John Heenan

Play

We’re back! After a long hiatus, it’s time to dive into Politics again and meet the people that are trying to change the world.

John Heenan is our first guest, and he’s running for the lone U.S. Congressional seat in Montana. He’s a small business owner and consumer rights advocate based in Billings, Montana where he lives with his wife Meagen and their four children. As a consumer rights advocate, John has spent his career stepping up for Montanans who have been ripped off by big banks and big insurance companies. In addition to his work as a consumer rights advocate, he has also been deputized by the State of Montana to prosecute dark money cases, the most notable being former State Legislator Art Wittich, who was found guilty doing the bidding of a Right to Work dark money group. Since announcing in early August, John has traveled the State of Montana, from Sidney in the east to Kalispell in the Northwest. Meeting people is the heart and soul of this campaign.

Dirk Adams

Play

It’s not every day that you get to sit down with a candidate for the U.S. Senate and chat for a while about all the reasons they’re running, and all the cool things they’ve done in their life. But that’s exactly what happened today! Candidate Dirk Adams took some time to swing by and chat about why he’s in the race, what he’s done with his life, who he is, and what he hopes to accomplish. I think you’re gonna like him, and I know that once you’ve listened in, you’re going to have a much harder time voting in the primary.

Commissioner Monica Lindeen

Play

And, WE’RE BACK! It’s been a little over eight months since the last episode, and frankly, it’s about time we started back up and what better way than by chatting with the awesome Monica Lindeen, Montana’s State Commissioner of Securities & Insurance. Well, she will be after we adjust the constitution to reflect what her role actually is. Confused? You shouldn’t be, but we discuss that and much more in this relaunching episode of PTTB. Enjoy!

Again with Amanda Curtis

Play

Representative Amanda Curtis sits down with us to discuss the past session, what was great, what sucked, and what’s next. The outspoken Butte High teacher shows humor, humility and passion for all that’s she’s done and clues us in to things that she’s going to do next. Enjoy!

Back with Bryce

Play

Representative Bryce Bennett took time out of his busy schedule to sit down and go over the most recent session, what’s coming up both politically and personally for him, what the interim may bring, & what’s new in Montana politics. Enjoy!

Return of The Schwad

Play

We’re joined once again by Representative Nick Schwaderer, a.k.a. “The Schwad”, and we get a wrap up of the session, some thoughts on what went well versus what went off the rails, and how things are shaping up for Montanans. And his interim assignment, which is really quite cool. Enjoy!

Galen Hollenbaugh

Play

We finally get a new episode and it’s with the rather spectacular Galen Hollenbaugh. Listen in as we discuss the magic trick he managed to pull off this last week in the Montana Legislature, and what it means for all Montanans. And we discuss the Formerly Known As The Bonding Bill Jobs Bill, the future of Montana’s pension plan, and what’s next for the final few weeks of the 2013 Session. If you want to know more about Galen, you can find him at Hollenbaugh.org, on Twitter as @MTGjh and via Legislative Services.

Kim Leighton

Play

Being a lobbyist is hard enough, what with the bad press and the angry opposition that the other side always throws at you, but it’s even worse when you’re working on an issue that divides people as harshly as reproductive rights. Kim has been the Program Director for NARAL Prochoice Montana for a while now, and she took some time out the very busy session schedule to sit down and chat about it. Enjoy!

Nick Schwaderer

Play

Welcome to 2013 and the first episode of the new year, and the new session. This show started because the 2011 Legislature of Montana was filled with insanity and crazy, and part of the problem was that people don’t know their representatives or their senators. So we get to meet them here.

Freshman Representative Schwaderer, or “Schwad” as he’s commonly referred to, joins us to talk about running for office, facing the press, and getting things done. If you’d like to contact him, you can reach him via his Facebook, Twitter, or via legislative services profile.

