Hollywood, Politics, and Kinky Friedman Inspire a New Radio Show

By Guest Writer, 6-26-09

To those of you who find the word ‘crap’ heinous, rude or disgusting – apologies in advance. But if the concept of being ‘anti-crap’ makes you smile or perhaps conjures up the anthem - “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore” – you are definitely “made” in Montana.

In 2008, I ran (unsuccessfully) for the Montana State Legislature. During the election process, my Bitterroot friends oft asked: “You’re a recycled hippie challenging an incumbent (HD 87) in a very conservative part of Montana. What are you thinking?”

My answer: it’s Kinky Friedman’s fault.

Kinky, of the semi-legendary, “Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jew Boys”, was challenging secessionist incumbent, Rick Perry for the Governor of Texas and I figured if Kinky can do it, why can’t I? Note: I also blame my beloved wife Susan - a 4th generation Montanan. She bought me Kinky’s book and it stirred political passions semi-dormant since the 1960’s.

The good news: Discussing and learning about issues that face our community and Montana was a great experience. And even better, meeting wonderful folks on both sides of the aisle and finding common ground rocked. Thus, there is no bad news - but for the record - political office ain’t for me.

I’d like to think that despite being an out-of-stater I’ve given my share to Montana. Off point but relevant: we’ve got to get over this depiction that folks who come here from other places suck. Xenophobia is crap.

Some bio stuff: I was born in New York, raised in California. Graduated from Hollywood High School in 1966 and dropped out of college in 1967. Came to MT in 1985 but had to keep going back to L.A. to earn a living. (TV/Movie writer/producer – not famous but had a 30 year career.) In 1992 bought a home in Darby and moved here permanently in 2002…best thing I ever did.

One contribution I’ve made is creating MAPS: Media Arts in the Public Schools in 2004. Maybe you’ve heard of it, maybe not; but if you want to know more, www.mediarts.org.
In a nutshell: we teach and train high school kids how to make films, commercials, documentaries, websites etc. and we pay them for it. Yes, we pay kids real money to do real jobs. FYI - In September 2009 we’re expanding the program to include all five high schools in Ravalli County and maybe one day we’ll go statewide.

Assuming you’re still engaged in reading this thing…I’m going to cut to the chase and address the “are you anti-crap”? Being Anti-Crap is 1) A vow to challenge the norm. 2) A pledge to ‘Do unto others’. 3) A commitment to ‘we’re all equal’ – NO MATTER WHAT!

So in this spirit, we’ve embarked on a new adventure: ANTI-CRAP RADIO. It airs every Saturday from 9 – 11 am on AM 930, KMPT and streams on www.missoulasprogressivetalk.com. I host the show with Pete Deneault and Deb Essen and we work as a team – a nutritious mix of yin and yang and points-of-view.

Warning: if you’re pro-crap this is probably not the show for you. We are not flamethrowers and are generally genial people. But if motivated, we get pissed off and thankfully have a platform to express our ire. To get a ‘feel’ of what we’re trying to do, try this: free-wheeling and fun. All points-of-view are welcome. Expect the unexpected. Definitely unfiltered and a warm, safe place to wash your brain.

The show also features some very cool guests, here’s a sampling: Musician, Huey Lewis, Missoula Mayor, John Engen, Astrophysicist, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson (“The Pluto Files”), MT Secretary of State, Linda McCulloch, TIME magazine’s assistant managing Editor, Michael Duffy, and one of my personal favorites, the absolutely funny and imaginative author of “BONK”, Mary Roach.

So until we meet again, Happy Trails!