The IWD406’s Podcast

EPS 59 | Learning to Hunt with Confidence: Alex Stokman of Venery | Building Skill, Story, and Stewardship

Episode #59 | Learning to Hunt with Confidence: Alex Stokman of Venery | Building Skill, Story, and Stewardship
The IWD406 Podcast, Montana’s trusted platform amplifying leadership, creativity, and community impact, proudly presents Episode 59 featuring Alex Stokman, founder of Venery.
In this powerful and grounded conversation, Alex shares her journey from growing up in Ohio and Florida, to studying biology/environmental science, to eventually finding her way into the world of hunting—not through tradition, but through curiosity, education, and a defining moment that sparked her confidence to begin.
That moment didn’t just change her path—it led to the creation of Venery, a Montana-based organization dedicated to helping women learn to hunt through education, ethical practices, and shared experience.
Through Venery, Alex is building something deeply intentional: a space where women can develop skills, gain knowledge, and step into hunting with confidence—without intimidation, and without needing to wait for permission.
At IWD406, we believe in creating space for women to step into new experiences, build confidence, and connect through shared learning.
Alex is doing exactly that.
This conversation explores the idea that hunting is not just about the outcome, but about the process—the learning, the storytelling, the connection to land, and the respect for wildlife that comes with it.
Venery emphasizes ethical hunting practices, land and animal stewardship, and a deeper appreciation for the responsibility that comes with participating in the outdoors.
In this episode, Alex shares:
• Her journey from marine biology to hunting• The moment that gave her the confidence to begin• Why women don’t need permission to learn new skills• How Venery is building a women’s hunting community• The role of education in developing confidence in the outdoors• Ethical hunting practices and land stewardship• Why the process, storytelling, and experience matter as much as the outcome
Venery continues to create opportunities for women across Montana and beyond to learn, grow, and build confidence in the outdoors through education and community.
To learn more about Alex Stokman and Venery, visit:🌐 https://www.venerymt.com/
Montana thrives when women step into new spaces, support one another, and build meaningful experiences rooted in skill, respect, and connection to the land.
🎧 Listen to the full episode:🌐 www.iwd406.com/podcast
📺 Watch on YouTube:@IWD406MontanaWomen
📲 Follow the Podcast:@theiwd406podcast
Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsor
This episode is proudly sponsored by Outside Metro — the premier lodging experience in the Whitefish area. With over 500 five-star reviews, they offer exceptional stays that blend comfort, style, and true Montana hospitality.
Whether you're here to ski, hike, or simply unwind, come stay where the locals play and experience Whitefish the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
✨ Bonus: No booking fees
Curious About Sponsorship?
Partner with IWD406 to have your business featured across our growing podcast, social media, and video platforms.
We offer 12-episode advertising packages designed to elevate your brand while supporting stories that inspire, educate, and strengthen communities across Montana.
🎙️ Now booking Pass the Mic Sponsors for the IWD406 Podcast
📩 Contact us at iwd406@gmail.com🌐 Visit www.iwd406.com to learn more
About IWD406
IWD406 is a Montana-based storytelling and media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women shaping business, culture, community, and leadership across the state through podcasts, editorial features, and digital publication.

EPS 58 | Montana Songwriter Events & Music Storytelling: Ron Snow of Mountain Bluebird Presents

