We're No Dam Experts

We're No Dam Experts

byRebecca Engum and Shannon Newth

ComedySocietyCulturePlacesTravel

Recorded claims from Great Falls, Montana, hosted by two people who know some dam stuff, but are by no means experts. Shannon and Rebecca will share Montana's Greatest Dam Town with you weekly, sometimes even giving you actual experts, and maybe, just maybe, one of them will be a dam (hydroelectric power) expert! We know you'll fall in love with Great Falls, Montana, just like we have.

Episodes(40 episodes)

Episode 255
Episode 255: What's It Worth? With Appraiser Timothy Gordon
Rebecca and Shannon sit down with celebrity appraiser Timothy Gordon — you might recognize him from Antiques Roadshow. With over 30 years of experience, Tim has appraised everything from Princess Diana's gowns to the Ronald Reagan Ranch. They talk all things appraising and get you ready for Montana's only Appraisal Fair of 2025, happening Friday, November 14, 12 to 8 PM at The History Museum in Great Falls. Got fine art, collectibles, toys, or heirlooms? Bring them along! (Just leave chemicals, firearms, and jewelry at home.) For $15 per item (up to 4 items per group), Tim and auctioneer Grant Zahajko will give you a ve...
Published: Nov 7, 2025Duration: 59m 21s
Episode 254: LIVE Music with Cash Muretta
This week, Rebecca and Shannon sit down with hometown musician Cash Muretta, whose sound blends outlaw country, folk, and cowboy storytelling into something unmistakably Montana. Fresh off a tour in Germany and with new music on the way, Cash talks about making his dreams a reality, his creative process, and what keeps him rooted in Great Falls. And yes — he even brings his guitar and performs LIVE on the podcast! You can find Cash's music on Apple Music, Spotify, and more, and follow him on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to keep up with his la...
Published: Oct 31, 2025Duration: 58m 1s
Episode 253
Episode 253: Day of the Dead & Haunted Tunnels
This week, Rebecca and Shannon are joined by three guests bringing spooky season to life in downtown Great Falls: Jason Madill, owner of the Strain Building and Elevation 3330; Jesse Hinojosa, organizer of the upcoming El Desfile de los Muertos parade; and Cale Younce, Jesse's bandmate in Midnight FistFight. They talk about how this new Day of the Dead parade will fill Central Avenue with flickering candles, painted faces, and music that calls back the spirits of the past. You'll also hear about Haunted Tunnel Tours under the Strain Building and Elevation 3330, plus how Midnight FistFight will keep...
Published: Oct 24, 2025Duration: 48m 18s
Episode 252
Episode 252: The Kinder Cowboy - A Love Story on Horseback
Join Rebecca and Shannon on We're No Dam Experts as they saddle up with The Kinder Cowboy, a couple who turned their love story into a Montana trail ride and horseback riding business. Discover how visitors can: Experience authentic Montana horseback riding on mountain trails, not just flat rides. Take lessons and trail rides designed for riders of all levels. Connect with horses, nature, and the true western lifestyle. Perfect for tourists or anyone dreaming of a real Montana adventure, this episode highlights romance, adventure, and the magic of...
Published: Oct 17, 2025Duration: 53m 31s
Episode 251
Episode 251: Mansions, Santas, Greeting Cards, and More
This week, Rebecca and Shannon sit down with artist, designer, and all-around creative force Shari Jenkins Schmidt. Shari shares what it's like to live in and restore the historic Collins Mansion, her ongoing restoration projects in the old Beckman's building, and her plans to open a one-of-a-kind Santa museum in downtown Great Falls. She also talks about her inspiration behind the Beckman's storefront display honoring Norma Ashby Smith's 90th birthday and how her work ended up on Leanin' Tree greeting cards, mugs, and magnets found in stores across the country. https://sharijenkins.com Collins Mansinon...
Published: Oct 10, 2025Duration: 56m 38s
Episode 250
Episode 250: Indigenous Peoples Day in Great Falls
Rebecca and Shannon sit down with Little Shell Tribal Councilwoman Alisa Herodes to talk about the upcoming Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations in Great Falls. This four-day event is filled with culture, tradition, and community, including: Friday, October 10 – First Fashion Native American Fashion Show Saturday, October 11 – 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament & Traditional Games Sunday, October 12 – Soup & Story Monday, October 13 – Guest Speakers & Fry Bread Contest Join us for a conversation about the events and the importance of celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day in Great Falls. https://montanalittleshelltribe.org  
