Conversations with cool people doing awesome things in and around Missoula, Montana.
We like say at the college that "Montana Means Business," but that's not just a catchphrase. Montana and our Missoula community inspire incredible creators. This podcast is about exploring their journeys. We hope the stories we share will resonate with you, at whatever stage you are in your career.
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Episode 041: Patagonia & Alan Adams want you to VOTE!
Justin W. Angle
It's election season and we continue this week with our series highlighting important reasons to vote. Alan Adams in the regional sales rep for Patagonia. Learn all about the path that led him to this position, his views about Patagonia's advocacy work, and the company's ... Read More
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Episode 040: Professor & Pollster Sara Rinfret Puts Students First
Justin W. Angle
We're getting political this week! Justin and Sara co-founded and co-direct the University of Montana Big Sky Poll and in this episode they break down the poll's most recent results. Sara also shares her motivation for starting the poll, for creating applied learning experiences, and ... Read More
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Episode 039: Larry Summers wants more speech and less comfort on campus
Justin W. Angle
This week features Justin’s conversation with Larry Summers, former Secretary of the Treasury under President Clinton, President emeritus of Harvard University, chief economist to President Obama, among many other illustrious and influential positions. Larry and Justin discuss freedom of speech and expression on college campuses ... Read More
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Episode 038: Mario Schulzke - Digital nomad with a house
Justin W. Angle
We’ve been trying to pin down Mario Schulzke for some time. Since leaving his role as UM’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mario has become a self-described “digital nomad with a house.” He’s working remotely as CMO for the Seattle-based start up, GeniusLink, and enjoying a wide ... Read More
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Episode 037: Geoff Peddicord - Missoula's Branding Superhero
Justin W. Angle
An interview with Geoff Peddicord.
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Episode 036: Cathy Cole on what's possible at UM
Justin W. Angle
Cathy Cole, UM's recently hired VP of Enrollment & Strategic Communications, just walked into a big job. In this episode we discuss what attracted her to this opportunity, why she is unabashedly bullish about the University of Montana, and what she sees in our future. ... Read More
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Episode 035: FairEnds' Ben Ferencz says it's not about the hat
Justin W. Angle
Ben Ferencz is the co-founder of FairEnds. Though this Missoula-Manhattan collaboration between two friends is primarily known for its distinctive hats, Ben tells us the hat doesn't really matter. It's an entry point for an important conversation. Tune in and learn all about that conversation ... Read More
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Episode 034: Blackfoot Communications CEO Jason Williams & VP Joe Fanguy know it's about more than wires
Justin W. Angle
What's innovative about the broadband business? You'll likely be surprised by Blackfoot Communications CEO Jason Williams' answer. His outlook for Blackfoot's future and role in the Northern Rockies technology ecosystem is visionary, and the recent hire of former UM Tech Transfer director Joe Fanguy is ... Read More
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Episode 033: Front Street Capital's Russ Piazza invests in culture
Justin W. Angle
Front Street Capital Management's Russ Piazza (UM '77) knows exactly the sort of businesses he wants to invest in. As the portfolio manager of the hugely successful Tarkio Fund, Russ brings a focus and clarity to his work that's inspiring. He also has a thing ... Read More
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Episode 032: Holly Truitt: Community Creator, Coalition Builder, and Change Maker
Justin W. Angle
"You gotta get Holly Truitt on the pod!" We've heard this countless times since we launched the show, and we finally got her to come on. Holly is the Director of University of Montana's Broader Impacts Group. Her work ranges from directing spectrUM, a wonderful ... Read More
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Episode 031: Olympian Sam Schultz Rides For All the Right Reasons
Justin W. Angle
The competitive pinnacle of Sam Schultz's mountain biking career came during the 2012 Olympic games. In the years since, he's faced health challenges, a limited capacity to train and race, and the reality that his relationship with his bike and livelihood must change. Today we ... Read More
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Episode 030: John Wicks knows drums, coffee & juggling both with family
Justin W. Angle
Missoula's John Wicks wears many hats - drummer for the hugely successful Fitz and the Tantrums, co-founder of Drum Coffee with his wonderful wife Jenna, bad-ass mountain athlete, and committed husband and father. In this conversation we break down how he juggles it all, and ... Read More
