The IWD406’s Podcast

DRAWING THE WILD
Observation, Artistic Purpose + Capturing the Spirit of Montana Wildlife
What happens when an artist does more than simply look at an animal?
What changes when she takes the time to observe its movement, understand its anatomy and experience its presence in the wild?
In this episode of The IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed Montana wildlife artist Dale Marie Muller for a conversation about art, observation and the life she built after following an undeniable call west.
Dale’s story begins on the East Coast.
At 19, she packed a duffle bag, boarded a Greyhound bus in Philadelphia and traveled to Livingston, Montana. She spent that summer working in the pantry at Yellowstone Lake Hotel and used her free time to explore Yellowstone National Park, observe wildlife and experience the landscape that would eventually change the direction of her life.
What began as a summer adventure became something much more permanent.
Dale knew she did not want to return to the life she had left behind. Montana had awakened something in her and strengthened the connection between two things she had loved since childhood: animals and art.
Today, Dale is a full-time wildlife artist known for her remarkably detailed and contemporary drawings and paintings. Her creative process begins long before she enters the studio.
Dale goes into the park and spends time observing animals in their natural environments. She studies anatomy, movement, texture, behavior, light and the subtle gestures that reveal something about the individual animal.
She does not simply recreate what an animal looks like.
She works to preserve the energy of the encounter, the quality of the light and the mood of the animal in that particular moment.
How do you capture the quiet warmth of a wolf resting in the sun?
How do you communicate the strength of a bison without placing it in an elaborate landscape?
How do you portray the innocence, vulnerability and spirit of an animal while allowing it to remain completely wild?
Dale’s work invites us to look closer.
Through the expressive quality of graphite, her attention to detail and her minimalist approach to composition, she removes visual distractions and creates room for the animal itself to become the story.
But this conversation is also about what it takes to build a life around creative work.
Dale shares the persistence required to become a full-time artist, the years of building her craft and the importance of remaining true to her own artistic voice, even when the traditional expectations of wildlife art suggested something different.
This is a conversation about courage, curiosity, artistic identity and the Montana landscape that helped one woman understand what she was meant to create.
Because sometimes finding your place begins with following what continues to call you.
And sometimes the greatest stories in nature are revealed only when we become still enough to observe them.
IN THIS EPISODE
CHAPTER 1 | EAST COAST ROOTS + AN EARLY LOVE OF ANIMALS
We begin with Dale’s childhood on the East Coast and the early experiences that shaped her connection to animals and art.
Dale reflects on the creative interests that were present from an early age and how her love of animals became a lasting source of inspiration.
CHAPTER 2 | A DUFFLE BAG, A BUS TICKET + THE CALL WEST
At 19, Dale packed a duffle bag and boarded a Greyhound bus in Philadelphia for the long journey to Livingston, Montana.
What gave her the courage to go?
Dale shares what she remembers about making that decision, traveling west and arriving in a landscape unlike anything she had previously experienced.
CHAPTER 3 | THE SUMMER THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Dale spent her first Montana summer working in the pantry at Yellowstone Lake Hotel.
Outside of work, she explored Yellowstone National Park and observed the animals that would eventually become central to her artistic life.
We discuss how that summer strengthened the connection between wildlife and art and why Montana began to feel like more than a temporary destination.
CHAPTER 4 | CHOOSING MONTANA + BUILDING A LIFE
What makes someone decide to leave behind the familiar and begin again somewhere new?
Dale shares why she chose to remain in Montana, how she established a life near the Beartooth Mountains and what it meant to build both a home and an artistic identity in the West.
CHAPTER 5 | BECOMING A FULL-TIME ARTIST
A creative calling and a sustainable career are not always the same thing.
Dale reflects on the years of work, uncertainty and persistence behind becoming a full-time artist.
We explore what it takes to continue creating through disappointment, financial pressure and the practical responsibilities that exist behind the artwork.
CHAPTER 6 | OBSERVATION BEFORE CREATION
Dale’s process begins in the field.
She spends time in the park observing animals in their natural environments and studying their movement, anatomy, behavior and presence.
Why is firsthand experience so important?
Dale explains what she learns by watching an animal that cannot be fully understood through a photograph alone.
CHAPTER 7 | CAPTURING ENERGY, LIGHT + MOOD
Dale is not only interested in accurately rendering an animal’s physical form.
She wants to preserve the feeling of the encounter.
We discuss how she translates the energy of an animal, the quality of the light and the mood of a particular moment into a finished piece of art.
How do you recreate something that was not only seen, but felt?
CHAPTER 8 | WHY GRAPHITE BECAME HER ARTISTIC VOICE
Dale is widely recognized for the intricacy and expressive quality of her graphite work.
She shares how pencil became an important part of her artistic identity and why detailed black-and-white work can communicate emotion, texture and depth without relying on color.
We also explore the patience required to work in such a precise and demanding medium.
CHAPTER 9 | CREATING SPACE AROUND THE ANIMAL
Dale’s work often pairs highly realistic animals with open, contemporary and minimalist compositions.
Instead of filling the background with a complete landscape, she leaves room for the subject to command attention and for the viewer to bring their own interpretation to the piece.
Dale explains how this approach developed and why she resisted being confined by traditional expectations of wildlife art.
CHAPTER 10 | THE ANIMAL AS AN INDIVIDUAL
A bear is not simply a symbol of strength.
A wolf is not only a representation of wilderness.
A bison is more than an icon of the American West.
Dale discusses the importance of experiencing each animal as an individual and allowing its natural gesture, behavior and spirit to guide the artwork.
CHAPTER 11 | THE BUSINESS BEHIND THE ART
Behind every completed piece is also the work required to operate a creative business.
Dale has managed the framing, marketing, sales, packaging, shipping and many other responsibilities that allow her artwork to reach galleries and collectors.
