Exploring Washington State

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.

Chris Voigt ate nothing but potatoes for 60 days—and it wasn’t a gimmick. Learn why, and discover how Washington’s potatoes became world-class. From tater tots to policy fights, this episode digs deep into one of the state’s most iconic crops. A surprising and satisfying listen for food and farming fans.

Paul Tolmé of Cascade Bicycle Club joins us to talk epic Washington bike rides, bold advocacy, and how the club is transforming lives—one pedal at a time. From the STP to food rescue by bike, this episode goes way beyond the handlebars. Tune in and get inspired.

Jennifer Hackett, founder of Northwest Portal, shares how she built a statewide recreation map featuring over 20,000 trails, parks, and outdoor sites. From fire closures to off-leash dog areas and seasonal access info, learn how thoughtful mapping helps people explore Washington with confidence and curiosity.

She didn’t grow up swirling wine glasses—Hailey Bohlman just wanted to travel. But a trip to Spain lit the spark, and now she’s helping others fall in love with wine (without the snobbery). We talk about starting Cork & Fizz, going from comp-sci to cabernet, and why Washington wine is worth exploring—no decoder ring required

Behind the Scenes at the Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival

Rochelle Robinson joins us to talk about the ninth annual Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival in Bellingham. From her work on the board to her passion for storytelling, Rochelle shares what makes this unique celebration of women-directed films so impactful. 

We also dive into her work with Hamlet Literary Journal, community writing, favorite local spots in Bellingham—and yes, we end with the all-important debate: cake or pie?

What happens when musical chemistry sneaks up on you—and never lets go? In this episode, Scott sits down with Jessiand Jared Fredeen, the heart and soul of Tacoma’s genre-defying band Champagne Sunday. 

From meeting in a California restaurant to building a life of music, love, and relentless connection, the duo shares stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. 

 They talk about creating a band and a marriage, performing over 2,000 shows, and pouring their souls into their 10th—and most personal—album yet. If you’ve ever questioned whether passion can power a lifelong career, this one’s for you.

Seattle’s cherry blossoms are more than just a stunning spring spectacle—they’re part of a rich history, a scientific research project, and a race against time. 🌿

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of UW’s iconic cherry trees with Marlee Theil, sustainability coordinator and lead researcher for the Cherry Tree Phenology Project. Marlee and her student volunteers are tracking each bloom stage to predict peak bloom, uncover the long-term effects of climate change, and preserve these legendary trees for future generations.

But here’s the twist—the origin story of these trees is a mystery. Were they really a gift from Japan? Were they rescued from a construction project? Or were they planted as part of a secret New Deal initiative? We’ll explore the theories, the science, and why some trees are on borrowed time.

You’ll also hear:

✅ How climate change is shifting peak bloom dates 🌎

✅ The hidden spots on UW’s campus for the best cherry blossom photos 📸

✅ Why Tacoma’s cherry blossoms bloom at a different time than Seattle’s 🤯

✅ What’s being done to ensure these trees thrive for years to come

Whether you’re a cherry blossom fanatic, a nature lover, or just looking for an excuse to visit UW’s campus, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🔊 Hit play now and get the inside story of Seattle’s most famous blooms! 🌸🎙️

In this Exploring Washington State Podcast episode, Scott sits down with returning guest Jessica Alexanderson, also known as Scuba Jess. While she’s usually diving deep into Washington’s waters, today she’s surfacing with an urgent mission: collecting two million aluminum cans to help schools nationwide.

Jessica shares how this national recycling contest is making a difference, from funding playgrounds to providing school lunches. With 18 schools across 12 states competing, every can counts! She also looks inside at scrapyards, the aluminum recycling process, and how Washingtonians can get involved.

But that’s not all—Jessica talks about her latest scuba diving adventures, the odd treasures she’s found underwater, and the unexpected places her recycling mission has taken her, including NASCAR and the Smithsonian.

Tune in to learn how you can help turn trash into treasure while supporting local schools!

Kells Irish Pub isn’t just a bar—it’s a Seattle institution. 

Join Patrick Pearse McAleese as he shares the history, stories, and legacy of this iconic pub, from its deep Irish roots to its lasting impact on the community. 

 Discover what makes Kells a beloved gathering place for generations.