We are excited to introduce you to Allison Whitmer, Film Commissioner for the MT Department of Commerce. In this conversation, Allison talks about her vast experience working in the film industry. We also learn about how her grandfather homesteaded in this wild landscape. Oh, and do you know what 'needle tatting' is? After this conversation, you will! We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! The love of Montana and the joy for what Allison does shines through in this episode! More about Allison: For the past 20 years, Allison has been involved in filmmaking, beginning with “The Horse Whisperer,” a Robert Redford classic, as well as the adaptation of the Native American breakthrough novel, “Winter in the Blood,” penned by the acclaimed author James Welch. Most recently, “Certain Women” brings the everyday stories of Montana women to life. She brings the knowledge of her own pioneer grandparents and a love of open spaces and augments it all with degrees in Media and Theatre Arts and Consumer Economics from Montana State University. Her worldwide clients have included Valentino, Virgin Records and Italian Vogue. She actively promotes historic preservation and youth education.Links mentioned in the show:Montana Film OfficeFuture Farmers of AmericaConnect with Allison: Twitter - MT Film OfficeInstagram - MT Film OfficeFacebook - Allison's personal pageSupport the show (https://paypal.me/pools/c/88n754B4Yh)

Big Sky Five - Conversations Across Montana

S2 | E6 | Allison Whitmer

Have you ever have one of those conversations that you know you’ll be thinking about for quite some time? This is one of those conversations! In our latest episode, we spend some time talking with Mike Mergenthaler, Vice President of the Helena Chamber of Commerce. Our conversation spanned a few topics, as well as emotions! We talked about three letters that Mike learned when he was 19 that contained a memorable lesson for today, what profession he always wanted to do (apart from what he’s doing now) and we heard a powerful story about the impact that Mike’s Father had in his life. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss! More about Mike: Mike is a native of Helena, Montana and grew up in East Helena. He has been the Vice President of the Helena Area Chamber of Commerce for the past 15 years. He is responsible for events at the Chamber such as the Annual Banquet, Golf Tournament and SWISH Basketball Tournament and also runs the Leadership Helena Program. He is the Director of the Chamber’s Convention and Visitors Bureau which promotes tourism to Helena. He has been married to his wife Shannon for 36 years and they have 3 grown children and 5 grandsons.Connect with Mike: Helena Chamber of Commerce (406) 442-4120Support the show (https://paypal.me/pools/c/88n754B4Yh)

S2 | E5 | Mike Mergenthaler

In this episode of the Big Sky Five, we talk with the ever-entertaining Marianne Adams, Director of Education at Grandstreet Theatre in Helena, Montana. This is a super-fun episode in which we cover a wide spectrum of topics including car insurance, taking care of your teeth and clown school! We also dive into the the value of failing and how to respond to it, the motto that would become part of Marianne’s Ted Talk, as well as a pivotal day in the box office that would change Marianne’s life. As a bonus sixth question, we asked Marianne for her advice to those aspiring to become a professional actor. This interview was a joy to record and we hope you enjoy listening! More about Marianne: Marianne received her BFA in Theatre Arts from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Marianne has directed many mainstage productions for Grandstreet, most recently Elf, Jr,Tarzan, Rock of Ages, A Christmas Carol, Oklahoma, The 25th Annual Putnam Co. Spelling Bee, Big River, Ragtime, and Songs for a New World . She teaches acting classes for the Theatre School (greatest kids in town). She has also worked as a mentor and artist-in-residence in the Helena Public Schools and surrounding areas.Marianne was the 2015 Runner-up for the Excellence in Theatre Education Award presented by The Broadway League and Carnegie Mellon University at The Tony Awards. She is also a Freddie G. Fellowship award recipient for 2018.Links mentioned in the show: Grandstreet TheatreMarianne's TED Talk - Lessons in Theatre That Have Nothing to Do With ActingConnect with Marianne: Instagram | Facebook Support the show (https://paypal.me/pools/c/88n754B4Yh)

