Advertise on podcast: We're No Dam Experts

On this episode of We're No Dam Experts, hosts Rebecca and Shannon chat with James and Crystal from Big Sky Reptiles about the upcoming Big Sky Reptile Expo in Great Falls on April 25. They share how they got into reptiles, what makes the expo worth checking out, and why there's really nothing to be afraid of, just a lot to learn and experience. From up-close encounters to expert insight, it's a fun, family-friendly way to see a different side of the animal world. Big Sky Reptiles Expo in Great Falls: https://bigskyreptileexpo.com    

On this episode of We're No Dam Experts, Rebecca and Shannon chat with first-year head coach Broc Finstuen and player Deon Lyle of the Great Falls Electric, Montana's only professional basketball team. They talk about what it takes to build a pro team in Great Falls, the energy behind game nights, and how the Electric are creating excitement and community through the sport. Plus, Deon shares his unique family connection to the founder of Kool-Aid! Great Falls Electric: https://gfelectric-basketball.com/#/ Great Falls Electric on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greatfallselectricbasketball  

Podcast storytelling favorite and return guest, historian and author Ken Robison joins Rebecca and Shannon for this insightful episode!  Ken is out with a new book, Hidden History of Great Falls. He's sharing the lesser-known stories of Great Falls, and even a little drama. It's storytime with Ken, on this episode of We're No Dam Experts.  Hidden History of Great Falls is available in Great Falls at Cassiopeia Books, Barnes & Noble, The History Museum, and more! You can also purchase on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-History-Great-Falls-Robison/dp/1467157813  

  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 Montana wedding, planning an event, or just love a good local story, this episode will inspire you to experience Great Falls in a whole new way. Ranch at Milo Creek: https://ranchatmilocreek.com/  Milo Creek Fine Art: https://milocreekcarving.com/  

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 West Art Show at the Heritage Inn in rooms 146 and 148. Ukrainetz Fine Art: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/listing-item/ukrainetz-fine-art/ Ukrainetz Fine Art on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ukrainetzfineart Western Art Week: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/western-art-week/ Out West Art Show: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/listing-item/out-west-art-show-sale/ 

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, and where there's still work to do. Tune in for an honest and inspiring discussion about resilience, leadership, and building a more accessible Great Falls for everyone. Follow Liz: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584205624803  Ms. Wheelchair America: https://www.mswheelchairamerica.org/ms-wheelchair-montana/  

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 to explain it anyway? You bet. National Park Service Entrance Passes Explained: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm#changes-in-2026 Commercial Tours: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/commercial-tours-and-nonresident-fees.htm  

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 you out the door. Kristen on Instagram: kristeninbody Montana State Parks: https://www.amazon.com/Montana-State-Parks-Erin-Madison/dp/1606390740#:~:text=What's%20it%20about%3F,recommendations%20from%20award%2Dwinning%20reporters.  

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.com/magpieisawesome/ Magpie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magpieisawesome/?hl=en  

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 this episode a fun look at the musical roots behind a local favorite. Eklegein Jam Band: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100037234843509

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), JJ shares behind-the-scenes stories, insider rodeo insights, and plenty of laughs along the way. It's a crash course in rodeo culture, Montana-style, and a reminder that in Great Falls, you never know who—or what—you might run into. IG: jj.harrison811 Facebook: JJ Harrison Montana Pro Rodeo Circuit Finals: https://www.prorodeomontana.com 

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/mansfieldcenter Outdoor Things to Do: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/listing-category/outdoor/