We talk about balancing creative work with business demands and the desire many artists carry to spend less time administering the work and more time creating it.
CHAPTER 12 | REMAINING TRUE TO YOUR OWN VISION
What happens when galleries, audiences or traditional industry expectations begin to influence how an artist believes she should create?
Dale reflects on the importance of trusting her own instincts, developing a recognizable voice and remaining true to the work that feels most authentic to her.
CHAPTER 13 | WHAT THE WILD HAS TAUGHT HER
After years of observing wildlife, what has Dale learned from the animals themselves?
We explore what time in nature has taught her about stillness, patience, vulnerability, resilience and the importance of paying attention.
CHAPTER 14 | THE YOUNG WOMAN WHO FOLLOWED THE CALL
We return to the 19-year-old woman who boarded a bus and headed west.
What was she searching for?
What did she find?
And what would Dale tell that younger version of herself now, after building the life and artistic career that began with that journey?
PASS THE MIC
Every IWD406 guest is invited to Pass the Mic to another Montana woman whose story deserves to be heard.
Dale shares the woman she believes we should invite to the IWD406 Podcast next and why her story matters.
ABOUT DALE MARIE MULLER
Dale Marie Muller is a Montana-based wildlife artist known for her strikingly detailed and contemporary drawings and paintings of wildlife in graphite, pencil and oil.
Her love of animals began in childhood and deepened when she traveled west at 19 to spend a summer working and exploring in Yellowstone National Park.
Dale’s creative process is rooted in firsthand observation. She studies animals in their natural environments, paying close attention to anatomy, movement, behavior, texture, light and the distinctive mood of each encounter.
Her work combines realistic detail with minimalist composition, allowing the animal to remain the focal point while giving viewers space to experience and interpret the piece for themselves.
A graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Dale has exhibited her work throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. She is a Signature Member of the Society of Animal Artists and lives and works in Roberts, Montana, with her husband and their animals.
Dale does not simply draw what an animal looks like. She preserves what it felt like to encounter it.
Learn more about Dale Marie Muller and view her work at https://www.dalemariemuller.com/
ABOUT THE IWD406 PODCAST
Montana Women + It’s Their Story to Tell.
The IWD406 Podcast is a long-form storytelling platform amplifying the experiences, perspectives, businesses, ideas and impact of women across Montana.
We believe women deserve space to tell the whole story, not simply the polished version.
Through long-form conversations, we create room for the experiences behind the business, the woman behind the work and the moments that shaped the life others see today.
Our guests include artists, entrepreneurs, community leaders, educators, healthcare professionals, ranchers, innovators and women whose personal journeys offer insight into what it means to build and live a life in Montana.
Every episode also includes our signature Pass the Mic segment, giving each guest the opportunity to recognize another Montana woman whose voice and story deserve to be amplified.
PARTNER + SPONSOR WITH THE IWD406 PODCAST
Want your business, organization or brand connected to long-form storytelling and conversations reaching Montana women?
IWD406 offers podcast advertising, episode sponsorships and collaborative promotional opportunities for businesses and organizations looking to build meaningful brand awareness.
Opportunities may include:
• Podcast episode sponsorship• Customized intro or outro advertising• Brand mentions within episode promotional copy• Social media promotion• Reel and video sponsorship opportunities• Long-form business storytelling• Digital magazine features and partnerships• Sponsorship opportunities connected to upcoming IWD406 live podcast experiences and events
Our goal is to create partnerships that go beyond placing a logo on content.
We want to help brands become part of the stories, conversations and communities their customers care about.
Interested in sponsoring an upcoming IWD406 Podcast episode or exploring a promotional partnership? Connect with IWD406 to learn more.
THE IWD406 PODCASTMontana Women + It’s Their Story to TellPASS THE MIC.
Learn more about IWD406 and the IWD406 Podcast at www.iwd406.com

Episode 70 | The Builders Table with Sarah Gould (Part 2)
The Financial Climber Profiles™: How Your Relationship with Money Shapes the Way You Lead
What if the way you manage money isn't just financial—what if it's behavioral?
And what if those behaviors are influencing how you lead your team, make investments, respond to risk, pursue opportunities, and ultimately scale your business?
In Part Two of our special Builders Table series, Julie Walz sits down again with Sarah Gould, Founder & CEO of Elevated Advisory & Accounting, to explore the Financial Climber Profiles™—four behavioral profiles that help business owners better understand their relationship with money and how it shows up in the way they lead.
A Quick Recap of Part One
In Episode 66, Julie and Sarah introduced the idea of financial agency—moving beyond simply knowing what's in your bank account to developing the financial confidence and understanding necessary to lead a business intentionally.
They explored how our relationship with money can influence profitability, cash flow, decision-making, leadership, and growth.
The message was simple but powerful:
Revenue is vanity. Profit is sanity. And cash flow is queen.
Part Two takes that conversation one step further.
Because knowing your numbers matters—but understanding the behavior behind your numbers may tell you even more.
Meet the Financial Climber Profiles™
Are you The Overpacker™?
You carry the financial weight of everyone around you. You make sure your employees are taken care of—sometimes before you pay yourself. You may spend more on benefits, compensation, or resources because you don't want to disappoint your team, even when the business may need you to establish stronger financial boundaries.
Are you The Trailblazer™?
You see opportunity and you're ready to move. A new machine, new system, expansion, investment, or big idea can quickly become, "Let's make it happen." Your willingness to act can create tremendous momentum—but moving before the financial strategy, cash flow, or infrastructure is ready can also create risk.
Are you The Pacer™?
You want one more certification. One more spreadsheet. One more analysis. One more set of numbers before you're willing to make the decision. Being thoughtful is a strength—until careful analysis becomes analysis paralysis, leaving you and your team waiting at a financial or operational roadblock.
Or are you The Fogwalker™?