Episode #58 | Bringing Songwriters to Montana: Ron Snow of Mountain Bluebird Presents | The Stories Behind the Songs
The IWD406 Podcast, Montana’s trusted platform amplifying leadership, creativity, and community impact, proudly presents Episode 58 featuring Ron Snow, founder of Mountain Bluebird Presents.
In this inspiring episode, Ron shares how he is helping shape Montana’s growing music culture by creating intimate songwriter events that bring audiences closer to the stories behind the songs.
Through Mountain Bluebird Presents, Ron is building something special across Montana — curated musical gatherings where talented songwriters share not only their music, but also the personal journeys, creative process, and lived experiences that shape the songs we love.
These events create meaningful connections between artists and audiences while giving space for musicians to share their craft in an authentic and powerful way.
At IWD406, we also believe in creating space to celebrate the people working behind the scenes who help elevate artists and creative voices across our communities.
Ron is doing exactly that.
In this episode, Ron shares his passion for supporting songwriters and building memorable musical experiences throughout Montana — including introducing remarkable talent to audiences who appreciate the art of songwriting.
One of those incredible artists is legendary songwriter and singer Jo Smith, whose story and musical journey will be featured in an upcoming episode of the IWD406 Podcast.
We are grateful to Ron for passing the mic to Jo Smith and giving us the opportunity to help amplify her voice and story through our platform.
Montana thrives when people create space for music, storytelling, and shared experiences — and Mountain Bluebird Presents is helping make that happen.
In this episode, Ron discusses:
• The vision behind Mountain Bluebird Presents• Why songwriter events create powerful audience experiences• The importance of storytelling in music• How Montana audiences are embracing intimate musical gatherings• Supporting artists who want to share their creative journeys• Bringing remarkable talent — including Jo Smith — to Montana audiences
Mountain Bluebird Presents continues to cultivate unique musical experiences throughout the state while celebrating the craft of songwriting and the stories that connect us all.
To learn more about upcoming songwriter events and the work Ron is doing through Mountain Bluebird Presents, follow along and discover upcoming performances across Montana.
Montana’s creative community continues to grow through people who believe in the power of music, storytelling, and shared experiences.
🎧 Listen to the full episode:🌐 www.iwd406.com/podcast
📺 Watch on YouTube:@IWD406MontanaWomen
📲 Follow the Podcast:@theiwd406podcast
Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsor
This episode is proudly sponsored by Outside Metro — the premier lodging experience in the Whitefish area. With over 500 five-star reviews, they offer exceptional stays that blend comfort, style, and true Montana hospitality.
Whether you're here to ski, hike, or simply unwind, come stay where the locals play and experience Whitefish the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
✨ Bonus: No booking fees
Curious About Sponsorship?
Partner with IWD406 to have your business featured across our growing podcast, social media, and video platforms.
We offer 12-episode advertising packages designed to elevate your brand while supporting stories that inspire, educate, and strengthen communities across Montana.
🎙️ Now booking Pass the Mic Sponsors for the IWD406 Podcast
📩 Contact us at iwd406@gmail.com🌐 Visit www.iwd406.com to learn more
About IWD406
IWD406 is a Montana-based storytelling and media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women shaping business, culture, community, and leadership across the state through podcasts, editorial features, and digital publication.
 

