Exploring Washington State Explore Washington State -Scott Cowan

Are you ready to set sail on a thrilling adventure through the Puget Sound?
Are you ready to set sail on a thrilling adventure through the Puget Sound? In this episode of "Exploring Washington State," host Scott Cowan has a heartwarming conversation with Cosima Franchini, the owner of Olympia Sailing Company. They delve into the world of sailing and the captivating story behind the sailboat "Pterodactyl." From family ties to sailing tips and favorite local spots, this episode is a treasure trove of nautical delights. Let's embark on a journey and uncover the wonders of sailing with Cosima Franchini!
A Family Legacy: "Pterodactyl" and Olympia Sailing Company
The episode starts with Cosima Franchini fondly recounting her family's deep-rooted connection to sailing and the sea. Her father, a passionate boat builder, crafted the impressive sailboat "Pterodactyl" in the 1970s, turning his dream of sailing into a reality. With a hull made of Ferro cement and a deck and interior crafted from wood, the 42-foot deck and 59-foot overall vessel hold decades of maritime history within its sturdy frame.
Bringing Sailing to the Community: Inclusive Experiences
Cosima's commitment to creating an inclusive sailing experience shines through as she discusses the offerings of Olympia Sailing Company. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or new to the water, everyone is welcomed aboard for an unforgettable journey through Puget Sound. With options like the golden hour sail, quiet morning sail, and day-long excursions, there's something for sailors of all preferences and experience levels.
Sailing Secrets and Inspirations
As the episode progresses, Cosima generously shares her personal experiences and insights into the art of Sailing. She illuminates the boat's capabilities, favorite routes, and the sheer joy of using the wind to navigate through the sound. Her discussion of the boat's equipment, maintenance, and future business plans provides a captivating glimpse into the world of sailboat operations.
Navigating the Puget Sound: From Hope Island to the Inside Passage
Accompany Cosima as she vividly describes the enchanting destinations of Puget Sound, including the idyllic Hope Island and its diverse attractions. From encounters with raccoons and deer to the allure of camping sites and orchards, these destinations offer a wealth of experiences. Her captivating narratives of sailing expeditions bring to life the physical challenges of handling the sailboat and the exhilaration of navigating through the sound.
Local Flavors and Praises: Olympia's Delights
When it comes to Olympia's culinary delights, Cosima doesn't hold back. From her favorite coffee spots like Olympia Coffee Roasters and Halyard's Cafe to the city's vibrant punk scene, she invites listeners to savor the city's charms and sample its eclectic offerings. With a delightful touch, she shares her preferred coffee brewing method and the local hotspots she frequents for a delicious meal.
Setting Sail for the Future
With her eyes set on new horizons, Cosima reflects on her past voyages and envisions future expeditions. Her yearning for exploration and discovery is evident from the Mediterranean to potential Pacific escapades. As she shares her aspirations and dreams for the future, her infectious enthusiasm for the open seas shines through, inspiring listeners to embark on their own sailing odysseys.

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Meet Stimson Sneed, the writer and director of the film "Tim Travers and the Time Traveler's Paradox," Join us as we take a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the ambitious journey of bringing this cinematic creation to life. From the intensive scriptwriting process to the challenges of filming in Washington State, Stimson Sneed shared compelling insights into the making of his innovative movie.
From Short Film to Feature-Length Production
Originally conceived as a short film, "Tim Travers and the Time Traveler's Paradox" underwent a transformative evolution into a full-length feature within a remarkable 90-day window. Stimson's vivid account sheds light on the unforeseen challenges encountered during filming, including the impromptu need for additional scenes to adapt to weather conditions and creative considerations.
Collaboration and Casting: Bringing the Characters to Life
Stimson provided an intriguing glimpse into the casting process, detailing the significance of established relationships and his personal connections in securing the talents of renowned actors such as Danny Trejo, Keith David, and Felicia Day. With each actor's unique contribution to the film, Stimson articulated the careful negotiations and fittings that shaped their roles within the narrative, underscoring the collaborative effort that characterizes the art of filmmaking.
The Journey to the Seattle International Film Festival
Stimson Sneed's anticipation for the Seattle International Film Festival was palpable as he highlighted the emotional significance of showcasing his film in a region entrenched with personal significance. The festival's role as a platform for amplifying the film's visibility and setting the stage for potential future projects underscored the professional impact of this momentous event.
Captivating Audiences: The Essence of "Tim Travers"
"Tim Travers and the Time Traveler's Paradox" promises to engage audiences with its unconventional approach to time travel and a narrative that celebrates self-discovery. Stimson Sneed's revelations about the thematic depth of the film and the significance of its screening at esteemed film festivals unveil the underlying essence of this cinematic creation.
Tune in and enjoy our conversation with Stimson Sneed

