Brooke Lizotte is my guest for this episode.

Brooke is a keyboard player with a resume too long to share here. One Sunday afternoon I sat down with Brooke in a recording studio in Seattle.

I was introduced to Brooke by Raymond Hayden. Ray shared with me that Brooke is one of his mentors and that I would find him to be an enjoyable guest to have on the show. Ray really missed the mark. Brooke is perhaps one of the most enjoyable people I have ever had the chance to interview.

Brooke started taking piano lessons at a young age. Throughout school Brooke was always enjoying playing piano and performed in a number of bands and productions.  He attended Green River College where he performed with the schools award winning jazz band.

After college Brooke played in many bands in the greater Seattle area eventually his bands opened for national acts such as Bob Marley, The Tubes, Bootsy Collins, The Ohio Players and many more.... I am purposely leaving names off the list, you have to listen to find out more.

Brooke moved to LA to continue his musical journey working in the movie and tv industry.  He also opened a coffee shop in LA . The stories from the coffee shop are must listen stories.

Eventually Brooke ended up in Europe and continued his musical career.  Family brought him back to Seattle where he is now living again.

For over 200 days straight Brooke has performed live on Facebook from the recording studio he oversees.  These Morning Rendezvous shows often go for over an hour and attract an audience from around the world.

Meet Brooke Lizotte. Keyboard player, storyteller, world traveler. Listen to his music on his YouTube channel or Tune into his Morning Rendezvous on Facebook.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.   

Meet Daniel and Tanya the emergency room RN's that own Goldendale Reindeer.

This episode was recorded on location at their farm in Goldendale Washington.

The story of how Tanya and Daniel came to owning a Reindeer farm is quite interesting.  Listen to find out more of the details.

If you are interested in finding our more about Goldendale Reindeer you can visit their website here.  On the website you can book your on personal tour that will give you 45 minutes of interaction and Reindeer education.  Prior to recording I was lucky enough to have a tour and to get a chance to feed the Reindeer.  It was quite an experience, one I will not soon forget.

Make sure you listen to the episode and then make some time to visit Goldendale and take a tour at Goldendale Reindeer.  You will find it fascinating!

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.   

We are celebrating!  Episode 150 is here!

Scott and Kenzie chat about the podcast. Sharing some of their favorite episodes, and some interesting behind the scenes stories. 

We find out Kenzie thought was crazy when he said he wanted to start a podcast.  Now with 150 published episodes see just how crazy Scott really is.  (trust us he is crazy)

Find out what the future holds for The Exploring Washington State Podcast.

It's always fun for us to chat and share our thoughts with all of you. Thanks for listening, following, and sharing our journey!

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.   

Lewis Rudd cofounder of Ezell's Famous Chicken is our guest for this episode.

Ezell's Famous Chicken opened their first location in February 1984. 38 years later there are 18 locations in Washington and Oregon.  Serving always fresh top quality chicken and their famous sides and desserts made fresh daily in each location.

Lewis shares stories about how  Ezell's was started with one location across the street from Garfield High School in Seattle. We hear about how The Seattle Seahawks and the SuperSonics both had Ezell's Chicken as their box lunches when they were traveling to their next away game.

Oprah Winfrey said that Ezell's chicken was her favorite.  Lewis tells the story of how Oprah found out about Ezell's and how they travelled to Chicago to make her favorite food for her birthday.

We hear how Ezell's gives back to the community.  Giving back is a core value to the company.  During the pandemic Ezell's delivered over 5,000 meals to front line health workers.  With Rudd's R.U.B.B. Initiative  (Raising Up Black Businesses) 20 Black owned businesses will receive no strings attached business grants.

We had a great time chatting with Lewis Rudd and we know you will enjoy hearing him share stories about the last 38 years of serving Seattle and beyond,

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.   

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ExploringWash)

James Donaldson is our guest for this episode.

James was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979 after a 4 year career at Washington State University. James played 20 years in professional Basketball.

After retiring James has been a successful business owner, tireless volunteer, and much more. During our conversation James shares stories from his time in the NBA, and from his  in volunteer work across Washington State.

After a major health setback James dealt with significant depression and had  thoughts of suicide.  He was able to recover by building a team around him to help provide structure and support.  James was able to draw from his sports career and saw the power in teamwork.  After months of hard work James was able to realize it was better to hang in there.

James has created a non-profit foundation Your Gift of Life Foundation that is a voice to an advocate and voice for mental health and suicide prevention.  The foundations objectives are.

• To Raise Awareness About Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
• To Raise Money to Contribute to Like-Minded and Like-Hearted Efforts
• To Provide Scholarships to Students of Color and International Students Going Into the Mental Health Field. And also for continuing education purposes as well.
• To Have James on an Ongoing Basis, Speaking About Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Issues.

Find out more about James Donaldson and his journey is this episode. James is an inspiring storyteller and truly passionate about helping the less fortunate in Washington State and beyond.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.   

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ExploringWash)

Amanda Milholland is our guest on this episode.

Amanda is the Market Manager/Director of the Jefferson County Farmers Markets.  Jefferson County has two farmers markets one in Port Townsend and one in Chimacum.