Published: Oct 3, 2025Duration: 54m 6s
Episode 249
Episode 249: Bootlegger Ball
Rebecca and Shannon welcome back Ashleigh McCann, Collections Curator at The History Museum, and introduce Connie Constan, the museum's new executive director. They serve up the secrets of the Bootlegger Ball, happening Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 6 p.m. Think live jazz, 1920s-inspired cocktails, costumes, and a night of Prohibition-era fun — all set in Great Falls' very own speakeasy-style celebration. Tune in to hear how you can join the party, get inspired by the theme, and experience a night of history, music, and mischief! Bootlegger Ball: https://www.greatfallshistorymuseum.org/events/bootlegger-ball The History Museum: https://www.gr...
Published: Sep 26, 2025Duration: 48m 52s
Episode 248
Episode 248: Great Falls Girl Walks
In this episode, Rebecca and Shannon chat with Vanessa, a medical student at Touro who's new to Great Falls. Seeing a need for connection, she created Great Falls Girl Walks (GFGW)—a weekly social walk that's open to both locals and visitors. Every Sunday at 10:00 AM, women meet at Gibson Park for a 1-mile loop and then gather at Station Eatery to chat over coffee. Whether you're visiting, or just looking to meet people, GFGW is a welcoming way to explore Great Falls, get moving, and make connections. Tune in to hear Vanessa's story, how th...
Published: Sep 19, 2025Duration: 42m 5s
Episode 247
Episode 247: Oktoberfest
We're back with two familiar faces — Jolene from Kellergeist and Dan from Annie's Tap House — to talk all things Oktoberfest! 🍂🍺 Join us as they give a sneak peek at the 2nd Annual Oktoberfest happening on September 26th from 5–10 p.m. on the "Fun Hundred" block of Central Avenue, which will be closed off just for the celebration. Expect games, German beers, special Oktoberfest brews, delicious food, and more! Whether you're a local or visiting Great Falls, this episode has everything you need to know to plan your night. Prost!
Published: Sep 12, 2025Duration: 46m 46s
Episode 246
Episode 246: Selfie Scavenger Hunt on River's Edge Trail
On this episode of We're No Dam Experts, we sit down with Jessica, interim director of Great Falls Park and Recreation, and AJ, trail coordinator, to talk about the brand-new Selfie Scavenger Hunt along the River's Edge Trail. Running September 8–October 30, 2025, the Selfie Scavenger Hunt invites participants to visit public art pieces along the trail, scan the QR codes, and snap a photo in front of at least five works of art for a chance to win prizes. It's a fun and engaging way to explore the River's Edge Trail, enjoy Great Falls' outdoor spaces, and connect wi...
Published: Sep 5, 2025Duration: 1h 1m 26s
Episode 245
Episode 245: Boards, Bulls & Big Dreams
This week on We're No Dam Experts, we chat with Dakota Dixon — a rare combination of skateboarder and bull rider. Dakota shares how skateboarding first captured his passion, talks about the local skateboarding scene in Great Falls, and gives us the inside scoop on the annual Great Falls Skate Park Jam. He also opens up about overcoming health challenges and his plans to launch a new skate shop in town. Whether you ride, skate, or just love an inspiring local story, this episode has something for everyone. Riverside Railyard Skate Park in Great Falls: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/li...
Published: Aug 29, 2025Duration: 56m 25s
Episode 244
Episode 244: Pedro Martinez Day
We're No Dam Experts is celebrating baseball history in Great Falls! Our guest, Scott Reasoner from the Great Falls Voyagers, joins us to share the inside scoop on Pedro Martinez Day at Voyager Stadium. Before becoming a Hall of Famer, World Series champion, and one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB, Pedro Martinez launched his professional career right here in Great Falls in the early 1990s. Now he's returning to the ballpark where it all began. On Saturday, August 23rd, the Voyagers will host an unforgettable game day as Great Falls officially celebrates Pedro...
Published: Aug 22, 2025Duration: 48m 48s
Episode 243
Episode 243: Little Shell Powwow
August 23–24, 2025 – Great Falls, Montana hosts the Little Shell Powwow, a celebration of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians' culture, heritage, and community. Dancers, drummers, elders, veterans, and visitors gather at 3300 6th Street NW for a weekend of songs, stories, and tradition. In this episode of We're No Damn Experts, organizer Toni Jo shares the meaning behind the powwow, the significance of honoring ancestors and veterans, and how regalia, music, and dance connect generations. Whether you are part of the tribe, a neighbor, or a respectful guest, the Little Shell Powwow welcomes all who wish to listen, learn, and cele...
