Sullivan’s Backstage Pass sits down with musician, writer, and storyteller Ken Scholes for a rich conversation about songwriting, live performance, creativity, and the lifelong journey of becoming fully yourself. Ken shares how storytelling has shaped his music from the beginning, how his artistic path has evolved over time, and why connection, compassion, and honest expression matter so much in both art and life.In this episode, Ken reflects on:The role storytelling plays in songwriting.His path from ministry to music and fiction writing.What live performance gives both the artist and the audience.How personal growth and human connection shape his creative work.If you enjoy acoustic music, thoughtful interviews, and real conversations with artists who have something meaningful to say, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Sullivan’s Backstage Pass for more conversations with musicians, writers, and creative voices worth hearing.

In this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Shawn sits down with Terry from Salem Multicultural Institute and World Beat to talk about the power of cultural celebration, community connection, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. Terry shares the inspiring story behind Salem Multicultural’s origins, the impact of the World Beat Festival, and why building understanding across cultures matters now more than ever.They also explore how World Beat goes beyond entertainment by creating an experience rooted in accessibility and inclusion, with sensory-friendly support, volunteer opportunities, and a festival environment designed to welcome people of all abilities. Just as important, the conversation highlights how peace starts at the community level through curiosity, empathy, and simple human connection.From music, food, storytelling, dance, and art to the deeper work of breaking down fear and isolation, this episode is a reminder that culture brings people together in powerful ways. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about belonging, respect, and the beauty of learning from one another.#SullivansUnheardVoices #WorldBeatFestival #SalemMulticultural #PodcastInterview #Community #Culture #Inclusion #Accessibility #Multiculturalism #Peace

Anni Piper joins the show to share her journey from Sydney, Australia, to the blues-rock scene, talking about her musical roots, gritty vocals, songwriting process, live performance, and the stories behind her latest music. She opens up about creativity, family, touring, and how real-life experiences shape the songs she writes.

In this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, Shawn Sullivan sits down with guitar powerhouse Rafael Tranquilino for a conversation about music, family, discipline, and the real meaning of connection on stage. Rafael shares how growing up in a musical family in Mexico City shaped his path, how his father pushed him to study and keep improving, and why he still believes the best performances come from humility, groove, and heart.

They also dig into what makes a great band, why respect and professionalism matter, and how live music is really about creating something special for the audience—not just showing off. Rafael opens up about his journey from early piano lessons and first gigs as a kid to becoming a respected blues guitarist, bandleader, and producer. If you love blues, guitar, live performance, and honest stories about the grind behind the music, this one belongs in your queue.

In this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Shawn sits down with Karolle Hughes, owner of Books-N-Time, an independent bookstore in Silverton, Oregon, for a conversation about books, reading, local business, community support, and the importance of shopping local. This episode is perfect for viewers searching for Oregon podcasts, bookstore interviews, small business stories, independent bookstore content, community-based podcasts, and local business support.

Karolle shares how a lifelong love of books led her from volunteering at the shop to becoming the owner of Books-N-Time, and how the bookstore has become a welcoming space for readers, neighbors, and families in Silverton and the surrounding Oregon community. The conversation explores why independent bookstores matter, how personal customer service sets local shops apart, and why supporting small businesses helps keep money in the community.

This episode also dives into reading for children, graphic novels for reluctant readers, book recommendations, books that change lives, and the lasting impact of reading on young minds. Karolle talks about the joy of discovering new authors, the value of hardbacks and trade paperbacks, and the unique role bookstores play in preserving local culture and connection.

If you enjoy podcasts about books, author discussions, independent bookstores, Oregon small business owners, community storytelling, local culture, and thoughtful conversations about reading and connection, this episode is for you. Sullivan’s Unheard Voices highlights the people, stories, and places that make a community stronger.

Topics covered: independent bookstore, Books-N-Time, Silverton Oregon, community podcast, local business, reading culture, children’s books, graphic novels, book recommendations, supporting local, small business ownership, Oregon podcast, bookstore interview, community storytelling.

#BooksNTime #SilvertonOregon #IndependentBookstore #CommunityPodcast #OregonPodcast #LocalBusiness #SmallBusiness #BookPodcast #ReadingCommunity #SupportLocal #BooksStore #BookstoreInterview #SullivansUnheardVoices

On this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, Shawn Sullivan sits down with Anthony Estrada for a deep and soulful conversation about the roots of the blues, the power of live performance, and the lifelong journey of becoming a musician. Ant shares his origin story, from beating on a drum as a child to developing a sound shaped by family, faith, and the legends who helped define the blues.

