At-homish

Wil sits down with Adrianne Wagner, Executive Director/CEO of Leadership Snohomish County (LSC), executive coach, and community builder, for a real conversation about what leadership looks like when life is busy, the world feels heavy, and people are craving connection.Adrianne shares her path from Flint, Michigan to Snohomish County, her long career as a healthcare executive, and the moment she "hit the wall" after the pandemic and major company changes. That burnout became a pivot point leading her back to school, into leadership coaching, and deeper into the work of developing leaders across every level (not just people with titles).Together, Wil and Adrianne unpack the difference between leadership vs. authority, why "aggressively passive" culture can make feedback harder than it needs to be, and how toxic leadership creates ripple effects for the people who have to survive it. They also dig into what it means to level up instead of competing, and why leaders have a responsibility to create real space for others to grow.The episode also spotlights Step Up, LSC's signature conference returning in person this year and how the theme - Step Up for what matters to you , is about moving beyond awareness into action, collaboration, and community.In This Episode, You will Hear AboutAdrianne's leadership journey: Flint -> Snohomish County -> healthcare exec -> coachBurnout, recovery, and why she pivoted into coachingLeadership vs. authority: why titles don't automatically make leadersToxic leadership, trust, and why we don't talk about the survivors enoughFeedback culture: 360-style listening, patterns, and "no hangry leaders"Calling in well: using time off to refill your cup, not just recover from being sickUncompete thinking: scarcity vs. abundance, envy vs. leveling upCommunity projects: asking orgs what they actually need ( cans with no can openers)Kids as teachers: bias, empathy, and small actions that matterMusic as meaning: Jimmy Eat World, Hamilton, the Grey Album, and Wil's 2026 alarm songEvent + Links MentionedLeadership Snohomish County: https://leadershipsc.orgStep Up Conference: April 24 (in-person)Applications/nomination window opens in February (Signature Program begins in September)Closing VibeThis episode is equal parts leadership workshop and real-life check-in: a reminder that community is built on small, consistent choices and that the best leaders don't just win; they help other people win too.

Wil welcomes brothers Terry Hollimon and Torry Hollimon for a wide-ranging, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about what it means to show up, build trust, and create spaces where people belong.The brothers share their origin story (Arkansas → Canada → Texas → Washington), how constant change taught them to read the room and find common ground, and why belonging isn’t about taking over a space—it’s about connecting inside it.Torry opens up about becoming a single dad with full custody, how that led him into early childhood education, and why being present in schools—especially in communities where people of color are underrepresented—creates powerful ripple effects for kids and families.Terry reflects on the rights and opportunities people take for granted today, the responsibility to honor the sacrifices of past generations, and the importance of using your gifts—whether you’re built like a “power truck” or a “Maserati.”The episode also revisits Snohomish’s 2020 turning point, the difficult conversations that followed, and how dialogue can move a community from polarizing moments toward something stronger and more unified.In This Episode, You’ll Hear AboutWhy “showing up” is the foundation of belongingThe Hollimon family journey across regions and culturesHow Terry’s football path changed—and how his parents’ foresight made a new path possibleDisarming a room: reading the environment, adapting without losing yourselfFinding connection through common ground (sports, service, shared values)Why representation in schools matters—especially for kids watching from the sidelinesThe importance of voting and honoring the sacrifices behind today’s rightsSnohomish in 2020: what happened, how it felt, and what it sparked afterwardWalk-up songs, hype music, and the energy you bring into the momentCall to ActionWil challenges listeners to help the show reach all 50 states by the end of 2026—and to keep spreading the stories instead of “hoarding the information.”Closing VibeThis one’s equal parts laughter and life lessons—about legacy, community, and the truth that you never really know who you’re influencing… until someone tells you.

