Inspired Island

Robin Pollard is the woman behind Vashon's newest cafè, Pollard Coffee. Robin spent many years promoting Washington's tourism and wine industries, serving as the state's tourism director and then executive director of the Washington State Wine Commission. But having grown up on a farm in Iowa, Robin found herself yearning to grow something of her own. Today, Robin is a celebrated coffee roaster, vineyard owner, and wine maker. Join us to hear how Robin's parents inspired her to become an entrepreneur and start her brand "Pollard Per Se", how she taught herself to roast coffee beans and start a vineyard, and the story behind Pollard Coffee!

Pollard Per Se's website: www.pollardperse.com

Pollard Per Se's Instagram: www.instagram.com/pollardperse/

This week, we get to know Jeff Hoyt! Voice of Vashon listeners know Jeff as co-host of the Morning Scramble on Thursdays and also from the popular Hoytus Interruptus. But what you might not know is that Jeff is a top-tier voice actor who is heard by people around the world! Jeff's voice can be heard in radio and television ads, web videos, films, online learning courses, and audiobooks. Join us to hear how Jeff's passion for radio started at a young age, and how he eventually found a career using his voice. Jeff also shares his favorite memories from Vashon Island, including running the popular "Church of Great Rain" live comedy variety show and helping to raise the radio tower for KVSH's emergency alert system.

Jeff's website: http://worldofhoyt.com

In this episode, we meet Vashon’s resident philosopher and mythologist Michael Meade! Michael is a renowned storyteller and author, tapping into ancient myths and ancestral sources of wisdom to help us see the world today.

Michael is the founder of Mosaic Voices, a nonprofit that is dedicated to community healing by supporting and educating at-risk youth, refugees, combat veterans, and communities in need.

Join us to hear how Michael got involved in street gangs while growing up in New York City, and how a gift Michael received on his thirteenth birthday changed the course of his life. Michael explains why he believes facts alone never tell the full truth, how facing and healing one’s wounds can often uncover one’s purpose in life, and why he loves those bumper stickers calling to “Keep Vashon Weird.”

In this episode, we meet Stacey Hinden! As director of the Vashon Wilderness Program, Stacey is passionate about connecting people to the natural world and to themselves. A native New Yorker, Stacey describes what it was like to move from the Big Apple to Vashon Island. When she arrived here, Stacey was inspired by a program once run by the Wilderness Awareness School (WAS). But when WAS could no longer serve Vashon, Stacey and others stepped up to create what is now the Vashon Wilderness Program. Stacey discusses the theory behind “coyote mentoring,” the many benefits of connecting with nature, and why she loves Vashon.

You may remember Chris Ballew as lead singer and songwriter of the popular band Presidents of the United States of America, whose hits "Lump," "Peaches," and "Kitty" climbed to the top of national music charts. But these days, Chris is making and performing music for kids and their parents under the pseudonym "Caspar Babypants." Host Grace McRae chats with Chris about how his musical style developed in childhood, his rapid rise to fame with Presidents, and how he realized that being a conventional "rock star" wasn't his passion. Chris explains how his wife Kate Endle's artwork influences his whimsical music, the story behind the name Caspar Babypants, and how Vashon Island brings him peace.

Chris' website: https://chrisballew.org/home

In this episode, we meet Chef Lia Lira of Bramble House! Lia spent much of her childhood on Vashon Island, before launching an impressive culinary career that has taken her around the world. Join us to hear how Chef Lia advanced quickly in the New York City culinary scene, what she thought about being a contestant on the television show “Top Chef”, and the full story behind Bramble House!

Bramble House: http://bramblevashon.com

Lia's Instagram: @chef_lia

In this episode, we meet Matt Lawrence of Camp Colvos Brewing! After years of experimenting brewing beer at home, Matt recently opened Camp Colvos with the help of some talented friends. While Matt already had a day job, his love for beer gave him the drive to pursue this all-consuming passion project. And since opening the Campsite taproom this past January, Camp Colvos has created quite a “buzz” on the island. Join us to hear about why Matt moved from Chicago to Vashon, his love for the Thriftway beer aisle, and how he is turning a hobby into a growing island business!

Camp Colvos website: https://campcolvos.com

Matt's Instagram: @mj_lawrence

On this episode, we meet Tina Shattuck! Tina is passionate about celebrating and connecting women and girls here on Vashon Island and beyond. Her new venture, Women Hold the Key, provides a way for women to recognize other women in their local and global community. Join host Grace McRae to hear how motherhood inspired Tina to redirect her career path, learn all the different ways Tina has supported women and girls on the island over the years, and the story and symbolism behind the beautiful “key” pendants associated with Women Hold the Key!

In this episode, we get to know Chris Austin! You may know Chris from Voice of Vashon’s The Mostly True Radio Show, where he and cohost Anneli Fogt share hilarious news stories and jokes every Sunday afternoon. But what you may not know is that Chris started his career as a dentist! When he realized that dentistry no longer inspired him, Chris kicked off a fascinating career journey that has included being a technology entrepreneur, defense contractor, and even working at The Beachcomber, Vashon's local newspaper! Join us to hear about Chris’ lifelong love for learning, cycling, and making people laugh.

This episode, Grace sits down with Susan McCabe! For many listeners of KVSH, Susan needs no introduction. For the past five years, Susan was Voice of Vashon’s Station Manager – and she’s been involved with VoV since its early days. Join us to learn how Susan’s passion for storytelling started early — and involved worms — how she first got involved in radio, and why Susan thinks Vashon is a special haven for creative people.