The Big Fat Podcast

Dive into the heart of Stillwater County’s epic history with Episode 12 of The Big Fat Podcast ’s "They Gazed on the Beartooths" series. Join host Milo Solomon as he sits with Dave Kem, whose quiet inspiration and support sparked a transformative documentary project, Penny Redli, the heartbeat of the Museum of the Beartooths, and filmmaker Tim Lofing, who’s weaving billions of years of g...

Trek into the rugged heart of Montana with Joseph "Skookum" Joe Anderson, a sharp-eyed prospector whose boots carved trails from Stillwater’s creeks to Picket Pin’s iron claims. We sift through his diaries, letters, and the secrets he guarded like gold, revealing a life of grit, rivalry, and frontier hustle. Episode 11 of our "They Gazed on the Beartooths" series uncovers the l...

Join us as we continue the saga of Thomas Leforge—Horse Rider—on *The Big Fat Podcast*, digging deeper into his life at the Absarokee Crow Agency. Episode 10, Part 2 of 2 in our "They Gazed on the Beartooths" series, explores Chief Blackfoot’s enigmatic burial, the Crow’s shift to farming, and the artifacts that whisper of a frontier in flux. From Mexican Joe Creek to the scouts’ road to...

Saddle up for a wild ride into Montana’s untamed past with Thomas Leforge, a white man who became "Horse Rider" among the Crow. On The Big Fat Podcast, we trace his journey from a settler’s son to a Crow warrior, charging through militia mutinies, vision quests, and the thunderous Battle of Pryor Creek. Episode 9 Part 1 of 2 about Thomas Leforge, in our "They Gazed on the Beartooths...

Dive into the dusty streets of Park City, Montana, where a simmering feud over irrigation water turned deadly on a quiet July morning in 1953. On The Big Fat Podcast, we peel back the layers of a gritty tale—Walter Caine, a rancher with a .45 revolver, and Lester Lesher, his neighbor, clashed in a fatal showdown on a football field. Part of our "They Gazed on the Beartooths" series, this episode u...

Step into the boots of Donald Ruhl, a Columbus, Montana native whose journey from Joliet’s quiet fields to the volcanic sands of Iwo Jima forged a legacy of valor. On The Big Fat Podcast, we uncover the story of a high school dreamer turned Marine hero who earned the Congressional Medal of Honor with his ultimate sacrifice—diving on a Japanese explosive to save his squad. Part of our "They Ga...

Join us on The Big Fat Podcast as we salute the unbreakable spirit of Stillwater County’s service members who traded Montana’s quiet plains for the chaos of war. From John Matovich’s tactical dog sleds built for a secret WWII invasion to William Arnold’s harrowing survival in the Philippines, these local heroes carved legacies of grit and grace. Part of our "They Gazed on the Beartooths"...

Step into the rugged history of Columbus, Montana, as The Big Fat Podcast explores the Columbus Quarry—a hidden gem where ancient seabeds became the building blocks of a town and beyond. From the Montana State Capitol to Main Street’s timeless facades, discover how hardworking hands and ancient stone shaped a legacy that stretches across the state. Packed with fascinating stories, geological wonde...

Join us on The Big Fat Podcast as we uncover the remarkable journey of David Thatcher, a local hero from Stillwater County, Montana. From his humble beginnings in the rugged landscapes of Montana to becoming a key member of the historic Doolittle Raid during WWII, David's story is one of courage, survival, and a return to a quiet life of service. Discover how this unassuming man played a pivotal r...

Join us on The Big Fat Podcast as we dive into the sizzling world of Josh Severs, the mastermind behind Hangry Hero. From his journey of transforming a food truck into a community staple to his philosophy on business, family, and success, Josh shares his story of grit, growth, and the power of local entrepreneurship. Discover how he balances the intense demands of running a food business with rais...

Join 'The Big Fat Podcast' and our “They Gazed On The Beartooths Series” (TGOTB) #3 as we uncover the stories of some of the architects who built the community at the 2nd Crow Agency. Discover how individuals like William Norton, J.I. Allen, and William White were not just names but the very foundation of this historical site. We'll share insights into their roles, their interactions with the Crow...

In this episode of The Big Fat Podcast, joined by guests Penny Redli and Donna West, we delve into the intriguing and often overlooked history of the Crow Agency. From school tours to fascinating artifact discoveries and archaeological digs, learn about the critical role the Crow Agency played in the region's history. We explore key figures, historical incidents, and cultural transitions of the Cr...

