That Upper Left Life

The June 24, 1947, sighting near Mount Rainier by pilot Kenneth Arnold is widely considered the event that sparked the modern era of UFO reports and the term “flying saucer.” Guess what? we talk about it. take a listen.

Uncover the secrets of the Lost Treasure of Old Blewett! Join us for a quick dive into hidden history, local legends, and the hunt for this mysterious treasure in Washington State." *Clarification 860,000 oz of gold = 53,125 lbs

The Pacific Northwest is dotted with deep, cold lakes that seem built for secrets. In this episode, we wade into the region’s most enduring aquatic legends — from shadowy shapes in glacier‑fed water to the creatures locals swear they’ve seen just beneath the surface. Part folklore, part natural history, and part regional identity, these lake‑monster stories reveal why the Northwest’s wild places s...

Deep beneath Lake Washington lies a preserved, thousand‑year‑old underwater forest—trees still standing where an ancient earthquake sent them sliding into the depths. This episode explores the quake, the science, and the mystery behind one of the Northwest’s strangest hidden worlds.

Beneath the cold, green water of Puget Sound, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge hides more than twisted metal and maritime history. In this episode, we dive into the long‑running legend of the giant Pacific octopus said to lurk in the wreckage — part folklore, part biology, and part Northwest identity. We sort out what’s real, what’s rumor, and why this story refuses to die.

The boys and I talk about Family Christmas Traditions. But Christmas isn't just about customs and presents; its about the people we share them with. We dive into the beautiful, sometimes complicated dynamics of familyduring this time of the year - the laughter, the nostalgia and the moments that make the holidays unforgettable.

Have you ever been to Vashon Island? Have you visited the Bike Tree? Here's a quick and dirty.

Today we discuss a new Top 10 we are going to tackle in the coming episodes. Yes, it deals with myths, lore and legends from Washington State. Comment below for the ones we might have missed or your insight on what we are about to talk about.

In this raw and redemptive episode, Randy Budano from That Upper Left Life, Deena Budano of Dream Big with Deena Budano, and Caleb Altmeyer from Helping Captives sit down for a powerful conversation about transformation, purpose, and restoring hope. Caleb opens up about his deeply personal journey—from attending a private Christian school to dropping out of high school and falling into the grip of...

In this heartfelt episode, I am joined by Jennifer Smid, owner of The Curated Cottage, along with Deena Budano of Dream Big with Deena Budano, for a beautiful and honest conversation about faith, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and purpose. Jennifer shares how she launched The Curated Cottage in less than 15 days, growing it into a warm and lovely boutique that now features 25 amazing curators. She...

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary lifestyle of my friend Chris and his family as they embrace life on the road, calling an RV their home. Hear firsthand accounts of their adventures across breathtaking landscapes, the unexpected joys and hurdles of constant travel, and the unique perspective they've gained from a life less ordinary. From forging deeper family bonds to navigating the...

Today, we're bringing Knife Club to a close with our grand finale! Join us as we journey back to the roots of why we fell in love with knife making—unveiling the passion, stories, and valuable lessons that shaped our craft. If you're ready to 'forge' your own path, we've got you covered with tips on getting started in knife making and recommendations for essential tools. This is one episode you do...

Welcome to 2025! I decided to take a couple of months off to recharge for the new year! Today we talk about the craft of making knives. I am joined with Cory Olsen and Christian Payne and talk about our experiences of creating knives.

In this inspiring episode of That Upper Left Life and Dream Big with Deena Budano, Deena and I sit down with Aimee Livingston from the Liberty Lake Athletic Club’s Performance Lab to explore the transformative power of fitness. Aimee shares her personal journey, revealing how fitness has profoundly impacted her life—not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well. With a passion for helpi...

From Hawaii to Spokane: Finding Peace, Community, and Hope with Tammy Arquero. Tammy Arquero, reflects on her 32-year career with the state of Hawaii and how her retirement led her to explore sound money for peace of mind. After moving to Spokane, Washington, Tammy found the Dream Big with Deena Budano podcast, which connected her to a supportive community. Tammy now aims to inspire younger genera...

Deena and I talk about our newly formed LLC and DBA Brushes Up with the Budano's. We talk about how we got here and what the future brings. budanoartdesignco@outlook.com FB - @BrushesUpwiththeBudanos IG - @BrushesUpwiththeBudanos

Deena and I talk about Bigfoot Records and the murals I've created inside and out. We talk about how it came to be, my concept of the project and future projects with Bigfoot, Mike and Lucas.

Deena and I talk with Letty Villanueva owner of Nueva Nails and Mitch Davis owner of Midnight Waffles. We talk about their struggles, their successes, their passion for self-expression and place in this world. Midnight Waffles: midnightwaffles.com IG @midnightwafflescreative Letty Villanueva - Nueva Nails: nueva-nails.square.site IG @letiticia_villanueva West Central Wubs https://youtu.be/8MIIRvry...

I revisit Bigfoot Records in the Garland District, talking with Father and son owners, Mike and Lucas, to see how things progressed in a year. Bigfoot Records 905 W Garland Ave Spokane, WA 99205 IG - @bigfootrecordsspokane FB - @bigfootrecords bigfootrecordsspokane.com

Join Deena and I for a delightful conversation with Susan Nielsen, owner of the company and daughter of company Founder Gabe. Gabe is the founder and company "personality." Discover the rich history and delicious offerings of this second-generation family business, renowned for Gabe's Original Dressing & Marinade and Mama's Mediterranean Spices. Learn about the origins, evolu...

Today we talk about Lilac City Comicon 2024.

Sheila Fritts and Deena Budano  host a captivating podcast titled “ Remembering Expo 74 .” In this podcast, they interview individuals who attended the Expo '74 in Spokane. Through firsthand accounts, they explore various aspects of the fair, including music, downtown development, environmental themes, and the fair’s impact on shaping the city. You can find the podcast on platforms like  Apple...

In this podcast episode I am joined with Deena Budano of “Dream Big with Deena Budano” as we engage in a phenomenal conversation with Monica Simeon, co-owner of Sister Sky.  Monica candidly shares the hurdles and victories of being a Brown, Woman-owned business and unveils the evolution of Sister Sky over its 25-year .  Join us for a captivating discussion on entrepreneurship, cultural heritage, a...

Today is a different kind of podcast.  It’s not about the PNW.  It’s about a handful of friends that had a good time making music.  Welcome three of the four members, including myself, of Mounting Mother Magnet.  We talk about where we’ve been and what we are up to.  Here’s Part 1.

Welcome to the latest episode! Today That Upper Left Life and Dream Big with Deena Budano have a delightful conversation with Khuyen Shirath, the owner of Kiss My Lash and Self Care Spa and Lounge. In this episode, Khuyen, Deena Budano and I really get into the powerful themes of survival and dreaming big. Khuyen shares her incredible journey from overcoming language barriers as a Vietnamese immig...