Shows
Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastShannon Spence (Hatzell)We start this episode off by chatting about the winter Olympics which are now underway. Then, we get down to business with another standout athlete from our class!
Shannon Spence joins us to share how she took her talents on the road for college before working her way into a major job at a hospital. And it would appear we have some competition brewing over who might be the best bow hunter in the class.
As always, thanks to Steve Miller for the music and James Evanson for our logo!
2026-02-0956 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastRachel ColeThe voting is underway for the class reunion weekend and we have an update on the dates that seem to be the early frontrunners!
Then, we get into an abridged (darn technology) interview with our wonderful guest: Rachel Cole. If you haven't heard Rachel's story of globetrotting, teaching and finding Mr. Right from County Cork... well, you're in for a real treat.
A special thank you to Steve Miller and James Evanson. You know why.
2026-02-0243 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastAmy MillikanSurvey says?! We need you to help pick dates for the reunion. Here's a link .
In this episode, we take the pod on the road to the kitchen of Amy Millikan-- where we get our spatulas out and help make major decisions about the future of birthday Rice Krispee Treats that we presume ended up in the bellies of many a happy preschooler. Oh, and we also caught up on what's been going on in Amy's life. :)
As always, thanks to Steve Miller and James Evanson. Your music and your logo make...
2026-01-261h 06Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastMalaree Wiltgen (Purcell)The time has finally arrived! We have ourselves a survey to pick a date for our 20th reunion. We go over how to fill out out.
But back on our normal programming-- this week's guest is hardly ever at home despite (sometimes/rarely) being a stay at home mom. Between running a small business and substitute teaching, Malaree Wiltgen is on the go! You'll have a great time catching up with her.
A special thanks for the tunes and logo to our friends and classmates, James Evanson and Steve Miller.
2026-01-1259 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastRob FustWe're back!
Welcome to 2026, everyone! 20 years since we graduated high school.
This week, we check in with Rob Fust! He joins us during his downtime in the Big Easy. We chat work, golf and much more!
As always, thanks to Steve Miller for the tunes and James Evanson for our logo!!
2026-01-051h 06Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastDavid Leslie (w/ special guest Bri Leslie)This is our last episode of 2025! We'll be taking a short hiatus (one week) before we start the back half of our episodes in 2026 leading up to our 20th!
This week, we get to connect the dots with our co-host. The one and only David Leslie is joined in the hot seat by his wife Bri. They share a remarkable love story that they were kind enough to retell on the pod! Plus, we get to learn about some of the seeking David has done over the past 20 years (it's a theme).
...
2025-12-221h 08Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastIn Loving Memory of Vanessa Contreraz (with special guest Nick Contreraz)This episode starts typically, with a chat. Since it's Christmas we dove into our favorite holiday movies.
Then, we have a great catch up with one of our favorite teachers (and classmate sibling), Nick Contreraz.
Nick was kind enough to join us and share Vanessa's story with us and to reminisce on a truly lovely person.
As always, a thank you to James Evanson for the logo and Steve Miller for the tunes!
2025-12-151h 07Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastMoriah Michels (Lebrun)If ever a class superlative fit...
Moriah Michels is our guest and, no shock, well on her way to sainthood. From opening her heart (and home) to many children in need to confessing a long held secret about her attendance record, you will find this episode both extremely touching and surprising. She even makes one of our hosts cry!
As always, thanks to James Evanson for our logo and Steve Miller for the tunes.
2025-12-081h 05Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastTony KleeAfter many requests by our fellow classmates and many a spin of the randomizer wheel, we have finally delivered!
We all had very high expectations for Tony Klee coming out of high school. Well, folks, he kind of blew them out of the water... with a freakin' laser beam (you'll get it after listening).
As always, thanks to Steve Miller and James Evanson for the perfect tunes and logo for this podcast!
2025-12-011h 06Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastLeslie DiedrichWe discuss the contenders for "best day of the week" before capping off our Tuesday night with an excellent conversation with an excellent classmate: Leslie Diedrich.
From cookie cabins in Colorado to enjoying authentic Hungarian goulash in northern India (as one does), Leslie gave us quite a lot to discuss! You're going to enjoy this one!