EPS 57 | Emergency Preparedness in Montana: Dr. Jeff Muenzer of PrepEM Wild

Episode #57 | Emergency Preparedness in Montana: Dr. Jeff Muenzer of PrepEM Wild | Real Listener Questions get answered on the IWD406 Podcast
The IWD406 Podcast, Montana’s trusted platform amplifying leadership, expertise, and community impact, proudly presents Episode 57 featuring Dr. Jeff Muenzer of PrepEM Wild Inc.
In this powerful and practical episode, Dr. Jeff — emergency physician turned emergency preparedness educator — answers real questions submitted by Montana businesses and listeners about what it truly means to be prepared in our state.
At IWD406, we took listener questions to heart and intentionally showcased Montana business leaders and their safety concerns directly on our show. This episode features thoughtful questions from:
• Annah Pharr of Firearms Handling• Michelle Kimbro of Ellie’s Gourmet Pet Barkery• Montana adventure guides and outfitters
Together, these leaders asked important questions about organization, proper storage of emergency kits, pet safety while adventuring, and preparedness in remote environments.
Montana’s landscape is breathtaking — but it is also remote, rugged, and unpredictable. From backcountry recreation to rural living, preparedness can mean the difference between inconvenience and crisis.
In this episode, Dr. Jeff discusses:
• The most common emergency kit mistakes Montanans make• How to properly organize and store kits for high-stress scenarios• Why pet safety is often overlooked• Real stories of unprepared situations in Montana• Practical recommendations for families, businesses, and outdoor adventurers• The mindset shift Montanans must adopt when living and recreating in our state
PrepEM Wild Inc. was founded by Dr. Jeff and Dr. Mike to bridge the gap between emergency medicine and everyday preparedness. Their mission is to equip individuals, families, and businesses with high-quality emergency kits and practical education designed specifically for real-world outdoor and rural conditions.
To learn more about Dr. Jeff and Dr. Mike’s mission to prepare for the unexpected — and to explore their educational resources and emergency kits — visit:🌐 www.prepemwild.com
Anything can happen in Montana. Preparation matters.
🎧 Listen to the full episode at www.iwd406.com/podcast📺 Watch on YouTube: @IWD406MontanaWomen📲 Follow: @theiwd406podcast
Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsor
This episode is proudly sponsored by Outside Metro — the premier lodging experience in the Whitefish area. With over 500 five-star reviews, they offer exceptional stays that blend comfort, style, and true Montana hospitality. Whether you're here to ski, hike, or simply unwind, come stay where the locals play and experience Whitefish the way it was meant to be enjoyed.  Bonus:  ****  No booking fees.
Curious About Sponsorship?
Partner with IWD406 to have your business featured across our growing podcast, social media, and video platforms. We offer 12-episode advertising packages designed to elevate your brand while supporting stories that inspire, educate, and strengthen communities across Montana.
🎙️ Now booking Pass the Mic Sponsors for the IWD406 Podcast📩 Contact us at iwd406@gmail.com🌐 Visit www.iwd406.com to learn more
About IWD406:
IWD406 is a Montana-based storytelling and media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women shaping business, culture, community, and leadership across the state through podcasts, editorial features, and digital publication.

EPS 56 Shedding the Old & Stepping Into Power | Emily Morrow & Ali Betts

What does it really mean to release what no longer serves you — and step forward with clarity, intention, and renewed power?
In this episode of The IWD406 Podcast, host Julie Walz sits down with movement therapist Emily Morrow and upcoming author Ali Betts for an honest, reflective conversation on what 2025 taught us, what we’re consciously shedding, and how we’re stepping into 2026 with grounded intention.
This conversation explores:
Letting go of expectations, disappointments, and old identities
How movement, reflection, and storytelling support personal growth
Different perspectives on setting intentions — without pressure
The power of community, honesty, and choosing what truly aligns
This episode isn’t about resolutions — it’s about renewal, awareness, and moving forward with purpose.
🎧 Listen now at www.iwd406.com/podcast
📣 Sponsorship & Advertising Opportunities
This episode is proudly sponsored by Outside Metro — the premier lodging experience in the Whitefish area. With over 500 five-star reviews, they offer exceptional stays that blend comfort, style, and true Montana hospitality. Whether you're here to ski, hike, or simply unwind, come stay where the locals play and experience Whitefish the way it was meant to be enjoyed.  Bonus:  ****  No booking fees.
Interested in having your commercial featured on The IWD406 Podcast or sponsoring an episode?
We collaborate with brands, businesses, and organizations that align with our mission of amplifying women-led impact, leadership, and community across Montana and beyond.
👉 Learn more or inquire about advertising and sponsorship opportunities atwww.iwd406.com
Let’s promote together.

EPS 55 Tracy McDowell of The Alpine Theatre Project| From Broadway to Montana Leading with Confidence, Creativity & Community

