Spokast!

On this episode of Spokast!, I sit down with Yel Menró—an emerging hip-hop and R&B artist bringing confidence, storytelling, and self-discovery to the forefront of her upcoming EP, Ladies Night.Yel shares her journey from growing up in the Tri-Cities to finding her voice through music. We talk about her early influences—including her father’s musical background—how basketball shaped her work ethic, and how her time in LA sharpened her creative focus. Now back in the Northwest, she’s entering a powerful new chapter.We dive into the vision behind Ladies Night—an EP that captures the energy, freedom, and emotion of a night out. From bold openers to smooth late-night vibes, the project reflects the full spectrum of what it means to show up for yourself and your friends.Ladies Night drops tomorrow, Tuesday, September 9th.Links: • Pre-Save Ladies Night: https://too.fm/3qdj6zr • Ladies Night After Dark Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ladies-night-after-dark-tickets-1653170741189?aff=oddtdtcreator • All of Yel’s Links: https://linktr.ee/YelMenro?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeowuW55rbeBdTXOByyN5rP1BgJlNsQ4BgGdAiXY5l0nzuTzWCToWP9Cgbjhg_aem_2WtW1zK7MdkIgcsYtbR3Lg

What is up, Lilac City? On this episode of Spokast!, Spokane-based comedian Adam Swensen joins me to talk about his upcoming comedy variety show, Religious Traumedy—a hilarious, heartfelt deep dive into the weird, wild world of growing up Christian and figuring out who you are after leaving the church behind.

Adam shares his journey from Bible college to the comedy stage, how Spokane’s queer comedy scene gave him space to find his voice, and what inspired him to turn years of religious baggage into something funny, vulnerable, and totally relatable.

We also read a few questionable Norm Macdonald-style jokes together—because of course we did.

Religious Traumedy is happening August 15th at The Chameleon, and the lineup is stacked. You’ll see stand-up sets from Kaley Alness and Wyatt Colombo, drag performances by Perri Twinkle and Polly Amethyst, and a special performance by Camrynne Sullivan. Of course, the night will be hosted by Adam Swenson himself—plus a few surprise guests you won’t want to miss.

🎟️ Tickets are just $20 | 21+ only | Grab yours now: https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/religious-traumedy-2025-08-15-the-chameleon-spokane-72ff71

In this episode of In the Den — the collaboration podcast between SIMBA and Spokast — hosts Robin Haynes & Brennon Poynor sit down with Josh Thomas, founder and creative director of Lejit Creative, a full-service branding agency based in Spokane.

What started as a middle school moniker has grown into a studio that helps businesses across tech, entertainment, and sports build brands that resonate. With a background in design, illustration, and storytelling, Josh brings a thoughtful and purpose-driven approach to every project he takes on.

He shares his journey from designing for fun to leading creative campaigns, what makes a brand identity truly “Lejit,” and how being part of the SIMBA community has helped him grow both professionally and personally.

If you care about creativity, clarity, and building something with meaning — this one’s for you.

🔗 Learn more at: https://www.lejitcreative.com/

What is up, Lilac City? On this episode of Spokast!, I sit down with Iyzlow Matisse—one half of Spokane’s own Change & Matisse—to talk about his brand new solo single, Humble Pie.

What was supposed to be a short convo turned into a full-on deep dive into Mike’s journey through music, the Motown and soul influences from his childhood, and how Humble Pie evolved from a verse written in 2018 into the track it is today.

We also threw in a blind pie taste test—because why not? Huge shout-out to CallyAnn Crothers of Crothers Critters for that farm-fresh pie that blew us away. And of course, major love to my wife, Abbey, for her legendary homemade holiday apple pie.

This episode is all about growth, staying true to your craft, and not rushing the process.

🎧 Listen to Humble Pie

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6UF3uon9IMXn4joRR1iKE7?si=bf2e9843b2d94ad4

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/humble-pie-single/1826167368

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCDhFeO2uVk

Tidal: https://tidal.com/browse/track/447556718?u

Learn more about Crothers Critters at https://www.facebook.com/crotherscritters/

At just 21 years old, Lucas Desgrosellier, better known as Ghoulz, has built a business and brand with global reach — powered by a loyal fanbase, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of what makes content connect.

In the first episode of Launchpad Innovators Podcast, host Bill Kalivas sits down with Ghoulz and Julie Delaney, his Chief Operating Officer, to explore the journey behind the viral videos, the business mindset that came next, and the values that keep their team grounded.

From Fortnite fashion shows to building a company with purpose, this episode dives into what it really takes to turn a passion into something sustainable — and how staying focused on your community can lead to unexpected success.

