Exploring Washington State

What does it take to finally pursue your dream after 15 years of waiting?Joe Giampietri spent a decade and a half working in grocery stores, always knowing he wanted something else. This summer, he's living his dream—his first season as the park ranger at Curlew Lake State Park.Located just 20 miles from the Canadian border in Ferry County, Curlew Lake is one of Washington's most remote state parks. It's the kind of place where rangers stay for decades—since 1958, only four people have held Joe's position. Now Joe's joining that legacy, and he's figuring out why they stay so long.In this conversation, Joe shares his journey from a summer at Yellowstone as a teenager to grocery store management to finally becoming a ranger. We discuss what it's like managing 80 campsites with a three-person crew, why the "closed for winter" signs are misleading (ice fishermen, take note), and what makes this corner of Washington special—from 50-million-year-old fossils to tiger muskie fishing. Joe also reveals his plans for winter snowshoe programs and why campsite #36 has the best view in the park.Ready to discover a corner of Washington most people drive past? Listen now to meet the ranger who's been waiting 15 years to show it to you.

Is SeaTac just an airport? Is Tukwila just a mall? Not even close.In this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast, host Scott Cowan welcomes Mark Everton, President and CEO of Explore Seattle Southside, for a surprising deep dive into a region most people only pass through.Mark breaks down the magic of “micro adventures” easy, unexpected experiences designed for curious locals and time-crunched travelers alike. You’ll hear about:A world-class coffee culture where $1.50 Ethiopian brews and bubble tea tasting flights coexistThe Maury Island Incident, a little-known UFO case older than Roswell—with the first U.S. “Man in Black” sightingWhy the Museum of Flight quietly attracts more visitors than any other attraction in Washington State (yes, even more than Pike Place)App-guided trails that lead you to 24 bubble tea shops within 2 miles of the airport—plus happy hours and UFO hotspotsWhether you’ve lived here for decades or have a long layover ahead, this episode will change how you see Seattle’s southside.🎙 Guest: Mark Everton, President & CEO, Explore Seattle Southside

This third episode in the Tri-Cities Ironman series features Claude Brun, a French-American triathlete who has made the Tri-Cities race an annual tradition. Originally from France and now living in Seattle, Claude has completed 10 triathlons this year alone and is chasing his goal of breaking the 5-hour barrier at this year's Tri-Cities Ironman.Claude shares what makes the Tri-Cities race special - from the fast-flowing Columbia River that cuts swim times by minutes to the wine country celebration opportunities that follow. As past president of the Seattle Triathlon Group, he's bringing teammates from his club to compete alongside the 2,500 other athletes tackling the challenging course.Discover the unique elements that draw athletes back to the Tri-Cities year after year: the downstream swim advantage, the scenic bike route through Washington wine country, and the post-race traditions that include visits to local wineries. Claude also opens up about his training regimen, recovery strategies, and the logistical challenges of traveling internationally with high-end racing equipment.Whether you're curious about endurance sports, planning a visit to the Tri-Cities area, or simply enjoy hearing stories of personal challenge and achievement, this episode offers an insider's perspective on one of Washington State's premier athletic events.Part of the Exploring Washington State podcast's special series on the Tri-Cities Ironman.

What does it take to redefine the identity of a region? Kevin Lewis joins Scott to talk about Tri-Cities’ evolution—from landing the IRONMAN competition to the power of storytelling, collaboration, and vision. It’s a candid conversation on what makes communities thrive and how to shape a lasting narrative.

What does it really take to train, fuel, and push through 70.3 miles? Athlete & coach Jennifer Comfort shares her raw, behind the scenes look at the Tri Cities Ironman from first timer jitters to race day breakthroughs. Expect grit, laughs, and stories you will not hear anywhere else.

When Daisey James picked up a disc during COVID, she didn’t plan on building a movement. Now, she’s the co-owner of Far From Par, president of the Whatcom Disc Golf Club, and the unofficial “lost disc” hero of Bellingham — having reunited over 2,200 lost discs with their owners.But this story isn’t about frisbees.It’s about how a simple, accessible sport created a ripple effect of community, stewardship, and connection in a town where outdoor culture runs deep. From cleaning up abandoned lots to transforming them into public disc golf courses, to building a retail shop that feels like a local hub, Daisey’s journey is as much about people as it is about play.We talk disc golf 101 (yes, Scott still asks the beginner questions), the quirks of Bellingham’s disc scene, and the power of saying “yes” to your local community.If you’ve ever wondered how a hobby turns into a passion, and a passion turns into purpose—this one’s for you.

