A New Angle

This week’s guests are Ria Overholt and Steve Gaskill who talk with Justin about Missoula Villages, a neighbor-powered network that brings older citizens together through events, activities and a help exchange. Networks like Missoula Villages are springing up across the country and fill an important unmet need for support and community.In this conversation, Ria explains the concept behind Missoula Villages, which in large part aims to keep people connected as they age. Steve talks about the science behind social connections and the benefit of having a community for tackling seemingly small tasks when they start to become bigger, like changing a lightbulb or doing yard work. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Bridger Pierce, president of Warm Springs Productions. Warm Springs is a full service production house focused on television series. Warm Springs commenced operations in 2008 and has produced content for the History Channel, National Geographic, the Discovery Channel and many other prominent outlets.Bridger talks about growing up in Manhattan, Montana and working for a stint in D.C. He explains Warm Springs’s start in hunting shows to its expansion into creating content for major outlets and dabbling in religious and history-based productions. And, he talks about working with talents like Kevin Costner and Dennis Quaid, and how the key to building trust is finding a topic the stars are passionate about. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Vu Le, a prominent and irreverent voice in nonprofit leadership. Vu recently published his first book, Reimagining Nonprofit and Philanthropy, and has been posting weekly at his blog, Nonprofit AF, for many years. Vu recently visited Montana to speak about nonprofits and philanthropy.In this episode, Vu describes nonprofits as air - something people don’t appreciate until they’re gone. He discusses the differences between nonprofits and for-profits, gets into the scruples over overhead and the ways in which nonprofits can be reimagined. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.anewanglepodcast.comThis week is the June edition of Incentives & Instincts, a recurring series in which Justin speaks with economist and friend Bryce Ward about some of the broader challenges facing our society. And this month, the theme is population decline.People around the world are having fewer babies and it’s being framed as a bit of a crisis. The question Justin ha…

This week’s guests are David Spear and Julie Cajune of A VOICE: Art, Vision and Outreach in Community Education. This nonprofit organization’s mission is to foster individual, group, community and cultural expression through art, outreach and education. A VOICE has served the Flathead Nation for 20 years.In this conversation, David talks about how he made it from New York to Polson, and how he built trust with students on the Flathead Nation. David explains some of the specific projects students have worked on, and how art - like sports - can serve as a bridge for success. Justin asks both David and Julie about their plans for the future. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Eleanor Kiloh, British Consul General and senior representative of the British government in Northern California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Alaska. Eleanor recently toured Montana and we were fortunate to get some time on her schedule.In this conversation Eleanor explains what diplomacy actually is and gives advice for those considering the career path on how to jump in. She talks about how Montana and the UK are finding resonance in quantum technology, and how state governments can get involved in international collaboration. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week's guest is Marc Moss, creator of Tell Us Something, a live storytelling program producing events across Montana. Tell Us Something is now in its 15th year and expanding into new forms of storytelling.In this conversation, Marc explains to Justin how Tell Us Something came to be, talks about the submission and selection process and dives into the only two times the event has encountered hecklers, and what Marc did in those situations. Marc talks about his dreams of expanding Tell Us Something by location and frequency.Catch Tell Us Something on June 16 at Bonner Park in Missoula, MT. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.anewanglepodcast.comThis week is our May edition of Incentives & Instincts, a recurring series in which Justin speaks with economist and friend Bryce Ward about some of the broader challenges facing our society. And affordability is the name of the conversation this time around. It's a word and a concept we've heard a lot about in recent election cycles. Candidates from Tr…

