Montana conservationist Whitney Tawney joins host Topher Williams for a conversation about the messy, meaningful work of protecting public lands and the relationships that make real progress possible.
Raised in Missoula by parents who founded the state’s first environmental lobby, Whitney grew up with a front-row seat to grassroots activism and long-term conservation work. Now a mother herself and former executive director of Montana Conservation Voters, she reflects on the people and places that shaped her path and how those early lessons continue to guide her leadership today.
Whitney shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she helped bring together two seemingly opposite figures, Kristi Noem and Tim Walz, to support the Sodsaver provision in the 2014 Farm Bill. What does it take to build that kind of bipartisan coalition? How do you keep conversations going when values clash? And what role does local organizing still play in moving national policy forward?
This episode explores the tension between idealism and practicality, and the quiet power of showing up again and again in rooms where trust has to be earned. Whitney’s story is rooted in Montana, but her insights stretch far beyond state lines. If you’ve ever wondered whether cooperation is still possible or whether one person can make a difference in a system that feels stuck, Topher and Whitney’s conversation offers perspective and possibility.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Guest Introduction: Whitney Tawney
02:02 A Legacy of Conservation in Montana
06:13 Inside the U.S. Senate Page Program
12:03 From Mailroom to Policy Change: The Ducks Unlimited Story
16:43 How SodSaver Passed with Bipartisan Support
19:39 Building Bridges Across Political Divides
20:58 Facing Imposter Syndrome as a Young Woman Leader
22:28 Choosing a Fuller Life Outside of Work
26:11 Favorite Book: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
30:41 Whitney’s Participation Trophy: Jump Rope Nationals
Connect with Whitney Tawney:
Instagram - Montana Conservation Voters
Connect with Topher Williams:
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