Connect with SIFF and Stimson
✅ Visit Stimson's Website
📸 Check out Stimson on Instagram
🎬 Stimson Sneed on IMDB
🎥 Visit SIFF online
🎬 SIFF's YouTube Channel
📸 Stay Up To Date With SIFF on Instagram

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Exploring Washington State with Megan Leonard: Film, Karaoke, and Festival Insights
Are you ready to dive deep into the world of film festivals, short films, and the art of movie selection? Meet Megan Leonard, a programmer for the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). Grab your popcorn, (Megan prefers Red Vines) settle in, and let's explore the captivating world of film with Megan Leonard.
Discovering Megan's Film Journey
Megan Leonard takes us on a journey through her film career, from growing up in Olympia, Washington, to her role as a programming coordinator at SIFF. After initially studying engineering, she followed her passion for film and landed a programming intern position at SIFF, paving the way for her current career. Megan shares insights into her upbringing, her switch to film at Seattle University, and her progression within SIFF, giving us a glimpse into her profound love for movies from a young age.
Programming Films: A Puzzle and Game of Tetris
Lets delve into the intricacies of programming films for a festival, much like a puzzle and a game of Tetris. Learn about the challenges of accommodating the preferences of multiple programmers, finding suitable venues for each film, and creating the best viewing experience for audiences and filmmakers. Megan's expertise shines as she explains the process of scheduling films to maximize the impact of each screening and enhance the overall festival experience.
Festival Insights: Submissions and Selection Process
Megan enlightens us about the Seattle International Film Festival's annual submission process, which entails receiving over 3,000 submissions, each of which is viewed at least once. She explains the meticulous process of sorting submissions on the Film Freeway platform and assigning them to programmers who have an interest in a particular cinema type. This provides every submission with the opportunity to shine, showcasing the inclusive and dedicated approach of the festival's programming team. From the strategic venue selection based on the visual demands of films to the comprehensive and inclusive approach of the selection process, Megan's insights offer a nuanced understanding of the meticulous curation that goes into creating a rich and varied cinematic experience for festival-goers.
Red Vines and Rainier Beer
We learn about Megan's go to movie watching snacks. As you can imagine she has had her fill of popcorn. Megan's interesting way of drinking beer in the theater is something you need to hear to believe.
If you are into film and film festivals you will love listening to Megan. If you are a filmmaker you will learn some insights that may help you get your next project into a film festival. If you just like to hear someone who is passionate about what they are doing you will love learning more about Megan Leonard. Tune in.

Connect With SIFF
🎥 Visit SIFF online
🎬 SIFF's YouTube Channel
📸 Stay Up To Date With SIFF on Instagram

Connect With Megan Leonard
🎥 Check Megan's Film Work
🍿Megan's Vimeo Channel

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Monica Nevi: A Homegrown Comic Talent
We are going to ask Monica Nevi to share her story after all she is a storyteller. Monica takes us on a delightful ride through her journey from being a former athlete and college student to discovering her true passion for stand-up comedy. Born and raised in Renton, Washington, Monica's connection to the Pacific Northwest runs deep, and her comedic wit reflects the unique charm and humor of her home state.
Comedy: A Surprising Twist of Fate
Monica Nevi’s entrance into the world of comedy was nothing short of serendipitous. After an injury halted her basketball career, Monica found solace and new purpose in the world of stand-up comedy. With humility and candor, she shares her early fears and triumphs, including her debut at Laughs in Kirkland, where she overcame her shyness and skillfully engaged the audience, laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable comedic journey.
Embracing Change and Staying True to Herself
Monica shares insight into her creative process, from writing and refining jokes to seamlessly integrating new material into her performances. Her unwavering commitment to her art, complemented by her refreshing honesty, gives us a glimpse into the inner workings of a dedicated and accomplished comedian. Balancing a busy work life with treasured moments outdoors and quality time with loved ones, Monica’s dedication to her craft is truly inspiring.
Upper Left Comedy Festival
Monica is performing at the 3rd annual Upper Left Comedy Fest. She will be recording her Dumb Pitches Podcast in front of a live audience on April 27th. 2024 at 5:30. The Dumb Pitches Podcast is a show where smart people share their worst ideas. Monica will also be performing at 7:30pm on April 27th with the Upper Left Comedy Fest All-Stars. And finally at 9:30pm on April 27th Monica will performing as part of Comedy Nirvana. You can find out all the details by visiting The Upper Left Comedy Festival site here.
Other topics we talk about
Growing up in Renton
Living in Tacoma
WNBA and the Seattle Storm
Life on the road as a performer
Seattle's comedy scene

Tune in and get to know Monica Nevi!

