What the Helena

Forward Montana
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Government
  • Updated Biweekly

What the Helena is a podcast from Forward Montana that attempts to answer the questions: what the hell is going on in the Montana State Legislature, and why should I give a shit? Each week, we will provide updates on the goings-on at the Capitol, as well as tell listeners exactly what they can do to make their voices heard.

  1. 3d ago

    The Montana Plan: How I-194 Can End Dark Money with Russell Cleveland

    Every election cycle, millions of dollars in untraceable dark money flood Montana mailboxes, TV screens, and text messages. But this fall, Montanans are voting on Initiative 194 (also known as "The Montana Plan") a ballot measure designed to pull back the curtain on political spending and eliminate anonymous money. In this episode of "What the Helena?", podcast host Caleb Klaus sits down with Russell Cleveland, Executive Director of Partnerships for I-194. 🔗For a complete breakdown of I-194: montanaplan.org 🔗Find out more at Forward Montana: forwardmontana.org

  2. Sep 28

    6 Million Acres on the Line with MontPIRG’s Madison Morgan

    From the Rattlesnake Valley to the Beartooth Range, Montana’s roadless areas offer clean water, world-class outdoor access, and pristine wildlife habitat. But a new federal proposal could open up nearly 60 million acres nationwide to industrial logging and road building. Host Caleb Klaus speaks with MontPIRG Campus Organizer Madison Morgan about the history of the 2001 Roadless Rule, the disconnect between public demand and federal policy, and why the fight to protect our public heritage is coming to a head right now. 🔗 Get involved with MontPIRG: www.mtpirg.org 🔗 Find out more at Forward Montana: forwardmontana.org

  3. Sep 21

    "Put a Fire Out with Gasoline": Unhoused Voting Rights in Missoula

    How do you exercise your constitutional right to vote when you don’t have a mailbox, an ID, or a fixed address? In this episode of What the Helena?, host Caleb Klaus sits down with David Quattrocchi, an organizer with the Unhoused Neighbors Union in Missoula. Together, they break down how housing insecurity acts as a structural form of voter suppression; from loss of critical documents during encampment sweeps to $500 urban camping fines that trap working people in the legal system. David shares how the Unhoused Neighbors Union is building cross-class solidarity, why community organizing relies on those with lived experience, and what concrete federal and local policy changes are actually needed to guarantee housing justice for all Montanans. 🔗Get involved with Forward Montana: forwardmontana.org 🏠Learn more about the Unhoused Neighbors Union: UNU Missoula on Instagram

  4. Sep 14

    The Rent Is Too Damn High: Not an Avocado Toast Problem

    Montana now holds the worst price-to-income housing ratio in the entire country, surpassing Los Angeles, New York, and Hawaii. In this episode, we sit down with Forward Montana organizers Julie Sanders and Sage Bennett to break down what this reality actually looks like on the ground for young workers, students, and renters. From choosing between rent and basic groceries to navigating predatory property managers, we unpack the structural math of a crisis where local wages simply haven't kept pace with skyrocketing costs. We also dive into the policy fights shaping our neighborhoods, exploring density bills, urban sprawl, local city council pushback, and the crucial need for renter representation in local office. Most importantly, Julie and Sage lay out how young Montanans can build collective power through tenant organizing and voter turn-out. 🔗Check your voter registration status and learn how to get involved at forwardmontana.org

  5. Sep 7

    Democracy Isn’t a Spectator Sport: Justice Jim Nelson on Nonpartisan Courts

    Should political party bosses dictate who sits on state courts? In this episode of What The Helena?, Caleb Klaus sits down with retired Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Nelson to discuss Constitutional Initiative 132 (CI-132) and the high-stakes fight to protect nonpartisan judicial elections in Montana. In the second installment of our Nonpartisan Judicial Elections series, Justice Nelson breaks down the clash between state judicial ethics and recent campaign funding laws, explains how courts act as a check on legislative overreach, and reminds us why democracy isn't a spectator sport. 🔗 Get involved with Forward Montana: ⁠forwardmontana.org⁠ 👩‍⚖️ Check out Montanans for Nonpartisan Courts: yeson132.com

  6. Aug 31

    Defending Montana’s Judiciary: CI-132 and The Fight for Fair Courts with Trent Bolger

    When partisan politics enters the courtroom, everyday citizens lose. For over 90 years, Montana has elected judges on a nonpartisan ballot, keeping party bosses and corporate special interests out of judicial rulings. But with political pressure mounting, Constitutional Initiative 132 (CI-132) aims to permanently enshrine nonpartisan judicial elections into Article VII of the Montana Constitution. In this episode of What The Helena?, Caleb Klaus sits down with Trent Bolger, Executive Director of Big Sky 55+, to unpack the history of Montana's courts, the dangers of modern "judge shopping," and why protecting an independent judiciary is an issue where young and old Montanans share common ground. 🔗 Get involved with Forward Montana: ⁠forwardmontana.org⁠ 🏫 Learn more about Big Sky 55+: bigskyfiftyfive.org 👩‍⚖️ Check out Montanans for Nonpartisan Courts: yeson132.com

  7. Aug 24

    Montana’s Direct Democracy Under Fire? Alice Boyer Breaks Down CI-132 & CI-133

    Montana has a long history of voters stepping up when politicians refuse to act, a tradition rooted in direct democracy since 1906. But today, extra filing fees, legal roadblocks, and attempts to politicize state courts are threatening that power. On this episode of "What the Helena?", Alice Boyer (Executive Director of Forward Montana) drops in to explain why independent courts act as our last line of defense, and how CI-132 and CI-133 work together to keep power in the hands of the people. 🔗 Get involved with Forward Montana: ⁠forwardmontana.org⁠📌 Check out upcoming events: ⁠forwardmontana.org/events⁠📲 Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates: instagram.com/forward_montana

  8. Aug 17

    AI Data Centers: Big Tech, Policy Vacuums, and Rural Montana

    As tech giants race to build hyperscale AI data centers across the country, developers are eyeing Montana’s open land and local energy grid. But what happens when the rapid buildout of artificial intelligence collides with rural resource conservation, local water supplies, and electricity rates? Find out why Montanans are taking action. In this episode of What the Helena?, Caleb talks with Mike McDearmon - a 15-year cloud infrastructure and software veteran running tech networks from a cabin in Central Montana - about what this tech explosion means for our communities, and how everyday residents can make their voices heard at the NPRC 'Say No To Data Centers' August 22nd Statewide Day of Action. 🔗 Get involved with Forward Montana: forwardmontana.org 📌 Check out upcoming events: forwardmontana.org/events ⭐ Participate in the NPRC August 22nd Statewide Day of Action: northernplains.org/data-centers-day-of-action

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

What the Helena is a podcast from Forward Montana that attempts to answer the questions: what the hell is going on in the Montana State Legislature, and why should I give a shit? Each week, we will provide updates on the goings-on at the Capitol, as well as tell listeners exactly what they can do to make their voices heard.

Information

  • Creator
    Forward Montana
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Forward Montana
  • Show Website
    What the Helena

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