Narrator Creative Consulting

10/09/2026

Ballots are headed to mailboxes across Yellowstone County, if yours hasn't arrived already, and the November 3 election is approaching.

Among the decisions facing voters are two measures involving the Yellowstone County jail, its proposed expansion, and ongoing public safety funding. But the conversation is about much more than jail beds and taxpayer dollars.

It's about public safety, mental health, addiction, treatment, rehabilitation, poverty, victims, families, and what happens when people return to our community.

When I set out to write “Beyond Capacity” for Simply Local magazine, I had a lot of questions. After 12 in-depth interviews, extensive research, and a firsthand tour of the detention facility, I walked away with answers, more questions, and a much deeper understanding of just how complicated this issue really is.

I also realized how easy it is to form opinions without knowing the whole story, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. So, I wrote more.

“Beyond the Assumptions: What I Heard, What I Learned, and Why Asking One More Question Matters” is my independently published companion to the magazine feature. It's a deeper look at the people, perspectives, realities, and difficult questions that couldn't all fit into the original article.

I'm not telling anyone how to vote. I'm asking you to do the work before you do.

Read beyond the headlines. Listen to perspectives that challenge your own. Ask questions. Examine the facts. And be willing to reconsider what you think you know. You don't have to agree with someone to learn something from them. And you don't have to have all the answers to ask better questions.

With ballots arriving and Election Day approaching, I hope you'll take some time to read, reflect, and share this with others. An informed community starts with people willing to do their part.

And please share. These conversations matter, regardless of how you ultimately vote.

***Disclaimer: This essay is independently written and published by Hannah G. Olson. All views, opinions, and interpretations expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent those of Simply Local magazine, its publishers, or any organization, agency, committee, or individual referenced in the article. This publication is not sponsored, affiliated with, or endorsed by any political campaign, organization, or committee. It is intended to encourage informed discussion and independent consideration of the issues, not to advocate for or against any ballot measure.

Beyond the headlines and assumptions surrounding Yellowstone County's jail expansion, there's a much bigger story. Drawing on 12 interviews, extensive research, and a firsthand jail tour, Hannah G. Olson shares what she learned, the questions that remain, and why understanding the complexities matte...

10/02/2026

This one took a lot out of me, in the best way.

When I was asked to write about the Yellowstone County jail expansion, I knew I didn’t want to write something based only on talking points, public meetings, or what I thought I understood about the issue. I wanted to really understand it.

So, over the course of three very full days, I conducted 12 in-depth interviews, had many additional conversations and consultations, toured the jail, read the documents, asked a lot of questions, and tried to listen more than I talked.

And I learned SO much.

I talked with people working in corrections, law enforcement, prosecution, probation and parole, treatment, diversion, community corrections, and government. I talked with someone who knows the jail from the other side of the cell door. I sought out people who supported the proposal and people who questioned or opposed it. Most importantly, I was given the opportunity to ask hard questions and have thoughtful, nuanced conversations with people who were incredibly generous with their time and expertise.

There was far more from those conversations than I could ever fit into one article, but every single one helped shape my understanding of the issue and, ultimately, this story.

To everyone who answered my call, squeezed an interview into an already busy day, connected me with someone else I needed to talk to, answered a follow-up question, walked me through a program or process, challenged an assumption, or helped me understand something I didn't know: thank you. I don't take that access or trust lightly.

This is the kind of work I love most. Digging deeper. Asking questions. Being willing to admit what I don't know. Listening to people who know more than I do. And then trying to take something incredibly complicated and make it understandable without stripping away the complexity that matters.

I went into this assignment wanting to help people better understand an important decision facing our community. I came out of it with many of my own assumptions challenged and a much greater appreciation for just how interconnected all of these systems are.

I'm really proud of this one, and even more grateful to everyone who helped me tell it.

And a huge thank you to: Simply Local Magazine Billings, Alternatives, Inc., Rimrock Foundation, Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, Stonerock Business Solutions, Sonia Davis, Brandon Newell, County Commissioner Chris White, Undersheriff Robert Lester, YCDF Captain Brandon Smart, County Attorney Scott Twito, County Civil Attorney Melissa Williams, Montana Women's Prison Warden Katie Weston, Probation and Parole, Montana DOC, and the individuals from these groups who shared with me their ideas, knowledge, passion, and time.

Yellowstone County has tried to keep people out of jail. The jail keeps getting fuller. With YCDF regularly housing more than 600 people in a facility rated for 434, voters will soon face a significant decision about what comes next. But this conversation is about much more than adding beds. It’s ...

