Best Yellowstone Public Radio Podcasts (2025)

1
Ronan and rhythm 28:31

1d ago28:31

28:31

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research. Humans aren’t the only animals able to keep a beat. And we may not be the best at it either. A new study examines the time-keeping abilities of a special sea lion.By WAMC

1
Early humans on the African continent 28:31

8d ago28:31

28:31

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research. The East African Savannah is known to be the cradle of humanity. Now, researchers are presenting a different history of homo sapiens, theorizing they evolved all across the continent including in rainforests as early as 150,000 years ago.…

1
A new color and aging stars 28:31

15d ago28:31

28:31

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research. Scientists have discovered a new color. Only a handful of people on Earth have seen “olo” – a greenish-blue hue that can only be seen by using special equipment. And we’ll learn how scientists are aging stars – not by the light they emit, but by their “sound.”…

1
Studying Yellowstone and affectionate mothering 28:30

22d ago28:30

28:30

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research. In recognition of Mother’s Day, we’ll learn how Affectionate Mothering impacts children as they grow up. It’s graduation season, and students are showcasing their research and preparing for life after college. And new research provides a deeper look at what’s underneath …

1
The Session | 2025 | Live: 69th Legislature Recap 58:30

22d ago58:30

58:30

In a live event one week after the session adjourned, host Shaylee Ragar with Montana Public Radio digs into everything that lawmakers did—and didn't—get done in this year's legislative session with the MTPR and Montana Free Press reporters who covered all the major issues.

1
The MICrONS project and mapping the brain 28:31

28d ago28:31

28:31

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research. Scientists say recent publications by the MICrONS project are a watershed moment for neuroscience. We’ll speak with Dr. David Markowitz, who coordinated the effort to the develop the most advanced 3D map of neuronal circuitry ever.…

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 18 | Sine Die 12:33

29d ago12:33

12:33

The session has officially adjourned. Host Shaylee Ragar with Montana Public Radio digs into what you need to know to make sense of the end of 69th Montana legislative session with Tom Lutey, Eric Dietrich, and Mara Silvers, all of Montana Free Press.

1
Infant memories and college mergers 28:31

1M ago28:31

28:31

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research. We may not remember our earliest days, but that doesn’t mean that infants aren’t making memories. And in a challenging time for higher education, we’ll speak with the college presidents of two merging institutions.By WAMC

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 17 | The End Approaches 12:11

1M ago12:11

12:11

1
University commitments and understanding stress 28:31

1M ago28:31

28:31

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research. As the Trump administration continues to take actions against colleges and universities, we’ll speak with Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, President of the University at Albany, about how the public institution is planning for changing federal policy. And new research examines how…

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 16 | Childcare and Education 12:37

1M ago12:37

12:37

Host Shaylee Ragar with Montana Public Radio talks all things childcare and education with MTPR's Victoria Traxler and Alex Sakariassen of Montana Free Press as the legislative session inches closer and closer to Sine Die.

1
Quantum gravity and an abundant aquifer 28:31

2M ago28:31

28:31

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research. Einstein theorized that at the center of a black hole, the laws of time and space break down. But quantum theory might allow researchers to further our understanding of the unknown. And an underground water source that feeds rivers in the Pacific Northwest could be much …

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 15 | Health Gets Political 12:53

2M ago12:53

12:53

Montana Public Radio's Shaylee Ragar breaks down the latest on all things health at the legislature with MTFP's Mara Silvers.

1
Microplastics and robotic materials 28:30

2M ago28:30

28:30

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research. Shape-shifting, fluid-like robotic materials may one day no longer exist only in science fiction. We’ll learn about how microplastics could contribute to antibiotic resistance. And students and faculty at UVM ask questions about cuts to federal funding for college campus…

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 14 | Budgetary Jenga 12:37

2M ago12:37

12:37

It's time to talk money. Montana Public Radio's Shaylee Ragar breaks down all things budget and taxes with Montana Free Press's Eric Dietrich.

1
Robotics and the suspension gap 28:30

2M ago28:30

28:30

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research. Black students in America are more likely to be disciplined with out-of-school suspension than their white counterparts. Author Aaron Kupchik explores the legacy of racism and segregation in schools. And we’ll cheer on a robotics competition in Massachusetts.…

1
Understanding aging and student filmmaking 28:31

2M ago28:31

28:31

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research. New research on aging finds lifestyle and environmental factors may contribute more to aging and health than genetics. We’ll speak with outgoing Hampshire College President Ed Wingenbach about his efforts to stabilize the private Massachusetts institution. And filmmaker …

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 13 | The Judiciary and Wildfires 12:52

2M ago12:52

12:52

Host Shaylee Ragar and Montana Free Press's Tom Lutey and Zeke Lloyd break down two topics burning away in the legislature: judiciary reform and wildfires.

