55 episodes

Big Sky Lede, hosted by Thom Bridge, is a deep dive into the ways that government and politics drive the direction of Montana, from housing and health care, to cannabis legalization and public lands use.
Episodes explore the behind-the-scenes of policy making at the capital, and analyze the legislative sessions and players for key developments and controversies.
Guests include the movers and shakers of import on the Montana political scene. This podcast is from the reporters of the Montana State News Bureau in Helena, as well from reporters in our newsrooms across the state. 

Big Sky Lede Helena Independent Record

    • News
    • 3.7 • 17 Ratings

Big Sky Lede, hosted by Thom Bridge, is a deep dive into the ways that government and politics drive the direction of Montana, from housing and health care, to cannabis legalization and public lands use.
Episodes explore the behind-the-scenes of policy making at the capital, and analyze the legislative sessions and players for key developments and controversies.
Guests include the movers and shakers of import on the Montana political scene. This podcast is from the reporters of the Montana State News Bureau in Helena, as well from reporters in our newsrooms across the state. 

    Week 7 has crossbows on the horizon and redistricting in the rearview

    Week 7 has crossbows on the horizon and redistricting in the rearview

    This week Tom Kuglin and Sam Wilson talks about one legislator's quest to legalize the use of crossbows for hunters with disabilities and the process of drawing new legislative district maps.

    This podcast from the Montana State News Bureau is created in partnership across five newsrooms — the Billings Gazette, the Helena Independent Record, the Missoulian, the Montana Standard and the Ravalli Republic. You can support this podcast and our efforts by subscribing. Visit any of these newspapers’ websites, and click on the Become a Member button at the top of the home page. We appreciate your support of local journalism.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 23 min
    Legislature debates judiciary and legislation aimed at trans Montanans in week 6

    Legislature debates judiciary and legislation aimed at trans Montanans in week 6

    This week Seaborn Larson and Holly Michels discuss the ways the GOP is seeking to change the judiciary this session and a group of bills that would change how transgender minors live in Montana, as well as one targeted at who can attend drag shows held in certain places.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 29 min
    Money, conflict and tensions in week 5 of the legislature

    Money, conflict and tensions in week 5 of the legislature

    This week, Holly Michels, Seaborn Larson and Sam Wilson of the Montana State News Bureau, talk about reporting from week five of the legislative session. 

    Topics discussed: a package of Republican-backed legislation to spend $1 billion of the state’s surplus and cut taxes, a question of conflict of interest regarding a freshman legislator's bill and a couple controversial bills heard in both judiciary committees.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 25 min
    Legislature shows division and consensus in week 4

    Legislature shows division and consensus in week 4

    This week, Tom Kuglin and Seaborn Larson of the Montana State News Bureau, talk about big-picture reporting from week four of the legislative session. 

    Topics discussed: the formation of the Montana Freedom Caucus, a bloc of ultraconservative state lawmakers, and what this current session might have in store for fish and wildlife legislation.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 32 min
    Legislature tackles major issues, policy-wise and elsewhere, in week 3

    Legislature tackles major issues, policy-wise and elsewhere, in week 3

    This week, Holly Michels and Seaborn Larson of the Montana State News Bureau talk about the big news from week three at the Montana legislature.

    Topics discussed: the resignation of Rep. Mallorie Stromswold, Gov. Gianforte's tax relief bills debut, an anti-abortion bill aimed at the constitution and legislation aimed at addressing problems at the Montana State Hospital.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 31 min
    Policy starts progressing in week 2

    Policy starts progressing in week 2

    This week, Tom Kuglin and Holly Michels talk about week 2 of the legislative session and how policy is starting to move.

    Legislation discussed: making Montana Water Court permanent, increasing payments to block management enrollees and changes to child protective services.
    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    • 18 min

Customer Reviews

3.7 out of 5
17 Ratings

17 Ratings

l23s1992 ,

Love it!

Very helpful and comprehensive guide to MT news.

BEAR TIME ,

Good Info. Inform the people

I just started episode 2. Glad for a show that gives Montanans updates on our state and the changes we’re growing through. Everyone needs a place to get information at a level that they can process and I’m glad to have found one. That being said- give the people what the want: Sam Motha-F***** Wilson.

Ty406 ,

Was hoping for better

It’s fair pretty left-wing. I was really hoping they would be more neutral. Pretty much the only reason they were doing this is because the Republicans are in control they are basically the information wing for the Democrats. You can almost hear it in their voices that Governor Bullock is no longer in office and they are sad about it

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