Trail Listening Post

Mike Smith is joined live in-studio by Bob from Free Cycles to talk about spring riding in Missoula—and the future of one of the city’s most community-driven spaces.

At the heart of the conversation is the Free Cycles “Forever Campaign,” an effort to secure the long-term sustainability of the organization by paying off its property and expanding its impact. The campaign supports everything from youth programming and hands-on bike education to innovative pedal-powered systems and the vision of taking the space fully off-grid.

Free Cycles has long served as a hub for transportation equity, offering free tools, repair guidance, and access to bikes for anyone who walks through the door. But as Bob explains, it’s about more than bikes—it’s about creating a true “third place” where people can gather, connect, and participate without financial barriers.

Listeners will also hear about upcoming events, live music, and seasonal opportunities to get involved, all while supporting a mission rooted in accessibility, sustainability, and community.

In this episode, Mike Smith sits down with Joy French of Bare Bait Dance and the Westside Theater to talk about the energy, creativity, and community behind 40 Over 40—Missoula’s sold-out dance showcase celebrating performers stepping back into the spotlight.

Joy shares how dancers of all experience levels are taking on new styles, pushing past self-doubt, and rediscovering the joy of movement. From first-time choreography on a high school poms squad to leading a production with over 100 community members, her journey highlights the power of saying “yes” to something new—at any age.

The conversation explores how dance becomes more than performance—it’s connection, creativity, and a chance to challenge yourself in ways that feel both vulnerable and rewarding. Plus, they dive into what makes the Westside Theater such a special, intimate venue, and how its programming—from community shows to youth camps—continues to bring people together.

Even if you missed out on tickets, this episode captures the spirit of 40 Over 40: taking risks, finding your people, and remembering that it’s never too late to try something new.

Mike Smith sits down with Carolyn Buchta, the creator of Dance Til Dusk—Missoula’s ultimate early-evening dance party for women (and their friends!). Carolyn shares the story behind the event, how it brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, and why it’s all about fun, friendship, and great music—no pressure, no pretense.

Learn about the pre-party at the newly relaunched Florence Cocktail Bar, the all-natural “gems” (fancy jello shots!), Dance Til Dusk punch, and how attendees can come solo or with a gaggle of friends. Carolyn also chats about her quirky radio persona as “the chick who doesn’t know sports” on ESPN 102.9 and her love of dancing to both old-school and new-school tunes.

If you’ve ever wanted a night out that feels like a sleepover with friends—but with drinks and a dance floor—this episode is for you.

Mike Smith is joined live in-studio by Missoula-based choreographer and educator Colleen Rosbarsky ahead of Rubber Soul Reimagined, a musical cabaret inspired by The Beatles iconic 1965 album.

Presented in collaboration with the University of Montana School of Music and School of Theatre and Dance, the production brings the entire Rubber Soul album to life through live performance, dance, and storytelling. Featuring student vocalists, a live band, and original choreography rooted in 1960s dance styles, the show explores both the music and cultural influence of the era.

Audiences can expect a dynamic blend of song, movement, and narrative—including period-inspired go-go dance, scenes highlighting Beatles history, and even a filmed interpretation of “Norwegian Wood.” The production reflects on the enduring legacy of the album and its continued relevance across generations.

Rubber Soul Reimagined runs at the Zootown Arts Community Center showroom.

Today we’re celebrating James McMurtry turning 64, so we went into the Trail Vault and pulled out a live session we recorded at the Top Hat Lounge in downtown Missoula on June 3rd, 2015.

Craig Johnson was on site for this,  just a sitting on the booths with a couple mics, and a really honest conversation with James, plus a few live performances while patrons and tourists alike sat around unsuspectingly enjoying their Top Hat lunch.

If you were there, this might take you right back.
If you weren’t, this is about as close as it gets.

—

The Trail 103.3
 Missoula, Montana
 [Trail Vault]

 Colter Nuanez is joined by filmmaker Scott Diener, director of Big Sky Falling, ahead of the film’s premiere at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival. Now in its 23rd year, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is the largest nonfiction film festival in the American West. Presented by the Big Sky Film Institute, the festival brings filmmakers and audiences together for a dynamic week of screenings, conversations, and community events in the heart of downtown Missoula. BSDFF is also an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival.

