In our first story, From a childhood crush to a series of unexpected turns, Aunvada Being shares her story following her lifelong journey of self-discovery and the difficult choices she made along the way. Listen to Aunvada as she navigates societal expectations, personal struggles, and ultimately, finds her true self amidst unforeseen losses. Aunvada calls her story “Skittles”.

Aunvada Being. Aunvada was blessed with a creative Western spirit. She was born in and has lived in Montana for 35 of her 37 years. She is keenly aware of the vast history of all the lands we walk and is deeply grateful to walk them.  She picked magical Missoula as her home after spending a year living off grid near the Garden of the Gods in Colorado.

In our next story, Jilnar Mansour, a Lebanese American volunteer in the volatile heart of a Palestinian refugee camp, confronts the harrowing realities of a strict curfew set by the Israeli Defense Forces. Amidst chaos and desperation, she recounts an extraordinary act of quick thinking and unexpected alliance, leading to a moment where vulnerability became a powerful tool for survival. Listen to Jilnar share the difficult choices that she made, and the blurred lines of impact versus intention in a story that she calls “Who Made Your Breakfast?”

Jilnar Mansour is a person who creates spaces for all to be loved and heard in order to stop generational violence. Jilnar is the daughter of an immigrant.  She is a survivor. Jilnar stands for love.

Steve Schmidt is a rookie police officer in Kansas City in 1997. Steve responds to a seemingly routine recovered property call that quickly escalates into a tense and dangerous encounter of a burglary in progress. What unfolds is a story of split-second decisions, unexpected revelations, and a profound moment that would forever shape his understanding of duty, perception, and the weight of a single choice. Steve calls his story “Get Down On The Ground.  Do It Now!”

Steve Schmidt, also known as Schmidty was born in the small-town of Malta, Montana. Schmidty is dedicated to positive change. With eight years’ experience as a police officer in Kansas City, Schmidty has developed strong skills in law enforcement and community engagement, all while connecting with thousands of fans as a professional mascot. Now based here in Missoula, Schmidty leads Drive Safe Missoula, a traffic safety initiative within Missoula Public Health that’s focused on saving lives through education. His expertise extends nationally, where he speaks on influencing behavior and leveraging AI for road safety and public health.

What begins as an unlikely friendship for Lauren Tobias with a free-spirited dog on The Fort Peck Reservation in northeastern Montana takes a heartbreaking turn when the dog mysteriously disappears. Days of agonizing searching lead to a devastating discovery, a poignant makeshift funeral, and an outpouring of community support. But just as grief settles in, a shocking revelation sends everything spiraling into an unbelievable twist. Lauren calls her story “Off Leash”.

In our first story, Hammy shares his tale about family, faith, and finding yourself. What starts as a journey of self-discovery after a life-altering decision takes an unexpected turn, leading to a hilarious and surprisingly public health crisis on the very first day of a new job. Sometimes, life’s most challenging moments can also be the most liberating. Hammy calls his story “Hammy’s First Day at the Health Department”.

Hammy works in occupational safety, health and risk management, and he’s the founder and creative director of Queer Butte Arts and Culture, a new group celebrating local queer art, queer culture and local queer history. Last year, he was named one of Southwest Montana’s 20 Under 40, and this year he was honored as the Young Professional of the Year by the Butte Local Development Corporation. He is a homosexual, and lives in Butte with his partner Clayton—also a homosexual.

He’s passionate about harm reduction, ending stigma, and walking on his hands. Above all, Hammy believes storytelling can save lives—and he’s thrilled to be here tonight to share his story!

In our next story, Katie Van Dorn recounts a childhood marked by an unexpected physical challenge to a life defined by adventure and a relentless pursuit of wellness. Katie’s journey is filled with extraordinary feats, unexpected setbacks, and profound self-discovery. Katie calls her story “The Cracks are How the Light Gets In”.

Originally from La Jolla, California, Katie Van Dorn studied Exercise Physiology at The University of Montana and earned her B.S & M.S in Exercise Physiology/Preventive Health. Katie is a professional chef and is a Certified International Tour Director as well as a Certified Culinary and Wellness Coach. She is passionate about the outdoors and is a compassionate real estate agent who has been caring for homebuyers and sellers alike in Missoula for over 20 years. Katie loves hiking, XC skiing, swimming, gardening and cooking. You may have heard her Freeforms show on Montana Public Radio where she is a rotating host and producer of Thursday Freeforms.

