Exploring Washington State

Meet Alliyah Perry-

Alliyah Perry's journey began with a passion for growing and selling produce at farmers markets. However, she found this approach unsustainable due to time constraints and limited accessibility. This inspired her to conceptualize a unique idea: a grocery store where individual farmers could sell their produce without losing their farm identity. 

The vision came to life when a space in what was a coffee shop and roastery in Centralia became available. 

This store, named Farm + Flourish, has become a beacon for local farmers and producers to showcase and sell their products, staying true to their farm identity.

With a strong sense of community, Alliyah's grocery store has become a hub for local producers, offering a wide range of products that cater to the region's diverse tastes and preferences. This commitment to local sourcing and community engagement has not only received a warm reception from customers but has also set the stage for further expansion and the introduction of a deli or food service. 

Alliyah's store is a testament to the rewarding outcomes of supporting local businesses and building a stronger, more connected community.

This episode with Alliyah Perry is a captivating exploration of entrepreneurship, community engagement, and the transformative power of supporting local businesses. 

Alliyah's journey from farming and selling at local markets to creating a thriving grocery store demonstrates the profound impact that individuals can have on their communities. Her commitment to empowering local producers and fostering vibrant community events is a testament to the lasting impact of such initiatives. 

As the episode draws to a close, Alliyah leaves us with a vision for the future, one filled with growth, learning, and an unwavering dedication to her community - a vision that embodies the very essence of Exploring Washington State.

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💰Contribute to the fund raiser for Farm + Flourish

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Meet Curtis Ashby, a cool artist who paints big murals and loves bird art. Curtis talks about how mural art is big in Washington and how it brings people together.

Curtis explains that murals last a long time, like 10 to 20 years, which shows how strong this art is in Washington. He also talks about working with cities and groups like Spaceworks. This helps artists and business people team up and make their towns more colorful and fun.

He shares how he plans his art projects at the start of the year. It's neat to learn how much thought goes into making these big, beautiful murals. Curtis also likes it when his clients give him some ideas for the mural, but he adds his own touch to it. This mix makes each mural special and tells a story.

Curtis really loves birds and nature. He puts this love into his art as a way to remember his grandma. This makes his murals even more special and meaningful.

Curtis talks about a big project he did near Tacoma Community College. It was tough to get it all set up, but he worked with the community and made it happen. 

Curtis likes to paint with friends and help other artists. This shows how artists help each other and make their community better. He also talks about the tools and skills he uses to make his murals just right.

The podcast shows how Curtis' art is more than just painting walls. It's about stories, working together, and making places beautiful. You'll want to hear more about how Curtis and other artists are making Washington an awesome place full of art!

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👕Checkout Northwest Till Death

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**Skateboarding and a Heartwarming Mission**

Join us as we delve into Daniel Brown's intriguing journey, where he combines a love for skateboarding and a desire to give back to the community through his project "Skateboards For All." Daniel shares the inspiration behind his charity work and his vision for providing skateboarding gear to kids in need.

**A Heartfelt Mission to Empower Kids**

Discover how Daniel's project, "Skateboards For All," aims to make skateboarding a reachable and inclusive activity for all kids, providing them with access to the gear, education, and support they need. Daniel's dream is to see kids in need find joy, empowerment, and a sense of community through skateboarding.

**Skateboarding, Coffee, and Community**

Explore Daniel's multifaceted interests, from his love for skateboarding and hockey to his appreciation for the vibrant coffee culture in Seattle. Learn about his memorable experiences at local coffee spots and the impact of his first cup of coffee, Costa Rica Tres Rios, on his passion for the beverage.

**The Growth of Women's Hockey**

Dive into the world of women's hockey and its increasing popularity in the region, as Daniel shares heartwarming stories about his daughter's journey into the sport and the vibrant camaraderie he finds within the women's game. Learn about the positive impact of the Seattle Kraken and the creation of the Seattle Red Hawks team, combining the efforts of the Western Washington Female Hockey Organization and Seattle Juniors.

In conclusion, this episode featuring Daniel Brown serves as a testament to the deep-rooted connections between sports, community building, and philanthropy within the region. Thank you for tuning in to this episode.