Shane Castle

Play

The Editor of the Helena Vigilante, Shane Castle,  joins us this week to discuss the changes in the media, how the news is changing, his favorite stories and a bit about how he sees the news reaching the engaged. From fires to coal to just interesting things around Helena, the Vigilante is filling a void that’s been left open too long.

Also, this is the final show of 2012, and we’ll be back in 2013, sometime around January 15th or so, with new episodes and hopefully a bunch of awesome people to chat with as the 63rd Legislature kicks off here in Montana.

A Conversation with my mother

Play

You’ve heard about her on several of the shows, both here and over on This Ends Well, and she agreed to come on the show and have a public conversation for a bit. I think you’ll enjoy meeting my mom, she’s one of the best people I know. We don’t always agree, and we get into it when it comes to politics, but even so, we love each other and sometimes just let that disagreement be as it is. The show diverts from some of the normal topics, but it’s a great show, and I hope you enjoy it!

Return of the Marnee

Play

When an amazing guest is willing to return to the show, it’s a blast for me and I hope for you. Today Marnee Banks returns to the show, to discuss the remainder of the campaign, what it’s like following the state-wide races from the trenches, and how many miles she’s put on her car! And that she literally risked her life to educate Montana voters about who is running for office. She’s an awesome friend, and I know you’re going to enjoy this episode of the show!

The Return of Jesse Laslovich

Play

I’m very pleased to welcome back to the show Jesse Laslovich, who was last on just before the primaries. It’s been a bit of a break from politics for Jesse, who hasn’t been outside the political arena since High School, and we get to discuss what he’s been up to, how he sees the races playing out, the incredible sums of money being wasted in the races these days, and we even discuss how one particular candidate is hiding from the press like a coward. And yes, I name names. We also discuss the future and what it might mean for all of us. Enjoy!

Jamee Greer

Play

Ever since I started this show, way back in February, I’ve been trying to get Jamee to be a guest. His tireless efforts with the Montana Human Rights Network, as well as his personal dedication to making the world a better place are both impressive and inspiring. He finally had a few minutes of his day to give to the show, and it is awesome. Please welcome Jamee, and enjoy finding out a bit more about this incredible guy. Continue reading

Niki Zupanic

Play

In Montana we’ve got a lot of Civil Liberties that have been squashed and stifled, and the ACLU of Montana has been at the forefront of trying to make that change. Niki Zupanic, while not working as a lawyer, even though she is a lawyer, is the public face of Montana’s ACLU and she’s been working extremely hard on some issues near and dear to most humane people. Enjoy this week’s episode, and get to know someone who’s always on the side of the rights of the individual.

Sam Hunthausen

Play

This week, Sam Hunthausen, from one of the more prominent families in Helena, joins us to talk politics and why he’s running for HD 82. He’s part of a small conservative contingent in a liberal leaning family, and yes, he’s related to all of them. You can find out more about Sam by listening to the show, then checking out his website and facebook.

Carl Kochman

Play

One of the first people I met when I moved back to Helena in 2006 was Carl Kochman, who has turned out to be one of the most interesting, intelligent and wise people I’ve ever met. His love is engineering and Harley-Davidson, and his passion about communications and getting things right has led him to be involved with many of the legislative sessions we’ve had since the 1980s. He’s a great guy, with a ton of great insight, and I know you’ll enjoy the show!

Marilyn Bennett

Play

This week I’m joined by Marilyn Bennett, the producer of Truth in Progress, a very cool project that is documenting the paralells of the civil rights movement to the gay rights movement. We discuss a bit of cancer, women’s rights, and the current state of politics. Plus, you’ll find out that Marilyn is extremely tall! Facebook and follow @truthinprogress and check out the site for more.

