Perfect timing isn’t just for standup comedians—it’s also for building community. And someone got the last laugh to prove it.

On this episode, Blue Stiley sits down with my friend Angela Dennison, the powerhouse behind making Laughs Comedy Club the best in Seattle.

She didn’t plan to run a comedy venue, but when life presented the opportunity, she and her husband ran with it—building one of the most beloved comedy spaces in the Northwest.

From navigating startup chaos to overcoming the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry, Angela’s story is packed with grit, grace, and of course—laughter. 

Let’s dive into what it takes to build a community, stay adaptable, and create a space where people can laugh, learn, and belong. This one’s for the dreamers, the doers, and anyone who knows the power of a good punchline. Let’s get into it—here on Navigating No.

00:00 The Courage to Pursue Comedy and Business

00:44 Meet Angela Denison: The Powerhouse Behind Seattle's Top Comedy Club

02:33 From Dentistry to Comedy: Angela's Unexpected Journey

04:49 Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change

07:00 Building a Community: The Key to Success

15:03 Adapting to COVID-19: Keeping the Club Alive

17:01 The Art of Comedy: Crafting Memorable Experiences

25:54 Handling Reviews and Maintaining Standards

32:46 Dealing with Rejection in the Comedy Industry

35:07 Crafting a Comedy Special

36:56 Ownership and Rights in Comedy

38:38 Providing Value to Comics

41:35 Advice for Aspiring Comedians

48:51 Challenges of Running a Comedy Club

53:57 Women in the Comedy Business

01:01:06 Overcoming Business Challenges

01:05:01 Final Thoughts

What happens when the world tells you you’re not going to make it—before you’ve even had a chance to try?On this episode, I sit down with Paul Brown, a Seattle-based attorney and mentor who grew up with profound hearing loss and spent his life proving people wrong—not with pity or perfection, but with grit, self-awareness, and a whole lot of heart.From growing up in Alaska without sound, to becoming a standout athlete, and eventually one of the nation's top trial lawyers, Paul’s journey is a lesson in turning disadvantages into strengths.We talk about the cruel moments that shaped him, how cochlear implants changed his world, and what it means to finally hear your daughter’s voice for the first time.Let’s get into when all the odds are against you—only on Navigating No.00:00 Introduction 01:12 Paul's Early Life and Diagnosis08:09 Challenges and Misunderstandings13:37 Aggression and Sports18:03 Navigating Adulthood and Career31:15 Personal Growth and Mentorship33:17 Fraternity Experiences and Challenges34:46 Cochlear Implant Journey35:31 Activation Day and Emotional Reactions40:34 Appreciation for Voices and Communication50:44 COVID-19 and Realizing the Handicap56:01 Final Reflections and MessagesWelcome to Navigating No with Blue Stiley, the ultimate destination for motivation, inspiration, personal growth, and life-changing advice for overcoming fear of rejection, failure and self-dbout. 🎙️💡 Subcribe to the channel if you love achieving your goals. Your future self will thank you!#bluestiley #inspiration #motivation #selfimprovement #motivational

What does it really take to turn passion into purpose, and then turning that purpose into lasting impact?

Today, I sit down with T.S The Solution: hip-hop artist, community leader, and creative force shaping Spokane’s cultural & artistic landscape. 

From navigating job loss – and fatherhood to launching a recording studio and mentoring the next generation, T.S shares how failure, resilience, and unwavering commitment to community transformed his path.

T.S’s journey proves that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about showing up, staying consistent, and lifting others along the way.

Get ready for a raw and inspiring conversation about creativity, fatherhood, and building a lasting legacy—only on Navigating No.

Learn more about T.S at tsthesolution.com

Follow T.S on his IG here:

https://www.instagram.com/ts_the_solution_/

00:00 Setting the Stage

00:19 Guest Background and Early Life

00:51 Journey to Spokane and Career Beginnings

01:24 Challenges and Opportunities in Spokane

02:39 Building a Community and Overcoming Failures

04:14 Starting a Business and Scaling Up

14:43 The Importance of Teamwork and Support

20:24 Parenting and Life Lessons

27:29 Building a Legacy Through Failure

27:58 Hip Hop Artists in Commercial Real Estate

28:49 Inspiring the Next Generation

31:23 The Struggles of Running a Studio

32:22 Hitting Rock Bottom

39:54 The Power of Community and Mentorship

46:45 Rebuilding and Moving Forward

47:05 Advice for Aspiring Artists

53:21 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

What if your biggest setbacks were actually setting you up for the life you were meant to build?

