Best Contemporarywest Podcasts (2025)

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The Nuclear Baby Boom 29:12

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1+ y ago29:12

29:12

In this episode, we'll hear a dramatic reading about two boys growing up in the Atomic Age, and how they changed their small town forever Writer: Jay Kettering. Dramatic reading by Teresa Waldorf of Jay Kettering's short story The Nuclear Baby Boom: A Children's Story for Adults.By Jay Kettering

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Words and Music 29:51

1+ y ago29:51

29:51

In this episode, we'll hear songs from the duo Toy Box, comprised of Beth Melody and LaBarre Bankshot, and learn of Beth's collaboration with lyricist Gwen McKenna. Songs: Big Guy In the Sky, Cold April, Leave Me Alone (On the Sofa), Somebody Ought to Slap Your Face, Edge of the River, and Too Bad. Episode sponsor: The Bell Pipe & Tobacco Shop at 2…

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Big Sky, Deep Thoughts and Mr. Bubble 31:51

1+ y ago31:51

31:51

In this episode, writer Ednor Therriault takes us on a mental road trip through Montana with his stories and songs and even shares some marital advice from Mr. Bubble. Non-fiction excerpts from Big Sky, Big Parks: An Exploration of Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, and All That Montana in Between: A Forgotten Hero in Glacier and Playlists for…

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It's Kind Of About Coffee 45:21

1+ y ago45:21

45:21

In this episode, we'll hear from a singer/songwriter/musician who says he's wholly unfit to pursue a conventional lifestyle, but musters a peculiar existence relying largely on music, art, luck, and the love of his community.By Jay Kettering

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Lunatic Masterpieces 54:43

1+ y ago54:43

54:43

In this episode, the writer talks about the politics of fishing in Montana, reads about his life and friends, and sings just to make us laugh. Greg Keeler with Greg Owens Greg Keeler: Memoir excerpts: Trash Fish: A Life; Waltzing With the Captain; poetry: variety of poems/sonnets; and songs The Ballad of Billy Montana, Indian In-Law, Little Bitch C…

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Songwriters Showcase 52:45

1+ y ago52:45

52:45

In this episode, live performances from the March 26, 2023 Words Out West Songwriters Showcase featuring four singer/songwriters who lent their time and talent for our Season 3 fundraiser. Featuring: Rebecca Kelley, Read Barbee, Maria Zepeda and Gabrielle Tusberg with Bethany Joyce This episode contains some adult language and themes, which may be …

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Voices from the Oval 34:13

3+ y ago34:13

34:13

In this episode, we celebrate the fruits of a teacher's labor. You'll hear from Professor Robert Stubblefield, along with three of his University of Montana students. A selection of poems and non-fiction, with Robert Stubblefield, Jade Taylor, Donna Arganbright, and Cass Sissel. This episode contains some adult language and themes, which may be uns…

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A Place in the Sun for Butte 22:47

3+ y ago22:47

22:47

In this episode, writer, geologist and professor Rob Thomas explains how the amazing history of rocks is related to the mining town of Butte finding its place in the sun. Selections from Roadside Geology of Montana. This episode is sponsored by Mountain Press Publishing Company, Missoula's independent publisher for over seventy years. Mountain Pres…

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Why the Village Appears on No Map 26:01

3+ y ago26:01

26:01

In this episode, novelist Claude Alick introduces us to a place of mystery in the island country of Grenada—a village that appears on no map—a place that resides only in wilting memories.By Jay Kettering

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How to Write about Sex and Death and Dreams 32:20

3+ y ago32:20

32:20

In this episode, we pair writers who were born to be storytellers—poet Mara Panich, and singer/songwriter Margi Cates, accompanied by guitarist Nick Barr. This episode contains some adult language and themes, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.By Jay Kettering

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How Stealing Laundry Leads to Success 16:23

3+ y ago16:23

16:23

In this episode, a struggling writer has a breakthrough when she accidentally steals her neighbor's laundry. A short play written by Bozeman playwright Greg Owens, directed by Missoula's own Reid Reimers and read by Missoula actors Hamilton Clement and Az Sacry.By Jay Kettering

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Three Minds Driving 21:08

3+ y ago21:08

21:08

In this episode, writers Chris La Tray, Fred Haefele, and Chris Autio take us on three distinct and heady road trips. Chris La Tray: Comet (poem) Three . . . Two . . . One . . . Blast off! Fred Haefele: excerpt from A Life in 12 Pickups (vehicular memoir) When a pickup truck transcends mechanical essence, rises to become comrade, ally and intimate.…

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I Don't Understand Snow 30:51

3+ y ago30:51

30:51

In this episode, singer/songwriter Spencer Kellum performs some 'modern spirituals' as Separate Circles, with piano accompaniment by Cole Grant.By Jay Kettering

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Much More Than a Bartender 11:26

3+ y ago11:26

11:26

In this episode, Joan Melcher finds her perfect saloon, and chats with the bartender who has the same name as his bar—Moose. A selection from her non-fiction books Watering Hole: A User's Guide to Montana Bars and Montana Watering Holes: The Big Sky's Best Bars.By Jay Kettering

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The Glitter and The Glamour 17:48

3+ y ago17:48

17:48

In this episode, we get up close and personal with Bobby Lee Springfield, a singer/songwriter who gives us the skinny on the ups and downs of show biz. This episode contains some adult language and themes, with references to alcohol, tobacco and drugs, which may be unsuitable for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. This episode is spons…

4+ y ago57:09

57:09

In this bonus episode, Words Out West's own Jay Kettering looks back to a time when everything was a mystery—especially time. Jay Kettering: How I Learned To Tell Time: part 2 of his audio trilogy Notes From the Huntley Project (radio play) (Dramatic reading by Missoula actors David Mills-Low, Rebecca Schaffer, Will Tilton, Jessica Adam, and Aaron …