3d ago

25. How The Glacier Conservancy Keeps The Park Working

Send us Fan Mail Glacier National Park may look timeless, but protecting it takes constant work, thoughtful stewardship, and significant funding. Tagen Vine, president of the Glacier National Park Conservancy, joins David Wigginton to explain how the Conservancy works alongside park staff to fund critical projects that federal dollars alone can’t cover. Last year, that support totaled roughly $4.7 million—about a quarter of Glacier’s overall budget—supporting everything from interpretive rangers and visitor education to wildlife research and preventative search and rescue. Tagen also shares his journey from Wisconsin to the Flathead and the leadership experiences that prepared him for conservation fundraising and community trust-building. The conversation explores major projects including the Wheeler Cabin renovation, preservation of Glacier’s archives, and protection of fragile areas like Hidden Lake, along with growing challenges from visitation, climate-driven ecosystem changes, wildfire, flooding, and staffing uncertainty. Tagen also emphasizes supporting the people who protect Glacier—including mental health resources for park staff responding to traumatic rescue and recovery calls—and shares simple ways locals and visitors can experience and support the park. Links: Glacier National Park Conservancy (GNPC)GNPC Daily EmailGlacier National ParkHeart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment ManagementWhitefish Financial ServicesHeart 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.

Sep 4

24. Rethinking What School Can Be

Send us Fan Mail Most people have opinions about public schools, but few see the complexity behind running them. Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Matt Jensen joins us for a candid look at leading a district serving more than 6,000 students—from working with an elected board and navigating Montana’s local-control model to aligning K-8 and high school expectations. At the heart of it all is urgency: students only get one chance at each grade, and the decisions made today have lasting consequences. Matt also explores the district’s move toward personalized, competency-based education, where demonstrating mastery matters more than simply accumulating points. We discuss student agency, expanding work-based learning and internships, and how community expectations are helping shape graduates who can adapt, collaborate, and succeed beyond the classroom. Matt also tackles misconceptions about school funding, audits, levies, and bonds, and shares his five-year vision for greater clarity, stability, and excellence across Kalispell schools. Links Kalispell Public School District 5Episode 17 - School Levies: Funding Gaps, Voter Fatigue, and What Works with Jinn MarimanHeart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment ManagementWhitefish Financial ServicesHeart 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.

Aug 24

23. The Bookshelf's Next Chapter

Send us Fan Mail Independent bookstores have been declared "dead" more than once, yet places like The Bookshelf in downtown Kalispell continue to prove otherwise. Dave sits down with new owners Stefan and Tycy Berry to talk about taking the leap from loyal customers to bookstore owners, building a life in the Flathead Valley, and why physical books still create a sense of discovery, connection, and community that digital platforms can't replace. The conversation explores the realities of owning a local bookstore, from supporting local authors and hosting events to trade-ins, tourism, and cultivating loyal readers. Stefan and Tycy also discuss the evolving reading landscape—Amazon, Barnes & Noble, e-readers, and AI—and why so many people still crave the experience of browsing shelves and finding an unexpected treasure. It's an encouraging look at small business, community, and the enduring value of independent bookstores. If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a friend who loves bookstores, and leave a review so more listeners can find Heart of the Flathead. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment ManagementWhitefish Financial ServicesHeart 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.

Aug 7

22. 50 Years of Hope: The Lifesaving Work of the Abbie Shelter

Send us Fan Mail Domestic violence and sexual assault are often hidden in plain sight, and when someone decides to ask for help, every moment matters. In this episode, Kristen Schepker, Executive Director of the Abbie Shelter, explains how the organization has spent 50 years providing confidential, life-changing support across Flathead County. She walks through the shelter's five core services—emergency shelter, a 24-hour helpline and chat, court advocacy, mental health support, and community education—and explains how personalized safety planning, legal guidance, and early intervention help survivors find a safer path forward. Kristen also discusses the growing demand for services, driven by population growth, greater awareness, and the misuse of new technologies to perpetrate abuse. She shares what keeps her small team of eight moving forward, including the concept of "vicarious resiliency"—finding strength by witnessing survivors rebuild their lives. The conversation also highlights practical ways the community can help through volunteering, donations, partnerships, and the Abbie Shelter's 50th anniversary initiatives. Links Abbie ShelterStayin' Alive 50th Anniversary Celebration 2026 (Tickets on sale August, 1! Sponsor the event!) Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment ManagementWhitefish Financial ServicesHeart 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.