09/23/2026

This one is really special to me. I discovered Kendra Langford Shaw when she first ran for City Council in 2019. She inspired me not only to run for office myself the following year, but also with how she moved through the process with just distinction, effort, authenticity, and honesty.

I was in awe of how hard she worked, not only to learn about her constituents and this community, but how hard she worked to help everyone else understand the issues, how our city functions, and how to make a difference. She is a role model for many, and if she isn't one of yours already, she should be.

You can always trust Kendra to tell the truth, to be kind, and to fight for what's right and fair, even when things get really hard and complicated.

When I learned she wrote a novel, I knew it was going to be made of all the wonderful pieces of who she is, how she carries herself and her family through the world, and how she helps others see things too. She is one of the most phenomenal humans I have ever known, and to get to write this piece about her is such a full-circle moment.

Please read this piece in this month's issue of Simply Local Magazine Billings on stands or here.

Photos by the lovely and talented Mary Kate Teske.

We're proud to celebrate one of Billings' own and the extraordinary story she has brought into the world. Read the full feature and discover why Kendra Shaw's debut novel is one readers won't want to miss. Link in bio! Camera emoji- ,

09/08/2026

This piece was an honor. Kendra is so incredible.

We're proud to celebrate one of Billings' own and the extraordinary story she has brought into the world. Read the full feature and discover why Kendra Shaw's debut novel is one readers won't want to miss. Link below! 📸, , .llc

https://simplylocalbillings.com/between-meetings-and-manuscripts

09/04/2026

This project meant a lot to me. ♥️ What an honor it is to work with an organization like Homefront that has such an incredible impact in this community.

09/03/2026

If you haven't heard about Mahjong by now, then where have you been? The coolest thing about it, however, is that it's more than a fad. It's more than a game. It's a community for many, and it's only getting started here in Billings. Brooke Murphy and Randi Ellis found purpose in these tiles, and they've created a space to bring more to the table. Read all about their journey and how they ended up opening Montana Mahj, Montana's first tile house, in this month's issue of Simply Local Magazine.

Read it here or find your copy on stands now!

What if the story isn't really about Mahjong? It's about friendship. Community. Starting over after one season of life ends. Finding a place where you belong. Meet the two Billings women behind Montana Mahj and discover how a centuries-old game is helping bring people back together around the table....

09/02/2026

So, what exactly does Narrator Creative Consulting do?

Fair question. The short answer? I help organizations figure out what they need to say, who needs to hear it, and the best way to make them care.

Sometimes that's a marketing strategy. Sometimes it's PR, social media, a website, video, branding, an annual report, a campaign, media coverage, or community engagement. Sometimes it's looking at a pile of data and finding the story hiding inside it. And sometimes it's a client saying, “We know we need to do something about this…” and figuring out what that something should be.

I work with businesses, nonprofits, and organizations to find the story, build the strategy, and create the things that bring it to life.

Strategy. Storytelling. Communications. PR. Marketing.
Whatever the medium, we start with what you're trying to accomplish.

That’s Narrator.

08/31/2026

I’ve had the privilege of working with 406 Pride a lot over the past couple years, and hiring an official ED, even part-time, is such an exciting step! There’s a lot of potential for growth with this role with more sustained fundraising efforts, and it would be a great opportunity for the right person! You’d really get to build something important here. I can’t wait to see who’s meant for this job!

📢 406 Pride is looking for an Executive Director! This position will start at 15 hours a week, and will play a key role in managing our volunteer program, coordinating events, and more. Want to be part of a vibrant, growing organization with a great mission? Apply today! https://www.406pride.org/hiring

08/30/2026

I had a busy summer, so I may be posting this a bit late, but it NEEDS To be shared. I knew Gordon McConnell was a big deal, but after getting to talk with him to learn about his life and his art, I walked away realizing he's an absolute icon. The evolution of his art, his inspirations, and his style tell his story best, and it was an honor to capture it in this article. Please take a minute to read about him from the July issue of Simply Local Magazine at the link in my bio.

What happens when an artist spends decades painting the American West while also questioning the myths that shaped it? Simply Local sits down with renowned Montana artist Gordon McConnell to talk about western films, horses, memory, movement, and the emotional complexity beneath the cowboy image so....

08/29/2026

I started writing for Simply Local Magazine by chance, through a job, but over the past few years, it's really become something that gives me so much purpose. I wish I could tell the little girl who always wanted to be a writer for magazines that one day she would find her place. Although it's a small part of what I do professionally these days, it holds big meaning for me. All the people I've gotten to meet. All the stories I've been able to tell of those who trusted me to share their lives. It has been such an honor, and I learn so much from every human I meet and every article I write. When someone says, "No one has ever told my story like this before," I know I'm doing what I'm meant to do. 🖤