Outlaw Beat

12-time event of the year Big Sky PBR will look a little different when it comes to the events arena next week thanks to a new partnership with the Epilepsy Foundation.

What does a seizure actually look like? What do you do when one happens in front of you? And why is Montana one of the states still without a law requiring teachers to know the answer to that question?

On this episode of Outlaw Beat, we sit down with Jessica Veach — Regional Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation covering Montana, Nevada, and Utah — and Dr. Karla Mora Rodriguez, neurologist with Billings Clinic, to talk about one of the most common neurological conditions most people know almost nothing about.

Nearly 11,000 Montanans are living with epilepsy. 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime. And a free, one-hour, on-demand training exists that could prepare every teacher and school employee to respond — but Montana has yet to make it law.

Big Sky PBR is going purple in support of epilepsy awareness Thursday July 16. If this episode moves you, contact your Montana state legislator and ask them to support the Seizure Safe Schools bill when it hits the floor in February.

Watch the full interview: ExploreBigSky.com/episodes/epilepsyfoundation

Learn more and support the Epilepsy Foundation: Epilepsy.com

Resources:

📞 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000

📲

🏥 Billings Clinic Neurosciences: 406-238-2410

Tags/Keywords: epilepsy Montana, seizure first aid, Seizure Safe Schools, Epilepsy Foundation Montana, Big Sky PBR, what to do during a seizure, ketogenic diet epilepsy, SUDEP, Billings Clinic neurology, Montana health, epilepsy awareness, purple day epilepsy

And plan your next trip to the Crown Jewel of the National Park System with Explore Yellowstone! ExploreYellowstone.com

Respected ornithologist crowns Montana's worst bird without hesitation.

Jeff Marks is senior author of “Birds of Montana” - the first comprehensive state bird reference since 1921. Jeff is the executive director of the Montana Bird Advocacy, a former editor of The Auk, and has spent decades studying everything from Long-eared Owls to Bristle-thighed Curlews in the Pacific.

We met Jeff in Grant, Montana to talk about the best places to birdwatch in the state, the worst bird in Montana (his answer might surprise you), how birds can literally see Earth's magnetic field, the controversial ethics of using bird call playback apps like Merlin Bird ID, and we play a rapid-fire birding etiquette game to find out what's actually frowned upon in the field.

Topics covered: the most underrated birding spots in Montana, why grassland birds are in trouble, the strange science behind bird migration, magpie funerals, and what it's like being the gatekeeper of the official Montana bird records list.

Watch the full interview: ExploreBigSky.com/episodes/jeffmarks

Support Jeff's nonprofit: MontanaBirdAdvocacy.org

This episode is sponsored by Vim & Vigr, Montana-born compression socks. A portion of proceeds from their limited edition Wildlands Music sock goes to this year's festival beneficiary. Find them at VIMVIGR.com.

Things birdwatchers do that are frowned upon. An official guide courtesy Jeff Marks, senior author of “Birds of Montana” - the first comprehensive state bird reference since 1921. Jeff is the executive director of the Montana Bird Advocacy, a former editor of The Auk, and has spent decades studying everything from Long-eared Owls to Bristle-thighed Curlews in the Pacific.

We met Jeff in Grant, Montana to talk about the best places to birdwatch in the state, the worst bird in Montana (his answer might surprise you), how birds can literally see Earth's magnetic field, the controversial ethics of using bird call playback apps like Merlin Bird ID, and we play a rapid-fire birding etiquette game to find out what's actually frowned upon in the field.

Topics covered: the most underrated birding spots in Montana, why grassland birds are in trouble, the strange science behind bird migration, magpie funerals, and what it's like being the gatekeeper of the official Montana bird records list.

Watch the full interview: ExploreBigSky.com/episodes/jeffmarks

Support Jeff's nonprofit: MontanaBirdAdvocacy.org

This episode is sponsored by Vim & Vigr, Montana-born compression socks. A portion of proceeds from their limited edition Wildlands Music sock goes to this year's festival beneficiary. Find them at VIMVIGR.com.

