We're No Dam Experts

  Just outside of Great Falls, The Ranch at Milo Creek is where Montana history and unforgettable celebrations come together. On this episode of We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon sit down with Tom Dean and Patti Jo Lane to share the story behind this one-of-a-kind wedding and event venue built by Tom and his father and still rooted in family today. From the handcrafted buildings to the wide-open setting, it's a place designed for meaningful moments. We also dive into Tom's artistry with Milo Creek Carving! If you're dreaming of a...

Rebecca and Shannon sit down with Rowdy and Ty of Rowdy Mood Hat Company to talk about building a bold Great Falls brand with serious personality. From how it all started to the inspiration behind their designs, this fun, sass-filled episode dives into what sets their hats apart—and where visitors can find one when they're in town. It's creative, a little rowdy, and a perfect example of the kind of local makers that make Great Falls worth the trip. Rowdy Mood Hat Company: https://rowdymoodhatco.com  

Rebecca and Shannon sit down with longtime Western artists and husband-and-wife duo Ron Ukrainetz and Echo Ukrainetz ahead of Western Art Week in Great Falls. Ron is known for his detailed polychromatic engravings on Claybord and historical oil paintings inspired by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, while Echo creates vibrant, one-of-a-kind batik pieces known for their rich color and striking contrast. In this episode of We're No Dam Experts, they talk about their artistic process, the stories behind their work, and their long connection to Western Art Week. You can see their work March 18–22, 2026 at the Out Wes...

Rebecca and Shannon sit down with Jessie Bidlack of Sweet Prairie Farm to talk ranching, rendering, and the return of traditional tallow skincare. From pasture-raised cattle to small-batch, handcrafted balms, Jessie shares how her Central Montana homestead transforms a time-honored ingredient into nourishing, value-added products. We also dive into raising heritage livestock with intention, sustainable farm practices, and what it takes to build a business rooted in the land. Sweet Prairie Farm: https://sweetprairiefarm.org/index.html  

Travis and Henry join Rebecca and Shannon to talk about how they've literally forged new trails for mountain biking in Great Falls. From grassroots advocacy to purpose-built trail design, they've worked with local and federal agencies and the International Mountain Bike Association to make new biking trails a reality in Great Falls.  Hear how they turned vision into action and why trails are the foundation of recreation in Great Falls. Biking in Great Falls: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/bicycling/      

Rebecca and Shannon sit down with Great Falls native Liz Alford, Ms. Wheelchair Montana 2026. Liz shares her journey following a spinal cord injury and how it shaped her passion for advocacy. As part of the Ms. Wheelchair America program, Ms. Wheelchair Montana is not a beauty pageant, but a leadership competition highlighting the accomplishments and advocacy of women who use wheelchairs. Liz's platform focuses on medical and rehabilitation advancements, advocacy, and empowerment. In this episode, the conversation also dives into accessibility — what it's like navigating and getting around Great Falls, where progress has been made, an...

This week it's just Rebecca and Shannon trying to break down what's actually happening at Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park in 2026. No vehicle reservation system at Glacier. (And reminder: there has never been one at Yellowstone.) But there are changes to entrance fees — especially for international visitors — including a new $100 nonresident fee at both parks. We're walking through what's new, what's not, what free entrance days mean this year, and what you need to know before loading up the car and heading west. Are we experts? Absolutely not. Will we try...

On this episode of We're No Dam Experts, hosts Rebecca and Shannon are joined by local explorer Kristen Inbody, who has made it her mission to experience Great Falls outdoors—month by month, trail by trail, and often with her dog by her side. Kristen shares stories from her goal of visiting Giant Springs every month of 2025, along with her favorite hiking spots, ways to explore Great Falls year-round, and tips for getting outside. Whether you're new to town or looking for fresh inspiration to explore your own backyard, this episode is packed with ideas to get yo...

On this episode of We're No Dam Experts, hosts Rebecca and Shannon sit down with the creators and owners of Magpie, the local hotspot known for its bold claim to having the best patio in Great Falls. We talk homemade taco recipes, expertly crafted cocktails, and what went into building a place that's all about good food, good drinks, and even better company. Plus, a first for the podcast: our guests came prepared with questions of their own, making for a lively, engaging conversation you won't want to miss. Magpie on Facebook: https://www.facebook...

On this episode of We're NO Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon sit down with Curtis Thompson for a wide-ranging conversation rooted in music, creativity, and Great Falls connections. Curtist shares his journey as a musician, memorable musical experiences, and the events that have shaped his career along the way. He also clears up how to properly pronounce his band's name and reflects on what music has meant to him over the years. Listeners may recognize the last name. Curtis is the father of Jolene from Kellergeist, a familiar and frequent guest on the podcast, making...

