PODCAST · government
What the Helena
by Forward Montana
What the Helena is a podcast from Forward Montana that attempts to answer the questions: what the hell is going on in the Montana State Legislature, and why should I give a shit? Each week, we will provide updates on the goings-on at the Capitol, as well as tell listeners exactly what they can do to make their voices heard.
Episodes
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Who Controls Montana’s Laws? Inside the Fight for CI-133 with Dani Hess
Since 1906, Montanans have used the citizen initiative process to pass pivotal laws, from expanding public lands access and raising the minimum wage to protecting healthcare choices and restricting lobbying. But in recent years, mounting bureaucratic hurdles, legal delays, and legislative…
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The Montana Plan: How I-194 Can End Dark Money with Russell Cleveland
Every election cycle, millions of dollars in untraceable dark money flood Montana mailboxes, TV screens, and text messages. But this fall, Montanans are voting on Initiative 194 (also known as "The Montana Plan") a ballot measure designed to pull back the curtain on political spending and…
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6 Million Acres on the Line with MontPIRG’s Madison Morgan
From the Rattlesnake Valley to the Beartooth Range, Montana’s roadless areas offer clean water, world-class outdoor access, and pristine wildlife habitat. But a new federal proposal could open up nearly 60 million acres nationwide to industrial logging and road building. Host Caleb Klaus speaks...
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"Put a Fire Out with Gasoline": Unhoused Voting Rights in Missoula
How do you exercise your constitutional right to vote when you don’t have a mailbox, an ID, or a fixed address? In this episode of What the Helena?, host Caleb Klaus sits down with David Quattrocchi, an organizer with the Unhoused Neighbors Union in Missoula. Together, they break down how housing...
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The Rent Is Too Damn High: Not an Avocado Toast Problem
Montana now holds the worst price-to-income housing ratio in the entire country, surpassing Los Angeles, New York, and Hawaii. In this episode, we sit down with Forward Montana organizers Julie Sanders and Sage Bennett to break down what this reality actually looks like on the ground for young...
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Democracy Isn’t a Spectator Sport: Justice Jim Nelson on Nonpartisan Courts
Should political party bosses dictate who sits on state courts? In this episode of What The Helena?, Caleb Klaus sits down with retired Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Nelson to discuss Constitutional Initiative 132 (CI-132) and the high-stakes fight to protect nonpartisan judicial elections in...
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Defending Montana’s Judiciary: CI-132 and The Fight for Fair Courts with Trent Bolger
When partisan politics enters the courtroom, everyday citizens lose. For over 90 years, Montana has elected judges on a nonpartisan ballot, keeping party bosses and corporate special interests out of judicial rulings. But with political pressure mounting, Constitutional Initiative 132 (CI-132)…
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Montana’s Direct Democracy Under Fire? Alice Boyer Breaks Down CI-132 & CI-133
Montana has a long history of voters stepping up when politicians refuse to act, a tradition rooted in direct democracy since 1906. But today, extra filing fees, legal roadblocks, and attempts to politicize state courts are threatening that power. On this episode of "What the Helena?", Alice…
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AI Data Centers: Big Tech, Policy Vacuums, and Rural Montana
As tech giants race to build hyperscale AI data centers across the country, developers are eyeing Montana’s open land and local energy grid. But what happens when the rapid buildout of artificial intelligence collides with rural resource conservation, local water supplies, and electricity rates?...
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No Ride, No Job: The Flathead Transit Trap
Having a car in the Flathead Valley is often framed as freedom, until your vehicle breaks down, gas prices spike, or a $1,000 repair bill hits. In a region experiencing rapid growth, how does a lack of public transit impact young people trying to work, study, and thrive? In this episode of 'What...
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68. So long for now: a leg session wrap up
In our final legislative session episode of the year, Zuri & John are joined once more by the rest of the team. They chat about all the highs and lows in: LGBTQ+, Repro, Housing, Climate, and Voters rights. We want to thank ALL our listeners for following along with us! We love you! Want to read...
