On today’s episode of the Bearded Monkey Podcast, I sat down with Russ Cleveland, a candidate running for a Montana House seat, for a real, respectful, and necessary conversation about leadership, public service, and the direction of Montana. This episode isn’t about sound bites or political theater—it’s about dialogue, accountability, and what it means to serve the people you represent.

We talk about Montana values, local governance, personal responsibility, and the importance of civil discourse across the aisle—especially in a time when politics feels more divided than ever. You don’t have to agree on everything to have an honest conversation, and this episode proves that strong beliefs and respectful dialogue can exist at the same time.

The Bearded Monkey Podcast is committed to long-form conversations that challenge assumptions, encourage critical thinking, and promote productive discussion between differing viewpoints. Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in between, this episode highlights why listening matters—and why progress starts with conversation, not cancellation.

If you care about Montana politics, local elections, leadership, and the future of our communities, this is an episode worth your time. Strong nations are built when people are willing to talk, disagree respectfully, and still work toward solutions together.

🎙️ Subscribe to the Bearded Monkey Podcast for grounded conversations, real leadership discussions, and unfiltered dialogue that puts people over politics.

This episode was a lot of fun and I certainly hope you all enjoy it. As always, if you like the show, please share the show.

https://russellcleveland.org/

https://open.spotify.com/show/7JKFRsBJwhKN6COvWiFnzw?si=a4f122f448df40e3

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