Ep. 88 – From Downtown to Discover Kalispell: Building Community & Business
What's next for downtown Kalispell? Discover Kalispell Chamber CEO Lorraine Clarno discusses downtown revitalization, favorite winter events, and the Chamber's priorities for 2027—from business advocacy and housing to workforce development and community growth.
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Ep. 85 – Meet Kelsie, Chris & Marisa: New Faces at the Chamber & Discover Kalispell
Kalispell is more than the gateway to Glacier National Park, and three new members of the Kalispell Chamber and Discover Kalispell team are helping tell that bigger story. Meet Kelsie Ring, Chris O’Boyle, and Marisa Mikonis and hear how their work is strengthening community connections, supporting local businesses, attracting meetings and visitors, and showcasing Kalispell as a destination worth experiencing on its own.
Ep. 84 - The Glacier National Park Conservancy with President, Tagen Vine
Glacier National Park may look timeless, but protecting it takes ongoing work and strong community support. In this episode, Brenden Craig sits down with Tagen Vine, the new president of the Glacier National Park Conservancy, to discuss how the organization helps fund critical park priorities.
Ep. 80 - Raised on Freedom - Rooted in Montana's Best: the 2026 NWMT Fair & Rodeo
The Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo is back for 2026, and summer in the Flathead is about to get a whole lot louder. In this episode, we sit down with Flathead County Fairgrounds Manager Sam Nunnally and Event Sponsorship Coordinator Kelsi Hansberry to preview everything coming to this year’s fair—from Walker Hayes, rodeo action, and carnival favorites to new attractions like pig races, a petting zoo, and pony rides.
Ep. 79- Glacier Range Riders: Building More than a Baseball Team
The Glacier Range Riders and Glacier Bank Park have, in a few short years, become an integral part of the Flathead Valley's sports and recreation scene. Glacier Bank Park is a pro ballpark, built fast, built right, and built Montana — with locally sourced materials, authentic Flathead Valley food, and a design that makes visitors feel like they're somewhere, not just anywhere. Now it's drawing national recognition and becoming the kind of place families build traditions around.
Ep. 78 - The Case for Agritourism in Montana with Mike Sullivan of Longview Lavender Farm
At Longview Lavender Farm in the Flathead Valley, Mike turned a stubborn specialty crop into a thriving agritourism business, one that creates local jobs, keeps farmland open, and gives the region something worth stopping for. We talk about how he cracked the code on Montana's soil and climate, why direct-to-consumer beats commodity farming, and how agritourism can keep farms thriving.
Ep. 62 - Keeping Montana Wild with MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Montana’s outdoor recreation supports billions in spending while protecting landscapes, wildlife, and local traditions. Amber Steed, Region 1 Supervisor for Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), talks with the podcast about managing these resources and highlights new public access projects, including Somers Beach State Park and expanded fishing areas near Flathead Lake.
Ep. 61 - Flathead County Fairgrounds & the NWMT Fair
This episode of the Venture Boldly podcast takes listeners behind the scenes of the Flathead County Fairgrounds—an iconic 60-acre hub in Kalispell that hosts over 750 events and draws more than 250,000 visitors each year. While many know it as home to the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo, the fairgrounds serve as a year-round space for community, culture, and connection.
Ep. 55 - Exploring the Historic Conrad Mansion with Brit Clark, Executive Director
The Conrad Mansion, built in 1895 by Kalispell founder Charles Conrad, is a well-preserved Victorian home that offers a rare, authentic view of Montana’s past. Under the leadership of Executive Director Brit Clark, the Conrad Mansion Museum shares the story of Conrad’s journey from a river freighter in Virginia to a prominent businessman in Montana, influenced by a strategic tip from James J. Hill about the Great Northern Railway’s route.
Ep. 38 - Wheaton's Cycle: Riding Into a 2nd Century of Business in Downtown Kalispell
Ever wondered how a 15-year-old BMX enthusiast evolves into the proud owner of a century-old bike shop? Meet Hans Axelsen, the passionate powerhouse behind Wheaton's Cycle in Kalispell. Hans shares his story and the history of Wheaton's Cycle along with insights into local trails and operating a legacy business in downtown Kalispell.
Ep. 36 - Flying into the Future: GPIA Growth & Expansion with Rob Ratkowski, Airport Director
There's a massive transformation happening at Glacier Park International Airport. Airport Director Rob Ratkowski provides an insider's look at the ambitious expansion project. With the airport nearly tripling in size to 210,000 square feet, you'll get a front-row seat to the exciting new amenities, including the Goat Haunt Saloon, outdoor patio spaces, and the Flathead Valley's first escalators. Learn how these enhancements, set for completion in June 2026 with phased openings, will revolutionize the passenger experience and meet the growing demand.
Ep. 35 - Get to Know Glacier Institute with Anthony Nelson
As the official education partner of Glacier National Park and Flathead National Forest, the Glacier Institute offers an array of programs that bring people of all ages, both locals and visitors alike, closer to nature. From guided hikes to hands-on educational experiences at the Big Creek Outdoor Education Center, Executive Director Anthony Nelson shares how these initiatives are fostering a lifelong love of the environment, especially for youth encountering nature for the first time.
Ep. 31 - On Track with the Highlander Track Program
Join Joel Rosenberg, banking executive and Executive Director of Highlander Track, as he unfolds the story of this legacy, free youth track and field and cross-country program's impact in the Flathead Valley. Established in the '70s by Jack King and Three Rivers Bank of MT, Highlander Track has evolved into an annual signature spring youth event for kids ages 6-12, nurturing not just physical prowess but also instilling valuable life skills in young athletes.
Ep. 26 - A Game Plan for Sports Tourism, with Evan Eleff
Evan Eleff from the Sports Facilities Companies joins us to dissect potential impact of a tournament-quality sports facility in the Flathead Valley. We'll touch on the economic, social, and community benefits that such a development would entail—not just a mere venue for sports, but a powerhouse for local businesses during shoulder seasons and a catalyst for stronger community ties.
Ep. 12 - Glacier National Park - Dave Roemer, Superintendent
Glacier National Park is a crown jewel of the National Park System. Its over 1 million acres, located in Northwest Montana and situated just outside of Kalispell in the Flathead Valley. In this episode, we talk with the Glacier National Park Superintendent, Dave Roemer about visiting the park, visitor access, construction, and more.
Ep. 11 - Discover Kalispell - Diane Medler, Executive Director
As the snows of winter fade in the Flathead and tourism to the valley picks up as we head toward summer, Venture Boldly takes time to talk with Diane Medler, the Executive Director of Discover Kalispell, a destination marketing and stewardship organization as part of the Discover Kalispell Chamber. With top tourism destinations such as Glacier National Park, Flathead Lake, and Whitefish Mountain Resort in our backyard, tourism and its related dollars represents a significant industry in the Flathead Valley.