The IWD406’s Podcast

EPS 49 Montana Brave Hearts Organization Co-Founders Kalee Plowman and Ashleah Hall

IWD406 Podcast Chat
"Fighting for Tiny Hearts: Advocacy, Resilience & Community Support"| Episode 43 with Kalee Plowman & Ashleah Hall
This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Kalee Plowman and Ashleah Hall, co-founders of the Montana Brave Hearts Foundation, an organization fiercely dedicated to supporting families of children born with congenital heart defects (CHD). Since launching in 2022, Brave Hearts has raised over $300,000 to provide emotional, financial, and community-based support to families navigating the complexities of CHD.
As a registered nurse, Kalee brings medical insight and firsthand experience into the emotional rollercoaster that begins at diagnosis. Ashleah, a fierce mama and advocate, brings passion, purpose, and a drive to build community through awareness and connection.
Why Listen?
Congenital heart defects affect 1 in 100 births—and the path forward for these families is full of challenges that most never see. This episode offers:
A look into what families face from the moment of diagnosis
How two moms turned pain into purpose
The impact a grassroots organization can have in a rural state like Montana
Ways to support families battling childhood health conditions
What You’ll Learn:
The origin story of Montana Brave Hearts and how Kalee & Ashleah created a statewide network of support
Kalee’s perspective as a nurse and mom navigating complex medical systems
Ashleah’s journey as a community builder and advocate for CHD awareness
How Brave Hearts grew from a personal mission to a $300,000+ fundraising force in just two years
Advice for families navigating a new diagnosis and how to build strength through connection
A Conversation Rooted in Courage and Connection
Kalee and Ashleah embody what it means to turn adversity into advocacy. Their commitment to children with CHD—and the parents who walk beside them—is nothing short of extraordinary. This is a conversation filled with heart, hope, and the reminder that no family has to go through it alone.
🎧 Tune in Thursday, April 24th at 8:00 AM wherever you listen to podcasts.📺 Watch the video version on YouTube.
Follow & Connect with Montana Brave Hearts Foundation:Website: Montana Brave HeartsInstagram: @montanabraveheartsFacebook: Montana Brave Hearts Foundation
IWD406 is proud to spotlight the women making a difference across Montana. Want to support our mission? Learn more about sponsorship opportunities at www.iwd406.com or email us at iwd406@gmail.com.

EPS 48 Lucy Smith’s Montana Legacy of Leading with Purpose

From Flathead to East Africa: Lucy Smith’s Legacy of Leading with Purpose | Episode #48
What happens when humble beginnings, bold leadership, and a global heart for service collide? This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Lucy Smith — a trailblazing nonprofit leader whose three-decade legacy stretches from Montana’s Flathead Valley to villages in East Africa and beyond.
Lucy moved to the Flathead in 1989 and quickly became a cornerstone of the region’s nonprofit and philanthropic growth. From her early days as Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers to her pivotal role launching the Flathead Community Foundation, Lucy has poured her heart into every cause she’s touched.
But her story isn’t bound by state lines.
With deep compassion and fearless dedication, Lucy spent four years leading international relief projects in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and today, she continues to mentor, serve, and inspire through global Rotary missions and women’s health initiatives in rural communities.
And she’s not done yet.
As the incoming District Governor for Montana’s Rotary District 5390, Lucy’s still proving that leadership doesn’t retire — it just evolves.
Why Listen?
If you’ve ever wondered:
What does long-term impact really look like in nonprofit leadership?
How do you honor humble roots while leading bold change across the world?
What keeps someone committed to service for over 30 years?
How can women create powerful ripple effects through philanthropy and mentorship?
…then this episode is your masterclass in legacy leadership.
What You’ll Learn
** How Lucy helped shape the nonprofit landscape of the Flathead Valley — and why her proudest moments are rooted in collaboration
** Her experiences working on the ground in East Africa and why cross-cultural leadership matters now more than ever
** The importance of clean water, public health, and youth education in her ongoing global Rotary work
** How the Women Who Wine philanthropic giving circle has funneled over $400,000 into local nonprofits (with wine nights included!)
** What drives Lucy to keep showing up — from choir singing and biking across Europe, to championing women’s health education in Kenya
From Local Impact to Global ReachLucy Smith is living proof that a life of service is the greatest adventure. Whether she’s building literacy programs, launching foundations, or leading in faraway villages, Lucy leads with humility, heart, and the courage to act — one project, one person, one purpose at a time.
Follow Lucy’s Impact: ** Rotary International: Clean Water & Women’s Health Projects** Women Who Wine – Flathead Valley Giving Circle** Local Choirs & Community Boards in Northwest Montana
** Ready to be inspired? Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts.** Watch the full video version on YouTube.
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