You'd rather not look too closely. You may spend without completely understanding what's available, operate without a clear budget, or make decisions based on what you hope is coming rather than what the numbers are actually telling you.
These aren't labels designed to put business owners into boxes.
They're a financial mirror.
Sarah and Julie explore the strengths, vulnerabilities, and leadership tendencies within each profile and discuss how greater awareness can help business owners make more intentional financial decisions.
Because your relationship with money doesn't stay in your bank account.
It shows up in the way you lead.
In This Episode
• A recap of financial agency and the lessons from Episode 66• Understanding the four Financial Climber Profiles™• The Overpacker™ and financial self-sacrifice• The Trailblazer™ and the drive to pursue opportunity• The Pacer™ and the cost of analysis paralysis• The Fogwalker™ and financial avoidance• How money behaviors influence leadership and management• How financial patterns affect employees and team culture• Recognizing the difference between calculated risk and financial fear• Understanding how your financial behavior can influence growth and scalability• Identifying strengths and blind spots within your own profile• Developing greater awareness around the financial decisions you make
Which Financial Climber Profile™ sounds most like you?
About Sarah Gould
Sarah Gould is the Founder & CEO of Elevated Advisory & Accounting, a women-owned advisory and accounting firm helping business owners gain clarity, confidence, and long-term financial stability.
Sarah has built a modern advisory practice focused on moving business owners beyond traditional accounting and into strategic financial leadership. Through advisory services, fractional CFO support, and long-term business planning, she helps organizations strengthen profitability, improve cash-flow visibility, build scalable systems, and make confident decisions through every stage of growth.
Currently a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) Candidate through NACVA, Sarah is expanding her expertise in business valuation to better serve business owners through strategic planning, acquisitions, growth modeling, and exit readiness.
Over the past decade, she has advised hundreds of organizations across construction, healthcare, nonprofits, real estate, manufacturing, and professional services, translating complex financial information into practical strategies leaders can confidently implement.
As a female founder in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Sarah is passionate about creating opportunities for women to lead, build, and thrive in business. Her leadership philosophy centers on transparency, empowerment, excellence, and authentic partnership.
Beyond her work with clients, Sarah serves on the Executive Committee for Montana West Economic Development and on the Board of Directors for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, helping strengthen economic opportunity throughout Northwest Montana.
A proud Montana native, Sarah enjoys golfing, spending time with family, and exploring the mountains that continue to inspire the Elevated brand.
Learn more about Sarah and Elevated Advisory & Accounting:
https://www.elevatedaccounting.com
About The Builders Table
The Builders Table is a signature segment and growing business community within IWD406 created for the people building businesses, brands, organizations, nonprofits, and ideas across Montana.
It's where business owners, founders, experts, creatives, executives, and community leaders come together to share what they're learning—not just what they've accomplished.
Through podcast conversations, educational content, community discussions, referrals, resources, collaborations, and shared expertise, The Builders Table is creating a space where Montana business owners can learn from one another and build stronger businesses together.
We believe some of the most valuable business education doesn't always happen in a classroom.
Sometimes it happens around the table.
Builders Table Collaboration Opportunities
Have expertise that could help another Montana business owner build smarter, stronger, or more sustainably?
There's a seat for you at The Builders Table.
We're actively developing collaborations with business leaders, founders, educators, service providers, industry experts, and organizations interested in contributing practical knowledge and resources to Montana's business community.
Opportunities to Collaborate Include:
• Educational podcast conversations and expert interviews• Builders Table workshops and mini educational sessions• Business development resources and practical tools• Expert-led Table Talks and community conversations• Written insights and educational contributions• Business referrals and strategic introductions• Community partnerships• Brand and business features• Collaborative events and programming• Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities• Multimedia educational and storytelling collaborations
Whether your expertise is in finance, accounting, marketing, branding, sales, AI, technology, operations, leadership, HR, legal, business development, entrepreneurship, or another area that helps businesses grow, we want The Builders Table to become a place where expertise is shared and meaningful business connections are made.
If you have something valuable to bring to the table, we'd love to hear from you.
Visit www.IWD406.com to connect and learn more.
Looking for Podcast Sponsors & Community Partners?
The IWD406 Podcast is a Montana-based digital storytelling and awareness platform reaching audiences through authentic conversations, multimedia storytelling, online communities, signature events, and digital publications.
We're currently seeking podcast sponsors, business collaborators, and strategic community partners interested in connecting with an engaged Montana audience.
Partnership Opportunities Include:
• Individual podcast episode sponsorships• Multi-episode and series sponsorships• Presenting partnerships for The Builders Table and The Gathering Table• Advertising opportunities in the IWD406 Anthology• Brand storytelling and featured business profiles• Community event partnerships• Social media amplification and digital campaigns• Educational and expert collaborations• Custom multimedia marketing partnerships
If your business or organization wants to reach people who are building businesses, leading organizations, creating ideas, and making an impact throughout Montana, we'd love to connect.
Visit www.IWD406.com to learn more about sponsorship, advertising, collaboration, and partnership opportunities.
Together, we're creating more opportunities to learn, connect, collaborate, and build.
Connect with IWD406
Website: https://www.IWD406.com
Instagram: @IWD406
Facebook: IWD406
YouTube: @IWD406MontanaWomen
Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Podbean • YouTube
Amplify. Connect. Celebrate. Pass the Mic.

WHAT THE BODY HOLDS
Healing, Awareness + the Power of Releasing What We Carry
What if the place where you feel pain isn’t actually where the problem begins?
And what if your body has been communicating with you long before you ever stopped to listen?
In this episode of The IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with PJ McCracken, founder of The Body Mechanic, for a conversation that goes far beyond what most of us think of as bodywork.
PJ has built her practice around understanding the individual body—looking beyond the obvious location of pain to explore movement, tension, compensation patterns, stress and the experiences we may be carrying physically and emotionally.
Her story also begins right here in Montana.
