Listen to Stories - Tell Us Something

A knock on Jerry O'Connell's door yields an unexpected visitor seeking permission to fish in his backyard. He grants permission to Noah Maclean, on the condition that Noah join Jerry and the family for dinner. Noah agrees, and mistakenly leaves behind an important flybox. Jerry O'Connell founded Big Blackfoot Riverkeeper and is currently the executive director.  He first viewed the Blackfoot in 1986 while hitchhiking through Montana.  It was love at first sight, and that moment planted the seed that eventually resulted in his moving from New England to the Blackfoot valley in 1992.  His love affair with the Big Blackfoot River continues today. Jerry has been involved in a variety of projects to protect the Big Blackfoot.  He served on the River Recreation Advisory for Tomorrow committee which, in conjunction with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, developed new recreation guidelines for the Blackfoot.  He is currently on the board of The Big Blackfoot Chapter of Trout Unlimited which has restored over 700 miles of Blackfoot tributaries.  Additionally, he is currently president of the Missoula City/County Consolidated Planning Board. Jerry lives in Greenough with his wife Deborah, a couple of horses and a rather large crew of dogs. Learn more about Jerry and his work at bigblackfootriverkeeper.org. This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.    

A knock on Jerry O’Connell’s door yields an unexpected visitor seeking permission to fish in his backyard. He grants permission to Noah Maclean, on the condition that Noah join Jerry and the family for dinner. Noah agrees, and mistakenly leaves behind an important flybox. Jerry O’Connell founded Big Blackfoot Riverkeeper and is currently the executive director.  He first viewed the Blackfoot in 1986 while hitchhiking through Montana.  It was love at first sight, and that moment planted the seed that eventually resulted in his moving from New England to the Blackfoot valley in 1992.  His love affair with the Big Blackfoot River continues today. Jerry has been involved in a variety of projects to protect the Big Blackfoot.  He served on the River Recreation Advisory for Tomorrow committee which, in conjunction with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, developed new recreation guidelines for the Blackfoot.  He is currently on the board of The Big Blackfoot Chapter of Trout Unlimited which has restored over 700 miles of Blackfoot tributaries.  Additionally, he is currently president of the Missoula City/County Consolidated Planning Board. Jerry lives in Greenough with his wife Deborah, a couple of horses and a rather large crew of dogs. Learn more about Jerry and his work at bigblackfootriverkeeper.org. This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Jay Dixon of Dixon Adventures has clients on the boat and they are planning a 20 mile day on the Blackfoot. It’s the 3rd week of June during a Salmonfly hatch. With about an hour of daylight remaining, he sees a woman in distress on the rock scree above the river. With the help of Search & Rescue, Jay saves the woman’s life in a dramatic ordeal. Listen to Jay's story, which we call - “Blackfoot River Rescue”. Jay Dixonhas a college degree in environmental geology with an emphasis in groundwater and fisheries from the University of Montana.  He has been fly fishing since the age of 6 and started tying flies soon after.  Jay Dixon owns and operates Dixon Adventures along with his wife and partner in crime, Deb. They live in an off-the-grid solar home they built together in the Sapphire mountains, overlooking the Bitterroot Valley, with their two boys, Jake and Zack.  Learn more about Jay and his work at  dixonadventures.com This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Jay Dixon of Dixon Adventures has clients on the boat and they are planning a 20 mile day on the Blackfoot. It’s the 3rd week of June during a Salmonfly hatch. With about an hour of daylight remaining, he sees a woman in distress on the rock scree above the river. With the help of Search & Rescue, Jay saves the woman’s life in a dramatic ordeal. Listen to Jay’s story, which we call – “Blackfoot River Rescue”. Jay Dixonhas a college degree in environmental geology with an emphasis in groundwater and fisheries from the University of Montana.  He has been fly fishing since the age of 6 and started tying flies soon after.  Jay Dixon owns and operates Dixon Adventures along with his wife and partner in crime, Deb. They live in an off-the-grid solar home they built together in the Sapphire mountains, overlooking the Bitterroot Valley, with their two boys, Jake and Zack.  Learn more about Jay and his work at  dixonadventures.com This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Seven-year-old Juanita Vero brings up the rear in a string of horses, as her father leads a line of guests on a ride. Crossing The Big Blackfoot River gives her horse the opportunity to shake Juanita off, which it does, and Juanita’s instinct and training kick in. Juanita's calls her story “Poop and Drowning, Relax”. Juanita Vero is part of the fourth generation on a dude ranch in Greenough, Montana. She says it's like City Slickers meets Dirty Dancing meets The Horse Whisperer with A River Runs Through It and some Downton Abbey mixed in. This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Seven-year-old Juanita Vero brings up the rear in a string of horses, as her father leads a line of guests on a ride. Crossing The Big Blackfoot River gives her horse the opportunity to shake Juanita off, which it does, and Juanita’s instinct and training kick in. Juanita’s calls her story “Poop and Drowning, Relax”. Juanita Vero is part of the fourth generation on a dude ranch in Greenough, Montana. She says it’s like City Slickers meets Dirty Dancing meets The Horse Whisperer with A River Runs Through It and some Downton Abbey mixed in. This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Sarah Elkins carries a small child in her backpack while flyfishing. Her self tied Wooly Bugger gets stuck in a tree and snaps off, breaking the rod. A mother’s instincts kicks in to determine how to safely gain shore with a broken rod and her child strapped to her. Sarah Elkins is a speaker, writer, coach, and professional musician. As a coach, Sarah helps people and businesses better understand how to ?nd their stories, organize them, and share them across platforms. She is an active blogger and contributor to Thrive Global: Arianna Hu?ngton’s latest project. LinkedIn, beBee, and on her own website, elkinsconsulting.com. She’s also the President of Elkins Consulting, the company making a splash with small, face-to-face, a?ordable interactive conferences called No Longer Virtual. This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Sarah Elkins carries a small child in her backpack while flyfishing. Her self tied Wooly Bugger gets stuck in a tree and snaps off, breaking the rod. A mother’s instincts kicks in to determine how to safely gain shore with a broken rod and her child strapped to her. Sarah Elkins is a speaker, writer, coach, and professional musician. As a coach, Sarah helps people and businesses better understand how to ?nd their stories, organize them, and share them across platforms. She is an active blogger and contributor to Thrive Global: Arianna Hu?ngton’s latest project. LinkedIn, beBee, and on her own website, elkinsconsulting.com. She's also the President of Elkins Consulting, the company making a splash with small, face-to-face, a?ordable interactive conferences called No Longer Virtual. This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

