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
• Why the Museum of Flight quietly attracts more visitors than any other attraction in Washington State (yes, even more than Pike Place)
• 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.

When Daisey James picked up a disc during COVID, she didn’t plan on building a movement. Now, she’s the co-owner of Far From Par, president of the Whatcom Disc Golf Club, and the unofficial “lost disc” hero of Bellingham — having reunited over 2,200 lost discs with their owners.

But this story isn’t about frisbees.

It’s about how a simple, accessible sport created a ripple effect of community, stewardship, and connection in a town where outdoor culture runs deep. From cleaning up abandoned lots to transforming them into public disc golf courses, to building a retail shop that feels like a local hub, Daisey’s journey is as much about people as it is about play.

We talk disc golf 101 (yes, Scott still asks the beginner questions), the quirks of Bellingham’s disc scene, and the power of saying “yes” to your local community.

If you’ve ever wondered how a hobby turns into a passion, and a passion turns into purpose—this one’s for you.

“I just loved fishing.” That simple passion sparked a journey that led Sean Visintainer from a Spokane kid casting in the backyard to the owner of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected fly shops—Silver Bow Fly Shop.

In this episode, Sean shares how he turned his love for the water into a thriving business rooted in community, curiosity, and calm leadership. You’ll hear about:

• The early days of Silver Bow and how it grew into a 50,000-item fly fishing shop
• Sean’s no-micromanage, no-burnout approach to running a business
• The rhythms of life in Spokane and how they shape the shop
• His philosophy on staying small, staying local, and staying true

Whether you fish or not, this is a story about following what you love, building something lasting, and letting passion guide the work.

What do craft breweries, vineyards, and city parks have in common with saving wild salmon? This episode explores how Salmon Safe is reshaping land use across the Pacific Northwest through voluntary conservation.

Learn how farmers, developers, and even college campuses are changing practices to protect clean water, restore habitat, and reduce chemical runoff—without regulatory mandates. Brian Muegge, Farm Program Manager at Salmon Safe, shares stories from the field and explains how certification connects what we drink, build, and grow to the health of our rivers.

It’s a conversation about practical impact, regional resilience, and how small choices across thousands of acres are making a difference—one stream, one field, one partner at a time.

What happens when a quiet forest meets bold imagination? The Price Sculpture Forest on Whidbey Island blends nature and creativity in a way that’s both unexpected and unforgettable.

Scott Price shares how a simple idea to preserve forested land evolved into a community-powered haven for outdoor art, discovery, and wonder. From saving trees to showcasing sculpture in the wild, this is the story of a vision that took root and continues to grow.

Ideal for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and curious minds alike.

This episode we’re talking Snowy Plovers, parks, and prairie remnants with Andrea Thorpe, PhD, Natural Resource Program Manager for Washington State Parks. From her childhood in Oregon to protecting Washington’s wild places, Andrea shares stories of endangered species, unsung park heroes, and how a rough-skinned newt stole her heart. You’ll also get hidden park picks, Olympia food tips, and one very important reason to keep your dog leashed on the beach this summer.