Trail Listening Post

Join Tommy Evans on the Trail 103.3 for a live session with Missoula’s HoverGround, a five-member indie, folk, blues and pop band born out of the Zootown Arts and Community Center’s Adult Rock Camp. The band shares how a chance encounter at camp turned into a musical collaboration, with rehearsals in lead guitarist Robbie G’s basement and a growing collection of original songs written by vocalist Ann S-P.

The conversation also explores how guitarist Robbie G’s experience at the Kimbrough Cotton Patch Soul Blues Festival in Mississippi inspired him to bring Robert Kimbrough Jr. to Missoula. HoverGround will open the show for Kimbrough at the ZACC, with Montana drummer Ryan Vitos joining Kimbrough’s band.

Hear the stories behind HoverGround and enjoy three live performances: “Running from Lightning,” “Peaches” and “You Can.” Featuring Ann S-P, Robbie G, Graham C, Lindsay M, and Beverly D, HoverGround is just getting started!

In this episode, Mike Smith sits down with Michael Legg, director of the Montana Repertory Theatre, to talk about the upcoming production of The Christians. Michael shares how the production will bring audiences into six different churches throughout Missoula, creating an immersive theater experience that brings the story directly into the spaces where it takes place. They also discuss the talented local cast, the Montana Rep's pay-what-you-can ticket model, and the importance of making the arts accessible to everyone. Plus, a conversation about Missoula's thriving arts community, supporting local theater, and why there's always something special about experiencing a great story together.

Mike Smith welcomes Jock Conyngham and Jessica Karjala to discuss In the Company of Wolves: An American Journey, a documentary exploring the complex relationship between wolves, people, and the American West. They share their perspectives on Montana’s wolf history, wildlife management, hunting ethics, ranching, and the political divisions surrounding wolf policy. The conversation also looks at how the film brings together science, history, Native American perspectives, and different viewpoints to encourage more thoughtful discussion.

The film screens Wednesday, November 18th, at the Wilma Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 PM, with the show beginning at 7 PM, followed by a panel discussion featuring voices from across Montana’s wildlife and ranching communities. Tickets are available at LogjamPresents.com.

In this episode, Mike Smith sits down with Janet Rose, Executive Director of Animeals, to discuss the organization's mission to feed, rescue, and heal animals throughout the Missoula community. Janet shares how Animeals has grown from a pet food bank into a cat-focused, no-kill adoption center, offering programs like Gaia's Landing for pets with chronic medical conditions and the Honey Fund to help families with unexpected veterinary expenses. She also discusses the organization's exciting move into a new facility at 2036 Mullan Road, featuring expanded cat rooms, an intensive care unit, educational space, and opportunities for volunteers and foster families. Learn how Animeals is making a difference for pets and the people who love them, and how you can get involved at Animeals.com. Your furrever friend may be waiting for you at Animeals!

Mike Smith welcomes Amy Allison of the Missoula Food Bank and Nick from First Interstate Bank to discuss Can the Cats, the annual friendly competition between Missoula and Bozeman to raise food and funds for families in need. The conversation highlights the growing need for food assistance in Missoula County, the incredible impact of community volunteers, and the Food Bank's goal of raising $600,000 this year. Amy shares how people can get involved, what food donations are needed most, and details about the upcoming Turkey Distribution Day on November 22. Plus, Mike challenges local businesses, radio personalities, and Trail listeners to get involved and help Missoula bring home another victory. It's time to Can the Cats!

Mike Smith welcomes Doris Martínez, Director of Missoula Medical Aid, and board member Lisa Venuti to the Trail Studio to talk about the organization's ongoing work bringing healthcare and support to rural communities in Honduras. They discuss the challenges of healthcare access, the importance of local partnerships, how even modest donations can make a life-changing difference, and the impact of investing in education and healthier communities. Plus, Doris and Lisa share details about the 28th Annual Salsa Ball, happening November 7th at the Zootown Arts Community Center, featuring salsa lessons, live music from Salsa Loca, great food, and a silent auction. Find out how you can get involved and support Missoula Medical Aid at MissoulaMedicalAid.org.

Mike Smith sits down with Carrie Nowlen, Development and Communications Director at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, to talk about the museum’s annual Used Book Sale. Carrie shares details about this year’s event, including $5 early-bird admission on Thursday, free admission Friday and Saturday, Sunday’s $10 bag sale, and thousands of books across a wide range of categories.

The conversation also explores the museum's important work, from preserving Missoula’s history and sharing the stories of Japanese immigrants interned at Fort Missoula during World War II to educational outreach, community collections, and an upcoming exhibit titled We Are Missoula County, opening in March 2027.

It's a conversation about local history, community involvement, and plenty of good reasons to add a few more books to your collection!

Mike Smith talks with Mike Emmons, Artistic Director of the Montana Film Festival, about the festival’s 12th annual lineup and the films coming to Missoula. From a 50th-anniversary 35mm screening of The Missouri Breaks to Marc Maron’s dark comedy In Memoriam, the conversation explores standout features, Montana-made films, and the “Micro-Budget Missoula” short-film block showcasing local creativity. Mike Emmons also highlights The Chronovisor, Drinking and Driving, and Baby Love, along with visiting filmmakers, opening-night festivities, and the festival’s special community atmosphere at the Roxy Theater. Explore the lineup and plan your festival weekend at MontanaFilmFestival.org.

Mike Smith welcomes Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament and Montana congressional candidate Sam Forstag to The Trail 103.3 for a wide-ranging conversation about the issues facing Montana’s working families and the future of the state’s public lands. Forstag discusses his campaign’s focus on making housing, healthcare, and childcare more affordable, protecting Social Security and retirement security, and rebuilding the Forest Service after significant staffing cuts. He also shares his opposition to unchecked corporate money in politics, his support for campaign finance reform and Montana ballot initiatives, and his call for Congress to reassert its constitutional role in decisions about war. Drawing on his experience as a smokejumper and his work with the Forest Service, Forstag makes the case for investing in public lands, wildfire prevention, and the people who manage them. Ament adds his perspective on Montana’s agricultural communities, the challenges facing family farms, and the importance of elected officials listening to the people they represent. Together, Ament and Forstag discuss what’s at stake for Montana’s future and why listening to working people matters.

On this episode, Mike Smith talks with Chris Hightower of Missoula Aging Services about Medicare Open Enrollment, running October 15 through December 7. Chris explains why it’s important to review Medicare coverage each year, how prescription drug plans and provider networks can change, and what to consider when comparing Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. He also discusses the work of Missoula Aging Services, including Meals on Wheels and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which connects people with free, unbiased Medicare counseling. If you have questions about your coverage or need help navigating your options, learn more at MissoulaAgingServices.org