years and own and operate the Lazy JD Cattle Co, a commercial cow/calf and yearling operation. The family-run ranch has been in the Robinson family since moving from the Miles City area in 1958. Needless [...]
Libby residents may not have access to drinkable tap water for some time. Lincoln County health officials issued a boil water notice last week. President Trump has approved an emergency declaration that allows up to $5 million in federal funding to support the health and safety of Montanans living in the affected areas.
How do cabbage and spices become ingredients for community building? In Korea, the answer is kimjang, the fall tradition of making and sharing kimchi. This week on The Big Why, we visit a farm in the Bitterroot Valley where a group of Montanans came together to keep a food custom alive and find comfort and connection among the cabbage.
How do cabbage and spices become ingredients for community building? In Korea, the answer is kimjang, the fall tradition of making and sharing kimchi. This week on The Big Why, we visit a farm in the Bitterroot Valley where a group of Montanans came together to keep a food custom alive and find comfort and connection among the cabbage.
A group of young Montanans are asking the state Supreme Court to overturn new laws that weaken the state's ability to regulate planet warming emissions, and exclude some fossil fuel projects from environmental review. This filing comes a year after they won a landmark ruling over Montana's constitutional right to a "clean and healthful environment."
Click on the podcast as Montanan Katie Verderber tells us how she’s gearing up for Milan in March as one of the newest members of the USA Paralympic Team. She'll compete in the sport of Wheelchair Mixed Curling in the […] The post Montanan Katie Verderber to Curl for Team USA in 2026 Winter Paralympics first appeared on Voices of Montana.
Correspondent Scott Pelley returns to Ukraine for his 13th report inside the war-torn country since Russia invaded. As President Vladimir Putin's attacks have hardened into a brutal stalemate, Pelley travels to the city of Sumy, where two ballistic missiles struck four minutes apart on Palm Sunday. One obliterated a crowded city bus on Route 62. Pelley reports on the civilian toll. The old license plates read “Big Sky Country,” but Montana has an unofficial state motto: “The Last Best Place.” Correspondent Jon Wertheim reports from a state that's seen a development boom in recent years and found itself at the center of a national debate over what to do with America's vast reserves of public land. Wertheim speaks with locals and officials for a look at the bipartisan fight to preserve what many Montanans hold most dear. For seven years, CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman and photographer Lou Bopp have documented the rooms of children killed in school shootings across the United States. Their bedrooms – virtually untouched as the children left them on the day they were killed – have become memorials to young lives cut short. Correspondent Anderson Cooper visits these spaces and speaks with the parents about their significance. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Former Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) joins the show to talk about how Montanans feel about the state of the economy. Senator Tester and Colin also break down the latest Epstein news and next year's midterms.
Low-income Montanans receiving federal housing assistance are having better luck finding rentals. A state study led to an increase in the amount of funding families receive.
Open enrollment for Marketplace health plans is underway, Many Montanans could face steep premium hikes if Congress doesn't renew existing tax credits. That debate is at the heart of the federal government shutdown. MTPR's Aaron Bolton reports on what that would mean for one Montanan.
Dozens of airports face possible flight reductions beginning Nov. 7 due to the federal government shutdown. Montana airport directors advise travelers to stay informed.
Record turnout as Mamdani wins NYC Mayor's race; Virginia and New Jersey elect female Democratic governors in historic firsts; Trump administration guts finance fund that helps fuel tribal economies; SNAP benefits lapse hitting rural Montanans hard; Keystone State students confront lawmakers about their future.
From FAA Chapters to Convention to Careers. Click on the podcast to hear from Montana FFA members and mentors after a successful 98th annual National FFA Convention. How will the next generation of producers shape Montana's agriculture? With Montana FFA Executive […] The post Young Montanans Preparing for a Future of Ag Leadership first appeared on Voices of Montana.
Record turnout as Mamdani wins NYC Mayor's race; Virginia and New Jersey elect female Democratic governors in historic firsts; Trump administration guts finance fund that helps fuel tribal economies; SNAP benefits lapse hitting rural Montanans hard; Keystone State students confront lawmakers about their future.
