Small Towns: Unscripted

Small Towns Unscripted

Welcome to Small Towns: Unscripted, a podcast celebrating the heart of the Lake Chelan Valley community. Whether you're new to the area or from families who arrived here on covered wagons, this is a space for voices of all ages and backgrounds. We believe every connection, old or new, weaves a unique thread into our shared lives. Through authentic conversations, we aim to honor stories, bridge generational gaps, and foster genuine relationships. Join us in building a stronger, more vibrant community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Our mission is to build relationships.

  1. 3h ago

    Reinvention, Resilience, and Coming Home to the Chelan Valley | Erin Gavin

    Welcome back to Small Towns Unscripted. I'm Russ McClellan, alongside my co host, Nicole Turner. Today we're joined by Erin Gavin, a third generation Chelan native whose family has deep roots in the history of the Lake Chelan Valley. His grandfather, Kristjan "Chris" Gudmundson, purchased and operated the Lake Chelan Mirror beginning in the 1930s, and his father, Rick Gavin, carried that legacy forward for decades. Like many family businesses, there was hope that Erin would someday become the third generation to continue the family newspaper. But life had a different plan. When that chapter came to an end, it opened the door to a career that would take Erin far beyond the valley into the worlds of action sports, publishing, television, media, design, entrepreneurship, marketing, and sales. After graduating from Chelan High School, Erin attended Bellevue Community College, where his journey truly began. His path eventually led him to California, where he spent years building a career, traveling throughout North America and abroad, and collecting unforgettable experiences along the way. Through every opportunity and every challenge, his curiosity, creativity, and willingness to take risks continued to shape his life's direction. Today, Erin is writing a new chapter back where it all began, reconnecting with old friends, building new relationships, and continuing to reinvent himself while once again calling Chelan home. During our conversation, I made the comment, "Adversity breeds clarity, if you let it." Looking back on Erin's journey, that simple statement really captures the spirit of this episode. Like so many of us, his life reminds us that when one door closes, another often opens. Sometimes the path we never planned becomes the one we're ultimately meant to follow. So grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and enjoy our conversation with Erin Gavin on Small Towns Unscripted.

  2. Jul 10

    Kellen Jones | Manson Native, Chief Wapato John Descendant, Author of Addiction X

    Episode 82 of Small Towns Unscripted features one of our most fascinating and meaningful conversations yet as Nicole and I sit down with Kellen Jones, a 37 year old Manson native, father of two daughters, self published author, and counseling student at Grand Canyon University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Counseling. Kellen is the great grandson of Bill Evans, one of the most respected and well known members of the Chelan and Entiat Tribes, whose dedication to preserving the history and culture of his people left a lasting legacy. Chief Wapato John, often referred to as the Godfather of Lake Chelan, was Bill Evans' great grandfather, making him one of Kellen's direct ancestors. Together we explore the remarkable life and legacy of Chief Wapato John and the important role he played in shaping the Lake Chelan Valley. After coming to the valley from the Entiat area in the late 1800s, he is credited with planting some of the first apple trees in the region using seeds brought from the Walla Walla area. Although he never learned to read or write, he became a successful businessman by conducting business through pictures and symbols, proving that vision and determination can overcome tremendous obstacles. One of Chief Wapato John's greatest contributions was his commitment to faith and unity. He founded the first church at Mill Bay in Manson where both Native Americans and white settlers worshipped together. At a time when integration was uncommon, the church became a powerful symbol of acceptance, shared faith, and community. We also discuss his son, Chief Peter Wapato, and his grandson, Louis Wapato, who became one of the first Native American attorneys from the Wapato people. Kellen shares stories of growing up between Wenatchee and Manson, splitting time between his mother in Wenatchee and his father, Jamie Jones, in Manson. He talks about spending much of his childhood outdoors, the differences between growing up in Wenatchee and Manson, his family roots including his grandfather from Louisiana, and the experiences that shaped the man he is today. We also explore Wapato Heritage: The History of the Chelan Entiat Indians by Tom Hackenmiller, an incredible book preserving the stories, photographs, illustrations, and history of the Chelan and Entiat people. Kellen brings treasured family heirlooms into the studio, including more than 100 year old Bibles that belonged to Bill Evans and Bill's brother, offering a tangible connection to his family's remarkable past. The conversation then turns to one of the biggest challenges facing our communities today, mental health and addiction. Kellen hopes to one day open a counseling practice in the Lake Chelan Valley and believes there is no one size fits all approach to recovery. We discuss individualized treatment, holistic approaches to healing, the role of pharmaceutical medicine, emerging research surrounding psychedelic assisted therapies including psilocybin, DMT, ayahuasca, and ibogaine, and society's contrasting views of alcohol and marijuana. Kellen also introduces his self published novel, Addiction X: The Beginning, the first book in a planned series. Written through the eyes of a college student working in a treatment center, the novel challenges conventional thinking about addiction and recovery while encouraging readers to recognize that every person's path to healing is different. One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes when Kellen shares the dream involving his ancestor, Chief Wapato John, that inspired him to quit drinking alcohol and completely change the direction of his life. It is a moving story about faith, purpose, and personal transformation. We also briefly touch on the historical events surrounding the Chelan Falls Massacre as documented in Wapato Heritage by Tom Hackenmiller and discuss why preserving the history of the Chelan and Entiat people is so important for future generations. This episode is about history, heritage, faith, family, resilience, recovery, and the courage to change. Whether you are passionate about Lake Chelan history, Native American heritage, mental health, addiction recovery, or simply enjoy authentic conversations with remarkable people from our communities, this is an episode you will not want to miss. Kellen leaves us with one simple but powerful message for anyone waiting to make a change in their life. Do it today. We hope you enjoy Episode 82 of Small Towns Unscripted.