Wil sits down with John Agyopang—a longtime Snohomish County resident, former Boeing employee of 25 years, and the new president of the Snohomish County NAACP—for a conversation that blends civil rights, community work, and the deeper meaning of “home.”John breaks down what the NAACP is (and what it looks like today), expanding the conversation beyond race into human rights, class, and access—for immigrants, Native communities, poor and working-class families, and anyone whose rights are being ignored.From there, the episode turns personal and powerful: John shares his immigrant story from Ghana, including the childhood memory that shaped his view of America (USAID food aid) and his belief that what makes the U.S. “great” is the way immigrants bring their talent and dreams here.Then Wil and John explore John’s newest mission: African Audacity Tours, a two-week, all-inclusive trip to Ghana designed to help people reconnect with history and identity—standing where enslaved ancestors stood, walking the ancestral slave path, and participating in a moving African naming ceremony.In This Episode, You’ll Hear AboutWhat the NAACP stands for and how its mission has evolved“Not all skin folk are kinfolk”: why allyship is bigger than appearancesContextual privilege, identity, and how power shifts by settingJohn’s immigrant story and why he believes America is already “great”African Audacity Tours: the two-week Ghana experience (history, culture, legacy)The ancestral slave walk + what it means to return to the exact groundThe naming ceremony: being welcomed “home” and reclaiming identityLocal community work: diversion programs, mentorship, and financial literacyPartnership with Wally Webster’s Access ProjectAdult financial literacy + refurbished laptops with Millennium Industries / Rev. Leilani MillerYouth tutoring support through Make It WorthyCall to ActionIf you’ve ever wanted to travel to Ghana (or Africa) but didn’t know how to do it safely and affordably, John shares how to connect:Website: https://www.africanaudacity.comWil also challenges listeners to help the show reach all 50 states by the end of 2026—and to share the podcast instead of “hoarding the information.”Closing VibeThis episode is a reminder that we have more in common than we think, and that real progress starts when we stay open—open to stories, open to each other, and open to the places that shaped us.

Wil welcomes two North Everett “neighbors” to the studio: Ashley Bolden (Keller Williams Realty, Everett) and Cami Anthony (Motto Mortgage Collective). What starts as a conversation about homeownership quickly turns into a bigger, more honest discussion about belonging, community, and the values underneath the housing market.Ashley shares how her community involvement (including the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce, Everett Recovery Café, and Everett Rotary Club) shapes how she thinks about housing as more than an investment. Cami brings the lender perspective—what it actually takes to qualify, why timing the market is a trap, and why the bigger barrier often isn’t the down payment anymore… it’s the monthly payment.Together, they unpack the tension a lot of people feel: wanting your home value to rise, while also wanting housing to stay attainable for others. They explore how renters and homeowners can experience community differently, why “money” can feel strangely abstract, and why housing affordability ultimately requires more than policy tweaks—it may require a cultural values shift.In This Episode, You’ll Hear AboutWhy community involvement matters in real estate and lendingThe role of the Everett Chamber, Rotary, and Everett Recovery CaféRenting vs. owning: the mindset shift and how it affects belongingWhy trying to “wait for rates to drop” can backfireWhat lenders are seeing: debt-to-income realities and qualification limitsSupply vs. demand, private equity, and why housing prices keep climbingThe tension between equity, inclusion, and the realities of homeownershipWhy values (not just dollars) drive the systems we live inWalk-Up / Theme SongsCami’s pick: “It’s Oh So Quiet” by Björk (quiet entrance… until it gets loud)Ashley’s picks: “X” (Black Panther soundtrack) and “Handlebars” by FlobotsClosing ThoughtThis episode is for anyone who’s trying to make sense of the housing market without losing the bigger picture: a home isn’t just a financial asset—it’s safety, stability, and a place to belong.