Montanans who rely on federal food assistance could get partial payments in November. That's after benefits were set to freeze because of the federal government shutdown. Multiple courts Friday ordered the Trump administration to use emergency funds to pay for SNAP costs.
How far has gene therapy and genetics medicine advanced? How accessible is that healthcare to Montanans? Click on the podcast to learn more about how Shodair Children’s Hospital‘s world-class genetics program has served Montana families for 50 years, and how […] The post Making Gene Therapy Accessible in Montana first appeared on Voices of Montana.
From energy independence to workforce innovation, Montana is charting a course for long-term growth. In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Governor Greg Gianforte at the Big Sky Bright Future Economic Summit to discuss how his administration is unleashing opportunity across the Treasure State. Gianforte outlines his vision for an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy—expanding coal, wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear—while ensuring Montana remains one of the easiest places in America to do business. With streamlined permitting and a pro-growth mindset, projects that take years elsewhere are moving in months in Montana. The governor also highlights his efforts to make housing more affordable by cutting red tape and increasing supply, and to strengthen the workforce through his 406 Jobs Initiative, which connects veterans, returning citizens, individuals with disabilities, and Native communities to meaningful employment. As Gianforte puts it, “No one grows up hoping to be dependent on the government.” His goal is simple: help every Montanan find dignity and purpose in work, build a stronger economy, and secure a brighter future under the Big Sky.
Seniors are one of the fastest growing homeless populations, but most homeless shelters aren't equipped to help with specialized needs. MTPR's Aaron Bolton visited a shelter for seniors in Utah to see if their model could work in Montana.
Protestors in cities and small towns across Montana turned out for "No Kings" rallies, including in Billings, Bozeman, Dillon, Fort Benton, Helena, Hamilton, Kalispell, Lewistown and Missoula.
1 in 10 Montanans face food insecurity — including 1 in 6 kids. Click on the podcast for an eye-opening conversation on hunger, hope, and the power of local action, with Gayle Carlson from the Montana Food Bank Network, Kaya Patten-Fusselman […] The post Feeding Montana first appeared on Voices of Montana.
After winning a landmark climate case at the state level last year, a group of young Montanans are taking the fight to the federal government. They presented their arguments to a judge in Missoula last week.
Montanans are feeling the loss after the Trump administration cut more than a billion dollars for food aid programs.
Award-winning broadcaster Ryan Tootell joins Colter Nuanez weekly to talk Griz, Bobcats and Big Sky Conference sports. This week, we talk about former Big Sky players in the NFL, Montana State's nationally elite home opener and the Griz getting 2025 underway.
State health officials are asking the federal government for permission to implement Medicaid work requirements early. Experts worry many people won't be able to keep up with the additional paperwork, even if they are working. KFF, a non-partisan health policy group, estimates 34,000 Montanans could lose coverage.
This week I'm joined by Andy Austin. We dive into the launch of his new book Montana: Photographs from the Last Best Place, his experiences traveling the world, and the deep pride Montanans carry for their home state. Andy opens up about the grind of freelancing, the common threads that connect people everywhere, and the responsibility he feels to promote small towns and local businesses across Montana. We also touch on social media strategies, creative storytelling, and much more.Buy Andy's Book: https://montanaphotographybook.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacEaaogkEAt_oeyTybc3M5wGP_ltTIlwI36tTpchnxpoQmQSraJsU6ufkRLbg_aem_Ud-DuUBx0nw2Wub-VVDkKQFollow Andy's Journey @andyaustinphotoBrainTree Nutrition: Use code "NOCK" for 15% off at https://www.braintreenutrition.com/?ref=NOCKElite Hunt Club: https://elitehuntclub.com/Interested in my private coaching & FREE workouts? Link below.http://www.nockperformance.com/This episode is brought to you by Barbell Apparel:https://barbellapparel.com/?rstr=nockperformanceUse code "NockP" for 10% off at https://www.alpyntripod.com/Use code "NockP" for 10% off at https://ollin.co/Use code "NockP15" for 15% off your first order at www.farewellcoffeeroasters.comUse code "NockP" for 20% off all ointments at getsaltybritches.comUse code "NockP" for 15% off at alpenfuel.comUse code "NockP" for 15% off at strongcoffeecompany.com
Click on the podcast as a handful of young Montanan’s talk about their promising futures thanks to those who have created and guided Code Girl’s United and the Montana Robotics Alliance. The post Montana's Young STEM Students Step Up and Stand Out first appeared on Voices of Montana.
