You’ve probably passed by the pond-style ice rink on the Oval and the propane fire pits and adirondack chairs around it. The rink officially made a home for itself on the Oval in 2020, but who started it and who skates on it?

In this episode, Kaimin Cast editor Alyssa Tompkins laced up her skates and hit the ice to talk to the students who brave the winter air to skate on the oval.

Full Transcripts of this episode and all others are available online at www.montanakaimin.com/the_kaimin_cast/

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper.

Choosing your major fresh out of high school is a daunting task not for the faint of heart. It can be one of the best or worst decisions you've ever made. Would you change your major if you had the chance?

In this episode, Kaimin Cast reporter Clayton Murphy speaks to students who have or who have thought about switching their major and what that means for their academic and personal lives.

Full transcripts of this episode and all others are available online at www.montanakaimin.com/the_kaimin_cast/

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper.

Many students traveled near and far for winter break this year. Traveling is not environmentally friendly, but it does have its upsides like seeing family and bolstering your mental health.

In this episode of the Kaimin Cast, editor Alyssa Tompkins speaks with Environmental Ethics Professor Christian Preston and The Director of Climate Change Studies Program, Peter McDonough to dig into whether or not it is ethical to travel.

Full transcripts of this episode and all others are available online at http://www.montanakaimin.com/the_kaimin_cast/

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's Independent, student-run newspaper.

Everyone has that one relative they just can’t stand. Before UM goes home for the holidays, we decided to hit the streets and ask students for their most memorable holiday stories, secrets and scandals. But, to avoid family drama making it back to the source, we kept it anonymous. 

In this Kaimin Cast episode, reporter Clay Murphy and editor Elinor Smith unearth UM students’ holiday mishaps and secrets. 

Full transcripts of this episode and all others are available online at http://www.montanakaimin.com/ 

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, the University of Montana’s independent, student-run newspaper.

Earlier this year, Gabbie Byers started the bug club. Crickets, worms, roly polies, and beetles— ever since she could remember, Byers has been interested in creepy crawlies. But she hasn’t always been able to find a community that shared her entomological love. 

In this Kaimin Cast episode, reporter Clay Murphy tells the story of how bug club came to be and how students across UM found a home in entomology. 

Full transcripts of this episode and all others are available online at http://www.montanakaimin.com/ 

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, the University of Montana’s independent, student-run newspaper.

Have you ever wondered who keeps the University Center Garden looking so lush and green? Well, look no further! Dive into the world of the UC Gardens and the changes it has seen over the years. Maybe even spot some dinosaurs or garden gnomes while you’re at it! 

In this Kaimin Cast episode, reporter Alyssa Tompkins speaks to Sean Helms, the new UC Gardening manager, to dive into its past and what’s next for the lush atrium. 

Full transcripts of this episode and all others are available online at https://www.montanakaimin.com/ 

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, the University of Montana’s independent, student-run newspaper. 

Do you know what a fandle is? If you don’t, it’s a fan-themed candle. My sister, Harriet Smith, used to make twilight-themed candles for her Etsy shop. Claire de Lune, Forks, La Push, and Olympic Coven, to name a few. Hear the story of the rise and fall of my sister’s Etsy shop, Thistle Candle Co.

In this Kaimin Cast episode, editor Elinor Smith speaks to her sister about her old Etsy business and what students can learn about navigating the wild world of Etsy.

Full transcripts of this episode and all others are available online at http://www.montanakaimin.com/ 

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, the University of Montana’s independent, student-run newspaper.

From court jesters to Pennywise, their painted faces haunt countless people worldwide. The trope of the creepy clown is well-established, but how did clowns go from jokesters to monsters? 

In this Kaimin Cast episode, reporter Alyssa Tompkins answers why clowns give us the creeps. 

Full transcripts of this episode and all others are available online at http://www.montanakaimin.com/ 

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, the University of Montana’s independent, student-run newspaper.

Traveling preachers visited UM’s campus earlier this October. Students’ reactions were strong, and at times, the preachers drew crowds of around 150 people. The preachers yelled at the crowds, and the crowds yelled back. 

In this Kaimin Cast episode, editor Elinor Smith answers why the open-air preachers visited our campus, what their end goal is and how students can properly respond to any future visits. 

Full transcripts of this episode and all others are available online at http://www.montanakaimin.com/ 

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected]

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, the University of Montana’s independent, student-run newspaper.

Carl Shaw has to work three jobs to pay for college. Although in-state tuition at UM has stayed the same for the last three years, that doesn’t stop the out-of-pocket costs from affecting students. Many students have to sign on to multiple jobs to afford school and living costs. 

In this Kaimin Cast episode, reporter Alyssa Tompkins talks about balancing work and life while enrolled in classes. 

Full transcripts of the episode and all others are available online at http://www.montanakaimin.com/the_kaimin_cast/. 

Questions? Comments? Email us at [email protected] 

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, the University of Montana’s independent, student-run newspaper.