On this episode of If Not Now, When?, WE sit down with Blue Stiley—motivational speaker, mentor, and host of the Navigating No podcast—for a powerful conversation about rejection, resilience, and what it really means to lead with vulnerability.

From his early years training in martial arts to building a successful fitness business in Seattle, publishing his first book The Sum of 4, and now speaking on stages across the country, Blue has spent his life leaning into challenge and turning setbacks into growth. In this episode, we talk about the “no’s” that shaped him, the mentors that changed his life, and the moment he decided to stop waiting for permission and start showing up fully.

If you’ve ever struggled with failure, questioned your next step, or wondered what your “If Not Now, When?” moment might look like, this one’s for you.

If Not Now, When? is back — and we’re kicking off this new chapter with a conversation that helped shape the show from the beginning.

In this relaunch episode, Brennon sits down with longtime friend and creative collaborator Josh Hissong — co-founder of HDG Architecture and one of the driving forces behind Spokane’s design-forward momentum. Together, they reflect on what’s changed over the past six months, where the podcast is headed, and how If Not Now, When? is shifting focus toward the people building Spokane’s future from the ground up.

This isn’t just a catch-up — it’s a reintroduction. We dive into Josh’s journey as an entrepreneur, his “If Not Now, When?” moment, and what it means to take a leap on something you believe in. If you’re passionate about community, creativity, and betting on yourself — this one’s for you.

New episodes drop monthly on the If Not Now, When? and Spokast feeds.

On this episode of If Not Now, When?, we sit down with Emilie Cameron, President & CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership, to talk about the future of Spokane’s urban core. Emilie brings years of experience in city-building and revitalization—from Sacramento to Spokane—and shares her perspective on how we can create a more vibrant, welcoming, and walkable downtown.

We discuss the importance of local businesses, housing access, civic engagement, and what it really takes to build a thriving downtown community. Emilie also gives us a look ahead at the upcoming State of Downtown & Awards event, happening Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Spokane Convention Center, featuring keynote speaker Peter Kageyama, author of For the Love of Cities.

If you care about the future of downtown Spokane—or just love hearing how leaders are working to build stronger communities—this one’s for you. Learn more and get involved at downtownspokane.org.

On this episode of If Not Now, When?, we sit down with Gonzaga legend and community leader Matt Santangelo to dive into his journey from standout point guard to a key figure in Spokane’s basketball culture. As a leader of the 1998-99 Zags team that made history with Gonzaga’s first-ever NCAA Tournament run, Matt helped lay the foundation for decades of success. But his impact extends far beyond the court.

After his playing days, Matt dedicated himself to growing Spokane’s basketball scene, serving as the former Executive Director of Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and playing a major role in the development of Hooptown USA. His work has helped cement Spokane as a true basketball city, inspiring generations of athletes and bringing the community together through the game he loves.

Whether you’re a die-hard Zags fan or just someone who loves Spokane, this conversation is packed with insights, stories, and a deep appreciation for the city’s hoops culture. Don’t miss it!

On today’s episode of If Not Now, When?, we’re thrilled to welcome Alex Ekins, co-owner of Fern Plant Shop—a business that has blossomed into a beloved staple for plant lovers across Spokane and beyond. From humble beginnings as a handmade jewelry and Etsy shop to opening three thriving locations, including their newest space in Downtown Spokane, Alex and his partner Amy have built more than just a business—they’ve cultivated a vibrant, green-spirited community.

In this conversation, we dive into the journey of starting and growing Fern Plant Shop, the importance of creating spaces that bring people together, and the challenges and opportunities of being a small business owner in Spokane. Alex shares insights on navigating the evolving downtown scene, balancing entrepreneurship with life in the Inland Northwest, and why plants are more than just décor—they’re about connection, care, and community.

Welcome back to the If Not Now, When? podcast! Today, we’re joined by Luke Baumgarten—a writer, community organizer, and lifelong Spokanite who has made a lasting impact on the city’s creative and cultural landscape. From co-founding the arts nonprofit Terrain to launching RANGE, a community-focused news organization, Luke has been at the forefront of fostering creativity and telling important stories throughout the Inland Northwest.

