{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"S2 Ep. 5 \u2014 Popularity\u2019s slippery slope","description":"Whitefish has a reputation as a charming ski destination in Montana\u2019s northwest corner that welcomes wayward strays, whether that\u2019s for a season or a lifetime. That attitude has helped grow small businesses and local watering holes, and keep friendly faces on the slopes and behind the bar. But in recent years, more and more people have been drawn to the good thing Whitefish has going on. Locals fear that surging popularity \u2014 and skyrocketing cost of living \u2014 could push out the very characters that make this place so special. &amp;nbsp; BONUS LINKS:&amp;nbsp; Read the 2016 Whitefish Area Workforce Housing Needs Assessment  here. Watch Gene live his dream here. More vintage Big Mountain footage here and here. &amp;nbsp; Shared State a podcast from Montana Free Press, Montana Public Radio and Yellowstone Public Radio. This episode was reported by Justin Franz and edited by Nick Mott. It was produced by Nicky Ouellet and hosted by Mara Silvers. Editorial assistance from Corin Cates-Carney, Nadya Faulx, and Brad Tyer. Fact-checking by Jess Sheldahl. Gabe Sweeney is our sound designer. ","author_name":"Shared State","author_url":"https:\/\/www.montanafreepress.com\/shared-state","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/22338425\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/22338425"}