At-homish

In this deeply moving episode of At-Homish: Creating Spaces Where We Belong, host Wil Johnson sits down with two remarkable community leaders - Laurie Barbosa and Erica Knapp - for an honest conversation about finding belonging after profound challenges.

Content Warning: This episode discusses heavy topics including domestic violence, suicide, and abuse. Resources are provided.

Lori, a 20-year city employee and community advocate, shares her journey navigating cultural identity as a Mexican-Costa Rican American in Washington state, while Erica, an Arlington school board member and artist, opens up about escaping a cult at 25 and rebuilding her life from scratch.

Key Conversations Include:

• The power of bystander training and community intervention
• Overcoming cultural microaggressions and finding your voice
• Creating inclusive spaces for families with special needs
• Breaking generational trauma and choosing better for the next generation
• The difference between "fitting in" and truly belonging
• How authentic storytelling builds bridges across differences

From Ukrainian refugees to middle school conflicts, from grocery store confrontations to school board advocacy, this episode explores how two women transformed their deepest wounds into community healing. You'll hear about the "tree of life" moment that changed everything, the validation that builds trust, and why sharing our authentic selves empowers others to do the same.

Resources mentioned: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, QPR Training, Bystander Training, NAMI, VOA of Western Washington

Music Corner: Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady" and Selena's "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" - because sometimes the right song can lift you up when you need it most.

This episode reminds us that community isn't just about geography - it's about creating spaces where everyone can belong exactly as they are.

In this powerful episode of At-Homish: Creating Spaces Where We Belong, Wally Webster shares his remarkable journey from Jim Crow Alabama to founding The Access Project - a youth violence prevention program in South Snohomish County.
After deaths in 2022, Wally gathered community leaders and created a three-part intervention system that reaches at-risk teens through sports, music, and art. Learn how his organization partners with Edmonds and Everett School Districts to support expelled students and break the school-to-prison pipeline.

Get Involved: The Access Project needs tutors, mental health professionals, and community partners. Find more information at https://www.theaccessprojectwa.org/

What does it mean to truly belong somewhere? Host Wil sits down with Nick Shekeryk and Richard Porter, tourism marketing specialists for Snohomish County, to explore how we create spaces where everyone feels at home - from the bustling streets of Everett to the quiet charm of Darrington.

This honest conversation dives deep into the real challenges of belonging: strategic avoidance, navigating spaces where you might not feel welcome, and the power of authentic human connection across our diverse 2,000-square-mile county. These "creative unicorns" within government share how they're working to showcase the real stories behind our communities - not just the flashy tourism shots, but the genuine experiences that make people feel they belong.

You'll discover:

• How to approach unfamiliar spaces with curiosity instead of fear
• Why authentic storytelling creates deeper community connections than perfect marketing
• The importance of getting out of your silo and building real relationships
• How representation in media actually impacts who feels welcome
• Why being human first breaks down barriers faster than anything else

Whether you're a community leader, someone new to the area, or just passionate about creating inclusive spaces, this conversation offers practical insights on building bridges across differences. Plus, you'll get some fantastic local restaurant recommendations and the stories behind our favorite walk-up songs.

Connect with the guests: Follow the Snohomish County Placemakers Podcast and Seattle North Country on social media.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Antonia Semanskee, a social media expert known for helping thought leaders build authentic online communities. But today’s conversation goes deeper than algorithms and branding—we explore the personal side of her journey, including times she felt like she didn’t belong and how those experiences shaped her mission.

Together, we unpack what it means to create places of belonging in digital spaces and how listening is essential for inclusion. Whether you’re building a platform or just trying to find your people, this episode offers both heart and strategy for fostering real connection.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Catherine Dennis whose life and work are a testament to what it truly means to create spaces of belonging. From her work in early childhood education to launching initiatives that uplift her community, she has devoted her life to building inclusive, supportive environments where every person—especially the youngest—feels seen and valued.

But her journey didn’t stop at programs and policies. As an adoptive mother to children who don’t look like her, she has wrestled with uncomfortable truths, dismantled her own assumptions, and embraced the deep work of growth and empathy.

Together, we explore the transformative power of listening, the role of self-reflection in creating inclusive communities, and what it really takes to make people feel like they belong—not just in theory, but in everyday life.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who wants to foster more connection in your world, this episode will leave you inspired to lead with love, humility, and purpose.

In this flavorful episode, we sit down with Jeff, the owner and pitmaster behind Jeff's Texas Style BBQ, a beloved local BBQ spot that’s serving up more than just incredible brisket. We dive into his journey through the military and music to finding his calling in smoked meats and community building.

But this isn’t just a story about BBQ—it’s a conversation about equity, representation, and what it means to create a space where everyone feels welcome. Jeff reveals how his experience at his first job shaped his philosophy and why diversity in the food industry matters.

Pull up a chair, grab a plate, and join us for a rich, honest conversation about purpose, passion, and paving a path that feeds both people and progress.

In this episode, we’re chatting with the incredible United States of America, Ms. Washington—yep, the Ms. Washington—who gets real about her journey through alcohol addiction and what recovery has looked like for her. She opens up about the highs, the lows, and everything in between, including how pushing past her comfort zone completely changed her life.

If you’ve ever struggled, felt stuck, or just needed a reminder that it's never too late to start over, this episode is for you.

If you are struggling with alcohol addiction resources are available at: https://www.aa.org/

LaRae, from the Parkinson’s Wellness Place, joins us to share how she has created a space where individuals with Parkinson’s can come together to slow disease progression through specialized fitness programs. We explore how exercise, plays a crucial part in combating the physical challenges of Parkinson’s and improving overall well-being. We discuss how creating a safe, supportive space is key to helping people feel confident and empowered as they move through their journey. We discuss the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of exercise, as well as the importance of community for those living with Parkinson’s.

If you're interested in learning more or finding a wellness center near you, don't miss this uplifting conversation about the power of creating spaces where people belong.

Parkinson's Resources:
American Parkinson Disease Association
NW Parkinson's Foundation

Seattle Native, Kid Sensation drops by the At-homish podcast to talk about his experience of creating spaces where we all belong. His new book "Kings: Young Men Discovering Purpose and Shaping Their Destiny" highlights the work he is doing to create spaces for young people to learn and have the leading example to change the course of young men's lives. Join the discussion on how we are all responsible for helping people feel At-homish no matter the social environment or our backgrounds.

The situation you grew up in does not have to define the person you are now. Seth Newsome is the perfect example of this and shares the challenges he has faced in redefining himself from being an addict to being an advocate for labor unions.

If you or someone else know you are struggling with addiction know that there is support:
Washington Recovery help Line  - 866-789-1511
Cocaine Anonymous (caofwa.org)
Narcotics Anonymous