Sullivan's Unheard Voices

Shawn Sullivan
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Society & Culture
  • Semiweekly

Our podcast is going to be a little different. We are going to elevate the voices of the unheard. We're going to talk to people that have been through it, and lived to tell the story. We're going to talk to people with disabilities, domestic violence survivors, victims of systemic oppression, but instead of focusing on the trauma we're going to focus on how they got through it. The hope is you will learn how to get through it too. If you've ever been beat up, cast aside, discriminated against, or otherwise been "othered", then this podcast is for you!

  1. 1d ago

    Sullivan's Backstage Pass: Jimi Bott

    What does it take to become one of the most respected drummers in blues music? On this episode of Sullivan's Backstage Pass, I sit down with legendary drummer, producer, and recording engineer Jimi Bott, a Blues Music Award winner whose career has spanned more than four decades behind some of the most influential artists and bands in modern blues. From Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Mannish Boys, The Proven Ones, Mark Hummel & The Blues Survivors, The Blues Giants, and Lisa Mann's Northwestern All-Stars, Jimi has spent a lifetime helping shape the sound of blues music on stages and recordings around the world. Along the way, he has performed, recorded, and collaborated with an extraordinary collection of artists, including Lisa Mann, Paul Gilbert, Curtis Salgado, Kevin Selfe, Kid Ramos, Brian Templeton, Jason Ricci, Nick Moss, Johnny Wheels, Lloyd Jones, Terrie Odabi, Ben Rice, Jason "JT" Thomas, Louis "King Louie" Pain, Marc Ford of The Black Crowes, and countless other musicians who have helped define the modern blues landscape. In this conversation, Jimi shares the story of the concert that changed his life forever, how a teenage blues fan inspired by Rod Piazza's band eventually found himself sitting behind the drums for the very group that sparked his musical journey, and what he learned from decades of touring, recording, and performing at the highest levels of the music industry. We dive into the art of drumming, volume control, musical feel, studio recording, band chemistry, songwriting, and the lessons that only come from a lifetime spent chasing the perfect groove. Jimi also opens up about being fired from his first professional gig, overcoming injuries that nearly ended his career, recording with guitar virtuoso Paul Gilbert, working alongside Marc Ford, building Roseleaf Recording into one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected studios, and why the greatest musicians never stop searching for ways to improve. More than a conversation about drums, this is a discussion about mastery, perseverance, humility, and devotion to a craft. Whether you're a musician, a blues fan, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind extraordinary careers, this episode offers a fascinating look into the life and mindset of a musician whose influence reaches far beyond the spotlight.

  2. 5d ago

    Sullivan's Unheard Voices 153: Piper and Orchid Candles

    On this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, we meet Piper, the autistic young entrepreneur behind Orchid Candles. Her story is about creativity and possibility—but also the bullying and judgment that made school a painful place to learn. For Piper, homeschooling and a supportive family helped create room to learn, grow, and discover what brings her joy. After we finished recording, she shared that she probably would not be as far along today without that change and her parents’ encouragement. Piper describes being bullied by peers and teachers, being accused of lying during a misunderstanding, and having an attempt to report bullying ignored. She recalls crying at school and on the way home, carrying that hurt into summer. Instead of receiving understanding, she was sometimes left feeling that she was the problem. How is a student supposed to focus on learning when they are worried about being bullied, misunderstood, or blamed? After her family withdrew her from school in fifth grade, Piper completed middle school and high school virtually. She describes the relief of learning without those same fears. This is her experience—not a claim that homeschooling is right for every autistic student, but a reflection on what made a meaningful difference for her. Today, Piper is turning her imagination into candles and original comic books. With encouragement from her parents, including her stepmother, Tina, what began as a practice business became a genuine passion. We explore how she creates fragrances, experiments with layered candles, and finds inspiration in imagined scenes. We also hear about her nine handmade comic books and what it meant to introduce her candles at Salem Pride in the Park—a place where she felt connected to her community and accepted as a pansexual person. Her journey speaks to something I sometimes encourage people on the spectrum to consider: building a small business around something they love. When getting hired presents barriers, creating your own opportunity may be another path. It is not easy or right for everyone, but for Piper, it offers creativity, joy, and steps toward greater independence. And independence does not have to mean doing everything alone. Tina’s encouragement and her family’s practical help make a difference. Sometimes it takes a village—not to take over, but to help someone grow on their own terms. Throughout this conversation, we return to the need to be curious rather than judgmental. Listen when a child reports bullying. Ask questions before assuming misbehavior. Consider whether the environment—not the student’s willingness or ability—is getting in the way of learning. I dislike the term “special needs.” What I want us to focus on is the actual support, access, and understanding disabled students deserve. Piper leaves younger autistic listeners with this message: “We are not so much divided as we are just connected.” Join us for a conversation about autism, bullying, homeschooling, entrepreneurship, and the difference it makes when people believe in you. Be kind. We all live on the same planet, and we all deserve kindness and respect.