A routine day floating The Big Blackfoot River in a sturdy boat during high water soon turns into a rescue ordeal for Tina Svaren and her family. Her story is titled “Rip-Rap”. Tina Svarenhas spent most of her life living in the Missoula and Bitterroot Valleys. She is an active participant in community theater in her home of Stevensville. Together with her husband, son and dog she spends as much time as possible hiking, rafting, camping and taking in all of Montana’s breathtaking landscapes. This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

A routine day floating the The Big Blackfoot River in a sturdy boat during high water soon turns into a rescue ordeal for Tina Svaren and her family. Her story is titled "Rip-Rap". Tina Svarenhas spent most of her life living in the Missoula and Bitterroot Valleys. She is an active participant in community theater in her home of Stevensville. Together with her husband, son and dog she spends as much time as possible hiking, rafting, camping and taking in all of Montana's breathtaking landscapes. This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Camping up The Big Blackfoot River, Wendy Woollett envies the big white horse she sees at Mile Marker 7. Over the course of many years she, sees this HORSE and eventually returns to it in a SURPRISING reunion. Wendy is excited to share her story, which she calls  "The Blackfoot River Horse". Wendy Woollett is the author of a number of plays including "The Montana Monologs" and "The Lost Montana Monolog". She beat cancer four times. She has retired from producing theater and is now recreating her life as a non-fiction writer. She is at work on "The Little Wendy Stories" and a book celebrating Montana's ranch women.  This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Camping up The Big Blackfoot River, Wendy Woollett envies the big white horse she sees at Mile Marker 7. Over the course of many years she, sees this HORSE and eventually returns to it in a SURPRISING reunion. Wendy is excited to share her story, which she calls  “The Blackfoot River Horse”. Wendy Woollett is the author of a number of plays including “The Montana Monologs” and “The Lost Montana Monolog”. She beat cancer four times. She has retired from producing theater and is now recreating her life as a non-fiction writer. She is at work on “The Little Wendy Stories” and a book celebrating Montana’s ranch women. This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Growing up around water and spending lots of time on The Big Blackfoot River gave Lisa Triepke a healthy respect for the water. Life on a lake is quite different from life on the river, though, and an afternoon on Placid Lake soon turns nearly deadly for her family. Lisa calls her story “Who Says Kids Don't Listen to Their Parents?” Lisa Triepke moved from Maryland to Missoula 26 years ago.  She has been active in the community, volunteering, working at nonprofits and at CostCare, where she currently works.  She has four children who all participate in hockey, lacrosse and cross country; one at Montana Tech, 2 at Hellgate High School and one at Washington Middle school. She is active in many of the outdoor recreational activities Missoula offers. She enjoys quality time with her friends and family and is currently running for Mayor of Missoula. Learn more about Lisa and her bid for office at triepke4mayor.com   This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Growing up around water and spending lots of time on The Big Blackfoot River gave Lisa Triepke a healthy respect for the water. Life on a lake is quite different from life on the river, though, and an afternoon on Placid Lake soon turns nearly deadly for her family. Lisa calls her story “Who Says Kids Don’t Listen to Their Parents?” Lisa Triepke moved from Maryland to Missoula 26 years ago.  She has been active in the community, volunteering, working at nonprofits and at CostCare, where she currently works.  She has four children who all participate in hockey, lacrosse and cross country; one at Montana Tech, 2 at Hellgate High School and one at Washington Middle school. She is active in many of the outdoor recreational activities Missoula offers. She enjoys quality time with her friends and family and is currently running for Mayor of Missoula. Learn more about Lisa and her bid for office at triepke4mayor.com This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Cindy Super grew up just past Clearwater junction on the banks of the Blackfoot River and has had the river in her life since she was 2 years old. She calls her story "Fairyland". Cindy Super She left Montana after getting a Forestry degree from the University of Montana and returned home after 6 years in the Army. She calls Missoula home and now works in the same place she grew up, 45 miles east of Missoula as a Forester for the Montana Department of Natural Resources. This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Cindy Super grew up just past Clearwater junction on the banks of the Blackfoot River and has had the river in her life since she was 2 years old. She calls her story “Fairyland”. Cindy Super She left Montana after getting a Forestry degree from the University of Montana and returned home after 6 years in the Army. She calls Missoula home and now works in the same place she grew up, 45 miles east of Missoula as a Forester for the Montana Department of Natural Resources. This episode of the Tell Us Something podcast was recorded in front of a live audience on September 10th, 2017, at The Wilma in Missoula, MT.  8 storytellers shared their story on the theme “Up the Blackfoot”.