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67. A moment with Humanity with Rep. Karlen
We are so fortunate to be joined this week by Representative Karlen from house district 98 in Missoula! OH and ALSO this week was sine die: meaning it was the last week of the 69th Montana Legislative session - we made it. Take that deep breath in and out! Want to learn more or reach out to Rep....
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66. Mutual Aid & Mayhem with Catalyst's Dillion and Julia
Another week has gone by and we wanted to have more friends on the show. So this week we are joined by some folks from Catalyst Montana! Julia and Dillion share with us how they got into organizing and what they have been up to this leg session. Looking to catch up on those bills? Be sure to…
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65. They can't unwind the clean energy clock with MEIC's Derf Johnson
We love our friends at MEIC and how lucky Derf was able to join us this week. Zuri and John chat with Derf about how the session so far has looked for MEIC and what they were watching and working on. Check out MEIC and all their amazing work - they even have a bill tracker! Curious about some of...
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64. There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for...with Morgan Syring
You might need the bill tracker for this one! If you're eyeing our title yeah... we know... we're nerds! Zuri & John are joined by FMT's Morgan Syring - our LGBTQ + Organizer! Morgan shares what this first legislative session has been like for them. We then launch into an update on a handful of…
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63. Call (406) 444-4800
406-444-4800. Call the Capitol Switchboard! Zuri is running things solo this week! They cover everything from Trans Visibility Day, to Climate, housing and repro updates. Also they tell us about one of the most important bills HB2 - the budget. Curious about the temporary restraining order on...
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62. Hi it's the Constitution remember me?
This week we give you all your legislative updates, from the nasty nine, to a handful of folks who seem to have forgotten what our constitution says. Zuri & John tell us all about this pretty exhausting week. Something you hear make you mad... me too...want to do something about it? Maybe share...
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61. Housing, climate, and a little bit of hope for the future with Sage Bennett
Our representatives have not lost momentum in the the transmittal break. Let’s jump back in. Sage, from our FMT legislative team joins us again to give us a little update on some housing bills that we have been watching! Zuri and John share some ethics committee drama and tell us all about how…
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60. We have friends on the pod with MontPIRG's Tess & Carl
This week didn’t make us cry! Yay!! Oh also, John and Zuri have some guests! But before that… This week was transmittal - hope you got your rest. We are now diving into the second half of our legislative session! On to our guests!! We are so happy to be joined this week by Carl Anderson & Tess...
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59. Halfway there ft. FMT's Legislative Team
Well we made it! Halfway through the legislative session. This week John & Zuri are joined by the rest of the legislative team: Morgan, Sage, & Taryn. Together they update us on where we are at in regards to Repro rights, housing, & LGBTQ+ rights! Here is the link to our bill tracker, and the...
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58. Late nights at the capitol
The pressure is on with transmittal coming up! This week some updates on the judiciary attacks as well as some good and bad bills we have been watching! Feeling lost with all these bills here is the link to our bill tracker! And the link to the Montana Bill Explorer. Want to listen to committee...
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57. It's time for a vibe check
This week we dive right in with a vibe check. Couple new contenders including an anti -vaxx bill and a couple focusing on voter rights (aka your rights). Rounding out the episode is a villain you've all been waiting for... Struggling to keep track of all these bills? (TBH me too) here is a link…
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56. Let MEPA, MEPA!
This week Zuri & John give us the update on the anti-trans bills, medicaid bills, and some of the wins we saw this week! We were also introduced to a few bills that attack MEPA (Montana Environmental Protection Agency). An agency and upholds the our constitutional right to a clean and healthful...
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55. We REALLY think you should call your representative
This week ended with some drama!! like, "tmr we're gonna duel" type drama. In this episode we chat about some important legislative bills, a villain who is scared & petty, and a hero who stood up for the health of montanans. Remember, folks these senators and representatives, represent YOU. and…
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54. It’s Giving… Legislative Burn Book
I think someone forgot to tell us that they were recording Mean Girls 3 in Helena this week? We were SO disappointed in the anti-trans bills that reared their ugly faces this week. These bills are just more of the same discriminatory b.s. we've seen in the past. On the brighter side of things, we...
