The ESP: Student Caught Stories

This episode is in collaboration with WWU students: Ava Simcoe, Alex Schramm, Frank Stephenson and Carter Nelson From Bozeman, Montana West Persons shares his journey from a college dropout to the proud owner of Madrona Wear, a repair and consignment shop here in Bellingham, Washington. Growing up in Montana and moving to Bellingham for university, West noticed a major gap in the outdoor industry....

This episode is in collaboration with WWU students: Joris Everts, Ella Perry, and Adam Kendrick Common Threads Farm is a non-profit in Whatcom County that connects kids to healthy food. Through multiple programs, they educate local kids on gardening and cooking skills while also providing free, healthy meals for kids experiencing food insecurity. Common Threads Farm primarily addresses the sustain...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU students: Kai Drotz, Jaden Walter, Brody Robinson, and Leyton IreyFor our SEIC Story Project, our team partnered with the Bellingham Food Co-op to learn more about how sustainability can be woven into a community-centered business model. Through our site visit and interview with Melissa, the Sustainability Director at the Co-op, we were able to explore how...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU students: Genna Tobin, Emma Cline, Alex Hines, and Sky McCasland Sustainable Connections, a nonprofit that has been active in the Bellingham area for nearly a quarter of a century and strives to do exactly what their name suggests; connect the community through sustainability.  The nonprofit as a whole touches on nearly every aspect of the UN’s Sustainable...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU students: Kosta Biros, Tyler Johnson, Jarad Barth, and Melissa Ramirez The Bellingham Makerspace is a place that offers materials and machines for creating, designing and building almost anything you can imagine. We discovered this business while researching non-profit organizations within Bellingham who focus on some of the sustainability goals. We then s...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU students: Berkley Mcclellan-Tedrow, Cody Smith, Emily Swan, and Grace Barrett In the heart of downtown Bellingham is a little community bike shop, the Bike Hub serves as a space for people to get their bikes tuned up and working whether they need to replace broken parts, want to fix it themselves, or have the Bike hub fix it for them. Initially started in...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU students: Alyssa Fabie, Daniela Hernandez and Ixchel Kissman More than a temporary stop, at the heart of Bellingham, Lydia Place creates hope and belonging for many families in our community. On what seemed like a gloomy day, we experienced the warmth and joy that Lydia Place brings to the families who walk through its doors. Lydia Place was founded in 198...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU student Mirella Morfin. In this podcast, we’re speaking with Lili, one of the co-founders of L&L Bakery, which she started with her mom. We’ll be diving into their story—how the bakery began, the challenges they’ve faced, and what it’s like running a family-owned business today. 

This episode is in collaboration with WWU student Storm Hedman. In this episode of Salish Sea Stories, we sit down with Seattle-based videographer Gio Jennings of Middle Fork Films to explore his journey turning a passion for filmmaking into a thriving freelance business. Gio shares insights on the creative process, building community connections, and navigating the challenges of independent video...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU student Shannon Register. I recently had the privilege of interviewing renowned photographer and educator Henry Tieu as part of my field research for Western Washington University’s Entrepreneurship & Innovation program. We explored his journey from creative to entrepreneur, and the ways he’s built a business rooted in authenticity, connection, and sus...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU student Mel Ramirez. Have you ever discovered a passion and thought "hey, I could make a business out of this!". Quynh D. Nguyen, the founder of Pink and Posey, had a similar thought and has continued her passion for paper flowers to this day.

This episode is made in collaboration with WWU student Izzy Knutson. Meet Melissa Gómez, founder of Hustle Team Nation, a powerhouse brokerage firm empowering life insurance agents to reach their full potential. As a proud Mexican woman and changemaker, Melissa is redefining what leadership looks like in the insurance industry. Through virtual workshops, mentorship, and training tools, she’s build...

This episode is made in collaboration with WWU students Mitchell Wrest, Lucas Hakamada and Gabe Laigo. In this episode of The Rising Tide Collective, Mitchell, Lucas, and Gabe sit down with Alli from Blue Skies for Children, a nonprofit organization based in Bellingham, Washington. We explore how Alli got involved with the organization, the evolution of Blue Skies over the years, and the meaningfu...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU student Ella Perry. In this episode of the ESP Podcast, host Ella Perry sits down with Morgan Curry from Skagit Gleaners to discuss their vital work in reducing food waste and addressing hunger in local communities. From gleaning fresh produce to redistributing food to those in need, Skagit Gleaners is leading the charge for sustainability and community im...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU students Colby Love, Charlie Dietiker, Austin Ellison  and Brooke Organ  This podcast interview with Coast to Coast Sustainable's features an inspiring conversation with co-founders Stephanie Manning and Stephanie Torres as they share the story behind their environmentally conscious venture. From their pandemic-era beginnings to their ongoing mission t...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU students: Blake Mortens, Storm Hedmon, and Matthew Cromwell Welcome back to the ESP podcast from Western Washington University! In this episode, we chat with Susan Hutton, Executive Director of the Whatcom Million Trees Project, learning about her journey and the organization's mission to plant or protect a million trees in Whatcom County and connect p...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU students: Jane Burleigh, Emily Ann Dombek and Piper Isolde Kassouni. Nestled in a quiet corner of Whatcom County, Growing Veterans is a nonprofit farm that serves as a healing space, classroom, and community hub. Founded in 2012 by Marine Corps veteran Christopher Brown and former mental health counselor Christina Wolf, the venture helps veterans reconnect...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU student Mackenzie Owens. In this podcast we’ll be sitting down with artist Suzanne Lundberg, creator of the sustainable clothing business, The Goat’s Coat. You’ll hear the adventures and ventures that got her to where she is today, and how it brought the art of sustainable clothing.

This episode is in collaboration with WWU student McKenzie McLeod Fairhaven Runners and Walkers is more than just a specialty store in Bellingham, Washington - it's a cornerstone of the community. Known for their high-quality products and exceptional customer service, they've also played a key role in fostering connection through local events and outreach. Join me as I sit down with the store's ne...

This episode is in collaboration with WWU student Kurtis Johnston. On this episode of The ESP we sit down with the founder of B'ham Hop, Bailey McCully, to discover the inner workings of a Bellingham based swing dancing organization. Learn more about her journey as she uses dance to bring people together to spark joy through movement and community.