Kim Gillan

Play

Kim Gillan joins us this week, as she  was on a quick visit to Helena this past weekend. We got a chance to sit and chat about what’s right in the world of politics, what’s wrong, and where she thinks it can go. Kim’s thoughtfulness and experience, and her desire to do nothing more than the best that Montana can ask for, is evident. She’s poised, funny, involved, and focused. I’m excited to have had her on the show, and I know she’ll represent all of Montana as well as she represented her district in Billings at the state legislature. Continue reading

Linda McCulloch

Play

How many people do you know that have contributed to raising EIGHT-HUNDRED-MILLION BUCKS?! Well, on today’s show you get to meet one! Linda McCulloch has been an amazing member of the electorate in Montana, and her passion and wit have been put to full use in service to the citizens of Montana. You’re definitely going to enjoy this show!

Linda’s links

Sandy Welch

Play

Education is so important in Montana that it’s a part of our constitution in a way that unique when it was ratified. Many other states have followed Montana’s lead when it comes to how important we view education, and having an elected State Superintendent is a big part of that. With that said, we have the Republican candidate for the office, Sandy Welch, on the show to discuss why she’s in politics, what she wants to change, and what the office really can do. Enjoy! Continue reading

Better than Bacon

Play

This is another Very Special Episode™ of the show, with two guests, Don Pogreba of Intelligent Discontent, and Dustin Hurst of Watchdog.org. The whole reason for this show is that yesterday my Twitter stream blew up with an on-going bit of rather heated, interesting banter between these two fine gentlemen, and I thought, you know, I bet I have a better forum for this. And I do. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I did!

Round Table #1

Play

It’s my pleasure to present the first Round Table here at PolticktickBOOM, with the most awesome panel of guests – Kelsen Young, Mike Miller, Derek Brown & Ed Zimpel. Join us as we handicap the current political landscape, the races, the players, movers, shakers and ideas that are going to hit everyone square in the face come November. It’s an episode like no other – except that once again, I started it with an “um”. Alas.

Dustin Hurst

Play

In a maelstrom that can only be described as biblical, Dustin burst onto the political scene in Montana. He really didn’t mean to, and it certainly was entertaining, but the smoke has cleared and the dust has settled, and it’s now a chance to find out the man behind the myth. This week’s guest, like you can’t already guess, is Dustin Hurst, of watchdog.org. Listen in, you might be totally surprised! Continue reading

Jenny Eck

Play

Well, the political season is now in full-swing, and it’s only going to go faster. This week, I’m joined by Jenny Eck, the Democrat running for HD 82, not only won her primary, she did it against two other Democrats. It’s going to be a great race for the seat, and after you hear why she’s in politics, you can’t help but like her. Continue reading

Linda Vaughey

Play

Well, the primaries are over, and it’s time to get back to it. Why not kick off the real election cycle with an awesome conversation with one of the most wonderful people I know – Linda Vaughey. She currently is part of the Redistricting Commission, and has been in and around politics for many years. I think you’ll enjoy the show. Continue reading

Pam Bucy

Play

We continue our candidates for the AG’s seat this week with Pam Bucy, a Montana native, from the thriving nontropolis of Townsend, MT. Her family has been farmers, miners, and she’s the first lawyer. With a story about soft hands, tough spines, smart heads and big hearts, you can find a lot to like about Pam. With the primary just a week away, it’s a great chance to get to know another of the amazing candidates the Democrats have fielded for one of the most important offices in our state. Continue reading

Jesse Laslovich

Play

Would you want to be in politics your entire adult life? Not many would, and it’s sometimes seen as a bad thing, as one does begin to wonder if you’re in it to help the world or to help yourself. I, too, wondered the same thing about Jesse, but as you’ll find out, he’s just a really cool guy. His motivations for politics are humble and honest, and while he may not be your cup of tea, you can’t fault the guy for trying his best. Continue reading

Franke Wilmer

Play

Well, the show is a tad shorter than most, because Franke Wilmer was kind enough to carve out a quick half-hour after the Rally to Stop The War On Women just this last Saturday to join us on the show. Franke has an amazing story, having worked as a waitress and in several other service-industry roles for 16 years, while finishing her undergraduate and graduate studies, and is now a professor at MSU. Her work in foreign policy and human rights is outstanding and her goal is to lead us to a better place. Continue reading