Growing up around the Pin & Cue, PJ was surrounded by family, community and people gathering exactly as they were. Those early experiences helped shape how she observes people today and ultimately how she approaches the individuals who walk through her door.
But this conversation isn't only about relieving pain.
It's about awareness.
How does stress show up physically?
What happens when we spend years pushing through discomfort instead of becoming curious about it?
Can emotional experiences influence how we hold tension?
Why can two people experiencing similar pain require completely different approaches?
And what happens when someone finally begins to release something their body may have been carrying for years?
PJ shares what she has learned from working closely with individual bodies and why healing cannot always be approached with a one-size-fits-all mentality.
We also explore something particularly relevant to life in Montana: our culture of independence, resilience and simply pushing through.
When does resilience serve us—and when does it keep us from asking for help or addressing what is underneath?
This is a conversation about learning to pay attention to the body rather than simply trying to silence what hurts.
Because sometimes the area of pain isn't the root of the problem.
And sometimes the body has been trying to tell us something all along.
IN THIS EPISODE
CHAPTER 1 | ROOTS, COMMUNITY + EARLY IDENTITY
We begin with PJ's Montana upbringing and the experiences that shaped her early understanding of people.
PJ reflects on growing up around the Pin & Cue, watching people gather, connect and show up as themselves—and how those observations influenced the way she connects with clients today.
CHAPTER 2 | FROM COMMUNITY TO CALLING
How does someone discover the work they're meant to do?
PJ takes us through her path into bodywork, what initially drew her toward working with the body and how that interest eventually developed into The Body Mechanic.
CHAPTER 3 | LOOKING BEYOND THE LOCATION OF PAIN
Pain tells us something—but does it always tell us where the problem actually is?
We explore PJ's approach to looking beyond surface symptoms and understanding the body as an interconnected system.
The conversation challenges the assumption that the place that hurts must automatically be the source of the problem.
CHAPTER 4 | STRESS, TRAUMA + WHAT THE BODY CARRIES
PJ shares what she has observed about the relationship between physical tension, emotional stress and lived experiences.
How can stress or emotional weight present physically?
What might someone be carrying without consciously realizing it?
And what can happen when the body finally begins to let some of that tension go?
CHAPTER 5 | THERE IS NO ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL BODY
Every body brings its own history.
PJ discusses what working with many different people has taught her about individuality and why the same approach doesn't necessarily work for everyone.
We also explore how she observes—or “reads”—what an individual body may need.
CHAPTER 6 | THE EXPERIENCE OF RELEASE
PJ has watched people walk into her practice feeling one way and leave feeling noticeably different.
We talk about what may be happening during that process, what release can look and feel like, and what it means to witness someone experience a shift after carrying discomfort or tension for a long time.
CHAPTER 7 | BUILDING A BUSINESS AROUND SERVICE
Behind the work is also a woman building a service-based business.
PJ shares what she has learned about serving people through work that can be both physically and emotionally demanding.
We discuss giving to others, protecting your own energy and the realities of building a business around deeply personal, hands-on work.
CHAPTER 8 | THE MONTANA “PUSH THROUGH” MENTALITY
Montanans are known for resilience and independence.
But does that sometimes influence how we respond to pain, stress—or asking for help?
PJ and I explore whether people here carry things differently and the cultural tendency to push through rather than investigate what may be happening underneath.
CHAPTER 9 | WHEN THE WORK CHANGES YOU
We turn the conversation toward PJ herself.
What does she believe her work is ultimately helping people do?
And after spending so much time learning to understand other people's bodies, how has the work changed the way she understands herself?
CHAPTER 10 | WHAT IT MEANS TO FINALLY LET GO
Some people may arrive carrying something that has been present for years.
PJ reflects on what it means to be part of the moment when someone experiences release—and the privilege and responsibility of helping people reconnect with their bodies.
CHAPTER 11 | ONE EVERYDAY THING YOUR BODY MAY WANT YOU TO CHANGE
We close the bodywork portion of the conversation with a practical question:
What is one everyday habit many of us have that may quietly be working against our bodies—and what should we consider doing differently?
PASS THE MIC
Every IWD406 guest is invited to Pass the Mic to another Montana woman whose story deserves to be heard.
PJ shares the woman she believes we should invite to the IWD406 Podcast next and why her story matters.
ABOUT PJ MCCRACKEN
PJ McCracken is the founder of The Body Mechanic, a Montana-based practice focused on helping people better understand the connection between physical tension, emotional stress and the experiences we carry in our bodies.
Her work combines skill with an individualized approach grounded in the belief that no two bodies—and no two healing journeys—are exactly alike.
Raised around the family-centered environment of the Pin & Cue, PJ grew up observing how people gather, connect and carry life differently. That foundation continues to influence the way she approaches her work today: creating space for people to release, reset and reconnect with themselves.
PJ isn't simply working on the body—she's helping people understand it.
Learn more at https://www.thebodymechanic.biz/
ABOUT THE IWD406 PODCAST
Montana Women + It's Their Story to Tell.
The IWD406 Podcast is a long-form storytelling platform amplifying the experiences, perspectives, businesses, ideas and impact of women across Montana.
We believe women deserve space to tell the whole story—not simply the polished version.
Through long-form conversations, we create room for the experiences behind the business, the woman behind the work and the conversations that can help other women feel informed, connected and less alone.
Every episode also includes our signature Pass the Mic segment, giving our guests the opportunity to recognize another Montana woman whose voice and story deserve to be amplified.
PARTNER + SPONSOR WITH THE IWD406 PODCAST
Want your business, organization or brand connected to long-form storytelling and conversations reaching Montana women?
IWD406 offers podcast advertising, episode sponsorships and collaborative promotional opportunities for businesses and organizations looking to build meaningful brand awareness.
