Inland Stories from the Pacific Northwest

Inland Stories was joined by Lauren King, the Senior Manager of Wine Education at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Lauren shares the special releases this fall and we talk about the historic winery as they celebrated their first ever RieslingFest. A fun, wonderful event celebrating the German-themed varietal that brings a whole new meaning to the start of fall.

Dive into an inspiring chat with Andy Coleman from Walla Walla Parks & Recreation as we explore the exciting fall and winter programs keeping local kids active, connected, and thriving through youth sports! We unpack the game-changing park improvement initiatives heading to the upcoming ballot, including major upgrades to the Mill Creek Sports Complex and historic Pioneer Park. The star of the...

Join Martin Fortney, Executive Director of Walla Walla Little Theatre, as they celebrate their 81st season on Inland Stories from the Pacific Northwest. Explore the theatre's rich history, the importance and joy of having the community be such a vital part of the theatre, the new CoWalla Creative Arts District, and the importance of preserving creative arts amid AI's rise.

Join us for an engaging chat with Tyson Kaup, Executive Artistic Director of Walla Walla Summer Theater, as we dive into their recent hit, Little Shop of Horrors. Discover how this dark, comedic musical, starring Brad Willcuts and Kaup as the voice of Audrey II, captivated audiences at Gesa Power House Theatre. We explore Walla Walla’s vibrant arts scene and the urgent need for a dedicated venue....

Inland Stories from PNW is on location at the new Fiasco on Main, a world class Italian inspired pizzeria with a local twist. Now open, Fiasco on Main owners Tom and Judy Bennett share the stories of their inspiration and their journey on getting their best pizza and their best version of hospitality on the table.

Jason sits down with Robb Harrison, Artistic Director of the Walla Walla Choral Society, and discussed their 119th season as the oldest community choir west of the Mississippi. He highlighted the choir’s final concert on June 1, 2025, at Village Church in College Place, sharing insights on music selection, advancing the choir, and the Walla Walla Valley’s rich musical legacy.

In this episode of Inland Stories from the Pacific Northwest, host Jason Mulkin sits down with Laurie Spencer, the organizer of the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede, to discuss the vibrant event held annually on Mother’s Day weekend. Laurie shares the history of the 49th edition of the Balloon Stampede, highlighting its family-friendly atmosphere at Tieton Park, free tether rides for kids, and the spe...

Manuel Pérez of Grandma's Kitchen in Walla Walla opens up on why the Day of the Dead celebration, or Dia de Los Muertos, is an important part of Walla Walla's Mexican community and why he is honored to build into this celebration for years to come. Walla Walla is the only city in Washington State to offer a Dia de Los Muertos parade and will be held each fall season to honor those that have gone b...

Krist Novoselic of Nirvana (yes, that Nirvana!) joins the podcast to discuss Walla Walla, his favorite roadtrip playlist, his new band, and what's driving him to begin a new political party: The Cascade Party. Hit it hard with Krist as we talk Washington State and the need for change.

Tourism and destination marketing is top of mind with Visit Walla Walla's Executive Director, Guy Glaeser. After decades of experience, Guy knows that the Walla Walla experience doesn’t happen in a silo. Tourism and destination development is a regional effort and Guy talks about the challenges, the needs, and the triumph of working together to celebrate the Walla Walla Valley.

Executive Director of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance, Liz Knapke joins the Inland Stories from the Pacific Northwest podcast to talk about why over the last 40 years this AVA has earned its reputation as one of the premiere wine destinations in the world. We also talk about what is in store for the Wine Alliance this summer and why we should always look to revisit Walla Walla Valley wine eac...

Over 130 years of family history and stories of the Buchanan family in the Inland Pacific Northwest. Stacy shares his memories of growing up and growing into the legacy of his family and how the transition of the farm life to his own life has had an effect on his perspective of the Walla Walla Valley. As the Event and Facilities Manager at The Motor Co., Stacy shares of the success of the very fir...

Norm McKibben has been a prominent member and instigator of the growth of the Walla Walla Valley wines. For almost 40 years, Norm and his team has been taking the opportunity to establish and grow Pepper Bridge, SeVein Vineyards, Seven Hills Vineyard, and more. Listen to Norm's stories on the early days and the growth of Walla Walla Valley Wines.

Wine isn't the only craft beverage in Walla Walla. Bill Weed (the 3rd) spins the story of how The Beer Parlor came to be, how he's overcome the initial challenges of starting up, and why he thinks The Beer Parlor is here to stay. Watch out PNW, this bottle shop is ready to rock!

If Walla Walla can do fine wine then it can do fine coffee! That's the attitude and mission of Carte Coffee's Joshua Huh and Ryan Vigil. Listen to the experts and learn about Carte Coffee's history, why the original mobile "cart" was a crazy struggle, how shotgun competitions inspired Ryan's coffee dreams, and how it made Carte Coffee what it is today.

The historic Power House Theatre of Walla Walla hasn't always been what it is today. Joined by Executive Director, Monica Boyle, Jason learns how the local Shakespearian inspired theatre came to be, how it managed the Covid-19 pandemic, and why it is a must-see experience for both locals and visitors of the Walla Walla Valley.

31 years of teaching provides some significant clout and reason to listen. Mr. Michael Agidius, a local music instructor, discusses the landscape of musical education, his favorite stories, and what keeps him going in retirement on Inland Stories from the Pacific Northwest!

Kathryn Witherington of the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation jumps in and discusses the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, what makes Walla Walla so great, and what great things are happening here in the summer of 2024.

Executive Director of Friends of Children of Walla Walla, Scott Kasenga, visits with Jason and discusses the importance of mentoring children here in the Walla Walla Valley. Always opportunity, Scott highlights the program and focus of Friends of Children of Walla Walla.

Jason is joined by the Walla Walla Alliance for the Homeless Executive Director, Jordan Green, as they discuss the Alliance and the impact of Covid on homelessness in the area. Jordan shares stories of how the Alliance positively impacts those that walk in and looks ahead toward key discussion points for the Walla Walla Valley.

Greg is a noted Ted-Talker, public speaker, life-coach, and friend toward those who find talking life hard. Especially at work. Jason and Greg discuss the mental struggle that was the Covid-19 pandemic in the Walla Walla Valley and how Walla Walla has recovered and grown from that experience. Good things are happening within the Inland Northwest!