Skagit Storytellers

Adam Barkley visited the studio last month to chat about his musical journey. His band, Biff Got Killed, is a favorite of mine and I thought it would be enjoyable for those in the local scene to know more about him. Adam lives his life very intentionally, which you'll learn in this episode when he speaks about his past, his family and his music. I encourage you to listen to his current project on...

Heather Saldivar is the founder and CEO of the W Tie. Her website is W Tie Movement ( wtiemovement.com)  and you can find her on IG @Heathrsaldivar . She's not only incredibly talented in her field of marketing, but she's over the top optimistic and inspiring. You will walk away from this podcast feeling energized and more confident to pursue your dreams. Thank you for coming on Heather and I can'...

My guest this week is Joe Leroy. He’s been integral in the Valley’s music scene for the last three plus decades. The first local show he saw was Lawn Dart, if you’ve shopped at Hugo Helmer’s the last 25 years, you’ve probably met Joe (He sold Charlie Krengel his first guitar!) and his old band, Funeral for Bugs, played the first Birdstock (along with Bad Chuck). Joe is a sweetheart and I think any...

April Patterson is a veteran, local real estate agent and advocate. She's passionate, full of purpose and this episode is overflowing with joy, useful information and inspiration. April sits on boards of United Way Skagit ( unitedwayskagit.org ), Rotary in Burlington (show up on Friday mornings!) and would probably attend any event you invite her to. She's a Connector to the utmost degree and the...

Marie Carlson is a mom, wife, advocate of fostering, actress and a founding member of the Valley's most interesting book club. She's also the Interim Executive Director of Social Impact at the YMCA in Skagit Valley. In this episode, we share important stories (how a trip to Haggen's changed her family's life), laugh a lot and try to mention our friend Tricia as much as possible. Go here and find o...

Sara Fish is a local realtor ( sarafishgroup.kw.com/ ) and talented singer who I met (in a beautiful way) at Mari Wuellner's Jumpstart Conference in Bellingham in January. In this episode, Sara shares important stories about her career, challenges and family. Give her a shout if you're looking for a realtor, want to know about weight loss (she's a survivor!), or have a craving for italian food (Sh...

Tony Moceri came across my radar in December when I found his book "A Wandering Mind" at Barnes & Noble in Bellingham and immediately asked him to be on the podcast. He visited the studio last month for one of the funniest, practical and most inspiring episodes I've recorded. Check out all of his ventures here: tonymoceri.com (Especially his podcast with Melissa!)  From his website: "...I am a...

Luke stopped by the studio in December to share his music journey (that started in Birdsview), family stories (Harps and Ireland!) , and we mention several folks who we admire in our local music community. See Luke play percussion for Forest Stoke and Natural Israel soon (Follow Luke's IG account for upcoming shows (@fall_line)) and you'll also see him in the crowd supporting his fellow artists. ...

Casey Freedom drove several miles north on Highway 9 to visit the studio to laugh with me and chat about his life, family, and career. He reveals some of his big dreams for 2026 (including a Montana tour), explains why college took longer than it should and plays not one but TWO fantastic songs for my listeners. We also unveil our dream (fake) triple bill at the Shakedown (Casey, Upriver rockers P...

Thaddeus Hink stopped by the studio in the Fall of 2025. We had a meaningful, meandering and thoughtful conversation about photography, writing, music and family. I was surprised to find out he played tuba in high school (with Stone) and he was also a founder of the Anacortes Music Project. Before he heads north to Alaska (and jump starts that music scene), catch him at a show taking pictures or e...

Kellen Murphy dropped by the studio in September of last year (you'll hear us talk about Washingtones Fest, so don't show up at Larrabee for his set, because it happened months ago). He was born in Anacortes and has since relocated to Bellingham to attend Western where his ultimate goal is to become a highschool teacher. You can find his music on all the streaming platforms, and you can find his e...

Matney Cook returned to her roots of Sedro-Woolley and visited the studio back in October. We instantly dove into our stories with detail, humor and passion (and we laughed, a lot). I would describe Matney as a unique woman who is equally powerful, soft and confident and she's a fabulous musician. You can find her solo, strumming her acoustic guitar and telling stories, or as the lead in her band...

It's the holiday season in the Skagit Valley and you know what that means... driving around to all your various parties, shindigs and dinners. Spice up your experience by sneaking in a wireless earbud and listen to your favorite local musicians Jack Mattingly and Shane Gildnes as they dole out advice, a jingle or two, and share some fun local music lore. Enjoy this festive time, be of use, and go...

