Marianne Smith is the CEO of the nonprofit Code Girls United which brings the language of computer coding, business development and the power of problem solving to girls in rural and tribal communities throughout Montana via free after school programs.  Code Girls United is remarkable success story that is setting up future generations of young Montana women for success.  To learn more visit https://codegirlsunited.org

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Music by Big Sky City Lights

Cris Neckar is a hacker, cyber security expert, venture partner at Two Bear Capital and dear friend of Hello Whitefish.  We discuss the future of education, job markets and how all of this will affect rural communities.  We also dive into philosophical thought experiments around AI, extraterrestrials and just what it is that makes the Flathead so special.

From the controversial topics of wolf management to saving Africa's last Northern White Rhinos to the American Prairie - our friend Jeff Hyer is our eco tour guide through these important topics and more in this episode focused on conservation, eco tourism and understanding the facts around the delicate ecosystems of Montana.

Today’s guest is Senator Jon Tester - a 3rd generation Montana farmer, former school teacher and the only Democrat who holds statewide office in Montana.  

He is the Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. He also serves on the Senate Banking Committee, the Senate Commerce Committee, and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Jon and his wife Sharla still farm the same land that was homesteaded by Jon’s grandparents in 1912.

We covered a broad range of topics including affordable housing, climate change, MMIW, veterans issues, the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East…we even talked about UFOs!

Scot Chisholm is a founder and entrepreneur, having planted the roots for Classy, Haskill Creek Farm and Save Farmland, among other ventures.  Haskill Creek Farm's open, community-oriented lawn hosting food and drink, live music and games is the perfect vantage point to enjoy the views of the northern Flathead Valley. And with plans to expand into downtown, Scot and his wife will be opening a flagship store next to Markus Foods.  

We talk about starting a business on the cuff of COVID, Haskill Creek Farm's approach to natural therapeutics, why we need to "Save Farmland", Nonprofits, and, even AI.

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https://scotchisholm.com

https://www.haskillcreekfarms.com

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Madyson Rigg won the title of Miss Montana USA in March of 2023 and will be competing for the coveted Miss USA on September 29th.  If she wins, she will not only become the first Montanan to win the title, she will then go on to compete in the Miss Universe pageant.  But beyond the crown, she is an extremely authentic and gracious Montanan who wants to see everyone succeed.  She has worked with Leadership Flathead, Logan Health and, currently, the Glacier Institute, and has a bright future ahead.

Julie Tickle is the Executive Director of Dream Adaptive.  DREAM Adaptive’s mission is to enhance the quality of life of individuals with disabilities by providing year-round outdoor adaptive recreational opportunities.  Julie’s passion and enthusiasm for making sure these individuals have access to the outdoors is truly inspiring and heartwarming. 

In today's episode, we check in with our neighbors from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) to talk culture, the impact of climate change on our water systems and the heartbreaking crisis of murdered and missing indigenous women (MMIW).  

With interest rates still sky high and the housing market in Whitefish, Montana continuing to favor the heavily resourced, local nonprofit Housing Whitefish is looking to bring solutions to the table.  Lead by newcomer Daniel Sidder, he brings a quiver of experience and expertise, offering a possible light at the end of the tunnel...a light that will take the will of the community to flame.

Honestly exploring the depths of the minds of the next generation, this episode delves into the complexities of our youth, offering candid discussions about what Morgan and Gracie feel are the most pressing issues facing their generation today - from the education system to politics to mental health...these two offer insights we should all be paying attention to.