Ever wondered what it's like to have a front-row seat to 2,000 pounds of attitude and make people laugh while doing it?  In this episode of We're No Dam Experts, hosts Rebecca and Shannon sit down with rodeo clown JJ Harrison, who might just have the most dangerous stand-up comedy job in the world. JJ is in Great Falls for the Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals, and he's pulling back the curtain on life inside the arena. From how he got started as a rodeo clown to the art of working a crowd (and dodging bulls), J...

Rebecca and Shannon are looking ahead to the new year and chatting about some of the things they're most excited about in Great Falls in 2026! Links to a few of the events/places mentioned:  Great Beyond Film Festival: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/the-great-beyond-film-festival/ Downtown Summer Jam: https://www.downtownsummerjam.com The Stadium: https://stadiumgf.com Great Falls Theatre Company: https://greatfallstheatre.com/events/ Great Walls: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/artsfest-montana/ The Newberry: https://thenewberrymt.com/events/  Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts: https://greatfallsmt.net/ma...

Rebecca and Shannon are recapping some of their favorite moments in Great Falls in 2025, from podcast guests to new experiences and more! Look back on the year with us, and plan out your 2026 in Great Falls!  Great Beyond Film Festival: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/the-great-beyond-film-festival/ Feisty Women of Great Falls Documentary: https://youtu.be/D_f0HTzhrS4?si=Y5qRwT4tjjAouZju Podcast with Hasan Davis: https://youtu.be/2VLL36l-h5c?si=nMFrD72XTnK-89Ac Podcast with Timothy Gordon: https://youtu.be/SmI4SkXl93E?si=Hus7qJ9I87wrPiNj Po...

In this episode of We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon sit down with Miles and Kaela to talk about one of Great Falls' newest additions: The Station District. They explore what makes this riverfront destination unique, including its modern food hall concept that brings multiple dining experiences together under one roof.  It includes four distinct restaurant concepts, a coffee bistro, a full bar with seasonal cocktails, and 24 taps.  From relaxed patio dining to gathering with friends in the spacious dining room, this conversation gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how The Station District is re...

We're welcoming back a familiar voice—and introducing one you should definitely know. Rebecca and Shannon are joined by Joel Corda and Steve Olson for a conversation all about music, creativity, and community in Great Falls. Steve is a longtime music educator, conductor, and performer whose passion centers on making the arts accessible and inclusive for everyone. Joel shares what's new—including the story behind his brand-new vinyl record, Complicated Christmas. Steve Olson Orchestra Free Concert (featuring vocals from Joel Corda) Saturday, December 20th at 2 p.m. at CMR High School in Great Falls, Montana! <...

Looking for the perfect backdrop for your holiday card? Rebecca and Shannon share their top five (plus a few honorable mentions) photo-worthy spots around Great Falls. From iconic views to cozy, festive corners, these locations shine year-round — and sparkle even brighter during the holiday season. Tune in for insider tips, local favorites, and the places that make Great Falls picture-perfect for your next family snapshot!   visitgreatfallsmontana.org 

In the second installment of our Trip Tease series, Rebecca and Shannon share more curated itineraries to help you make the most of your time in Great Falls! This time, they're diving into themed excursions from wood to "big city" adventures.  Listen and plan your trip! https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/ Some of the places mentioned in this episode:  Good Wood Guys: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/listing-item/good-wood-guys/ Paris Gibson Square: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/listing-item/parisgibson-square-museum-of-art/ Farmer's Daughter Fibers: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/listing-item/the-farmers-daughter-fibers/ Electric City Coffee: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/?s=Electric+City+Coffee Downtown Murals: https://vi...

Rebecca and Shannon cozy up for a conversation about holiday traditions, favorite festive stories, and what truly makes Great Falls feel magical during the season. They share local insights and fun anecdotes while highlighting the many ways the community comes alive with events. If you're wondering what to do around Great Falls this holiday season, this episode is your go-to guide for festive events, local favorites, and all the little moments that make the holidays shine in this special place. Holiday Events Blog: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/holiday-events-in-great-falls-a-festive-guide-to-the-2025-season/ 

On this episode of We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon sit down with Liz Lauver, the brains behind Visit Great Falls' amazing lineup of events this season. Liz fills us in on Deck the Falls, a brand-new holiday celebration that brings together the Holiday Glam Slam hotel decorating contest, the Clash at the Course Christmas Light Showdown, and Candy Cane Lane—all lighting up December with festive fun. Then, Liz takes us behind the scenes of the Great Beyond Film Festival, happening February 5–7, 2026. Great Falls has a rich history of aliens, mermaids, and ghost stories—which makes...

This week on We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon talk with Hasan Davis—attorney, youth advocate, and nationally known reenactor featured in the new National Park Service film Big Medicine: York Outdoors. Hasan shares how he brings York of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to life, why this story still resonates, and what it meant to film parts of the project in the Great Falls region. It's a powerful conversation about history, identity, and giving voice to people the record often overlooks. If you're curious about the Expedition, love thoughtful storytelling, or just enjoy a...