Episode #55 | Leading with Confidence, Creativity & Community: Tracy McDowell of Alpine Theatre Project in Whitefish, Montana on the IWD406 Podcast
The IWD406 Podcast, Montana’s premier platform celebrating women’s leadership, creativity, and community impact, proudly presents Episode 55 featuring Tracy McDowell — accomplished performer, educator, producer, and Artistic Director of Alpine Theatre Project (ATP) located in Whitefish, Montana.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Tracy trained at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City before landing her breakout role as Maureen in RENT’s 10th Anniversary Tour. She went on to perform with the Broadway Company of RENT and appeared in the live filmed production of the Pulitzer Prize–winning musical.
Her career spans Broadway, national tours, regional theatre, and global creative outreach. Tracy has performed in productions including Hair, Godspell, Rock of Ages, The Full Monty, and Man of La Mancha, worked on multiple Disney projects, and toured in the World Premiere of Stephen Schwartz’s SNAPSHOTS alongside the legendary composer himself. She later returned to Broadway as part of the closing company of MOTOWN, The Musical.
Now based in Whitefish, Montana, Tracy continues to enrich the local arts community through Alpine Theatre Project, her vocal studio One Voice, and her work as a teaching artist. She has traveled internationally for Creative Outreach initiatives in South Africa, Korea, and Japan, and regularly collaborates with fellow Montana musicians through her live event band, The MAC Band.
As Artistic Director of ATP, Tracy has overseen and directed large-scale productions and innovative educational programs, including solo-directing The Wizard of Oz with 152 children, selling out all four performances in a 453-seat theater. She has helped facilitate hundreds of young performers annually, directing and producing youth and teen productions such as RENT, Les Misérables, and Mean Girls, while also producing beloved community events like Rocky Horror and Queen in Whitefish.
In this inspiring conversation, Tracy shares how theater builds confidence, leadership, and adaptability—skills that extend far beyond the stage. She reflects on mentorship, creative responsibility, and the importance of fostering environments where young artists can thrive. Listeners will gain insight into the power of improv, arts education, and why investing in creativity strengthens both individuals and communities.
🎧 Listen to the full episode at www.iwd406.com/podcast📺 Watch on YouTube: @IWD406MontanaWomen📲 Follow: @theiwd406podcast
Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsor
This episode is proudly sponsored by Outside Metro — the premier lodging experience in the Whitefish area. With over 500 five-star reviews, Outside Metro offers exceptional stays that blend comfort, style, and true Montana hospitality. Whether you’re visiting to ski, hike, or simply unwind, come stay where the locals play and experience Whitefish the way it was meant to be enjoyed.Bonus: No booking fees.
Curious About Sponsorship?
Partner with IWD406 to have your business featured across our growing podcast, social media, and video platforms. We offer 12-episode advertising packages designed to elevate your brand while supporting stories that inspire, educate, and strengthen communities across Montana.
🎙️ Now booking Pass the Mic Sponsors for the IWD406 Podcast
📩 Contact us at iwd406@gmail.com🌐 Visit www.iwd406.com to learn more
 
About IWD406: 
IWD406 is a Montana-based storytelling and media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women shaping business, culture, community, and leadership across the state through podcasts, editorial features, and digital publication.

EPS 54 Jeanne Parker - In the Fight for Our Children: The Truth Behind Advocacy with Legendary

In the Fight for Our Children: The Truth Behind Advocacy with Legendary Jeanne Parker | Episode #54 on the IWD406 Podcast
The IWD406 Podcast, Montana’s premier platform celebrating women’s leadership, impact, and community service, proudly presents Episode 54 featuring Jeanne Parker — one of Montana’s most respected investigators and child-advocacy leaders.
Jeanne’s career spans decades of service and innovation, beginning as a detective with the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and extending into private investigation, digital-safety consulting, and national child-protection work. She has served with ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children), the Children’s Advocacy Center, Spyder Watch as VP of Product Analysis, and has supported families through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Her work includes investigating trafficking, online exploitation, cyberbullying, and crimes against minors — areas where her expertise has strengthened systems, improved protocols, and protected some of Montana’s most vulnerable children.
In this compelling conversation, Jeanne shares the case that changed the trajectory of her career — a five-year-old child whose bravery reshaped Jeanne’s approach and fueled her lifelong commitment to forensic protocol development and victim advocacy. She also discusses how she has navigated the emotional strain of this work while supporting children, families, and law-enforcement teams through some of the most challenging cases in Northwest Montana.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to advance child-protection efforts, how digital exploitation continues to evolve, and why Jeanne’s leadership remains vital to safety efforts across Montana and beyond.
 