As part of Climate Solutions Week here at Montana Public Radio, Justin speaks with Devin Morales, founder of Cool Earth Creamery, a plant-based creamery committed to sustainability and local agriculture. Devin established Cool Earth in 2019 after a 25-year career in natural resources and engineering.In this conversation, Devin talks about how responding to various disasters led to the understanding that climate change impacts are everywhere. Devin’s journey to Cool Earth was propelled by climate anxiety, and once on that path, Devin became frustrated with the dairy-free productions on the market. To Devin, it seemed despite the fact that a growing number of people were consuming dairy-free products, the product itself still wasn’t up to par. Devin explains Cool Earth’s price-point and how it trends higher due to the company’s dedication to environmentally-friendly packing and using local products, like potatoes, in its dairy-free milk and gelato. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week's guest is Joy French, executive artistic director of Bare Bait Dance. Bare Bait began in 2011 as an effort to create more opportunities for aspiring professional dancers in Montana. Bare Bait operates out of Missoula's Westside Theater, which has quickly become a lively community hub for the performing arts.In this conversation, Joy tells Justin she didn't set out looking for a dance career. She talks about the difficult parts of that career - scheduling, stress on the body and juggling various incomes to make ends meet - and the fulfilling ones, like giving local dancers a paid opportunity to perform, finding a home-base and constantly creating. She also explains the origin story of Bare Bait's name to Justin, which does, in fact, involve bears. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week is the next edition of The Ripple Effect, a quarterly series in which Justin speaks with grantees of the Headwaters Foundation. Today’s guest is Casey Fuson, kids program director at the TFS Community Hall in Trego, Montana. What’s happening in Trego offers a wonderful example of how communities can come together to fill gaps in services and support each other.In this conversation, Casey talks about how she saw a problem in her beloved town - a lack of childcare - and took it upon herself to make a solution - Trego Kids. Casey worked with the community through many conversations while navigating regulatory hurdles and raising her own young kids to come up with something that worked for everyone. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.anewanglepodcast.comThis week is our April edition of Incentives & Instincts, a recurring series in which Justin speaks with economist and friend Bryce Ward about some of the broader challenges facing our society.A lot of these I&Is can get a little heavy. And often Justin and Bryce talk about problems with unclear solutions, or solutions in which they don't have a lot of …

This week's guest is Casey Zablocki, a ceramic artist based here in Missoula, Montana. His art occupies the space between sculpture, monument and function. Casey's work is shown at galleries around the world and is held in several prominent collections. His work is currently being shown in New York at the Guild Gallery.In this conversation, Casey talks about his path to ceramics and his process to create his pieces, including the use of a giant, Japanese-inspired, wood-fired kiln. Casey walks us through the various mentors he's had through his creative career and how he balances living in Missoula and showing in New York, and why he thinks that combination works so well for him. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week's guests are the folks who created a beautiful new book, A History of Montana in 101 Places, Christine Brown, Kirby Lambert and Martha Kohl. This book is a production of the Montana Historical Society and is dedicated to the late Ellen Baumler, a beloved member of the author team.In this conversation, the guests discuss the beginnings of the book, which included gleaning a lot of information from creating interpretive signs and writing placards for the National Register of Historic Places. Guests discuss this new book as a natural progression from their first, A History of Montana in 101 Objects, and how difficult it was to nail down just 101 places. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Sean Patrick Higgins, founder and CEO of Story House, a world-class film production facility located in Missoula, Montana. Sean and his colleagues at Story House are making the case that Montana should be considered a premiere location for all aspects of film production.In this conversation, Sean explains Story House’s goals of addressing housing affordability, economic development and film production in Missoula. He talks about the “bloat” in the film industry and the opportunity that Story House has to address that excess in a more cost-effective way. Sean also gets into the Montana Media Act, passed after the 2023 legislative session, which seeks to support Montana-based filmmakers and directors. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week Justin is talking with Megan Torgerson, creator and host of Reframing Rural, a podcast celebrating rural people and their stories. Megan and her team recently launched their fourth season, Succession Stories.In this conversation, Megan talks about growing up on her family’s ranch and how she came upon the idea of Reframing Rural. Megan talks about the difference between a “living” and a “dying” town and Justin asks what is it about succession that has everyone talking. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