EPS 47 Leah Lindsay - Montana's Rock Queen

Montana’s Rock Queen to Real Estate Royalty: Leah Lindsay’s Story | Episode #47
What happens when a powerhouse voice, a servant’s heart, and entrepreneurial spirit collide? This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Leah Lindsay — Flathead Valley’s original Rock Queen, beloved radio personality, and co-owner of Montana Property Angels.
Leah first stole the community’s heart in 1997 when she hit the airwaves and quickly became one of Montana’s most cherished voices. With her unmatched charisma, warmth, and gift for making people feel seen, Leah built a legacy far beyond the radio booth.
But her story doesn’t stop there.
From decades of award-winning community service to becoming one of the most recognized real estate brokers in the region, Leah has poured her heart into every role she’s played. In 2016, she teamed up with her daughter to bring that same spark into real estate — and together, they’ve redefined what it means to lead with service, compassion, and fierce hustle.
Why Listen?If you’ve ever asked:
How do you evolve your career while staying true to your purpose?
Can creativity, community impact, and business success coexist?
What’s the secret behind a 25+ year run as a local icon?
How can women lead boldly in male-dominated industries like broadcasting and real estate?
…then this episode is your backstage pass.
What You’ll Learn🎙 How Leah transitioned from rock radio to real estate — and why both careers are rooted in building authentic relationships🏆 What it means to be voted #1 in the Best of the Flathead in everything from DJ to Community Volunteer to Real Estate Broker💡 How her decades of sales and marketing experience (plus serious social media savvy) elevate her business🤝 Why giving back is the cornerstone of Leah’s life—and the moments she’s most proud of have nothing to do with awards💬 The mother-daughter dynamic behind Montana Property Angels and how they’re changing the game with heart and hustle
From Radio Waves to Real Estate WinsLeah Lindsay is proof that legacy isn’t built overnight—it’s earned day by day through service, passion, and the willingness to show up for your people. Whether she’s behind a mic, at a closing table, or on stage rocking with the community, Leah leads with heart every step of the way.
Follow Leah and Her Work:🌟 Montana Property Angels📲 Instagram: @montanapropertyangels
🎧 Ready to be inspired? Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts.📺 Watch the full video version on YouTube.
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

IWD406 Interview Laura Fisher EPS 46

From New York Fashion to Montana Homesteads: Laura Fisher’s Journey | Episode #46
What does it take to turn a passion for fashion into a purpose-driven brand? This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Laura Fisher, founder of RevivALL Clothing, a Montana-based brand that blends functionality with femininity in designs that honor both history and modern practicality.
From earning a coveted spot at New York’s prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to pioneering upcycled, sustainable fashion before it became mainstream, Laura has always followed her creative instincts. Her move to Montana wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was a homecoming to a lifestyle that aligned with her values, vision, and craftsmanship.
Why Listen?
If you’ve ever wondered:
How do you turn creativity into a career and a calling?
What’s it like to study at one of the most competitive fashion schools in the world?
How can fashion be both timeless and innovative, practical and beautiful?
What does it take to build a brand that resonates with real women living real lives?
…then this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn
How Laura’s early love for design led her to FIT and shaped her career path
The power of trusting your instincts and knowing you're meant to create
The evolution of RevivALL Clothing and why her designs fit the needs of modern homesteaders, ranchers, and everyday women
The challenges and triumphs of building a slow-fashion brand in a fast-paced world
Why sustainability and intention matter in today’s fashion industry
Fashion with Purpose
Laura Fisher’s journey is proof that when talent meets passion, incredible things happen. She didn’t just follow trends—she created them. And by moving to Montana, she found a way to make fashion truly functional, cultural, and deeply meaningful.  Check out her clothing line at:  https://revivallclothing.com/about/Follow on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/revivallclothing/Ready to be inspired? Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts.
Watch the video version on YouTube.
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 Social Media (Instagram:  @theiwd406podcast) 