As always, thanks to Steve Miller for the great tunes and James Evanson for the inspired logo!
2025-11-241h 11Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastMegan Fallon (Hufnagel)The sky was aglow with a show put on by aurora borealis on the evening we recorded this introduction. But it was an altogether different guiding light who stole the show-- our guest Megan Fallon!
We had a great time hearing about Megan's life in Cody (especially her Tuesday night tradition). We think it'll have you considering some renovations as well!
As always, a thank you to James Evanson for our handsome logo and Steve Miller for the inspiring tunes!
2025-11-171h 00Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastChip HammerAt the start of the holiday season, we recap Halloween before diving straight into the good stuff-- as the decorations come out in full force.
Then, it's on to our guest, Chip Hammer!
We caught up with Chip during a time of transition in his life including a new job in a new (yet very familiar) city! He entertained us with his tales as an architect-- including a rather interesting client he started working with on day 1 of his new job!
As always, a thank you to Steve Miller for the tunes and Jam...
2025-11-101h 05Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastDrew Trafton (w/ special guest Annie Trafton)"Well, well, well. If it isn't the consequences of my own actions!"
After much debate over whether David and Drew would include their own episodes, an opportunity with an open week in the recording schedule presented the space for one of them to step into the hot seat. In keeping with our desire to have a blend of voices, we invited Drew's wife Annie to keep him hon... we mean, participate... in the pod!
As always, our thanks to Steve Miller for the tunes and James Evanson for the logo! Excellent wo...
2025-11-031h 06Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastChristopher GuyerThis episode starts off the rails with a fairly unfocused introduction. However, "off the rails" is just how our guest this week prefers to play when it comes to keeping active and enjoying the world around him.
From ice climbing to cycling, your head will be spinning as well with all that Chris Guyer keeps himself occupied with in life.
As always, a sincere thank you to Steve Miller for the tunes and James Evanson for our logo!
2025-10-271h 04Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastRenato CoronelIn this episode, the pod goes international once again! We start off with a circus (tent). You'll see. Then we quickly try to list off the favorite pro sports teams for several of our classmates.
But our guest this week is Renato Coronel! He joins us from his home in Ecuador. From public service work to owning businesses and taking care of his legal clients, you'll likely be as amazed as we were by what he's accomplished in just two decades.
As always, thank you to James Evanson for the stellar logo and to...
2025-10-2000 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastJimmy SalyerApologies-- this is a repost. The AI monster gobbled up our audio quality on the first export. We're hoping this one goes better.
In this week's episode, things start with a recap and preview of some kiddo birthday celebrations in the Leslie and Trafton households. Then, we dive into our talk with this week's guest: Jimmy Salyer.
We cover all the hits you'd expect with a heavy dose of Jimmy's affection for music. However, we also hear quite a bit about how he found his way to his career and the difference he's making in t...
2025-10-131h 04Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastJimmy SalyerApologies-- this is a repost. The AI monster gobbled up our audio quality on the first export. We're hoping this one goes better.
In this week's episode, things start with a recap and preview of some kiddo birthday celebrations in the Leslie and Trafton households. Then, we dive into our talk with this week's guest: Jimmy Salyer.
We cover all the hits you'd expect with a heavy dose of Jimmy's affection for music. However, we also hear quite a bit about how he found his way to his career and the difference he's making in t...
2025-10-131h 04Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastSara DiedrichIn this episode, David and Drew go WAY too long on the intro. But it's well worth the wait to hear from this week's guest!
Sara Diedrich catches us up on her life in the Mile High City and the globetrotting adventures she has been on over the past 20 years. Plus, we find out why this 'Survivor' superfan has no interest in applying to become a castaway on a future season of her favorite reality TV show.
As always, a special thanks to Steve Miller for the tunes and James Evanson for our fetching logo!
2025-10-061h 07Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastConor CoteIn this week's episode, we first hear about a special alumni event for BCCHS grads before diving into the life of this week's guest-- the one and only Conor Cote!
