Ali & Callie Artcast

For the third episode in our Arizona series, we head into the bold, colorful world of Phoenix-based muralist  Paige Reesor , an artist turning everyday spaces into vibrant, story-filled experiences. Known for her striking large-scale murals that blend realism with imaginative design, Paige shares how her journey began (quite literally) on the walls of her childhood home and evolved into a career t...

In the second episode of our Arizona series (and our 200th episode!), we step into a creative mirror with Phoenix-based video podcaster Joshua Kotzen, whose videocast is known as The Baby J Show. This is a dual podcast experience: we’re recording Joshua as he records us. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at storytelling from both sides of the lens, where conversation, camera, and curiosity all interse...

The Ali & Callie Artcast heads to the Southwest in the first of a three-part Arizona series, spotlighting creatives whose work is deeply connected to community, story, and spirit. In this episode, we sit down with Phoenix-based silk artist MJ Okawa, whose luminous pieces capture the movement, texture, and quiet power of the natural world. Blending traditional Japanese silk painting techniques...

In this episode of the Ali & Callie Artcast, we sit down with Chris Grant, Former Orchestra Manager of the Coeur d’Alene Symphony to talk about an exciting season ahead. From upcoming performances and special events to the vision behind this year’s programming, Chris gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the Symphony continues to bring world-class music to North Idaho. We explore what audie...

In this episode of the Ali & Callie Artcast, we sit down with Karin Wedemeyer, founder and Executive Director of the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, to explore her vision for this dynamic and deeply valued cultural hub in downtown Sandpoint. Karin shares the Conservatory’s origin story and how it has grown into an international school of performing arts rooted in a classical framework while r...

In this episode, we sat down with Kristina Ludwig, a nature-inspired artist based in Sandpoint, whose work transforms the raw beauty of the forest into extraordinary art. Kristina is best known for her intricate creations made from birch bark—including a breathtaking gown crafted entirely from this natural material. Drawing deep inspiration from the Pacific Northwest landscape, Kristina shares her...

Welcome Dario Ré, a genre-bending artist who lives off-grid in the mountains above Sandpoint, Idaho. Ré is the lead singer-songwriter of Heat Speak, a highly collaborative, ever-evolving ensemble known for its eclectic instrumentation and richly layered sound. Blending indie rock, chamber folk, and world fusion, Heat Speak pairs impassioned poetics—sung in both English and French—with dynamic musi...

Season six of the Ali & Callie Artcast kicks off with Britt Thurman, Executive Director of the Museum of North Idaho. Britt joins us to share how the museum’s first year in its new home at the base of Tubbs Hill has gone, along with a look at upcoming exhibits, community events, and what’s ahead for the future of the museum. We also talk about the important role the museum plays in preserving...

In this special episode, Ali & Callie sit down with Theresa Wild, co-founder of Matt’s Place Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting families facing the devastating challenges of ALS. Theresa shares the deeply personal story behind the foundation, the innovative housing solutions they’ve pioneered, and the community-driven mission that keeps their work moving forward. Her passion,...

Lake City Playhouse is bringing a beloved holiday classic to Coeur d’Alene with its production of “Little Women,” opening tonight and running through December 7. This heartwarming story filled with sisterhood, sacrifice, and timeless charm is the perfect way to ease into the spirit of the season. The show is directed by Jessica Peterson, a vibrant force at Lake City Playhouse. Known for her talent...

Brian Crain is an American pianist and composer whose music has been streamed more than six billion times. Born in Hollywood, Brian grew up creating melodies by ear—often whistling tunes he made up on the spot. His father was an award-winning educational filmmaker, and Brian spent part of his youth helping with film projects, which sparked his interest in writing music for pictures. Though he brie...

What started as a one-night gig in 1986 turned into a nearly 40-year tradition of good music, good people, and very good times. Back then, the school district needed a band for a levy victory party — and teacher/musician Jim Lien basically said, “Yeah, I know some folks.” He rounded up a crew of fellow educators who could sing or play (or, in some cases, were just brave), and they hit the stage as...

We’re joined by Gatieh Nacario and Anna Caldwell, founders of the Kultura de Filipino Dance Company — a passionate, independent Filipino cultural dance company in Spokane dedicated to preserving and showcasing the beauty of their heritage through authentic performances. More than just a dance group, Kultura de Filipino is committed to artistic excellence, cultural education, and the personal growt...