We're switching things up this week.Justin interviewed Megan Torgerson of the podcast Reframing Rural this week for Montana Public Radio. For our Substack feed, we're giving you an episode of Reframing Rural to sample. If you're interested in more, find Reframing Rural here. And, make sure to listen to Justin's conversation with Megan on MTPR on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. or here on Substack. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.anewanglepodcast.comThis week is the March edition of Incentives & Instincts, a recurring series in which Justin speaks with economist and friend Bryce Ward about some of the broader challenges facing our society. It’s also pledge week at Montana Public Radio and in that vein, Justin and Bryce figured they would explore the concept of: How do we as a society come to know w…

This week we bring you a live recording of Justin’s conversation with Whatnot Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Logan Head. Whatnot is the largest live stream shopping platform in the country and beyond. Logan visited the University of Montana to give the annual Gilkey Lecture at the College of Business.In this episode, Logan talks about his entrepreneurial background and how Whatnot came to be. He touches on the company’s culture and hiring practices, and future plans for Whatnot, including whether the company will go public. Logan talks about his experience attending UM and gives advice to professors on what students should get out of business school.The conversation wraps with a Q&A session with Logan and audience members attending the lecture. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week is the first edition of The Ripple Effect, a quarterly series in which Justin speaks with grantees of the Headwaters Foundation. Today’s guest is Alice Boyer, executive director of Forward Montana, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building political power for young people. Alice has held a variety of leadership positions in her young career, all focused on getting more people engaged in our democracy.In this episode, Alice talks about how she got involved in political engagement and her path to Forward Montana. She describes different barriers youth have to political participation but emphasizes Forward Montana’s initiatives to connect young people and reiterates that young people do care about politics. And, she answers Justin’s new closing question: When is the last time you changed your mind? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Bobby Hauck, who recently retired after his second long tenure as head football coach at the University of Montana. Justin was interested in Coach Hauck’s thoughts on the state of collegiate athletics and football in particular. After his retirement from UM, Coach Hauck was named defensive coordinator at the University of Illinois.In this episode, Coach Hauck talks about his decision to leave UM and reflects on the good and less good parts of the job. Justin and Coach Hauck talk about the changing landscape of college football, but Coach Hauck maintains that college football isn’t going anywhere. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.anewanglepodcast.comThis week is the February edition of Incentives & Instincts, a recurring series in which Justin speaks with economist and friend Bryce Ward about some of the broader challenges facing our society.Justin has been asking guests a new closing question this year, “When was the last time you changed your mind?” Research on updating one’s beliefs is strong an…

In the spirit of ANA’s new tagline: “How we’re doing and where we’re going,” this week Justin speaks with Cascade County Commissioner Joe Briggs and Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick. Though these two come from different political parties, they came together to work on improving Montana’s tax system. This collaboration shows us that cooperation across party lines is not only possible, but perhaps critical to our future.In this episode, Josh and Joe discuss how their partnership began and the challenges they faced getting buy-in from other political leaders. The two talk about the role of a county commissioner and their ideas on how to bridge the divide of partisan politics, something they both think is heavily influenced by social media and national politics. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