S2 | E4 | Marianne Adams

In our latest episode, we get to chat with Jason O’Neil. Jason is an entrepreneur, photographer, and all-around creative guru extraordinaire! This is an extremely honest and vulnerable conversation, chalk full of wisdom and experience we can all learn from. As we navigate our 5 questions, we talked about why some survey results made Jason emotional, what shooting 20 weddings in a summer taught Jason, as well as what Jason’s method is to remember truth in his life. An episode you don't want to miss! More about Jason: Jason is a wedding and commercial photographer based out of Helena, MT. He is the co-founder of The Sidecar, a tightly-knit co-working community of creators, doers, idea makers and innovators in Downtown Helena. He and his wife Jadean have been married for almost 11 years and have two wild kiddos: Brecken (6) & Finley (2.5). Links mentioned in the show: Book: Enneagram in Love and Work The LocalBig Sky Five S1 | E5 - John DoranConnect with Jason: Jason O'Neil: Facebook | Instagram Jason O'Neil Photo: Website | InstagramThe Sidecar: Website | Facebook | InstagramBig Sky Five - Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterSupport the show (https://paypal.me/pools/c/88n754B4Yh)

S2 | E3 | Jason O'Neil

In this episode of the Big Sky Five, we are excited to talk with Jessi Bennion. Jessi is a person that wears many hats - she is a Wife, a Mother, a photographer, a blogger AND is just about to finish up her PhD! This conversation is filled with so much helpful content for people in all walks of life. We talked about the benefits of focusing on your passions, but not taking yourself too seriously, why it’s so important to ‘find your people’ (and how to do that), as well as some very helpful advice for anyone going through a trauma. We also discovered one of Jessi’s favorite podcasts. The answer will surprise you! More about Jessi: Jessi Bennion was born and raised in Missoula. She graduated from the University of Montana and met her husband, Jon, while he was in law school and she was working on her MPA. After graduate school, Jessi was a lecturer of American Government and Public Administration and started a non-profit helping pregnant women. In 2009, everything changed when their son, Jack, was born. He is a joy and a light.  Currently, Jessi is finishing her PhD in Political Science and having fun with her side projects - interviewing Montana women for Women Under the Big Sky and serving on West Mont’s Board of Directors. When she’s not working, Jessi loves coffee with friends, a good book, and spending time with Jon and Jack at their home in Clancy. LINKS:Women Under The Big SkyThe Enneagram personality profileThe PopCast podcastThe Hiding Place by Corrie Ten BoomCotton Top PastriesConnect with Jessi - Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Big Sky Five - Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterSupport the show (https://paypal.me/pools/c/88n754B4Yh)

S2 | E2 | Jessi Bennion

S2 | E1 | Mayor Wilmot CollinsWe're back!!!After a little break (okay, who are we kidding - it was a huge break) we are SO EXCITED to be back with new episodes full of great conversations for you! As a reminder, the premise of our show is simple - we aim to have interesting conversations with people by asking each of our guests the same 5 questions! In our first episode of Season 2, we are honored to get to spend some time with Wilmot Collins, the Mayor of Helena, MT. In our conversation, we learned about what brought Wilmot to the United States, who is the most competitive person in his house, as well as some of the principles that he's tried to live his life by. A fascinating conversation that we hope you'll enjoy! More about Wilmot: Wilmot Collins was born, raised and partly educated in Liberia, West Africa.  Wilmot, a former refugee, arrived in the United States in 1994 and now resides in Helena with his wife, who’s a registered nurse at VA Montana and also an Army Reservist.  Their daughter is Active Duty Navy, and their son is a senior at the University of Montana, Missoula.Presently, Wilmot is the Mayor of Helena, MT and has recently announced a 2020 bid for US Senate. Wilmot is also an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Montana, Helena College, and a U. S. Navy Reservist.  Wilmot is very active on several boards and holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management.Website: https://wilmotcollins.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wilmot.collins (Wilmot's page)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilmotCollinsforSenate/ (Wilmot Collins for Senate)Twitter: https://twitter.com/CollinsWilmotBig Sky Five - Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterSupport the show (https://paypal.me/pools/c/88n754B4Yh)