Opportunities may include:
• Podcast episode sponsorship• Customized intro or outro advertising• Brand mentions within episode promotional copy• Social media promotion• Reel and video sponsorship opportunities• Long-form business storytelling• Digital magazine features and partnerships• Sponsorship opportunities connected to upcoming IWD406 live podcast experiences and events
Our goal is to create partnerships that go beyond placing a logo on content.
We want to help brands become part of the stories, conversations and communities their customers care about.
Interested in sponsoring an upcoming IWD406 Podcast episode or exploring a promotional partnership? Connect with IWD406 to learn more.
THE IWD406 PODCASTMontana Women + It's Their Story to TellPASS THE MIC.
Learn more about IWD406 and the IWD406 Podcast at www.iwd406.com

EPISODE 68 | THE GATHERING TABLE
Mothering in Montana with Angela Willey
What happens when becoming a mother also means becoming an advocate before your baby is even born?
In Episode 68 of the IWD406 Podcast, Julie Walz welcomes Montana mother and children’s book author Angela Willey to The Gathering Table for a deeply personal conversation about motherhood, medical uncertainty, and learning during pregnancy that her first child would be born with a congenital heart defect and other medical challenges.
Angela entered motherhood facing questions most new parents never expect to ask. What would her daughter need? Where would she receive specialized care? How would their family navigate appointments, procedures, travel, fear, and the uncertainty surrounding a medically complex child?
Living in Montana added another layer to that experience. When highly specialized pediatric and congenital heart care is not readily available close to home, families may find themselves navigating care far beyond their own communities.
For Angela, the experience became about much more than a diagnosis. It was about learning how to advocate for her daughter, processing the expectations she once had for motherhood, finding resilience inside uncertainty, and creating language that could help a child understand why her experience might look different from everyone else’s.
Eventually, Angela turned part of that journey into storytelling.
Her debut children’s book, Little Louise and Her Special Heart, was inspired by her daughter and their family’s experience navigating congenital heart disease and medical challenges. Through the book, Angela creates a story rooted in resilience, kindness, imagination, and helping children understand that being different does not make their story any less beautiful.
This episode of The Gathering Table creates space for a conversation many mothers carry privately: what happens when the motherhood you imagined changes before it has even begun?
WHY LISTEN?
This episode is for mothers, caregivers, families navigating childhood medical diagnoses, and anyone who has had to adjust to a life they never expected.
Angela’s story offers an intimate look at the emotional realities of receiving difficult news during pregnancy, raising a child with medical needs, advocating for care while living in Montana, and eventually transforming a deeply personal experience into something that could help another family feel understood.
It is also a conversation about the worries mothers rarely say out loud—and what happens when some of those worries become reality.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How Angela learned during pregnancy that her daughter would be born with a congenital heart defect
What it felt like to receive a life-changing diagnosis while preparing to become a first-time mother
How expectations surrounding pregnancy and motherhood changed after the diagnosis
What Angela learned about advocating for a medically complex child
The challenges Montana families can face when specialized pediatric care is not available close to home
How travel and access to specialty care can affect the entire family
The emotional weight parents carry while navigating medical uncertainty
How Angela learned to balance fear with hope
Why parents of children with medical needs often become experts in their child’s care
How Angela’s daughter inspired Little Louise and Her Special Heart
Why Angela chose a children’s book to tell part of their story
How storytelling can help children understand medical differences
Why representation matters for children whose childhood includes hospitals, specialists, procedures, and medical uncertainty
How difficult experiences can eventually become resources for other families
What Angela hopes another mother facing a prenatal diagnosis takes from her story
EPISODE CHAPTERS
Meet Angela WilleyBecoming a First-Time MomLearning Something Was DifferentReceiving the Congenital Heart Defect Diagnosis Processing Fear During PregnancyPreparing for a Baby With Medical NeedsMotherhood Begins Differently Than ExpectedNavigating Specialized Medical Care From MontanaBecoming an Advocate for Your ChildThe Emotional Reality for Parents and FamiliesFinding Resilience Through UncertaintyThe Story Behind Little Louise and Her Special HeartWriting for Children Facing Medical DifferencesWhat Angela Wants Other Families to KnowLegacy, Motherhood and Pass the Mic
Listen to the full episode and hear Angela Willey’s story of navigating an unexpected beginning to motherhood—and how her daughter’s journey ultimately inspired a story designed to help other children and families feel seen.
Listen at: IWD406.com/podcast
The IWD406 Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Audible, Castbox and additional podcast platforms.
Watch the full interview and episode features on YouTube:@IWD406MONTANAWOMEN
THE GATHERING TABLE
The Gathering Table is an IWD406 community and storytelling space created for honest conversations about the experiences of being a woman in Montana.
These are conversations about motherhood, relationships, health, identity, grief, resilience, belonging and the parts of our lives that don't always fit into a polished social media post.
Because sometimes hearing another woman's truth is what reminds us that we aren't navigating ours alone.
ABOUT ANGELA WILLEY
Angela Willey is a children’s book author inspired by family life and her daughter’s journey with a congenital heart defect and other medical challenges.
She writes meaningful stories celebrating resilience, kindness and imagination. Her debut children’s book, Little Louise and Her Special Heart, grew from her family’s experience and her desire to create something meaningful for children and families navigating medical challenges.  Learn more about Angela Willey and her amazing book at https://linktr.ee/Akwilley13
SPONSOR + PRODUCTION CREDITS
The IWD406 is fully sponsored and paid for by J.M. Walz LLC, a woman owned and supported promotional business.
The IWD406 Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and work of women shaping business, culture and community throughout Montana.
SPONSORSHIP AND PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Interested in sharing your business, event or brand with the growing IWD406 audience?
Learn more about podcast sponsorships, promotional partnerships and storytelling opportunities at IWD406.com.
Pass the Mic. Share the Story.
 
 

What happens when life repeatedly reminds you that time is never guaranteed?
