Link in bio

Have you had any unexpected bird sightings this winter? Maybe you saw birds in unexpected places or times. Or maybe birds you expected never showed up. You're not alone. Bird researchers – and an observant listener – have noticed, too. That listener wants to know: What do we know about how climate change is impacting birds, both in and out of Montana?

"Harmonic rippling pattern" might seem like a description of the soothing sounds from a white-noise generator lulling you to sleep. That's close. But in this case, the noise machine is your car and the rippling pattern is the washboard road you're bouncing over. One listener wants to know what causes these washboard patterns.

A flag's primary purpose is to be recognized from a distance. That means few colors, no lettering and a clear distinction from other flags. Ideally, it should be simple enough for a child to draw it from memory. So, how did Montana end up with such a complicated flag? Learn more in this episode of The Big Why.

Don't miss your chance to ask questions and hear stories from NPR's Ailsa Chang live in conversation with MTPR's Austin Amestoy, at the Dennison Theater in Missoula on October 14th! Free admission for all, but seating is limited. Reserve now on Griz Tix.

This week on The Big Why: A listener is curious about recyclables that don’t get recycled in Montana. Namely, why is plastic recycling so limited? "We're all encouraged to recycle. But when it comes right down to it, what happens to the things we actually recycle?"

Montana’s frontier days were stuffed with gold, greed and political corruption — and all three played a part in drawing the state’s western boundary with Idaho. A listener wants to know how that squiggly line came to be. Find out now on The Big Why.

Join Chapter One Bookstore, NYTimes bestselling author Chris Whitaker, and The Write Question’s Lauren Korn for a live podcast taping and conversation: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton.

Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders brought his Fighting Oligarchy tour to Missoula on Wednesday. Around 9,000 people filled the University of Montana Adams Center and overflowed outside. Montana Public Radio’s Edward O'Brien spoke with the Senator after his speech.

U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez brought their "Fighting Oligarchy" tour to Missoula Wednesday. The event drew an estimated 9,000 people to the University of Montana campus.

We're hiring a news director to lead our news operation across on-air and digital platforms. This position leads MTPR’s team of news reporters, producers and hosts to coordinate daily and long-term coverage.

Montana Public Radio is turning 60, and we’re stopping at breweries across the state to celebrate. We'd love it if you'd join us!