Svein Newman remembers the first time he traveled internationally after 9/11. Born in Norway, Svein Newman was kicked out of that country as a child for being bad at skiing and has roamed around Montana ever since. He grew up on family farmland in south-central Montana, went to college here at UM, and after a six and a half year stint in Billings is once again a Missoulian. When he’s not busy being afraid of speaking on a stage, Svein works for a conservation and family agriculture non-profit called Northern Plains Resource Council. He also volunteers with Soft Landing Missoula, serves on the board of the Montana Human Rights Network, and enjoys divey cowboy bars, day hikes, and the board game Settlers of Catan. This episode of Tell Us Something was recorded in front of a live audience on June 20, 2017 at The Wilma in Missoula, MT. 9 storytellers shared their story. The theme was "On the Road”. This week's podcast comes to us from Svein Newman. He calls his story "Hold My Bag?".

Hilly McGahan shares about her family and their road trip to Mexico.  Hilly McGahan was born and raised in Arlee, MT. She has worked as a domestic violence attorney on the Flathead Reservation since 2012. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana in 2007, and her juris doctor from the University of Cincinnati School of Law in 2012, where she was a fellow with the Urban Morgan Institute for Human Rights and the Ohio Innocence Project. Before law school, Hilly worked as a human rights accompanier in Guatemala, where she lived and traveled with witnesses testifying in genocide cases. Hilly enjoys fishing and hiking with her husband Jacob, and their young sons, Theo and Julian. She also enjoys being on time and eating good food with her enormous extended family.  This episode of Tell Us Something was recorded in front of a live audience on June 20, 2017 at The Wilma in Missoula, MT. 9 storytellers shared their story. The theme was "On the Road”. This week's podcast comes to us from Hilly McGahan. She calls her story “Border Limes”.

Kathy Witkowsky tells us about meeting the love of her life.  Kathy Witkowsky has spent most of her life as a journalist, researching and telling other people's stories  in newspapers and magazines, on the radio, and in documentary films. Tonight she's branching out, and is going to share a story of her own. This episode of Tell Us Something was recorded in front of a live audience on June 20, 2017 at The Wilma in Missoula, MT. 9 storytellers shared their story. The theme was "On the Road”. This week's podcast comes to us from Kathy Witkowsky . She calls her story “Do Dreams Really Come True?".

Pat Abbe shares a story about a Vespa ride gone wrong. Pat has always wanted to perform on a stage where the band Yeasayer has performed and thanks to Tell Us Something he gets to do that tonight at the Wilma.  Has been a big fan of Tell Us Something for several years, and has previously shared a story at the Top Hat. Tonight Pat has driven all the way up from Victor, MT to share a follow-up story to the one he did at The Top Hat. You can listen to that story here. This episode of Tell Us Something was recorded in front of a live audience on June 20, 2017 at The Wilma in Missoula, MT. 9 storytellers shared their story. The theme was "On the Road”. This week's story comes to us from Pat Abbe and is titled "You Can Do what you Can't Do".