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53. Week 3....*internally screaming*
Week three down! The capitol is buzzing with hectic energy. From medicaid bills, pro-housing billing, judicial attacks, and another anti-trans bill. Our hosts give you all the details - brace yourself - this one might get spicy. HOW TO SUBMIT PUBLIC COMMENT As with most things related to the…
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52. Love thy neighbor and mind thy business
Wow week two showed up and brought a large crowd rallying for medicaid, a disappointing state of the state address, and a hero fighting for those lost to families across montana. Our hosts update us on the bills we’ve been keeping an eye on and updates on other happenings in Helena. For more...
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51. Let the 2025 Legislative Session begin...
Take a deep breath cause the first week of the 2025 Legislative Session is over! Anyone else feel like each Session gets a little bit more chaotic? In this episode meet our two new hosts Zuri & John, as they take us through the happenings of the week from senate drama to a hopeful affordable...
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50. 2024 Wrap up
Well here we are - at the end of 2024. Kiersten & Lyla convene to chat about how our year went at Forward Montana. We also hear from Zuri, our new Legislative Director, about what we can expect next year during the 2025 session. Be sure to tune back in next year where we will be providing weekly...
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49. Montana's Housing Crisis
In this episode two of our staff members: Ashley & Sage talk about Montana's Housing Crisis. We talk about Zoning, Homelessness and the overall cost of housing in Montana. Here are some resources pertaining to housing in Montana: thehrdc.org/housing/ www.prohousingmissoula.org/...
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48. Taking care of yourself & your community
This episode we chat with two of our staff members Pari & Cassidy about taking a break and some other coping & self care methods! We also chat about our communities and how we can continue to care for those as well. You can follow Forward Montana on Instagram @forward_montana and on TikTok...
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47. CI - 126 & 127 with Erin Miller
In this episode, we’re joined by Erin Miller from Montanans for Election Reform to discuss Montana’s CI-126 and CI-127 ballot initiatives. Together, we explore what these proposals could mean for election integrity, access to voting, and the future of democracy in our state. You can follow…
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46. Indigenous Reproductive Health Care with Alice & Dani
With abortion health care and reproductive rights at the forefront of this election season, we talk to Alice Boyer and Danielle Vazquez to explore the reproductive rights of Indigenous people in Montana. We discuss why it’s crucial that everyone has access to these essential services. You can...
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45. Indigenous Citizenship Act with Ronnie Jo
This year marks the centennial of the Indigenous Citizenship Act, also known as the Snyder Act, which granted citizenship to Native Americans nationwide. However, the act didn't guarantee the right to vote. We sit down with Ronnie Jo Horse, Western Native Voice's Executive Director, to explore…
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44. Unearthing Our History with the Bodies Beneath Us Crew
This Halloween, we're joined by Max Cumming, Dylan Yonce, and Paul Kim to discuss their forthcoming documentary, The Bodies Beneath Us. The film follows two of Missoula's buried histories: the former poor farm and cemetery site that now hosts Rattlesnake Elementary, and the city's once prominent...
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43. Black History Month 2024
During black history month it's important to celebrate and uplift the stories of folks who helped shape both our state and our nation. For this episode, we sat down with author Anthony Wood to share the narratives of black Montanan's across the state from Churches in Billings, to the Black…
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42. 2023 Wrapped
After some technical difficulties, we are pleased and proud to bring you our 2023 Wrapped episode! Last year we saw young people play a huge role in Montana politics so for this episode, we decided to do a little extra to close out 2023. Our hosts, Chloe (they/them) and Kat (they/she), brought in...
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41. A Crash Course on Property Taxes with MTFP's Eric Dietrich
If you've been following the news in Montana for the last few months, it's likely you've seen a barrage of headlines about property taxes: how much they're rising, who's responsible, and what we ought to do about it. These conversations can be confusing, politically motivated, and full of opaque...
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40. Growing Pains in Glendive with Mayor Teresea Olson and Shannon Kadrmas
UPDATE: Shortly after recording this episode, Teresea resigned from the position of Mayor of Glendive. As we approach municipal elections this fall, we're taking some time to talk about local government - specifically, local government in Glendive, Montana. Over the last few months, tensions have...
