We're No Dam Experts

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