Montana Made: Kola Bad Bear

Montana Made: Kola Bad Bear

From a small town on the Crow Reservation to helping lead one of the most successful eras in Montana State women's basketball, Kola Bad Bear's journey is one of resilience, leadership, and purpose. In the premiere episode of the Montana Made series on The Krista Redpath Podcast, Kola reflects on growing up in Pryor, her basketball journey through Billings Senior, four successful seasons at Montana State, and a fifth year at Montana State Billings that allowed her to be closer to home while her mother battled cancer. Kola also shares the story behind No More Stolen Sisters, how a single basketball game sparked a movement that raised awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives and inspired conversations across Montana and beyond. She reflects on the responsibility that comes with using your platform to create meaningful change and the lessons she's carried from basketball into life. This conversation goes beyond the game. It's about family, community, leadership, perseverance, and what it truly means to be Montana Made. Presented by Clearwater Credit Union Supporting Sponsor: Vertical Raise

The Roberts Robber: Taylee Chirrick’s Rise

This week on The Krista Redpath Show, I take you inside one of the most compelling stories in the Big Sky. Big Sky MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Taylee Chirrick has emerged as one of the most complete players in the country — a unanimous First Team All-Conference selection and one of the most disruptive defenders in Division I, ranking #2 nationally in steals. From Roberts, Montana — a town of about 300 people — to leading her team in scoring, assists, and rebounding, Chirrick’s journey is built on instinct, endurance, and a relentless competitive drive. In this conversation, we go beyond the numbers to explore her upbringing, the influence of family, and the foundation that shaped her into the player she is today.

Big Sky Champions & March Madness with Hope Hassmann, Arthur Moreira & CT Taylor

Big Sky Tournament MVP Hope Hassmann joins The Krista Redpath Show after leading Idaho to a championship and back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016. Hassmann reflects on the moment, the journey, and what it means to be part of a group that brought Idaho back to the national stage. From her role as a decision-maker on the floor to the energy and culture she brings as a leader, this conversation gives insight into the player behind the performance. Idaho head coach and Big Sky Coach of the Year Arthur Moreira also joins the show to break down the Vandals’ championship run, the identity of his team, and the mindset heading into a first-round matchup with Oklahoma. Plus, Carla “CT” Taylor returns for Hoop Hits as we break down the Big Sky Tournament, key performances, and what to watch as multiple teams represent the conference in March Madness.

Big Sky Tournament Recap: The Vandals Make History

This week on The Krista Redpath Show, the Big Sky Tournament is in the books and there's plenty to break down in a special episode that features producer Andrew Houghton hosting the show and plenty of live commentary directly following the title game in Boise. First, Krista Redpath shares her thoughts on Idaho winning the tournament for the first time since 2016. After calling all the games up until the title game in Boise, Krista had a courtside seat as Arthur Moreira and the Vandals made history. Andrew is also joined by Colter Nuanez of 102.9 ESPN Radio in Missoula to break down Idaho's 60-57 win over Montana State in the championship and break down where this Vandals team ranks among the great Big Sky women's basketball teams of the last decade. Finally, Hall of Fame coach and Big Sky analyst Carla "CT" Taylor joins the show for Big Sky Hoops Hits. CT shares some of the teams that impressed her across the tournament, including a young Eastern Washington team that took Montana State to overtime in the semifinals.

Around the Big Sky in Women's Hoops with CT, Arthur Moreira and Tricia Binford

This week on The Krista Redpath Show, championship week has arrived and Big Sky in Boise is finally here. Carla Taylor “CT” and I take you Around the Big Sky in Women’s Hoops with Hoop Hits, breaking down the final week of the regular season and highlighting standout performances from across the conference as teams prepare for tournament play. The Big Sky Tournament tips off this week in Boise, and we can’t wait to bring you all the action. I’ll be calling TV color on ESPN+ and Scripps Sports, while CT will serve as the lead analyst for the Big Sky Courtside Show. Be sure to tune in 30 minutes before tip, at halftime, and for postgame coverage as we break down everything happening on the floor. I also sit down with Idaho head coach Arthur Moreira, who has guided the Vandals through one of the most impressive seasons in program history. In just his second year at the helm, Idaho finished the regular season 26–5 overall and 17–1 in Big Sky play, capturing the Big Sky regular-season championship and earning the No. 1 seed heading into the conference tournament. Later in the show, I visit with Montana State head coach Tricia Binford, now in her 21st season leading the Bobcats, as Montana State heads into Boise as the No. 2 seed after a 23–6 regular season. We talk about the culture she has built in Bozeman and Montana State’s signature non-conference wins over UNLV and Colorado. It’s tournament time in the Big Sky — and this episode sets the stage for an exciting week of basketball in Boise.