In this deeply moving conversation, Wil reconnects with Renee Smith, a researcher, writer, and advocate for love-centered leadership who has dedicated the last decade to transforming workplaces from spaces of fear into environments of connection and belonging. Their relationship spans nearly 20 years, from Wil's days as ASB president at UW-Tacoma to their current collaboration in making work—and the world—more loving and human.Renee shares the powerful origin story of her life's work: a conversation with a leader who said the most important job was to "eliminate fear from the workplace." This sparked her realization that when fear decreases, something must take its place—and that something is love. She defines love as "the energy that uplifts and connects," and explains how this energy belongs in every aspect of our lives, from interactions with strangers to the structures and systems of our organizations.The conversation moves through vulnerable territory, exploring the burden of perfectionism, the concept of "shitty first drafts," and the challenges of showing up authentically in spaces where we may not feel safe. Renee shares a raw, real-time story about her 15-year-old grandson living with her family after housing loss, and how even at her own dinner table, the need for connection and being seen is visceral and undeniable.This Episode Touches On:The evolution of a 20-year friendship and professional relationshipLove-centered leadership: what it means and why it mattersThe three pillars: love your team, embed love in your organization, love yourselfConfident vulnerability as a leadership practiceThe burden of perfectionism, especially for marginalized identitiesBuilding trust and relationship in adversarial situationsThe importance of thriving wages and corporate responsibility to communitiesEmployee experience and understanding what people truly needThe gap between leaders and team members, and how to close itCreating authentic belonging vs. wearing masks to fit inThe physical and emotional impact of not being seen or acknowledgedTipping the planet from fear to love by 2035Memorable Quotes:"Love is energy that uplifts and connects. We need this energy everywhere." - Renee Smith"If you don't know your rights, you really don't have any." - Referenced from previous conversation"We need each other. We need each other emotionally. We need each other physically." - Renee Smith"Belonging is mutual." - Wil"Leaders are people too. They are just people too, who are scared more often than you'd realize." - Renee Smith"We don't have to wait for somebody else to do that. We do that every day." - Renee Smith on tipping the scales"It matters if I look at you, it matters if I ask how you're doing. All of those little things matter because they tell us we're safe. We're at home-ish." - Renee SmithGuest Information:Renee Smith (pronouns: she/her)Founder, Center for a Loving WorkplaceResearcher, Writer, Speaker, and TeacherFormer Director of Workplace Transformation, State of WashingtonPodcaster and Loving LeaderLifelong Washingtonian, Grandma, Mom, SisterOn a mission to tip the planet from fear to love by 2035Walk-Up Song: "September" by Earth, Wind & FireWhy This Song: It's the song that marks when Renee and her husband became a couple (September 21, 2020), and they dance to it everywhere they go. It brings the right vibe and gets everyone dancing—which is exactly what love-centered leadership does.Resources Mentioned:Center for a Loving Workplace: lovingworkplace.orgMake Work More Human: makeworkmorehuman.comThe Four Pivots by Shawn GinwrightWork by Sylvester McNutt on therapy and storytelling

In this powerful conversation, Wil sits down with Anthony Upchurch, a Navy veteran who made Washington his home after being stationed at Whidbey Island in 1992. What starts as a discussion about Southern roots and military service quickly evolves into a deep exploration of community, belonging, and what it means to show up authentically for one another.Anthony and Wil share stories from their upbringings—from grandmother's backhands to the importance of "reading the room"—while tackling heavier topics like the role of mentorship, the challenges facing young people without support systems, and the critical need for accessible resources in every household. Anthony opens up about his work with Legal Shield, driven by a mission to provide equal access to legal protection for families regardless of their social status.This Episode Touches On:The culture shock of moving from the South to the Pacific NorthwestMilitary service and the discipline it instillsThe importance of vulnerability and trust among menCreating spaces where people can be their authentic selvesCommunity support and showing up for one anotherThe value of mentorship and having role modelsProtecting families through accessible legal resourcesThe power of breaking bread together across culturesMental health and dealing with suppressed traumaBeing present and reading the room in different spacesMemorable Quotes:"If you don't know your rights, you really don't have any." - Anthony Upchurch"You want to find out what you're full of, pour it into somebody else." - Anthony Upchurch"You're only a prayer away." - Anthony's grandmother"We are one." - Anthony's philosophy on communityGuest Information:Anthony UpchurchNavy Veteran (stationed 1992)Legal Shield RepresentativeCommunity AdvocateFather and MentorSnohomish County ResidentWalk-Up Song: "We Are One" by MazeWhy This Song: Because we're all connected, and Anthony believes in showing up for people—whether he knows them or not—in moments of celebration or struggle.