It’s time once again to check in with A New Angle’s Chief Legal Correspondents Craig Cowie and Constance Van Kley, law professors at the University of Montana. 2026 is sure to bring many consequential legal developments, and Constance and Craig will help us try to make sense of what to expect.In this conversation Justin, Craig and Constance talk about the changing power of the executive and the rise of the unitary executive theory. They discuss the shadow docket and the tendency for courts in this administration to expedite processes, making the path to decisions less clear. Craig and Constance consider the topics they have in focus for the remainder of this year. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guests are Logan and Jordan Lefler. Together, these brothers are making “Journey to the Sun,” a documentary film about Glacier National Park’s Going To The Sun Road. This film not only tells the history, but peers into the future at the many challenges facing this iconic piece of Montana.In this conversation, the brothers talk about their early filmmaking, which included making clips of them skateboarding as teenagers. Logan and Jordan discuss what it took to originally make the Going To The Sun Road and their goal of incorporating Indigenous perspectives into the film to highlight the historical and cultural significance of the area. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week is the January edition of Incentives & Instincts, a recurring series in which Justin speaks with economist and friend Bryce Ward about some of the broader challenges facing our society. A New Angle is excited to announce a new partnership with the Headwaters Foundation. To talk about this and other new stuff, Bryce and Justin are joined by Headwaters CEO, Carly Hare.In this conversation, Carly shares Headwaters’ mission and how the foundation supports nonprofits working with families most impacted by health challenges to build leadership and have a real say in the decisions that affect their lives. Justin explains A New Angle’s new tagline: a show about how we’re doing, and where we’re going.Also in this episode, Justin debuts a new segment for subscribers-only called The Parent Trap. Justin and Bryce will use this segment to commiserate on some of their misadventures in parenting. This week, it’s free for everyone. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Trevor Brown, post-doctoral fellow at the Center for Economy and Society at Johns Hopkins University. Trevor is the co-author of an important new book, Rural Versus Urban: The Growing Divide That Threatens Democracy. Many of the dynamics reported in this book are unfolding here in Montana.In this conversation, Trevor talks about how rural and urban areas have become increasingly polarized, and discusses the economic factors and messaging strategies that have led to that divide. Trevor talks about the dangers of this divide, but also brings up some solutions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guests are Marcus Welnel and Parker Fleming. Marcus played football for the Griz and now serves as chief revenue officer for Grizzly Athletics. Parker has a PhD in economics and works with the universities on how to set player salaries.In this conversation, the three talk about the changing landscape of collegiate athletics, particularly the impact of name, image and likeness on the ability for student-athletes to earn income. They also discuss the changing landscape of playing sports for the value of camaraderie and institutional pride or for more lucrative offers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Dr. Alex Metcalf, associate professor at the University of Montana’s Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. Alex is a social scientist who studies how people make decisions in a wide variety of conservation domains. Alex and Justin collaborate on a variety of projects, including a just released study on the interaction between politics and our attitudes towards wolves.In this conversation, Alex and Justin talk about how political identity can contribute to the polarization around people’s attitudes towards wolves and discuss how identity-based assumptions can drive division, but also how that can be corrected to bring people back together. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week we're bringing you a recording of a live discussion hosted by Climate Smart Missoula called Not the Dark Ages: Climate Science Continues Despite the Attacks. Justin hosts a conversation between Amy Martin, a journalist and creator of the award-winning podcast Threshold, and Dr. Christopher Preston, a philosophy professor at the University of Montana and author of several books, including his latest Tenacious Beasts.In this conversation, Amy and Christopher talk about some of their favorite scientists, consider new technologies like AI and carbon capture to address environmental challenges and talk about how animals communicate with each other. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guests are Andy Kemmis and Chris Bacon. Together, these two made a beautiful new book about skateboarding in Montana titled Grit to Grind. The book is an amazing visual and narrative history of how skateboarding shaped Montana communities in ways that might surprise you.In this episode, Andy and Chris talk about their skateboarding origins and how they came to be the writers of this book about Montana’s skateboarding scene. They talk about some of the skate parks they helped create, the inclusivity of skateboarding and remind us of the life lessons that can be found in one’s passions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Caroline Joan Peixoto, co-founder and director of River Arts and Books in Roscoe, Montana. This little spot along East Rosebud Creek is all about building community. Founded in 2023, River Arts and Books has already produced a series of amazing events and created a space for folks to gather.In this conversation, Caroline gives the origin story of her project and how she wanted to create a space for community and connection in the 16-person town of Roscoe. She explains the process of securing a historic cabin for the building location and landing on the bookstore’s guiding principles: land, literature and community.Find River Arts and Books on Instagram or online. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