  3. Oct 26

    Sullivan's Backstage Pass: Kivett Bednar

    Texas grit. Portland soul. Music built on friendship. Guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter Kivett Bednar joins Shawn for an honest, often hilarious conversation about the people, experiences, and emotions behind his music. An Austin native now rooted in Portland’s blues community, Kivett is a Berklee graduate, amplifier maker, visual artist, and producer whose work includes recordings with the Rae Gordon Band. From losing himself with a borrowed guitar to navigating stage anxiety and competing on the road to Memphis, Kivett shares what keeps him playing—and why being a good bandmate matters as much as being a great musician. Finding his sound: Early drum lessons, a borrowed guitar, and discovering the freedom of blues improvisation. “Casting the spell”: Building a set, sticking the ending, and connecting with the person in the crowd who isn’t smiling. Friendship and loss: Remembering bassist Calen Uhlig and making music with Jeff Langston, Edwin Coleman III, and Pat McDougall. Real life, real blues: The family story behind “Roughneck” and capturing the band’s chemistry in the studio. Music beyond words: A shared love of Tool, emotional expression, and why musicians need to hear when their music moves you. It’s a conversation about listening, leaving ego behind, and making something meaningful with people you love. Search Kivett Bednar Band online, on Facebook, or on Instagram for music and performance updates. For booking and other inquiries, use the contact form on the band’s official website. In this episodeFor more information

  4. Oct 21

    Sullivan's Unheard Voices 153: Matt Kemper and the bowling episode

    Most of us have picked up a bowling ball, aimed somewhere down the lane, and hoped for the best. But behind that familiar Friday-night outing is a world of engineering, strategy, and human connection that’s easy to miss. On this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, I sit down with Matt Kemper, owner of Kemper’s Strike Shack inside The REC Lanes in Keizer, Oregon, to talk about what goes into the game—and what keeps people coming back. If you’ve ever wondered why your ball hooks beautifully one day and refuses to cooperate the next, Matt offers a glimpse into an opponent you can’t really see: the oil on the lane. Its placement changes how the ball reacts, turning what looks like a simple game into an ongoing exercise in reading the surface and adjusting your approach. As Matt explains, bowling balls can be a little like golf clubs: different equipment serves different purposes. That attention to detail carries into his pro shop, where fitting a bowling ball means more than measuring someone’s fingers. Matt asks about injuries, arthritis, and physical comfort to understand the person who will be using it. We explore why the right fit matters, how different grips affect your release, and why throwing harder isn’t necessarily the answer to knocking down more pins. But the conversation also moves beyond technique and into belonging. Matt shares that drilling bowling balls for Special Olympics athletes has been one of the highlights of opening his shop at The REC. From there, we talk about adaptive equipment, welcoming new players, and the misconception that you have to be good before you can join a league. As a high school bowling coach, Matt knows that everyone starts somewhere—and that learning the game can also mean finding your people. Whether you’re chasing a perfect 300 or just hoping to keep the ball out of the gutter, this episode looks at bowling through the eyes of someone who sees far more than a score on a screen.