Montanans who need help shopping for health insurance or enrolling in Medicaid may soon be on their own. The Trump administration is cutting federal funding for a service that helped people get insured.
This summer's weather has been a far cry from the scorching heat, bone-dry conditions and smokey air Montanans have come to expect this time of year. Meteorologists say more of this cooler, wetter weather is likely this month.
In our first story, Hammy shares his tale about family, faith, and finding yourself. What starts as a journey of self-discovery after a life-altering decision takes an unexpected turn, leading to a hilarious and surprisingly public health crisis on the very first day of a new job. Sometimes, life’s most challenging moments can also be the most liberating. Hammy calls his story “Hammy's First Day at the Health Department”. Hammy – Photo credit: kmr studios Hammy works in occupational safety, health and risk management, and he's the founder and creative director of Queer Butte Arts and Culture, a new group celebrating local queer art, queer culture and local queer history. Last year, he was named one of Southwest Montana's 20 Under 40, and this year he was honored as the Young Professional of the Year by the Butte Local Development Corporation. He is a homosexual, and lives in Butte with his partner Clayton—also a homosexual. He's passionate about harm reduction, ending stigma, and walking on his hands. Above all, Hammy believes storytelling can save lives—and he's thrilled to be here tonight to share his story! In our next story, Katie Van Dorn recounts a childhood marked by an unexpected physical challenge to a life defined by adventure and a relentless pursuit of wellness. Katie's journey is filled with extraordinary feats, unexpected setbacks, and profound self-discovery. Katie calls her story “The Cracks are How the Light Gets In”. Katie Van Dorn – Photo credit: kmr studios Originally from La Jolla, California, Katie Van Dorn studied Exercise Physiology at The University of Montana and earned her B.S & M.S in Exercise Physiology/Preventive Health. Katie is a professional chef and is a Certified International Tour Director as well as a Certified Culinary and Wellness Coach. She is passionate about the outdoors and is a compassionate real estate agent who has been caring for homebuyers and sellers alike in Missoula for over 20 years. Katie loves hiking, XC skiing, swimming, gardening and cooking. You may have heard her Freeforms show on Montana Public Radio where she is a rotating host and producer of Thursday Freeforms. Karna Sundby goes on a blind date in Seattle leads to a whirlwind romance and a life that feels like a dream. But when an unimaginable tragedy strikes, one woman’s world shatters, forcing her to confront the deepest despair. Follow her incredible journey through loss, unexpected healing, and the profound discovery of purpose amidst the pain. Karna calls her story “Finding the Gift”. Karna Sundby – Photo credit: kmr studios With 30 years involvement in the field of human transformation, Karna Sundby is passionate about helping people make measurable transformations in themselves and their ways of thinking. Working with clients in person and on the phone, she helps clientele overcome their obstacles and manifest their dreams. As a Master NLP Practitioner (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), along with other modalities, Karna specializes in helping clients heal from all kinds of trauma. Karna currently has an office at Peak Health and Wellness on Blue Mountain Road in Missoula, MT. You can reach her via phone or email: karna@inneraccess.org | 406-880-2555. Kara Adolphson is a college freshman grappling with a secret grief. Kara vows to herself that she will navigate her new life and grief silently. But on the anniversary of a profound loss, an unexpected invitation leads to an art exhibit, a surprising discovery, and a breakthrough moment of joy and healing. Kara calls her story “Finding Humor After Loss”. Kara Adolphson – Photo credit: kmr studios Kara Adolphson. Kara is a Montanan, community member, therapist, and storyteller who finds joy in the arts, the outdoors, and bluebird days in Missoula. She believes in the power of vulnerability, humor, and shared experience to bring people together. A lover of language and listening, Kara is committed to fostering connection, whether it’s in the counseling room, on a trail, or around the dinner table. Tonight, she's honored to be on the Tell Us Something stage, where storytelling becomes a bridge for connection.