Today, I sit down with Josh Hissong—designer, restaurant owner, and co-founder of HDG Architecture—to talk about the long road to personal growth, leadership, and finding purpose.

From battling addiction in his early 20s to building some of the Inland Northwest’s most iconic spaces, Josh’s journey is proof that reinvention takes courage, community, and a relentless commitment to growth. 

This conversation is full of heart, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom—only on Navigating No.

Welcome to Navigating No with Blue Stiley, the ultimate destination for motivation, inspiration, personal growth, and life-changing advice for overcoming fear of rejection, failure and self-doubt. 🎙️💡 Subscribe to the channel if you love achieving your goals. Your future self will thank you!

00:00 Embracing Failure and Overcoming Hurdles

00:41 Introducing Josh Song: A Journey of Reinvention

01:55 From Addiction to Architecture: Josh's Early Struggles

04:54 Finding Passion in Customer Service

14:03 The Turning Point: Rehab and New Beginnings

18:09 Learning and Growing in the Restaurant Industry

32:34 The Birth of HDG Architecture

37:27 Diving into Design

38:52 Learning Through Immersion

39:25 Teaching Kids Confidence

40:42 Workplace Attitudes and Hiring

41:41 Mentorship and Belief

42:37 Parenting and Kindness

46:58 Adapting in Business

50:25 Hyperfocus in Business

56:14 Challenges and Overcoming Adversity

01:05:02 Team Building and Collaboration

01:09:01 Wrapping Up

—

Catch shorts and full episodes of NAVIGATING NO Here:   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVYhmZsDkCVt9PGcXwjlypwaEBjteb-Ri   📺

Listen to NAVIGATING NO while you're on-the-go!  🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday to start your week off right! Apple Podcasts and Spotify & Youtube:

https://linktr.ee/navigatingno

—

Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@bluestiley

—

Follow me here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluestiley

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blue.stiley

Website: 

—

https://bluestiley.com/

https://thesumof4.com/

—

Looking for my book on Amazon? Here it is!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1950241998/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A27LPL7FZJL1FB&psc=1

#bluestiley #inspiration #motivation #selfimprovement #motivational

What happens when the search for approval from others no longer defines you—and you finally let go?On this episode, I sit down with Bill Kalivas, a Spokane-based leader, mentor, and connector who’s built a career—and a life—on showing up for others.From a turbulent childhood marked by instability and rejection to finding strength through sports, mentorship, and faith, Bill’s story is a powerful reminder that YOU don’t have to be defined by where you start.Now, through his nonprofit Launchpad—a Spokane-based organization that connects entrepreneurs, community leaders, and changemakers—he’s tackling some of the Pacific Northwest’s most pressing challenges head-on.Get ready for a conversation full of truth, transformation, and the quiet kind of leadership that leaves a lasting legacy—only on Navigating No.00:00 Reflecting on Life's True Needs00:53 Introducing Bill Kalivas: A Journey of Resilience02:11 Bill's Early Life and Family Struggles03:31 Overcoming Adversity Through Community Support05:21 Navigating Identity and Family Dynamics07:11 Finding Strength in Sports and Mentorship09:56 High School Challenges and Triumphs16:02 Meeting My Biological Father36:37 Understanding and Empathy37:09 Family Dynamics and Secrets37:51 Confrontations and Rejections40:24 Funeral and Family Revelations42:00 Finding Closure and New Beginnings45:30 Personal Growth and Mentorship48:58 The Power of Community and Connection52:57 Final Thoughts