IWD406 Interview Lexi Woods EPS 45

Riding the Rapids: Leadership, Adventure & Service with Alexa Woods | Episode #45
What does it take to balance military service, entrepreneurship, and a love for the wild outdoors? This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Alexa Woods, co-owner of Wild River Adventures, a premier rafting company in West Glacier, Montana, now celebrating 40 years of operation. From her early days growing up in Duluth, Minnesota, to enlisting in the Air National Guard, leading national Fatality Search & Recovery Teams (FSRTs), and building a business in the heart of Glacier National Park, Alexa’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Why Listen?
If you’ve ever wondered:How do you turn a seasonal business into a legacy brand?What’s it like to lead high-stakes search and recovery operations?How does military discipline translate to entrepreneurship and outdoor adventure?What draws people back to Montana’s wild rivers, year after year?…then this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
The story behind Wild River Adventures and what makes it a must-visit experience Alexa’s journey from military officer to business ownerHow she became the Lead FSRT Subject Matter Expert, training elite recovery teams across the U.S.The challenges and rewards of running a family-owned adventure businessThe magic of Glacier National Park and why it calls people back season after season
A Life of Service & Adventure
Alexa Woods has spent nearly 23 years in military service, currently holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard. While she has faced some of the most high-pressure recovery missions in the nation, she has also built a life centered around adventure, leadership, and family. As she and her husband, Justin Woods, celebrate four decades of Wild River Adventures, she reflects on the power of community, resilience, and the call of the wild.
Ready to be inspired? Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts!Watch the video version on YouTube.
Want to support our mission? Learn more about IWD406 sponsorship opportunities at www.iwd406.com or email us at iwd406@gmail.com.

IWD406 Interview Bella Downing EPS 44

The IWD406 Podcast - Bella Downing, Montana High School Girls Wrestling Champion | Episode #44
"Breaking Barriers: Championing Women in Wrestling" | Episode #44 with Bella Downing
This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we have the honor of sitting down with Bella Downing, the Flathead Valley High School Girls Wrestling Champion and a fierce advocate for women in sports. Bella has shattered barriers in Montana's wrestling scene and paved the way for future female athletes. In this episode, she shares her journey from the challenges she faced to becoming a champion, and how wrestling has empowered her to break stereotypes, build confidence, and embrace strength.
Why Listen?
In a world where women are often underrepresented in traditionally male-dominated sports, Bella's story is one of perseverance and triumph. If you’ve ever wondered:
What challenges do female athletes face in male-dominated sports?
How can women build confidence and resilience through sports?
What does it take to break through societal expectations and make history?
How does sportsmanship empower young women to lead and inspire?
…then this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
The hurdles women face in male-dominated sports like wrestling
How Bella overcame adversity to become a state champion
The power of mentorship and community in female athletics
Bella’s tips for young women looking to get into sports and pursue their dreams
The impact of sports on self-esteem, discipline, and leadership
A Conversation with a Champion
Bella Downing’s journey as a high school wrestling champion has become a source of inspiration for many young women, showing that strength, perseverance, and dedication can break any barrier. Her story is a powerful reminder that when women support one another, they become unstoppable forces. Bella’s commitment to excellence not only makes her a champion in the ring but a champion for women in sports.
Catch Bella's story and her powerful message for the next generation of athletes.
Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts!Watch the video version on YouTube
Want to support our mission? Learn more about IWD406 sponsorship opportunities at www.iwd406.com or email us at iwd406@gmail.com.
 
 

IWD406 Interview Heather McAbee EPS 43

The IWD406 Podcast - Heather McAbee, Shifting Sands, Episode 43
"From Trauma to Triumph: Breaking Generational Cycles" | Episode #43 with Heather McAbee
This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Heather McAbee, a transformation facilitator, retreat leader, and the visionary behind Shifting Sands Holistic Healing. Known for her powerful talk, "From Trauma to Triumph," Heather helps individuals break free from generational trauma patterns and take charge of their own healing. Through her signature program, Meeting Yourself Again, she guides people toward self-discovery, connection, and lasting transformation.
Why Listen?
Generational trauma isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a deeply ingrained cycle that affects families for generations. If you’ve ever wondered:
Can trauma be inherited?How do past family patterns shape our present behaviors?What steps can we take to heal and reclaim our lives?How does holistic healing help us erase limiting beliefs and embrace love and belonging?
…then this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
The science and emotional impact of generational traumaHow to identify and break inherited behavioral patternsThe role of energy work, tapping, and hypnotherapy in healingHeather’s journey to becoming a Certified Repatterning Practitioner, EFT/TFT Tapping Master, and Solution-Based HypnotherapistPractical tools to start your own transformation journey
A Conversation with a Healer
Heather believes in the power of making dreams come true and helps people step into the life they’ve wished for—but never thought possible. With her expertise in muscle testing, family systems therapy, and family constellations, she’s changing the way we approach deep healing and personal growth.
Check her out at https://www.shiftingsands4health.com/
Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts! Watch the video version on YouTube
Want to support our mission? Learn more about IWD406 sponsorship opportunities at www.iwd406.com or email us at iwd406@gmail.com.

