What the Helena

00:24:29

The Montana Plan: How I-194 Can End Dark Money with...

What the Helena ·

2026/10/05

Every election cycle, millions of dollars in untraceable dark money flood Montana mailboxes, TV screens, and text messages. But this fall, Montanans are voting on Initiative 194 (also known as "The Montana Plan") a ballot measure designed to pull back the curtain on political spending and eliminate anonymous money.In this episode of "What the Helena?", podcast host Caleb Klaus sits down with Russell Cleveland, Executive Director of Partnerships for I-194. 🔗For a complete

en

00:23:01

6 Million Acres on the Line with MontPIRG’s Madison...

What the Helena ·

2026/09/28

From the Rattlesnake Valley to the Beartooth Range, Montana’s roadless areas offer clean water, world-class outdoor access, and pristine wildlife habitat. But a new federal proposal could open up nearly 60 million acres nationwide to industrial logging and road building. Host Caleb Klaus speaks with MontPIRG Campus Organizer Madison Morgan about the history of the 2001 Roadless Rule, the disconnect between public demand and federal policy, and why the fight to protect our public heritage is coming

en

00:27:30

"Put a Fire Out with Gasoline": Unhoused Voting...

What the Helena ·

2026/09/21

How do you exercise your constitutional right to vote when you don’t have a mailbox, an ID, or a fixed address?In this episode of What the Helena?, host Caleb Klaus sits down with David Quattrocchi, an organizer with the Unhoused Neighbors Union in Missoula. Together, they break down how housing insecurity acts as a structural form of voter suppression; from loss of critical documents during encampment sweeps to $500 urban camping fines that trap working people in the legal system.David shares how

en

00:53:53

The Rent Is Too Damn High: Not an Avocado Toast Problem

What the Helena ·

2026/09/14

Montana now holds the worst price-to-income housing ratio in the entire country, surpassing Los Angeles, New York, and Hawaii. In this episode, we sit down with Forward Montana organizers Julie Sanders and Sage Bennett to break down what this reality actually looks like on the ground for young workers, students, and renters. From choosing between rent and basic groceries to navigating predatory property managers, we unpack the structural math of a crisis where local wages simply haven't kept

en

00:23:11

Democracy Isn’t a Spectator Sport: Justice Jim Nelson...

What the Helena ·

2026/09/07

Should political party bosses dictate who sits on state courts? In this episode of What The Helena?, Caleb Klaus sits down with retired Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Nelson to discuss Constitutional Initiative 132 (CI-132) and the high-stakes fight to protect nonpartisan judicial elections in Montana.In the second installment of our Nonpartisan Judicial Elections series, Justice Nelson breaks down the clash between state judicial ethics and recent campaign funding laws, explains how courts act

en

00:30:57

Defending Montana’s Judiciary: CI-132 and The Fight...

What the Helena ·

2026/08/31

When partisan politics enters the courtroom, everyday citizens lose. For over 90 years, Montana has elected judges on a nonpartisan ballot, keeping party bosses and corporate special interests out of judicial rulings. But with political pressure mounting, Constitutional Initiative 132 (CI-132) aims to permanently enshrine nonpartisan judicial elections into Article VII of the Montana Constitution.In this episode of What The Helena?, Caleb Klaus sits down with Trent Bolger, Executive Director of Big

en

00:29:16

Montana’s Direct Democracy Under Fire? Alice Boyer...

What the Helena ·

2026/08/24

Montana has a long history of voters stepping up when politicians refuse to act, a tradition rooted in direct democracy since 1906. But today, extra filing fees, legal roadblocks, and attempts to politicize state courts are threatening that power.On this episode of "What the Helena?", Alice Boyer (Executive Director of Forward Montana) drops in to explain why independent courts act as our last line of defense, and how CI-132 and CI-133 work together to keep power in the hands of the

en

00:32:04

AI Data Centers: Big Tech, Policy Vacuums, and Rural...

What the Helena ·

2026/08/17

As tech giants race to build hyperscale AI data centers across the country, developers are eyeing Montana’s open land and local energy grid. But what happens when the rapid buildout of artificial intelligence collides with rural resource conservation, local water supplies, and electricity rates?Find out why Montanans are taking action.In this episode of What the Helena?, Caleb talks with Mike McDearmon - a 15-year cloud infrastructure and software veteran running tech networks from a cabin in

en

01:03:47

No Ride, No Job: The Flathead Transit Trap

What the Helena ·

2026/08/07

Having a car in the Flathead Valley is often framed as freedom, until your vehicle breaks down, gas prices spike, or a $1,000 repair bill hits. In a region experiencing rapid growth, how does a lack of public transit impact young people trying to work, study, and thrive?In this episode of 'What the Helena?', Caleb sits down with Isabella Brown, Lead Organizer for Forward Montana in the Flathead Valley. Together, they break down the reality of "stroads," the 3-hour bus loop for a

en

01:01:33

68. So long for now: a leg session wrap up

What the Helena ·

2025/05/18

In our final legislative session episode of the year, Zuri & John are joined once more by the rest of the team. They chat about all the highs and lows in: LGBTQ+, Repro, Housing, Climate, and Voters rights. We want to thank ALL our listeners for following along with us! We love you! Want to read our final newsletter on the entire session? ⁠Click here⁠!Stay up to date with all things Forward Montana on Instagram @forward_montana! Hosted by Zuri Moreno & John Bazant Edited by Ashley LobaoMusic

