The Kaimin Cast

UPDATE: UM ends mask mandate

The University of Montana announced it had ended its mask mandate for all indoor spaces on campus besides classrooms and labs on Feb. 24. The rest of campus will follow a week later, on March 3. 

Kaimin Cast host Austin Amestoy has the update.


A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper.

Monte Unmasked: The many lives of the great grizzly

When the University of Montana's now-iconic mascot Monte was introduced in the early 90s, it was an experiment in permanence for the University. Prior to Monte, UM had had few long-term mascots, and even some disastrous stints with live bears.

But with Monte, UM finally struck mascot gold, with major thanks to the many performers to don the suit through the years. From motorcycle rides across Washington-Grizzly Stadium, to handstands and backflips, to visits to birthday parties and community events, Monte has been a Missoula celebrity without a face — until now. 

On this episode, a dynasty of Monte entertainers is finally unmasked, sharing their stories of Monte antics, a love to perform and a unique connection to one Missoula gym.

 

Full transcripts of this episode and others can be found at www.montanakaimin.com/the_kaimin_cast.

 

Questions? Comments? Email us at editor@montanakaimin.com

 

 

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper.

Big Sky Film Fest is back, bigger than ever | The Second Look

After welcoming an international, virtual audience in 2021, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is returning to Missoula with more films and audience interest than ever — and a hybrid option to boot. 

On this episode of the Second Look, the festival's six-year director reflects on the changes administration has made and the hope they have for this year's event.

The Second Look is reported and edited by Elinor Smith.

 

Questions? Comments? Email us at editor@montanakaimin.com

 

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper.

The Film Fest Returns: Behind the scenes of three ’Made in Montana’ docs

After moving online for the first time in its 19-year history in 2021, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival is back in full force. The 10-day event will see more than 200 artists descend on Missoula as their nonfiction films are premiered for an audience of thousands. While films are shown on subjects from around the world, nine are featured in the "Made in Montana" category.

On this episode, conversations with the creators and characters of three "Made in Montana" documentaries: "The Cookie Man," "Meantime," and "Daughter of a Lost Bird."

 

Timecodes for interviews:


(01:02) - "The Cookie Man"

 

(14:45) - "Meantime"

 

(24:31) - "Daughter of a Lost Bird"

Catch full transcripts of our episodes at montanakaimin.com/the_kaimin_cast. 

 

Questions? Comments? Email us at editor@montanakaimin.com

 

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper.

Frozen by the pandemic, LGBTQ events at UM are heating up | The Second Look

After a pandemic lull, the queer community has reemerged in full force with a drag show thrown by the Lambda Alliance and the Women's Resource Center at UM's University Center.

That's given LGBTQ students the chance to explore identity in a group setting for the first time in years — and the party's just getting started.

On this episode of the Second Look: how Missoula's queer community comes together to celebrate.

The Second Look is reported and edited by Elinor Smith.


Questions? Comments? Email us at editor@montanakaimin.com

 

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper. 

Out & Proud: A queer Valentine’s Day roundtable

Last year, the Montana Legislature passed a series of bills targeting queer people based on their identities. One law now bans transgender women from participating in women's sports, while a second permits discrimination toward LGBTQ people on the basis of religion. 

But ahead of Valentine's Day, queer people in Missoula say the city remains an inclusive and welcoming place, and that love and friendship within the community remain strong.

On this episode, Kaimin arts and culture editor Clarise Larson leads a roundtable discussion with advocates and activists within UM's queer community about the struggles they faced and their hopes for the future.

Questions? Comments? Email us at editor@montanakaimin.com

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper.

Ex-RA made a difference in UM dorm, students say | The Second Look

When UM sophomore Alex Crisp quit his job as an RA in Jesse Hall last fall due to stress and burnout, he left behind a cohort of residents who say he made a real difference in their lives — building relationships, supporting them through difficult times and drawing the entire floor closer.

On this episode of the Second Look: a dive into the impact resident assistants make on students long after they leave, and the challenges to mental health and wellness they face in the role every day.

The Second Look is reported and edited by Elinor Smith.

Questions? Comments? Email us at editor@montanakaimin.com

 

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper.

Are we asking too much of our dorm RAs?

In late 2021, a letter circulated among University of Montana administration, students and media outlets containing a plea for help. It said the resident assistants living and working in the dorms need more support.

Alex Crisp, a former RA, wrote the letter following a series of incidents in UM's Jesse Hall that led him to quit the position early. He cited, "Ridiculous hours, unsafe conditions, toxic work circles and manipulative overseers" as examples of the challenges he faced. 

And he's not alone. Kaimin features editor Mariah Thomas found other former RAs who echoed Alex's experiences, while UM Housing says it continues to reach out to RAs with concerns.

This week, Alex Crisp joins Kaimin Cast host Austin Amestoy to talk about his time as an RA and his plea for change from the University.

Questions? Comments? Email us at editor@montanakaimin.com

 

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper.

After DACA, a UM student dreams of citizenship | The Second Look

Missoula College student and mother-of-three Nereyda Calero says it felt like her world was ending when the Trump administration announced in 2017 it would rescind the "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals" program, or "DACA." The policy, established under former President Barack Obama in 2012, protects immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children from deportation and allows them to work legally. 

Calero — a recipient of the program — says she wasn't about to let the program die. It didn't, and now she's fighting for additional protections for people like her.

The Second Look is reported and produced by Elinor Smith.


Questions? Comments? Email us at editor@montanakaimin.com

 

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper.

Still Dreaming: How a student found her voice fighting for DACA

Nearly 10 years ago, former President Barack Obama announced a program designed to protect undocumented immigrants brought into the United States as children. The policy — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or "DACA," — went into place in June 2012. By 2020, more than 600,000 former childhood arrivals had secured protection from deportation and the ability to work in the United States.

But the policy faced numerous legal and executive challenges over the years that fueled a vocal nationwide movement of DACA recipients fighting for the rights of other dreamers.

On this episode, Kaimin photo editor Antonio Ibarra joins Kaimin Cast host Austin Amestoy with the story of a DACA recipient living in Missoula who overcame unimaginable challenges and is working to help other dreamers do the same.

Questions? Comments? Email us at editor@montanakaimin.com

 

A podcast from the Montana Kaimin, University of Montana's independent, student-run newspaper.