Season 3 · Episode 95

Ryan Jore on Strength, Accountability, and Building Community Through Fitness

May 26, 2025

In this episode, we sit down with personal trainer Ryan Jore to explore the connection between physical strength, personal growth, and building a supportive community. With over a decade of experience at Granite Health and Fitness, Ryan shares how he found his passion for helping women reach their fitness goals—and how creating the right environment is just as important as the training itself.

We talk about the foundations of wellness: consistent habits, proper nutrition, strength training, and the mindset needed to keep going. Ryan addresses common fitness misconceptions, offers insight into his own routines, and highlights why accountability, both to yourself and others, is key to long-term success.

Connect with Ryan HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 94

Creating Space for Community, Creativity, and Conversation with Alana Sukut of Casual Space

May 19, 2025

In this episode, we sit down with Alana Sukut, the owner and founder of Casual Space in Billings — a one-woman business that’s redefining what it means to build community through place. Alana shares how her vision for Casual Space was shaped by a desire to make connecting easier and more natural, especially in a time when meaningful interaction can feel hard to come by.

From hosting chunky blanket hand knitting classes that spark spontaneous conversation, to opening her doors to local vendors and artists, Alana has created more than just a business — she’s created a gathering space rooted in creativity, comfort, and connection. She shares her journey, what led her to take the leap, and how even small spaces can have a big impact when designed with intention.

Season 3 · Episode 93

Building Native Owned Businesses through Art and Innovation with Triia

May 12, 2025

In this episode, we dive into the story behind Triia, a powerful initiative from the Native American Development Corporation (NADC) that’s elevating Native voices through art. Our guests, Tally Monteau and Maddison Wilhite, share how Triia is creating a space for Native artists to share their work, connect with a broader audience, and grow as entrepreneurs.

We explore the mission behind Triia—to celebrate authentic Native artistry and give artists the tools and exposure they need to thrive in both traditional and modern markets. From beadwork to paintings, every piece comes with a story, and Triia is making sure those stories are heard around the world.

To connect with Triia: https://www.triia.com/ 

Season 3 · Episode 92

In the Newsroom: Dianne Parker’s Journey in TV Journalism

May 5, 2025

In this episode we sit down with Dianne Parker – she shares her journey from farm life in Wyoming to the fast-paced world of broadcast journalism. She reflects on the lessons learned growing up in a hardworking, agricultural and entrepreneurial family. She dives into her early days producing weekend news in Billings and the career journey she has had in journalism and public relations. Dianne opens up about the moment she realized storytelling was more than a job—it was her way of connecting with and honoring her community. Now a trusted voice in Billings, Dianne talks about embracing visibility, growing into her role, and why showing her kids what’s possible drives everything she does.

“To be a good example for my kids. I wanted to show them that a single mom can do anything.”

Season 3 · Episode 91

Leading with Integrity, Building with Purpose: Andrew Newman’s Approach to Business and Community

Apr 28, 2025

Join us as we sit down with Andrew Newman, founder of Newman Restoration & Cleaning and proud community advocate. Andrew shares his journey from growing up in a family-run restoration business in Sheridan, Wyoming, to becoming a leader in the Billings business community. Inspired by hands-on experience and a strong work ethic, Andrew talks about what drove him to start his own company and how safety, service, and integrity became the foundation of his work.

A passionate learner and leader, Andrew opens up about his community involvement, serving on local boards, and why giving back matters. He also shares how he approaches tough decisions, what it meant to be part of Karen Grosz’s new book, and the role discipline plays in both his business and personal growth.

Connect with Newman Restoration HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 90

NADC on Building Strong Native Communities through Business Support, Financial Services, & Community Wellness

Apr 21, 2025

In this episode, we sit down with Maddison Wilhite and Tally Monteau from the Native American Development Corporation (NADC) to explore how this organization is driving economic growth, wellness, and opportunity across Native communities in Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. Maddison shares how NADC’s holistic and culturally rooted approach supports Native-owned businesses through business development, economic assistance, and wellness services. We also learn more about initiatives like the Triia platform for Native artists, the Billings Urban Indian Health and Wellness Center, and the Eagle Seeker Community Center. This episode highlights the strength, resilience, and innovation within Native communities—and the people working every day to support their success.