Karna Sundby goes on a blind date in Seattle leads to a whirlwind romance and a life that feels like a dream. But when an unimaginable tragedy strikes, one woman’s world shatters, forcing her to confront the deepest despair. Follow her incredible journey through loss, unexpected healing, and the profound discovery of purpose amidst the pain. Karna calls her story “Finding the Gift”.

With 30 years involvement in the field of human transformation, Karna Sundby is passionate about helping people make measurable transformations in themselves and their ways of thinking. Working with clients in person and on the phone, she helps clientele overcome their obstacles and manifest their dreams. As a Master NLP Practitioner (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), along with other modalities, Karna specializes in helping clients heal from all kinds of trauma. Karna currently has an office at Peak Health and Wellness on Blue Mountain Road in Missoula, MT. You can reach her via phone or email: [email protected] | 406-880-2555.

Kara Adolphson is a college freshman grappling with a secret grief. Kara vows to herself that she will navigate her new life and grief silently. But on the anniversary of a profound loss, an unexpected invitation leads to an art exhibit, a surprising discovery, and a breakthrough moment of joy and healing. Kara calls her story “Finding Humor After Loss”.

Kara Adolphson. Kara is a Montanan, community member, therapist, and storyteller who finds joy in the arts, the outdoors, and bluebird days in Missoula. She believes in the power of vulnerability, humor, and shared experience to bring people together. A lover of language and listening, Kara is committed to fostering connection, whether it’s in the counseling room, on a trail, or around the dinner table. Tonight, she’s honored to be on the Tell Us Something stage, where storytelling becomes a bridge for connection.

Our first story comes to us from Nita Maddox. A determined single mom navigates the challenges of working four jobs and trying to buy her dream business, a local video store. Amidst this chaotic life, a quirky encounter with an unexpected suitor leads to a surprising turn of events. Just as everything seems to fall into place, a sudden, life-altering incident challenges her newfound stability and reshapes her entire world. Nita calls her story Perfect Blue House. Thanks for listening.

Nita Maddox is a multi-generational Montanan, born and raised in Whitefish. She has a passion for adventure, even if it is finding something exciting in the produce area at the grocery store. Nita is here on this planet to be seriously playful on the journey.

Next up is Joyce Gibbs. As a third grader in Montana, Joyce convinces her parents to get pet rabbits, only to discover their true intention is to breed them for food. Despite an early mishap with the first litter, she learns the harsh realities of farm life. This unique upbringing shapes her understanding of where food comes from, leading to a memorable, albeit somewhat grisly, childhood experience. Joyce calls her story, Stew and Pot. Thanks for listening.

Joyce Gibbs was raised in Missoula, Montana, tramping through the woods. She grew up to become an artist, builder, and tiler. She is a resilient, creative, and adventurous woman. After a brief stint in New York City and then in New Orleans, she bought a dilapidated railroad house on Missoula’s Historic Northside and spent the next 15 years remodeling it and making it her own. When she is not busy building beautiful spaces with her tile installations at Joyce of Tile, you can find her riding her motorcycle, gardening and playing.

Amanda Taylor was raised in a devout Christian community, and was committed to purity, vowing to save herself for marriage. This conviction was challenged when she moved to Switzerland and met a captivating man. A spontaneous trip to a luxurious hot spring with him leads to a pivotal moment of self-discovery, forcing her to confront her deeply held beliefs. Amanda calls her story Hallelujah. Thanks for listening.

Amanda Taylor resides in Missoula with her cat Ted. As a child, she spent summers visiting her grandparents in Alder, Montana. Her earliest memory of Butte is her grandma taking her to the Butte Walmart and buying her a Reba McIntyre poster. She no longer has the poster, but she still loves Reba.

In our first story, Mark Schoenfeld dives into a captivating story of a college sophomore’s unexpected adventure abroad, from a covert mission to buy bootleg DVDs to an even more clandestine identity as an undercover evangelical Christian missionary. What happens when a spontaneous prank involving a Matt Damon look-alike turns serious, forcing a confrontation with an organization that calls itself “the company” and challenges the very meaning of faith? Mark calls his story “What Would Jed Do?”

