A New Angle

We're getting political this week! Justin and Sara co-founded and co-direct the University of Montana Big Sky Poll and in this episode they break down the poll's most recent results. Sara also shares her motivation for starting the poll, for creating applied learning experiences, and why her tenure as Director of UM's Masters of Public Administration program has been so successful. And in case that's not enough, we get to learn about Sara's primary research interest - bureaucracy! Don't miss this one.

This week features Justin’s conversation with Larry Summers, former Secretary of the Treasury under President Clinton, President emeritus of Harvard University, chief economist to President Obama, among many other illustrious and influential positions. Larry and Justin discuss freedom of speech and expression on college campuses and the importance of universities to America’s future. It was a great privilege to visit with Larry during his recent visit to Montana and we are excited to bring you this important episode.

We’ve been trying to pin down Mario Schulzke for some time. Since leaving his role as UM’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mario has become a self-described “digital nomad with a house.” He’s working remotely as CMO for the Seattle-based start up, GeniusLink, and enjoying a wide variety of adventures. Mario remains bullish on UM and lays out the reasons why in this wide-ranging conversation.

Geoff Peddicord - Missoula's Branding Superhero by Justin Angle

Cathy Cole, UM's recently hired VP of Enrollment & Strategic Communications, just walked into a big job. In this episode we discuss what attracted her to this opportunity, why she is unabashedly bullish about the University of Montana, and what she sees in our future. If you are a fan of UM and rooting for our recovery, we think you will really enjoy this episode.

Ben Ferencz is the co-founder of FairEnds. Though this Missoula -Manhattan collaboration between two friends is primarily known for its distinctive hats, Ben tells us the hat doesn't really matter. It's an entry point for an important conversation. Tune in and learn all about that conversation and the non-linear path Ben has taken to build a life of design, creation, family, and balance - all with a deep commitment to making it happen in Montana. To learn more about FairEnds, visit www.FairEnds.com.

What's innovative about the broadband business? You'll likely be surprised by Blackfoot Communications CEO Jason Williams' answer. His outlook for Blackfoot's future and role in the Northern Rockies technology ecosystem is visionary, and the recent hire of former UM Tech Transfer director Joe Fanguy is evidence to back it up. Listen to Jason and Joe talk about Blackfoot's commitment to leading economic development in the region and the launch of their new innovation and entrepreneurship incubator, C2MBeta. These guys are right at the center of some exciting development happening here in Montana.

Front Street Capital Management's Russ Piazza (UM '77) knows exactly the sort of businesses he wants to invest in. As the portfolio manager of the hugely successful Tarkio Fund, Russ brings a focus and clarity to his work that's inspiring. He also has a thing of two to say about the bond markets. This is an important conversation anyone with an interest in the markets should hear.

"You gotta get Holly Truitt on the pod!" We've heard this countless times since we launched the show, and we finally got her to come on. Holly is the Director of University of Montana's Broader Impacts Group. Her work ranges from directing spectrUM, a wonderful science museum for children, to leading innovateUM, a coalition of key innovators driving the future of Western Montana's economy. Holly is inspirational and visionary and in this conversation we explore how her unique and challenging upbringing shaped her outlook on community and how she builds strong, creative coalitions of forward-thinking problem solvers. This episode is particularly inspired! Tune in...

The competitive pinnacle of Sam Schultz's mountain biking career came during the 2012 Olympic games. In the years since, he's faced health challenges, a limited capacity to train and race, and the reality that his relationship with his bike and livelihood must change. Today we talk about how Sam has met these challenges to build an inspiring, productive, and sustainable career in the cycling industry. Sure, he lives in a van down by the river, but it's a damn nice van with some really sweet bikes in it. Not too bad! Sam is particularly excited about his efforts to launch a high school bike racing league in Montana. For more information, visit: http://www.montanamtb.org

Missoula's John Wicks wears many hats - drummer for the hugely successful Fitz and the Tantrums, co-founder of Drum Coffee with his wonderful wife Jenna, bad-ass mountain athlete, and committed husband and father. In this conversation we break down how he juggles it all, and how he visualizes what's next. You can find Drum Coffee at: www.drumcoffee.com

Nick Triolo is passionate about story and using the tools of narrative to make the world a better place. Through his work as an activist, writer, filmmaker, coach, guide, and mountain athlete Nick is deeply dedicated to making people care more about the natural world. He is a 2016 graduate of University of Montana's Environmental Studies program and we have known each other for years through the trail running community. We were able to catch Nick on the tail end of a quick visit to Montana. You can learn more about his work at: www.nicolastriolo.net

Keila Szpaller took over the University of Montana "beat" in 2015. This Missoulian reporter and UM Journalism graduate has covered both the city of Missoula and UM during tumultuous and controversial times. In this episode we discuss her approach to reporting, sourcing, background, and what sort of stories bring joy to her work. You can find her tweets @KeilaSzpaller and her reporting at www.missoulian.com

MoFi is a non-profit organization with a mission to "provide financing and consulting services that transform the lives of individuals and strengthen communities." Dave Glaser is president of this important organization and chats with us about the critical catalytic roll MoFi (formerly known as Montana & Idaho Community Development Corporation)plays in the economic develop of five Northern Rockies states. For more information on MoFi and to learn how the organization could help you, visit: http://mofi.org

The Montana Code School launched in 2015 as a way to prepare students to walk in ready and able to the growing number of technology jobs available in Montana. In this episode we talk with Paul Gladen, Director of the Blackstone Launchpad and founder of the Code School, and Kelly Nash, graduate of the first Code School cohort and current director of admissions. We learn about how the Code School came to be, what sorts of students it targets, and what types of jobs its graduates are getting. We then speak with two of those graduates - Luke Walawander and Shannon Dooling. Luke is currently Director of Ad Operations at LumenAd and Shannon is working with Tribal Learning Aids. Both are great case studies in the power of coding skills to improve your life and open doors. For more information, check out: https://montanacodeschool.com