VIM & VIGR

Are back yard bird feeders doing more harm than good?

The answer is yes, according to Jeff Marks, senior author of “Birds of Montana” - the first comprehensive state bird reference since 1921. Jeff is the executive director of the Montana Bird Advocacy, a former editor of The Auk, and has spent decades studying everything from Long-eared Owls to Bristle-thighed Curlews in the Pacific.

We met Jeff in Grant, Montana to talk about the best places to birdwatch in the state, the worst bird in Montana (his answer might surprise you), how birds can literally see Earth's magnetic field, the controversial ethics of using bird call playback apps like Merlin Bird ID, and we play a rapid-fire birding etiquette game to find out what's actually frowned upon in the field.

Topics covered: the most underrated birding spots in Montana, why grassland birds are in trouble, the strange science behind bird migration, magpie funerals, and what it's like being the gatekeeper of the official Montana bird records list.

Watch the full interview: ExploreBigSky.com/episodes/jeffmarks

Support Jeff's nonprofit: MontanaBirdAdvocacy.org

This episode is sponsored by Vim & Vigr, Montana-born compression socks. A portion of proceeds from their limited edition Wildlands Music sock goes to this year's festival beneficiary. Find them at VIMVIGR.com.

Throw on your VR goggles and join us for a virtual preview of the 2nd Annual Running of the Bulls Trail Race, which returns as part of Big Sky’s Biggest Week.

This scenic trail race winds through the heart of Big Sky along dirt paths and single-track terrain. Join us on Sunday, July 12 at the Big Sky Events Arena and choose your challenge: 21K, 11K, or a 5K Relay (teams of three).

In partnership with the Big Sky Community Organization, all races will take place on BSCO’s trail system. The race will start and finish at the Big Sky Events Arena, located at 450 Aspen Leaf Drive, Big Sky, MT 59716.

Limited parking is available across the street from the arena, with additional public street parking nearby in Big Sky Town Center.

DETAILS
Begin: July 12, 2026 at 7:00 am
End: July 12, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Location: Big Sky Events Arena
Address: 450 Aspen Leaf Dr. Big Sky, MT 59730

Sign up today: https://runsignup.com/Race/MT/GallatinGateway/RunningOfTheBullsBigSky

Happy birthday America — birds have quantum compass eyeballs.

Meet Jeff Marks, senior author of “Birds of Montana” - the first comprehensive state bird reference since 1921. Jeff is the executive director of the Montana Bird Advocacy, a former editor of The Auk, and has spent decades studying everything from Long-eared Owls to Bristle-thighed Curlews in the Pacific.

We met Jeff in Grant, Montana to talk about the best places to birdwatch in the state, the worst bird in Montana (his answer might surprise you), how birds can literally see Earth's magnetic field, the controversial ethics of using bird call playback apps like Merlin Bird ID, and we play a rapid-fire birding etiquette game to find out what's actually frowned upon in the field.

Topics covered: the most underrated birding spots in Montana, why grassland birds are in trouble, the strange science behind bird migration, magpie funerals, and what it's like being the gatekeeper of the official Montana bird records list.

Watch the full interview: ExploreBigSky.com/episodes/jeffmarks

Support Jeff's nonprofit: MontanaBirdAdvocacy.org

This episode is sponsored by Vim & Vigr, Montana-born compression socks. A portion of proceeds from their limited edition Wildlands Music sock goes to this year's festival beneficiary. Find them at VIMVIGR.com.

Merlin Bird ID lets you talk like a bird, but should you?

Meet Jeff Marks, senior author of “Birds of Montana” - the first comprehensive state bird reference since 1921. Jeff is the executive director of the Montana Bird Advocacy, a former editor of The Auk, and has spent decades studying everything from Long-eared Owls to Bristle-thighed Curlews in the Pacific.

