Exploring Washington State

Behind the Scenes at the Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival Rochelle Robinson joins us to talk about the ninth annual Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival in Bellingham. From her work on the board to her passion for storytelling, Rochelle shares what makes this unique celebration of women-directed films so impactful.  We also dive into her work with Hamlet Literary Journal, commu...

What happens when musical chemistry sneaks up on you—and never lets go? In this episode, Scott sits down with Jessiand Jared Fredeen, the heart and soul of Tacoma’s genre-defying band Champagne Sunday .  From meeting in a California restaurant to building a life of music, love, and relentless connection, the duo shares stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.   They talk about creatin...

Seattle’s cherry blossoms are more than just a stunning spring spectacle—they’re part of a rich history, a scientific research project, and a race against time. 🌿 In this episode, we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of UW’s iconic cherry trees with Marlee Theil , sustainability coordinator and lead researcher for the Cherry Tree Phenology Project . Marlee and her student volunteers are t...

In this Exploring Washington State Podcast episode, Scott sits down with returning guest Jessica Alexanderson , also known as Scuba Jess . While she’s usually diving deep into Washington’s waters, today she’s surfacing with an urgent mission: collecting two million aluminum cans to help schools nationwide. Jessica shares how this national recycling contest is making a difference, from funding play...

Kells Irish Pub isn’t just a bar—it’s a Seattle institution.  Join Patrick Pearse McAleese as he shares the history, stories, and legacy of this iconic pub, from its deep Irish roots to its lasting impact on the community.   Discover what makes Kells a beloved gathering place for generations.

In this episode of the  Exploring Washington State Podcast , Scott Cowan welcomes Kendall Jones, founder of the Washington Beer Blog, to discuss the history and future of craft beer in Washington State. Kendall shares his journey from an aspiring rock star to a renowned voice in the beer community, weaving together stories of personal discovery, local breweries, and the unique character of Washing...

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast ! This time, Scott Cowan sits down with Meghan Storey, a talented musician with an extraordinary story of resilience, creativity, and passion. From her challenging beginnings on the streets of Seattle to becoming a celebrated artist, Meghan shares her incredible journey of triumph over adversity. Episode Highlights...

Today’s guest is Tim Nyhus, a passionate explorer uncovering the hidden treasures of ghost towns and abandoned mines across the state. Episode Highlights A Journey into Washington’s Forgotten Past Tim shares how his love for history and family road trips inspired him to explore ghost towns and mines, starting with the abandoned coal town of Melmont in 2009. Hear about his first-hand experiences un...

Hey there, friends! In this episode of the Exploring Washington State podcast, your host Scott Cowan dives into a fun and heartwarming conversation with Jake Eberhart, the innovative mind behind Bolder K9 Jake shares his journey of moving to Washington, adopting a rescue pup, and turning a chewed-up leash into a thriving business that gives back to animal rescues and shelters. What’s Inside This E...

Are you ready to uncover Skagit County's hidden treasures? Join host Scott Cowan as he chats with Kristen Keltz, CEO of the Skagit Tourism Bureau, to explore everything this remarkable region has to offer—from breathtaking landscapes and charming small towns to vibrant cultural events and unique culinary experiences. What You'll Discover in This Episode: Skagit County's Hidden Gems Think you know...

In this episode of the Exploring Washington State podcast, Scott Cowan sits down with Wenatchee local and music enthusiast Joel Myrene for a lively conversation packed with nostalgia, community spirit, and a love of live music. Recorded in the historic Wenatchee Prosperity Lodge 301, Joel takes us on a journey from his punk rock roots to his mission of reviving Wenatchee’s music scene today. Joel...

This week, Scott sits down with Margot Kravette, an inspiring photographer and blogger who turned her milestone 70th birthday into a journey across Washington State.  Margot shares how her lifelong passion for photography—sparked in the 1970s at Walter Reed Hospital—led her to create InspiredJourneys.live , a website documenting her exploration of Washington's most unique and captivating locations...

This week on the Exploring Washington State Podcast , we sit down with Steve Pearson—Seattle’s rock and roll legend.  From his iconic days with The Heats to the raucous adventures of the Rangehoods, Steve takes us on a nostalgic journey through the highs, lows, and everything in between of his musical career. 🎶 From Garage Gigs to Stadium Crowds Steve’s story starts like many legends: with a youn...

