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Glacier National Park may look timeless, but protecting it takes constant work, thoughtful stewardship, and significant funding. Tagen Vine, president of the Glacier National Park Conservancy, joins David Wigginton to explain how the Conservancy works alongside park staff to fund critical projects that federal dollars alone can’t cover. Last year, that support totaled roughly $4.7 million—about a quarter of Glacier’s overall budget—supporting everything from interpretive rangers and visitor education to wildlife research and preventative search and rescue.

Tagen also shares his journey from Wisconsin to the Flathead and the leadership experiences that prepared him for conservation fundraising and community trust-building. The conversation explores major projects including the Wheeler Cabin renovation, preservation of Glacier’s archives, and protection of fragile areas like Hidden Lake, along with growing challenges from visitation, climate-driven ecosystem changes, wildfire, flooding, and staffing uncertainty. Tagen also emphasizes supporting the people who protect Glacier—including mental health resources for park staff responding to traumatic rescue and recovery calls—and shares simple ways locals and visitors can experience and support the park.

Links:

• Glacier National Park Conservancy (GNPC)
• GNPC Daily Email
• Glacier National Park

Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by:

• Glacier Investment Management
• Whitefish Financial Services

Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

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Most people have opinions about public schools, but few see the complexity behind running them. Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Matt Jensen joins us for a candid look at leading a district serving more than 6,000 students—from working with an elected board and navigating Montana’s local-control model to aligning K-8 and high school expectations. At the heart of it all is urgency: students only get one chance at each grade, and the decisions made today have lasting consequences.

Matt also explores the district’s move toward personalized, competency-based education, where demonstrating mastery matters more than simply accumulating points. We discuss student agency, expanding work-based learning and internships, and how community expectations are helping shape graduates who can adapt, collaborate, and succeed beyond the classroom. Matt also tackles misconceptions about school funding, audits, levies, and bonds, and shares his five-year vision for greater clarity, stability, and excellence across Kalispell schools.

Links

• Kalispell Public School District 5
• Episode 17 - School Levies: Funding Gaps, Voter Fatigue, and What Works with Jinn Mariman

Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by:

• Glacier Investment Management
• Whitefish Financial Services

Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.

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Independent bookstores have been declared "dead" more than once, yet places like The Bookshelf in downtown Kalispell continue to prove otherwise. Dave sits down with new owners Stefan and Tycy Berry to talk about taking the leap from loyal customers to bookstore owners, building a life in the Flathead Valley, and why physical books still create a sense of discovery, connection, and community that digital platforms can't replace.

The conversation explores the realities of owning a local bookstore, from supporting local authors and hosting events to trade-ins, tourism, and cultivating loyal readers. Stefan and Tycy also discuss the evolving reading landscape—Amazon, Barnes & Noble, e-readers, and AI—and why so many people still crave the experience of browsing shelves and finding an unexpected treasure. It's an encouraging look at small business, community, and the enduring value of independent bookstores.

If you enjoy the show, subscribe, share it with a friend who loves bookstores, and leave a review so more listeners can find Heart of the Flathead.

Heart of the Flathead is brought to you by:

• Glacier Investment Management
• Whitefish Financial Services

Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.