Talking Health in the 406

What happens when fresh, Montana-grown foods meet hands-on learning? From seasonal fruits and vegetables to local dairy and meats, the Harvest of the Month program is helping people across the state discover new flavors and build healthier habits. With tools like the Charlie Cart bringing interactive food experiences into schools and communities, this collaboration is turning curiosity into excite...

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability, and Montana’s rates are higher than the national average. Join guests from the State of Montana Arthritis Program and City of Missoula Parks & Recreation as they highlight efforts in Missoula and across the state to help Montanans better manage arthritis. You’ll also hear an inspiring story from one woman who significantly improved her mobility and...

Wildfire smoke can affect schools, sports, and entire communities. In this episode, our guests discuss the PurpleAirs in Schools Project and how schools can receive sensors to monitor local air quality. These sensors serve as a community resource to help guide decisions during smoky conditions. We also share practical tips and resources to keep students, families, and homes safe when air quality i...

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—yet too many people put off screening. In this episode, join our guests Tim Fox and Sheylee Stowers as we talk about why screening matters, and how early detection can truly save lives. A simple test could make all the difference for you or someone you love.

Have you ever heard of the legal determinants of health? These are legal tools and supports that help shape people’s health outcomes by addressing legal issues, including housing stability, income, access to services, and where people live. In this episode, we’re joined by Robert Belle from Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) to talk about what the legal determinants of health look like in p...

In this episode our guest Jennifer Anderson spotlights Reimagining Rural, a Montana State University Extension program focused on community development and strengthening civic health across rural Montana. The conversation explores how cultivating local leadership, connections, and collaboration helps rural communities thrive. Together, these efforts highlight why rural communities are an essential...

The holidays are here—time for fun, family, and festive cheer! But a little safety prep goes a long way. In this episode, we’re sharing tips on road safety, fire prevention, decorating smartly, avoiding slips and falls, and keeping your food fresh. So pour the cocoa, deck the halls, and join us for a happy—and safe—holiday season! Talking Health in the 406 is available wherever you listen to your...

Across Montana, libraries are doing a lot more than lending books — they’re connecting communities, improving health, and expanding access to technology for their patrons. The Montana State Library (MSL) is leading the way. Join guests Bobbi deMontigny and Tracy Cook as they share how MSL’s creative programs — from webinars, to blood pressure kits, to online 'trunks' — are redefining wha...

Join our guests, Mark Nay and Kayla Morris from the St. Peter’s FUSE (Frequent User Systems Engagement) Program, as they talk about what drives their passion for helping people in the Helena community. From finding housing and food to connecting folks with jobs and healthcare, Mark and Kayla are making a real difference—and changing lives along the way. Talking Health in the 406 is available where...

The food habits we build in childhood often continue into adulthood, influencing our long-term health outcomes. In this episode, we’re joined by guests from Farm Connect Montana and the Montana Partnership to End Childhood Hunger (MT-PECH) to explore how Montana’s local food systems—from school lunches to farmers markets—can improve lifelong health. We’ll talk about the power of locally sourced fo...

August is World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month. In this episode, we explore resources to help families, communities, and health care systems support breastfeeding. Join our four guests as they share insights, practical advice, and thoughtful perspectives on breastfeeding goals, challenges, and support.  Talking Health in the 406 is available wherever you listen to your podcast...

Since 1975, Spring Meadow Resources has been a cornerstone of the Helena community—one of Montana’s longest-running disability service agency. Join guests Jean Morgan and Cody Lundin as they reflect on Spring Meadow’s lasting impact, sharing stories of how the organization empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to lead healthy, happy, and meaningful lives.

Join guests Dr. Benjamin Ryan, DVM, and Devon Cozart as we discuss Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu. We'll cover how the virus spreads, signs to watch for, and the steps you can take to protect yourself, your flock, and your livestock. Whether you're a backyard chicken keeper, manage a large operation, or have animals, this episode offers practical gui...

Guest Chris Desborough tells us how his protective gear, undoubtedly saved his life one July afternoon while he was out riding his motorcycle. Chris shares his journey from survivor to first responder and the desire to give back to those who once came to his rescue. We also discuss the importance of highway safety and protecting first responders on the scene of an emergency. Talking Health in the...

Winter is fading and wildfire season is upon us. Join guests Mary Anderson and Chris Migliaccio as we discuss wildfire smoke, outdoor and indoor air quality, and how they effect our health. We also share tips and resources to help you breathe easier when the air is smoky.

Montana's vibrant arts scene thrives in communities statewide. Discover how art, in all its forms, can boost your well-being. Join us as we speak with Krys Holmes and Monica Grable from the Montana Arts Council about the powerful connection between creativity and health. Talking Health in the 406 is available wherever you listen to your podcasts. Rate, review, and subscribe on the platform of...

"A certificate has never saved anybody, somebody stepping up . . . is what saves people." Join guest Janet Trethewey, EMT and CPR instructor with four decades of experience, as we discuss the difference between Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack. Cardiac arrest can strike anyone, at any age. Janet shares insights on preparedness, AED usage, and more. Talking Health in the 406 is avai...

Join our guests from the United Way of the Lewis and Clark Area (UWLCA) as we discuss how being unhoused impacts individual and community health, how one Montana community is working to help its unhoused population, and the reality and myths around our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Small-town Montana offers a strong sense of community and invaluable support networks. However, as loved ones age, isolation and miles from specialized care become challenging. Join guest Janet Trethewey as she shares her family's journey as care takers of her aging parents and grandmother on the Hi-Line. 

Guest Melanie Williams shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her mother with dementia and how that experience led her to the impactful work with the Montana Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Additionally, Kyla Rock, Alzheimer's and Dementia Program Manager with DPHHS, joins us to discuss inspiring work taking place and resources that are available here in Montana and natio...

Join us for part two of our flu, RSV, and COVID-19 discussion with State of Montana epidemiology experts. This episode takes a deeper dive into what data we track and the story it tell us. Let's stay healthy this fall and winter, Montana. 

 Are you ready for the upcoming flu and RSV season? Join us for a two-part discussion on tips for prevention/treatment of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 and local data from State of Montana communicable disease experts. Let's stay healthy this fall and winter, Montana. 

Join guests Natalie and Faye, teenagers from Deer Lodge, and parent/local ReACT Coalition leader, Amanda Bohrer, as they talk about youth vaping and tobacco use in their community. They want kids to know, "they are not alone, and they do have value, and there are ways to get through it."

Featured guests, siblings, Debbie and Orville Desjarlais, join us to talk about their Native Wellness Life Magazine. Combining their talents in journalism and graphic design, this sibling duo use their magazine to inform native communities on disease prevention, cultural recipes, healthy habits, and more. Listen to this episode to hear how they use their slogan, Culture is Our Cure, to inspire act...

Camp MYDA (Montana Youth Diabetes Alliance) offers Montana youth with Type 1 Diabetes a chance to connect with peers, learn valuable skills, and enjoy a fun-filled week. Campers benefit from the support and guidance of medical staff, diabetes educators, and trained counselors. Additionally, the organization may be able to help with the financial burden of Type 1 diabetes for Montana families.