Listen to the full episode at www.iwd406.com/podcast or on YouTube @IWD406MontanaWomen.Follow @theiwd406podcast and stay connected to the stories shaping Montana’s future.Thank you to our Podcast Sponsor:This episode is proudly sponsored by Outside Metro — the premier lodging experience in the Whitefish area. With over 500 five-star reviews, they offer exceptional stays that blend comfort, style, and true Montana hospitality. Whether you're here to ski, hike, or simply unwind, come stay where the locals play and experience Whitefish the way it was meant to be enjoyed.  Bonus:  ****  No booking fees.
 
Curious About Sponsorship?Partner with IWD406 to have your business featured across our growing podcast, social media, and video platforms.We offer 12-episode advertising packages designed to elevate your brand while supporting stories that inspire, educate, and strengthen communities across Montana.  We are looking for Pass the Mic Sponsors on the IWD406 Podcast.
Contact us at iwd406@gmail.com or visit www.iwd406.com to learn more.
 
About IWD406: 
IWD406 is a Montana-based storytelling and media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women shaping business, culture, community, and leadership across the state through podcasts, editorial features, and digital publication.

EPS 53 Sarah Calhoun - Building Grit and Community: The Red Ants Pants Revolution with Sarah Calhoun

Building Grit and Community: The Red Ants Pants Revolution with Sarah Calhoun | Episode #53 on the IWD406 Podcast
The IWD406 Podcast, Montana’s premier platform celebrating women’s stories of leadership, innovation, and community, proudly presents its 53rd episode featuring Sarah Calhoun — founder of Red Ants Pants, the Red Ants Pants Foundation, and the Red Ants Pants Music Festival in White Sulphur Springs, Montana.
In this inspiring conversation, Sarah shares how reading Ivan Doig’s classic memoir This House of Sky sparked her move west and fueled her vision to build something bold, practical, and empowering for women who work hard and lead with purpose. From designing durable workwear that actually fits women to creating one of Montana’s most beloved rural music festivals, Sarah’s story is a testament to what happens when determination meets heart.
Listeners will gain insight into how she built a brand and community from the ground up — one that uplifts women, supports small-town economies, and keeps Montana’s spirit of resilience alive.
This episode is sponsored by Outside Metro in Whitefish, where “you stay where the locals play.” With over 500 five-star Google reviews and no booking fees, Outside Metro connects travelers to the true Montana experience through authentic hospitality and local connection. Go to www.outsidemetro.com
Listen to the full episode at www.iwd406.com/podcast or on YouTube @IWD406MontanaWomen.Follow @theiwd406podcast and join the movement celebrating Montana women shaping our communities with courage, creativity, and grit.
Curious about Sponsorship?Partner with IWD406 to have your business featured across our growing podcast, social media, and video platforms.We offer 12-episode advertising packages that align your brand with stories that inspire, educate, and connect communities across Montana.
Contact us at iwd406@gmail.com or visit www.iwd406.com to learn more about partnership and sponsorship opportunities.
 
About IWD406: 
IWD406 is a Montana-based storytelling and media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women shaping business, culture, community, and leadership across the state through podcasts, editorial features, and digital publication.

EPS 52 Audrey Hall - Follow Your Curiosity First: The Art of Reinvention with Audrey