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39. Queer, There and Everywhere: Pride in Small Town Montana
This week, we're joined by Cheyenne from Butte Pride and Kelly and Kayla from the Anaconda Pride Foundation to hear about their experiences planning and pulling off Pride events in small-town Montana earlier this summer. We talk about how unique and crucial these events are in smaller and more...
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38. Young Montanans Are Making Climate History! w/ Sierra Club's Caitlin Piserchia
This week, we sat down with Caitlin Piserchia, Program Director at the Montana Chapter of the Sierra Club, to chat about Held v Montana-- the historic youth-led climate case currently making its way through Montana's courts. We talk through the unique protections of Montana's Constitution, how we...
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37. SINE DIE! Reflecting on the 2023 Legislative Session
Well, we’ve made it. After five long months, a slew of national news headlines, and a nearly unfathomable number of bills and resolutions passed, the 68th Montana Legislative Session is finally, blessedly over. So what comes next? First, we rest. Then, we continue– with municipal elections this...
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36. 4/20 Special - Weed Is for Everyone with Max Savage Levenson
We're thrilled to present a very special holiday episode of What the Helena! To celebrate 4/20, Izzy sat down with Max Savage Levenson, a journalist covering cannabis policy in the state and the man behind Big Sky Chat House. Topics include updates on the state of weed policy in Montana (and this...
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35. Constitutional Changes and Another Zombie Bill
This week, we cover some of the legislature's proposed amendments to the Montana Constitution, updates on some of the anti-trans bills we've covered so far this session, and the attempted revival of the failed LR-131 measure that appeared on the 2022 ballot. Read the full What the Helena…
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34. If It's Not Broken, Don't "Fix" It
We're back from transmittal break and off to the races! The second half of the session has already brought a handful of proposals to amend Montana's Constitution (a Constitution that Montanans overwhelmingly want to preserve). We discuss these amendments, partisan gerrymandering, some of the...
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33. No Place Like (A) Home with Nathan Dugan from Shelter WF
This week is all about the money! Where's it going, and who's putting it there? We're past the transmittal deadline for general bills, which means the next couple weeks will bring their share of revenue bills, budget fights, and attempts to change Montana's Constitution. We dig into some of those...
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32. Fast and Furious
Welcome to another week of What the Helena! As we barrel toward transmittal, bills are flying through the legislative process at baffling rates and we're all trying our best to keep up. We're thrilled to report that, since the recording of this episode, SB 441, the attempt at reviving the Ballot...
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31. "You Can't Legislate People's Feelings" with Meshayla Cox
This week, our Senior Organizing Manager Lyla Brown chatted with Meshayla Cox, the Founder and Principal Consultant at CoEquity Consulting. Meshayla and Lyla talked about SB 222, the state's unwillingness to grapple with an authentic version of history, and their hopes for a more honest and...
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30. Protect Trans Kids! with Senator Pat Flowers
This week in the session brought some exciting housing bills, threats to democracy, and (more) attacks on trans kids. We had the opportunity to sit down with Senator Pat Flowers to talk about his defense of Montana's trans youth, his take on the current political environment, and advice for other...
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29. Book Ban-Boozled with Martha Furman
This week, we got to sit down with Martha Furman, the former director of Imagine IF libraries in the Flathead. We talked about book bans, censorship, access to information, and more! February always has us drowning in the good, the bad, and the ugly bills. To see which ones we're asking folks to...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
What the Helena is a podcast from Forward Montana that attempts to answer the questions: what the hell is going on in the Montana State Legislature, and why should I give a shit? Each week, we will provide updates on the goings-on at the Capitol, as well as tell listeners exactly what they can do to make their voices heard.
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Forward Montana
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does What the Helena have?
What the Helena currently has 50 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is What the Helena about?
What the Helena is a podcast from Forward Montana that attempts to answer the questions: what the hell is going on in the Montana State Legislature, and why should I give a shit? Each week, we will provide updates on the goings-on at the Capitol, as well as tell listeners exactly what they can do...
How often does What the Helena release new episodes?
What the Helena has 50 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to What the Helena?
You can listen to What the Helena on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts What the Helena?
What the Helena is created and hosted by Forward Montana.
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