This conversation dives into the heart of music history, the spirit of local jams, the realities of being a working musician, and why blues remains the foundation of so much of the music we hear today. Anthony also speaks openly about mental health, resilience, and the role music can play in healing, making this episode both inspiring and unforgettable. If you love blues history, artist origin stories, and honest conversations about the music life, this episode belongs in your queue.

On this special episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Shawn Sullivan shares powerful conversations from the Salem Autism Walk, highlighting the voices of autistic individuals, family members, advocates, and community organizations working every day to create more inclusive and supportive spaces.

From school advocacy and early childhood support to self-advocacy, family resources, and sensory-aware care, this episode celebrates the power of community, acceptance, and authentic connection. It’s a reminder that autism is not something to hide — it’s something to understand, support, and honor.

If you believe in inclusion, advocacy, and lifting up unheard voices, this episode is for you.

#SullivansUnheardVoices #AutismAcceptance #AutismAwareness #SalemOregon #CommunitySupport #Neurodiversity #Advocacy #Podcast #Inclusion #AutismWalk #SupportLocal #LivePodcast

On this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, host Shawn Sullivan sits down backstage with Cody Weathers, Jean, and Sean of Cody Weathers and the Men Your Mama Warned You About for a conversation that covers the band’s origin story, their musical chemistry, and the unique sound that makes them stand out. The group describes their style as bluesy acoustic scat-rock, and the discussion gives listeners a clear sense of why their live performances feel so unpredictable and alive.

The guests share how the band name came together and how each of them got started in music, from early guitar-playing and self-teaching to Cody’s drive to perform and Jean’s unusual path from microbiology to music school. One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is how they talk about stage presence, with Sean noting that movement, energy, and interaction matter just as much as the notes themselves.

A big theme in the episode is the relationship between bandmates and the way they communicate onstage without saying much at all. They explain that their music works like a conversation, built on listening, reacting, and shifting feel in the moment, which is why no two shows are exactly the same. That improvisational approach gives the band room to stretch songs, change dynamics, and keep both themselves and the audience engaged.

The conversation also touches on what makes a venue better for musicians, with Cody emphasizing that the best venues treat music as part of their identity and support it as a true partnership. The band talks about reading the room, using quieter moments to draw people in, and looking for subtle signs of connection like eye contact, focus, and attentive listening. They also discuss how they capture song ideas quickly, build original material from small kernels of inspiration, and know when a song is finished instead of overworking it.

On this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Shawn Sullivan sits down with Rabbi Fora, a candidate for governor of Oregon, for a powerful conversation about what kind of state — and what kind of country — we want to live in. Fora speaks candidly about poverty as a policy choice, arguing that too many people in power are willing to let families suffer under systems that keep them one medical bill, one rent hike, or one emergency away from collapse.

Together, Shawn and Rabbi Fora dig into the urgent need for universal health care, public housing, disability rights, and an economy that works for regular people instead of corporations and the wealthy. Fora makes the case that health care should not be treated like a luxury, that housing should not be a punishment for being poor, and that government should be trusted to protect the basic dignity of every person.

This is a conversation about mutual aid, human rights, and the belief that no one should be left behind simply because they were born into the wrong system. If you care about community, justice, and the real math behind poverty in America, this episode is one you need to hear.

On this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, Shawn sits down with Nelson Kerr of the Bonton Rulers for a warm, wide-ranging conversation about music, blues, performance, and the joy of playing live. Nelson shares how music was part of his life from childhood, from listening to records at home to discovering the blues and falling hard for the expressive power of guitar-driven music.

The conversation explores what makes the blues so powerful, how Nelson developed as a self-taught musician, and why live performance means so much to him. He talks about learning to read the room, communicate with bandmates through stage cues, and stay flexible enough to follow the energy of the audience rather than stay locked to a rigid set list.

Shawn also brings the discussion into the disability community perspective, asking Nelson what signs he looks for from the crowd beyond dancing. Nelson reflects on eye contact, head nods, and audience energy as meaningful signs of connection, and he emphasizes that positive feedback after a show matters deeply to working musicians.

The episode also highlights the Bonton Rulers’ New Orleans-inspired sound, the importance of professionalism in music, and the role of Portland’s jam scene in helping musicians grow and connect. Nelson shares advice for aspiring players about preparation, communication, humility, and persistence, while also talking about the venues and events he hopes to play next.