Jul 17

21. Keeping Homeownership Within Reach

Send us Fan Mail Owning a home in the Flathead Valley has become increasingly out of reach for many working families, but there are practical solutions. This episode features Kim Morisaki, Executive Director of the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust, explaining how community land trusts make homeownership more affordable by separating the cost of the home from the land. Kim breaks down who qualifies, how shared-equity homeownership works, and how homeowners can still build wealth while ensuring homes remain affordable for future generations. The conversation also explores the broader housing challenges facing the Flathead Valley, from the shortage of workforce housing to the rising cost of land and the need for smarter growth. Kim shares how the land trust is preserving affordable homes across Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls, while offering thoughtful insight into the choices communities will need to make to keep the valley livable for the people who call it home. Link - Northwest Montana Community Land Trust If you care about affordable housing, first-time homebuyer options, and real solutions that can scale, listen now, share this with a neighbor, and leave a review so more people can find the show. What’s one housing idea you want the Flathead Valley to try next? Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment ManagementWhitefish Financial ServicesHeart 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.

Jul 3

20. The Business of Building Community

Send us Fan Mail Kalispell is growing quickly, and with that growth comes important questions about housing, workforce challenges, economic development, and preserving the qualities that make the community special. In this episode, Lorraine Clarno, President and CEO of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, shares her journey to the Flathead Valley and explains how the Chamber’s work extends far beyond supporting local businesses. From workforce development and housing affordability to childcare access and regional collaboration, Lorraine offers a practical look at the issues shaping the future of Kalispell. The conversation also explores downtown revitalization efforts, including the Downtown Forward Coalition, the vision for a more active and vibrant downtown, and the potential impact of opportunity zone designation on redevelopment. Whether you're a business owner, community leader, or resident invested in the future of the Flathead Valley, this episode provides valuable insight into how growth, collaboration, and thoughtful planning can help Kalispell thrive while maintaining its unique character. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend or neighbor, and leave a review to help more people discover conversations about the future of the Flathead Valley. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment ManagementWhitefish Financial ServicesHeart 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.

Jun 19

19. An Unexpected Path, A Place to Belong

Send us Fan Mail The Flathead Valley is known for its mountains, lakes, and wide-open spaces, but the relationships people build here are what truly make it home. In this episode, David Wigginton sits down with Brenna Stanfield, interim parish pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell, for a conversation about community, belonging, and the role faith organizations can play in helping people connect in a fast-changing valley. Brenna shares her journey from the Midwest to Montana, her calling to ministry, and the lessons she's learned balancing family, faith, and leadership. The conversation also explores how First Presbyterian Church serves the broader Kalispell community through outreach programs, local partnerships, and a commitment to welcoming people where they are. From supporting families in need to opening its doors to community groups, Brenna offers a thoughtful perspective on what it means to build a stronger, more connected community—one relationship at a time. Link: First Presbyterian Church of Kalispell If you care about the future of the Flathead Valley, the importance of community, or the ways people find purpose and belonging, this is a conversation worth hearing. Subscribe, share, and join Heart of the Flathead for another inspiring local story. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment ManagementWhitefish Financial ServicesHeart 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.

Jun 5

18. Preserving one of Kalispell’s Crown Jewels

Send us Fan Mail The Conrad Mansion may look like a snapshot of 1895, but preserving one of Montana’s most important historic homes is a constant challenge. In this episode, Executive Director Brit Clark shares what it takes to protect a house where more than 90% of the furnishings and artifacts remain original to the Conrad family, while making the experience more accessible and engaging for today’s visitors. We explore the legacy of Charles and Lettie Conrad, the mansion’s role in Kalispell’s history, and the events that keep it connected to the community. Brit also offers an inside look at nonprofit leadership, fundraising, maintenance, and the ongoing work required to keep this 129-year-old landmark open for future generations. Links: The Conrad Mansion Website Subscribe for more stories from the Heart of the Flathead, share this with a friend who loves local history, and leave a review with your favorite Kalispell landmark or memory. Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by: Glacier Investment ManagementWhitefish Financial ServicesHeart 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.

Heart of the Flathead

25. How The Glacier Conservancy Keeps The Park Working

24. Rethinking What School Can Be

23. The Bookshelf's Next Chapter

22. 50 Years of Hope: The Lifesaving Work of the Abbie Shelter

21. Keeping Homeownership Within Reach

20. The Business of Building Community

19. An Unexpected Path, A Place to Belong

18. Preserving one of Kalispell’s Crown Jewels

Ratings & Reviews

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Heart of the Flathead

Episodes

25. How The Glacier Conservancy Keeps The Park Working

24. Rethinking What School Can Be

23. The Bookshelf's Next Chapter

22. 50 Years of Hope: The Lifesaving Work of the Abbie Shelter

21. Keeping Homeownership Within Reach

20. The Business of Building Community

19. An Unexpected Path, A Place to Belong

18. Preserving one of Kalispell’s Crown Jewels

Ratings & Reviews

About

Information