There are some things you might only be able to notice if you happen to be an insider. If you have lived in Tacoma for any extended period of time, there is a pretty good chance that you feel a bit territorial about it. It is a city that gets told that it can't measure up to Seattle. It is often associated with a certain aroma, while residents know that the smell doesn't really exist anymore, or at least doesn't compare to how it did decades ago. And if you ask around, residents would probably

Tacoma arborist Mik Miazio loves trees. He has loved them since he was a kid growing up in New Jersey. "I remember climbing my first tree when I was a kid. As soon as I was able to, I would jump right in there and disappear. I’m in my own world right there," Miazio said. It was this love that led Miazio to discover the tallest tree in Tacoma's Point Defiance Park. He noticed the giant Douglas Fir poking out of the canopy when he moved to Tacoma three years ago. “I was just sort of curious about

This week on Sound Effect, we look back at our favorite stories from 2016. The Tree Hunter Tacoma arborist Mik Miazio is a part of a national group of arborists and citizen scientists obsessed with finding the tallest trees of each species. He explains why he loves searching for these old growth forests.

As a young girl in Catholic school, Diane Whalen always wanted to be close to God. She set her sights on becoming a nun, until puberty hit and her interest in boys forced her to make a course correction. It wasn't until Whalen was in her 20s that she started hearing people advocate for women’s ordination into priesthood. The Church never did come around to this idea, but an organization called Roman Catholic Womenpriests began ordaining women outside of the Church institutions. In 2010, Whalen

For most people, when they hear the words “Laser” and “Floyd” together the first thing that comes to mind is usually not “time honored tradition.” But that’s exactly what’s been happening at the Pacific Science Center Laser Dome for the last 30 years. While laser shows for other artists come and go "Laser Floyd" is the only show to maintain a consistent spot in the lineup. Since 1994, Jon “Ivan” Borcherding has been at the helm as the dome’s head laser artist. He talks to producer Warren

This week on Sound Effect, we share stories of traditions. Tacoma Cotillion Tacoma has a very formal gathering where young women who’ve just graduated from high school are “presented” to society at a ball. Long white dresses, red roses, just the right shoes and knowing how to waltz are all requirements for taking part in this annual fete. Host Jennifer Wing takes us on a tour of the history of the Holiday Cotillion of Tacoma and finds that the tradition started in the winter of 1961 because of a

Editor’s Note: The following essay contains adult language that may not be suitable for all audiences. Many odd couples start off innocently enough — the regular boy meets girl scenario. But what happens when the girl reveals a much darker side? And the boy in question is left wondering just why fate brought them together? Vic Vogler, a writer in Seattle, brings us this essay: When my sister Katinka left me in Seattle, her farewell gift was date-stamped: one month with a lovely stranger. We had

Caros and Ben Fodor didn’t always hate each other’s guts. “Like, at birth, when he was first adopted, we were close, because he didn’t talk,” Caros said. The irritation is mutual. “Caros and I really didn’t get along growing up,” Ben said. “I don’t even know how to describe that guy. He’s kind of an a------, but he’s not like your stereotypical jerk. He’s got his own little way of ruining things.” In many ways, Ben and Caros couldn’t be more different. Caros is quiet, 32 years old, a Marine

When Barry Martin first met Edith Macefield in 2006, neither would have predicted the close bond they would develop or the hours they’d end up spending together. They were a very unusual pair. Barry was the foreman of the construction that was rising around Edith’s modest cottage in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Edith was the woman who became renowned for turning down a million-dollar offer from the developer that was building the project. When the project began, Barry thought it would be a

Knkx general manager Joey Cohn has a special place in his heart for one knkx employee: Winston. Despite Winston's surly attitude and manipulative behavior, Cohn is desperate for a relationship with him. Winston is, of course, a dog. He is specifically a French bull dog owned by Justin Steyer, knkx's director of digital media and technology. Listen to Cohn explain why he loves this dog even though Winston does not return his affection.