Exploring Washington State Scott Cowan

On this episode of Exploring Washington State, we chat with Kris Kaiyala, the creator of the successful fiction podcast Dirt an audio drama. Kris takes us on a journey through the creation of the podcast - from how he first got into audio dramas, to how he was inspired to start writing and producing his own podcast.
We explore his experiences in obtaining the necessary equipment, writing the script, developing character arcs, and the challenges he faced along the way. Kris also shares insights on promoting the podcast through grassroots marketing, episode swaps, and personal connections.
As we wrap up the episode, Kris describes how he has adjusted to remote work, acknowledging the privilege of not having to physically go into work, and how the pandemic has impacted the audio drama industry. Tune in to this episode to discover more about the creative and technical process behind successful fiction podcasting.
[00:06:05] "From Binging to Creating: Audio Drama Inspiration"
[00:10:16] The Humbling Beginnings of a Podcast Editor.
[00:21:01] Podcast Explores Unexpected, Everyday Places in State
[00:27:05] "Writer Prepares for Surprising Twist Ending"
[00:39:14] "Tactics for Growing Your Podcast Audience"
[00:51:47] "Remote Work Thrives in Advertising Industry Shift"
[01:02:03] "Childhood Sandbox Adventures Yield Buried Treasures"
[01:06:24] "True story of fake cattle herd fraud"
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Could a Move Mean More Animals Saved? Exploring Possibilities with a Wildlife Organization
On this episode of Exploring Washington State, host Scott Cowan talks to Ashley Carr, the executive director of Because We Matter. This organization began as an anti-drug and alcohol program but has now transitioned to wildlife education.
The organization joins Airbnb's experiences tab, becoming the #1 experience in Seattle and globally within two months. However, due to a lack of permits, they face the risk of having to euthanize 60% to 80% of their animals.
Ashley shares the organization's philosophy of respecting animals and how they handle rescuing and rehabilitating them. Additionally, the episode discusses how viewers can support the organization and the importance of transparency in the exotic animal world. Also, the speaker shares their story of providing food for mule deer during the winter, and the host asks if their ability to move can allow the organization to expand and take care of more animals.

To find out more about Because We Matter please visit https://becausewematter.org/ See how you can help them with Operation Relocation.

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On this episode of Exploring Washington State, we talk to Tammy Bux, a self-proclaimed social media junkie who shares her fascinating journey as a yoga teacher and travel advisor. She tells us about the organization she joined that provides insider information to make travel experiences memorable.
We hear about her road trips to beautiful places in the Columbia Gorge, Long Beach, and Lake Sacajawea Park.
She also talks about teaching movement practices and her love for Qigong.
We also learn about the redeveloped Vancouver waterfront area, Fort Vancouver, and quirky shops and businesses downtown.
Tammy and Scott discuss misconceptions about Washington State, including Vancouver being overshadowed by Portland.
This episode is full of unique travel recommendations and stories, including her plans for summer travel and the guest being a tour guide for Vancouver.
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Podcasts: "I have to admit, podcasts are not a medium that I enjoy."
— Todd Phillips
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On this episode of Exploring Washington State, we delve into the world of music production and instrument building with our special guest Sam Albright. We explore the process of mastering records and how different formats require specific adjustments to sound their best. 
We explore the process of mastering records and how different formats require specific adjustments to sound their best. Sam shares his experience of having records mastered at John Golden Mastering and how it differed from today's digital process.
Sam also discuss his passion for building handmade mandolins and the challenges and joys that come with it.
We learn about his involvement with the Japanese girl punk band, Shonen Knife, and his experience recording with Van and Lee Conner of Screaming Trees.
Finally, we hear about his journey in building a recording studio and how the studio transitioned from analog to digital recording technology.
Join us as we take a deep dive into the world of music production and building handmade instruments.

Episode Summary: Mastering Records, Building Instruments, and Creating Good Music
- Mastering Records
- Excitement about test pressings 
- Analog and digital master similarities 
- Adjusting each format with optimization 
- Goal: making the record sound good at any level 
- Mastering techniques of the past differs from the present 

- Building Instruments
- 300 instruments made 
- Techniques of instrument making 
- Availability of high-quality instruments diminishes solo builders 
- Physical toll of instrument-making 
- Handmade instruments do not yield a high income 

- Recording and Playing Live 
- Creative moment with multiple people 
- Find the switch that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up 
- Building a studio to demo other business ventures 

- Van and Lee Conner (Screaming Trees)
- Met Van and Lee Conner through their parents' video store 
- Project was a group effort with the studio providing time and the band's parents contributed half the funding 
- Successful, intensive experience 

- Building a Recording Studio 
- Experiencing arson fires 
- New building designed with friend technical knowledge 
- Studio designed for big room to allow for musicians playing together 
- Digital transition over time

The Creative Process: "You're after that creative moment with multiple people. There's moments when the hairs on the back of your neck, they stand up and you just go, okay, that's it right there. That was it. And we're looking for that switch that you could turn on to make that happen. But there is no switch. It's a combination of many, many things."
— Sam Albright

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Get ready to take a trip back in time as we explore the rich history of Snohomish, a town that was almost destroyed in the 60s by city planners and architects who wanted to replace the old buildings with a mall similar to Northgate. In this episode, we speak to Taylor Russell, independent historian and creative enthusiast, who runs Snohomish Walks, a unique walking tour that takes you on a journey through the town's past.
We start the episode at Cady Park, the historic boat landing in Snohomish, where Taylor highlights the iconic buildings and themes of Snohomish history that make this town so special. From there, the tour takes a circuit of buildings and homes, winding through the streets of this quaint little town, and capturing the essence of the town's history.
We learn all about Pilchuck Julia, a historical icon in Snohomish who has been romanticized in the press and records of the time. Taylor discusses the challenges that Julia likely faced as she adapted to living in a white settlement and the changing economic system.
As we delve deeper into the town's history, we learn how Snohomish was a depressed community in the 60s, with logging, mining, and fishing industries in decline. Taylor reveals how the city planners and architects wanted to tear down the old buildings and replace them with a mall, similar to Northgate. The proposal almost came to fruition and even reached a city council vote, but the council voted against the plans due to lack of funds, saving the town's old buildings and preventing the construction of the mall.
Taylor writes, researches, and publishes history related to Snohomish and offers even more history on her Patreon page, where she posts exclusive content such as in-depth articles, behind-the-scenes photos, new products, and discount codes for Snohomish Walks.
The episode ends with Scott asking Taylor the famous question, "cake or pie?" The question is regarded as a silly and fun one, but it still agitates people and can lead to unexpected reactions.

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