Follow Ghoulz:

🌐 Website: ghoulz.com

📸 Instagram: instagram.com/ghoulz

🐦 Twitter: twitter.com/GhoulzOfficial

💬 Discord: discord.gg/ghoulz

🎮 Twitch: twitch.tv/ghoulz_official

In this special Spokast episode, we take the heat to a whole new level — meatball style. Joe from Joe’s House sits down for a spicy taste test featuring sauces from the Hot Ones lineup (courtesy of Stella Artois), and things get fiery fast.

Between bites, we talk about the five-year journey of running one of Spokane’s most beloved local spots, what inspired Joe to bring these infamous sauces to his menu, and how he really feels about ghost peppers.

Spoiler: what started as a relaxed chat turned into a full-on sweat session.

Come for the meatballs. Stay for the meltdown.

Disclaimer: This episode is an independent production and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hot Ones, First We Feast, or Complex Networks.

00:00 Intro

00:37 The Balls on Fire Challenge Concept

02:07 Discussing the Hot Sauces and Meatballs

03:37 Impact of Construction on Joe's House

04:54 First Hot Sauce Tasting – Señor Lechuga – 1,200 Scoville Heat Units (SHU)

06:47 The Origin of Joe's House

08:47 Second Hot Sauce Tasting – Savir Foods: Elotes Loco Fire – 26,500 SHU

11:09 Running and Marathons

12:56 Third Hot Sauce Tasting – Hot Ones: Los Calientes Verde – 36,000 SHU

15:02 Reflecting on Opening Joe's House

15:50 Authenticity and Community Connection

16:55 Fourth Hot Sauce Tasting – Piko Peppers – Volkano – 76,000 SHU

19:00 Philadelphia Eagles and Personal Insights

20:59 Family-Friendly Atmosphere at Joe's House

21:55 Fifth Hot Sauce Tasting – Hot Ones: The Last Dab Xperience – 2,693,000 SHU

25:42 Final Thoughts

30:14 Charity Challenge

In this mini-episode, I sit down with Jáiz Boyd of Birds In The Coast to talk about Patio Theory — a summer event series that’s all about good music, good people, and bringing West Coast backyard vibes to the heart of Spokane. We dive into the origin of the event, the vision behind it, and how it’s creating space for community, collaboration, and culture to thrive in the Lilac City.Whether you’re into G-Funk, 90s hip hop, or just want to be part of something authentic and local, Patio Theory is a vibe you don’t want to miss. Catch the next one this Saturday at The Chameleon. Doors at 7PM. 21+. $10/$12 cover.🎟️ Tickets: handstamp.com/patio-theory📼 Music Intro/Outro: Top Notch (Psycho) by Nate Synonymous & Jordan Taylor

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.

In this episode of In the Den — the collaboration podcast between SIMBA and Spokast — host Brennon Poynor sits down with David and Helmer, the duo behind Mountain Top Mentality.

What began as a travel-focused Instagram account during a cross-country adventure has since grown into a mission-driven lifestyle brand rooted in storytelling, community, and impact. From custom apparel to national park–themed candles, David and Helmer have built a business that reflects their values and gives back to the places that inspire them.

They share how their journey led them from Rhode Island to Spokane, what it means to run a small business with purpose, and how the support of the SIMBA community helped shape their path forward. 

Check out Mountain Top Mentality: www.mountaintopmentality.com

Become a SIMBA Member: www.spokaneindependent.org/membership

In this very first episode of In the Den — a podcast collaboration between SIMBA and Spokast! — host Brennon sits down with Robin and Alexis of SIMBA to talk about the heart behind the show.

They dive into what SIMBA stands for (literally and in spirit), how it supports small businesses and entrepreneurs across Spokane and Eastern Washington, and why launching this podcast was the next natural step in lifting up the voices that make our local economy thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered what SIMBA is all about — or what it means to be part of a growing business community — this is where the journey begins.

Learn more about SIMBA:

🌐 Website: spokaneindependent.org

📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/spokaneindependent

📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/spokaneindependent

📧 Join SIMBA: www.spokaneindependent.org/membership

Learn more about Spokast:

🌐 Website: spokast.com

📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/spokast.podcasts

Find Logan Daniels MacDonald at logandanielmcdonald.com

Episode Chapters

00:00 Intro to The Den Podcast

01:37 Meet the Hosts: Brennan, Robin, and Alexis

02:39 Robin's Role and Expertise at SIMBA

04:30 Alexis' Role and Expertise at SIMBA

06:03 Empowering Small Businesses: Success Stories

09:19 The Origin and Mission of SIMA

12:34 Supporting Local Economies and Advocacy

24:00 Unique Challenges and Support for Immigrant-Owned Businesses

30:16 Creating a Judgment-Free Safe Space

31:02 Additional Services Offered by SIMBA

33:24 SIMBA’s Outreach and Educational Programs

36:02 Live Local: Supporting Local Businesses

41:16 Launching the SIMA Podcast

50:52 Membership Tiers and Benefits

54:04 Where to find SIMBA