In this special episode of At-homish, host Wil takes us on a reflective journey through Season 2's most powerful moments, so far, reminding us that belonging doesn't have to be burdensome or complex—it calls on us to be curious, present, and vulnerable.Opening with a deeply personal story from 48th Street Pub and Grill in Tacoma, Wil shares how a spontaneous moment of vulnerability—dancing and crying to classic songs with friends—led to an unexpected connection with a tough-looking biker who declared, "Any man that is vulnerable enough to let go like that in public, that's a man's man right there."Featured Voices and Themes:Seth on Service: "If I give you all my money, well, I'm broke. But if I give you all of me, my life gets really darn good."Elizabeth on Recovery: A powerful testimony about saying "I'm an alcoholic" out loud for the first time and how admitting our struggles takes away their power. Coming up on nine years sober, she reminds us why sharing our stories can save lives.Lori on Domestic Violence: Breaking the silence and shame around DV, emphasizing how sharing our stories opens opportunities for others to come forward and find support.Kid Sensation on Purpose: Discussing his book "Kings: Young Men Discovering Purpose and Shaping Their Destiny" and the wisdom gained from life's lessons.Wally's Pivotal Moment: An 81-year-old's incredible story of being told he wasn't "college material," only to have one stranger's intervention change everything—leading to a 32-year career rising to senior vice president at Bank of America.DeLon on Inner Journey: "The journey's not always outward sometimes... You got to do a lot of soul searching, figure out what's best for you and your tribe."Jeff on Honesty: The transformative power of being honest with yourself first: "If I don't want to do something, you won't see me there. And you can always tell what I want to do because you'll see me doing it."Erica's Tree of Life: A moving story about driving past a tree she planned to crash into, choosing instead to discover herself, and now calling it "the tree of life" as a reminder of the importance of self-discovery and community.Toni on Marketing and Inclusion: "Nothing you do in marketing is ever about you... Inclusion is not about what I want. It's really understanding the people around us."LaRae on Special Olympics: Creating space and patience for athletes to be themselves, recognizing that everyone's timeline and process looks different.Catherine on Growth: Embracing vulnerability and admitting "I totally sucked and I needed to learn and I needed to grow"—showing that persistent trying and consistent showing up creates ripple effects of impact.Nick and Richard on Representation: The importance of intentional diversity in marketing and platforming voices that represent everybody, not just certain types of people.Key Takeaways:Don't be ashamed of your story—it will inspire othersVulnerability is strength, not weaknessService to others enriches our own livesSaying our truths out loud breaks through barriersOne person's intervention can change a life trajectoryThe journey within is just as important as the journey outwardInclusion means understanding and serving others, not ourselvesCreating space for people to be themselves is essentialOur stories are unwritten—stay curious, not judgmentalWil's Closing Wisdom:"Belonging does not have to be burdensome or complex. We don't have to know everything. We don't have to have read everything, but it really calls on us to be curious, calls on us to smile, to answer that phone call, reply to that email, to show up and be present. That's where we can really work to build community and create spaces where we belong."Merch Available: At Snohomish Apothecary and online at the website. If Wil sees you wearing it on the streets, he will say hi!Remember: Be curious, not judgmental. When we're curious, we receive information, which allows us to wise up and we rise up.Peace out.