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Episode 029: Nick Triolo - Activist, Athlete, and Lifelong Student of Narrative
Justin W. Angle
Nick Triolo is passionate about story and using the tools of narrative to make the world a better place. Through his work as an activist, writer, filmmaker, coach, guide, and mountain athlete Nick is deeply dedicated to making people care more about the natural world. ... Read More
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Episode 028: Keila Szpaller Takes Her Turn in the Hot Seat
Justin W. Angle
Keila Szpaller took over the University of Montana "beat" in 2015. This Missoulian reporter and UM Journalism graduate has covered both the city of Missoula and UM during tumultuous and controversial times. In this episode we discuss her approach to reporting, sourcing, background, and what ... Read More
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Episode 027: MoFi's Dave Glaser on Making People "Bankable"
Justin W. Angle
MoFi is a non-profit organization with a mission to "provide financing and consulting services that transform the lives of individuals and strengthen communities." Dave Glaser is president of this important organization and chats with us about the critical catalytic roll MoFi (formerly known as Montana ... Read More
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Episode 026: Montana Code School - a Case Study in Education Innovation
Justin W. Angle
The Montana Code School launched in 2015 as a way to prepare students to walk in ready and able to the growing number of technology jobs available in Montana. In this episode we talk with Paul Gladen, Director of the Blackstone Launchpad and founder of ... Read More
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Episode 025: Pictionary Creator Rob Angel on Trusting the Process
Justin W. Angle
Rob Angel invented the legendary game Pictionary in 1985. I got the chance to speak with this charismatic, inspired and dynamic creator during a quick visit with his children, both Missoula residents. Rob shares the Pictionary origin story, brings us up to date on his ... Read More
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Episode 024: Bjorn Nabozney on Building a Community with Big Sky Brewing Co.
Justin W. Angle
Few places impact the community like Big Sky Brewing. This week, we sit down with founder Bjorn Nabozney to talk about beer, building a community, and the issue of alcohol on college campuses.
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Episode 023: Erin Switalski on the vital work of Women’s Voices for the Earth
Justin W. Angle
Women’s Voices for the Earth is a Missoula-based national non-profit organization doing big things on a national scale. The group’s aim is to eliminate the use of harmful chemicals in a surprising and disturbing number of household products, particularly products used predominantly by women. We ... Read More
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Episode 022: The Big Dipper's Charlie Beaton Knows Ice Cream, Music, and Balance
Justin W. Angle
Montana has a handful of iconic establishments, and The Big Dipper is one of its finest. In this week's episode we learn all about it with founder and owner Charlie Beaton, a Missoula legend. Charlie not only creates killer ice cream, but he also makes ... Read More
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Episode 021: Black Coffee's Matt McQuilkin on Coffee, Community & Creativity
Justin W. Angle
Matt McQuilkin and Jim Chapman launched Black Coffee Roasting Company in 2010 and it quickly became a fixture of the Missoula scene. In this conversation, Matt and I discuss the series of experiences that uniquely prepared him for success as a coffee entrepreneur and how ... Read More
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Episode 020: Meg Whicher: Recreation Evangelist
Justin W. Angle
Meg Whicher is a Recreation Specialist at Missoula Parks and Recreation.
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Episode 019: Tester, Gianforte, & Ward on Higher Education and the 6-mil Levy
Justin W. Angle
Investment in higher education is a hot topic across the country and in Montana especially. Every ten years since 1948 Montanans vote on a ballot measured called the 6-mil levy, which represents a substantial funding mechanism for the state's university system. The 6-mil levy returns ... Read More
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Episode 018: Eric Sprunk, COO at NIKE, on Leadership, Opportunity and Coming Home
Justin W. Angle
Eric Sprunk was the commencement speaker at this year's University of Montana graduation ceremony. In today's episode, we track Eric's experience as an accounting student who graduated in from UM in 1986 though to his current position as head of Nike's global operations. It's an ... Read More
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Episode 017: Pearl Jam's Jeff Ament on Creativity, Hustle, and Giving Back
Justin W. Angle
Jeff Ament was born in Havre and grew up in Big Sandy. His Montana roots and pride run deep and returning to his home state is a big part of what keeps him balanced. Our conversation dug into several key themes about the basis for ... Read More