Conor was kind enough to walk us through is life in Seattle and why he thinks he might just be a city person at heart.
He also tells us what's inspired him to stay in touch with so many of our classmates over the decades.
As always, a special thanks to Steve Miller for the music and James Evanson for our logo!
2025-09-2959 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastTivonna BonillaDavid and Drew discuss Halloween costume options their families are considering before diving into an extremely fun discussion with this week's guest: Tivonna Bonilla.
From her wise one-liners on personal philosophy, to her extensive sports injuries and her enjoyment of being a homebody and watching Dateline-- this one has a little bit of everything.
A special thanks goes out to James Evanson and Steve Miller for our logo and music.
2025-09-221h 00Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastNolan LopezIn this episode, we start with a heartfelt thank you for supporting the pod. We've now eclipsed 1,000 downloads! Then, after some friendly peer pressure, we dive into our guest:
Nolan Lopez! The man was born for podcasting, what else is there to say? From college football to elk hunting, he keeps the stories coming and gets us pumped up to compete! In what, who knows? But we're ready!
As always, a thanks to Steve Miller for the tunes and James Evanson for our logo!
2025-09-1557 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastJames EvansonIt's the pod logo creator himself!
After a silly intro where David and Drew lament a string of bad days they've recently had-- things start looking up as we transition to this week's guest: James Evanson. James shares about keeping his passion for art alive (regardless of the medium).
As always, thanks to the aforementioned Mr. Evanson for the logo work and to Steve Miller for the great intro and outro music!
2025-09-081h 05Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastA Little Something Different: BCCHS Today w/ Nolan TraftonFor this episode, we went on summer break: literally. This thing was recorded back in July when we scheduled vacations at the same time and whiffed on our first opportunity to record together in person.
However, we make lemonade out of lemons! Drew, who was in Billings visiting his family, walked through our old high school and recorded this episode on site!
He was joined by Billings Central's principal, Nolan Trafton (Drew's brother), who shared about how the building has changed since '06, new classes being offered and the special way legacy plays a role in...
2025-09-011h 05Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastErin Gaernter (Kennedy)Scuba?! Scuba! In this episode, we 'dive' into a favorite hobby of the one and only Erin Gaertner! She also fills us in on her globetrotting and does a great job selling us on one of her favorite locales. From bad romance novels to stealing and exchanging white boards during lunchtime at Central, this one has it all!
A special thanks to Steve Miller for the tunes and James Evanson for the artwork! You two really know how to make a class feel special.
2025-08-251h 00Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastKeenan StanekIn this episode, we talk to a classmate who has rubbed shoulders with celebrities at the Kentucky Derby... but still makes time to smack talk old ladies at the bowling alley! It's everyone's favorite landman Keenan Stanek! Rest assured, that'll all make sense by the end of the hour!
As always, thanks to Steve Miller and James Evanson for the beautiful music and logo!
2025-08-1858 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastBen JensenIn this episode, the podcast goes international! We get caught up with Benjamin Jensen, who is currently stationed in Germany! From travel recommendations to re-connecting with family roots, you'll get a kick out of hearing from the always wry and witty Ben.
We end this episode with a special tribute to a teacher who passed away recently.
As always, thanks to Steve Miller for the tunes and James Evanson for the logo!
2025-08-1156 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastTerese Murray (Thelen)In this episode, we go garden to table with a multi-talented classmate. From a career as an OR nurse to her garden hobby and cooking talents, Terese Murray kept us entertained!
We also hear about special relationships she has maintained with fellow '06ers and a Billings Catholic Schools legacy she's continuing today with her own son.
As always, thanks to James Evanson and Steve Miller for the logo art and intro/outro music!
2025-08-0458 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastAlger TamCowabunga! In this episode, we're catching up with one of the creative forces behind the latest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie (and many other beloved animated features): the one and only Alger Tam.
We also hear what it's like for him to live in LA and what he's enjoying about being a dad.
Enjoy this totally tubular hour!
As always, a special thanks to Steve Miller for the intro and outro tunes and James Evanson, who is also mentioned in this episode, for his excellent logo work!