en

00:50:42

67. A moment with Humanity with Rep. Karlen

What the Helena ·

2025/05/03

We are so fortunate to be joined this week by Representative Karlen from house district 98 in Missoula! OH and ALSO this week was sine die: meaning it was the last week of the 69th Montana Legislative session - we made it. Take that deep breath in and out! Want to learn more or reach out to Rep. Karlen: jonathankarlen.netCall them at: (406) 851-9226Email them at: Jonathan.Karlen@legmt.gov Our next episode will be in 2 weeks! Events:City Council Candidate Info Session! May 7, 2025 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

en

00:44:17

66. Mutual Aid & Mayhem with Catalyst's Dillion and...

What the Helena ·

2025/04/26

Another week has gone by and we wanted to have more friends on the show. So this week we are joined by some folks from Catalyst Montana! Julia and Dillion share with us how they got into organizing and what they have been up to this leg session. Looking to catch up on those bills? Be sure to check out our bill tracker AND read about it on our newsletter. Want to learn more about Catalyst Montana? Check out their website and follow them on social @catalyst_mtEventsMissoula Stitch and Bitch April 28,

en

00:48:22

65. They can't unwind the clean energy clock with...

What the Helena ·

2025/04/19

We love our friends at MEIC and how lucky Derf was able to join us this week. Zuri and John chat with Derf about how the session so far has looked for MEIC and what they were watching and working on. Check out MEIC and all their amazing work - they even have a bill tracker! Curious about some of our other bills we have been checking? Head to this weeks newsletter for more updates. Events: Rally to Oppose HB 121 April 21, noon to 1pm at the Missoula County Courthouse. Join Forward Montana, along Free

en

00:48:22

64. There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And...

What the Helena ·

2025/04/12

You might need the bill tracker for this one! If you're eyeing our title yeah... we know... we're nerds! Zuri & John are joined by FMT's Morgan Syring - our LGBTQ + Organizer! Morgan shares what this first legislative session has been like for them. We then launch into an update on a handful of the bills we have been watching as this is the second transmittal of the session. EventsSchool Board Candidate Forums!Billings School District #2 Candidate Forum/Meet and Greet! April 16 from

en

00:31:00

63. Call (406) 444-4800

What the Helena ·

2025/04/05

406-444-4800. Call the Capitol Switchboard!Zuri is running things solo this week! They cover everything from Trans Visibility Day, to Climate, housing and repro updates. Also they tell us about one of the most important bills HB2 - the budget. Curious about the temporary restraining order on HB121? Read more about it here. You can call the governor’s office at 406-444-3111.Events: Capitol Events Friday, April 18 from noon to 1pm Defend the Montana Supreme Court Rally. Some legislators are trying to

en

00:44:13

62. Hi it's the Constitution remember me?

What the Helena ·

2025/03/29

This week we give you all your legislative updates, from the nasty nine, to a handful of folks who seem to have forgotten what our constitution says. Zuri & John tell us all about this pretty exhausting week. Something you hear make you mad... me too...want to do something about it? Maybe share your story or message your representative! Events: TRANS DAY OF VISIBILITY - Monday, March 31 Join Forward MT and our Free and Fair coalition partners on Monday, March 31 from noon-1pm at Montana Capitol

en

00:46:07

61. Housing, climate, and a little bit of hope for...

What the Helena ·

2025/03/22

Our representatives have not lost momentum in the the transmittal break. Let’s jump back in.Sage, from our FMT legislative team joins us again to give us a little update on some housing bills that we have been watching! Zuri and John share some ethics committee drama and tell us all about how some folks just don't really understand our Montana constitution. SEND COMMENTS, SHARE STORIES & REACH OUT TO YOUR LEGISLATURE HERE. Capitol Events: Monday, March 31 from noon-1pm at Montana Capitol

en

00:35:42

60. We have friends on the pod with MontPIRG's Tess &...

What the Helena ·

2025/03/15

This week didn’t make us cry! Yay!! Oh also, John and Zuri have some guests! But before that… This week was transmittal - hope you got your rest. We are now diving into the second half of our legislative session! On to our guests!! We are so happy to be joined this week by Carl Anderson & Tess Rosbarsky from MontPIRG! They share what they have been keeping an eye this leg session. Want to learn more about MontPIRG? Head to their website, give them a call (406) 243-2908 and, follow them on

en

00:45:07

59. Halfway there ft. FMT's Legislative Team

What the Helena ·

2025/03/08

Well we made it! Halfway through the legislative session. This week John & Zuri are joined by the rest of the legislative team: Morgan, Sage, & Taryn. Together they update us on where we are at in regards to Repro rights, housing, & LGBTQ+ rights! Here is the link to our bill tracker, and the Montana Bill Explorer!If you are curious about any of the other bills we have mentioned be sure to check out the What the Helena blog!Want to watch whats going on in Helena? Here is the link to

en

00:32:54

58. Late nights at the capitol

What the Helena ·

2025/03/01

The pressure is on with transmittal coming up! This week some updates on the judiciary attacks as well as some good and bad bills we have been watching! Feeling lost with all these bills here is the link to our bill tracker! And the link to the Montana Bill Explorer.Want to listen to committee meetings and other going ons in the capitol? Here is the link to the Watch and Listen page.Finally, we want YOU to reach out to your representatives! Stay engaged this session and make your thoughts known to

en

All Episodes

Similar Podcasts

The DSR Network

The DSR Network

TikTok - Collected Reports

Various

Macroaggressions

Charlie Robinson

IDSC Podcast

IDSC Egypt

New Books in European Politics

New Books Network