DEC 19

From Coast Guard Cockpit to County Hall

Send us a text Flathead County Administrator Pete Melnick brings an uncommon résumé to local government—Coast Guard helicopter pilot, counter-drug operations leader, and DHS culture strategist. In this conversation with David Wigginton, host of Heart of the Flathead, Pete shares how mission discipline, systems thinking, and a deep curiosity for frontline work now drive better roads, smarter budgets, and more transparent decisions across one of Montana’s fastest-growing counties. From disabling cartel boats to navigating Montana’s open-meeting laws, Pete reveals what effective leadership looks like when stakes are high and accountability is real. He breaks down how to think in systems, listen across perspectives, and dig into the “five whys” to find root causes. Along the way, you’ll hear lessons from military command, mistakes that shaped his civilian leadership style, and why trust—and listening—remain the most underrated tools in public service. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment Management Whitefish Financial Services Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

35 min

DEC 5

When Your Life's Calling Finds You: Jordan Venezio, Kalispell Police Chief

Send us a text What does real public safety look like when a department hires for character, invests in officer wellness, and stays close to its community? Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio joins host David Wigginton for a candid, story-driven look at leadership, purpose, and building trust in a fast-growing Flathead Valley. From his unconventional start in business and real estate to patrol, narcotics, and school resource officer work, Jordan’s path has given him a 360-degree view of service. His time at the FBI National Academy honed his focus on communication, wellness, and strategic decision-making—skills he now uses to guide a department rooted in collaboration and care. Jordan shares how a local safety levy helped Kalispell PD cut response times nearly in half, strengthen visibility, and deepen relationships with residents and businesses. He talks about prioritizing youth safety, expanding school resource programs, and building partnerships like Special Olympics that foster community trust. From working alongside regional agencies to finding balance outdoors, his approach reveals what it takes to lead a healthy, human-centered police department in today’s Montana. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment Management Whitefish Financial Services Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

25 min

NOV 21

Building Community Through Education

Send us a text What does it take for a college to truly belong to its community? Dr. Jane Karas, President of Flathead Valley Community College, joins host David Wigginton to share how listening, partnership, and follow-through have shaped FVCC into both an educational powerhouse and a community cornerstone. From her unexpected journey from the East Coast to Montana ranch life, Jane’s blend of grit and policy expertise informs a leadership style where students feel seen, supported, and known by name. Together, we explore how FVCC fuels the Flathead Valley’s economy and culture—linking adult education, transfer programs, and industry-aligned training in fields like healthcare and manufacturing. Jane spotlights the Wachholz College Center, a world-class venue that hosts authors, climbers, and musicians, and introduces FVCC’s new Entrepreneurship Center—a collaborative hub for founders, mentors, and innovators. The thread through it all: authentic relationships and data-driven agility that keep both the college and community growing stronger together. Flathead Valley Community CollegeWachholz College CenterHeart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment Management Whitefish Financial Services Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

27 min

OCT 31

The Human Behind the Badge: Meet Sheriff Brian Heino

Send us a text Flathead County spans an area the size of Connecticut—and for Sheriff Brian Heino, every mile tells a story. Raised here, he’s fought wildfires in these forests, walked these roads in uniform, and now leads a department balancing explosive growth, seasonal surges, and shifting expectations. In this candid conversation, Heino traces his path from Forest Service firelines to law enforcement, sharing the moment he realized that serving this place was more than a job. We dig into the realities behind the badge: skyrocketing call volumes, fentanyl and meth challenges, and the ripple effects of mental health funding cuts and an overburdened detention facility. Heino explains how his team adapts through smarter outreach, training, and tools that prevent tragedy—alongside the quiet victories that keep them going, from letters of gratitude to second chances that stick. It’s a grounded, human look at what it takes to keep the Flathead safe while protecting the values that make it home. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment Management Whitefish Financial Services Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

36 min

OCT 17

The World is My Neighborhood: Lucy Smith's Philosophy

Send us a text Lucy Smith’s journey from Navy brat to global citizen offers a masterclass in building community wherever life takes you. Moving annually between military bases, she developed a philosophy at nine years old: “Walk in like you’re already everybody’s friend.” That mindset carried her through living in Japan at 23, volunteering in Africa, and eventually finding her forever home in the Flathead Valley. Along the way, she discovered that “the world is my neighborhood,” and that experiences across cultures—whether waking to temple gongs in Japan or witnessing resilience in East Africa—hold transformative lessons in humility, privilege, and connection. Rooted in the volunteer spirit modeled by her parents, Lucy channels a lifelong commitment to service into her role as Rotary District Governor and board member for multiple foundations. Even her recreational passions fuel her purpose—century rides for polio eradication, cross-state cycling events for cancer research—because, as she says, “You can’t take it with you, and it’s a whole lot more fun to share it.” Her vision is simple but powerful: create opportunities for neighbors to come together, from parades to free concerts, where strangers become friends and community grows stronger one hello at a time. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment Management Whitefish Financial Services Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

