Mike Smith is joined live in-studio by longtime Missoula community member and former Justice of the Peace Karen Orzac to talk about the 65th Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast.

Now retired after 20 years on the bench—and having officiated over a thousand weddings—Orzac shares her continued passion for serving the community through the Missoula Kiwanis Club. The conversation highlights Kiwanis’ century-long mission of supporting local youth through programs, partnerships, and hands-on volunteer work.

Taking place Saturday, April 25th, the pancake breakfast is Kiwanis’ biggest fundraiser of the year, benefiting organizations like Youth Homes, Boys & Girls Club, YWCA, and more. For just $5, attendees can enjoy a full breakfast while helping fund opportunities for kids across Missoula—plus music, activities, and a strong sense of community connection.

Whether you come for the pancakes or the purpose, it’s all about showing up for local kids.

Mike Smith is joined in-studio by Lynn Wood and Sean Higgins of Storyhouse Montana for an in-depth conversation about the transformation of the former Roseburg Mill site in Missoula into a major new hub for film, media production, workforce training, and community development.

Storyhouse Montana is reimagining the industrial complex as a full-service production facility designed to attract mid-sized film and television projects while prioritizing Montana-based talent, local hiring, and long-term economic reinvestment. The conversation explores how the project connects with Montana’s growing creative economy, the challenge of retaining young talent in the state, and the role of partnerships with the University of Montana and Missoula College in building hands-on training and internship pathways.

Lynn Wood and Sean Higgins also discuss the broader vision for the site, including job creation, sustainable redevelopment, and even future housing components designed to support incoming crews and local workers. More than a studio project, Storyhouse Montana aims to become a community-centered engine for storytelling, blending filmmaking, craftsmanship, and economic opportunity in the heart of Missoula.

From Hollywood-scale production ambitions to hyperlocal workforce development, this episode looks at how one of Missoula’s largest industrial sites is being reshaped into a new creative cornerstone for Montana’s film future.

Mike Smith is joined in-studio by former Trail 103.3 program director and longtime DJ Robert Chase, along with his daughter Mazzy Chase, for a conversation that blends radio history with a deeply personal story. Now living with type 1 diabetes for over 26 years, Mazzy was diagnosed at just 20 months old—an experience that reshaped her family’s life and led Robert to become actively involved with what is now Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF).

Breakthrough T1D is a leading nonprofit dedicated to funding research, advancing technology, and ultimately finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. Through decades of innovation—from daily injections to insulin pumps and smartphone-connected care—the organization has helped improve quality of life for millions, while continuing to push toward a future without the disease.

The conversation also highlights the upcoming Breakthrough T1D Walk in Missoula, a community-driven event that brings together families, supporters, and advocates to raise funds and awareness. With reflections on resilience, progress, and the power of showing up, this episode underscores the importance of community support and continued investment in life-changing research.

Event Info: Breakthrough T1D Walk — Ogren Park, Sunday @ 2:00 PM (check-in at 1:00 PM), featuring a three-mile walk along the Clark Fork River, community resources, and fundraising opportunities.

Mike Smith is joined live in-studio by Bob from Free Cycles to talk about spring riding in Missoula—and the future of one of the city’s most community-driven spaces.

At the heart of the conversation is the Free Cycles “Forever Campaign,” an effort to secure the long-term sustainability of the organization by paying off its property and expanding its impact. The campaign supports everything from youth programming and hands-on bike education to innovative pedal-powered systems and the vision of taking the space fully off-grid.

Free Cycles has long served as a hub for transportation equity, offering free tools, repair guidance, and access to bikes for anyone who walks through the door. But as Bob explains, it’s about more than bikes—it’s about creating a true “third place” where people can gather, connect, and participate without financial barriers.

Listeners will also hear about upcoming events, live music, and seasonal opportunities to get involved, all while supporting a mission rooted in accessibility, sustainability, and community.

In this episode, Mike Smith sits down with Joy French of Bare Bait Dance and the Westside Theater to talk about the energy, creativity, and community behind 40 Over 40—Missoula’s sold-out dance showcase celebrating performers stepping back into the spotlight.

Joy shares how dancers of all experience levels are taking on new styles, pushing past self-doubt, and rediscovering the joy of movement. From first-time choreography on a high school poms squad to leading a production with over 100 community members, her journey highlights the power of saying “yes” to something new—at any age.

The conversation explores how dance becomes more than performance—it’s connection, creativity, and a chance to challenge yourself in ways that feel both vulnerable and rewarding. Plus, they dive into what makes the Westside Theater such a special, intimate venue, and how its programming—from community shows to youth camps—continues to bring people together.

Even if you missed out on tickets, this episode captures the spirit of 40 Over 40: taking risks, finding your people, and remembering that it’s never too late to try something new.

Mike Smith sits down with Carolyn Buchta, the creator of Dance Til Dusk—Missoula’s ultimate early-evening dance party for women (and their friends!). Carolyn shares the story behind the event, how it brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, and why it’s all about fun, friendship, and great music—no pressure, no pretense.

Learn about the pre-party at the newly relaunched Florence Cocktail Bar, the all-natural “gems” (fancy jello shots!), Dance Til Dusk punch, and how attendees can come solo or with a gaggle of friends. Carolyn also chats about her quirky radio persona as “the chick who doesn’t know sports” on ESPN 102.9 and her love of dancing to both old-school and new-school tunes.

If you’ve ever wanted a night out that feels like a sleepover with friends—but with drinks and a dance floor—this episode is for you.

Mike Smith is joined live in-studio by Missoula-based choreographer and educator Colleen Rosbarsky ahead of Rubber Soul Reimagined, a musical cabaret inspired by The Beatles iconic 1965 album.

Presented in collaboration with the University of Montana School of Music and School of Theatre and Dance, the production brings the entire Rubber Soul album to life through live performance, dance, and storytelling. Featuring student vocalists, a live band, and original choreography rooted in 1960s dance styles, the show explores both the music and cultural influence of the era.

Audiences can expect a dynamic blend of song, movement, and narrative—including period-inspired go-go dance, scenes highlighting Beatles history, and even a filmed interpretation of “Norwegian Wood.” The production reflects on the enduring legacy of the album and its continued relevance across generations.

Rubber Soul Reimagined runs at the Zootown Arts Community Center showroom.

Today we’re celebrating James McMurtry turning 64, so we went into the Trail Vault and pulled out a live session we recorded at the Top Hat Lounge in downtown Missoula on June 3rd, 2015.

Craig Johnson was on site for this, just a sitting on the booths with a couple mics, and a really honest conversation with James, plus a few live performances while patrons and tourists alike sat around unsuspectingly enjoying their Top Hat lunch.

If you were there, this might take you right back.
If you weren’t, this is about as close as it gets.

—

The Trail 103.3
Missoula, Montana
[Trail Vault]