Follow Your Curiosity First: The Art of Reinvention with Audrey Hall | Episode #52
What happens when you reach the pinnacle of success — only to realize it’s time to start over?
This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Audrey Hall — a Montana-born photographer, singer-songwriter, and documentary filmmaker — whose artistic fingerprint can be seen across the West. Her work captures both the soul of Montana and the inner landscape of transformation.
From national editorial spreads to soulful songwriting and the acclaimed documentary series Dear Western SK, Audrey’s career has spanned decades of creative expression. But at the height of her artistic and professional recognition, she faced burnout — the quiet unraveling that often follows success.
Instead of retreating, Audrey chose curiosity. She began again — learning to reinvent, reimagine, and rediscover purpose through courage, vulnerability, and connection.
Her story is an intimate reflection on what happens when you stop chasing success and start following your creative truth.
🎧 Why Listen? If you’ve ever asked yourself: • How do I rediscover my creativity after burnout? • What does it look like to start over — again? • How can curiosity, not fear, become my guide? …then this episode will resonate deeply.
🎨 What You’ll Learn • How Audrey’s creative journey spans photography, music, and filmmaking • The emotional truth behind burnout at the height of success • Why “Follow your curiosity first” is a creative philosophy worth living by • How reinvention is a lifelong act of courage, not a single turning point
🎥 Watch the full video episode: YouTube: @IWD406MontanaWomen
🎤 Follow Audrey’s Work: Instagram: @audreyhallphoto | @audreyhallfineart | @harlow.willis | @dearwesternsky
Website:  https://www.audreyhall.com/
🌟 Episode Sponsor: Outside Metro | Whitefish, Montana “Stay where the locals play.” 🏔️ Over 500 Five-Star Reviews on Google 💸 No booking fees. Always local. Follow: @outsidemetro
✨ Produced by IWD406 A Montana women’s platform and podcast celebrating stories of resilience, creativity, and community. www.iwd406.com | @theiwd406podcast
🎧 Also available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and in European listening markets on Castbox.
🤝 Curious about Sponsorship?
Partner with us as we launch each new episode and be featured across all of our advertising platforms and social media channels. We offer 12-episode packages designed to maximize your brand’s visibility and connect with audiences who value authenticity, creativity, and community.
📩 Contact us at iwd406@gmail.com or visit www.iwd406.com to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
 
About IWD406: 
IWD406 is a Montana-based storytelling and media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women shaping business, culture, community, and leadership across the state through podcasts, editorial features, and digital publication.
 

EPS 51 Brianne Rogers - Montana's Maverick in Strategic Leadership, Montana Policy, & Alaskan Premier Duck Hunting

🎙️ Strategy, Grit & Flight: The Legacy of Brianne Rogers | Episode #51
What happens when strategic leadership, Montana roots, and the wild call of adventure collide?
This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Brianne Rogers — a Montana powerhouse whose journey has taken her from the political pulse of Washington, D.C. to the rugged backcountry of Alaska.
Brianne began her career serving as a top strategist and campaign manager for Senator Max Baucus, helping to shape political communication and operations at the national level. After years in D.C., she returned home to Montana, bringing her deep expertise in messaging, leadership, and organizational strategy back to the heart of Big Sky Country.
As the founder of Bird Dog Strategies, Brianne partners with some of Montana’s most influential organizations and campaigns — including Bozeman Health, Red Ants Pants, the Red Ants Pants Music Festival, and the Red Ants Pants Foundation — to help them refine their storytelling, strengthen brand positioning, and connect more meaningfully with their communities.
Her leadership and communications work has amplified voices across industries in Montana — from healthcare and conservation to outdoor recreation and small business development.
But Brianne’s story doesn’t stop there.In a bold pivot from politics to passion, she co-founded Four Flyways Outfitter, an elite waterfowl expedition company that flies guests to Cold Bay, Alaska, for one of the most remote and extraordinary hunting experiences in the world.
Brianne’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and fearless reinvention — from Capitol Hill strategy rooms to the Alaskan coastline. Her journey proves that the skills we build in one season of life can take flight in another.
🎧 Why Listen?
If you’ve ever wondered:🦅 How a woman transitions from high-stakes politics to entrepreneurship and outdoor leadership💡 What communication strategy can teach us about trust, influence, and brand purpose🌲 How to merge discipline with passion and build a life that bridges leadership and lifestyle
…then this episode is your blueprint for courage, reinvention, and Montana grit in motion.
💬 What You’ll Learn:
• How Brianne’s early career in political strategy shaped her leadership and entrepreneurial approach• What lessons from Washington, D.C. translate directly into Montana’s business landscape• The story behind Four Flyways Outfitter and what it takes to lead expeditions in one of the most challenging, rewarding environments on Earth• How Bird Dog Strategies supports purpose-driven Montana businesses — from Bozeman Health to Red Ants Pants — with strong communication, marketing, and brand alignment
From Washington to the wilds of Alaska, Brianne Rogers is living proof that strategic vision, bold leadership, and Montana roots can take you anywhere.
🎙️ Listen now wherever you get your podcasts:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Podbean
🎥 Watch the full video + shorts on YouTube:👉 @IWD406MONTANAWOMEN
🌐 Learn more about Brianne’s work:Visit www.birddogstrategies.comFollow on Facebook: facebook.com/birddogstrategiesExplore Four Flyways Outfitter
🌐 Learn more about IWD406 and upcoming events:www.iwd406.com/podcast | Instagram: @theiwd406podcast
 