“I just loved fishing.” That simple passion sparked a journey that led Sean Visintainer from a Spokane kid casting in the backyard to the owner of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected fly shops—Silver Bow Fly Shop.In this episode, Sean shares how he turned his love for the water into a thriving business rooted in community, curiosity, and calm leadership. You’ll hear about:The early days of Silver Bow and how it grew into a 50,000-item fly fishing shopSean’s no-micromanage, no-burnout approach to running a businessThe rhythms of life in Spokane and how they shape the shopHis philosophy on staying small, staying local, and staying trueWhether you fish or not, this is a story about following what you love, building something lasting, and letting passion guide the work.

What do craft breweries, vineyards, and city parks have in common with saving wild salmon? This episode explores how Salmon Safe is reshaping land use across the Pacific Northwest through voluntary conservation.Learn how farmers, developers, and even college campuses are changing practices to protect clean water, restore habitat, and reduce chemical runoff—without regulatory mandates. Brian Muegge, Farm Program Manager at Salmon Safe, shares stories from the field and explains how certification connects what we drink, build, and grow to the health of our rivers.It’s a conversation about practical impact, regional resilience, and how small choices across thousands of acres are making a difference—one stream, one field, one partner at a time.

What happens when a quiet forest meets bold imagination? The Price Sculpture Forest on Whidbey Island blends nature and creativity in a way that’s both unexpected and unforgettable.Scott Price shares how a simple idea to preserve forested land evolved into a community-powered haven for outdoor art, discovery, and wonder. From saving trees to showcasing sculpture in the wild, this is the story of a vision that took root and continues to grow.Ideal for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and curious minds alike.

This episode we’re talking Snowy Plovers, parks, and prairie remnants with Andrea Thorpe, PhD, Natural Resource Program Manager for Washington State Parks. From her childhood in Oregon to protecting Washington’s wild places, Andrea shares stories of endangered species, unsung park heroes, and how a rough-skinned newt stole her heart. You’ll also get hidden park picks, Olympia food tips, and one very important reason to keep your dog leashed on the beach this summer.

Chris Voigt ate nothing but potatoes for 60 days—and it wasn’t a gimmick. Learn why, and discover how Washington’s potatoes became world-class. From tater tots to policy fights, this episode digs deep into one of the state’s most iconic crops. A surprising and satisfying listen for food and farming fans.

Paul Tolmé of Cascade Bicycle Club joins us to talk epic Washington bike rides, bold advocacy, and how the club is transforming lives—one pedal at a time. From the STP to food rescue by bike, this episode goes way beyond the handlebars. Tune in and get inspired.

Jennifer Hackett, founder of Northwest Portal, shares how she built a statewide recreation map featuring over 20,000 trails, parks, and outdoor sites. From fire closures to off-leash dog areas and seasonal access info, learn how thoughtful mapping helps people explore Washington with confidence and curiosity.

She didn’t grow up swirling wine glasses—Hailey Bohlman just wanted to travel. But a trip to Spain lit the spark, and now she’s helping others fall in love with wine (without the snobbery). We talk about starting Cork & Fizz, going from comp-sci to cabernet, and why Washington wine is worth exploring—no decoder ring required

Behind the Scenes at the Cascadia International Women’s Film FestivalRochelle Robinson joins us to talk about the ninth annual Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival in Bellingham. From her work on the board to her passion for storytelling, Rochelle shares what makes this unique celebration of women-directed films so impactful. We also dive into her work with Hamlet Literary Journal, community writing, favorite local spots in Bellingham—and yes, we end with the all-important debate: cake or pie?

What happens when musical chemistry sneaks up on you—and never lets go? In this episode, Scott sits down with Jessiand Jared Fredeen, the heart and soul of Tacoma’s genre-defying band Champagne Sunday. From meeting in a California restaurant to building a life of music, love, and relentless connection, the duo shares stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.  They talk about creating a band and a marriage, performing over 2,000 shows, and pouring their souls into their 10th—and most personal—album yet. If you’ve ever questioned whether passion can power a lifelong career, this one’s for you.