Big Sky Falling (2026, 92 min) revisits the mid-2000s drug and murder scandal that rocked Montana State University and stunned the Bozeman community. Through exclusive interviews, investigative audio, and newly uncovered records, the film explores the complex intersection of college athletics, race, recruiting practices, and accountability — nearly 20 years after the events unfolded. More than a true-crime story, the documentary examines systemic blind spots and asks difficult questions about justice, memory, and redemption.

Festival Screening Info: Big Sky Falling — Wilma Theatre, Sunday @ 2:30 PM (Big Sky Documentary Film Festival).

Parker Peddicord is joined live in-studio by Missoula-based filmmaker Jordan Hoffmaster, director and producer of Something to Hold, ahead of the film’s World Premiere at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival.

Now in its 23rd year, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is the largest nonfiction film festival in the American West and is presented by the Big Sky Film Institute, bringing filmmakers and audiences together for a packed slate of screenings, conversations, and community events in the heart of downtown Missoula. BSDFF is an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival.

The film itself, Something to Hold (2025, 27 min), follows a Montana mountaineering artist during the final summer of a decade-long project to draw every named glacier in the state. Set in the wilds of Montana, the short documentary reflects on time spent in the wilderness and bears witness to awe-inspiring landscapes, exploring human connection to nature through art, memory, and stewardship.

World Premiere info: Something to Hold — Wilma Theatre, Sunday, Feb. 22 @ 1:00 PM (Big Sky Documentary Film Festival).

Mike Smith sits down live in-studio with documentary directors Emily Schuman and Dave Schuman ahead of the World Premiere screening of The Baker’s Hotline at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula. Now in its 23rd year, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is the largest nonfiction film festival in the American West and is presented by the Big Sky Film Institute, bringing filmmakers and audiences together for a packed slate of screenings, conversations, and community events in the heart of downtown Missoula. BSDFF is an Academy Award®-qualifying festival.

The film itself, The Baker’s Hotline (2026, 13 min), follows the dedicated team at King Arthur Flour in Vermont as they run a hotline for baking emergencies. From home bakers to professional kitchens, callers reach out with questions, crises, and last-minute baking challenges. Through intimate, often humorous, and sometimes touching exchanges, the film captures the humanity, patience, and creativity of the hotline specialists, revealing how a shared love of baking connects people across the country.

World Premiere info: The Baker’s Hotline, Screening at the Wilma, Friday, Feb 20th @ 5:30 pm and Saturday, Feb 21st @ 12:30 pm

Tommy Evans is joined live in-studio by filmmaker Elijah Sullivan and composer Desan Sullivan ahead of the Montana Premiere screening of The Hole Story at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula.

Now in its 23rd year, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is the largest nonfiction film festival in the American West and is presented by the Big Sky Film Institute. The festival brings filmmakers and audiences together for a packed slate of screenings, conversations, and community events in the heart of downtown Missoula. BSDFF is an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival.

The Hole Story (2024) is a mystery-driven documentary that begins when a massive, illegal hole is discovered carved deep into the side of Mount Shasta. What starts as a local curiosity quickly unfolds into a larger examination of myth, obsession, and the stories communities tell themselves when confronted with the unexplainable. Blending original investigation, archival material, and an evocative original score, the film explores how folklore, secrecy, and belief collide — and what happens when truth proves harder to uncover than legend.

Mike Smith sits is joined live in-studio by Bill Payne (Little Feat co-founder, keyboardist, singer/songwriter) and documentary director Jesse Lauter ahead of the World Premiere screening of Little Feat: The Documentary at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula.

Now in its 23rd year, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival (BSDFF) is the largest nonfiction film festival the American west and is presented by the Big Sky Film Institute, bringing filmmakers and audiences together for a packed slate of screenings, conversations, and community events in the heart of downtown Missoula. BSDFF is an Academy Award® Qualifying Festival.

The film itself, Little Feat: The Documentary (2026, 137 min), is narrated by Jeff Bridges and dives deep into the of one of America’s most influential (and often lesser-known) bands. Featuring never-before-seen footage and stories from friends and collaborators (including Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Elvis Costello among others, and members of the Doobie Brothers, Phish, and the Grateful Dead), the documentary fluidly traces Little Feat’s remarkable musical legacy and the wide reach of their influence across generations and genres. 

World Premiere info: 'Little Feat: The Documentary' Wilma Theatre, Saturday, Feb. 21 @ 6:00 PM (Big Sky Documentary Film Festival).