Listen First Montana

In this episode, Eric sits down with Jim Bliss in Kalispell, MT. They talk about Jim’s story of founding and growing multiple businesses, and how Leadership Montana transformed his approach to relationships both personally and professionally. Jim also details why he wants to be remembered as a champion of kindness, along with his vision for securing the future of Montana.

In this episode, Eric travels to Arlee, MT to talk with Dr. Mary Stranahan. They talk about Mary’s work as a rural physician on the Flathead reservation, her vision as founder of both The High Stakes Foundation and Good Works Ventures, and her thoughts on the racism she witnessed in the 60s compared to what she sees today.

In this episode, Eric visits with Chris Warden, VP of Technology for Washington Companies, about leading through change, how thoughtful leaders communicate with authenticity, and the foundation of great dialogues. As the current Chair of Leadership Montana’s Board of Governors, we are inspired every day by Chris’s insights on life and leadership.

In this episode, Eric visits the E Bar L Ranch in Greenough to interview Juanita Vero – conservation champion, Missoula County Commissioner, and all around joyful person. Juanita tells us how working her family ranch has shaped her leadership style and why she jumped into elective politics with no previous experience. They also dig into the urban/rural divide in Montana and Juanita’s family history of reckoning with multiracial marriage in a time not long ago.

In this episode, Chantel visits with Misty Kuhl, newly appointed as the Director of Indian Affairs for Governor Gianforte. Misty shares her lifelong work to support education and economic opportunity for Montana’s Indigenous populations.

In this episode, Eric talks with Billings business owner and community builder Kris Carpenter about her love of place, community, joy, and fly fishing. Kris shares with us some keys to successful business ownership and management, along with her ideas for building a better Billings, but don’t expect to learn the locations of her favorite fishing spots.

In this episode, Chantel talks with actor, artist, and activist Samuel Enemy-Hunter about making history in the Supreme Court, the deep meaning of family, and why leaders “show up”, especially when it’s hard.

In this episode, Eric visits with Leonard Malin about what it means to “do the work” of understanding and respecting cultural differences. We know Leonard as a big-hearted human working to promote inclusivity in the many communities he influences.

In this special episode of Listen First Montana, Chantel and Eric visit the State Capitol in Helena and visit with several Leadership Montana alumni who work in the Legislature as elected members or government relations executives. We will hear from Democrats and Republicans about the ways that they listen to understand and to seek common ground. This is a timely view inside the marble halls of our center of government featuring Senator Duane Ankney of Colstrip, Representative Alice Buckley of Bozeman, Senator Tom Jacobson of Great Falls, Representative Terry Moore of Billings, former Representative Ray Shaw of Sheridan, and government relations executives Melissa Shannon and Jennifer Hensley.

In this episode, Dusty and Chantel talk about creating impact, investing in Montana communities, raising children with special needs, and just being kind.