The Missoula Podcast

Meet Russ Smith; he's seen Missoula change quite a bit in all his years here but none as dramatic as his own life. Overcoming drugs, violence, abuse, rejection and more; he's channeled all that into serving others and helping them overcome their own struggles in life. Check out his business: https://www.riptidelifecoaching.org/

Meet Courtney Babcock; Olympian, Mother, and Coach. After an illustrious professional running career, she stayed busy raising her family and coaching. That competitive spirit eventually led to her starting The Sport Specialist, an online platform to help anyone get expert advice in their own pursuit. Check out The Sport Specialist: https://www.thesportspecialist.com/

Meet Matt Mellott; after a 12 year military career, he found himself in search of a new challenge. With no 406 numbers in his phone, he moved to Missoula with his family and has established himself in the community with a big vision for the future. Learn more about his company: https://sterlingcreadvisors.com/ Matt's big vision: https://www.grassvalleygardens.com/

Meet Evan Disney; entertainer extraordinaire, he's the magician on a mission. With accolades like performing at the Magic Castle to America's Got Talent, it's been quite the journey for him and he's not slowing down as he continues to raise thousands of dollars for various organizations he's passionate about. Learn more: https://www.evandisneymagic.com/

Meet Mack Anderson; born in Colorado, raised in Bozeman, he came to the light side of Missoula to play basketball for the Griz and we're glad he did. From his upbringing, to the highlights of his college career, to what he is doing now, Mack is a down to earth guy and we had a lot of fun chatting with him.

Meet Erika Spaulding; we're honored that she took the time out of all the things she does to tell her story. From her work at the Humane Society, to wedding photography, to being a foster parent and so much more; Erika is proof that you can take an unconventional route and get what you want out of life. Check out her photography: https://www.inspiredbymontana.com/ Learn more about her work at the...

Meet Kirby Longo; priest of Christ the King Catholic Church. It wasn't the path he initially had in mind but once he realized his calling, he has not looked back. Hailing from Billings, MT, get to know the man behind the cloth and how he has made Missoula his home. Learn more: https://www.ctkmsla.com/

Meet Denise Dowling; Professor at the J-School (University of Montana School of Journalism if you want to be more formal). After an illustrious career in broadcasting, she returned to the same school she graduated from to help the next generation find the stories worth telling. Always on the other side of the interview, it was an honor to be able to turn the table and tell her story on the podcast...

Meet Brandon Whitney; hailing from Mission Hills, CA, we've got starting guard and pre-season all conference for the Montana Griz. Hear how he made is way to Missoula, his predictions for the season, and what's next after an incredible college basketball career in this episode. Catch a game this year: https://gogriz.com/sports/mens-basketball/schedule

Meet Ace Sauerwein; the “Voice of the Montana Lady Griz”, host of 'The Daily Drive', and so much more. Ace took a big chance moving to Missoula in pursuit of his dream but he hasn’t looked back. We get a behind the scenes look at his crazy schedule and what it takes to be a broadcaster. Catch up on The Daily Drive: https://kgrzmissoula.com/show/the-daily-drive-with-ace-sauerwein/

Meet Oluwamayokun Irabor, "May" for short; from Nigeria, to Canada, to Missoula, it was a long road for May and her family to end up in Missoula but we're glad she ended up here. This was an eye opening and fascinating conversation about entrepreneurship, immigration, and so much more. Learn more about her business: https://www.howtothriveincanada.com/

Meet Josh Meader; husband, father, coach. Life threw a few curveballs his way but he eventually found his niche with Rising Lion Fitness. While basketball camps have become his primary business, he teaches athletes much more than improving their jump shot. Learn about what got him to where he is at today in this inspiring episode. Learn more about his business: https://risinglionfit.com/

Meet Courtney Imhoff; do the $5 thing is her motto. Life has thrown it's fair share of challenges her way but she has taken them head on and channeled all that into designing incredible events which have helped raised millions of dollars for local non-profits. Her story will be an inspiration to everyone who listens to believe in yourself and to just go for it. Check out some of her work on Facebo...

Meet John Velk; hailing from the Hi-line but building a life for himself in Missoula, with over 30 years of experience, he's established himself as a lawyer that truly cares about the people he represents. When he's not working, you'll see him court side of your Montana Grizzlies or on the golf course and we cover all that and more in this episode. Check out more from his practice: https://velklaw...

Meet Katharine Berkoff; from the 59802 all the way to the Paris Olympics, we get her full story of growing up in Missoula, when she found her passion for swimming, and a behind the scenes look at her experience at the 2024 games. Follow Katharine’s journey: https://www.instagram.com/katharineberkoff

Meet Paige Griffith; blending entrepreneurship and law, she's created an incredible and much needed business in The Legal Paige. From her days of running a lemonade stand as a kid to the activities she was involved in growing up, we hope her journey inspires you to forge your own path. Check out The Legal Paige: https://thelegalpaige.com

Meet Sam Boyd; you might know him as Sammy B, the man wearing the crazy suits at the Missoula Paddleheads games. Sam has an incredible story of perseverance, identity, and much more. Get to know the man behind the microphone and see what’s next for him as he wraps up his final season.

Meet Adam Hertz; husband, father, real estate agent. From a young age, he always knew he wanted to be in business. After entering one of the hardest job markets and a brief stint in local politics, he found his niche as a real estate agent and has built one of the highest producing teams in Missoula. Check out The Hertz Team: https://buyandsellmontana.com/

Meet Bryan Larson; if you’ve been to a sporting event in Montana, there’s a good chance you’ve seen him working. Bryan dedicated 40 years to officiating basketball and baseball so we got him in the studio to get to know the man behind the whistle.

Meet Dan Ries; educator and now Principal of Target Range School. He knew he wanted to be a teacher since 3rd grade but it took a series of twists and turns to get him there, he found his passion for teaching up in Arlee and has not looked back. Dan has dedicated himself to teaching and the important role that teachers play in all of our lives. Find him over here: https://www.target.k12.mt.us/page...

Meet Cameron Reimers; father, husband, hall of fame baseball player, and UPS driver. Since he was a kid, the dream was to be a professional baseball player and after climbing the ranks with his sinker, it came to an abrupt end so he returned to his hometown of Missoula. Another incredible story from a lifelong Missoulian that you don't want to miss. Check him out in the Missoula Mavericks Hall...

Meet Michael Schlact; team manager for your Missoula Paddleheads. From his journey through the ranks of professional baseball to his transition to coaching, there is a lot to learn from his story on identity, leadership, and so much more. Catch one of the remaining games: https://www.gopaddleheads.com/sports/bsb/2024/schedule

Meet Kayla Johnson; owner of Zootown Crossfit. Her fitness journey began long before she became the 48th ranked crossfitter in the world in her age group. Through several businesses being born and raised here in Missoula, there is a ton of value in this episode. Get a Free Trial today: https://www.zootowncrossfit.com/programs/get-started

Meet Jim Hicks; Executive Director of Hope Rescue Mission. One of the most hotly debated topics in Missoula these days is the homeless population and Jim is working every day to help people in that situation. Learn more about the Hope Rescue Mission: https://hopemontana.org/

Meet Denny Bedard; the living legend with a smooth voice that has graced the airwaves for 48 years. He's usually on the other side of the table doing the interview so it was a joy to flip the script and hear his story. From the early days to the highlights of his illustrious career, this is an episode you don't want to miss.