How far would you be willing to travel to chase a life you’ve only dreamed of?In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Roe, a long-distance cyclist and relentless adventurer, to explore how embracing the unknown can lead to an unforgettable journey.From riding his bike all the way from Alaska to the tip of South America, Jeff has pushed beyond comfort to discover what’s possible when you choose curiosity over fear.Tune in for a conversation full of wonder and the kind of inspiration that might just spark your next big leap—only on Navigating No.00:00 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Accountability00:25 Introducing Jeff Roe: The Adventurous Cyclist01:29 The Journey Begins: From Internships to Adventures03:46 Choosing the Path Less Traveled: Becoming a Flight Attendant13:20 The Impact of COVID-19: From Flight Attendant to Cyclist14:46 Embarking on a Cycling Adventure: From Canada to Mexico30:28 Creative Snack Ideas30:40 Learning on the Go30:58 Dealing with Discomfort31:42 Upgrading Gear33:01 Packing Essentials33:35 Travel Aspirations35:44 First Milestones37:28 Navigating Challenges38:38 Unique Experiences43:37 Reflecting on the Journey49:26 Planning the Next Adventure58:19 Skydiving Realities59:04 Choosing the Americas for a Bike Adventure01:00:08 Funding the Journey01:02:06 Quitting the Job for Adventure01:06:09 A Life-Changing Diagnosis01:10:15 Meeting My Future Wife on the Road01:15:02 Navigating Language Barriers01:19:29 Future Travel Goals01:26:12 Final ThoughtsWelcome to Navigating No with Blue Stiley, the ultimate destination for motivation, inspiration, personal growth, and life-changing advice for overcoming fear of rejection, failure and self-dbout. 🎙️💡 Subcribe to the channel if you love achieving your goals. Your future self will thank you!#bluestiley #inspiration #motivation #selfimprovement #motivational

Have you ever had everything going according to plan—only to have the rug pulled out from under you?

On this episode, I sit down with Jordan Trickett, a mechanical engineer turned entrepreneur, whose story proves that reinvention often begins with disruption.

After riding the high of working for Peloton during its boom years, Jordan suddenly found himself laid off while mountain biking through Peru.

Instead of retreating, he pivoted—using the setback as fuel to launch his own company, Chain Line Design, where he spotted a problem and built the solution himself.

Jordan’s journey is about betting on yourself when the playbook falls apart, and choosing growth even when the road is uncertain. 

Get ready to hear how Jordan turned a “no” into a whole new adventure—right here on Navigating No. 

00:00 Introduction and Overcoming Self-Doubt

00:42 Meet Jordan Trickett: Engineer to Entrepreneur

01:20 Navigating Parenthood and Career

05:25 The Journey to Industrial Engineering

13:45 Challenges and Adaptations in the Workforce

17:47 The Peloton Acquisition and Its Impact

26:03 Remote Work and Personal Life Balance

28:27 Facing Layoffs and Uncertain Futures

29:46 The Phenomenal Story Begins

30:03 Mountain Biking Adventure in Peru

30:33 The Anxiety of Job Uncertainty

31:25 The Highs and Lows of the Trip

32:47 Discovering the Job Loss

35:11 Coping with the Aftermath

41:26 Starting a New Business

45:54 The Journey to Success

51:40 Reflecting on the Journey

55:37 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

What if your biggest setback was actually the spark that could launch your next big chapter?

On this episode of Navigating No, I sit down with Erin Peterson, former teacher and the multimedia powerhouse behind Trending Northwest. Erin’s journey—from facing a life-changing health scare to building one of the most impactful regional media brands—is a story of finding purpose through reinvention and turning “no” into opportunity.

She proves you don’t need to follow a traditional path to build something meaningful—you just need passion, the right people around you, and the courage to take the first step.

Get ready to be fired up and inspired by how Erin Peterson turned her “why not me?” moment into a movement—only on Navigating No!