  5. Oct 21

    Sullivan's Unheard Voices 152: Sarah Alday

    Every once in a while, I interview someone and think: my friends and family need to meet this person. Sarah Alday is one of those people. If you watch one episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, make it this one. It is such a privilege to introduce you to Sarah, the creator behind Shepherd Farms. She is one of the sweetest, most genuine, and kindest human beings I’ve ever met. Her unwavering spirit, humor, and enthusiasm make this one of those interviews where you can’t help but smile and fall in love with the person you’re getting to know. And if we ever win the lottery, we’re buying her the land to start her farm. That’s how much we’re rooting for her. Then there’s what she knows about plants. Did you know trees can grow around wounds to protect themselves? That ordinary tap water can cause problems for certain sensitive plants? Or that some plants attach to their neighbors’ roots and take nutrients—making them, as Sarah calls them, “nice vampires”? We even explore how seeds can stay alive but dormant, waiting for the right conditions to begin growing. Sarah explains these things in ways I’ve never heard before, making the unfamiliar feel understandable and fascinating.paste.txt We talk about the childhood squash seeds that sparked her love of growing, her fascination with giant pumpkins, and her dream of opening a U-pick farm where she can share that joy with others. Along the way, there’s plenty of laughter—and more than a few discoveries about why some of my own plants haven’t survived my attempts to care for them.paste.txt This conversation is a shining example of why we can’t judge a book by its cover. Take a little time to listen, and you may find someone who changes how you see a subject you thought you understood. Sarah certainly did that for me. Come for the person. Stay for the wonder she brings to the world of plants. I will forever be a fan.

  6. Oct 21

    Sullivan's Backstage Pass: Steve Kerin Part 2

    What happens when a band hits the stage without a set list—and the next song might be written right in front of you? Steve Kerin returns to Sullivan’s Backstage Pass for a conversation about the instincts, trust, and deep listening that make live music come alive. Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, and now a fixture in Portland’s music scene, Steve blends classical piano training with the blues, zydeco, and New Orleans sounds of his home state. From country and rock to all-request pipe organ, his musical world stretches well beyond any single genre. Host Shawn Sullivan goes beyond the keys to explore what’s really happening between musicians onstage: the unspoken signals, the split-second decisions, and knowing when to step forward—or get out of the way. Tune in for: • No set list. No rehearsal. Now make it groove. Steve explains how the Bayou Boys bring rotating guitarists into the mix—and how a nod, a shared musical language, and one sentence can get a whole band playing together. • Four pianos, one stage. Steve recalls a Waterfront Blues Festival after-party featuring four pianists and shares how musicians find their space without turning the whole thing into a musical traffic jam. • A song that didn’t exist when the gig started. Hear what happens when Queasy Gumbo’s Brian Foxworth calls out chords, builds a groove, and invents lyrics on the spot. No roadmap—just musicians listening hard and following the moment. Along the way, Steve talks about the joy of making a living through music, why great playing means leaving room for others, and how a roomful of regulars becomes something that feels like family. An honest, warm, occasionally mischievous look at a working musician’s life—and the beautiful things that can happen when everyone onstage is truly listening.

