During peak summer season, Lake Chelan State Park can host nearly a thousand campers every night. Behind the scenes, that responsibility falls on one park manager.

In this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast, I sit down with Brian Frahm, the park manager at Lake Chelan State Park, to talk about what it actually takes to operate one of Washington’s busiest state parks. Brian oversees daily operations, staff, safety, and law enforcement across the entire park — responsibilities most visitors never see.

We talk about the reality of seasonal staffing, what happens when the park reaches capacity, wildlife encounters, emergency incidents, and how quickly the quiet of spring turns into full-blown summer chaos. Brian also shares what it’s like to raise a family in a state park and why the slower shoulder seasons are when Lake Chelan really shows its character.

This conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people and systems that make Washington’s state parks work — and why they deserve more appreciation than they often get.

If you love spending time outdoors in Washington, this episode will give you a new perspective the next time you pull into a full campground.

Spokane Built the Dodgers Dynasty

Show Notes:

Author and researcher Eric Vickrey returns to the Exploring Washington State Podcast with a story most baseball fans have never heard — how Spokane helped build the future Dodgers dynasty.

In his new book, Before They Wore Dodger Blue, Eric uncovers the overlooked role the Inland Northwest played in shaping the players, culture, and leadership that would later define one of the most successful eras in Major League Baseball. From the seismic 1968 MLB Draft to the 1970 Spokane Indians, this episode connects the dots between a small Northwest city and a national baseball powerhouse.

We dig into:

• Why the 1968 draft was a turning point for the Dodgers
• How Spokane became a developmental forge for future MLB stars
• The early version of Tommy Lasorda—before the legend
• Player stories that reveal who these athletes were before the spotlight
• What modern baseball can learn from this forgotten era
• Why this Washington chapter deserves recognition

Whether you’re a baseball die-hard, a Washington history fan, or simply love a great origin story, this is an episode that reframes what you think you know about the Dodgers — and shines a light on Spokane’s rightful place in baseball history.

Guest: Eric Vickrey

Book: Before They Wore Dodger Blue

Website: ericvickrey.com

Ever wondered what really happens behind the scenes at one of Washington’s most visited state parks? In this episode, Park Ranger Kevin Leese shares what he sees every day at Wallace Falls that most visitors completely overlook.

From seasonal crowd patterns and trail management to the unexpected challenges that come with keeping a high-traffic park running smoothly, Kevin sheds light on the work that keeps Wallace Falls accessible year-round. You’ll also hear a ranger’s perspective on lesser-known areas, changing trail conditions, and what makes this park such a standout in the Cascade foothills.

Whether you’ve hiked Wallace Falls dozens of times or it’s still on your list, this conversation gives you a deeper appreciation for the place and the people who care for it.

What happens when you shine a spotlight on the wonderfully odd, the creatively brave, and the musicians who refuse to fit the mold?

In this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast, we sit down with founder Rachel Crick and photographer Chris Pugh from As Many Weirdos As Possible — a project that celebrates the artists who make the Northwest music scene vibrant, unpredictable, and unapologetically unique.

We talk about the beauty of standing out, what “weird” really means in a world obsessed with trends, and how individuality fuels authentic art. This isn’t about shock value — it’s about honesty, expression, and the people who remind us that Washington’s creative heartbeat has always been a little unconventional.

Remember, there’s always more to explore — especially in the wonderfully weird corners of our music scene.

Stories shape how we explore the Northwest, and some of the region’s most memorable outdoor books start at Mountaineers Books. In this episode, Editor-in-Chief Kate Rogers joins us to share how adventure, community, and curiosity guide the publishing process.

Kate talks about finding writers who care deeply about place, what makes a great outdoor story, and how meaningful books can inspire people to get outside and take care of the lands they love. From idea to printed page, she breaks down the journey with honesty and encouragement.

Whether you daydream about writing your own outdoor book, love Northwest trail culture, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at a cornerstone of our outdoor community, this conversation offers inspiration and insight for anyone who feels most at home outside.

What does it take to finally pursue your dream after 15 years of waiting?

Joe Giampietri spent a decade and a half working in grocery stores, always knowing he wanted something else. This summer, he's living his dream—his first season as the park ranger at Curlew Lake State Park.

Located just 20 miles from the Canadian border in Ferry County, Curlew Lake is one of Washington's most remote state parks. It's the kind of place where rangers stay for decades—since 1958, only four people have held Joe's position. Now Joe's joining that legacy, and he's figuring out why they stay so long.

In this conversation, Joe shares his journey from a summer at Yellowstone as a teenager to grocery store management to finally becoming a ranger. We discuss what it's like managing 80 campsites with a three-person crew, why the "closed for winter" signs are misleading (ice fishermen, take note), and what makes this corner of Washington special—from 50-million-year-old fossils to tiger muskie fishing. Joe also reveals his plans for winter snowshoe programs and why campsite #36 has the best view in the park.

Ready to discover a corner of Washington most people drive past? Listen now to meet the ranger who's been waiting 15 years to show it to you.

Is SeaTac just an airport? Is Tukwila just a mall? Not even close.

In this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast, host Scott Cowan welcomes Mark Everton, President and CEO of Explore Seattle Southside, for a surprising deep dive into a region most people only pass through.

Mark breaks down the magic of “micro adventures” easy, unexpected experiences designed for curious locals and time-crunched travelers alike. You’ll hear about:

• A world-class coffee culture where $1.50 Ethiopian brews and bubble tea tasting flights coexist
• The Maury Island Incident, a little-known UFO case older than Roswell—with the first U.S. “Man in Black” sighting
• App-guided trails that lead you to 24 bubble tea shops within 2 miles of the airport—plus happy hours and UFO hotspots

Whether you’ve lived here for decades or have a long layover ahead, this episode will change how you see Seattle’s southside.

🎙 Guest: Mark Everton, President & CEO, Explore Seattle Southside

This third episode in the Tri-Cities Ironman series features Claude Brun, a French-American triathlete who has made the Tri-Cities race an annual tradition. Originally from France and now living in Seattle, Claude has completed 10 triathlons this year alone and is chasing his goal of breaking the 5-hour barrier at this year's Tri-Cities Ironman.

Claude shares what makes the Tri-Cities race special - from the fast-flowing Columbia River that cuts swim times by minutes to the wine country celebration opportunities that follow. As past president of the Seattle Triathlon Group, he's bringing teammates from his club to compete alongside the 2,500 other athletes tackling the challenging course.

Discover the unique elements that draw athletes back to the Tri-Cities year after year: the downstream swim advantage, the scenic bike route through Washington wine country, and the post-race traditions that include visits to local wineries. Claude also opens up about his training regimen, recovery strategies, and the logistical challenges of traveling internationally with high-end racing equipment.

Whether you're curious about endurance sports, planning a visit to the Tri-Cities area, or simply enjoy hearing stories of personal challenge and achievement, this episode offers an insider's perspective on one of Washington State's premier athletic events.

Part of the Exploring Washington State podcast's special series on the Tri-Cities Ironman.

What does it take to redefine the identity of a region? Kevin Lewis joins Scott to talk about Tri-Cities’ evolution—from landing the IRONMAN competition to the power of storytelling, collaboration, and vision. It’s a candid conversation on what makes communities thrive and how to shape a lasting narrative.

What does it really take to train, fuel, and push through 70.3 miles? Athlete & coach Jennifer Comfort shares her raw, behind the scenes look at the Tri Cities Ironman from first timer jitters to race day breakthroughs. Expect grit, laughs, and stories you will not hear anywhere else.