Trending Northwest Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by the Director of Sporting & Community Engagement at USL Spokane, who takes us behind the scenes of bringing the Velocity and Zephyr teams to town. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of introducing professional soccer to Spokane and the important role the community played in making it happen. We also dive into the exciting fan experience at the games, the ro...

Today, we have an incredibly exciting guest, Stephan Reckie. Stephan is a global leader in space entrepreneurship, and an advocate for sustainable innovation.  He is currently a proud new resident of Loon Lake, Washington, after moving from the hustle and bustle of New York City.

In this episode, we interview a top local event professional who has been part of the event industry since 2015. In 2020, Paige Thurman of Driftwood Point Events started their own event planning business, quickly becoming a go-to expert for creating unforgettable events.

In this episode, we sit down with Carmela Conroy, a third-generation union member and proud Eastern Washingtonian with nearly 30 years of dedicated public service. From her early work as a Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor to her impactful career as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, Carmela has consistently focused on finding solutions to complex challenges. Now running for Congress, she’s committed...

In this episode, we speak with successful entrepreneur Evie Fatz about her mission to feed people nutrition-dense meals are as beautiful and convenient as they are good for you. Her heart for our community is strong - particularly in her advocacy for seniors who are shut ins and experiencing food insecurity. Her Brighter Life Foundation provides one meal to someone in need for every meal sold at C...

Deidra Kelly, Assistant Dean and Director of Interdisciplinary Programs at Whitworth University's School of Continuing Studies, has a background in psychology and child & family services, with a passion for high-quality education. Since moving to Spokane and starting to work with adult learners in Whitworth's evening education programs, she has enthusiastically dove into the world of adult edu...

In this episode, we sit down with the Children's Cancer Coalition to shine a light on their incredible mission of supporting families and raising awareness about childhood cancer. As September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we explore the importance of advocacy, the challenges faced by young patients and their families, and how you can get involved in making a difference. Tune in for...

Drew Henry is the Founder and CEO of Revival Tea Company. Founded in 2018, it has become the fastest growing tea company in the US through its bold craft blends that are distributed all over the globe. Revival Tea Company won best B2C company in 2025 through Ignite Northwest as part of their annual review, and Drew was honored by the Journal of Business in their 2022 class of Rising Stars. We lear...

In this episode, we chat with Fay Ripley, the owner of Red Leaf Vintage, as she gives us the inside scoop on how to dress on-trend with vintage fashion and sustainable style. With seven years of experience in buying and selling vintage clothing and three thriving locations in Spokane and Coeur d'Alene, Fay shares her deep love for all things beautifully made and with a retro twist. In each epi...

Join us on this insightful episode of Trending Northwest as we sit down with the incredible team from Serene Integrative. We're delving into the world of mental health services, exploring how their innovative approach supports our community’s wellbeing. Learn from Michelle Strigotte, the heart and soul behind Serene Integrative, who brings a wealth of personal and professional experience, and...

In today's episode, we're exploring the remarkable journey of artist Keith Harrop, who transitioned from the bustling streets of England to the heart of the Inland Northwest. Leaving behind a corporate job, he embraced his passion for art, dedicating himself to the craft full-time. Keith's dedication to his art shines through in his exquisite pencil drawings, each featuring charming ch...

In this episode, we chat with a true cinematic legend: the one and only Sean Astin. You know him as the beloved hobbit, a treasure-seeking Goonie, and a football underdog, but today we're exploring the heart behind the roles. Sean Astin isn’t just a versatile actor; he's a passionate advocate for causes close to his heart. Following in his mother’s footsteps (the one and only Patty Duke),...

Today our guests, Michelle, Michael, and Nick from Starry Financial, share their expertise on the ins-and-outs of joint bank accounts. Whether you're in a long-term relationship, newly married, or entering a new phase in life, if you're considering merging your finances or maintaining some independence, remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but with careful consideration and o...

Stacey Karlis is the owner of Gracey's Flower Farm. She grows flowers for her lovely customers as well as many amazing florists in the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area. Located in the rolling wheat fields of The Palouse, she specializes in beautiful, locally sourced garden style arrangements. As a child, she fondly remembers her mother, aunts, and grandmothers cultivating flowers, but it was her...

As a fourth generation member of the Nordstrom family, Pete Nordstrom, has served as executive vice president of Nordstrom Inc. since 2000 and as president of the store's merchandizing department since 2006, before being appointed co-president in 2015. A leading fashion retailer, Nordstrom operates in 310 locations within the U.S. and Canada, running 119 full line branches and 183 Nordstrom ra...

Dive into the unique soundscapes of Jay Orth, the Spokane-based musician behind the solo project August to August. In this episode, Erin and Melissa explore Jay's journey from a math-majoring Zag to a pioneering artist blending acoustic drums with lo-fi hip-hop vibes. Discover the inspirations behind his ethereal sound, the creative process of his debut album "Slow Down," and his exp...

Melissa and Erin chat with Vanessa Waldref, one of the 2024 Women of Achievement Award winners by the YWCA Spokane, for her pioneering work as the first female US Attorney for Eastern Washington. Learn more about her efforts to keep the community safe, along with her work mentoring the next generation of attorneys in this episode. The YWCA Women of Achievement Ceremony and Luncheon will take place...

In this episode, Erin and Melissa chat with Sindhu Surapaneni, an inspiring young woman who is making a huge difference in philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Learn more about Sindhu’s work on the podcast and check out her henna work and Youth Entrepreneur Club here -  https://www.indianyouthclubofspokane.org/  

In this enlightening episode, Gary Stokes, President and General Manager of KSPS PBS, shares his journey through the broadcasting industry, highlighting his extensive 27-year career from coast to coast. From his early interests in television to leading KSPS PBS, Gary discusses the impact of digital transformation on public television, the inception of innovative programs like Inland Sessions and t...

Anna Mumau is a bridal makeup artist that creates an A-list, stress free, luxury beauty experience with all-inclusive, swoon worthy makeup packages for brides in the PNW and beyond. She specializes in skin-focused makeup, for brides who want to look like the naturally elevated version of themselves, and provide all-day touch-up and personal assisting services so that you can relax and cherish each...

Would you love to have a designer for a day? Wondering what the latest do’s and don’t’s are for interior design in 2024? If so, you won’t want miss this interview with Erin Haskell of Design for the PPL!

Corey Thomas is the founder of Special Deeds for Special Needs Kids with his wife, Katie Thomas. They bring smiles and happiness to children with special needs in the Pacific Northwest. They do themed bedroom makeovers for special needs children Throughout our region, and hope to make it a full-time mission.

What did 2023 look like for Erin, Melissa and Trending Northwest? We reflect on how 2023 panned out for the magazine and what 2024 could bring both for TNW and the Spokane area region. Will our predictions hold up? We'll find out!

In this episode, Erin and Melissa chat with local Washington author Terece Hahn Metzger about her debut novel, Attached. We chat about how she pursues writing with a busy day job, how she created such a strong female protagonist set in 19th century Washington state, and who Terece would like to see if her book were to be adapted into a movie!

New York Times bestselling author Tom Mueller joins us to discuss his latest book, How to Make a Killing, which investigates the murky world of the American dialysis industry. We explore the consolidation of just two dominant dialysis providers, and the limited options kidney patients have to advocate for better care. Mueller uncovers how flawed incentives and reimbursement policies in American he...