31 min

OCT 3

Planning Kalispell's Future

Send us a text In this eye-opening episode of Heart of the Flathead, PJ Sorensen of the Kalispell Planning Department offers a behind-the-scenes look at how neighborhoods take shape and development decisions are made. A Kalispell resident since childhood, PJ brings both personal and professional insight to the complex, years-long process that guides growth in the valley. From navigating regulations to coordinating public hearings and staff reports, he describes the planning department as “a point guard,” orchestrating collaboration across city functions to turn vision into reality. The conversation dives into Montana’s new Land Use Planning Act and the pressure to create 15,000 new housing units over the next decade. PJ shares how the city is working to balance faster development with community values, all while ensuring Kalispell remains a place where residents of all ages and incomes can thrive. Whether you're a longtime local or a new arrival, this episode is a must-listen for understanding the forces shaping the Flathead’s future. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment Management Whitefish Financial Services Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

28 min

SEP 19

Banking on Community

Send us a text Mike Smith, Market President of Glacier Bank, joins the inaugural episode of Heart of the Flathead to share his journey from a blue-collar upbringing in Wisconsin to becoming a key financial leader in the Flathead Valley. Since moving to Kalispell in 2006, Mike has navigated the challenges of the Great Recession, mortgage lending, and community growth while helping shape Glacier Bank’s strong civic presence. With a commitment to supporting 75% of the nonprofits in the Great Fish Community Challenge and fostering a culture of volunteerism among employees, Mike underscores the bank’s guiding principle: “Our customers don’t care how smart we are as bankers until they know how much we care about them.” The conversation also explores Mike’s thoughtful take on balancing economic growth with the preservation of the valley’s natural beauty and character. He addresses urgent challenges like rising property taxes, digital fraud, and the fraying of community connections—calling for more collaboration and civility between long-time locals and newcomers alike. Capping off the episode with personal reflections and lessons learned, Mike shares his hope to be remembered as someone “whose actions made a difference”—a fitting message for a series devoted to the people helping shape the heart of the Flathead. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment Management Whitefish Financial Services Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

23 min

AUG 11

Welcome to Heart of the Flathead

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what really connects us as neighbors in the Flathead Valley? Beyond political differences and social media debates, there's a rich tapestry of shared experiences waiting to be discovered. Heart of the Flathead podcast launches with a mission to celebrate the changemakers and everyday folks who give this special corner of Montana its unique character. Host Dave Wiginton brings a global perspective to local conversations, having lived internationally and across the United States before settling in the Flathead Valley twelve years ago. Through these experiences, Dave discovered something profound: "We have way more in common than we might think we do," a perspective that drives the show's community-building approach. Each episode will feature conversations with local business leaders, public officials, entrepreneurs, nonprofit directors, educators, and unsung heroes working behind the scenes. Rather than focusing on divisive topics, Dave explores guests' backgrounds, motivations, and passions—the human elements that unite us all. Every interview concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal surprising personal insights about these community contributors. The introductory episode gives listeners a taste of the format as co-producer Drew Zagorski turns the tables, interviewing Dave himself. We discover Dave's love for skiing through trees on Big Mountain, his diplomatic take on the Griz-Bobcat rivalry, and his life philosophy about not rushing important decisions. Most importantly, we learn his aspiration for the podcast: "I hope it helps to overcome the divisiveness that is so pervasive in the world today and brings us all closer together as a community." Ready to discover the beating heart of our community? Subscribe to Heart of the Flathead wherever you get your podcasts, and visit heartoftheflathead.com to suggest future guests or provide feedback. Together, we'll build a stronger, more connected Flathead Valley—one conversation at a time. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment Management Whitefish Financial Services Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

10 min

Heart of the Flathead

Episodes

From Coast Guard Cockpit to County Hall

When Your Life's Calling Finds You: Jordan Venezio, Kalispell Police Chief

Building Community Through Education

The Human Behind the Badge: Meet Sheriff Brian Heino

The World is My Neighborhood: Lucy Smith's Philosophy

Planning Kalispell's Future

Banking on Community

Welcome to Heart of the Flathead

Ratings & Reviews

About

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