S2 | E1 | Mayor Wilmot Collins

S1 | E6 - Alex "Papu" Rincon"In this episode of the Big Sky Five, we were thrilled to get some time to talk with Alex "Papu" Rincon. Papu is the Owner and Founder of fourOsix, a lifestyle shop that promotes art, music, style, forward thinking & Montana living. FourOsix is a retail store that operates with a strong focus on community & social responsibility. The store is located in the heart of downtown Helena. In this conversation, we talked about some of Papu's history (including how he got his name!), why he is so passionate about Montana, as well as some challenges and valuable lessons he has learned in being a successful business owner. Show Links:fourOsix - Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterStreet Address - 320 N Last Chance Gulch, Helena, MT Phone Number - (406) 443-4642Big Sky Five - Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterMore about Papu: Papu is a dreamer.He has a passion for innovative ideas, marketing, business development & establishing strong networks with individuals & communities. He is an entrepreneur with a focus on community & a strong sense of social responsibility.Papu was honored as a “Champion of Change” by the United States White House (Obama era). The U.S. Small Business Administration honored Papu as Montana’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year, & Downtown Helena Inc. honored Papu as Helena, Montana’s Business Person of the Year. He has also been asked to be the keynote speaker at a multitude of entrepreneurship events including Senator Jon Tester’s Small Business Opportunity Workshop held at the University of Montana, and as the Entrepreneur In Residence for the School of Business at Montana State University.Papu strives to live life with purpose, and right now his purpose is to love life. Living in Montana, he has learned how important quality of life is and takes every opportunity available to play in the mountains, lakes & rivers. Papu has been snowboarding for over two decades, and does a lot of his thinking from a chairlift or while hiking in the snowy mountains of Montana’s backcountry. In the summer, he mountain bikes, rides his motorcycle, camps, hammocks & fly-fishes for trout on the majestic rivers near his home in Helena, Montana.Support the show (https://paypal.me/pools/c/88n754B4Yh)

S1 | E6 | Alex "Papu" Rincon

What's the difference between reacting and responding in a situation? What are the only two things you can control in life? What happened in a baseball game to cause John to erase a third-base line? In this episode of the Big Sky Five, we were honored to talk with John Doran. John is the Divisional Vice President of External Affairs and Chief of Staff at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana. John joined BCBSMT in July 2012 after more than 12 years in journalism and communications. As part of the executive leadership team at BCBSMT, John oversees all government, public and media relations, including BCBSMT’s strategies for legislative policy, internal and external communications, advertising and branding, community outreach and volunteerism, and internal employee engagement.In this conversation, we talked with John about how he made his way to Montana, some of the guidelines by which he leads himself and others, and how a critical lesson in baseball would prepare him later for a pivotal spot in his career. This is a fantastic conversation with a high-capacity leader. We hope you enjoy it! Links mentioned in the show:John Doran | FacebookBlue Cross Blue Shield of MontanaPrickly Pear Land TrustBig Blue Sky InitiativeBands mentioned: Nirvana | Hurry Up | Yo La TangoBig Sky Five | Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterSupport the show (https://paypal.me/pools/c/88n754B4Yh)