Montanans with marketplace health insurance plans will pay significantly more starting next year. That's because premiums are likely to spike just as federal benefits that help pay those bills expire.
Our first story comes to us from Nita Maddox. A determined single mom navigates the challenges of working four jobs and trying to buy her dream business, a local video store. Amidst this chaotic life, a quirky encounter with an unexpected suitor leads to a surprising turn of events. Just as everything seems to fall into place, a sudden, life-altering incident challenges her newfound stability and reshapes her entire world. Nita calls her story Perfect Blue House. Thanks for listening. Nita Maddox is a multi-generational Montanan, born and raised in Whitefish. She has a passion for adventure, even if it is finding something exciting in the produce area at the grocery store. Nita is here on this planet to be seriously playful on the journey. Next up is Joyce Gibbs. As a third grader in Montana, Joyce convinces her parents to get pet rabbits, only to discover their true intention is to breed them for food. Despite an early mishap with the first litter, she learns the harsh realities of farm life. This unique upbringing shapes her understanding of where food comes from, leading to a memorable, albeit somewhat grisly, childhood experience. Joyce calls her story, Stew and Pot. Thanks for listening. Joyce Gibbs was raised in Missoula, Montana, tramping through the woods. She grew up to become an artist, builder, and tiler. She is a resilient, creative, and adventurous woman. After a brief stint in New York City and then in New Orleans, she bought a dilapidated railroad house on Missoula's Historic Northside and spent the next 15 years remodeling it and making it her own. When she is not busy building beautiful spaces with her tile installations at Joyce of Tile, you can find her riding her motorcycle, gardening and playing. Amanda Taylor was raised in a devout Christian community, and was committed to purity, vowing to save herself for marriage. This conviction was challenged when she moved to Switzerland and met a captivating man. A spontaneous trip to a luxurious hot spring with him leads to a pivotal moment of self-discovery, forcing her to confront her deeply held beliefs. Amanda calls her story Hallelujah. Thanks for listening. Amanda Taylor resides in Missoula with her cat Ted. As a child, she spent summers visiting her grandparents in Alder, Montana. Her earliest memory of Butte is her grandma taking her to the Butte Walmart and buying her a Reba McIntyre poster. She no longer has the poster, but she still loves Reba.
Libby native Ryggs Johnston is breaking barriers. He's the first Montanan to ever compete in The British Open Championship… and he made the cut. Click on the podcast to hear Ryggs talk about the experience of playing in one of […] The post Ryggs Johnston – From Libby to Australia to the British Isles first appeared on Voices of Montana.
Montana health officials will ask federal regulators to approve work requirements for Montanans on Medicaid expansion. The state also wants enrollees to pay premiums and co-payments for doctor visits.
More than 23,000 Montanans will soon see their student loan balance increase for the first time in at least a year. Interest will start accruing for borrowers on the SAVE plan next week.