In Episode 67 of the IWD406 Podcast, Julie Walz welcomes fifth-generation Montanan Bekah O’Shea—designer, entrepreneur, founder of Ride Free Montana, co-founder of House of Cowbella, and one of the creative forces behind Coup de Rouge and HOWL: House of West.
Bekah and her husband create handcrafted heirloom leather goods and silver pieces from their family ranch, combining traditional Western craftsmanship with a modern artistic perspective. But the heart of Bekah’s story reaches far beyond the products she creates.
After leaving respiratory therapy and surviving a devastating Colorado wildfire that destroyed her family’s home, Bekah began rebuilding more than a house. She later navigated her daughter’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis and then faced her own breast cancer diagnosis—experiences that changed how she thought about time, creativity, motherhood, collaboration and the life she wanted to build.
Those chapters taught Bekah to release what no longer mattered, pursue the ideas that continued calling her and become more intentional about creating meaningful memories with the people she loves.
In this conversation, Bekah shares how that resilience shaped Ride Free Montana and eventually helped inspire Coup de Rouge—an immersive platform bringing together Western and Indigenous fashion, fine art, film, storytelling, music and performance.
She also introduces HOWL: House of West, a collaborative creative space in downtown Livingston designed to bring artists, thinkers, producers and visionaries together through memberships, experiential events and production resources.
WHY LISTEN?
This episode is for anyone who has experienced an unexpected detour, questioned whether it was too late to pursue a creative dream or wondered how meaningful Montana events and brands are built behind the scenes.
Bekah’s story is an honest look at what it takes to rebuild, collaborate and continue creating when life changes the plan.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How Bekah’s fifth-generation Montana roots shaped her identity
The influence of her grandmother and Helena’s historic Reader’s Alley
Why Bekah initially pursued a career in respiratory therapy
How losing her Colorado home to wildfire changed her direction
What her daughter’s Type 1 diabetes diagnosis taught her about motherhood
How breast cancer reshaped her relationship with time and creativity
How Ride Free Montana began on the family ranch
The process behind its heirloom leatherwork and silver collaborations
How found materials become meaningful, wearable pieces
The vision behind Coup de Rouge
Why Western and Indigenous representation matters within the creative landscape
How immersive events are helping preserve and expand Montana’s cultural story
What visitors can expect from the expanded three-day Coup de Rouge experience
How HOWL is creating space for collaboration in downtown Livingston
Why the right creative team can turn an ambitious idea into reality
How Bekah protects her energy while continuing to build
EPISODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Meet Bekah O’Shea03:37 Montana Roots Tour06:14 Hidden Gems in Seeley07:47 Reader’s Alley Legacy15:03 Finding Her Art Path18:21 Healthcare Detour25:40 Wildfire Loss and Rebuilding30:18 Returning to Montana33:51 Navigating Type 1 Diabetes40:19 The Beginning of Ride Free Montana42:24 Leatherwork Takes Off45:43 Silver Collaborations and Creative Joy48:16 Designing With Found Materials50:10 Cancer, Stress and Letting Go53:32 Resilience Through Chemotherapy55:26 The Origins of Coup de Rouge01:01:20 Red Lodge Roots and Meaning01:05:40 Immersive Show Highlights01:07:45 The Three-Day Event Experience01:09:49 Launching HOWL: House of West01:13:11 Building the Dream Team01:19:35 Protecting Energy and Decompressing01:22:03 How to Support the Events01:26:44 Legacy Quickfire and Pass the Mic01:31:00 Spotlighting Heidi Martincic01:36:27 Where to Find Everything
Listen to the full episode and discover how Bekah O’Shea is helping build Montana’s creative future through resilience, collaboration and intentional storytelling.
Listen at: www.iwd406.com/podcast
The IWD406 Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, Audible, Castbox and additional podcast platforms.
Watch the full interview and episode features on YouTube:@IWD406MONTANAWOMEN
SPONSOR + PRODUCTION CREDITS
This episode is proudly sponsored by Outside Metro Properties, offering premier lodging in Whitefish, Montana.
Production by Erickson Media.
The IWD406 Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and work of women shaping business, culture and community throughout Montana.
SPONSORSHIP AND PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Interested in sharing your business, event or brand with the growing IWD406 audience?
Learn more about podcast sponsorships, promotional partnerships and storytelling opportunities at www.iwd406.com.
Pass the Mic. Share the Story.

Episode 66 | The Builders Table with Sarah Gould (Part 1)
Building Financial Agency: Leading Your Business with Confidence
What if the way you think about money is influencing every decision you make as a business owner?
In Part One of our special three-part Builders Table series, Julie Walz sits down with Sarah Gould, Founder & CEO of Elevated Advisory & Accounting, to explore one of the most important—and often overlooked—topics in entrepreneurship: financial agency.
This conversation goes beyond bookkeeping and accounting. It's about understanding your relationship with money, developing financial confidence, and learning how your mindset around finances shapes the way you lead, build, and grow your business.
Whether you're just starting your entrepreneurial journey or leading an established organization, this episode offers practical insights and empowering conversations designed to help business owners move from uncertainty to clarity.
At The Builders Table, we gather Montana's business leaders, founders, experts, and innovators to share the strategies, lessons, and conversations helping women build businesses—and lives—that matter.
In This Episode
• What financial agency really means for business owners• Understanding your relationship with money• Moving from reactive financial management to proactive leadership• Why financial clarity creates stronger decision-making• Building confidence through financial literacy• How your financial mindset impacts leadership• Creating sustainable businesses through intentional financial planning• Why knowing your numbers changes everything
About Sarah Gould
Sarah Gould is the Founder & CEO of Elevated Advisory & Accounting, a women-owned advisory and accounting firm helping business owners gain clarity, confidence, and long-term financial stability.