2025-07-281h 03Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastKit RayGet ready to hop into the fast-paced and dangerous world of a commercial kitchen! We also learn about the virtues of grocery shopping with co-workers and what it's like to be on the receiving end of calls for a tarot card hotline!
Kit Ray provided some fun memories that made for a whirlwind and all too quick episode.
As always, thanks to Steve Miller for the tunes and James Evanson for the exceptional logo design!
2025-07-2159 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastJoe SchmechelHave you ever wondered what it would be like to own a historic bar famous for historic brawls while enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Montana's capital city? Well, that's oddly specific... but it's your lucky day! Everyone's favorite bowlegged member of the class of '06, Joe Schmechel, is here to tell you all you'd like to know!
As always, thanks to Steve Miller and James Evanson for providing the tunes and artwork that set the mood for this podcast!
2025-07-141h 02Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastChris WilkinsIn this episode, we all get to go on an adventure alongside Chris Wilkins. From living in several different big cities and smaller communities in rural America to his travels back home, Chris is a guy on the move with an inspiring dedication to his family.
As always, thanks to Steve Miller and James Evanson for our music and logo! The check is in the mail, fellas (there is no check). :(
2025-07-071h 01Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastSteve MillerThe episode starts out with a very special guest appearance and we just keep riding the momentum. This week, the ever-musical Steve Miller joins the pod to share about his journey over the past 20 years. Central connections abound in this entertaining hour!
As always, thanks to the forementioned Mr. Miller for the music and James Evanson for our logo art!
2025-06-301h 03Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastSarah Wendel (Ross)This week, we're getting into the nitty gritty of teaching English with the one and only Sarah Wendel. Her passion for the profession shines through in this entertaining chat that also covers her favorite high school activities!
We had a few audio issues with this one that took a toll on the quality during our banter at the beginning. The good news is it really evens out once we get a few minutes into the interview portion.
As always, thank you to Steve Miller and James Evanson for providing our music and...
2025-06-2300 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastPatrick LandryFor a guy doing his first podcast interview, Patrick had the whole thing figured out! We had a blast catching up with Las Cruces' most eligible bachelor. It was a joy catching up with Patrick and we’re looking forward to our next chat— and we think you will be as well!
As always, a special thanks to Steve Miller and James Evanson for the music and logo!
2025-06-161h 04Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastRose Gumz (Stepanek)Rose Gumz joins the podcast to discuss life in the Twin Cities. From her perspective on launching startups to her experience as a D1 NCAA athlete, the time we spent with Rose flew by. We think that’s because Rose is as she always has been: world-class!
As always, special thanks to Steve Miller for the music and James Evanson for the logo!
2025-06-0951 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastColin CoteAfter a rather intensive search, the dynamic detective team at Leslie & Leslie Associates managed to track down the elusive Colin Cote. From his experience in Africa to his work on the art scene in Butte, you'll enjoy the ensuing conversation!
As always, special thanks to Steve Miller for the music and James Evanson for the logo!
2025-06-021h 04Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastEric RudeWe're spending the better part of the hour catching up with Eric. He was kind enough to hang with us through a few technical difficulties. The audio on this one is a little less than ideal. We're working on it... it's a bit of trial and error. But Eric was great as always. Funny, thoughtful... everything you likely remember.
As always, special thanks to Steve Miller for the music and James Evanson for the logo!
2025-05-2654 minFamiliar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastShannon Haraden (Moore)In our first episode, we talk a little bit about why we're doing this podcast before getting into the interview with the one and only Shannon Haraden (you might remember her as Shannon Moore). Shannon walks us through an entertaining career and dare we say picturesque life in Wyoming!
Special thanks to fellow '06 alumni Steve Miller and James Evanson. Steve contributed our intro and outro music and James designed our logo!
2025-05-191h 04Familiar Strangers: The Class of 2006 PodcastIntroducing Familiar Strangers: The Class of '06 PodcastWe know. Everyone has a podcast these days. But this one is different. It's just for you. Join us as we catch up with our fellow classmates with the goal of being a little more caught up with each other's stories by the time we hit the impending 20th reunion!
2025-05-1603 min