Exploring Washington State – Details, episodes & analysis

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Exploring Washington State

Explore Washington State -Scott Cowan

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/5d. Total Eps: 326

The Exploring Washington State Podcast is for you if you are looking for ideas and inspirations of great places to visit, fantastic places to grab a bite to eat and drink. If you want to know more about the businesses that call Washington State home, learn about the amazing artists who are creating artwork.The State of Washington is an amazing place to live and a great place to visit. The Exploring Washington State Podcast helps to showcase the splendor of Washington State. Remember "there is always more to explore!”

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Data updated on 04/07/2026

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🇬🇧 Great Britain - Places & Travel
21/04/2025
#81

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https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ExploringWash
357 shares
https://explorewashingtonstate.com/
213 shares
https://explorewashingtonstate.com/newsletter
80 shares

https://www.facebook.com/ExploreWashingtonState
80 shares
https://www.facebook.com/dadhowdoi
1 share

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Score global : 58%

Publication history

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

Episode 323

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 • Duration 01:01:10

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?

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20 Years of Grit, Glam & Gratitude with Champagne Sunday

Episode 322

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 • Duration 01:10:17

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.

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

Episode 321

Monday, March 17, 2025 • Duration 58:30

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 come

Whether 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

Episode 320

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 • Duration 36:35

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!

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

Episode 319

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 • Duration 01:09:56

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.

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Craft Beer Chronicles: Kendall Jones on the Past, Present, and Future of Washington Brewing

Episode 318

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 • Duration 01:24:30

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 Blogging

Kendall’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 Washington

Washington’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.

From Homeless to Harmonies: Meghan Storey's Music Journey

Episode 317

Wednesday, January 8, 2025 • Duration 01:07:31

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of the Exploring Washington State Podcast! This time, Scott Cowan sits down with Meghan Storey, a talented musician with an extraordinary story of resilience, creativity, and passion. From her challenging beginnings on the streets of Seattle to becoming a celebrated artist, Meghan shares her incredible journey of triumph over adversity.

Episode Highlights:

A Musical Childhood: Meghan reflects on growing up surrounded by music, where family jam sessions and demo tapes sparked her early love for melodies. By age three, she was belting out "Jesus Christ Superstar," foreshadowing her future as a performer.
Life on the Streets: At just 12, Meghan entered the foster care system and faced homelessness. She candidly recounts her experiences, from sleeping in doorways to finding solace in community programs like the YMCA's Independent Living Program and the Orion Center.
The Healing Power of Music: Discover how Meghan used songwriting to cope during her toughest times. Music has been her lifeline and voice, from writing her first song at 14 to her latest releases.
Denny's Days: In a surprising twist, Meghan's time at a downtown Seattle Denny's provided a job and a sense of home and community. Hear how a compassionate manager helped change her life.
A Flourishing Career: Meghan discusses her collaboration with Raymond Hayden, the excitement of releasing their rendition of "Silent Lucidity," and the 19 songs they're working on. She also shares her dreams of performing at iconic venues like Benaroya Hall.
Advocacy Through Art: With a deep commitment to raising awareness about homelessness, Meghan urges listeners to embrace empathy and human connection. Her insights are as heartfelt as her music.
Tacoma Scene Love: Meghan shares her favorite spots to play and listen to music in Tacoma, from the Spanish Ballroom to hidden gems like Valhalla Coffee and the Church Cantina.

Key Takeaways:

Ghost Towns, Abandoned Mines, and the Thrill of Discovery in Washington. With Tim Nyhus

Episode 316

Wednesday, December 25, 2024 • Duration 01:06:44

Today’s guest is Tim Nyhus, a passionate explorer uncovering the hidden treasures of ghost towns and abandoned mines across the state.

Episode Highlights

A Journey into Washington’s Forgotten Past
Tim shares how his love for history and family road trips inspired him to explore ghost towns and mines, starting with the abandoned coal town of Melmont in 2009. Hear about his first-hand experiences uncovering these historical gems and how a simple hike sparked a lifelong passion.
Building a Community of Explorers
From sharing photos on Facebook to creating videos for YouTube, Tim discusses how his adventures evolved into a platform that connects history enthusiasts. He reflects on how technology and storytelling have played a role in preserving and sharing Washington’s forgotten landmarks.
Exploration Tips for Beginners
Interested in visiting a ghost town? Tim offers beginner-friendly tips for exploring these historical sites, including how to find publicly accessible locations and plan safe, enjoyable trips.
Challenges of Abandoned Mines
Learn about the risks and rewards of mine exploration, including the incredible story of Tim’s harrowing entry into a collapsed 1890s mine. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and respecting the history and fragility of these sites.
Why Documentation Matters
Tim explains his mission to preserve the legacy of Washington’s ghost towns and mines, ensuring future generations can learn about these significant landmarks before they disappear.