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Skateboards 4 All

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Delve into Tom's creative journey as a fiction author and his role in Tacoma's street art project, Beautiful Angle. 

Discover the inspiration behind "The 5 Impossible Tasks of Edin Smith" and how Tom infused his late relatives' personalities into the charming characters of the book. The setting for the book is inspired by Tacoma's very own Rust Mansion.

As the conversation unfolds, Tom mesmerizes us with Tacoma's rich music history, from being an "incubator city" for budding musicians to hosting iconic performances by Nirvana and Loretta Lynn. 

Curious about Tom's writing process? He spills the beans about typing amidst bustling commutes and coffee shop buzz. 

Join us as Tom shares insights about his writing routine, the empowering experience of embracing the editing process, and the delicate art of balancing creativity with strategic book promotion.

He also sheds light on the thriving literary community and mentions top-notch independent bookstores like King's Books Tacoma and the new High Voltage Records and Books on Sixth Avenue.

Are you ready to take a refreshing plunge into the chilly waters of Puget Sound? Tom Llewellyn shares his exhilarating cold plunging experiences at a stretch of water near Jack Hyde Park. 

With a dash of humor, Tom reveals his secret to enduring 10-15 minutes in the cold water and the simple joy he finds in this invigorating ritual.

If you are a fan of Tacoma, music, books, and good conversation you need to listen to this episode.

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Tom on X (Twitter for those of you who refuse to call it X) 😎

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Meet Makenna Schwab, an inspiring college student at the University of Washington. Makenna is a resilient individual who has faced multiple surgeries due to Larson syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder. 

Despite her challenges, Makenna has not only remained positive but has also dedicated herself to fundraising for Seattle Children's Hospital through her foundation, Makspire Foundation. 

Join us as we delve into Makenna's journey, her impactful charity work, her experiences with Children's Miracle Network and Make-A-Wish, and her involvement with Camp Korey. 

From her childhood memories to her college adventures, Makenna's story is truly one of resilience, positivity, and making a difference. 

So sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Makenna's incredible journey on this episode of Exploring Washington State.

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Join us as Ryan Perkins does a dive deep into the world of USL soccer and the thriving sports scene in Olympia, WA. !

1/ First off, let's talk about OlyTown FC's epic showdown against Portland squad United PDX. The women's team brought an impressive lineup of NCAA Division 1 players, making waves in the national tournament. Their home games at South Sound Stadium drew immense community support, sparking discussions about investing in top-notch soccer facilities in the region.

2/ Despite a tough loss in the playoffs, there's massive potential for OlyTown FC's upcoming season. With early preparations underway, including recruiting, tryouts, and positive feedback from players, the team is gearing up for an even more thrilling run in 2024. Stay tuned for an action-packed two months of soccer magic!

3/ Hear some fascinating insights about the league's expansion on the West Coast, attracting top talents from Washington and Oregon. The unexpected success of the women's team elevated their standing in the national playoffs, but it also came with unforeseen expenses. The dedication and grit of the coaching staff in recruiting players from various Division I schools truly paid off!

4/ Looking beyond outdoor soccer, Ryan delved into the electrifying world of indoor soccer, highlighting its faster pace and dynamic gameplay. With a majority of players being former collegiate athletes, indoor soccer presents a fantastic opportunity for players to continue honing their skills and delighting fans with its straightforward scoring system.

5/ But it's not just about the games! OlyTown FC is deeply invested in inspiring the next generation of soccer stars through community involvement, clinics, camps, and interactions with pro athletes. The vision for the future includes developing high-caliber players and fostering a thriving sports market in the area.

6/ Now, how about a little fun fact? Did you know that OlyTown FC beat Ballard FC in the USL2 men's league national champion last year? It's local soccer triumphs like these that truly embody the spirit and passion of the community.

There you have it, folks! A captivating glimpse into the world of USL soccer and the indomitable spirit of the Olympia sports scene.

Here's to kicking off the upcoming season with a bang! ⚽️ #OlyTownFC #USLW #SoccerCommunity #SportsInspiration

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In this episode, we dive into an engaging conversation with the dynamic and driven Joey Lawrence. 

