Episode 282 of We're No Dam Experts features Great Falls native Ricky Lopez — known to many as "Montana Ricky." Rebecca and Shannon sit down with Ricky to talk about growing up riding BMX in Great Falls, the drive and discipline behind progressing in the sport, and his experiences riding and traveling over the years. They also catch up on what he's been focused on now that he's back in Great Falls and staying connected to the local BMX scene.

Ricky on IG: @montanaricky 

This week on We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon sit down with Kylie LaFountain — the current Miss Great Falls and a proud member of the Little Shell Tribe. Kylie shares her journey into pageantry, why Indigenous representation matters on the Miss Montana stage, and how she's using her platform to advocate for Indigenous education, MMIP awareness, and cultural pride. Plus, we chat about her upcoming Miss Montana competition, incorporating traditional fancy dance into her talent performance, and inspiring the next generation to dream big.

Miss Great Falls on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/k.lafountain6/

News Story about Kylie: https://www.krtv.com/neighborhood-news/indian-country/great-falls-woman-brings-indigenous-representation-to-miss-montana-pageant

Miss Montana: https://www.missmontana.org/copy-of-2023-contestants-1 

Fresh off her appearance on Chopped, Mariah Gladstone of Indigikitchen joins Rebecca and Shannon for a conversation rooted in food, culture, and connection. A Blackfeet and Cherokee food advocate, Mariah is on a mission to bring Indigenous ingredients and knowledge back to the table, blending tradition, sustainability, and a whole lot of flavor.

In this episode, recorded during her visit to Great Falls for a live cooking demo, we dive into her experience competing under pressure on Chopped, explore the stories behind Native foods, and get her take on Montana's most iconic berry (spoiler: it might not be the one you expect). From plant knowledge to modern kitchens, this conversation is equal parts educational and delicious.

Indigikitchen: https://www.indigikitchen.com

https://www.krtv.com/neighborhood-news/indian-country/montana-chef-brings-indigenous-foods-into-the-national-spotlight

Food Network episode preview: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXWkqqyDyJz/

On this episode of We're No Dam Experts, hosts Rebecca and Shannon sit down with event organizer Darrin Schreder to talk about Cruisin' the Drag, Montana's largest car show.

From hundreds of classic cars lining downtown Great Falls to a full weekend of events, including a poker run and afterparty, Darrin shares how this long-running event has grown into a can't-miss tradition. Plus, we talk about the impact it has on the community and how it continues to give back locally.

Whether you're a car enthusiast or just love a great outdoor event, this one will get you revved up for Cruisin' the Drag.

https://cruisinthedrag.net

On this episode of We're No Dam Experts, hosts Rebecca and Shannon chat with James and Crystal from Big Sky Reptiles about the upcoming Big Sky Reptile Expo in Great Falls on April 25.

They share how they got into reptiles, what makes the expo worth checking out, and why there's really nothing to be afraid of, just a lot to learn and experience. From up-close encounters to expert insight, it's a fun, family-friendly way to see a different side of the animal world.

Big Sky Reptiles Expo in Great Falls: https://bigskyreptileexpo.com

On this episode of We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon chat with first-year head coach Broc Finstuen and player Deon Lyle of the Great Falls Electric, Montana's only professional basketball team.

They talk about what it takes to build a pro team in Great Falls, the energy behind game nights, and how the Electric are creating excitement and community through the sport. Plus, Deon shares his unique family connection to the founder of Kool-Aid!

Great Falls Electric: https://gfelectric-basketball.com/#/

Great Falls Electric on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greatfallselectricbasketball

Podcast storytelling favorite and return guest, historian and author Ken Robison joins Rebecca and Shannon for this insightful episode!  Ken is out with a new book, Hidden History of Great Falls. He's sharing the lesser-known stories of Great Falls, and even a little drama. It's storytime with Ken, on this episode of We're No Dam Experts. 

Hidden History of Great Falls is available in Great Falls at Cassiopeia Books, Barnes & Noble, The History Museum, and more! You can also purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-History-Great-Falls-Robison/dp/1467157813

Just outside of Great Falls, The Ranch at Milo Creek is where Montana history and unforgettable celebrations come together.

On this episode of We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon sit down with Tom Dean and Patti Jo Lane to share the story behind this one-of-a-kind wedding and event venue built by Tom and his father and still rooted in family today. From the handcrafted buildings to the wide-open setting, it's a place designed for meaningful moments.

We also dive into Tom's artistry with Milo Creek Carving!

If you're dreaming of a Montana wedding, planning an event, or just love a good local story, this episode will inspire you to experience Great Falls in a whole new way.

Ranch at Milo Creek: https://ranchatmilocreek.com/ 

Milo Creek Fine Art: https://milocreekcarving.com/

Rebecca and Shannon sit down with Rowdy and Ty of Rowdy Mood Hat Company to talk about building a bold Great Falls brand with serious personality.

From how it all started to the inspiration behind their designs, this fun, sass-filled episode dives into what sets their hats apart—and where visitors can find one when they're in town.

It's creative, a little rowdy, and a perfect example of the kind of local makers that make Great Falls worth the trip.

Rowdy Mood Hat Company: https://rowdymoodhatco.com

Rebecca and Shannon sit down with longtime Western artists and husband-and-wife duo Ron Ukrainetz and Echo Ukrainetz ahead of Western Art Week in Great Falls. Ron is known for his detailed polychromatic engravings on Claybord and historical oil paintings inspired by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, while Echo creates vibrant, one-of-a-kind batik pieces known for their rich color and striking contrast.

In this episode of We're No Dam Experts, they talk about their artistic process, the stories behind their work, and their long connection to Western Art Week. You can see their work March 18–22, 2026 at the Out West Art Show at the Heritage Inn in rooms 146 and 148.

Ukrainetz Fine Art: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/listing-item/ukrainetz-fine-art/

Ukrainetz Fine Art on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukrainetzfineart

Western Art Week: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/western-art-week/

Out West Art Show: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/listing-item/out-west-art-show-sale/