Keith O'Neil:  history teacher at Park City High School, shares his journey and passion for teaching history, recounting his inspirations, college experiences, and the interesting move back to teaching after years in sales. We explore a treasure trove of historical topics, from the American Civil War and the Bozeman Trail to fascinating local Montana history. Dive deep into riveting tales about Fo...

Explore the rich history of Stillwater County through the lens of Jim Annin’s monumental work, 'They Gazed On The Beartooths'. Join us in our first episode where we dive deep into Annin's contributions to local history, the creation of the Museum of the Beartooths, and the incredible stories captured in his three-volume set. Discover how a man born in 1890 continues to influence our understanding...

Ron Hayes shares his unique journey from law enforcement and his love of breakdancing to becoming a renowned wildlife photographer. In this episode, Ron discusses his early life, diverse musical tastes, and childhood adventures in Wyoming. Delve into his transition from law enforcement to photography, his approach to capturing stunning wildlife images, and the importance of experiences over social...

Wow, we jumped all over the place in this one but it was fun!! Cody Schlehuber of SensoryPhotography.com catches us up on his recent trip to the Carolinas and discusses the development of his new photography studio located in a historic building in Columbus, Montana. Joined by Cole Waltner from @ChasingTheWildOutdoors and Shelby Burrows of BadCanyonFence.com the conversation spans Hurricane Helene...

Curtis Schomer takes us on a journey from his mining career at Sibanye Stillwater Mine to his active involvement in local politics. From navigating life's challenges to reflecting on societal changes, Curtis shares his insights, and doubles down on his commitment to fostering a better Montana.  For context this was recorded Feb 2, 2024 Curtis Schomer is running for Montana House District 48 can be...

Join us in this captivating episode as we explore the incredible journey of Kenn Solomon, famous as Rocky the Mountain Lion, the long-time mascot for the Denver Nuggets. With 33 years in the industry, Kenn shares heartfelt and humorous stories of his rise from a non-verbal child to an iconic NBA mascot. Hear about his audition adventures, memorable pranks, and the thrilling experience of winning a...

Matt Weber, Owner/CEO of Alpha Overhead Door in Montana, shares the values that guide him as he builds Alpha Overhead into something that not only fulfills his family's dreams, but also meets the needs and aspirations of every individual and their families employed by his company. From sharing a single bedroom with his parents and siblings as a young boy, to assembling a team of business and p...

Marine Veteran, Cybersecurity Specialist, and Co-Founder/Owner of " The Bearded Viking Mead Co ." located along the banks of the Yellowstone River in Columbus, Montana, JT Robertson , shares his journey- laced with what he describes as " divine intervention ”, from a Pagan perspective. JT prophesies that he will be known as " The Alexander the Great of Mead. " This episode...

Charlie Denison—Small Town Newspaper Editor and Nashville Recording Artist—shares the journey that brought him to The Stillwater News, discusses his optimistic view of the future role of small-town newspapers, and reveals that his passion for storytelling isn’t just expressed every Thursday morning, but also through his music. Also in studio, Cole Waltner of @ChasingTheWildOutdoors

This episode was actually recorded during the first 40 minutes of the previous Episode #37 when Cole shared his trip to Churchill in the Arctic Circle photographing Polar Bears. We got sidetracked and had an interesting discussion about some of the amazing "Wild West" type characters that lived here in our part of Montana and how those wild and often violent times weren't really that...

Wildlife Photographer Cole Waltner of “Chasing The Wild Outdoors” shares his experiences and gallery from his adventure to the Arctic Circle where he was invited to accompany other renowned photographers and members of the “Beyond The Wild Podcast” to photograph Polar Bears in their element! Discover Churchill Manitoba Canada and the Polar Bears that roam this seaside community! YouTube http://www...

Donna West doesn't hold back as we dive deep into her thoughts on life, kids, "engineers" and the 80's , what other state is her happy place, and what she learned about herself, and her peers, when she launched her career in real estate! Currently, Donna is an Agent/Broker at Pinnacle Property Of Montana right here in downtown Columbus Montana!

Isaiah Arnold was attending film school in Bozeman when he auditioned, and was picked from hundreds of applicants, for a position as an editor on the  @AlecSteele  YouTube channel which at that time had 2 million subscribers! That opportunity led to many more exciting projects and to a partnership in his current channel  @WillStelterbladesmith  . Isaiah's family lives right here in Columbus so...