S1 | E5 | John Doran

What is the Montessori teaching model?What's a better apology than “I’m sorry”? How do you make the best chocolate chip cookies on Earth? In this episode of the Big Sky Five, we were able to catch up with Rebekah Harris. Rebekah wears a lot of hats in life. In addition to being a Wife and a Mother, she is a Montessori teacher at Broadwater Elementary School. We were inspired with this conversation as Rebekah unfolds some of the leadership principles she is teaching in her classroom. We also got into some of Rebekah’s other passions, what drew her to the education field and how she received some words at a critical time that almost caused her to go off the education path. Rebekah reminds us that we are never too old or too young to learn new disciplines for our lives.This is a fascinating conversation with one of Helena’s best teachers! We hope you enjoy it! Links mentioned in the show:Rebekah Harris | InstagramCapital City Health Club | WebsiteBig Sky Five | Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterSupport the show (https://paypal.me/pools/c/88n754B4Yh)

S1 | E4 | Rebekah Harris

In this episode of the Big Sky Five, we are honored to chat with Jay and Anita Sherley. Jay and Anita are a high-capacity, authentic, dynamic couple. This conversation was as real as it gets! Within the conversation, we dive into what community looks like, the journey of raising kids and ‘the power of the stay’, just to mention a few things! More about Jay and Anita: Jay and Anita Sherley are people passionate about community. They work in partnership as Realtor and Broker with Big Sky Brokers. Jay and Anita have been married 30+ years, raised 3 children as well as many others who came to stay. They are immensely proud of their 7 grandkids that live nearby. Jay loves the out doors, hunting, fishing and telling stories of those adventures, while Anita has made the mountains her playground through biking or hiking. Over the years they have been involved in their community in many aspects: serving on the Fairground board, running the Stampede rodeo, as Elders at Mount Helena Community Church, organizing monthly YAP (Young Adult People) gatherings and events, working at Food Share, and as coaching staff for kids. But their biggest passion within the city is young adults. Over the last two decades, they have invited many young people in need of a place to live into their home. Convinced that when a young person comes to understand their value, purpose, and belonging, they are empowered to strive toward a powerful, positive and dynamic life style that changes legacies and the communities they live in, Jay and Anita founded Life Houses, Inc. in 2008. Life Houses now meets an important need in the Helena community, as a non-profit that provides young adults homes that are safe, positive and develop leadership. A home where they are valued, have a purpose, and belong to a family.Links mentioned in the show: Jay Sherley: Facebook  Anita Sherley: Facebook Big Sky Brokers: Website | FacebookJay and Anita Sherley in Real Estate: Facebook Life Houses: Website | FacebookSupport the show (https://paypal.me/pools/c/88n754B4Yh)

S1 | E3 | Jay & Anita Sherley

Why is, “what do you do?” not the best question to ask? What does it look like when your career does a 180 shift? Who has the best nachos in Helena?We are excited to chat with Marcus and Anna Strange. Marcus and  Anna helped to encourage us to bring this podcast to life, so we are honored to have them on our inaugural season! Marcus is an avid outdoorsman and gets to do what he loves everyday in his role at Montana Wildlife Federation. Anna is a travel enthusiast, loves to work with different organizations throughout Montana and has a passion for her community. Honest, practical, vulnerable, comical - we hope you enjoy this conversation! Links mentioned in the show: Marcus Strange:Facebook, InstagramUrban To Country:Facebook, Instagram, Official Website, PodcastAnna StrangeFacebook, Instagram, OulaSupport the show (https://paypal.me/pools/c/88n754B4Yh)

S1 | E2 | Marcus & Anna Strange

Welcome to our first season and our first episode of Big Sky Five. In this episode, we tell you what you can expect to hear on the show, as well as a little bit about us. We look forward to taking you on a journey with conversations from across Montana! Links to content mentioned in this episode:The Wooded King by Leslie ReddenKingdom Forgotten by Leslie ReddenMount Helena Community ChurchGrandstreet TheatreSupport the show (https://paypal.me/pools/c/88n754B4Yh)

S1 | E1 | Show introduction

We all have stories - the events and people that make us who we are today. This podcast is an opportunity to meet the people that call Montana home and to get a glimpse into their story.

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Big Sky Five - Conversations Across Montana

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