About IWD406: 
IWD406 is a Montana-based storytelling and media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women shaping business, culture, community, and leadership across the state through podcasts, editorial features, and digital publication.

EPS 50 Diane K. Boyd, Montana's Legendary Wildlife Biologist discussing her New Memoir, "A Woman Among Wolves"

A Woman Among Wolves: Dr. Diane Boyd’s Legacy of Wolf Recovery & Conservation | Episode #50
What happens when passion for wildlife, groundbreaking science, and the untamed spirit of Montana collide? This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Diane K. Boyd — a legendary wildlife biologist and author whose four-decade career helped shape wolf recovery across North America and beyond.
Diane began her career in 1977 with Dr. L. David Mech’s wolf research project in Minnesota before moving to Montana in 1979 to study gray wolf recovery in the Rocky Mountains. From tracking the first natural wolf colonizers to witnessing populations grow to nearly 3,000 in the western U.S., her work has become foundational in wolf ecology, dispersal, habitat use, prey selection, behavior, and human-wolf conflict resolution.
Her research has taken her from the mountains of Montana and British Columbia to international projects in Italy, Romania, and the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program. Along the way, she’s authored over fifty scientific papers, invited book chapters, and popular articles. Diane received both her M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Montana, served as the Region 1 Wolf and Carnivore Specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and continues to share her expertise today as an Affiliate Faculty member at the University of Montana.
Now retired from state service, Diane is still on a mission — teaching, writing, and sharing her story through her debut memoir, A Woman Among Wolves: My Forty Year Journey Through Wolf Recovery, released September 10, 2024.
But Diane’s story isn’t just about wolves. It’s about resilience, leadership, and the powerful lessons nature can teach us about connection and survival.
Why Listen?
If you’ve ever wondered:
What does it take to devote forty years to understanding one of the most misunderstood animals in the world?
How can science, storytelling, and community engagement work together to solve human-wildlife conflict?
What can wolves teach us about resilience, adaptability, and leadership?
…then this episode is your masterclass in courage, conservation, and legacy.
What You’ll Learn** How Diane’s work helped shape wolf recovery in the western U.S. from its earliest days to today** The role of science and collaboration in resolving human-wildlife conflict** Behind-the-scenes stories from decades of field research in Montana and abroad** Why A Woman Among Wolves is more than a memoir — it’s a call to action for the next generation of conservationists
From Minnesota to Montana, from the Rockies to Eastern Europe, Dr. Diane Boyd is living proof that one woman’s vision can change the course of conservation history.
** Ready to be inspired? Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts. Available on Apple, Spotify or Podbean. ** Watch the full video version and shorts on YouTube.    Go to our Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@IWD406MONTANAWOMEN
** To Purchase A Woman Among Wolves go to Audible Audiobook or hardcopy at Amazon Books
*** Special thank you to Producer, Morgan Delaney, Video Director of Deliverfund and Hello Whitefish. https://vimeo.com/morgandelaney
***Special thank you to Special Production Media Team, Erickson Media at  ericksonmedia.org
Want to support our mission?
Learn more about IWD406 sponsorship opportunities at www.iwd406.com or email us at iwd406@gmail.com.Follow us on Instagram: @theiwd406podcast
Follow us on Facebook: IWD406 on Facebook
Watch our Videos on Youtube: Youtube Channel @IWD406MONTANAWOMEN
 
About IWD406: 
IWD406 is a Montana-based storytelling and media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of women shaping business, culture, community, and leadership across the state through podcasts, editorial features, and digital publication.