In this special episode we pay tribute to Jeff Meese, master of all things sound at A New Angle, who is retiring after 26 years of service to the University of Montana College of Business. Thanks Jeff…you were the first to say, “how can I help” and you made us better in myriad ways. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Stoney Samsoe, executive director and co-founder of Open AIR. Founded in 2019, Open AIR is dedicated to bringing creativity to diverse communities across Montana. Open AIR is perhaps best known for its amazing artist-in-residence program.In this episode, Stoney describes Open AIR’s purpose as focused on making artists keystone species in communities. And to continue the metaphor, Stoney talks about how she sees artists as crucial in the human ecology of a community. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Spencer Williams, founder and CEO of West Paw, a company that makes dog toys and treats. West Paw has built an entirely U.S.-based supply chain and does all of its manufacturing right here in Montana. West Paw is also the first B Corporation in Montana and is a great example of business as a force for good.In this conversation, Spencer talks about West Paw’s inception and why he committed to manufacturing in America. He explains what being a B Corp means to West Paw, and comments on the current state of Montana’s economy, and how that can make attracting and retaining talent difficult. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Richard Reeves, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and president of the American Institute for Boys and Men. In 2022, Richard published Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What To Do About It. The insights from that book have sparked an important national dialogue, and Richard came to the University of Montana in November to discuss them further.In this conversation, Richard talks about his upbringing in the United Kingdom, and how his experiences there shaped his views around class and gender. He discusses research that demonstrates how traditional educational programs worked better for women than for men, and how much of an impact the covid-19 pandemic had on men - an impact that Richard says was largely ignored by various media. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guests are Dave Hage and Josephine Marcotty, authors of Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin, and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie. Josephine and Dave trace the legacy of industrialized agriculture and showcase various models for restoration.In this conversation, Dave and Josephine discuss the ecological value of the American prairie ecosystem, and go through some of the conflicts that arise when different groups value preserving that ecosystem or converting it to agricultural land. The two bring up American Prairie - a nonprofit focused on preserving prairie landscapes - and its efforts, and compare them to Matador Ranch, a ranch in Montana focused on using sustainable agriculture to keep ranchlands in ranch family’s hands. Dave and Josephine talk about the cultural identity and history tied to prairielands and the challenging balance of ecological and economic needs.Find Sea of Grass here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.anewanglepodcast.comThis week, subscribers have access to a longer, unfiltered conversation between Nick and Justin. Check it out.This week’s guest is Nick Triolo, author of The Way Around, a field guide to going nowhere. Nick’s writing has appeared in Orion, Outside, and Trail Runner. He’s also a documentary filmmaker and long-distance trail runner. Nick lives in Missoula…

This week on A New Angle, Justin and Bryce are going live for October’s Incentives & Instincts in celebration of Montana Public Radio’s Pledge Week. This one-hour conversation will pull the curtain back on I&I and A New Angle. How does Bryce know so much about so many things? What’s his day job? What is Justin up to with A New Angle? Why does it exist? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Alex Sobin, director of spectrUM. Since 2008, spectrUM has been dedicated to igniting an interest in science for kids throughout Montana. spectrUM is housed in the Missoula Public Library and supported by a wide variety of grants and other sources.In this conversation, Alex explains the hands-on and various outreach programs the museum fosters. She discusses funding challenges spectrUM has faced and the importance of making science accessible and engaging for everyone. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Donnie Wetzel Jr., tribal liaison for the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Donnie is also the founder of Identity, Inc., which houses the Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame. Donnie and his colleagues are working to promote the virtues of warrior culture through sport.In part two of this two-part episode, Donnie discusses his work on the forthcoming documentary film “The Undefeated,” which aims to shift the narrative around Indigenous people from one of trauma to one of resilience and generational strength. Donnie also touches on how he maintains hope and resiliency himself, and how he uses his past and his culture to stay grounded. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Donnie Wetzel Jr., tribal liaison for the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Donnie is also the founder of Identity, Inc., which houses the Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame. Donnie and his colleagues are working to promote the virtues of warrior culture through sport.In this conversation, Donnie explains the qualities of warrior culture and emphasizes the importance of connecting Indigenous youth to their cultural roots and identity. And in a shared passion, Donnie and Justin discuss how basketball can be a vessel for that practice.Tune in to part two of this conversation next week. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.anewanglepodcast.comThis week is the September edition of Incentives & Instincts, a recurring series in which Justin speaks with economist and friend, Bryce Ward, about some of the broader challenges facing our society.The two talk role models this month, a topic that’s come up several times in their conversations. They consider how role models provide representation and i…

