On this episode of The Chamber Pod, we're joined by Kwabi Amoah-Forson and Derek Nunn for a conversation about creativity, filmmaking, storytelling, community, entrepreneurship, and the people helping shape Tacoma’s creative identity.

Kwabi and Derek each bring their own experiences and perspectives to Tacoma’s creative community, and throughout the conversation, they share the journeys that led them to where they are today. We talk about what it means to pursue creative work in Tacoma, the challenges that can come with building something from the ground up, and the importance of finding your voice while staying connected to the community around you.

A major part of the conversation is The Tacoma Show, a project created to shine a light on the people, businesses, culture, and stories that make Tacoma what it is. Kwabi and Derek share more about the inspiration behind the show, what they hope to accomplish through it, and why telling local stories matters. We explore how a platform like The Tacoma Show can help introduce people to the individuals and ideas that are contributing to Tacoma’s growth while giving creatives another space to share their work.

We also talk about the relationship between creativity and community. Tacoma has a strong and distinctive identity, and Kwabi and Derek reflect on how the city itself can serve as inspiration for creatives. From the people they have met to the experiences they have had, they discuss how being part of a local creative ecosystem can influence the stories we tell and the projects we choose to pursue.

Throughout the episode, Kwabi and Derek share insight into what it actually looks like to turn creative ideas into tangible projects. We discuss the importance of taking an idea and doing something with it, learning through the process, and being willing to adapt along the way. They also talk about collaboration and the ways creatives, entrepreneurs, and businesses can support one another rather than working in isolation.

The conversation also touches on the business side of being a creative. Pursuing creative work isn't always a straightforward path, and Kwabi and Derek offer perspective on building relationships, creating opportunities, and continuing to develop your craft while figuring out how your creativity can become part of a sustainable career.

At the heart of the episode is a conversation about the next generation of creatives. Whether you're a longtime Tacoma resident, a small business owner, an aspiring creative, or simply someone interested in the people and ideas shaping the South Sound, this episode offers an inside look at the creative energy happening in Tacoma and the people working to amplify it.

On this episode you will hear:

• The creative journeys of Kwabi Amoah-Forson and Derek Nunn and the experiences that shaped their work.
• How their passion for storytelling and creativity has influenced the projects they pursue.
• The story behind The Tacoma Show and the inspiration for creating a platform centered around Tacoma.
• Why highlighting local people, businesses, creatives, and stories is important to Tacoma’s identity and future.
• How Tacoma’s culture, community, and people have influenced their creative perspectives.
• The importance of collaboration and building relationships within the local creative community.
• What it takes to turn a creative idea into an actual project and keep moving it forward.

On this episode of The Chamber Pod, we're joined by Umi Wagoner, co-creator of eTc Tacoma and founder of Umi’s Corner, for a conversation about creativity, entrepreneurship, community, and finding the freedom to build what inspires you.

Umi shares the story behind eTc Tacoma, the streetwear brand he launched with co-founder Perris Wright more than a decade ago. What began as a niche idea rooted in Tacoma culture has grown into a recognizable part of the city’s creative identity, with eTc becoming known for its limited-release collections and distinctive celebration of the 253.

We explore what it means to build a business in the community where you grew up and how Tacoma has influenced Umi’s creative perspective. He shares insight into his creative process at eTc, from imagining an idea to executing it in a way that communicates with and resonates across Tacoma’s diverse community.

Umi also reflects on the importance of collaboration and the relationships he has built with other Tacoma businesses and organizations. He discusses eTc’s collaborations and the opportunities that have allowed the brand to connect fashion, art, and culture in new ways, including eTceTera’s 2021 partnership with the Tacoma Art Museum and The Kinsey Collection for a five-month pop-up exhibition. The collaboration brought eTceTera’s work alongside The Kinsey Collection, one of the largest collections of African American art owned by a Black family, creating a unique intersection of fashion, art, and cultural storytelling.

At the heart of the conversation is Umi’s connection to the next generation of Tacoma creatives. He reflects on growing up in the city, the people and experiences that shaped him, and his hope that the things he creates can help nurture other young people who are searching for their own creative path.

Umi also shares a piece of unforgettable advice for anyone thinking about starting something of their own: “You start with doing it, not necessarily discussing it.” His perspective offers a powerful reminder that sometimes the first step isn't having everything figured out—it’s simply taking action.

Whether discussing streetwear, entrepreneurship, collaboration, creativity, or the future of Tacoma, Umi’s story is a reminder that some of the most meaningful things we build come from following our curiosity, taking the shot, and creating space for others to discover what inspires them.

On this episode you will hear:

• How Umi Wagoner and Perris Wright turned a niche streetwear idea into eTc Tacoma, a brand rooted in the culture and identity of the 253.
• The creative process behind eTc and how Umi thinks about communicating ideas with Tacoma’s broad and diverse community.
• The power of collaboration and how partnerships with local businesses and cultural organizations have helped bring new ideas to life.
• The importance of taking risks, trusting your creative instincts, and building something because you believe it should exist.
• The advice that has shaped his approach to entrepreneurship: “You start with doing it, not necessarily discussing it.”