00:00 Intro: Solving Problems with Passion

00:47 Meet Aaron Peterson: From Teacher to Media Powerhouse

01:41 Influencing Spokane: The Birth of the Guild

03:20 Challenges in the Classroom and the Guild's Growth

07:17 A Life-Changing Diagnosis

13:37 The Bucket List Trip and Recovery

21:44 Finding Love and Support in Unexpected Places

35:09 Navigating the Pandemic: Pivoting and Podcasting

39:44 The Value of Micro-Influencers

41:27 Paid Influencers and ROI

42:24 The Importance of Authenticity

43:40 Navigating Influencer Marketing Challenges

44:41 Building Genuine Relationships

46:15 Effective Use of Analytics

47:02 The Journey to Success

59:00 The Power of Saying No

01:06:19 Advice for Aspiring Influencers

01:12:44 Trending Northwest and Future Plans

01:19:45 Final Thoughts

What if every obstacle in your path was actually preparing you for something greater? Because the reality is, it does.In this episode, I get the chance to talk with Ezra Eckhardt, President and CEO of STCU, whose journey from being a West Point cadet to leading one of Washington’s largest credit unions is a masterclass in willpower, leadership, and community impact.From facing the relentless challenges of military life to steering organizations through epic economic downturns, Ezra’s story is proof that adversity isn’t a dead end—it’s training for what’s ahead. His experiences in the Army, corporate America, and now in the financial world show how grit, adaptability, and investing in people can turn challenges into opportunities.Ezra Eckhardt’s story of leadership, service, and transformation will leave you inspired—only on Navigating No!00:00 The Boardroom Shake-Up00:56 Introducing Ezra Eckhart01:53 Ezra's Spokane Roots03:27 West Point Challenges04:53 Spokane's Evolution and Community08:04 Military Training and Leadership09:50 The Journey to West Point12:10 Life as a Cadet30:37 Post-Military Career Decisions33:59 Airborne Adventures42:44 Career Beginnings and Early Challenges43:28 Leadership Development at Allied Signal44:29 Transition to Honeywell and Six Sigma Training45:41 Adventure and Personal Growth46:15 Returning to Spokane and Career Moves49:56 Joining Microsoft and Financial Management52:18 Sterling Savings Bank and the Great Recession57:52 Revamping Sterling and Raising Capital01:07:48 STCU Growth and Community Impact01:15:52 Credit Union vs. National Banks01:22:24 Final ThoughtsWelcome to Navigating No with Blue Stiley, the ultimate destination for motivation, inspiration, personal growth, and life-changing advice for overcoming fear of rejection, failure, and self-doubt. 🎙️💡 Subscribe to the channel if you love achieving your goals. Your future self will thank you!Catch shorts and full episodes of NAVIGATING NO Here:   https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVYhmZsDkCVt9PGcXwjlypwaEBjteb-Ri   📺Listen to NAVIGATING NO while you're on-the-go!  🎧 Available wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. New episodes drop every Monday to start your week off right! Apple Podcasts and Spotify & Youtube:https://linktr.ee/navigatingnoSubscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@bluestileyFollow me here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluestileyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/blue.stileyWebsite: https://bluestiley.com/https://thesumof4.com/Looking for my book on Amazon? Here it is!https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1950241998/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A27LPL7FZJL1FB&psc=1#bluestiley #inspiration #motivation #selfimprovement #motivational

Have you ever wondered what could happen if you chose yourself first—not selfishly, but with the understanding that you’re your own best advocate, even when life tries to break you down?

Today, I’m sitting down with my good friend Gregory Zarian—actor, model, advocate, and a true champion of resilience and kindness.

From overcoming self-doubt, addiction, and the need for external approval to building a long-standing career in Hollywood, Gregory’s journey proves that choosing growth, honesty, and human connection can transform your life.

His story isn’t about overnight success or perfection—it’s about showing up for yourself with courage, leading with kindness, and never losing sight of the power you have to rewrite your story.

Get ready for a masterclass in self-worth, realness, and radical transformation with Gregory Zarian—only on this episode of Navigating No!

00:00 Introduction

00:58 Meet Gregory Zian: A Journey of Resilience

02:12 The Power of Kindness and Connection

04:53 Navigating a Career in Hollywood

06:58 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Family Expectations

12:54 Choosing Yourself: A Life-Changing Realization

19:12 Overcoming Challenges with Support

20:25 Hitting Rock Bottom and Finding Sobriety

21:23 The Power of Self-Belief and Inner Work

21:46 Dealing with Bullying and Building Confidence

25:31 The Journey of Self-Acceptance

28:11 Helping Others and Making a Difference

32:31 Current Projects and Future Plans

34:02 Final Thoughts