IWD406 Interview Liz Marchi EPS 42

IWD406 Podcast Chat
"Investing in Montana's Future: Venture Capital, Entrepreneurship & Community" | Episode 42 with Liz Marchi
This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Liz Marchi, a powerhouse in Montana’s entrepreneurial and investment landscape. As a founding partner and Head of Community Engagement at Two Bear Capital, Liz has played a pivotal role in shaping Montana’s venture capital ecosystem, supporting high-impact businesses in health, wellness, and security. With a career spanning economic development, public policy, and community-driven initiatives, Liz brings deep insights into what it takes to fuel business growth in Montana.
Why Listen?
Montana is full of ambitious entrepreneurs, but scaling businesses in rural America comes with unique challenges. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered:
How does venture capital play a role in Montana’s economy and business growth?
What are the key trends shaping the future of entrepreneurship in the region?
How can business owners access funding and mentorship opportunities?
What role does community engagement play in long-term business success?
What You’ll Learn:
The impact of Two Bear Capital and its approach to funding innovative solutions
Liz’s journey from economic development to venture capital and angel investing
How she helped seed over $20 million in early-stage risk capital through Frontier Angel Funds
The importance of public policy and community-driven economic initiatives
Liz’s advice for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the challenges of growth and investment
A Conversation with a Trailblazer
Liz’s work has shaped Montana’s startup ecosystem, from launching angel investment funds to supporting critical public policy initiatives. Her expertise in marketing, communications, and access to capital has helped numerous businesses thrive. She’s also a passionate advocate for education, community development, and mentorship.
Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts!
Watch the video version on YouTube
Follow and connect with Liz Marchi:
Website: Two Bear Capital
Flathead Beacon: Flathead Beacon
Flathead Living Magazine: Flathead Living
Email: Liz.Marchi@twobearcapital.com
IWD406 is proud to spotlight the women making an impact in Montana. Want to support our mission? Learn more about sponsorship opportunities at www.iwd406.com or email us at iwd406@gmail.com.

IWD406 Interview Avery Patrick EPS 41

IWD406 Podcast Chat
"Running a Ski Resort, Building an Empire & Balancing It All" | Episode 41 with Avery Patrick
This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Avery Patrick, owner of Montana’s oldest ski resort, Showdown Montana. From navigating year-to-year challenges in the ski industry to acquiring a new hotel and balancing motherhood, Avery shares what it takes to run a successful business in the mountains while keeping recreation accessible for all.
Why Listen?
Owning a business in Montana isn’t for the faint of heart—especially a ski resort that depends on snowfall, tourism, and seasonal operations. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered:
What does it take to keep a ski resort thriving for nearly 90 years?
How do you expand into new ventures, like acquiring a hotel, while running a resort?
How do you juggle motherhood and business without losing yourself?
What You’ll Learn:
The secrets to Showdown’s longevity in an industry where resorts are disappearing
How Avery balances business, motherhood, and Montana’s unpredictable economy
Her grandfather’s best advice on marketing and managing a ski resort
The exciting partnership between Showdown and IWD406 for Ski for IWD406
Avery’s journey is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone looking for inspiration to navigate business challenges with resilience and heart.
Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts!
Watch the video version on YouTube
Follow and connect with Avery Patrick: Showdown Montana Website
IWD406 is proud to spotlight the women making an impact in Montana. Want to support our mission? Learn more about sponsorship opportunities at www.iwd406.com or email us at iwd406@gmail.com.

IWD406 Interview Annah Pharr EPS 40

IWD406 Podcast Chat "Be Prepared, Not Paranoid – Don’t Be Your Family’s Liability for Self-Protection" | Episode 40 with Annah Pharr
This week on the IWD406 Podcast, we dive into an essential and empowering conversation with Annah Pharr of Mrs. Firearm Handling, a firearms expert dedicated to helping women develop confidence, skill, and responsibility in self-protection.
Why Listen?Women are stepping into self-reliance and personal safety like never before, but too often, fear or lack of knowledge holds them back from taking the next step. This episode is for any woman who has ever wondered:Where do I start with firearms training?How can I build confidence in handling and carrying a firearm safely?What does it mean to be prepared, not paranoid?
What You’ll Learn:How to move past fear and uncertainty in firearms handlingThe biggest misconceptions about women and firearm ownershipThe importance of proper training to ensure you’re an asset, not a liability, in self-protectionMindset shifts that empower you to take control of your safety
Whether you're new to firearms or looking to refine your skills, Annah's expertise will help you understand why preparedness is key and why confidence comes from education—not fear.
Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts!Watch the video version on YouTube
Follow and connect with Annah Pharr: https://www.instagram.com/mrs.firearmhandling/
IWD406 is proud to spotlight the women who are making an impact in Montana. Want to support our mission? Learn more about sponsorship opportunities at www.iwd406.com or email us at iwd406@gmail.com.