Seattle’s cherry blossoms are more than just a stunning spring spectacle—they’re part of a rich history, a scientific research project, and a race against time. 🌿In this episode, we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of UW’s iconic cherry trees with Marlee Theil, sustainability coordinator and lead researcher for the Cherry Tree Phenology Project. Marlee and her student volunteers are tracking each bloom stage to predict peak bloom, uncover the long-term effects of climate change, and preserve these legendary trees for future generations.But here’s the twist—the origin story of these trees is a mystery. Were they really a gift from Japan? Were they rescued from a construction project? Or were they planted as part of a secret New Deal initiative? We’ll explore the theories, the science, and why some trees are on borrowed time.You’ll also hear:✅ How climate change is shifting peak bloom dates 🌎✅ The hidden spots on UW’s campus for the best cherry blossom photos 📸✅ Why Tacoma’s cherry blossoms bloom at a different time than Seattle’s 🤯✅ What’s being done to ensure these trees thrive for years to comeWhether you’re a cherry blossom fanatic, a nature lover, or just looking for an excuse to visit UW’s campus, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.🔊 Hit play now and get the inside story of Seattle’s most famous blooms! 🌸🎙️

In this Exploring Washington State Podcast episode, Scott sits down with returning guest Jessica Alexanderson, also known as Scuba Jess. While she’s usually diving deep into Washington’s waters, today she’s surfacing with an urgent mission: collecting two million aluminum cans to help schools nationwide.Jessica shares how this national recycling contest is making a difference, from funding playgrounds to providing school lunches. With 18 schools across 12 states competing, every can counts! She also looks inside at scrapyards, the aluminum recycling process, and how Washingtonians can get involved.But that’s not all—Jessica talks about her latest scuba diving adventures, the odd treasures she’s found underwater, and the unexpected places her recycling mission has taken her, including NASCAR and the Smithsonian.Tune in to learn how you can help turn trash into treasure while supporting local schools!

Kells Irish Pub isn’t just a bar—it’s a Seattle institution. Join Patrick Pearse McAleese as he shares the history, stories, and legacy of this iconic pub, from its deep Irish roots to its lasting impact on the community.  Discover what makes Kells a beloved gathering place for generations.

In this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast, Scott Cowan welcomes Kendall Jones, founder of the Washington Beer Blog, to discuss the history and future of craft beer in Washington State. Kendall shares his journey from an aspiring rock star to a renowned voice in the beer community, weaving together stories of personal discovery, local breweries, and the unique character of Washington beer.From Bellevue to BloggingKendall’s story begins in Bellevue, Washington, where his teenage dreams of becoming a rock star shaped his early years. Although music didn’t become his career, Kendall’s creativity and passion for storytelling found a new outlet in writing. His career path shifted again when he discovered the world of craft beer, a moment sparked by a life-changing sip of Samuel Smith’s Tadcaster Porter.That experience opened the door to exploring beer differently, and Kendall began documenting his journey. Eventually, he launched the Washington Beer Blog. This website quickly became a trusted resource for beer enthusiasts across the state.The Craft Beer Boom in WashingtonWashington’s craft beer industry has grown immensely since the early 2000s, and Kendall had a front-row seat to its evolution. When Kendall first considered writing a book about local breweries, he realized the market was expanding too rapidly to keep up. Instead, he turned to blogging, a format that allowed him to document the dynamic changes as they happened.Kendall reflects on the early days of now-iconic breweries like Georgetown Brewing, whose Bodhizafa IPA helped define the style of Washington IPAs. He discusses how smaller, independent breweries have contributed to the state’s reputation as a leader in craft beer and the unique challenges they face in a competitive market.The Stories Behind the BeerBeyond the beer itself, Kendall has always been captivated by the people and stories that define the industry. From the innovative brewers crafting bold new flavors to the small business owners overcoming challenges, Kendall’s blog has highlighted the human side of brewing. He shares anecdotes from his years of experience, offering listeners a deeper appreciation for the passion and hard work that go into every pint.Scott and Kendall also discuss the importance of community in the craft beer world. Local breweries often become gathering places that reflect the personality of their neighborhoods. Whether it’s a cozy taproom in a small town or a bustling brewery in Seattle, each spot tells a story about the people and culture of the area.What’s Next for Craft Beer?Kendall explores some challenges facing the craft beer industry, from rising production costs to changing consumer preferences. He explains how breweries adapt by experimenting with lighter styles, like lagers, and embracing trends such as non-alcoholic beers.Despite the obstacles, Kendall remains optimistic about the future. He points to brewers' continued innovation and creativity as a reason to be excited. New breweries are still opening, and established ones are finding ways to stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape.Why Washington Beer MattersWashington’s beer culture is more than just a collection of breweries—it reflects the state’s creativity, resilience, and sense of community. Kendall believes the industry’s success lies in its ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. From the farmers growing hops in the Yakima Valley to the brewers experimenting with new styles, Washington beer celebrates local ingenuity.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves craft beer or is curious about the stories behind Washington’s vibrant brewing industry. Whether you’re a seasoned beer enthusiast or new to craft brews, Kendall’s insights and passion will inspire you.Tune in for a conversation that delves deep into the evolution of craft beer, the people behind it, and what makes Washington a special place for beer lovers.