Exploring Washington State

When you are driving around Washington State do you ever look at the rocks and wonder what their story is?  Leslie Moclock and Jacob Selander have just published a book that will help you out.

Rocks, Minerals & Geology of the Pacific Northwest will explain everything you need to know about why there is a mountain here and a valley over there?  You will learn how to read the stories of the rocks, and minerals that make up Washington State.

Leslie and Jacob joined us and shared stories about their research for the book and you will find this episode full of interesting stories.   Leslie shares a story about a gold mine in Liberty Washington.  Jacob shares his pick for the best highway in Washington.  One that showcases the diversity of our states Geology.

If you've ever been to the beach and looked at the rocks, or if while driving you noticed something that you cannot quite wrap your head around this is an episode for you.

If you want other great ideas of places to visit, or to find out more about people who are making amazing things in Washington State you can visit Explore Washington State.

When you think of Ceviche, Lobster Rolls, or Barbecue do you think Spokane? Chef Chad White is on a mission to make sure you do.

This episode we chat with Chef Chad White. Spokane native, Top Chef contestant,  James Beard semifinalist, and all around nice guy.

Growing up in Spokane, joining the Navy, opening a restaurant in Tijuana, (plus a bunch of stuff you have to listen to the episode to find out about) and then coming back to his hometown Chad has lived an interesting life.

Learn about Spokane's growing food scene. Find out how Chad is growing his business and giving back to the community that supports him.

Ever had a conversation with someone and wished it did not have to end.  Well, this is one of those episodes.  I hope we will have a sequel.

 If you want other great ideas of places to visit, or to find out more about people who are making amazing things in Washington State you can visit Explore Washington State.

Have you ever had a blister while hiking?

Blisters are the worst.  Rami Nasr had a blister and it inspired him to create a sock company. From The Ground Up Socks.  Designed to be the best socks you have ever worn FTGU Socks will not disappoint.

We have a conversation with Rami about his inspiration and his journey to make socks to help you stay comfortable no matter what you are doing.  One of the great things about FTGU Socks is that they donate to the WTA (Washington Trails Association) with every purchase made. The socks are designed with images of the Cascades, Mt. Rainier, and many other popular hiking destinations.

Rami also shares some great places to grab a cup of coffee, great hikes, and a lot of other things to do and see in Washington.

Make sure you listen to this one.

If you want other great ideas of places to visit, or to find out more about people who are making amazing things in Washington State you can visit Explore Washington State.

Louise Bendall  joins us for this episode.

Louise is a DJ on KBFG FM 107.3 in North Seattle.  She  is the host  of "Local With Louise" a Friday night show that showcases Seattle area musicians.

We chat about the Seattle music scene and how musicians and music venues are navigating through the pandemic. Louise shares  some of her favorite local bands and musicians. This episode is full of great suggestions of music from Seattle to listen to.   If you are looking for some new music to listen to Local With Louise is something you need to be listening to each week.

If you want other great ideas of places to visit, or to find out more about people who are making amazing things in Washington State you can visit Explore Washington State.

Our first Foodie Friday episode!  Seattle Foodie Podcast hosts Monica and Nelson join us to talk about the Seattle food scene.

This is our 50th episode and it was a lot of fun to chat about all of the great things that are happening around Seattle when it comes to food.  I know that when I finished recording this episode I was ready to drive to Seattle and try every single place that Monica and Nelson shared with us in this episode.

If you are a fan of food you will enjoy this episode.  If you want to know more about the Seattle Foodie Podcast you can check them out here.

If you want other great ideas of places to visit, or to find out more about people who are making amazing things in Washington State you can visit Explore Washington State. 

Shelby Campbell of  Heirloom Apparel and Design is our guest on this episode.  Heirloom  is about creating wearable and stick-able art that can be a part of your daily life. 

Shelby is from Leavenworth  and she finds inspiration for her art from the abundance of beauty that surrounds her home and community.

We chat about places to go for hikes and camping in north central Washington State. Shelby shares some great places in Leavenworth to grab a cup of coffee or perhaps a tasty lunch.

Her hope is that Heirloom inspires you to live a more colorful and art-filled life.  We hope you will enjoy this episode.

If you want other great ideas of places to visit, or to find out more about people who are making amazing things in Washington State you can visit Explore Washington State. is a 

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

Lakyn Bury and Nat Nickel of Cobrahawk join us for this episode. 

Lakyn is the lead singer and Nat is the drummer for the band.   Originally Cobrahawk was a cover band but over time they began to write original music and have recently released their second album. (do we even call them albums anymore?) =)

Cobrahawk is based in Ellensburg and they had a strong following pre-COVID. Like many musical acts playing music live has changed in the last year.  We chat about their past performances and their hopes for getting out and playing live again in the near future.

We are planning on having the other members of the band join us for a future episode. Ultimately we will work to have the entire band together for another episode.  If you like Pop Punk inspired music you will love Cobrahawk.  

Help us support Washington State based creatives.  We are lucky to have such abundance of creative talent in this state.  You can listen to Cobrahawk by visiting their website.

If you want other great ideas of places to visit, or to find out more about people who are making amazing things in Washington State you can visit Explore Washington State.

Madison Ford joins the podcast to chat about Kittitas County. Madison is the Director of Tourism and Events for the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce. During our conversation we chat about a wide range of topics.

Kittitas County has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. From skiing at Snoqualmie Pass to boating on the Columbia River at Vantage you will find something for the whole family. Looking for fine dining? perhaps some wine tasting? Kittitas County will not disappoint.

Find out about things to do in Cle Elum, Roslyn, Vantage, Ellensburg and more in this episode.

Madison will have you planning your next staycation in Washington State, this time in Kittitas County.

If you want other great ideas of places to visit, or to find out more about people who are making amazing things in Washington State you can visit Explore Washington State.

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

Toby Hanson joins the podcast to talk about his musical career as an accordion player. From an early age Toby was studying music. A family member would play an accordion at family gatherings.  Since Toby was not big enough to play an accordion at that time he started in music by playing Piano. After graduation with a bachelors degree in music Toby has had an interesting career as a professional musician.

Performing in multiple Social Dance Music Bands Toby keeps busy.  From Swing music, to Polka, even a Cafe Orchestra his piano and accordion talents are in demand in  Washington State.

We wrap the episode up with a live performance of Just Because.

If you want other great ideas of places to visit, or to find out more about people who are making amazing things in Washington State you can visit Explore Washington State.

Exploring Washington State Podcast Episode 45.

Karla Kelly joins us to have a conversation about Birding in Washington State.  Karla is an Avian Field Technician with Ecostudies Institute. In this weekend we chat about Birding in Washington State. Karla's job has her studying birds on the prairies of South Puget Sound.

If you want other great ideas of places to visit, or to find out more about people who are making amazing things in Washington State you can visit Explore Washington State.