LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY

Hello, hello, my fabulous Whidbey adventurers. Today, buckle up, because I’ve got an absolute force of nature on the mic. I’m talking about Larry Mason—a man who, frankly, makes the rest of us look like we’re standing still.    Larry is the man who makes sure the music behind the Oak Harbor Music Festival actually happen. You know that 15+ year event, where thousands of people come to hear musical...

Today, we are diving into a world of music, movement, and... gut strings. Yep, you heard that right. I am beyond excited to introduce you to someone who quite literally makes classical music sing with soul and spark: the incredible Tekla Cunningham.   Tekla is the founder and artistic director of the Whidbey Island Music Festival, where world-class musicians gather to perform jaw-dropping pieces o...

Hey listener! Today I'm talking to Lexi Ochoa, the founder and floral genius behind Forage—a custom floral design company based in Oak Harbor. Now, let’s be clear: Forage is not your run-of-the-mill flower shop with sad balloons and generic roses wrapped in cellophane. Oh no. Lexi is out here creating art—lush, soulful, one-of-a-kind arrangements and wreaths that are basically emotional experience...

In this episode, Judy Feldman shares her inspiring journey from Texas to Whidbey Island, driven by a passion for nature and sustainable agriculture. Join Magsy as she explores the captivating world of the Organic Farm School, a vibrant hub dedicated to nurturing the next generation of farmers. With an emphasis on systems and regenerative practices, the school offers comprehensive training programs...

I am diving headfirst into a world of vintage glamour, timeless treasures, and, let’s be honest, the thrill of finding that perfect one-of-a-kind piece … be it clothing or home décor … that makes you feel like you just won the shopping lottery.    Join me as Marisa Sedillo shares her love for vintage treasures and her unique experience of living on Whidbey Island. Discover how her passion for anti...

If you love coffee, community, and creative magic, do I have an episode for you!    Today, we’re talking about Beaver Tales Coffee—aka the beating heart of caffeine and connection on the Coupeville Wharf.  And at the helm of this cozy, soul-warming operation? None other than Michelle Calvin and Tony Cladusbid, the brilliant duo bringing people together over perfectly brewed cups of joy, delicious...

Hello, my fellow Whidbey wanderers, nature lovers, and people who probably have at least one friend who owns a goat. Welcome back to Local Whidbey with Magsy, where we shine a light on the brilliant, bold, and occasionally bee-covered folks making magic on this island.  And today, are you in for a treat. We are talking with the fabulous Marie Fiore, the powerhouse behind Fainting Goat Farms and Wh...

Hello listeners! Welcome back to Local Whidbey, your weekly dose of small-town magic, creative brilliance, and all the reasons Whidbey Island is the ultimate place to live, love, and soak up inspiration.   I’m Magsy and today, we’re diving into the artful heart of Langley, Washington to visit with the owners of Museo, the stunning gallery that’s as much a reflection of our island’s soul as it is a...

Hello, Whidbey friends, and welcome back to Local Whidbey with Magsy! You know, there’s nothing I love more than discovering the heart, soul, and spice of Whidbey Island—and today, we’re diving into all three. If you’re ready for a conversation filled with inspiration, culture, and a little dash of entrepreneurial magic, you are in the right place.    Today’s guest is a powerhouse of passion and p...

Today’s guest is about to blow your mind, expand your horizons, and quite possibly make you wish you’d paid more attention in science class.  We are talking to the brilliant Hai Anh Vue, the powerhouse behind the Whidbey Island Language, Art, and STEM Center—or, as the cool kids say, WILASC. Now, I know what you’re thinking: ‘Wait, an educational center that combines languages, art, and STEM? That...

Welcome back to ‘Local Whidbey’ where we spotlight the people, businesses, and creativity that make Whidbey Island the special place we all love to call home. Today, we are buzzing into the vibrant world of all-around queen bee, Misty Ellis, owner, stylist, and educator of The Hive Salon … where style, community, and self-expression come together in the most fabulous way.   My interest in Misty as...

Picture this ... sweeping brushstrokes of vibrant color, stunning landscapes that feel alive, and portraits that capture the very essence of a soul. That's the magic of Kathrine Leigh Holley, a prolific oil painting artist right here on Whidbey Island. Kathrine's work is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her canvas is where stories unfold, and emotions come to life.  But wait, there's more! Kathrine i...

You know how some people just have that magic touch? Like, they can capture a moment so perfectly that you swear you can hear the music, smell the salty sea air, and feel the collective joy of a crowd in a single photograph? Well, that’s Dennis Browne for you. This guy is basically the unofficial historian of Whidbey’s music scene—except instead of a dusty old textbook, he tells the story through...

Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of art, passion, and creative brilliance with the one and only Maria Wickwire, a phenomenal sculpture artist who’s redefining what it means to make art come alive.    Maria’s work isn’t just something you see—it’s something you feel.  Her sculptures tell stories, spark emotions, and remind us that art isn’t just about decoration—it’s about connection. F...

Today, we’re about to wander into a world where art meets nature, where creativity flourishes under the canopy of towering trees, and where a stroll through the forest feels like stepping into a storybook. That’s right—we’re talking about the Price Sculpture Forest; an open-air art experience that’s equal parts magical and mind-blowing. And who’s behind it? The visionary himself, Scott Price.  Sco...

In today’s episode, we’ll dive into Foxtail Farm Organic Farm's, Stephen and Amy Williams' journey—what inspired them to start their farm, the challenges and joys of organic farming, and what it’s like to be such an integral part of the local food scene. Whether you’re a foodie, a farmer, or just someone who loves supporting local, their story is guaranteed to leave you inspired and maybe even hun...

Today, we’ll chat with Emily Wilder, who is at the helm of this salty, sea-loving venture Salinity. Emily blends her love for the ocean with her commitment to a greener planet, and why her mission to fight for equal rights is just as important as the high-quality seafood she delivers. This is more than just a business—it’s a movement.  A true force of nature with a passion for salt water, fresh ai...

In today’s episode, I was honored to walk with Todd Hipsher on the trail off of Coupeville’s Sunnyside Cemetery. My guest is none other than Todd Hipsher, aka the creative genius behind @PNWBirdie photography and video on Instagram and his beautiful calendars on Etsy. You will notice that we are far from being indoors for this podcast recording.  I just couldn’t interview Todd sitting in a chair i...

Adrienne has built Zen Esthetics to be more than just a business—it’s a space where you can press pause, focus on YOU, and leave feeling like you can take on the world.  Today, we’ll dive into Adrienne’s journey—how she turned her passion for beauty and self-care into a thriving business, what keeps her inspired, and why Zen Esthetics is the go-to spot for locals looking to shine.  You don’t want...

today, oh, we've got a good one for you. We're heading straight into the heart of Crafting Spirits and Community Pride, with the new dynamic behind Whidbey Distillery Jonathan Bower and Mike Huffman.   These two are shaking things up literally. As the new owners of Whidbey Distillery, Jonathan and Mike are bringing fresh energy, bold ideas, and a whole lot of passion to this already iconic global...

On my new podcast Local Whidbey With Magsy, I celebrate the people who make it special. Featuring candid interviews with small business owners, creative minds, and audacious islanders, the podcast offers a backstage pass to the ingenuity and charm that define Whidbey life. Whether you're a local, a would-be islander, or just someone who loves a good story, "Local Whidbey" is your weekly dose of co...