In this episode, we dive into Luke’s journey, from his time growing up in North Spokane and attending Gonzaga University to his ongoing efforts in community building and journalism. His work with RANGE aims to bring fresh perspectives and amplify the voices of those often left out of traditional media, adding a new dimension to how stories are told in Spokane.

We’ll also explore Luke’s vision for the future of Spokane, the importance of urban spaces that inspire connection, and how creativity and journalism can shape a more inclusive and vibrant community. 

On this episode of If Not Now, When?, we sit down with Chef Chad White, a celebrated culinary innovator and proud Spokanite. Known for his time on Top Chef and his celebrated restaurants across San Diego and Tijuana, Chad’s return to Spokane in 2015 sparked an exciting chapter for the city’s dining scene.

We explore Chad’s journey back home, including the inspiration behind his downtown ceviche bar, Zona Blanca, and the challenges he faced running a restaurant amidst rising costs and public safety concerns. Chad also opens up about his newest project, Trail Feast—an off-road dining adventure that merges his passion for food with the great outdoors.

Join us as we dive into Chad’s reflections on Spokane’s evolving culinary landscape, the importance of community support, and what the future holds for one of the city’s most passionate chefs.

On this episode of the If Not Now When podcast, we sit down with Jim Frank, founder of Greenstone Homes and a pioneer in Spokane’s real estate development. Jim has dedicated his career to transforming the city's landscape, creating sustainable and connected communities like the iconic Kendall Yards. With deep roots in Spokane and a background in engineering and law, Jim has been instrumental in driving thoughtful urban growth across the region.

We dive into Jim’s remarkable journey, discussing the evolution of Spokane's housing market, the importance of smart urban design, and his vision for the city's future. Whether you're interested in community development, real estate, or just curious about how Spokane continues to grow and change, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of urban living. Tune in to hear how Jim's work has shaped Spokane’s landscape and what’s next for the city.

Jon Neill, the Executive Director of the Community Cancer Fund and a passionate advocate for Spokane's running community. Jon's journey through life and his dedication to giving back to the community truly exemplify the spirit of Spokane. Growing up in Pullman, Washington, Jon's love for running was ignited in high school, leading him to Gonzaga University, where he immersed himself in Spokane's rich running culture.

Upon arriving in Spokane, Jon quickly integrated into the community, building relationships and volunteering at races and events. His dedication to community building culminated in the creation of The Boulevard Race, a fall event that showcases Spokane's scenic streets and landmarks while fostering a sense of community. The inaugural race was a huge success, featuring a meticulously planned course with cheer zones and marching bands, creating a thrilling and heartwarming experience for participants.

Looking ahead, Jon envisions a bright future for both the Community Cancer Fund and The Boulevard Race, blending entertainment with fundraising to foster deep community engagement. As we dive into our conversation with Jon, you'll hear about his journey and the exciting plans for the upcoming Boulevard Race on September 22nd. So, whether you're a runner, a volunteer, or simply a supporter, there's a place for you in this incredible community. Let's jump in and hear more about Jon Neill's inspiring journey and the future of The Boulevard Race and the Community Cancer Fund.

Sign up for the Boulevard Race at the following link, boulevardrace.com

Brandon Haugen is the Executive Director of Real Estate for the Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority and a lifelong Spokane resident dedicated to transforming our city. Brandon’s journey began as a valet at Northern Quest Resort & Casino and has evolved into leading significant development projects throughout Spokane.

With a background in planning from the University of Wyoming and an MBA focused on American Indian entrepreneurship from Gonzaga University, Brandon brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to his role. His work extends beyond real estate, having served as President of the West Plains Chamber of Commerce and as a board member of the Spokane Sports Commission.

Brandon’s commitment to creating phenomenal community spaces and his vision for making Spokane a true destination makes him an inspiring guest on If Not Now, When.