  3. Jul 3

    Vibe Cellars: The Story Behind One of Lake Chelan's Favorite Wineries | Erik Cooper

    This week on Small Towns Unscripted, Russ McClellan and Nicole Turner welcome Erik Cooper, owner and winemaker of Vibe Cellars, one of the most talked-about boutique wineries in downtown Manson, Washington, just minutes from Lake Chelan. If you've searched for Vibe Cellars, Lake Chelan wineries, wine tasting in Manson, or the best wineries to visit in Chelan wine country, this episode tells the story behind the winery, the wines, and the person who built it. Born in 1980, Erik and his identical twin brother grew up on Mercer Island before moving to Issaquah, where they were raised after their parents divorced. After graduating from Issaquah High School in 1999, the brothers attended Arizona State University and spent eight years bartending in Scottsdale, developing a passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences. Back home in Washington, Erik continued bartending in Bellevue for another fifteen years, but his future was quietly taking shape through his father, a Boeing employee who began making wine as a hobby. During holidays, Erik helped make wine with his dad, unknowingly planting the seeds for what would become his career. Looking for a new challenge, Erik enrolled in Washington State University's Viticulture and Enology Program and decided to pursue winemaking in Lake Chelan Wine Country instead of the crowded Woodinville market. He joined Nefarious Cellars, where he spent more than five years learning every aspect of vineyard and winery operations. While attending WSU, Erik met the late Brock Lindsey of Succession Wines. Through Washington's Alternating Proprietorship program, Brock and his family gave Erik the opportunity to launch Vibe Cellars, producing his wines inside Succession's winery while building his own brand and tasting room in downtown Manson. Today, Vibe Cellars has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors seeking exceptional Washington wines, a welcoming atmosphere, and an authentic wine tasting experience in the Lake Chelan Valley. Erik also shares his love for hiking Washington's backcountry and exploring America's national parks, along with the challenges every winemaker faces. From changing weather and unpredictable harvests to wildfire smoke and the realities of farming, every vintage presents new lessons. As Erik explains, Mother Nature has a voice in every bottle. Throughout the conversation, Erik credits his father for inspiring his journey into wine and continues to rely on him today, as he still manages the winery's bookkeeping. Episode 81 is about far more than wine. It's about family, entrepreneurship, taking risks, lifelong learning, and building a business centered on community, authenticity, and unforgettable hospitality. Whether you're planning your next Lake Chelan wine tasting weekend, looking for the best wineries in Manson, WA, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind local entrepreneurs, you'll enjoy this conversation with Erik Cooper. In this episode: • The story behind Vibe Cellars • From bartender to winemaker • Washington State University's winemaking program • Launching a boutique winery • Life in Lake Chelan wine country • Harvest, smoke, and the realities of winemaking • Family, entrepreneurship, and community If you enjoy conversations with local business owners, winemakers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from North Central Washington, subscribe to Small Towns Unscripted for new episodes featuring the people who make our small towns extraordinary.

