Sullivan's Unheard Voices

Shawn Sullivan

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. 2d ago

    Sullivan's Backstage Pass: Al’Uriel, 4th Ave Studio and Portland Reptile Lounge

    What happens when a photography studio, reptile sanctuary, music venue, and community gathering space all exist under one roof?In this episode of Sullivan's Backstage Pass, I sit down with Al, founder of Fourth Ave Studio and the Portland Reptile Lounge, for a conversation about photography, music, animal welfare, entrepreneurship, and the surprising realities of reptile ownership.What starts as a conversation about cameras and creativity quickly turns into a crash course in a world I knew almost nothing about. We talk about rescued reptiles, temperature gradients, UV lighting, animal husbandry, and why so many exotic pets end up abandoned because people never understood what they were signing up for in the first place.But the longer we talked, the more I realized this conversation wasn't really about reptiles.It was about community.What struck me most about Al is that he isn't building this space to get rich. He's building it because he believes spaces like this should exist. A place where photographers can create. A place where musicians can perform. A place where families can learn. A place where rescued animals can receive the care they deserve. A place where people can show up curious and leave knowing something they didn't know before.And maybe that's what fascinated me most.In a world increasingly obsessed with scale, efficiency, and squeezing every last dollar out of every square foot, here's someone building something for an entirely different reason: because he cares about the people, artists, musicians, families, and animals that pass through the door.The reptiles may grab your attention first.The photography may bring you in.The music may keep you around.But the real story is what can happen when someone decides to build a space around connection instead of transaction.Sullivan's Backstage Pass featuring Al from Fourth Ave Studio & Portland Reptile Lounge.Learn more about Fourth Ave Studio & Portland Reptile Lounge:2038 SE Belmont St, Portland, Oregon 97214Website: www.4thaveproduct.comPortland Reptile Lounge: www.portlandreptilelounge.comEmail: project_manager@4thaveproduct.comPhone: (971) 369-5136

  2. Nov 4

    Sullivan's Unheard Voices 155: Leroy Moore

    What happens when an entire community is told its history doesn't matter? In this episode of Sullivan's Unheard Voices, I sit down with activist, poet, scholar, and Crip Hop founder Leroy Moore for a conversation that starts with music and quickly expands into something much bigger. We talk about disability justice, race, representation, poverty, education, activism, and the stories that society forgets to tell. From blues musicians whose disabilities have been written out of history to modern advocacy movements that often leave people behind, Leroy challenges many of the assumptions that shape how we think about disability and inclusion. Along the way, we explore the origins of Crip Hop, the importance of seeing yourself reflected in history, why funding matters more than slogans, and what happens when communities spend decades fighting for promises that never quite become reality. This conversation asks difficult questions. Why do we celebrate diversity while ignoring accessibility? Why do we talk about inclusion while failing to fund the laws that make inclusion possible? And how many voices have been lost because nobody thought their stories were worth preserving? Whether you're involved in disability advocacy, social justice, education, music, or simply trying to understand the world a little better, this episode offers a perspective that is rarely heard and desperately needed. Because before people can be included, they have to be seen. And before they can be seen, their stories have to survive. #DisabilityJustice #DisabilityRights #Podcast

  3. Nov 2

    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.

  4. Oct 29

    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.

  5. 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

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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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
    207
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Shawn Sullivan
  • Show Website
    Sullivan's Unheard Voices