Connect With Monica
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📺 Watch Monica on YouTube
📸 Check out Monica's Instagram
⏳Monica's on TikTok


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Exploring Washington State: Navigating the North Cascades Highway with Lauren Loebsack
If you are an adventure-seeker who yearns to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Northwest, then you'll want to tune in as we navigate through the North Cascades Highway.
Our very special guest is Lauren Loebsack, the communications manager for the North Central Region of the Washington State Department of Transportation.
From the process of preparing the highway for reopening to the hidden gems and challenges along the way, this episode is packed with useful information for travelers and local enthusiasts alike.
A Peek Behind the Scenes: Preparing the North Cascades Highway for Reopening
Lauren Loebsack showcases her expertise as she walks us through the intricate process of preparing the North Cascades Highway for reopening. From coordinating maintenance crews and evaluating avalanche conditions to considering resources and weather forecasts, her insights shed light on the monumental effort required to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for all travelers.
With crews on both the east and west sides diligently working to clear snow and conduct avalanche control, the episode provides listeners with a newfound appreciation for the dedicated individuals who make this annual reopening possible. The ceremonial aspect of opening the road for vehicles, complete with music and traditions, adds an extra layer of charm to the experience.
Hidden Gems and Recommendations: Enriching Your Journey
As the conversation unfolds, Lauren Loebsack delves into her personal experiences and shares valuable recommendations for travelers. She emphasizes the importance of checking the Washington State Department of Transportation's travel map for updates on road conditions and construction zones, offering practical advice for planning a seamless and enjoyable trip.
Additionally, Loebsack's love for the natural beauty and outdoor activities in the Wenatchee Valley and North Central Washington shines through as she discusses her skiing experiences and favorite spots along the scenic drive. It's evident that her passion for the region extends beyond her professional role.
Planning for Your Journey: Practical Tips and Considerations
To equip listeners with practical advice, the podcast explores typical repairs on the highway, including snow-induced damage and ongoing cleanup efforts. Loebsack's warning about potential winter conditions on the mountain pass, even after the arrival of spring, serves as a timely reminder for travelers to prepare for varying weather conditions.
Additionally, her recommendations for the best times to travel the highway, along with suggestions for scenic stops and the lack of open facilities and services, offer invaluable insights for anyone considering a trip along this iconic route.
We hope you will enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it.
Connect With Washington State Department of Transportation
🏔️WSDOT North Cascades Hwy 20
📸 WSDOT Instagram
🐑 WSDOT Facebook
🅱️ WSDOT Blog

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Discovering Bellingham's Beer Scene
In Bellingham, the beer scene is vibrant and full of positive energy.
Meet Layne Carter and Emily Mallos. They share their passion for raising the beer community in Bellingham and invite everyone to support Bellingham Beer. The camaraderie in the beer community is unmistakable, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and support among the breweries.
The episode sheds light on the upcoming Bellingham Beer Week, promising an array of exciting events that showcase the diversity and creativity of the local breweries. Beer Week is a production of the Bellingham Beer Alliance.
Unique Beer Releases and Collaborations
One of the highlights of the episode is the discussion of unique beer releases and collaborations within the Bellingham beer community. From "Bach in the Saddle," a Texas style amber bock, to the Gruff Forest Funk aimed at raising money for the Cascade Carnivore Project, Bellingham breweries are brewing up delights for beer enthusiasts. The episode also features a floral IPA release, showcasing the breweries' proficiency in crafting dynamic and flavorful IPAs.
Local Delights and Activities
Layne and Emily also take us on a delightful journey through the culinary and recreational offerings in Bellingham. From savoring a beet Reuben and French fries at a local cafe to exploring the breathtaking Galbraith Mountain and Mount Baker, the episode presents a comprehensive guide to experiencing the best of Bellingham's food and outdoor adventures. Live music enthusiasts will appreciate the recommendations for the top spots to catch live music in Bellingham, such as the Trackside Beer Garden and Cowan Depot patios.
Bellingham Beer Week and Community Support
Bellingham Beer Week is a much-anticipated event that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of community and celebration within the local beer scene. With live music, beer, cideries, and food trucks, Bellingham Beer Week not only showcases the incredible beer offerings but also supports the Max Higbee Center, a significant aspect that underlines the community's commitment to giving back.
The episode provides an insightful look at the Bellingham Beer Alliance's efforts to expand beer tourism and elevate the recognition of award-winning local beers, all while leveraging the exceptional quality of the local water.
Connect With Bellingham Beer Week
🍺 Visit Bellingham Beer Week Website
🍻 Beer Week Facebook Page
📸 Find Bellingham Beer Week on Instagram


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