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

In part two of our conversation with University of Montana law professors Craig Cowie and Constance Van Kley, we continue the discussion about the constitutional challenges emerging in the early days of President Trump’s second term. The conversation delves into the implications of shutting down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the looming government funding deadline, and the legal complexities surrounding executive power. They explore key lawsuits, the role of the judiciary, and what happens if the executive branch refuses to comply with court orders.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14M_fH2oMgGb1FActWV9vUcyiPsB-igKGIpyyqnQqJTg/edit?usp=sharing

University of Montana law professors Craig Cowie and Constance Van Kley join Justin to discuss the legal and constitutional implications of the early days of President Trump’s second term. They examine the administration’s mass firings, executive authority over federal agencies, and the legal challenges arising from defunding congressional appropriations. With historical context and expert analysis, they break down what these moves mean for governance and the balance of power in the U.S. Stay tuned for Part Two of this conversation next week.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U6C6-Fp2yKTzNi9rlW75mLJuF4gbnJDZvCTqbXCNR0c/edit?usp=sharing

In this installment of Incentives & Instincts, Justin and economist Bryce Ward explore the critical role trust plays in society. They discuss its origins, its importance, and why trust in institutions is on the decline. With insights from research and historical perspectives, they break down how information flows impact trust and offer ideas on how we m…

Youpa Stein is an activist, artist, and advocate for a plastic-free world. In this episode, Justin and Youpa discuss the widespread impacts of plastic pollution, from its presence in the human body to its role in climate change. Youpa explains why recycling alone isn’t enough, highlights policy challenges and victories, and offers some practical steps for reducing plastic use.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FazH-GBKvj01q6vwMlpz6eaIsUl3xFzio7n90h2AhaI/edit?usp=sharing

In the first episode of our new Voices of Trade miniseries, Justin speaks with Brian Cebull, CEO of GTUIT, an energy company based in Billings focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They discuss GTUIT’s innovative approach to mitigating natural gas flaring, the company’s expansion into international markets, and the challenges of conducting global business from Montana.

In the lead up to the Montana World Trade Center’s World Trade and Investment Day, our Voices of Trade miniseries will be exploring the various opportunities and challenges facing Montana firms doing business internationally.

Learn more about GTUIT here: https://gtuit.com/

Learn more about Montana World Trade Center here: https://www.mwtc.org/

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D5ZKMDVsZTIppbLBqMIYcXZPLCofOjmwMhwcgypQJNE/edit?usp=sharing