To connect with NADC: https://nadc-nabn.org/

Season 3 · Episode 89

Steve Arveschoug on Change, Legacy, and What It Means to Lead

Apr 14, 2025

Join us as we sit down with Steve Arveschoug, Executive Director of Big Sky Economic Development, for his final Vault podcast episode before retirement, as he reflects on 16½ years of leadership and impact. From launching major initiatives like BillingsWorks to founding Rock31, helping bring RVU – Montana College of Osteopathic Medicine to Billings, and navigating the transition of the GE Capital building into an opportunity for reinvestment, Steve has helped shape the economic future of Yellowstone County, and the region.

He shares lessons learned through both success and challenge, from the importance of incremental progress to the power of collaboration. “We got bad news, we leaned in, we solved problems, and turned it into something really special,” he says, reflecting on BSED’s role in the GE building transition.

Steve talks about how his leadership has evolved—shifting from task-oriented to people-centered—and why caring for the people you lead is essential. He opens up about the decision to retire, how he carefully prepared BSED for a leadership transition, and why championing collaboration remains at the heart of strong, regional leadership.

“I always want to be a learner,” Steve says. “The more I know, the more I experience, the more I can be helpful.”

This episode is more than a farewell—it’s a conversation about leadership, legacy, and what it means to leave an organization better than you found it.

Season 3 · Episode 88

Nichole Mehling on Philanthropy, Team Culture, and Building a Stronger Montana

Apr 7, 2025

Join us today as we sit down with Nichole Mehling, President of the Billings Clinic Foundation to share her journey from music teacher to community leader. Inspired by her grandmother to find her voice and shine her light, Nichole talks about growing up in a service-minded family, her early career in education and hospitality, and the natural path that led her to philanthropy.

A founding member of the Chamber’s NextGEN program, Nichole reflects on leadership, creating positive work environments, and her passion for connecting people to purpose. She offers insights into what it means to create a thriving work culture, lead with heart, and invest in the vitality of a community. She also shares insight into the work of the Billings Clinic Foundation, their statewide impact, and the importance of investing in the vitality of the community.

Learn more about Billings Clinic HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 86

Transforming Montana’s Culinary Scene, The Power of Mentorship, and Redefining Hospitality: The Story of Nick Steen Gullings, Head Chef & Owner of Walkers

Mar 24, 2025

Join us as we sit down with Nick Steen Gullings, Head Chef and Owner of Walkers, to explore his journey of discovering passion and purpose. From influential mentors to unexpected career detours—including firefighting, selling Kirby vacuums, and a legendary moment when he quit and rode away on a Harley—Nick shares the pivotal experiences that led him to the world of hospitality. He reflects on the culture he and his team have built at Walkers, their unique approach to dining, and what true hospitality means to him. Nick also opens up about the joy and fulfillment he finds in doing what he loves, reminding us, “I’m overwhelmed every day, with joy, and with love and passion and understanding that you can do something you love to do. Don’t let anyone ever tell you can’t.” Plus, hear his philosophy on, “no one works for me, they work with me.”

Connect with Walkers HERE.

This episode is sponsored by Visit Billings, connect with them HERE.

Season 3 · Episode 85

Mike Nelson on Elevating Hospitality, Catalytic Downtown Investment, & Developing the Future Workforce

Mar 17, 2025

Join us as we sit down with Mike Nelson—community leader, business owner, developer, and hospitality expert—who revitalized the iconic Northern Hotel and helped shape downtown Billings. Mike shares his career journey, from working for major hotel brands in Las Vegas to returning home to Billings to restore the Northern.  He dives into his three legs of hospitality at the Northern—Connect, Empathize, Respect—and how they guide the guest experience.

Connect with the Northern Hotel HERE!