The Port Townsend farmer market is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Amanda shares with us that some of the vendors have been at the market for 30 years. Talk about longevity. We find out some of the ways the Port Townsend Farmers Market has grown over the course of the past 30 years.  Currently the hours of operation for the Port Townsend market are  Saturdays APRIL 2-DECEMBER 17, 9AM TO 2PM. The market is located at 650 Tyler Street, from Tyler and Lawrence Streets to Tyler and Clay Streets.

The Chimacum Farmers Market was first started in 2008. Currently the market is in operation   Sundays, June-October from 10 am to 2 pm. The market is located within walking distance of the actual farms of some of the vendors. You will be so close to the source of your food you can walk to the farm from the market!  The market is located at 9122 Rhody Drive, Chimacum WA. This is the only four way stop in Chimacum so it is super easy to find.

During our conversation we chat about the distinct personalities of the two markets and how they both serve their communities.  Amanda explains how the markets provide services to help their neighbors in need by accepting EBT, WIC and providing matching funds to help make the funds go farther.

We learn about the BIPOC Start-Up Business Fund. The fund is intended to help reduce some of the barriers that may  impact the inclusion of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) in their markets. Through the fund, JCFM provides small grants to new BIPOC-owned farmers market businesses to support them during their first market season in acquiring some of the materials and permits needed for market participation.

We hope you enjoy this conversation about Farmers Markets and how they contribute to the fabric of the local community.  Amanda was a wonderful guest and we learned a lot from her. You will find other farmers market episode coming soon.  If you have a recommendation of a farmers market we should interview please let us know.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.   

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ExploringWash)

Evan Maynard is our guest for this episode.  Evan is the founder of Gearhouse a outdoor gear rental company based in Seattle.

Have you ever rented outdoor equipment? Did you find the experience to be enjoyable? Was the gear what you were hoping it would be? Were you shown how to use the equipment? If you answered no to any of the above Gearhouse is here to help change your opinion.

Evan Maynard opened Gearhouse to help provide everyone looking to experience the outdoors the best possible experience when it comes to renting gear. For one fixed monthly fee you can rent the gear you need as many times as you need it.  No need to buy gear that you may only use once or twice. No need to store the gear using valuable space in your house. Gearhouse has you covered.

When you rent gear from Gearhouse they walk you through how to use the equipment, how to be safe, and how to have fun!

We talk about the vision for Gearhouse and how Evan wants Gearhouse to become the third place for outdoor enthusiasts in the greater Seattle area. They are even working on getting their beer license so you can have a pint of local beer while you are chatting with other outdoor fans.

Gearhouse has a very full calendar of fun events you can attend. From watching the Olympics, to ski waxing and much more.  Make sure you check out their calendar.

Evan is so passionate about the outdoors it is simply impossible to ignore.  If you want to try Gearhouse visit the website here.  Make sure you say hello to Evan when you visit.  It looks like Gearhouse is going to be making a huge impact on how we all get out and explore our amazing region.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.   

Eric Phillips Chief Commercial Officer of Schilling Hard Cider joins us for this episode.

Eric tells us the story of Schilling Hard Cider. Schilling is the largest Cider producer in Washington State. Schilling opened in 2013 and currently is in a 36,000 sq ft manufacturing space and will be adding an additional 90,000 sq ft of manufacturing space. 

The original Schilling Ciders were a dry hopped cider. They also had a Ginger Cider, and and Oak Aged Cider. Since then they have expanded to having over a dozen different flavors with more on the way.

You know I love coffee! you have to hear the story of Grumpy Bear a nitro cold brew coffee cider! To me this sounds amazing! Alas, Schilling no longer makes the cider.......

Schilling Hard Cider was the first to can cider on the west coast. They have made the decision to sell in can vs. bottle for many reasons. Eric shares the reasoning during our conversation.

Currently Schilling has two tap houses open. One in Seattle and one in Portland. The tap houses provide a great way for the company to test products to see how the market will react.

Schilling also makes Hard Yerba Mate named Wavelike and has three flavors Mango, Lemon-Lime, and Guava. 

If you like cider you will find this episode to be full of great information about cider and how Schilling bring innovative cider to the market. Listen now.

You can checkout Schilling Hard Cider by visiting their website here.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.  Check it out today.  

Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ExploringWash)

Chloe Albin is our guest for this episode of the podcast.

Chloe is a Dancer, Choreographer, Model, Teacher, and aspiring entrepreneur who sells embroidery kits, patterns, and finished work.

Chloe grew up in the Seattle area and found dance as her passion at an early age.  After high school she attended Chapman University.  Returning to Seattle Chloe has been deeply involved in the dance community.

During our conversation Chloe shares stories about her career as a dancer and performer including appearing in BenDeLaCremes's  film The Jinx & DeLa Holiday Special.  We chat about teaching children, choreographing musicals for local high schools and more.

What goes with dance? If you guessed embroidery you would be right!  HelloChloeMarie is Chloe's brand for embroidery items that she sells online and at local makers markets in the Seattle are.  We talk about how she started with embroidery and how she finds the creative process so rewarding.

Chloe is a lot of fun to listen and if you're a fan of dance and theater you will love this episode!

Make sure you check out Chloe's site here.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.  

Ed Beeson is back for a second episode. In this episode we talk about his company Gigs4U which is the agency that books musical acts at SeaTac Airport.

Ed was our guest on Episode 130 and we talked about his earlier career as the owner of The Backstage in Ballard and as a promoter of concerts throughout Seattle and the Puget Sound.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.