Mark Schoenfeld has been a lot of things: a window washer, a screen printer, a public radio host, a middle school teacher, and an adjunct professor to name a few. One thing he’s always been is a writer—of stories, songs, and poems—which led him to earn his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Montana. A disgruntled Texan, Mark and his family now call western Montana home. His work has appeared in print, online, and on-air, which you can find at markscho.com

In our next story, join Tess Sneeringer, a high school junior on Halloween night 2009, as she navigates an exclusive party, a ninja-clad twin brother, and a sudden police raid that turns into a chaotic scramble for escape. What happens when a misplaced car and a nosy Officer Becky make this unpopular attendee the unlikely culprit for the entire bust? Tess calls her story “A Chance to be Popular”. Thanks for listening.

Tess Sneeringer has lived in Missoula for six years and landed here after spending the first half of her twenties as an outdoor educator across the American West, far away from her childhood home in Washington, DC. Telling a story for Tell Us Something became a Missoula bucket list item after she saw her first show in 2019. So she told a story in 2021. But then she stayed in Missoula longer than she thought she would so figured she’d do it again. Her first appearance featured a survival story set in the Utah desert, and she’s back on this episode of the podcast with another survival tale – this time of high school social life.

In our next story, Kelley Provost shares her raw and honest journey of self-acceptance and defiance, beginning with a lifelong struggle against body image that culminates in a breast reduction. But just as newfound confidence blossoms on a dream European vacation, a phone call in London’s West End, moments before The Lion King, delivers a life-altering diagnosis that changes everything. Kelley calls her story “Careful Whatchya Wish For”. Thanks for listening.

Kelley Provost Kelley Provost  is a survivor, a thriver, a liver, and a lover. She loves Duran Duran, fashion, laughing, and dancing. Watching people be proud of themselves is her favorite thing ever. Her goal is to create a community of people who love themselves so much that they inspire others to do the same. A life coach, a life lover, a life LIVER.

Closing out this episode of the Tell Us Something podcast, Jeff Ducklow embarks on an “adventure wish”. A seminary graduate turned sea kayak guide, Jeff recounts the incredibly dangerous decision to paddle toward and touch a Tidewater glacier in Alaska. What began as a bold pursuit of a memorable death could quickly become a fight for survival against one of nature’s most unpredictable forces. Jeff calls his story “A Terrible Idea”. Thanks for listening.

Jeff Ducklow has always loved nature. As a youngster, he spent most of his free time playing in the woods and felt more at home there than he did anywhere indoors. He considered nature his friend even into adulthood when he decided to turn his passion for nature into a career as an adventure guide. Yes, Jeff felt he and nature were buddies. A belief he wholeheartedly embraced until the events in his story that you just heard shook his faith and gave him more insight into the nature of nature.

In our first story, Jeremy Kenee and his buddies embark on a cross-country road trip with a Big Gulp super-glued to the roof of the car. Ride along with Jeremy to experience the hilarious reactions and unexpected encounters everywhere they went. Jeremy calls his story “Big Gulp”. Thanks for listening.

Thanks, Jeremy. Jeremy Kenee graduated from the University of Colorado in 1994, landed a 3-month temp job in Missoula and never left. He met his wife, Heather, and they raised two talented daughters who are now flung far and wide in the world. After a long career engineering streets and highways, Jeremy became the City Public Works Director in 2019. When he’s not sailing on Flathead Lake, you might find him riding mountain bikes in the hills around Missoula or playing beer-league hockey at the Glacier Ice Rink.

In our next story, Meco Correia is a former PACU nurse with a heightened awareness of horizons and the lingering echoes of trauma. Discover how a unique self-care practice involving Japanese rope art provides grounding and connection, setting the stage for an extraordinary encounter with the unknown on a quiet Missoula street. Meco calls her story “Eye on the Sky”. 

Meco Correia is a believer that a nourishing meal cooked and shared in LOVE will advance soul healing on this planet. She is a co-creator in a sensual healing touch community, a culinary artist, a watercolor dabbler, a gypsy gardener and an RN that has touched many lives and BODIES in this community for over 25 years.

Tom Attard shares his story about a raw and emotional Christmas Eve encounter at a Kalispell bar, where a man’s heartbreak leads him to his “little” brother, a drywall-delivering, street-fighting, functional alcoholic. Their intertwined lives, marked by a decade of distance and dangerous choices, build to a powerful, desperate conversation about change. Crack a beer and listen along to Tom’s story that he calls “A Ride Home from the Rainbow”.

