Exploring Washington State

From Columbia River to Vineyard: The Tri-Cities IRONMAN Experience Through One Athlete's Eyes

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.

From IRONMAN to Identity: Reimagining the Tri-Cities with Kevin Lewis

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.

Tri Cities Ironman: Training, Coaching, and Conquering with Jennifer Comfort

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.

Lost Discs, Found Community: Daisey James on Growing Disc Golf in Bellingham

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”—How a Local Kid Built Spokane’s Silver Bow Fly Shop

“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.