What if success wasn't measured by the businesses you own, but by the community you create?

Long before becoming the owner of Odd Otter Brewing Company, Gary Wescott built a career that spanned law enforcement, apparel manufacturing in Tacoma, business leadership, and economic development. Throughout every chapter, one thing remained constant: a passion for revitalizing businesses and bringing people together.

In this episode, Gary shares how turning around businesses and leading across industries ultimately led him to Odd Otter Brewing Company. But for Gary, owning a brewery was never just about beer. It was about creating a place where people feel welcome, conversations happen naturally, and community comes first.

We also discuss:

• Gary's journey from manufacturing apparel in Tacoma to brewery ownership
• What it takes to turn around businesses and build strong teams
• Why creating spaces for connection is essential to a thriving downtown
• The vision behind a family-friendly brewery where everyone feels they belong
• How events like silent community book readings with a mobile library, local vendor markets, and neighborhood gatherings are helping breathe new life into Tacoma
• Why activating downtown means giving people meaningful reasons to get out, connect, and support local businesses
• The role businesses can play in creating safer, more vibrant communities

Gary believes a great business is more than a place to buy a product, it's a place where people can gather, feel accepted, and build relationships. Through Odd Otter, he's creating opportunities for connection, championing local entrepreneurs, and helping shape a downtown Tacoma where people want to spend time together.

If you're passionate about entrepreneurship, community development, or the future of Tacoma, this conversation is a reminder that the most successful businesses don't just serve their customers, they strengthen the communities around them.

What do a middle school writing contest, a horse, and one of the Pacific Northwest's leading regional media companies have in common? Josh Dunn.

In this episode of The Chamber Pod, Anna and Pachia sit down with Josh Dunn, Founder and CEO of Premier Media Group, to explore the remarkable journey behind one of the South Sound's most influential storytellers. From an unforgettable middle school writing competition that earned him a horse to building a media company that reaches communities across Washington, Josh's story is one of vision, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of local stories.

Josh shares how he recognized opportunity during a rapidly changing media landscape, took a leap of faith, and built Premier Media Group into a trusted voice for businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities throughout the region. His entrepreneurial mindset is matched by a genuine passion for storytelling—not just to inform, but to celebrate the people, businesses, and organizations that make the South Sound a remarkable place to live and work.

Throughout the conversation, Josh reflects on the mentors who shaped his journey, the lessons he's learned as a business owner, and why giving back has always been at the heart of his work. Whether serving on nonprofit and business boards, supporting local initiatives, or using his publications to shine a light on community leaders, Josh believes that success means helping others succeed, too.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The incredible story of winning a horse through a middle school writing contest.
• The entrepreneurial leap that led to founding Premier Media Group.
• Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for building stronger communities.
• How embracing change and innovation helped his company thrive through decades of media transformation.
• The role mentorship, relationships, and curiosity have played throughout his career.
• Why investing in local businesses and celebrating community success stories continues to drive his work today.

This episode is a reminder that great leaders don't just build businesses—they build communities. Josh's passion for storytelling, his entrepreneurial vision, and his commitment to elevating the South Sound make this a conversation you won't want to miss.

On this episode of The Chamber Pod, we're joined by John Wiborg, President & CEO of Stellar Industrial Supply, for a conversation about the principles that build enduring companies—and the leaders behind them.

As Stellar Industrial Supply has grown through acquisitions and expanded across multiple locations, John shares how the company's success has never been about simply selling industrial tools and supplies. Instead, it's about creating value through trusted relationships, deep expertise, exceptional service, and a genuine commitment to helping customers solve problems. That philosophy has shaped the way Stellar grows, integrates acquired businesses, and retains the people who helped build those organizations in the first place.

We also explore what it takes to preserve a strong culture across multiple locations, why leadership begins with investing in people, and how organizations can stay connected to a shared purpose as they continue to grow.

One of the most thought-provoking moments of the conversation centers on John's philosophy of life integration. Rather than viewing work and personal life as competing priorities, he encourages people to identify the handful of areas that matter most—whether that's family, hobbies, spiritual growth, community, career, or personal growth—and intentionally nurture each of them. Like the spokes of a wheel, those priorities work together to create stability and momentum, offering a more sustainable approach to leadership and success than the traditional idea of work-life balance.

John also reflects on what leadership teaches you about yourself, the responsibility business leaders have to help educate their communities on important issues, and the mindset required to build an organization that lasts for generations.

On this episode of The Chamber Pod, we're joined by Janine Terrano, CEO of Topia Technology, for an inspiring conversation about resilience, innovation, and building a business with purpose.

