Exploring Washington State

Rochelle Robinson and the 2025 Cascadia International Women's Film Festival

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?

20 Years of Grit, Glam & Gratitude with Champagne Sunday

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.

The Secret Life of UW’s Cherry Blossoms—What You Didn’t Know (w/ Marlee Theil)

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! 🌸🎙️

Turning Trash Into Treasure: The 2 Million Cans Challenge with Scuba Jess

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!

Inside Kells Irish Pub: A Legacy of Whiskey, Music, and Community

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.