Learn about Joey's fascinating journey from a college athlete to a visionary entrepreneur, and learn about the ambitious Barreled surf park project that's making waves in Yakima, Washington.

Joey's brainchild – the Barreled Surf Park, a project that promises a thrilling experience just east of Yakima. The vision for the 5.5-acre wave pool with its 6.6 million gallons of water, adjustable wave styles, and an array of amenities like campsites, cottages, and a bar and restaurant, truly paints an enticing picture of adventure and relaxation.

Joey's unwavering dedication to his venture is evident, from the amount of time and resources he has invested in the project to navigating hurdles in securing funding. He opens up about the difficulty in fundraising, exacerbated by rising interest rates and a local downturn in the market, shedding light on the challenges faced by aspiring entrepreneurs.

The commitment to responsible environmental practices is another key aspect of the Barreled project. Joey reveals plans for a retention area to minimize water usage on the farm, illustrating an earnest effort to reduce the park's impact on the local aquifer. Additionally, the intention to limit the number of visitors per hour and obtaining a "dark skies" accreditation to mitigate light pollution underscores their conscientious approach to preserving the natural surroundings.

Beyond its promise of thrilling surf experiences, the surf park aims to be a catalyst for positive change in Yakima. Joey envisions a significant economic impact, creating year-round and seasonal job opportunities, and potentially attracting a new wave of tourism to the region. T

Find out more in this episode.

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This episode we have a special treat for all the food enthusiasts and seafood lovers out there. Join us as we dive into the world of oyster farming and culinary delights at Alderbrook Resort, featuring an exclusive interview with Executive Chef Sara Harvey.

🍽️ Sara takes us through the culinary adventures that await at Alderbrook, with a spotlight on their delectable oyster dishes, whole-fish cooking techniques, and their commitment to sourcing high-quality, locally produced ingredients. She even shares her secret of riding her Geoduck to work on sunny days! 😉

🌟Sara gives us a sneak peek into the collaboration between Alderbrook Resort and their spa director, resulting in truly unique seasonal spa experiences and a revamped menu concept. From farm-fresh produce to gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, Alderbrook strives to cater to a variety of dietary requirements and preferences while providing an unforgettable dining experience.

But that's not all! Sara also shares fascinating insights into the world of oyster farming, from the intricacies of nurturing oyster seed to the process of tending to the oyster beds. We learn about the challenges faced by oyster farmers, the positive impact of Pacific oysters on the local ecosystem, and the nuances of state regulations and ownership rights.

🌊🦪 That's a wrap on our episode featuring Sarah Harvey, the talented executive chef and oyster farmer at Alderbrook Resort & Spa. Stay tuned for more amazing guests and tantalizing tales.

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👩‍🍳 Spotlight on Chef Becky McGrath

Learn more about the talented Chef Becky McGrath and her journey to becoming the Executive Chef of Burgerville.

Growing up in a house with seven siblings Chef Becky knew from an early age that she wanted to be involved with food. She has fond memories of food being the center of good times for her family

From attending culinary school to partnering with local farmers and producers, discover how her passion for food and dedication to sourcing quality ingredients make Burgerville an exceptional dining experience.

🌟 Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Take an inside look at Burgerville's training processes, secret menu items, and even a sneak peek of what's to come. Discover how they maintain consistency while giving their crew the opportunity to contribute their creative ideas. It's all about the passion for good food at Burgerville!

🌿 Seasonal Sensations at Burgerville

Indulge your taste buds as Scott and Chef Becky discuss the creation of seasonal menu items at Burgerville. Discover how they infuse holiday flavors into customer favorites and explore their step-by-step process for introducing new dishes. Get ready to feast on the flavors of the season!

🍳 Learn about the new Burgerville Breakfast Menu

The new Burgerville breakfast menu sounds amazing! (still trying to get them to open in Wenatchee) From Breakfast sandwiches, to biscuits and gravy, and of course good coffee! Chef Becky shares the details with us.

Burgerville is a PNW legend and Chef Becky was a lot of fun to chat with. If you like good food that is locally sourced, and you are hungry then you NEED to check out Burgerville!

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