Diane Smith

Play

Diane Smith is a relatively new Montanan who has found her home in Whitefish. Her love of Montana, and her understanding of rural America makes her an ideal candidate for the House of Representatives. She’s built several businesses in Montana, and been successful in making entrepreneurial thinking the way of the land. You’ll enjoy meeting someone who brings a fresh look to an old problem and wants to make things better. Continue reading

Robert Stutz

Play

Our first National candidate, Robert Stutz is running for Montana’s lone seat in the House of Representatives. He’s worked in government in several different roles, in local, regional, national and international roles. He was most recently working for the Montana legislature during the last term, which solidified his desire to make things better.

Continue reading

Mike Miller

Play

Mike has been a representative for two terms, and he’s one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. His skills at working with both sides of the aisle are amazing, and while you may not agree with everything he supports, his thinking is sound and smart. He’s got experience in the military, in technology, and lives in rural Montana. He currently represents HD 84, and is running for re-election. Continue reading

Ken Miller

Play

Ken Miller is running for governor of Montana and has been in politics since the early 1990s. He and his wife have started and worked, and sometimes sold, various successful businesses in and around Laurel, and the reason he got into politics is both related to his business ventures, and is so brilliantly Montanan you can’t help but like him. Ken is also the first Republican that has been on the show, and as you can hear, I’m not out to get anyone. Enjoy the show, and listen to someone who really is in this for the right reasons. We need more people like Ken in politics! Continue reading

Don Pogreba

Play

When you meet someone who literally touches the mind and molds the worldview of high-schoolers, you want that person to be an amazing, thoughtful, insightful, fair person. You want them to be our guest this week, Don Pogreba. Don has been teaching English for several years, and debate as well, and gets his own voice out at his blog, Intelligent Discontent, and sometimes posts stuff to YouTube as well. He’s not running for office, but he’s a major fixture of Montana politics. I know you’ll enjoy this episode of PoliticktickBOOM. Be sure to follow Don (@dpogreba) on twitter!

Continue reading

Bryce Bennett

Play

Bryce has been interested in politics since his time in High School, was a founding board member of Forward Montana, and he’s our first incumbent on the show. Bryce has lived in Eastern Montana and Western Montana, in some of the most rural areas, to some of the most urban. You might think you know Bryce, but there’s guaranteed to be something new you’ll learn about him in this, our 6th episode!

Continue reading

Ed Zimpel

Play

You’ve gotta admire the get-up-and-go of anyone who is willing to throw their hat into the ring (fire) and run for political office. Especially when they are young. Our guest this week is Ed Zimpel, of Butte as well, who is running for HD 74. Eddie has been around politics his whole life, and looks forward to taking on this leadership role. You know you want to know more, so listen to the show!

Continue reading

Amanda Curtis

Play

Why leave to improve the world when there are ways to do it right near your home? Good Question! I wish I asked it. Amanda is a high-school math teacher in the lovely town of Butte, U.S.A. She brings a ton of community service and Montana history into the race for House District 76. She’s been working on helping Butte grow since she arrived there just after she graduated high school in Billings – a true native Montanan, with Butte in her soul.

Continue reading

Marnée Banks

Play

Marnée Banks is the political beat reporter for MTN Stations here in Montana, which is state-wide CBS. We cover some of her history, some of the legislature, the state of politics and what we think might be coming up with this election cycle. Join us for this non-politician-who-works-with-every-politician-in-Montana episode of the show.

Continue reading

Kelsen Young

Play

Kelsen Young has been around politics her entire life, and has actively lobbied the legislature for several years. Her work as the Executive Director of the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence has given her plenty of insight into our current political climate and, perhaps more importantly, a desire to change it. It’s our first real episode of PoliticktickBOOM, and we’re happy to have Kelsen as our inaugural guest.

Continue reading