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

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Aug 7

    No Ride, No Job: The Flathead Transit Trap

    Having a car in the Flathead Valley is often framed as freedom, until your vehicle breaks down, gas prices spike, or a $1,000 repair bill hits. In a region experiencing rapid growth, how does a lack of public transit impact young people trying to work, study, and thrive? In this episode of 'What the Helena?', Caleb sits down with Isabella Brown, Lead Organizer for Forward Montana in the Flathead Valley. Together, they break down the reality of "stroads," the 3-hour bus loop for a 15-minute trip, and why housing affordability and transportation access are two sides of the same coin. Plus, Bella shares how young Montanans can turn daily commute frustrations into real civic power ahead of local elections. 🔗 Get involved with Forward Montana: forwardmontana.org 📌 Check out upcoming events & campaign office hours: forwardmontana.org/events

  5. 05/18/2025

    68. So long for now: a leg session wrap up

    In our final legislative session episode of the year, Zuri & John are joined once more by the rest of the team. They chat about all the highs and lows in: LGBTQ+, Repro, Housing, Climate, and Voters rights. We want to thank ALL our listeners for following along with us! We love you! Want to read our final newsletter on the entire session? ⁠Click here⁠! Stay up to date with all things Forward Montana on Instagram @forward_montana!  Hosted by Zuri Moreno & John Bazant  Edited by Ashley Lobao Music by Cowboy Calamity

  6. 05/03/2025

    67. A moment with Humanity with Rep. Karlen

    We are so fortunate to be joined this week by Representative Karlen from house district 98 in Missoula! OH and ALSO this week was sine die: meaning it was the last week of the 69th Montana Legislative session - we made it. Take that deep breath in and out! Want to learn more or reach out to Rep. Karlen: jonathankarlen.net Call them at: (406) 851-9226 Email them at: Jonathan.Karlen@legmt.gov Our next episode will be in 2 weeks! Events: City Council Candidate Info Session! May 7, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Black Dog Coffee X 10th Ave, 3115 10th Ave N, Billings. Dreaming of a better future for Billings? City Council makes crucial decisions for our city! Join us and come learn how they can make that vision a reality! Billings needs responsible, forward thinking community members who want a safe, thriving future for our city. Join us to hear why new City Council candidates are urgently needed for the upcoming election! Light food and drinks provided! May Stich and Bitch: Sewn and Seen-Trans Quilt Project Edition! May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM 406 Pride Resource Center, 310 N 27th St, Billings. Join us 406 Pride for our May Stitch and Bitch: Sewn and Seen Montana Trans Quilt Project edition! Thursday, May 8th 530-830pm. We’re taking our monthly(ish) Stitch and Bitch and combining it with a wonderful project starting with Butte artist BT and Catalyst Montana. Attendees will create an art piece with personal meaning on an 8x8" square of fabric. There will be assorted fabrics provided, but attendees can bring fabric that might be meaningful to them. Same with art supplies, we’ll provide some, but feel free to bring anything you love to work with. You don't have to consider yourself an artist or think you're "good at art" to contribute your own unique piece to this project! These squares will be sewn together, with pieces from other communities, to create a living textile that will travel to as many Prides in Montana as possible.  Craft and Act with Wheelhouse May 15, 2025 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Studio Wheelhouse, 10 Evergreen Dr Ste B, Bozeman. Forward Montana and Wheelhouse are partnering to bring you a monthly Craft and Act event! Every second Tuesday of the month from 5-6:30pm, come to Wheelhouse to craft, build community, learn about current events, gain resources, and participate in calls to action. Sign up to receive What the Helena right to your inbox every week ⁠here⁠! Stay up to date with all things Forward Montana on Instagram @forward_montana!  Hosted by Zuri Moreno & John Bazant  Edited by Ashley Lobao Music by Cowboy Calamity