What’s Next for Tim’s Adventures?

Tim teases upcoming explorations, including a private mine visit in the Okanogan area and more trips to Washington’s lesser-known ghost towns. Stay tuned for incredible stories of perseverance, history, and discovery.

From Chewed Leashes to a Thriving Business: How One Rescue Dog Inspired Bolder K9

Episode 315

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 • Duration 01:11:40

Hey there, friends! In this episode of the Exploring Washington State podcast, your host Scott Cowan dives into a fun and heartwarming conversation with Jake Eberhart, the innovative mind behind Bolder K9 Jake shares his journey of moving to Washington, adopting a rescue pup, and turning a chewed-up leash into a thriving business that gives back to animal rescues and shelters.

What’s Inside This Episode?

🐾 The Bolder K9 Story: Jake talks about how a destroyed leash inspired him and his wife to start crafting durable, custom leashes and collars.
🌲 Moving to Washington: Discover how Jake and his wife found their way from New York to the Pacific Northwest, complete with cross-country adventures and unexpected pit stops.
🐕 Rescue Stories: Learn about Theobold, the German Shepherd who sparked Bolder K9’s mission, and the incredible work Jake does with True North GSD Rescue.
🎨 Customization and Craftsmanship: From 33 leash colors to innovative FrogClips, Jake explains how Bolder K9 stands out by blending creativity, durability, and functionality.
🥾 Hiking with Dogs: Jake shares his favorite dog-friendly hiking spots in Washington, including hidden gems like Anderson and Watson Lakes.
🛠️ Nonprofit Partnerships: Hear about Bolder K9’s work with organizations like Forgotten Dogs for Forgotten Vets, connecting rescue dogs with veterans in need.

Why You Should Listen

This episode is packed with inspiration for dog lovers, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about Washington’s outdoor adventures. Jake’s passion for helping animals and creating quality products shines through every story he shares. Plus, you’ll hear some great tips on local hikes and even where to find amazing gluten-free pastries in Kenmore!

Where to Find Bolder K9

From Tulips to Snowfields: What Makes Skagit County Perfect Year-Round

Episode 314

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 • Duration 51:11

Are you ready to uncover Skagit County's hidden treasures? Join host Scott Cowan as he chats with Kristen Keltz, CEO of the Skagit Tourism Bureau, to explore everything this remarkable region has to offer—from breathtaking landscapes and charming small towns to vibrant cultural events and unique culinary experiences.

What You'll Discover in This Episode:

Skagit County's Hidden Gems
Think you know Skagit? Think again! Kristen shares the lesser-known highlights of the area, including delightful towns like Edison and Concrete, incredible hiking spots, and awe-inspiring views that stretch from the water to the mountains.
Coffee, Food, and Local Flavor
Whether sipping coffee at cozy shops like Penguin Coffee or enjoying a meal featuring locally sourced ingredients, Skagit County is a foodie's dream. Kristen dishes out her top recommendations to fuel your next adventure.
The Iconic Tulip Festival and Beyond
While the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is world-famous, Kristen reveals why every season in Skagit County offers something special—from vibrant summer markets to winter birdwatching and holiday magic in its charming towns.
Tourism's Role in the Community
Kristen explains how tourism fuels Skagit County's economy and helps create lasting memories for visitors, highlighting the importance of sustainable travel practices.
Why Skagit Feels Like Home
From her early days in hospitality to becoming the CEO of the Skagit Tourism Bureau, Kristen's deep-rooted love for the region shines through as she shares what makes it unique.

Why You Should Listen:

Whether you're planning your next weekend getaway or love hearing about incredible places, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Kristen's passion for Skagit County will make you itching to pack your bags and discover this magical destination.

Exploring Washington State – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

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Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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Exploring Washington State – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other99+

Facebook27

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other99+

Facebook27

YouTube13