In this powerful episode of At-homish, host Wil sits down with DeLon Lewis, a program specialist, entrepreneur, and artist who's making waves in diversity and equity work across Snohomish County. DeLon shares his journey from community organizing at Portland State University to earning his Master's in IT Management, all while building his record label "All Day Originals" and clothing line "All Day Lifestyle."This conversation dives deep into the complexities of showing up authentically in professional spaces while staying true to hip-hop culture and community roots. DeLon opens up about the importance of intergenerational connection, working with formerly incarcerated youth, and his involvement with a grassroots organization spanning from San Francisco to the Philippines.

In this deeply moving episode of At-Homish: Creating Spaces Where We Belong, host Wil Johnson sits down with two remarkable community leaders - Laurie Barbosa and Erica Knapp - for an honest conversation about finding belonging after profound challenges.Content Warning: This episode discusses heavy topics including domestic violence, suicide, and abuse. Resources are provided.Lori, a 20-year city employee and community advocate, shares her journey navigating cultural identity as a Mexican-Costa Rican American in Washington state, while Erica, an Arlington school board member and artist, opens up about escaping a cult at 25 and rebuilding her life from scratch.Key Conversations Include:The power of bystander training and community interventionOvercoming cultural microaggressions and finding your voiceCreating inclusive spaces for families with special needsBreaking generational trauma and choosing better for the next generationThe difference between "fitting in" and truly belongingHow authentic storytelling builds bridges across differencesFrom Ukrainian refugees to middle school conflicts, from grocery store confrontations to school board advocacy, this episode explores how two women transformed their deepest wounds into community healing. You'll hear about the "tree of life" moment that changed everything, the validation that builds trust, and why sharing our authentic selves empowers others to do the same.Resources mentioned: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, QPR Training, Bystander Training, NAMI, VOA of Western WashingtonMusic Corner: Aretha Franklin's "Rock Steady" and Selena's "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" - because sometimes the right song can lift you up when you need it most.This episode reminds us that community isn't just about geography - it's about creating spaces where everyone can belong exactly as they are.

In this powerful episode of At-Homish: Creating Spaces Where We Belong, Wally Webster shares his remarkable journey from Jim Crow Alabama to founding The Access Project - a youth violence prevention program in South Snohomish County.After deaths in 2022, Wally gathered community leaders and created a three-part intervention system that reaches at-risk teens through sports, music, and art. Learn how his organization partners with Edmonds and Everett School Districts to support expelled students and break the school-to-prison pipeline.Get Involved: The Access Project needs tutors, mental health professionals, and community partners. Find more information at https://www.theaccessprojectwa.org/

What does it mean to truly belong somewhere? Host Wil sits down with Nick Shekeryk and Richard Porter, tourism marketing specialists for Snohomish County, to explore how we create spaces where everyone feels at home - from the bustling streets of Everett to the quiet charm of Darrington.This honest conversation dives deep into the real challenges of belonging: strategic avoidance, navigating spaces where you might not feel welcome, and the power of authentic human connection across our diverse 2,000-square-mile county. These "creative unicorns" within government share how they're working to showcase the real stories behind our communities - not just the flashy tourism shots, but the genuine experiences that make people feel they belong.You'll discover:How to approach unfamiliar spaces with curiosity instead of fearWhy authentic storytelling creates deeper community connections than perfect marketingThe importance of getting out of your silo and building real relationshipsHow representation in media actually impacts who feels welcomeWhy being human first breaks down barriers faster than anything elseWhether you're a community leader, someone new to the area, or just passionate about creating inclusive spaces, this conversation offers practical insights on building bridges across differences. Plus, you'll get some fantastic local restaurant recommendations and the stories behind our favorite walk-up songs.Connect with the guests: Follow the Snohomish County Placemakers Podcast and Seattle North Country on social media.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Antonia Semanskee, a social media expert known for helping thought leaders build authentic online communities. But today’s conversation goes deeper than algorithms and branding—we explore the personal side of her journey, including times she felt like she didn’t belong and how those experiences shaped her mission.Together, we unpack what it means to create places of belonging in digital spaces and how listening is essential for inclusion. Whether you’re building a platform or just trying to find your people, this episode offers both heart and strategy for fostering real connection.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Catherine Dennis whose life and work are a testament to what it truly means to create spaces of belonging. From her work in early childhood education to launching initiatives that uplift her community, she has devoted her life to building inclusive, supportive environments where every person—especially the youngest—feels seen and valued.But her journey didn’t stop at programs and policies. As an adoptive mother to children who don’t look like her, she has wrestled with uncomfortable truths, dismantled her own assumptions, and embraced the deep work of growth and empathy.Together, we explore the transformative power of listening, the role of self-reflection in creating inclusive communities, and what it really takes to make people feel like they belong—not just in theory, but in everyday life.Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply someone who wants to foster more connection in your world, this episode will leave you inspired to lead with love, humility, and purpose.