Sarah has built a modern advisory practice focused on moving business owners beyond traditional accounting and into strategic financial leadership. Through advisory services, fractional CFO support, and long-term business planning, she helps organizations strengthen profitability, improve cash-flow visibility, build scalable systems, and make confident decisions through every stage of growth.
Currently a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) Candidate through NACVA, Sarah is expanding her expertise in business valuation to better serve business owners through strategic planning, acquisitions, growth modeling, and exit readiness.
Over the past decade, she has advised hundreds of organizations across construction, healthcare, nonprofits, real estate, manufacturing, and professional services, translating complex financial information into practical strategies leaders can confidently implement.
As a female founder in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Sarah is passionate about creating opportunities for women to lead, build, and thrive in business. Her leadership philosophy centers on transparency, empowerment, excellence, and authentic partnership.
Beyond her work with clients, Sarah serves on the Executive Committee for Montana West Economic Development and on the Board of Directors for the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, helping strengthen economic opportunity throughout Northwest Montana.
A proud Montana native, Sarah enjoys golfing, spending time with family, and exploring the mountains that continue to inspire the Elevated brand.
Learn more about Sarah and Elevated Advisory & Accounting:https://www.elevatedaccounting.com
About The Builders Table
The Builders Table is a signature segment of the IWD406 Podcast dedicated to the women who are building businesses, organizations, nonprofits, brands, and communities across Montana.
Through thoughtful conversations with founders, executives, industry experts, and community leaders, we explore the lessons, strategies, and real-world experiences behind building sustainable businesses and meaningful impact.
Each episode provides practical insights, honest conversations, and inspiration for entrepreneurs, professionals, and future business leaders throughout Montana and beyond.
Looking for Podcast Sponsors & Community Partners?
The IWD406 Podcast is one of Montana's premier digital storytelling platforms for women, reaching audiences through authentic conversations, multimedia storytelling, online communities, signature events, and digital publications.
We're currently seeking podcast sponsors and strategic partners who want to connect with an engaged audience of women across Montana.
Partnership Opportunities Include:
• Sponsor individual podcast episodes or multi-part series• Presenting sponsorships for The Builders Table and The Gathering Table• Advertising opportunities in the IWD406 Anthology• Brand storytelling and featured business profiles• Community event partnerships• Social media amplification and digital campaigns• Custom multimedia marketing collaborations
If your business or organization is looking to reach women who are building businesses, leading organizations, and creating impact throughout Montana, we'd love to connect.
Visit www.IWD406.com to learn more about sponsorship, advertising, and partnership opportunities.
Together, we're building a stronger Montana—one story at a time.
Connect with IWD406
Website: https://www.IWD406.com
Instagram: @IWD406
Facebook: IWD406
YouTube: @IWD406MontanaWomen
Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Podbean • YouTube
Amplify. Connect. Celebrate. Pass the Mic.

Episode 65 | The Gathering Table with Erin Kay Anderson
Dating in Montana: The Realities, Discoveries & Unexpected Lessons
What happens when you combine Big Sky Country, small-town connections, modern dating apps, personal growth, and a healthy sense of humor?
In this special Gathering Table conversation, Julie Walz sits down with Billings-born, Missoula-based Erin Kay Anderson for an honest discussion about dating, relationships, community, and what it means to build connection in Montana.
Erin is a yoga teacher, community builder, social justice advocate, and self-proclaimed dog mom to Aloe Duane. Raised between Montana and summers in Minnesota, she brings a unique perspective on relationships, belonging, and the stories we tell ourselves as we navigate adulthood.
Together, Julie and Erin explore the realities of dating in Montana, the challenges women face when putting themselves out there, the importance of maintaining humor through life's unexpected twists, and how personal growth often comes from experiences we never planned for.
This conversation isn't just about dating. It's about vulnerability, self-discovery, community, friendship, and finding value in every chapter of life—even the messy ones.
At The Gathering Table, we create space for conversations that reflect the Montana way of life—sharing experiences, perspectives, and stories that help us better understand ourselves and one another.
In This Episode:
The realities of dating in Montana
Navigating relationships in small communities
Why community matters more than ever
Learning through discomfort and uncertainty
The role humor plays in life's challenges
Building confidence through personal growth
The stories women tell themselves about relationships
Creating meaningful connections in a digital world
What Montana teaches us about resilience and belonging
About Erin Kay Anderson
Erin Kay Anderson is a Billings-born, Missoula-based yoga teacher, community builder, and advocate for meaningful connection. With a Boston education and deep Montana roots, she combines curiosity, humor, and thoughtful perspective in everything she does. Whether she's teaching yoga, organizing community events, championing social causes, or navigating the adventure of dating in Big Sky Country, Erin believes that authentic relationships and genuine community are at the heart of a meaningful life.
About The Gathering Table
The Gathering Table is a special segment of the IWD406 Podcast dedicated to conversations about living, working, loving, growing, and building community in Montana. Through authentic dialogue and shared experiences, we explore the perspectives, challenges, and discoveries that shape everyday life across the 406.
Looking for Sponsorship & Advertising Opportunities?
The IWD406 Podcast reaches women across Montana through authentic storytelling, community-driven conversations, signature events, social media, and digital publications designed to help businesses, organizations, and community leaders connect with engaged audiences.
Whether you're looking to:
Sponsor a podcast episode or series
Advertise your business to women across Montana
Feature your organization in the IWD406 Anthology
Partner on community events and experiences
Amplify your brand through storytelling and content creation
Reach Montana women through our growing digital ecosystem
We would love to explore how we can work together.
To learn more about sponsorship, advertising, and partnership opportunities, contact Julie Walz at IWD406 or visit our website.
Because great stories deserve to be discovered—and great businesses deserve to be found.
Connect with IWD406Follow along for more stories, conversations, and connections that matter to women across Montana.
