Headwaters Podcast

A show about how Glacier National Park is connected to everything else.

Headwaters is the official podcast of Glacier National Park. In each episode, we dive headfirst into the stories that make Glacier special. If you're curious to learn more about the park, want inspiration for trip planning, or just love a good story, follow Headwaters on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts.

To learn more about the show, continue below:

 
 
An illustration of a purple bear walking across a crescent moon
Recent Episodes

Start here for some of the latest episodes of Headwaters, including the fourth season, bonus episodes, and more.

Two people hold a piece of paper in front of a blue lake, while a man records them.
Climate Conversation Interviews

We sit down to interview park rangers, glaciologists, public health specialists, and more to discuss what we can learn from climate change.

Cover Art for Season One of Headwaters: a mountain valley filled with ice.
Season One: Confluence

We travel to every major region of Glacier in search of confluences: where nature and culture come together in unexpected ways.

Cover art for season two of headwaters: a painting of a whitebark pine
Season Two: Whitebark

Documenting a generational effort to restore a species, whitebark pine prompt us to explore our relationship to National Parks.

Cover art for season three of Headwaters: ice encasing the characters of season three.
Season Three: Becoming

Whiskey running, war on wolves, drilling for oil & dreaming of riches—this is a collection of histories that refuse to stay in the past.

 

 
The Headwaters podcast logo of a bear and a moon in simple colors.

Bonus Episodes and More

Not every episode of Headwaters is part of a season-long theme. Below, you'll find episodes on the history of bear spray, a life-and-death survival story, and helpful bonus episodes about trip planning. Listen to Headwaters wherever you get your podcasts or online here.

 

Recent Episodes:

 

Bonus Episodes:

 


Review: ☆☆☆☆☆

I Wish Every Park Had a Podcast - Essie_sunflower, 04/10/2024

I am a lifelong desert dweller and though I have always admired photos of Glacier, it always felt distant and was never very high on my list of parks to visit. This podcast is so fascinating and exploded my perception of Glacier, and the entire region around it. Mixed with tales of the natural history in and around Glacier is park history and national history. I wish other parks had similar programs to immerse listeners in the stories of these places.


 
The Headwaters podcast logo of a bear and a moon in simple colors.

Climate Conversations

Released as Season 5, we sit down to interview park rangers, glaciologists, public health specialists, and more to discuss what we can learn from climate change. The episodes feature in-depth conversations exploring the role of science, communication, and community in meeting challenges from our warming world. Listen to Headwaters wherever you get your podcasts or online here.

 

Climate Conversation Episodes

 


Review: ☆☆☆☆☆

The Crown of National Park Podcasts - RojoMesa,

I have listened to several National Park Podcasts produced by individual National Parks and this one surpasses them all. Each season unfolds creatively around a central theme - Confluence, Whitebark Pine, etc. These episodes are well-written, well-researched, well-produced, involving an impressive array of individuals involved in the Glacier NP story. As a listener, I have discovered a lot more about a place I love; I have also been stirred to caring about what is endangered to being lost. This is not only my favorite National Park Podcast; it is in my Top 10 of favorite podcasts of all time. I highly recommend Headwaters!


 
A scene of illustrated people, buildings, and animals frozen in ice under the words "Headwaters"

Season Three: Becoming

Season three is a history of Glacier National Park in nine episodes. From whiskey running and the war on wolves, to drilling for oil and dreaming of riches, this is a collection of stories about history refusing to stay in the past. Listen to Headwaters wherever you get your podcasts or online here.

 

Season Three Episodes:

 


Review: ☆☆☆☆☆

It just keeps getting better! - Georeeb,

I’ve really loved all seasons of this podcast: the stories are deep and meaningful, the narration is fun and poignant, and the people they choose to interview and places they choose to visit are so special. It gives listeners a new way to connect with the park—and with the world around them in general. I wish all parks could have a podcast like this!

Also, I’m writing this review just three episodes into season three, and I have to say, I’m already in love with this season. Keep them coming, please!!


 
Cover art of Headwaters Season Two: Whitebark pine painting

Season Two: Whitebark Pine

Over the course of five chapters, this season documents the generational effort to restore a species. It’s also a story about the purpose of national parks and our relationships with the places we love. Whitebark ask us, can people have a positive impact on nature?

 

Season Two Episodes:

 


Review: ☆☆☆☆☆

Excellent breadth on Whitebark Pine episodes - Becky Lomax, 11/29/2022

The Season 2 series on Whitebark Pine covered so much intricate detail…from the web between the trees, bears, and Clark’s nutcrackers to the Indigenous importance of the pines. Great in-depth coverage and broad ways of thinking about the trees and their role in our world. Thank you for such a wonderful podcast.


 
Cover art of Headwaters season one: Mountains filled with valley glaciers.

Season One: The Confluence

While visiting familiar places, this season tells unfamiliar stories about the park. We travel to every major region of Glacier in search of confluences: where nature and culture come together in unexpected ways.

 

Season One Episodes:

 


Review: ☆☆☆☆☆

Need a Season 2! - PY245,

Andrew and Michael are excellent hosts to this fascinating podcast! They really make this spectacular place that is Glacier National Park come to life, not just by exploring its ecological and historical significance, but also by highlighting the incredible stories of the people who live and work in Glacier today. This pod is smart, engaging, and quite funny. Truly a binge-worthy listen. I can’t wait for season 2!


 
Two park rangers talk into microphones.

The Headwaters Team

Headwaters is produced by Glacier National Park's media team and made possible by a huge number of park staff, partners, and friends. Props to Alex Stillson, Andrew Smith, Ben Cosgrove, Bill Hayden, Brent Rowley, Claire Emery, Daniel Lombardi, Darren Lewis, Eric Carlson, Frank Waln, Gaby Eseverri, Madeline Vinh, Melissa Sladek, Michael Faist, Peri Sasnett, Quinn Feller, Renata Harrison, Sierra Mandelko, and so many others.
 
Simple Conservancy Logo illustration with a goat and mountains.

Headwaters is Supported by the Glacier National Park Conservancy

Support for Headwaters comes from the Glacier National Park Conservancy, who work to preserve and protect Glacier National Park for future generations. The Conservancy funds vital projects across the park, including those explored in this podcast series. We couldn’t do this without them, and they couldn’t do it without support from generous donors.
 

Last updated: September 30, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 128
West Glacier, MT 59936

Phone:

406-888-7800

Contact Us