Janine shares her remarkable entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on what it was like to come from humble beginnings and navigate the challenges of starting a company without traditional resources. Through determination, creativity, and an unwavering belief in her vision, she found unconventional ways to raise capital and transform an idea into a thriving technology company.

At the heart of Janine's story is the deeply personal experience that sparked her entrepreneurial path. While searching for answers to help save her son through medical research, she witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of the internet at a time when few people understood how profoundly it would change the world. That realization became the foundation for a career dedicated to building technology that solves meaningful problems.

We also explore the invaluable role mentors have played throughout her journey and why surrounding yourself with people who challenge, encourage, and believe in your vision can make all the difference. Janine reflects on the lessons she's learned as both an entrepreneur and a leader, offering honest insight into perseverance, taking calculated risks, and remaining mission-driven through every stage of growth.

The conversation also examines the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and the ethical questions that come with it. Rather than focusing solely on what AI can do, we discuss what it should do—exploring the moral implications of emerging technologies, the responsibility of innovators, and why human values must remain at the center of technological advancement.

Whether discussing the future of AI, the power of innovation, or the realities of building a company from the ground up, Janine's story is a testament to what's possible when curiosity, grit, and purpose come together.

In this episode, we sit down with Russ, owner of Doyle's Public House, to discuss what it takes to build a successful neighborhood pub, foster community, and navigate the realities of owning a restaurant in Tacoma-Pierce County. Russ shares the story behind Doyle's, his philosophy of creating a true "third place" beyond home and work, and why community connection remains at the heart of everything they do.

Russ explains that running a restaurant is about much more than serving food and drinks. It requires resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences for customers year-round. From supporting local events to preparing for the excitement surrounding FIFA 2026, Doyle's continues to play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening Tacoma's business community.

Whether you're a business owner, community leader, or someone who appreciates the value of local gathering places, this conversation offers insight into entrepreneurship, hospitality, and the power of building authentic connections.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Why Doyle's was founded to be a true neighborhood gathering place
• The realities of owning and operating a restaurant in Tacoma-Pierce County
• How community connection contributes to long-term business success
• The challenges and opportunities facing local restaurants today
• Why hospitality is about creating experiences, not just serving customers
• How Doyle's is preparing for FIFA 2026 and welcoming visitors to Tacoma
• The importance of supporting local businesses and investing in community
• Lessons Russ has learned from 20 years of entrepreneurship and leadership

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Vargo to discuss authenticity, communication, and how business owners can activate their voice to create stronger connections and greater confidence in both business and life. Andy shares insight from his work as a motivational speaker and life coach, explaining why leaning into the awkward and embracing what makes us human can actually become a powerful advantage.

Andy explains that authentic communication is more than just speaking confidently. It’s about understanding how to connect with people in a genuine way, showing up honestly in networking spaces, and learning how to use your story, personality, and experiences as strengths rather than limitations. Whether you’re preparing for the Happy Hour Business Expo, growing your business, or simply trying to become more confident in professional settings, this conversation offers practical insight and encouragement for showing up more fully as yourself.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

Authenticity creates stronger and more meaningful connections

Awkward moments can become opportunities for growth and confidence

Activating your voice can strengthen leadership and business relationships

Networking becomes easier when approached with honesty and curiosity

Confidence is built through practice, self-awareness, and communication

Business owners who communicate authentically often create deeper trust and impact

In this episode, we sit down with Tim to discuss the current leasing landscape in Tacoma and Pierce County, and what business owners should understand before signing, renewing, or negotiating a lease. Tim shares practical insight into how commercial leasing works, what tenants should look out for, and why the right lease can have a major impact on a business’s long-term stability and growth.

Tim explains that leasing is about more than finding the right location. From lease terms and operating costs to market conditions, landlord expectations, and future business needs, each decision can shape how flexible and financially secure a business remains. Whether you’re opening your first storefront, expanding into a new space, or reassessing your current lease, this conversation offers grounded guidance for navigating the process with more confidence.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

A commercial lease is one of the biggest commitments a business can make Base rent is only part of the full financial picture Terms, flexibility, and renewal options deserve close attention Local market knowledge can make a major difference Negotiation is normal and should be approached thoughtfully A strong lease should protect the business, not trap it

In this episode, we sit down with Diana Royalty of People Centric Consulting to explore what it really takes to build organizations that work for both the business and the people inside it. Diana shares how her team partners sense something isn’t quite clicking, whether due to growth, change, or internal misalignment, and need practical, grounded support to move forward. Diana explains that many organizational challenges aren’t about individual performance, they stem from unclear systems, expectations, or structure. When those foundations are off, teams feel it quickly.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

• Misalignment is common—and fixable with the right structure and clarity
• Strong organizations are built on consistent systems, not one-off solutions
• Leadership development and culture work require intention and continuity
• Strategy only works when it’s paired with execution
• You don’t need a perfect plan to start—progress begins with clarity on what matters now
• Communication is everything when it comes to healthy culture