Haley Suiter stopped by the studio near the end of the summer and we had an enjoyable, meaningful conversation. It blew me away when I learned she was only 15 years old. From her website: "I am a faith-filled, old soul with an insatiable love for the timeless melodies of classic rock. Music is my passion, my soul feeds off the lyrics, tone, and beat resonating deeply within me. I feel music is the...

Brandon stopped by the studio last summer. We laughed and shared stories for a couple of hours and found out we had a lot in common: We are both Canadian, coached middle school basketball, love Lopez Island, don't love BC Ferries (get it to together guys), and we are both teachers. He tells me about his love for the Grateful Dead, his rap album and the vision he has for music at his school. Passio...

Quinn visited the studio last summer and entertained me for quite a while. His stories are gloriously long and full of so many great tangents (due to his Attention Detention Efficit Order). He talks about his previous bands (there's a lot), his cats nicknames (they are long) and name drops at least 100 fantastic local folks. His band Fanny Alger posts their upcoming Revivals on Facebook, and their...

Three years ago, Tessa and I sat down and recorded my very first Skagit Storytellers Podcast episode. I can't thank Tessa enough for sharing her story with me the first time and I am incredibly excited to share her updates. Join me on Tuesday, November 11th at the Local Shop in Sedro-Woolley at 5:30pm for her Book Launch Party. "If your life feels like a sideline sprint—between practices, parent-t...

Last August, local musician Zach Hamer stopped by the studio to share his incredible story with me. Our conversation was fascinating, informative, funny and authentic. We discuss haunted houses, breaking the law, music in the Valley (Zach and I may have met in 2016) and his various projects you can find online (Like his 2024 movie, "Dragons on the Hill" or his podcast "History's a Joke"). He plays...

Kamriell Welty and I crossed paths in 2024 when I taught her youngest child. I quickly learned how much we had in common (enthusiastic curiosity, over the top positive attitude, and a love of challenges) and knew she'd be a fun podcast guest. Listen in for travel and ticket hacks, Swifty-lore, old tales of kids selling berries in the Valley and some golf stories too. I credit my latest adventures...

Mikel Perkins, former tuba player and current member of rock band MakLak, founded Bellingham's newest music organization, Bellingham Helps Access Music (BHAM) last May. He visited the studio to talk about his non-profit and how meaningful it is to him, "It's my life's work. It's the culmination of everything I've worked towards." His journey in music will leave you in awe and my hope is that you c...

Wedge Michaels came across my radar about a year ago when Shane Gildnes from Fanny Alger suggested he'd be a fantastic guest, and he was right! Wedge shared fun stories about touring, working in radio and life in general. He plays with a lot of bands, but make sure you find his band, The Phantom Hippies so you can hear some of his original music.  Enjoy your weekend, be of use, and go do something...

Jairo G stopped by the studio last Spring when he was a Mount Vernon senior. I first saw Jairo at the SWAMP in Sedro-Woolley and was impressed, and since then his sound has evolved even more. He's incredibly well spoken, kind and thoughtful. I loved hearing about his family, his collaborators, and his musical journey. Check out his socials for his most recent material and news of any upcoming show...

Rick Simcock is everyone's favorite dentist/bassist. He relocated to the Valley in 2010 and his first band was The Wreckless Spenders (with Quinn's sister Stacey!), followed by The Dizzys. Currently, he's in three bands: The Dimes, Friends for the Ghost and The Preacher and the Freight Train. When he's not playing bass or cracking some good one liners (listen and you'll see!), he gets to support t...

Paul and I met in 2017 when we moved next door to his family on the outskirts of Sedro-Woolley. Over the next seven years, our kids made the best memories together (re: The Pasture Pals) and we shared many backyard fires, BBQs and waves across the pasture. Besides interviewing musicians and other artists, my favorite type of story is a comeback story. Paul will be an inspiration to someone out the...

"Shannon Patiño is a Mexican American singer-songwriter currently based in Mount Vernon, WA, who blends folk and pop influences to create heartfelt, empowering, and vulnerably authentic music. As the first-born daughter of Mexican immigrants, Shannon’s work reflects her unique perspective, exploring themes of identity, self-worth, and love in its many forms with lyrics in English and Spanish that...