Meet JD Schmidt; after an internship being stuck in meetings his senior year, he knew he needed something different which led him to wildland firefighting and he hasn't looked back. Get a behind the scenes look at what it's like to fight fires and how through it all, JD keeps a smile on his face.

Learn more about Interagency Hotshot Crews: https://www.fs.usda.gov/science-technology/fire/people/hotshots

Meet Gayle Carlson; flipping a coin between Great Falls and Glendive brought her to Montana with her husband before making their way to Missoula, Gayle has dedicated her life to serving others in the non-profit sector. This was an eye opening conversation on what she has seen throughout her career as well as the mission in ensuring everyone has access to food.

Check out the Montana Food Bank Network: https://mfbn.org/

Meet Russ Smith; he's seen Missoula change quite a bit in all his years here but none as dramatic as his own life. Overcoming drugs, violence, abuse, rejection and more; he's channeled all that into serving others and helping them overcome their own struggles in life.

Check out his business: https://www.riptidelifecoaching.org/

Meet Courtney Babcock; Olympian, Mother, and Coach. After an illustrious professional running career, she stayed busy raising her family and coaching. That competitive spirit eventually led to her starting The Sport Specialist, an online platform to help anyone get expert advice in their own pursuit.

Check out The Sport Specialist: https://www.thesportspecialist.com/

Meet Matt Mellott; after a 12 year military career, he found himself in search of a new challenge. With no 406 numbers in his phone, he moved to Missoula with his family and has established himself in the community with a big vision for the future.

Learn more about his company: https://sterlingcreadvisors.com/

Matt's big vision: https://www.grassvalleygardens.com/

Meet Evan Disney; entertainer extraordinaire, he's the magician on a mission. With accolades like performing at the Magic Castle to America's Got Talent, it's been quite the journey for him and he's not slowing down as he continues to raise thousands of dollars for various organizations he's passionate about.

Learn more: https://www.evandisneymagic.com/

Meet Mack Anderson; born in Colorado, raised in Bozeman, he came to the light side of Missoula to play basketball for the Griz and we're glad he did. From his upbringing, to the highlights of his college career, to what he is doing now, Mack is a down to earth guy and we had a lot of fun chatting with him.

Meet Erika Spaulding; we're honored that she took the time out of all the things she does to tell her story. From her work at the Humane Society, to wedding photography, to being a foster parent and so much more; Erika is proof that you can take an unconventional route and get what you want out of life.

Check out her photography: https://www.inspiredbymontana.com/

Learn more about her work at the Humane Society: https://myhswm.org/

Meet Kirby Longo; priest of Christ the King Catholic Church. It wasn't the path he initially had in mind but once he realized his calling, he has not looked back. Hailing from Billings, MT, get to know the man behind the cloth and how he has made Missoula his home.

Learn more: https://www.ctkmsla.com/

Meet Denise Dowling; Professor at the J-School (University of Montana School of Journalism if you want to be more formal). After an illustrious career in broadcasting, she returned to the same school she graduated from to help the next generation find the stories worth telling. Always on the other side of the interview, it was an honor to be able to turn the table and tell her story on the podcast.

Learn more about the J School: https://www.umt.edu/journalism/