Tom Attard was born and raised in the great state of Montana and is a father, husband, General Contractor, ultra runner and lover of all things outdoors.  You can find him on most dark winter mornings running a trail on any of the surrounding slopes. In constant motion from birth, Tom rarely sits still. Skiing, rafting, fishing, hunting, running and finding any excuse to get out there.

Kali Neumeister invites you to forget what the movies taught you about pregnancy. This candid account reveals the surprising realities of pregnancy, from a challenging gestational diabetes diagnosis to an unexpected labor during a severe storm. Follow one woman’s unforgettable journey to motherhood, proving that real-life births are far more dramatic and unpredictable than anything on screen. Kali calls her story “A Womb Awakening”

Kali Neumeister. Kali is 33 years old and was born and raised here in Missoula. A counselor by trade, Kali enjoys the quiet life of reading and storytelling and the adventures of skiing and scuba diving.

Back in April of this year, Tell Us Something traveled to Butte, America to bring Tell Us Something to an enthusiastic group of listeners at The Covellite Theatre. Founder and Executive Director Marc Moss shared a story about the first time we held a Tell Us Something event in Butte, which was at The Covellite. The first time in Butte, back in 2019, Marc had to buy time because the evening’s first storyteller, Pat, was late. Listen as Marc shares that story, which is more than just a story of Tell Us Something in Butte, it’s an honoring of his friendship with Pat Williams.

Pat Williams shared this story at Tell Us Something in front of a live audience on February 18th, 2014, at the Top Hat Lounge in Missoula, MT. The theme was “What Are You Waiting For”.

Bing Crosby spends time in Butte, MT to fish and get away from the spotlight fame brought him in the 1940s and 50s. He is mis-recognized by a pedestrian on the street. Bing then shares a story with Pat about Blue the Bear in the Jungle Book (Phil Harris) and drinking whiskey.

Click here to read Pat’s tribute at The Montana Free Press.

The Trail Listening Post – Trail Lunchbox: Marc Moss (June 25, 2025)

On today’s episode of The Trail Listening Post, we bring you a live in-studio conversation from the Trail Lunchbox on Trail 103.3 FM. Host Mike Smith sits down with Marc Moss, the founder and host of Tell Us Something, Missoula’s beloved live storytelling event series.

Marc shared the story behind the event’s signature theme song, the art on this year’s poster, and why Tell Us Something doesn’t announce its storytellers in advance. They dug into what makes live storytelling so powerful, how it brings people together, and what it’s like for someone to take the stage for the very first time.

Plus, hear stories about cops thinking Marc was a cop, the Northside KettleHouse art connection, and what it means to create space for voices across the spectrum—especially in the context of Pride Month.

🎟️ Event Details:

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Jesse Ballard and her family are stranded in the Kenyan desert where they faced danger, dehydration, and exhaustion. Come along with Jesse on a wild adventure filled with unforgettable memories in a story she calls “The Best Walker”.

Jesse Ballard is a perinatal care coordinator who moonlights as an actor and a birth doula. She lives in Missoula with her husband, 2 kids and 2 cats.

In our next story, Betsy Funk hikes with her adult daughter Kelsey in Glacier National Park on what would become a grueling hike for her daughter. Kelsey’s determination and love for the outdoors pushed them through tears and exhaustion. Betsy calls her story “Glacier Calls”.

Betsy Funk lives in the Flathead Valley of Montana where, surrounded by mountains, she raised her family. A retired health teacher, she now spends her time in that landscape, gardening, hiking, playing music, helping her husband run his craft school and best of all, getting into mischief with her grandchildren. Savoring moments of connection every day. She believes stories are the result of that ability and gift to be in each moment. There is a certain magic in that presence with her life. It offers in each encounter, a chance to be seen, which in the big picture is what might make the world a better place for all of us.

Closing out this episode of the Tell Us Something podcast, Syd Lang is a camp counselor at a small long running camp in Colorado. Listen as she meets a special individual one summer, and watch their friendship blossom amidst laughter, shared stories, and a whole lot of fun! Syd calls her story “Love Sick”.

Sydney Lang grew up in Olympia, Washington and has been living in grand ol’ Missoula, Montana on and off for the past seven years. She attended the University of Montana where she studied Communication and Climate Change. She spends much of her time climbing big rocks and zooming through the trees on her bike. She has been working in the outdoor education world for many years, both in Montana and Colorado.Syd loves to eat bubblegum ice cream, practice slackline by the river, play on local trails, and cook dinner with friends.

