WSU alum Megan Vining shares why she and her husband chose to raise their family on the Palouse after graduating from Washington State University, and how she worked her way from intern to leading the City of Pullman’s Recreation Department. Megan previews what’s ahead for Pullman’s recreation programs, offerings, and goals in 2026 and beyond.

00:00 Introduction: Journey to Pullman

00:18 Early Life and Education01:20 Settling Down in Pullman

02:44 Family and Career

04:01 Husband's Coaching Success07:56 Recreation Career Path

11:03 City of Pullman Recreation Programs

18:54 Aquatic Center Transition

21:56 Popular Programs and New Additions

23:14 Senior Center Activities and Challenges

26:33 Department Challenges and Funding

28:37 Community Engagement and Facility Rentals

32:01 Future Goals and Staffing

42:00 Personal Insights and Community Life

Join Jordan Vorderbrueggen in this episode of 'Pullman Moscow and Beyond' as he sits down with local home inspector Dave Weaver.

Discover Dave's journey from Minnesota to California, and eventually settling in Moscow, Idaho. Dave shares insights on the biggest concerns for home buyers today, including radon, roof, and mold issues, and discusses his transition from the trucking industry to home inspections. Learn about the challenges and rewards of his profession, his sons' businesses, and why Moscow is a great place to raise a family.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:34 Dave Weaver's Early Life and Move to California

02:21 Life in California and Move to Moscow

04:04 Raising a Family in Moscow

06:32 Extended Family and Career Transitions

09:13 Entrepreneurial Spirit and Career Path

17:44 Starting a Home Inspection Business

23:46 Taking Quick Action for Clients

24:04 Importance of Timely Responses

25:08 Encouraging Early Inspections

25:58 Flexibility with Two Inspectors

27:48 Radon Awareness and Testing

38:21 Mold Concerns and Solutions

45:08 Roof Inspections and Maintenance

48:14 Preparing Your Home for Sale

53:10 Podcast Conclusion and Property Listing

Pullman Moscow and Beyond: Kirsten Bell Shares Her Journey with Palouse BalloonsWelcome to the first episode of the Pullman Moscow and Beyond podcast! In this episode, Jordan Vorderbrueggen interviews Kirsten Bell, the owner of Palouse Balloons. Kirsten shares her journey from Bellevue to Pullman, how she unexpectedly started her balloon business after personal challenges, and the unique aspects of her services. Kirsten also discusses the importance of work-life balance, her experience in the corporate balloon scene, and the essential role of community support in her entrepreneurial journey. Tune in to learn more about Kirsten's story and the magic behind Palouse Balloons.

00:00 Introduction to Pullman Moscow and Beyond

00:23 Meet Kirsten Bell: From Bellevue to Pullman

01:00 A Love Story in Pullman

02:41 Diehard Coug Fans and Family Traditions

06:08 The Charm of Pullman and Its Community

13:21 Starting Palouse Balloons: A Journey of Joy

16:43 The Business of Balloon Art

24:07 Social Media and Word of Mouth in Business

29:41 Navigating Social Media Algorithms

30:24 The Importance of Personal Branding

31:38 Balancing Business and Family

34:11 Support Systems and Networking

38:03 The Realities of Entrepreneurship

46:20 The Value of Customer Service

47:29 Embracing Vulnerability on Social Media

49:47 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

55:19 The Power of Community Support

58:18 Conclusion and Contact Information