Website: IWD406.comInstagram: @iwd406YouTube: @IWD406MontanaWomen

Episode 64 | Walking Between Worlds: Scarlette Bourne | Fashion, Identity, and Representing Montana on the Global Stage
The IWD406 Podcast, Montana’s trusted platform amplifying leadership, storytelling, and community impact, proudly presents Episode 64 featuring Scarlette Bourne, Montana fashion model, creative, and advocate for authentic representation.
In this episode of the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Scarlette Bourne to explore her remarkable journey from Montana to the international fashion world.
As an Indigenous Montana model working across Montana, New York, Milan, and international fashion markets, Scarlette has built a career that bridges culture, creativity, and identity. From walking prestigious runways and working with designers around the world to remaining deeply connected to her roots, Scarlette shares what it means to navigate an industry often defined by appearances while staying grounded in purpose.
Scarlette's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and reclaiming a voice that was once silenced. Through fashion, storytelling, and community engagement, she is helping redefine representation while creating opportunities for others to be seen.
This episode explores:
• Indigenous representation in fashion• Building a modeling career from Montana• Walking runways in New York, Milan, and beyond• Identity, confidence, and self-expression• The realities of the fashion industry• Overcoming adversity and finding your voice• Creative entrepreneurship and personal branding• The importance of representation and visibility
If you are interested in fashion, creativity, entrepreneurship, personal growth, or stories of women forging their own path, this episode offers an inspiring and honest perspective on what it means to pursue your dreams while staying true to who you are.
SPONSOR | OUTSIDE METRO
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 thoughtfully designed stays that blend comfort, style, and true Montana hospitality.
Whether you are visiting for Glacier National Park, outdoor adventure, or simply to reconnect, Outside Metro provides a place to stay where the locals play.
Experience Whitefish the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
Bonus: No booking fees when you book direct.
Visit: www.outsidemetro.com
LISTEN + CONNECT
Listen to the full episode:www.iwd406.com/podcast
Watch on YouTube:@IWD406MontanaWomen
Follow the Podcast:@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.

Episode 63 | Building Legacy in Montana: Aubrie Lorona of Swan Mountain Outfitters | Courage, Calling, and Continuing the Vision
The IWD406 Podcast, Montana’s trusted platform amplifying leadership, storytelling, and community impact, proudly presents Episode 63 featuring Aubrie Lorona, Co-Owner of Swan Mountain Outfitters in West Glacier, Montana.
In this episode of the IWD406 Podcast, we sit down with Aubrie Lorona, Co-Owner of Swan Mountain Outfitters, to explore the legacy behind one of Montana’s premier outfitting businesses.
Located in West Glacier, Swan Mountain Outfitters offers guided horseback riding experiences in Glacier National Park and llama trekking adventures throughout Montana’s backcountry.
Aubrie shares the story of her father’s vision for the business, what it was like growing up within that environment, and how she has stepped into a leadership role while navigating her own path.
This episode explores:
Legacy business in Montana
Horseback riding in Glacier National Park
Llama trekking and backcountry experiences
Leadership and team development
Family business dynamics
Courage to pivot and follow your calling
Montana outfitting culture and tourism
If you are interested in entrepreneurship, legacy businesses, outdoor recreation, or leadership in Montana, this episode offers valuable insight and perspective.
SPONSOR | OUTSIDE METRO
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 thoughtfully designed stays that blend comfort, style, and true Montana hospitality.
Whether you are visiting for Glacier National Park, outdoor adventure, or simply to reconnect, Outside Metro provides a place to stay where the locals play.
Experience Whitefish the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
Bonus: No booking fees when you book directVisit: www.outsidemetro.com
LISTEN + CONNECT
Listen to the full episode:www.iwd406.com/podcast
Watch on YouTube:@IWD406MontanaWomen
Follow the Podcast:@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.

Episode 62 | Bringing Songwriters to Montana: Jo Smith of Big Sky Troubadours | The Power of Storytelling Through Music and Community
The IWD406 Podcast, Montana’s trusted platform amplifying leadership, creativity, and community impact, proudly presents Episode 62 featuring Jo Smith, founder of Big Sky Troubadours.
In this authentic and story-driven conversation, Jo shares what it means to build a life rooted in music, storytelling, and connection—bringing her journey from national stages to intimate Montana gatherings.
As a nationally recognized singer-songwriter who has performed at the Grand Ole Opry and toured with major country artists, Jo has taken her experience and created something uniquely her own through Big Sky Troubadours—an experience designed to bring songwriters and audiences together in a more personal, meaningful way.
Her work is centered on connection.
Connection between artist and audience.Connection through shared stories.And connection through music that reflects real life experiences.
Through Big Sky Troubadours, Jo is building more than events.She is building a platform for storytelling.
One where songs are not just performed, but understood.Where artists are not just seen, but experienced.And where audiences become part of something deeper than entertainment—it becomes a shared moment.
At IWD406, we believe in amplifying women who are creating culture through their work—women who are building platforms that bring people together in meaningful ways.
Jo is doing exactly that.
This conversation explores the idea that music is not just something we listen to—it’s something we feel, carry, and connect through.
In this episode, Jo shares:
• Her journey from Nashville to Montana• Performing at the Grand Ole Opry and touring nationally• The inspiration behind Big Sky Troubadours• Creating intimate, story-driven music experiences• The power of songwriting as storytelling• Building community through music and shared experience• What it means to create connection in today’s world
Big Sky Troubadours continues to represent a new way of experiencing music—one that is rooted in storytelling, authenticity, and connection across Montana and beyond.
To learn more about Jo Smith and Big Sky Troubadours, visit:https://www.bigskytroubadours.com/
Montana thrives when artists create, share their stories, and bring people together through meaningful experiences.
PODBEAN + LISTEN LINKS
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 for music, connection, or to experience Montana, come stay where the locals play and experience Whitefish the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
Bonus: No booking fees. Go to www.outsidemetro.com
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.comVisit www.iwd406.com
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.