In this episode, we interview Jack Lawson, the Chief Executive Officer of Clearwater Credit Union. We discuss how Clearwater works to serve Missoula, from creating services to welcome refugees to investing in local offsets in the quest to reach net zero in carbon emissions. Lawson shares how he came to be Clearwater’s CEO, as well as his story of his experience moving to Missoula with his family. Additionally, Lawson relates his thoughts on Missoula’s affordable housing crisis, and details his vision for the future of our welcoming city. 

A special production thanks to Neil Wells and everyone at Missoula Public Library's MCAT Studio for providing us with equipment and a space to record the podcast.

A thank you to Connor Wheeler for providing his own original music to the podcast.

In this episode, we interview Chris Hyslop, the Executive Director of the Montana World Affairs Council. We discuss how Hyslop’s experiences as a longtime expatriate and member of the international community inform his view of how Missoula’s community here in the United States differs from those in countries around the world. He talks about the growing partisan divide facing both Montana and the broader United States, as well as how Missoula has changed and will always be changing over time. In addition, Hyslop shares how he has found interest groups in areas from music to ice hockey in this city we call home. 

A special production thanks to Neil Wells at the Missoula Public Library's MCAT studio for helping us record the podcast.

A thank you to Connor Wheeler for providing his own original music to the podcast.

In this episode, we interview Jesse Baughman, a safety specialist at the Missoula Public Library. Baughman shares how his view of Missoula has changed over time, coming from the small town of Alberton to the much-larger Missoula. While a resident of the Garden City, Baughman has worked at Free Cycles, and as such he is very passionate about bicycles, as well as disability rights and sustainable transportation. We discuss how to navigate Missoula on just a bike, his vision for how Missoula can help people experiencing mental health challenges or disabilities, and the benefits a library provides to its community. In addition, we examine Baughman's personal relationship with the city, and how he has fallen in love with it over time.

A special production thanks to Neil Wells at the Missoula Public Library's MCAT Studio for helping us record and edit the podcast.

A thank you to Connor Wheeler for providing his own original music to the podcast.

In this episode, we welcome Slaven Lee of the Missoula Public Library. A recent addition to the Missoula community, Lee recounts the journey that took her from a small Ohio mining town, through Seattle and Austin, and ultimately, to Missoula. We discuss the role of libraries in an increasingly digital world, the importance of equity and inclusion in community spaces, and the benefits of civic engagement. Overall, Lee never loses focus of what brought her to Missoula: its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. A special production thanks to Neil Wells at the Missoula Public Library's MCAT Studio for helping us record and edit the podcast.

A thank you to Connor Wheeler for providing his own original music to the podcast.

In this episode, we are joined by Missoula's mayor Jordan Hess, who describes his journey from first-time university student to the leader of our community. We discuss pressing challenges facing Missoula today, including the recent housing shortage, taxation, and transportation. In addition, we take a look at Hess's personal relationship with the community, exploring some of his favorite memories of the Garden City, as well as community activities he currently engages in. Through it all, Hess highlights his vision for Missoula's future, and how his administration is working to implement that vision.

A special production thanks to Neil Wells at the Missoula Public Library's MCAT studio for helping us record and edit the podcast.

A huge thank you to Connor Wheeler, a local musician, for providing his own original music to the podcast.