  7. 04/26/2025

    66. Mutual Aid & Mayhem with Catalyst's Dillion and Julia

    Another week has gone by and we wanted to have more friends on the show. So this week we are joined by some folks from Catalyst Montana! Julia and Dillion share with us how they got into organizing and what they have been up to this leg session. Looking to catch up on those bills? Be sure to check out our bill tracker AND read about it on our newsletter. Want to learn more about Catalyst Montana? Check out their website and follow them on social @catalyst_mt Events Missoula Stitch and Bitch April 28, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM The Center, 500 N Higgins Ave, Ste 105, Missoula, MT 59802 Forward Montana and the Western Montana Community Center are partnering up to bring the community of Missoula a MONTHLY Stitch and Bitch! Join us at The Center on the 4th Monday of each month from 6 - 7:30 pm. Bring your current project (or start a new craft!) while you gather in an environment of support, create community, and build collective power through arts n? crafts! A hodgepodge of embroidery, knit/crochet, and collage supplies will be available. Forward Montana UM Meeting May 2, 2025 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM The Branch Center, 32 Campus Dr, Missoula, MT 59812 Forward Montana's UM Student Group meetings are a place to decompress, talk out strategies, and for organizers and activists of all different realms to come together to a political home, and be in solidarity and community. Join us! May Stich and Bitch: Sewn and Seen-Trans Quilt Project Edition! May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM 406 Pride Resource Center, 310 N 27th St, Billings. We’re taking our monthly(ish) Stitch and Bitch and combining it with a wonderful project with Butte artist BT and Catalyst Montana. Attendees will create an art piece with personal meaning on an 8x8" square of fabric. There will be assorted fabrics provided, but attendees can bring fabric that might be meaningful to them. Same with art supplies, we’ll provide some, but feel free to bring anything you love to work with. You don't have to consider yourself an artist or think you're "good at art" to contribute your own unique piece to this project! These squares will be sewn together, with pieces from other communities, to create a living textile that will travel to as many Prides in Montana as possible. Transgender, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people are centered for this event and allies are welcomed. Light food and drinks will be provided. Sign up to receive What the Helena right to your inbox every week ⁠here⁠! Stay up to date with all things Forward Montana on Instagram @forward_montana!  Hosted by Zuri Moreno & John Bazant  Edited by Ashley Lobao Music by Cowboy Calamity

  8. 04/20/2025

    65. They can't unwind the clean energy clock with MEIC's Derf Johnson

    We love our friends at MEIC and how lucky Derf was able to join us this week. Zuri and John chat with Derf about how the session so far has looked for MEIC and what they were watching and working on. Check out MEIC and all their amazing work - they even have a bill tracker! Curious about some of our other bills we have been checking? Head to this weeks newsletter for more updates. Events: Rally to Oppose HB 121 April 21, noon to 1pm at the Missoula County Courthouse. Join Forward Montana, along Free and Fair coalition to rally our support for ACLU MT and plaintiffs in their first day in court to challenge unconstitutional law, HB 121. Bring a sign and get ready to cheer for trans rights!  School Board Candidate Forums! Gallatin County School Board Meet and Greet April 22, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Bunkhouse Brewing, 7715 Shedhorn Dr, Bozeman, MT 59718 Come and join us in chatting with our school board candidates in Bozeman and Belgrade! We will be at Bunkhouse Brewing and will be getting to know our candidates ahead of the upcoming School Board Election on May 6th! We will provide everyone's first drink! See you there! Sign Up Now Flathead School Board Candidate Forum! April 24, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Bias Brewing (new location!), 412 Main St, Kalispell, MT 59901 Want to be a part of an exciting, impactful event in our community? Join us at the Flathead School Board Candidate Forum on April 24th from 5-7 PM at Bias Brewery! This is a great opportunity to get involved in local elections and make sure the voices of our young people are heard! Come grab a cold one, some snacks, and all the tea! Sign Up Now Sign up to receive What the Helena right to your inbox every week ⁠here⁠! Stay up to date with all things Forward Montana on Instagram @forward_montana!  Hosted by Zuri Moreno & John Bazant  Edited by Ashley Lobao Music by Cowboy Calamity

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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
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Forward Montana
  • Show Website
    What the Helena

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