Amy Gamerman - The Crazies

Amy Gamerman - The Crazies

From A Book with Legs by Smead Capital Management

February 16, 2026 · 1h 10m · Season 4 · Episode 433

About this episode

This episode discusses the conflict surrounding a proposed wind farm in Montana and its cultural implications.

How much trouble could a wind farm cause? Turns out, a lot. When Rick Jarrett decided to capitalize on strong gusts around his land in Big Timber, Montana, the prospect of a wind farm in the shadow of the Crazy Mountains upset hyper-wealthy neighbors who were more concerned about property aesthetics than multi-generation locals looking to make a living. It also caught the attention of Crow Tribe activists, for whom the Crazy Mountains held deep cultural significance. In this week's episode of A Book with Legs Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead is joined by Amy Gamerman, author of “The Crazies: The Cattleman, the Wind Prospector, and a War Out West." Gamerman has written about real estate and culture for The Wall Street Journal for more than two decades. Her work has earned multiple awards from the National Association of Real Estate Editors and has appeared in Vogue, Redbook, and Departures. She attended Yale University and King’s College, Cambridge.

People in this episode

Host: Cole Smead

Guest: Amy Gamerman

Topics covered

  • wind farm
  • real estate
  • cultural significance
  • local economy
  • environmental impact

Keywords

  • wind farm
  • Montana
  • Crazy Mountains
  • real estate
  • Crow Tribe
  • Amy Gamerman
  • Cole Smead

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Wall Street Journal, Crow Tribe, Vogue, Redbook, Departures

Books & works: The Crazies: The Cattleman, the Wind Prospector, and a War Out West

Places: Big Timber, Montana, Crazy Mountains, Yale University, King’s College, Cambridge

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