Exploring Washington State

In this episode our guest host MacKenzie Passegger has a conversation with Jon Anés .   Who moved to Washington State recently. The draw to Washington State and North Bend which is where he calls home is that he can simply open the front door and he is simply a walk or short bike ride away from being able to climb. Jon, describes his hiking strategies, how to plan and prepare for a good hike. Havi...

In this episode MacKenzie Passegger chats with Graham Silcher the founder of Ridge Line Rings. Learn how Graham started making rings out of Elk Antlers. Graham shares his origin story how he started crafting rings first for his mom and then for friends and family.  Soon it became obvious he was on to something that others would enjoy. As a one man show Graham shares with us his work routine and ho...

Dick’s Drive-in has been an iconic location in Seattle, Washington since the late 1950’s. Their food is a childhood staple for locals and a bucket-list item for many Seattle visitors.  But although Dick’s Drive-in’s core is burgers, fries and shakes, they are so much more behind the scenes. Jasmine Donovan, granddaughter to one of the three original entrepreneurs that created and built Dick’s Driv...

In this episode we talk to Mike Mondello, President of SeaBear Wild Salmon headquartered in Anacortes Washington. Mike explained the history of SeaBear, including how they created the name. Another interesting story is how they invented the special pouch that lets them ship fresh smoked seafood anywhere in the world without refrigeration. Warning: This episode contains vivid descriptions of scrump...

In this episode we talk to the husband and wife content team the Mandagies. Berty and Emily Mandagie produce a travel blog ( themandagies.com ) featuring world-class photography and stories of their travels and adventures. We talk about how they got their start during their time at the University of Washington in Seattle, how taking photos of friends for their weddings and trips led to a business,...

In this episode we have a conversation with Kathleen of Kathleen Elizabeth Photography. Kathleen is a Adventure Elopement Photographer. During this episode you will learn about Adventure Elopement and how to have a successful wedding day in the wild. We talk about having Dicks Drive-In as the catered food. =) We talk about her photo gear that she uses on the photo shoots. I never had heard of Adve...

In this episode we have a conversation with Heritage Distilling Chief Marketing Officer Hannah Hanley.  We learn the history of Heritage Distilling from the inspiration to open a distillery while drinking scotch around a campfire to their most recent collaboration with the Chehalis Tribe opening the Talking Cedar Distillery and Brewery. The first distillery on tribal land in the United States. We...

In this episode we chat with Brooke Martinez of 2232° Ceramics in Spokane. The host for this episode is MacKenzie Passegger. Brooke describes her workflow for her amazing mugs. Do you know what a cone stick is?  We didn't either.  After listening you will know what a cone stick is and what its used for. Brooke shares stories about mugs exploding in the kiln and other pottery mishaps. Her mugs are...

In this episode our host Scott Cowan chats with Brandon Fralic and Rachel Wood.  Rachel and Brandon have just published their latest book Urban Hikes Washington. We chat about the book and we learn how they went about doing their research  (seems like a lot of walking to me) =). We also chat about some of their favorite hikes in Washington State. I asked them to pick their favorite hike from the b...

In this episode our host Scott Cowan has a wide ranging conversation with Eliana Sheriff nightly news anchor for KEPR News in Tri-Cities. Learn just what is a Spudnut. What is the best indoor climbing gym in Washington?   Where is good place for a hike in Tri-Cities. All this and more in Episode 12 of the Exploring Washington State Podcast Here are some links to places mentioned in the podcast. Ba...

In this episode our host MacKenzie Passegger has a wide ranging conversation with Mike of Michael Weldon Photography.  Episode is full of all sorts of love for Tacoma! Get geeky with some chatter about crop sensors and megapixels. Learn about some of the best places to go for a quick outing in Tacoma. Where is the best sandwich in Tacoma?  This vital question be answered. All this and more in Epis...

In this Episode our guest host MacKenzie Passegger chats with Devan Nichols the owner of Contour Creative. This wide ranging conversation talks about her business, burritos, farmers markets, hiking and more. Learn about how Devan creates each of her pieces by hand from carving the stamps to pressing etc.  She even stands on her stamps just to make sure the ink is properly applied. Devan shares her...

Listen in as we chat with Ryan Christensen about hiking and climbing in Washington State. Ryan is a avid hiker and climber who has been a friend for a number of years.  You will hear about Ryan's three favorite hikes in Washington and he shares a story involving skinny jeans and a Grizzly Bear....=) Even though I am not much of a hiker and certainly I am not a climber I enjoyed my conversation wit...

This episode is a conversation with Tana Granack the Operations Director for The Spark Museum of Electrical Invention in Bellingham, Washington. You will hear about Tesla Coils, Theremins, priceless light bulbs and much more during our chat about the museum. The Spark Museum focusing on bringing electricity to life and makes learning fun for everyone who visits the museum. We chat about some of th...

This episode is a conversation with the owner of Archie McPhee Mark Pahlow and Shana the High Priestess of Rubber Chickens at the Rubber Chicken Museum located in the Archie McPhee store.    We talk about the history of Archie McPhee from Mark's youthful business adventures to the retail store location of today.  Including a strange coincidence  between liquor stores and Archie McPhee. The Rubber...

This episode is a conversation with Nick Zentner a Geology Professor at Central Washington University in Ellensburg.  Nick is the host of Nick From Home and Nick On The Rocks.  Additionally Nick is a well known lecturer on geology and a winner of the James Shea Award, a national award recognizing exceptional delivery of Earth Science to the general public.   Nick shares multiple pieces of informat...

In this episode we have a conversation with Aaron Jordan of Roast House Coffee in Spokane.  Roast House Coffee is the roasting company that Explore Washington State has partnered with to create the Explore Washington State Blend coffee. In this episode we learn about the origins of Roast House Coffee and their plans to continue to deliver delicious organic coffees throughout the U.S. and Washingto...

In this episode we have a conversation with Jim Hunger.  Owner of Belly Rub Spice Rubs. Jim and Scott discuss how Jim has grown his business by using local farmers markets to spread awareness about his spice rubs. Additionally we discuss Seattle area music venues, Seattle area food and drink options and more.  If you want to check out Belly Rub Spice Rubs you can visit Jim's website here. This is...

In this episode we have a conversation with KC Mack of Mack Provisions. KC shares his story about how he started making wallets and other leather items using vintage Baseball gloves as the source material. Based in Port Angeles KC Mack creates amazing wallets and other leather items. In our conversation KC shares how he got started and he explains his work process. We chat a bit about his Baseball...

Our first full episode featuring Nicole Klauss. Join us as we discuss Washington State Roller Derby.  Learn about the sport and find out where you can watch a match. We also chat about Nicole's favorite place to eat and grab a drink in Ellensburg. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ExploringWash)

Our pilot episode.  Join us on the Exploring Washington State podcast as we travel the state with our recording gear. Having conversations with the people who live, work, and play in Washington State. Each episode will will have a chat with someone who has a great story to share about Washington State. From artists, to business owners.  Musicians to athletes Exploring Washington State will showcas...