This week we bring you a special cross-over episode; a fusion of Montana Public Radio’s The Write Question and A New Angle. TWQ host Lauren Korn and Justin interview author and journalist Cassidy Randall about her gripping new book, Thirty Below - The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All Women’s Ascent of Denali.

Cassidy Randall is an award-winning journalist and writer based in Missoula, Montana. Her work has appeared in prominent outlets such as National Geographic, The New York Times and Rolling Stone.

In this April edition of Incentives & Instincts, Justin and economist Bryce Ward tackle the complexities of trade policy. They unpack the economic benefits of cooperation, the concentrated costs of globalization, and the politics driving America’s shifting approach to tariffs. The conversation explores how uncertainty undermines prosperity and why thoug…

Brian Kahn was a Montana radio legend. As host of the long-running and award-winning “Home Ground Radio,” Brian interviewed hundreds of influential Montanans, asking who they are, what they think and what they are doing about it. Today we’re reairing our conversation with Brian from 2019. He talked about his approach to storytelling, activism, collaboration and problem solving. We also discussed his book, “America: Rediscovering my Country,” which documents a 50-day trip across the United States aimed at exploring diversity along many dimensions. His inquisitive spirit and Montana roots taught us how community can be built and appreciated in the most, or least, diverse environments.

Drummer John Wicks and bassist Jesse Phillips are two Montana musicians who’ve come together to form Flüffy Bünny – a project they describe as “future punk.” Drawing from diverse musical journeys – from John’s evolution through jazz, grunge, and high-profile session work to his current role as a teacher, and Jesse’s path from rural Montana to the vibrant music scene of New Orleans – they discuss how their shared passion for unbridled creativity and breaking genre norms sparked this project to rediscover the thrill of making music without boundaries.

Listen to Flüffy Bünny here.

Transcript available here.

In this episode of our Incentives & Instincts series, Justin and economist Bryce Ward revisit the youth sports industrial complex. They discuss how youth activities have evolved, the increasing pressure on families to overschedule their children, and the broader societal and economic forces driving these trends. The conversation explores the impact on kids' development, family life, and potential ways to rethink structured activities to create a healthier balance.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oxNwryuu7N10T0cE_VtMj9rwpElyS-3Xg-dn8AFtfik/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode of our Voices of Trade miniseries, Justin and cohost Brigitta Miranda-Freer, the executive director of the Montana World Trade Center, speak with KC Tolliver, CEO of Summit Resources International. They discuss Montana’s role in global trade, Tolliver’s journey from a persistent entrepreneur to running an international apparel business, and the challenges of navigating tariffs, supply chains, and manufacturing in a globalized economy. Tolliver shares insights on trade policies, intellectual property protection, and the impact of geopolitical instability on business.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aONZOLqZvSutawRtGNTgPKA2jxb1zHVaFD-jDMXtgJc/edit?usp=sharing

In part two of our conversation with University of Montana law professors Craig Cowie and Constance Van Kley, we continue the discussion about the constitutional challenges emerging in the early days of President Trump’s second term. The conversation delves into the implications of shutting down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the looming government funding deadline, and the legal complexities surrounding executive power. They explore key lawsuits, the role of the judiciary, and what happens if the executive branch refuses to comply with court orders.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14M_fH2oMgGb1FActWV9vUcyiPsB-igKGIpyyqnQqJTg/edit?usp=sharing

University of Montana law professors Craig Cowie and Constance Van Kley join Justin to discuss the legal and constitutional implications of the early days of President Trump’s second term. They examine the administration’s mass firings, executive authority over federal agencies, and the legal challenges arising from defunding congressional appropriations. With historical context and expert analysis, they break down what these moves mean for governance and the balance of power in the U.S. Stay tuned for Part Two of this conversation next week.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U6C6-Fp2yKTzNi9rlW75mLJuF4gbnJDZvCTqbXCNR0c/edit?usp=sharing

In this installment of Incentives & Instincts, Justin and economist Bryce Ward explore the critical role trust plays in society. They discuss its origins, its importance, and why trust in institutions is on the decline. With insights from research and historical perspectives, they break down how information flows impact trust and offer ideas on how we m…

Youpa Stein is an activist, artist, and advocate for a plastic-free world. In this episode, Justin and Youpa discuss the widespread impacts of plastic pollution, from its presence in the human body to its role in climate change. Youpa explains why recycling alone isn’t enough, highlights policy challenges and victories, and offers some practical steps for reducing plastic use.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FazH-GBKvj01q6vwMlpz6eaIsUl3xFzio7n90h2AhaI/edit?usp=sharing