  7. Oct 11

    Sullivan's Backstage Pass: Washington Blues Society

    The blues isn’t just about what happens onstage. It’s about the people who keep showing up—for the music, for the audience, and for each other. On this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass: Seattle Edition, Shawn heads to Madison Avenue Pub in Everett for five candid conversations with artists and community leaders connected to the Washington Blues Society: Casey Sutton, Jonathan Pitman, Kevin Sutton, Angelo Ortiz, and Christi Michelle. Together, they offer an inside look at a Pacific Northwest blues scene fueled by individuality, resilience, and community. Featured in this episode: Casey Sutton, Washington Blues Society president, shares his lifelong connection to music, his pilgrimage to hear Muddy Waters, and his experience behind the scenes in live sound and music venues. We discuss the bond that makes blues musicians feel like family, the importance of good sound, and what it will take to bring the next generation into the scene. Jonathan Pitman takes us from a box of harmonicas gifted by his father to a memorable, crowd-connected performance in Memphis. He breaks down harmonica tone, improvisation, and stage presence while explaining why originality matters more than simply showing off technique. He also shares a moving story about playing a listener’s favorite songs as she lived with dementia—a reminder that a meaningful performance doesn’t require a packed room. Kevin Sutton traces his journey from learning Beatles songs to discovering the live blues scene in St. Louis during the 1980s. With humor and humility, he talks about life as a working guitarist, the nerves that still accompany performing, and why some of the smallest gigs leave the biggest impression. We also explore musical dynamics, adapting songs for stripped-down performances, and the value of venues where the music is the main event. Angelo Ortiz, Washington Blues Society music director and percussionist with Power Biscuit, shares how a local jam opened the door to his musical community. From bongos and congas to the subtle art of finding space between the bass player’s notes, Angelo explains why listening is essential. He also discusses discovering new talent, supporting younger musicians, and helping artists along the road to Memphis. Christi Michelle brings the raw, independent spirit of her No Man Band to a conversation about cigar box guitar, suitcase percussion, and finding strength through vulnerability. She opens up about reclaiming her power, creating music from lived experience, and preparing for the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. In a particularly personal moment, she explains how an encouraging exchange with Shawn helped her recognize that she belonged on that stage. Throughout the episode, we explore the jam sessions where musical relationships begin, the realities of paying the bills as a working musician, and the partnership between performers and venues. We talk about connecting with audiences—including listeners who express their enjoyment without dancing—and why kindness, encouragement, and respect can have an impact far beyond a single show.

  8. Oct 11

    Sullivan's Unheard Voices 151: Daphne Lane and Salem Pride in the Park Part 1

    This episode brings Sullivan’s Unheard Voices and the Transplaining Podcast together at Salem Pride in the Park—one of the Mid-Willamette Valley’s largest LGBTQIA2S+ community celebrations. We spent the entire day recording conversations because events like Pride are where people can be seen, heard, respected, and celebrated in their full humanity. Live from Salem Pride in the Park — Part One of Two In this special collaboration, Shawn Sullivan of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices joins Daphne Lane, founder and host of the Transplaining Podcast, with Olivia serving as our third host throughout the day. Together, we spent the full day at Salem Pride in the Park at Riverfront Park, recording real, unfiltered conversations with attendees, advocates, organizers, artists, vendors, and community members. Salem Pride in the Park is far more than a festival. It is Salem Capital Pride’s annual gathering for the LGBTQIA2S+ community and the broader Mid-Willamette Valley—an event that has drawn thousands of people in recent years. With more than 200 booths, entertainment, food, resources, accessibility supports, and opportunities for connection, Pride in the Park creates a visible, welcoming space for people to celebrate who they are and find community. For the Transplaining Podcast, being at Pride matters because Daphne Lane’s work is rooted in real conversations about transgender lives, identity, mental health, curiosity, and the people behind the headlines. Transplaining makes thoughtful, accessible space for trans people, allies, parents, experts, and community members to share lived experiences, challenge misinformation, and help people feel less alone. For Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Pride is equally essential. Hosted by Shawn Sullivan, the podcast centers people who have survived trauma, faced marginalization, or been ignored and silenced by mainstream media. Its mission is to make room for honest stories with compassion, dignity, and the belief that every unheard voice deserves to be taken seriously. In Part One, the conversation moves beyond celebration and into the issues that shape people’s daily lives: belonging, visibility, faith, identity, disability, workplace discrimination, economic justice, safety, community, and what it means to be accepted without having to explain or defend your existence. You will hear from people attending Pride for the first time, advocates working to strengthen employee protections, community members reflecting on loss and connection, and people sharing why spaces like this remain necessary.

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About

Our podcast is going to be a little different. We are going to elevate the voices of the unheard. We're going to talk to people that have been through it, and lived to tell the story. We're going to talk to people with disabilities, domestic violence survivors, victims of systemic oppression, but instead of focusing on the trauma we're going to focus on how they got through it. The hope is you will learn how to get through it too. If you've ever been beat up, cast aside, discriminated against, or otherwise been "othered", then this podcast is for you!

Information

  • Creator
    Shawn Sullivan
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    205
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Shawn Sullivan
  • Show Website
    Sullivan's Unheard Voices