Curious about RV life, jaw-dropping destinations, and why coffee and bourbon are central to camping? This week’s  Exploring Washington State  podcast delivers an unscripted chat between host Scott Cowan and RV enthusiast Brooks Smothers. From navigating the Pacific Northwest’s unparalleled natural beauty to tackling the quirks of rolling earthquakes (a.k.a. RVs), Brooks shares why RVing is the ult...

Welcome to Exploring Washington State ! Host Scott Cowan sits down with Dennis Berg, a bartender who’s called the Space Needle his workplace for an astounding 43 years. In this episode, recorded at Here Today Brewery and Kitchen, Dennis shares decades of stories, insights, and memories from Seattle's most iconic landmark, along with his passion for Washington's vibrant wine and bar scene. Tune in...

Prepare for an epic conversation with adventure, history, and quirky insights! In this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast , host Scott Cowan reunites with guest Tami Asars to discuss the second edition of her book, Hiking the Wonderland Trail . But this isn't just any trail story—it's a deep dive into one of Washington's most beloved trails, spanning 93 miles around the iconic Mount...

Meet Mark Phelan, Director of Marketing at the stunning Alderbrook Resort and Spa . If you've ever wondered what it's like to work at one of Washington's most cherished destinations—or if you're seeking inspiration for your next getaway—this conversation is packed with insights, humor, and nostalgia. Mark Phelan: 20 Years at Alderbrook and Counting Mark kicks things off by sharing his incredible 2...

In this episode, we talk with Kirk Hanson, Director of Forestry at the Northwest Natural Resource Group , about his journey from Minnesota to Washington State and his work in sustainable forestry.  Kirk has spent years promoting ecologically sound forestry practices that benefit both forest health and landowners’ financial interests. His passion for nature has driven him to create a balance betwee...

Cassandra Overby, author of "Home Base Hiking Europe," shares her journey from a business student to a writer inspired by her extensive travels. Rediscovering travel through hiking and connecting with locals, she found it more fulfilling than traditional sightseeing.  Her European travels were extended thanks to remote work opportunities, showcasing technology's flexibility. This experience inspir...

Since our last conversation, Jesse's been hard at work restoring unique properties across Washington and beyond, bringing a mix of rustic charm and modern convenience to places you might never expect. From fixing up a yacht that doubles as an office to building bridges—literally—at his Pacific Dunes property, Jesse shares how he's redefining what hospitality can look like. To kick things off, Jess...

Exploring Washington: Autumn Photography, Iconic Landscapes, and Life on a Boat Washington State is a photographer's paradise, offering a rich diversity of landscapes—from the North Cascades to the waters of Puget Sound. Photographer Lisa Mize captures this beauty while living full-time on a boat. In a recent Exploring Washington State Podcast episode, Lisa shared her photography journey and uniqu...

Meet Chris Baldwin: A Blend of Art and Coffee Our guest, Chris Baldwin, is a true craftsman. As a designer and artist by profession, Chris has always had a passion for branding, commercial art, and graphic design. His journey led him to Whidbey Island, where he combined his love of coffee with his background in design and marketing to create Island Time Coffee. Island Time Coffee: A Brand Born fro...

Meet Kelly Goto Kelly Goto is a trailblazing American entrepreneur renowned for her user experience design and contextual research. Kelly began using .ethnography, where she was among the first to delve into this innovative approach, reshaping how we understand and improve user interactions.  That is not why she is our guest. 😉 Introducing Seattle Samurai: A Book Project Honoring a Creative Legac...

In this episode, we're transported back to the dawn of prehistoric times as we accompany the passionate author, Kelly Milner Halls, on a thrilling adventure. Let's embark on a journey that uncovers the fascinating discovery of a T-Rex cousin right here in our own backyard. A Dinosaur for Washington: The True Story of Suciasaurus Did you know the Suciasaurus is the official Dinosaur of Washington S...

Welcome to the latest edition of the Exploring Washington State podcast, where we bring you the best of Washington State. In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Juliet Kennedy, the marketing director for the Twisp Chamber of Commerce. Juliet shared her insider knowledge of the hidden gems and unique experiences in Twisp and the beautiful Methow Valley. We hear about Twisp Fest w...