Madison Hoerner is a native Montanan whose lifestyle is deeply rooted in the outdoors. Raised around horses and hunting, Madison developed a passion for traditional bowhunting at an early age, thanks to strong family traditions. Madison is a STRONG gal! She's actively hunting with a 60lb longbow, and putting large game in the freezer. Listen as Matthew and Madison discuss the blessings of being raised in a hunting family, loving trad bowhunting without necessarily being a “purist,” and hunting big game in the West. Find Maddi at: Instagram: @madddyyyyyrose Check out Schavers Silver Tip Bows: https://www.schafersilvertipbows.com Find Matthew at: Instagram: @songdog_stickbows Youtube: @thebowyercollective Keep this podcast on the radio waves. Support our show partners: Polite But Dangerous Tools- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off orders. https://politebutdangeroustools.square.site/ Vuni Gear- Use discount code “bowyer15” to save 15% off your order. https://vunigear.com/ Bear Archery - Use code “bowyer10” to save 10% www.beararchry.com Safari Tuff - Use discount code “bowyerpod10” to save 10% www.safarituff.com Arrow 6 Coffee - Use discount code BOWYER15 to save 15% off coffee and merch. www.arrow6coffee.com Haven Tents - Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10%. www.haventents.com Selway Archery www.selwayarcheryproducts.com Domain Outdoor LLC www.domainoutdoor.com Nukem Hunting - Use discount code “Bowyer20” to save 20%. www.nukemhunting.com The Generalist Program| SISU Strong - Use code “Songdog20” to save 20% https://app.acuityscheduling.com/catalog/7de19181/?productId=704169&clearCart=true Check out these great Bowyer educators: Organic Archery Bow Building School- Use discount code “bowyer” to save 10% off your tuition https://www.organicarchery.com/ Swiftwood Bows Bow Building Workshop https://swiftwoodbows.com/workshops
The Montana Department of Revenue is mailing property classification and appraisal notices. This information is used by county treasurers to determine property taxes owed for this year and next.
Land managers are asking Montanans to be extra vigilant about fire safety heading into the long Independence Day weekend.
Ryan Zinke is a fifth generation Montanan who serves as Representative for Montana's First Congressional District covering 16 counties in western Montana including the cities of Bozeman, Butte, Missoula, Kalispell. First elected to Congress in 2014, and serving as U.S. Secretary of the Interior between noncontiguous terms, Zinke has built a track record of accomplishments in energy, conservation, tribal and military issues. Now in his third term, Zinke is a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, focusing his legislative agenda on restoring accountability to federal spending, restoring American energy dominance, and bolstering national security at our borders and beyond. Ryan began public service in 1985 when he joined the U.S. Navy and graduated from Officer Candidate School. He was recruited to join the U.S. Navy SEALs where he went on dozens of deployments targeting terrorist cells in Asia, war criminals in Bosnia, and combatting the rise of radical Islamic terrorists in the middle east. During his military career he held a number of leadership positions including as Ground Forces and Task Force commander at SEAL Teams SIX oversaw the U.S. Navy SEAL BUD/S training after 9/11, and was Deputy/Acting Commander of Joint Special Forces during the Iraq war. In 2006 he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. Commander Zinke retired from active duty in 2008 after serving for 23 years. Following his military service, Ryan was elected to the Montana State Senate and was twice elected as Montana's sole member of the U.S. House of Representatives. During his first two terms as Congressman, Zinke served on the House Armed Services Committee and Natural Resources Committee. As a leading member of the Natural Resources Committee, Ryan challenged the Obama Administration on their policies that locked Montanans out of public lands and introduced legislation to strengthen public access and conservation. In December 2016, Congressman Zinke was nominated to be the United States Secretary of the Interior by President Donald J. Trump and later confirmed by a bipartisan vote in the Senate.
Summertime in Western Montana means long days, time outside, and for many, farmer's markets. But beyond the once a week event, people have become increasingly distanced from their food. One local publication is working to change that.
Most Montanans have probably heard the old phrase: "If you don't like the weather, wait a minute and it will change." Montanans could get a striking demonstration of that phenomenon this week, forecasters say.
Today, I'm joined by my good friend Koby Owens for a deep and honest conversation. We dive into the evolution of his career, his biggest fears, what it truly means to be a Montanan, the values that guide his life, his future ambitions, and plenty more. Enjoy. Follow Koby's Journey @koby.owensElite Hunt Club: https://elitehuntclub.com/Interested in my private coaching & FREE workouts? Link below.http://www.nockperformance.com/This episode is brought to you by Barbell Apparel:https://barbellapparel.com/?rstr=nockperformanceUse code "NockP" for 10% off at https://www.alpyntripod.com/Use code "NockP" for 10% off at https://ollin.co/Use code "NockP15" for 15% off your first order at www.farewellcoffeeroasters.comUse code "NockP" for 20% off all ointments at getsaltybritches.comUse code "NockP" for 15% off at alpenfuel.comUse code "NockP" for 15% off at strongcoffeecompany.com