Published: Aug 15, 2025Duration: 1h 11m 8s
Episode 242
Episode 242: Behind the Beans - Morning Light Coffee Roasters
In this episode of We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon sit down with two incredible women behind Morning Light Coffee Roasters, one of Montana's oldest and most beloved coffee businesses. We talk creative coffee flights, the Charlie Russell Roast (served in our Visitor Center!), and how Morning Light provides wholesale coffee to businesses across Great Falls and the Northwestern U.S. Hear about their loyal customer base, community focus, and the passion behind every roast. Whether you're planning a visit or just love a great cup of coffee, this episode is a must-sip! <...
Published: Aug 8, 2025Duration: 1h 8m 50s
Episode 241
Episode 241: Trip Tease (First Installment)
In this first installment of our new Trip Tease series, Rebecca and Shannon share curated itineraries to help you make the most of a long weekend in Great Falls, Montana. From girls' getaways to rugged "ruff and tumble" escapes, we're breaking down themes, stops, and experiences to inspire your next visit. Think of it as travel planning with a local twist. More themed itineraries are coming soon—this is just the beginning. 🎧 Tune in now and start dreaming up your next long weekend in Great Falls, Montana. visitgreatfallsmontana.org     
Published: Aug 1, 2025Duration: 52m 10s
Episode 240
Episode 240: Your Insider Guide to the Montana State Fair
This week on We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon are diving headfirst into funnel cakes and fairground fun as they gear up for the Montana State Fair, happening July 25–August 2 at Montana ExpoPark. They share their own favorite fair memories, can't-miss traditions, and strategies for navigating the fairgrounds like pros. Whether you're a food-on-a-stick fan, a rodeo regular, or a thrill-seeker heading straight for the rides, Rebecca and Shannon—and their teammates at Visit Great Falls—have tips on where to start and how to make the most of your Montana State Fair adventure. Montan...
Published: Jul 25, 2025Duration: 51m 29s
Episode 239
Episode 239: Buckshot
This week on We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon chat with Buckshot Nelson — a man of many talents: horse trainer, hair stylist, and natural-born entertainer, more.  In this episode, Buckshot joins Rebecca and Shannon to break down the fast-paced world of horse racing in Montana. From what it takes to condition a competitive horse to the adrenaline of race day, he shares real insight from behind the scenes at Montana ExpoPark. You'll also get a glimpse into the deep-rooted traditions, high stakes, and sheer unpredictability that make live racing one of the most thrilling eve...
Published: Jul 18, 2025Duration: 1h 4m 31s
Episode 238
Episode 238: Ayrshire Dairy
In this episode of We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon dive into a cherished piece of Great Falls history — the Ayrshire Dairy. They're joined by two family members of the historic Ayrshire Dairy, who share personal stories of what it was like growing up on the dairy and its impact on the Great Falls community. While visitors can't tour the dairy today, its legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the Electric City. From early morning milking routines to delivering fresh milk across town, this episode is full of heartfelt memories, laughter, and a whole lo...
Published: Jul 11, 2025Duration: 44m 24s
Episode 237
Episode 237: Mid-Year Check-In
In this episode of We're No Dam Experts, hosts Rebecca and Shannon hit pause to reflect on the goals they set at the start of 2025—experiences in Great Falls they've never done before. From signature events to outdoor adventures, they made a list… but have they made any progress? Tune in for laughs, honest updates, and maybe a little guilt as they hold themselves accountable and find new motivation to keep exploring their own backyard. 
Published: Jul 4, 2025Duration: 35m 56s
Episode 236
Episode 236: Always Entertaining
In this episode, Rebecca and Shannon welcome back returning favorites Matthias and Jolene Schalper, the dynamic duo behind Kellergeist Pub Theater in downtown Great Falls. They're here to share the story behind the revitalized event space tucked behind the pub—a hidden gem now open and ready to host music, comedy, community events, and more. From local history to their passion for creating vibrant, welcoming spaces, the Schalpers dive into what makes this new venue special and why it's another reason Great Falls is always entertaining. https://kgt.pub  
Published: Jun 27, 2025Duration: 48m 12s