Exploring Washington State – Details, episodes & analysis

Behind the Scenes at the Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival

Rochelle 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.

In this episode of the Exploring Washington State podcast, Scott Cowan sits down with Wenatchee local and music enthusiast Joel Myrene for a lively conversation packed with nostalgia, community spirit, and a love of live music. Recorded in the historic Wenatchee Prosperity Lodge 301, Joel takes us on a journey from his punk rock roots to his mission of reviving Wenatchee’s music scene today.

Joel shares his story of growing up in Wenatchee, discovering punk rock through skateboarding, and organizing his first shows in unlikely venues like the Odd Fellows Hall and the old Fifth Street Armory. With a deep commitment to creating opportunities for younger musicians, Joel reflects on the thriving music culture of the 90s and how he’s bringing that same energy back to Wenatchee with all-ages shows that inspire the next generation.

We also dive into Joel’s role in organizing the Apple Valley Record Expo, a passion project born from the region’s hunger for vinyl and the absence of record stores within 90 miles. Joel recounts the challenges and triumphs of putting on this event, from coordinating vendors to drawing crowds hungry for rare finds.

This episode is a love letter to Wenatchee, its creative spirit, and the power of music to connect generations. Whether you’re a fan of punk rock, an aspiring musician, or someone curious about Wenatchee’s evolving arts scene, this conversation will leave you inspired and itching to attend the next local show.

🎸 Highlights:

• Joel’s early days organizing punk rock shows in Wenatchee in the late 90s
• The return of live music to the historic Odd Fellows Hall
• The Apple Valley Record Expo and its impact on Wenatchee’s music lovers
• Why fostering opportunities for young musicians is Joel’s top priority
• Behind-the-scenes stories of booking big names, like Krist Novoselic of Nirvana

✨ Don’t miss this episode if you’re curious about how music, community, and a touch of punk rock DIY spirit are shaping Wenatchee today. Joel’s story proves that you don’t need a big stage to make a big impact.

Listen now and discover why Wenatchee’s music scene is worth paying attention to!

Scott talks with Brooks Smothers, host of the RV Out West podcast which discusses RV travel in Washington State. Brooks describes many of the adventures that led him to get a trailer and start his podcast.

Brooks lived in Washington until the age of twenty-five when he tried living in other parts of the country, including the Virgin Islands, and California Bay Area. He returned to Washington in 2010 with his wife and started a family.

Brooks talks about enjoying football when the Seahawks played the Philadelphia Eagles (his wife is from Philly) and growing up in a camping family both tent camping and backpacking. Scott asks about the Big Journey, shipping a VW camper to St Thomas in the Virgin Islands. Brooks then describes what brought him to starting the RV Out West podcast and explains the goal of the podcast.

Places mentioned:

• Lincoln Rock state park near Wenatchee
• Curlew Lake in Republic
• Cape Disappointment at the mouth of the Columbia
• Deception Pass, Whidbey Island
• Stevens Pass for Winter camping

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.  Check it out today.

In this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast we sit down with the dynamic and creative force behind White Branches Tea Room, Mr. Matthew White! Matthew has lived a life full of adventure, from driving across the US from Washington to Houston to more recently bringing the magic of theater to the quaint town of Mount Vernon, Washington.

Join us as Matthew shares with us his journey as a former merchandise director for Teatro ZinZanni, starting his own business called Brainstorming for events and weddings, and later partnering with Teatro ZinZanni in retail. His love for events eventually led him to the town of Mount Vernon where he found the perfect space to create White Branches.

Matthew tells us all about this beautiful space, how he transformed it from an old dinner theater with no stage to a theatrical production venue where guests walk through the stage to get to their seats. We learn about the Cabaret room, a fanciful circus-like space where guests can experience different nighttime ambiances. And of course, we get to hear all about his magical plans for the Villain Queens Cabaret this coming October.

We also dive into the inspiration behind the theater's logo, which features a white rabbit jackalope with antlers as branches. Matthew shares how the logo's connection to Wonderland helps guide his decision-making, and we get to hear about some unforgettable events that have taken place within the venue's walls.

But more than just a discussion about events and magic, this episode truly showcases Matthew's heart for community. Through his work at White Branches, Matthew wants to empower people to connect and communicate through shared experiences. We talk about the importance of laughter and art, especially during these difficult times.

So pour yourself a cup of tea and join us as we journey through the wonderland that is White Branches Tea Room, with the exceptional Matthew White leading the way.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.  Check it out today.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.

Seattle area author Brad Holden talking about his latest book Lost Roadhouses of Seattle.  Brad co-wrote the book with Peter Blecha.

Brad is an Author. Historian. Finder of Old Things.

During our conversation we talk about Brad's fascination with Seattle's seedy past. Brad has written three books and he calls them his trilogy.

• Lost Roadhouses of Seattle: Prohibition came early to Washington State--in 1916--and kicked off an unforgettable era of nightlife.

• Seattle Mystic Alfred M. Hubbard: Inventor, Bootlegger, & Psychedelic Pioneer: Perpetual motion machines, booklegging, first radio station in Seattle and LSD.

• Seattle Prohibition: Bootleggers, Rumrunners, & Graft in the Queen City: The story of prohibition in Seattle. The personalities, the exploits, and the adventures.

All three books are well researched and tell the story of Seattle's battle with booze during the 1920's Brad has an ability to make the history come alive.  All three books are page turners.

Brad is also one of the hosts of the podcast Dim Lights & Stiff Drinks. The podcast talks abou the history of the eccentric collection of dive bars, historic taverns, and interesting drinking establishments in the Seattle, WA area. Each episode is recorded in the bar featured in the episode.  Highly entertaining and informative.

Listen as Brad shares his backstory and how history has always been important to him. One enjoyable tidbit is the story of when Brad saw his book in a store for the first time.

If you like history, seedy bars, and tall tales this episode is for you!

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! If the information in our conversations and interviews are enjoyable and valuable to you, please head over to iTunes, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review.

Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver great, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more amazing listeners just like you!

If you want to read about some of the many amazing places to explore in Washington State, you should just pack your bags and go! Explore Washington State is the perfect place for inspiration.    Check it out today.