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 12 | The Montana State Hospital, Doulas, and St. Paddy's at the Capitol 12:52

2M ago12:52

12:52

Host Shaylee Ragar sits down with Montana Free Press's Mara Silvers and Nora Mabie to talk over legislation that could impact the Montana State Hospital, Indigenous children in Montana, and the future of doulas in the state.

1
The Session | 2025 | Transmittal Interview 2 | Katie Sullivan 12:36

3M ago12:36

12:36

Host Shaylee Ragar talks the first half of the session and what comes next with Democratic House Minority Leader Katie Sullivan.

1
Whales and mysterious radio waves 28:31

3M ago28:31

28:31

The Best of Our Knowledge explores topics on learning, education and research. New research gives a more accurate picture of the lifespan of whales. And some whales may live longer than previously thought. And scientists have located a mysterious, repeating source of radio waves from far across space.…

1
The Session | 2025 | Transmittal Interview 1 | Matt Regier 12:44

3M ago12:44

12:44

Shaylee Ragar sits down with Republican Senate President Matt Regier to discuss the first half of the session, policy lawmakers are considering, and what comes next.

1
Mighty mice and food allergies 28:31

3M ago28:31

28:31

Scientists may have discovered the genetic key that allowed humans to develop complex language. And new research looks deeper into what causes allergic reactions and intolerances to common foods like nuts, milk, and eggs.By WAMC

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 10 | Wall of Lava 12:04

3M ago12:04

12:04

As lawmakers approach a much-needed break, host Shaylee Ragar breaks down the pre-transmittal marathon of hearings—along with how state politics fits in with national discourse—with Tom Lutey and Eric Dietrich of Montana Free Press.

1
A new college president and octopus arms 28:31

3M ago28:31

28:31

Union College in Schenectady, New York has selected its next president. Elizabeth Kiss will become the private institution’s first female president in its 230-year history. And new research reveals new details about the nervous system of octopuses.By WAMC

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 9 | Blasted Bills and the Property Tax Debate Continues 12:52

3M ago12:52

12:52

This week, host Shaylee Ragar goes over the American Indian Caucus's bills——including a couple that have been blasted back into action after being tabled in committee—with Montana Free Press and ICT's Kaiden Forman-Webster. She also breaks down the latest developments on property tax legislation with Eric Dietrich, also with Montana Free Press.…

1
AI-designed antivenom and student loans 28:31

3M ago28:31

28:31

Artificial intelligence is reinventing scientific research. We’ll speak with a scientist who says machine learning can be used to develop anti-venoms for toxic snakebites. And Connecticut has hired its first student loan ombudsperson. We’ll speak with them about their goals in their new role.By WAMC

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 8 | Hot Buttered Shenanigans 12:48

3M ago12:48

12:48

Montana Free Press's Tom Lutey and Montana Public Radio's Austin Amestory detail newly developing and unexpected coalitions in the Senate—and the dramatic sessions they inspire—along with education policy that could impact the state's public and private schools alike.

1
Ancient tattoos and dinosaur dung 28:30

4M ago28:30

28:30

A team of researchers uses lasers to unveil tattoos on ancient Peruvian mummies. And modern 3D imaging technology is being used to uncover dinosaurs’ diets and how they changed hundreds of millions of years ago.By WAMC

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 7 | Big Feelings About Wolves and the Environment 12:46

4M ago12:46

12:46

Montana Public Radio and Montana Free Press Reporters Ellis Juhlin and Amanda Eggert break down the major environmental flashpoints emerging at this year's legislative session with host Shaylee Ragar. In particular, they dig into bills around wolves and the controversy around the Montana Environmental Policy Act, incited by the recent Supreme Court…

1
Free community college and extended reality 28:31

4M ago28:31

28:31

New York’s governor has proposed free community college for adults retraining for careers in high-demand fields. We’ll speak with the chancellor of the state’s public college and university system about the idea. A new lab at Western New England University is dedicated to studying “extended reality.” And Marist College has officially rebranded as M…

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 6 | Tracking Bills, Abortion, and More Drama in the Senate 11:50

4M ago11:50

11:50

Host Shaylee Ragar sits down with Montana Free Press's Mara Silvers and Eric Dietrich to get into the latest flareup of drama in the Senate, abortion policy after CI-128, and a new tool to track legislation from MTFP.