In our first story, listen to James Crosby share his disastrous sailing camp experiences and life-changing moments as a lifeguard. James shares his journey of self-discovery and resilience and discovers how a seemingly simple act of kindness led him to find his true calling and inspire others along the way in a story he calls “Too Big to Sail”.

The oldest and tallest among dozens of first cousins, James Crosby oddly and infuriatingly found himself outmatched in many backyard sports. He earned scores of nicknames: Stonehands, Butterfingers, Floodpants… all apt descriptions of his athletic “prowess” and Giraffe-like physique. After years of searching for the thing that could make him cool, a summer job with AccesSport America taught him to be something better.

To learn more about the adaptive programs at AccesSport America: visit goaccess.org.

In our next story, Aaron Miller’s autism diagnosis didn’t define him, it fueled his determination. From speech therapy to high school theater, Aaron overcomes his challenges & proves his capabilities. Aaron believes that disabilities aren’t limitations; they’re opportunities for growth. Aaron calls his story “Growing Up”.

📷 kmr studiosAaron Miller is a 16-year-old boy who loves to talk and bond with others. He stands as the youngest in his family and house but is the tallest out of everyone. His dad died of cancer when he was three, so he only had his mom and brother until he turned around nine where he moved across town and had his family join another family. Aaron gained a stepfather, a stepbrother, and a nonbinary stepsister. His autistic mind is what makes him the way he is: funny and responsible. He does theater at Big Sky High School, one of many MCPS schools with talented kids in many fields. Aaron is the fifth in his family to participate in one of Tell Us Something’s events alongside his brother (Alex), stepsister (Rae), stepfather (Brian), and mother (Angela). Aaron is debating what his future will look like since he doesn’t know if he wants to go to college for theater, but he believes in himself and knows that he will go far with many by his side to support him.

Our next storyteller believes in the power of storytelling so much he founded Tell Us Something in 2011. That’s right, our next storyteller is Tell Us Something founder and Executive Director Marc Moss. He calls his story “Is Anybody Alive Out There Tonight”.

Marc Moss is the founder and director of Tell Us Something & live w/my wife Joyce & our kitten Ziggy on Missoula’s Northside.

Rounding out this episode of the Tell Us Something podcast, Karna Sundby gets swept up in a windstorm, while skydiving. Peer pressure and borrowed gear led to a harrowing experience in a story Karna calls “My Last Jump”.

Karna Sundby has always been on her own unique, uncharted path. Her curiosity and spiritual quest has taken her to places that most people would find bizarre, wondrous or enlightening depending on their personal life experience. The one word they would never use to describe Karna is boring. Karna’s gift and curse is being fearless.

Learn more about Karna and her life coaching services at inneraccess.org.

Michelle Reilly finds herself homeless in 10th grade in a challenge that begins a lifetime of challenges. After earning a PhD despite her alcohol use disorder, she struggles to overcome addiction and finds unexpected hope in an online ad. Sensitive listeners, please note that Michelle’s story contains mentions of suicidal thoughts and the her father contemplating suicide, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care of yourselves. Michelle calls her story “Heroic Measures”.

📷 Donal Lakatua

Michelle Reilly is a wilderness specialist and wildlife ecologist who has lived in Missoula for 8 years. She is a wildcrafter, avid backpacker, and devoted mother. If she isn’t deep in the mountains or paddling the rivers, you can find her in her yard tending her gourmet mushroom gardens. She also runs a Missoula Ladies’ Dinner Club and enjoys entertaining in her backyard.

In our next story, Zeke Cork returns to Missoula after many failed escapes to face his demons, find love, and embrace his true self. Please take care of yourselves. Zeke calls his story “Ezekiel Cried”.

Zeke Cork is a writer, train dispatcher and board member of the Western Montana LGBTQ+ Center. He runs and hikes the local trails. He lives in Missoula with his wife and two rescue mutts. He loves tacos and trucker hats.

Ashley Brittner Wells is a self described tomboy in the 1980s who finds courage in the Montana Lady Griz games. It took years to find her own place in the stands and be the inspiration for girls who are like she was then. Ashley calls her story “Made In Montana”.

Ashley Brittner Wells is from East Missoula, Montana. She is a business owner, public servant, and cackler. She is best known as Mel’s wife. She is a lifelong women’s sports fan.