Drummer John Wicks and bassist Jesse Phillips are two Montana musicians who’ve come together to form Flüffy Bünny – a project they describe as “future punk.” Drawing from diverse musical journeys – from John’s evolution through jazz, grunge, and high-profile session work to his current role as a teacher, and Jesse’s path from rural Montana to the vibrant music scene of New Orleans – they discuss how their shared passion for unbridled creativity and breaking genre norms sparked this project to rediscover the thrill of making music without boundaries.

Listen to Flüffy Bünny here.

Transcript available here.

In this episode of our Incentives & Instincts series, Justin and economist Bryce Ward revisit the youth sports industrial complex. They discuss how youth activities have evolved, the increasing pressure on families to overschedule their children, and the broader societal and economic forces driving these trends. The conversation explores the impact on kids' development, family life, and potential ways to rethink structured activities to create a healthier balance.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oxNwryuu7N10T0cE_VtMj9rwpElyS-3Xg-dn8AFtfik/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode of our Voices of Trade miniseries, Justin and cohost Brigitta Miranda-Freer, the executive director of the Montana World Trade Center, speak with KC Tolliver, CEO of Summit Resources International. They discuss Montana’s role in global trade, Tolliver’s journey from a persistent entrepreneur to running an international apparel business, and the challenges of navigating tariffs, supply chains, and manufacturing in a globalized economy. Tolliver shares insights on trade policies, intellectual property protection, and the impact of geopolitical instability on business.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aONZOLqZvSutawRtGNTgPKA2jxb1zHVaFD-jDMXtgJc/edit?usp=sharing