  For over 20 years, the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, also known as The JACC, has brought the Post Falls community together through the transformative power of the arts. What began as a mission to save a historic building has blossomed into a thriving hub where creativity, connection, and culture flourish in the heart of Post Falls. Darla Dreyer has been the Executive Director for the last...

We sit down with Crystal Bain, Owner and Artistic Director, and Jessie Tulleners, Assistant Artistic Director of Ripple Dance Company — the first and only professional contemporary-modern dance company in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Founded by Crystal, Ripple Dance Company gives advanced and professional-level dancers the opportunity to continue their artistic journeys right here in our community. The c...

Established in 2003, Inland Northwest Opera brings world-class talent to our region while providing a stage for local professionals to share their artistry with an engaged and inspired community. Mike Bullard, board member, volunteer, and performer, talks to us about this valuable organization and its return thanks to some passionate folks in our community. Inland Northwest Opera is a 501(c)(3) or...

The fabulous Junk2Funk is back for Lucky #13!  We sat down with event MC Shannon Irwin and artist/model Brooke Wood for a lively chat about this wildly popular event happening Saturday, October 18. Junk2Funk isn’t just a fashion show — it’s a “trashion” extravaganza! Every outfit on the runway is crafted from at least 80% recycled or repurposed materials. From plastic water bottles and used grocer...

It was such a treat to chat with Robby French, co-owner of Stylus, and Paul Irwin, vinyl DJ extraordinaire, about their upcoming event: WAXfest, happening Sunday, October 5, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. WAXfest will be the area’s very first record and vendor fair, transforming the Stylus parking lot at 2605 N 4th Street in Coeur d’Alene into a lively hub of music, community, and creativity. Guests can...

Meet Holly Dolly—an internationally published pinup model with a sparkle in her step and a love for all things burlesque! She first leapt onto the stage in 2015 with a contemporary dance troupe in the Tri-Cities, and by 2019, she was dazzling audiences as an independent burlesque artist. These days, you’ll find her lighting up stages and producing glittering shows all across the Northwest. So, wha...

Library Foundation board members have revived a beloved idea from 20 years ago—a literary-themed calendar—but with a timely new twist: celebrating the Right to Read. Mary Sanderson, Bette Ammon, and Ruth Pratt discuss the role of the Foundation and why this fundraiser is so important to the preservation of the library, as well as process of producing the calendar. The 16-month calendar highlights...

Meet Jeni Riplinger, the visionary force behind Emerge Gallery in Downtown Coeur d’Alene—a vibrant hub where creativity comes alive. Emerge isn’t just a gallery, it’s a collective art experience that sparks imagination, connects community, and gives emerging artists the chance to shine. From hands-on classes to unforgettable community art events, Emerge is where inspiration takes root and grows. M...

The team came together for an impromptu episode exploring the power of art, creativity, and the act of making. Inspired by Amie McNee’s TED Talk, “The Case for Making Art When the World Is on Fire,” they take on the idea that art is frivolous in hard times. McNee argues the opposite—creativity isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Art soothes, connects, and gives meaning. It heals bodies, minds, and com...

The Pend Oreille Arts Council (POAC) has been bringing the arts to life in Bonner County since 1978. For nearly five decades, this local nonprofit has inspired creativity, enriched education, and connected the community through unforgettable arts experiences. Claire Christy, Arts Coordinator for the Pend Oreille Arts Council, invites you to immerse yourself in the magic of the arts with their high...

Meet Captain David Kilmer, a man whose life has been transformed by the sea. An accomplished sailor and storyteller, David Kilmer's journey began when his father launched a little wooden boat for him, named Skipper-N-Dad. This early experience sparked a lifelong love for the sea, leading to his first bluewater passage at the age of 25, a transformative 2,300-mile journey across the Pacific Ocean....

Amy D’Orazi brings joy into every room she enters. If you’ve seen her perform, you know she carries a rare blend of heart and innocence that’s hard to put into words. A singer, actress, painter, and writer, Amy grew up in the Inland Northwest, where her boundless creativity was nurtured from a young age and she was encouraged to take the stage. After a long hiatus from theatre, Amy returned with r...