We met Jeff in Grant, Montana to talk about the best places to birdwatch in the state, the worst bird in Montana (his answer might surprise you), how birds can literally see Earth's magnetic field, the controversial ethics of using bird call playback apps like Merlin Bird ID, and we play a rapid-fire birding etiquette game to find out what's actually frowned upon in the field.

Topics covered: the most underrated birding spots in Montana, why grassland birds are in trouble, the strange science behind bird migration, magpie funerals, and what it's like being the gatekeeper of the official Montana bird records list.

Watch the full interview: ExploreBigSky.com/episodes/jeffmarks

Support Jeff's nonprofit: MontanaBirdAdvocacy.org

This episode is sponsored by Vim & Vigr, Montana-born compression socks. A portion of proceeds from their limited edition Wildlands Music sock goes to this year's festival beneficiary. Find them at VIMVIGR.com.

That hummingbird dive-bombing your yard is thirsty, but not for nectar.

Meet Jeff Marks, senior author of “Birds of Montana” - the first comprehensive state bird reference since 1921. Jeff is the executive director of the Montana Bird Advocacy, a former editor of The Auk, and has spent decades studying everything from Long-eared Owls to Bristle-thighed Curlews in the Pacific.

We met Jeff in Grant, Montana to talk about the best places to birdwatch in the state, the worst bird in Montana (his answer might surprise you), how birds can literally see Earth's magnetic field, the controversial ethics of using bird call playback apps like Merlin Bird ID, and we play a rapid-fire birding etiquette game to find out what's actually frowned upon in the field.

Topics covered: the most underrated birding spots in Montana, why grassland birds are in trouble, the strange science behind bird migration, magpie funerals, and what it's like being the gatekeeper of the official Montana bird records list.

Watch the full interview: ExploreBigSky.com/episodes/jeffmarks

Support Jeff's nonprofit: MontanaBirdAdvocacy.org

This episode is sponsored by Vim & Vigr, Montana-born compression socks. A portion of proceeds from their limited edition Wildlands Music sock goes to this year's festival beneficiary. Find them at VIMVIGR.com.

Which costs more to build per square foot, a house or a Costco? The answer may surprise you.

We’re talking home building and AI-proof trades for Gen Z with President of Southwest Montana Building Industry Association slash owner of Rivers Landscaping Riley Rivers and Career Outreach Coordinator for Bozeman and Gallatin High Schools Karl Schwartz, architect of the new Bozeman Construction Academy.

Riley breaks down the real inputs driving building costs in the Gallatin Valley: materials, labor, land, fuel, permit delays, government regulation, and the cost of holding land while projects wait for approval. Karl explains how the Construction Academy gives high school students hands-on trades experience, college credit through Gallatin College, and job-site readiness before they graduate.

Watch the full interview: ExploreBigSky.com/episodes/swmbia

Join SWMBIA: SWMBIA.org

Support the Construction Academy: BozemanConstructionAcademy.org

And get your Big Sky Community Rodeo tickets here: BigSkyPBR.com

SWMBIA Southwest Montana Building Industry Association Costco

AI can hammer out an email, but it can't hang drywall in a Montana February.

We’re talking home building and AI-proof trades for Gen Z with Career Outreach Coordinator for Bozeman and Gallatin High Schools Karl Schwartz, architect of the new Bozeman Construction Academy. We’re also joined by President of Southwest Montana Building Industry Association Riley Rivers.

Karl explains how the Construction Academy gives high school students hands-on trades experience, college credit through Gallatin College, and job-site readiness before they graduate.

Watch the full interview: ExploreBigSky.com/episodes/swmbia

Join SWMBIA: SWMBIA.org

Support the Construction Academy: BozemanConstructionAcademy.org

And get your Big Sky Community Rodeo tickets here: BigSkyPBR.com

SWMBIA Southwest Montana Building Industry Association Gallatin High School