Cascade of History

Feliks Banel

CASCADE OF HISTORY is the only LIVE radio show presenting news and stories about people doing cool things with and for history in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. We talk about people, artifacts, books, maps, photos, places, landmarks, public lands, state and national parks, trails, highways, and the historic events that can bring us all together. The show is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time on SPACE 101.1 FM (and streaming via http://www.space101fm.org ) from studios located on the shores of Lake Washington in historic Magnuson Park in Seattle, former site of Sand Point Naval Air Station (though sometimes CASCADE OF HISTORY originates from remote locations around the region). The podcast feed consists of the weekly broadcast, plus frequent bonus episodes with timely and topical interviews, vintage local audio or other Pacific Northwest history-related content - and sometimes even BREAKING NEWS. Producer and host Feliks Banel is an Emmy-winning and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning broadcaster, and former deputy director of Seattle's Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). Send your questions, comments, guest suggestions, news tips and other correspondence to cascadeofhistory@gmail.com.

  1. BONUS EPISODE: New "Pac NW House Histories" from Willamette Cultural Resources Associates

    1D AGO

    BONUS EPISODE: New "Pac NW House Histories" from Willamette Cultural Resources Associates

    Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Tom Heuser, Seattle-based Architectural Historian with Willamette Cultural Resources Associates - or WillametteCRA. Under Mr. Heuser's leadership, WillametteCRA in 2024 began offering a service called "Pacific Northwest House Histories" to give homeowners, real estate agents and others interested in the histories of specific homes access to professional historical research - the kinds of services typically offered to larger and more institutional clients in the cultural resources management field, but instead focused the residential sector. CASCADE OF HISTORY spoke with Tom Heuser on March 11, 2026, and he explained how the "House Histories" came to be, shared stories he's uncovered for clients, and explained how the service is structured in three tiers of complexity and expense. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to email Tom Heuser via: tom@willamettecra.com Tom Heuser's bio page at WillametteCRA: https://willamettecra.com/tom-heuser/ Links to more information as well as images related to most topics discussed on the show are often available at the CASCADE OF HISTORY Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/cascadeofhistory CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via flagship station SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle. Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes. "LIKE" the Cascade of History Facebook page and get updates and other stories throughout the week, and advance notice of live remote broadcasts taking place in your part of the Old Oregon Country.

    24 min
  2. BONUS EPISODE: "Life Along The Tracks: Candid Stories From a Career Railroader" Co-Author Jim Providenza

    2D AGO

    BONUS EPISODE: "Life Along The Tracks: Candid Stories From a Career Railroader" Co-Author Jim Providenza

    On this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY, Feliks Banel speaks Jim Providenza, co-author (with the late Mike McLaughlin) of "Life Along The Tracks: Candid Stories From A Career Railroader." The book was published in March 2026 by the Basalt Books imprint of WSU Press in Pullman, Washington. "Life Along The Tracks: Candid Stories From A Career Railroader" is a collection of first-person anecdotes originally written by Mike McLaughlin about his decades working on railroads in the Northwest, the Mountain West and in other parts of the United States. McLaughlin was born in Seattle in the 1930s and passed away in 2012. His friend Jim Providenza made it a labor of love to edit Mike's work, gather photos and commission maps from their mutual friend Dave Clemens. The result is a highly readable, well-illustrated book unlike just about any other recent title devoted to railroad history. For more information about "Life Along The Tracks" from Basalt Books/WSU Press: https://wsupress.wsu.edu/product/life-along-the-tracks/ Links to more information as well as images related to most topics discussed on the show are often available at the CASCADE OF HISTORY Facebook page - we will also post information here about Jim Providenza's upcoming author appearances: http://www.facebook.com/groups/cascadeofhistory CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via flagship station SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle. Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes. "LIKE" the Cascade of History Facebook page and get updates and other stories throughout the week, and advance notice of live remote broadcasts taking place in your part of the Old Oregon Country.

    25 min
  3. BONUS EPISODE: Interview with Seattle Times' Margo Vansynghel: Are Arts & Culture Layoffs Sign of Trouble Ahead?

    3D AGO

    BONUS EPISODE: Interview with Seattle Times' Margo Vansynghel: Are Arts & Culture Layoffs Sign of Trouble Ahead?

    Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Margo Vansynghel, Arts Economy Reporter for The Seattle Times. Margo Vansynghel published two stories last week about layoffs at Seattle area arts & culture non-profit organizations: the 5th Avenue Theatre and Pacific Science Center. CASCADE OF HISTORY spoke with Ms. Vansynghel on Monday, March 9, 2026 to ask if these layoffs - along with job losses last year at Seattle International Film Festival - are a sign of more trouble ahead for the arts & culture sector of the economy in Seattle, King County and Puget Sound, and - if trouble is indeed ahead - if any entity is doing anything about it. "Seattle’s Pacific Science Center lays off staff" by Margo Vansynghel: https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/movies/seattles-pacific-science-center-lays-off-staff/ "Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre lays off staff, launches fundraising push" by Margo Vansynghel: https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/theater/seattles-5th-avenue-theatre-lays-off-staff-launches-fundraising-push/ Links to more information as well as images related to most topics discussed on the show are often available at the CASCADE OF HISTORY Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/cascadeofhistory CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via flagship station SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle. Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes. "LIKE" the Cascade of History Facebook page and get updates and other stories throughout the week, and advance notice of live remote broadcasts taking place in your part of the Old Oregon Country.

    25 min
  4. Ep. 138: Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center Renovation; Banks/Vernonia State Trail in Oregon; and Vintage Iraq War Audio

    4D AGO

    Ep. 138: Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center Renovation; Banks/Vernonia State Trail in Oregon; and Vintage Iraq War Audio

    Feliks Banel's guests on this LIVE BROADCAST of CASCADE OF HISTORY include Marriah Thornock, Executive Director of the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Wenatchee, Washington on the museum’s expansion and renovation plans, and their upcoming major effort to serve the community while the work is underway; and Michael Calhoun of Vernonia, Oregon on efforts in his community to support the Banks/Vernonia State Trail - Oregon’s first rails-to-trails project – which Mr. Calhoun recently helped get designated as a “National Recreation Trail” by the National Park Service. We also listened to vintage Iraq War audio, including CBS Radio News' coverage of the March 19, 2003 announcement by President George W. Bush that the war had begun, and analysis by CBS' Bill Whitney and Dr. Stan Weeks of what might happen next. More info about Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center: https://www.wenatcheevalleymuseum.org/ More info about the Banks/Vernonia State Trail: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=104 Links to more information about most topics discussed on the show are often available at the CASCADE OF HISTORY Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/cascadeofhistory This LIVE broadcast of CASCADE OF HISTORY was originally presented at 8pm Pacific Time on Sunday, March 8, 2026 via SPACE 101.1 FM and gallantly streaming live via www.space101fm.org from historic Magnuson Park - formerly Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle. Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes. "LIKE" the CASCADE OF HISTORY Facebook page and get updates and other stories throughout the week, and advance notice of live remote broadcasts taking place in your part of the Old Oregon Country.

    1 hr
  5. BONUS EPISODE: Park Ranger Casey Taylor from the Nat. Historic Oregon Trail Interp. Center near Baker City, OR

    6D AGO

    BONUS EPISODE: Park Ranger Casey Taylor from the Nat. Historic Oregon Trail Interp. Center near Baker City, OR

    Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Casey Taylor, Park Ranger at the Bureau of Land Management's National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City, Oregon. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a 500-acre site with a museum and hiking trails, and public programs offered year-round. The site is operated by the Bureau of Land Management, and includes portions of land where wagons carried Oregon Trail travelers from the mid to late 19th century - with wagon ruts still visible in many places on the landscape. Park Ranger Casey Taylor grew up in nearby Baker City, and clearly relishes his role helping share the thousands of years of history readily accessible within the museum and out on the trails. CASCADE OF HISTORY spoke with the BLM's Casey Taylor on Friday, March 6, 2026. National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center website: https://www.blm.gov/learn/interpretive-centers/national-historic-oregon-trail-interpretive-center Baker City, Oregon's website: https://www.bakercity.com/ National Park Service "Auto Tour Route Interpretive Guides: Oregon Trail": https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/auto-tour-route-interpretive-guides-oregon-trail.htm Links to more information as well as images related to most topics discussed on the show are often available at the CASCADE OF HISTORY Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/cascadeofhistory CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via flagship station SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle. Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes. "LIKE" the Cascade of History Facebook page and get updates and other stories throughout the week, and advance notice of live remote broadcasts taking place in your part of the Old Oregon Country.

    40 min
  6. BONUS EPISODE: "Dispatches and Dictators" - Oregon's Forgotten War Correspondent Ralph Barnes

    MAR 6

    BONUS EPISODE: "Dispatches and Dictators" - Oregon's Forgotten War Correspondent Ralph Barnes

    Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Barbara Mahoney, author of "Dispatches and Dictators: Ralph Barnes for the Herald Tribune" from OSU Press. The book, originally published in 2003, has just been issued in a new paperback edition. Ralph Barnes was born in Oregon and educated in the Beaver State in the early 20th century. He became a journalist and worked as a newspaper reporter in Europe in the 1930s during the run-up to World War II. Stalin punished Barnes for publishing factual stories that reflected poorly on the Soviet Union, and Hitler banished Barnes from Germany - when Barnes published a prescient story predicting that Germany would eventually attack the Soviet Union. Barnes' career was cut short by the crash in November 1940 of an RAF bomber on which he was a passenger. He was 41 years old. CASCADE OF HISTORY spoke with author Barbara Mahoney on Thursday, March 5, 2026. "Dispatches and Dictators: Ralph Barnes for the Herald Tribune" by Barbara Mahoney from OSU Press: https://osupress.oregonstate.edu/book/dispatches-and-dictators Links to more information as well as images related to most topics discussed on the show are often available at the CASCADE OF HISTORY Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/cascadeofhistory CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via flagship station SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle. Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes. "LIKE" the Cascade of History Facebook page and get updates and other stories throughout the week, and advance notice of live remote broadcasts taking place in your part of the Old Oregon Country.