In this flavorful episode, we sit down with Jeff, the owner and pitmaster behind Jeff's Texas Style BBQ, a beloved local BBQ spot that’s serving up more than just incredible brisket. We dive into his journey through the military and music to finding his calling in smoked meats and community building.But this isn’t just a story about BBQ—it’s a conversation about equity, representation, and what it means to create a space where everyone feels welcome. Jeff reveals how his experience at his first job shaped his philosophy and why diversity in the food industry matters.Pull up a chair, grab a plate, and join us for a rich, honest conversation about purpose, passion, and paving a path that feeds both people and progress.

In this episode, we’re chatting with the incredible United States of America, Ms. Washington—yep, the Ms. Washington—who gets real about her journey through alcohol addiction and what recovery has looked like for her. She opens up about the highs, the lows, and everything in between, including how pushing past her comfort zone completely changed her life.If you’ve ever struggled, felt stuck, or just needed a reminder that it's never too late to start over, this episode is for you.If you are struggling with alcohol addiction resources are available at: https://www.aa.org/

LaRae, from the Parkinson’s Wellness Place, joins us to share how she has created a space where individuals with Parkinson’s can come together to slow disease progression through specialized fitness programs. We explore how exercise, plays a crucial part in combating the physical challenges of Parkinson’s and improving overall well-being. We discuss how creating a safe, supportive space is key to helping people feel confident and empowered as they move through their journey. We discuss the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of exercise, as well as the importance of community for those living with Parkinson’s.If you're interested in learning more or finding a wellness center near you, don't miss this uplifting conversation about the power of creating spaces where people belong.Parkinson's Resources:American Parkinson Disease AssociationNW Parkinson's Foundation

Seattle Native, Kid Sensation drops by the At-homish podcast to talk about his experience of creating spaces where we all belong. His new book "Kings: Young Men Discovering Purpose and Shaping Their Destiny" highlights the work he is doing to create spaces for young people to learn and have the leading example to change the course of young men's lives. Join the discussion on how we are all responsible for helping people feel At-homish no matter the social environment or our backgrounds.

The situation you grew up in does not have to define the person you are now. Seth Newsome is the perfect example of this and shares the challenges he has faced in redefining himself from being an addict to being an advocate for labor unions.If you or someone else know you are struggling with addiction know that there is support:Washington Recovery help Line  - 866-789-1511Cocaine Anonymous (caofwa.org)Narcotics Anonymous 

Let's continue creating spaces where everyone belongs as we talk about expanding comfort zones, struggles of addiction, and finding community. Our guests are not ashamed of their stories and they tell them to help you feel At-homish.

Meron Bible, of the #GhettoFoodNetwork, joins the At-homish podcast to talk about how Snohomish has created a place of belonging for him and the Mental Wellness Summit on September 21st from 1-7pm in the Snohomish Carnegie. Go deep with Wil and Meron as they share how their voices have shaped who they are now.