Exploring Washington State

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.

From Hops to Habitat: How Salmon Safe Is Changing the Northwest One Acre at a Time

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.

One Idea Sparked a Sculpture Forest—Now It’s Whidbey’s Most Surprising Destination

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.

Snowy Plovers, Secret Trails & WA State Park Surprises with Andrea Thorpe

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.