    22 min
  7. BONUS EPISODE: Library of Congress & StoryCorps Collecting COVID-19 Oral Histories in Seattle and Other Cities

    MAR 5

    BONUS EPISODE: Library of Congress & StoryCorps Collecting COVID-19 Oral Histories in Seattle and Other Cities

    Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Douglas D. Peach, PhD, Folklife Specialist for the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress is partnering with the non-profit group StoryCorps to collect oral histories of Americans and their experiences related to the COVID 19 pandemic. The StoryCorps team is traveling the country - including a visit in early March 2026 to Seattle, in partnership with the WA Cultures project of Humanities Washington. CASCADE OF HISTORY spoke with Douglas D. Peach on Thursday, March 5, 2026. American Folklife Center website: https://www.loc.gov/research-centers/american-folklife-center/about-this-research-center/ StoryCorps COVID-19 American History Project website: https://storycorps.org/covid-19-american-history-project/ Humanities Washington/WA Cultures website: https://www.humanities.org/programs/wacultures/ Links to more information as well as images related to most topics discussed on the show are often available at the CASCADE OF HISTORY Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/cascadeofhistory CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via flagship station SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle. Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes. "LIKE" the Cascade of History Facebook page and get updates and other stories throughout the week, and advance notice of live remote broadcasts taking place in your part of the Old Oregon Country.

    26 min
  8. BONUS EPISODE: Stanwood City Council Unanimously Supports Ordinance Protecting City's Brick Road

    MAR 4

    BONUS EPISODE: Stanwood City Council Unanimously Supports Ordinance Protecting City's Brick Road

    Feliks Banel's guest on this BONUS EPISODE of CASCADE OF HISTORY is Nicole Strachila, Communications Marketing Specialist for the City of Stanwood, Washington. The City Council of Stanwood recently unanimously approved a new ordinance protecting the city's historic brick roadways. It's part of a bigger plan to enhance and restore distinctive elements of the Snohomish County community's history, and to create a vital downtown core with an outdoor space for special events. In this conversation recorded on March 4, 2026, Nicole Strachila explains that Stanwood residents have consistently demonstrated that they care deeply about the old bricks on 270th Street Northwest, and so the City Council acted to preserve and restore the distinctive community asset with an eye to the future. More info about Stanwood's ordinance protecting brick roadways: https://stanwoodwa.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/543 Links to more information as well as images related to most topics discussed on the show are often available at the CASCADE OF HISTORY Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/cascadeofhistory CASCADE OF HISTORY is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time via flagship station SPACE 101.1 FM in Seattle and gallantly streams everywhere via www.space101fm.org. The radio station broadcasts from studios at historic Magnuson Park – located in the former Master-at-Arms’ quarters in the old Sand Point Naval Air Station - on the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle. Subscribe to the CASCADE OF HISTORY podcast via most podcast platforms and never miss regular weekly episodes of Sunday night broadcasts as well as frequent bonus episodes. "LIKE" the Cascade of History Facebook page and get updates and other stories throughout the week, and advance notice of live remote broadcasts taking place in your part of the Old Oregon Country.

    14 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

CASCADE OF HISTORY is the only LIVE radio show presenting news and stories about people doing cool things with and for history in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. We talk about people, artifacts, books, maps, photos, places, landmarks, public lands, state and national parks, trails, highways, and the historic events that can bring us all together. The show is broadcast LIVE most Sunday nights at 8pm Pacific Time on SPACE 101.1 FM (and streaming via http://www.space101fm.org ) from studios located on the shores of Lake Washington in historic Magnuson Park in Seattle, former site of Sand Point Naval Air Station (though sometimes CASCADE OF HISTORY originates from remote locations around the region). The podcast feed consists of the weekly broadcast, plus frequent bonus episodes with timely and topical interviews, vintage local audio or other Pacific Northwest history-related content - and sometimes even BREAKING NEWS. Producer and host Feliks Banel is an Emmy-winning and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning broadcaster, and former deputy director of Seattle's Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI). Send your questions, comments, guest suggestions, news tips and other correspondence to cascadeofhistory@gmail.com.

You Might Also Like