1
Sea ice and classroom tech 28:30

4M ago28:30

28:30

Sea ice in the Southern Ocean is melting, leading to increased ocean heat loss and stronger storms. We’ll speak with a climate scientist to learn more. And New York’s largest teachers’ union is backing a proposal to ban cell phones in classrooms across the state.By WAMC

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 5 | An Everything Bagel of Chaos 12:51

4M ago12:51

12:51

Over a month in to the 2025 legislative session, and lawmaking is well under way. Host Shaylee Ragar and reporters Tom Lutey and Mara Silvers of Montana Free Press break down an ethics investigation derailing business in the Senate and bills related to transgender Montanans that seem to be forging ahead despite that stalling.…

1
Stellar superflares and David Lynch 28:30

4M ago28:30

28:30

According to new research, stars similar to our own sun may produce superflares about once per century. And after the death of American filmmaker David Lynch, we’ll speak with a film studies professor about how Lynch’s films impacted him and his students.By WAMC

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 4 | Throwing Spaghetti and Squeezing Balloons 12:51

4M ago12:51

12:51

As Montana's legislative session closes out it's third week and approaches a month of lawmaking, Host Shaylee Ragar and reporters Mara Silvers and Eric Dietrich dig into policy. As legislators throw spaghetti at the wall to see what will make it through committee, the three discuss the specifics of debates over Medicaid expansion and property tax r…

1
A warming Earth and Martian water 28:30

4M ago28:30

28:30

2024 was the hottest year on record. We’ll speak with a NASA climate scientist to learn more. And a new study suggests evidence of water reserves deep underground on Mars.By WAMC

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 3 | New Website, New Problems and How to Get Engaged 12:52

4M ago12:52

12:52

Host Shaylee Ragar discusses tech issues at the Capitol with reporters Austin Amestoy and Zeke Lloyd. They break down what that means for how the public and reporters alike can follow and engage with the action in Helena, along with the bigger picture of public comment during committee meetings and a new development on legislative junque files.…

1
Research funding and therapy dogs 28:30

5M ago28:30

28:30

On this episode, we’ll learn about how an increase in research spending over decades has changed NYU. And we’ll speak with an international scholar in the area of therapy dogs in classrooms.By WAMC

1
The Session | 2025 | Week 2 | Sausage Making and an Early GOP Divide 12:40

5M ago12:40

12:40

The 69th Montana Legislature is officially under way. This week, host Shaylee Ragar and reporters Tom Lutey and Mara Silvers dig in to how the—literal and metaphorical—sausage gets made and what an early GOP divide could mean for the rest of the session.

1
The best of The Best of Our Knowledge: 2024 28:30

5M ago28:30

28:30

This week, we’ll celebrate the best of The Best of Our Knowledge in 2024. We’ll visit a former pig barn that is serving as a temporary home to the largest collection of popular music in the world. We’ll spend time at the intersection of music and evolutionary theory. And we’ll learn how children’s ideas are brought to life in glass.…

1
Cancer research and centipede venom 28:31

5M ago28:31

28:31

The Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, New York has expanded. Officials say new lab space will make the facility a national leader in cancer research. And we’ll learn about a giant centipede with a talent for toxins.By WAMC

1
Monarch butterflies and a solar probe 19:04

5M ago19:04

19:04

On Christmas Eve, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will make the closest approach to the sun ever. We’ll learn about the science behind the mission. And the Fish and Wildlife Service wants to place the monarch butterfly on the Endangered Species List.By WAMC

1
Big dinosaurs and a record drought 28:31

6M ago28:31

28:31

The biggest T. Rex to ever live may be bigger than previously thought. Several Northeast communities experienced record dryness this fall. And a private New York college is becoming a university.By WAMC

1
The Session | 2025 | We're back. So are newly elected party leaders. 12:12

6M ago12:12

12:12

The Session is back for the 69th Montana Legislature. This week, we preview lawmakers work that starts January 6. Reporters talk about new party leaders, legislative rules, and how the governor wants to spend public money.

1
Spongy moths and ancient sand dunes 17:12

6M ago17:12

17:12

The spongy moth caterpillar has been defoliating forests in the United States for more than a century. Now, a study hopes to learn how the invasive species is affecting populations of the tick that carries Lyme disease. And we’ll visit the ancient sand dunes of a unique upstate New York landscape.By WAMC

1
Wildfires and a mysterious mollusk 28:31

6M ago28:31

28:31

After 25 years of stumping scientists, a mysterious mollusk found drifting in the ocean off the coast of California, has been identified. We’ll learn more about this unusual animal. And we’ll learn about how human practices can both contribute to and help prevent wildfires.By WAMC

1
Screenwriting and adaptation 28:31

6M ago28:31

28:31

Award-winning screenwriter Jacob Krueger teaches students how they can become better screenwriters and travels to share his knowledge with writers of all sorts. We’ll speak about beginning a writing career, avoiding writer's block, and adapting books for TV or film.By WAMC

1
Auroras and wildfires 28:31

7M ago28:31

28:31

The solar cycle is in its maximum phase, causing the northern lights to recently be visible in lower latitudes. We’ll learn about the science of auroras. And amid a drought in the northeast United States, we’ll learn about the causes and science behind wildfires.By WAMC

1
Alzheimer’s research and an ancient impact 28:31

7M ago28:31

28:31

A meteorite that struck the Earth more than 3 billion years ago might have acted like a giant “fertilizer bomb” for life on the Blue Planet. We’ll learn about a new national study that may lead to a new affordable treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. And officials are celebrating a new national hub for semiconductor research.…

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