Heart of the Flathead
Welcome to the Heart of the Flathead, where we sit down with the change-makers, the unsung heroes, and the everyday folks who give this place its pulse. If you live here, love here, or just want to know what makes Kalispell and the Valley tick—you’re in the right place. Heart of the Flathead, is produced by David Wigginton, in partnership with LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing. Listeners can find the podcast online at HeartoftheFlathead.com and LeftBrainRightBrain Marketing at lbrbm.com. The content for Heart of the Flathead podcasts and any show notes and transcripts are copyrighted by David Wigginton. All rights are reserved. Reproduction and rebroadcasting, in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited without written permission. Contact David Wigginton by clicking the Send Us a Text link at the top of the episode description. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. Appearance on the show does not constitute an endorsement of any goods, services, or opinions discussed. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on the content of this show.
Episodes
Flathead County Administrator Pete Melnick brings an uncommon résumé to local government—Coast Guard helicopter pilot, counter-drug operations leader, and DHS culture strategist. In this conversation with David Wigginton, host of Heart of the Flathead, Pete shares how mission discipline, systems thinking, and a deep curiosity for frontline work now drive better roads, smarter budgets, and more transparent decisions ac...
What does real public safety look like when a department hires for character, invests in officer wellness, and stays close to its community? Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio joins host David Wigginton for a candid, story-driven look at leadership, purpose, and building trust in a fast-growing Flathead Valley. From his unconventional start in business and real estate to patrol, narcotics, and school resource offic...
What does it take for a college to truly belong to its community? Dr. Jane Karas, President of Flathead Valley Community College, joins host David Wigginton to share how listening, partnership, and follow-through have shaped FVCC into both an educational powerhouse and a community cornerstone. From her unexpected journey from the East Coast to Montana ranch life, Jane’s blend of grit and policy expertise informs a lea...
Flathead County spans an area the size of Connecticut—and for Sheriff Brian Heino, every mile tells a story. Raised here, he’s fought wildfires in these forests, walked these roads in uniform, and now leads a department balancing explosive growth, seasonal surges, and shifting expectations. In this candid conversation, Heino traces his path from Forest Service firelines to law enforcement, sharing the moment he realiz...
Lucy Smith’s journey from Navy brat to global citizen offers a masterclass in building community wherever life takes you. Moving annually between military bases, she developed a philosophy at nine years old: “Walk in like you’re already everybody’s friend.” That mindset carried her through living in Japan at 23, volunteering in Africa, and eventually finding her forever home in the Flathead Valley. Along the way, she ...
In this eye-opening episode of Heart of the Flathead, PJ Sorensen of the Kalispell Planning Department offers a behind-the-scenes look at how neighborhoods take shape and development decisions are made. A Kalispell resident since childhood, PJ brings both personal and professional insight to the complex, years-long process that guides growth in the valley. From navigating regulations to coordinating public hearings an...
Mike Smith, Market President of Glacier Bank, joins the inaugural episode of Heart of the Flathead to share his journey from a blue-collar upbringing in Wisconsin to becoming a key financial leader in the Flathead Valley. Since moving to Kalispell in 2006, Mike has navigated the challenges of the Great Recession, mortgage lending, and community growth while helping shape Glacier Bank’s strong civic presence. With a co...
Have you ever wondered what really connects us as neighbors in the Flathead Valley? Beyond political differences and social media debates, there's a rich tapestry of shared experiences waiting to be discovered.
Heart of the Flathead podcast launches with a mission to celebrate the changemakers and everyday folks who give this special corner of Montana its unique character. Host Dave Wiginton brings a glo...
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