This week’s guest is Dean Pearson, research ecologist with the United States Forest Service. Dean and his colleagues recently developed the urban pollinator matrix, a model municipalities and citizens can use to help threatened pollinators recover.In this episode, Dean and Justin discuss pollinator decline, some of the findings of the urban pollinator matrix - including the difference between letting lawns grow wild and planting native species - and what takeaways citizens can glean from the model.Find the urban pollinator matrix here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week we’re sharing a special live recording of our recent event - This Didn’t Happen By Accident: Stories of Intention on the Land - hosted by Five Valleys Land Trust at the Line Ranch outside of Missoula.Justin moderated a panel discussion about conservation success stories in Montana with authors Donna Erickson, Bruce Bugbee, and Greg Tollefson, along with Whitney Schwab, Executive Director of Five Valleys Land Trust. Against a backdrop of Missoula’s north hills and nourished by local food prepared by Liz Kenyon, the group discussed Mount Jumbo, private and public collaboration, and the importance of a community that values open spaces.Find Donna Erickson’s book Rooted At the Edge: Ranching Where the Old West and New West Collide here. Find Bruce Bugbee’s Saving the Big Sky: A Chronicle of Land Conservation in Montana here (co-authored with Robert Kiesling and John B. Wright) . And find Greg Tollefson’s A Gracious Civic Enterprise: The History of Five Valleys Land Trust and the Community That Made It Possible here (co-authored with Lena Viall). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week’s guest is Lura Forcum, president of the Independent Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving politically independent Americans a stronger voice in elections. Lura and her colleagues conduct research and outreach to better understand the many Americans who don’t align with either major political party.In this episode, Lura talks about the disfunction of the two party system and the way polling is conducted. She advocates for empowering independent voters, and explains how the Independent Center provides resources and community to those voters.Learn more about the Independent Center here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.anewanglepodcast.comThis week is our August edition of Incentives & Instincts, a recurring series in which Justin speaks with economist and friend Bryce Ward about some of the broader challenges facing our society.It is back to school season and phones remain a hot topic in public schools. Some states have legislated bans and we're starting to have enough data to evaluate …

This week's guest is Theresa Williams, crisis intervention team program manager for Missoula. CIT programs bring together law enforcement, mental health professionals, advocates and other partners to improve community response to mental health crises. Theresa has a deep background in social work and has worked in the behavioral health space for over 20 years.In this episode, Theresa talks about her background in social work and how her early experiences working at a homeless shelter made her realize the need for a more trauma-informed approach. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week Justin speaks with Andrew Light, distinguished professor of philosophy, public policy and atmospheric science at George Mason University. Andrew has also served in the highest levels of U.S. Government, most recently as the Assistant Secretary of Energy for International Affairs at the U. S. Department of Energy. Andrew recently visited the University of Montana to deliver the 2025 Albert Borgmann Lecture.In this conversation, Andrew explains how philosophical training set him up for success in navigating and negotiating public policy. He discusses his role in leading the U.S. through energy discussions and the importance of bringing together experts from different fields like science, economics and law to inform policy decisions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe

This week Justin speaks with Gillian Glaes and Peter Baker about the value of international experiences and perspectives. Gillian directs the University of Montana’s Franke Global Leadership Initiative, and Peter directs international programs at the Mansfield Center. Together, these two play a significant role in shaping the international experiences and perspectives available to students in Montana.In this conversation Gillian and Peter talk about how international programs and perspectives enrich not only the student body, but the wider community, and how international engagement can enable a place to better welcome diversity. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.anewanglepodcast.com/subscribe