  4. Jun 12

    From Mansfield to the World and Back: Seabee, Deep Sea Diver & Community Leader

    Welcome back to Small Towns Unscripted. I'm Russ McClellan. One of the things I enjoy most about this podcast is the opportunity to sit down with people whose life experiences provide a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing our communities. Today's guest is Thomas Tupling. Born in Chelan and raised in Mansfield as part of a multi generational farming family, Thomas grew up with a deep appreciation for rural communities, hard work, service, and personal responsibility. After graduating from Mansfield High School, he joined the United States Navy and served with the Seabees, deploying to Japan, Guam, Kuwait, and Iraq while earning his Seabee Combat Warfare qualification and achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. What followed was a remarkable journey that took him around the world. Thomas attended Wenatchee Valley College and later Washington State University. He worked in Washington, D.C. for Senator Patty Murray's office, returned to Iraq as a private contractor, and eventually pursued a career in commercial diving after attending the Divers Institute of Technology in Ballard. His career took him from the Gulf of Mexico during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response to offshore construction and subsea projects throughout Asia, the Middle East, Mexico, and beyond. To further advance his career, he attended saturation dive school in Scotland and became qualified for deep water commercial diving operations in some of the world's most demanding environments. While traveling through Belgium, Thomas was present at Brussels Airport during the terrorist bombing that shocked the world. The experience ultimately contributed to a hearing issue that prevented him from passing the physical requirements necessary for commercial diving, forcing him to pivot once again and begin a new chapter. After seeing much of the world, Thomas returned home to North Central Washington where he continues serving his community today. He currently works for the City of Chelan, serves as a Mansfield Town Council Member, sits on the Douglas County Planning Commission, serves on the TREAD board, and volunteers as a youth baseball and basketball coach. His experiences in military service, international business, local government, community planning, and public service provide a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities. Most importantly, Thomas is a proud father to Nash and Stella. Whether he's hunting, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, riding motorbikes, paddleboarding, shooting bows, or simply spending time outdoors, he enjoys sharing those experiences with his children and helping them develop the same appreciation for the outdoors and small town values that shaped his own life. In this episode, Thomas and I discuss the growing challenges facing rural communities as local governments navigate Washington State's Growth Management Act, land use regulations, building codes, housing policies, and other mandates that originate in Olympia. We explore the many layers of government involved in these decisions and the difficult balance between protecting property rights, preserving community character, supporting economic growth, and complying with state law. We also take a deeper look at the role short term rentals play in local economies. While often controversial, we discuss how tourism helps support jobs, small businesses, tax revenue, and economic activity throughout North Central Washington. With agriculture facing significant economic challenges, we examine concerns that limiting short term rentals could have unintended consequences for communities that rely heavily on tourism. We also discuss why Douglas County has generally taken a more supportive approach toward private property rights and short term rentals than some neighboring jurisdictions. The conversation also explores the realities many veterans face after military service. Thomas speaks candidly about PTSD, traumatic experiences, and the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life after deployments overseas. He shares the story of a cousin he grew up with and admired, who enlisted in the military around the same time and was tragically killed by a sniper just weeks before his deployment was scheduled to end. Thomas reflects on how that loss affected him personally and how experiences like these continue to impact veterans long after their service has ended. Throughout the conversation, we encourage listeners to approach important issues with curiosity and an open mind. Whether discussing veterans' experiences, government policy, growth management, property rights, tourism, housing, agriculture, or economic development, we believe understanding the many layers and perspectives involved is essential to building stronger communities and creating opportunities for future generations. Please welcome Thomas Tupling to Small Towns Unscripted.

  5. Jun 5

    Doug England: Resilience and Change Across a Lifetime of Farming, Family and Politics

    On this episode of Small Towns Unscripted, Russ McClellan and Nicole Turner sit down with a true pillar of the Manson and Lake Chelan Valley community — Doug England. Doug graduated from Manson High School in 1965 and has spent a lifetime helping shape the future of agriculture, local government, and the community he calls home. From serving 45 years as Manager of Manson Growers to serving three terms as a Chelan County Commissioner, Doug has witnessed firsthand the incredible transformation of farming, land use, and rural life in North Central Washington. His family's roots run deep. His grandmother was stockholder number one of Manson Growers, and Doug's story stretches back generations, from grandparents who traveled west from Missouri to establish a new life, to the challenges his own family faced after his father's devastating helicopter accident when Doug was just 14 years old. In this fascinating conversation, Doug shares stories of growing up in a large farming family, attending Washington State University, serving as an Army officer after ROTC, and returning home to dedicate his life to agriculture. He takes us through the evolution of the apple industry—from the days of hand lines, ladders, and 100 trees per acre, to today's high-density orchards with thousands of trees per acre and investment costs that can exceed $70,000 per acre to establish. We discuss the rich history of Manson Growers, the realities of supply and demand in agriculture, overproduction, variety changes, and the technology that has reshaped the industry. Doug also offers a candid perspective on government regulations, growth management, land-use planning, and what he describes as the "death by a thousand cuts" that many farmers face as layers of rules and regulations continue to accumulate. Most importantly, Doug reflects on the resilience required to survive in farming, where year after year families often faced uncertainty about whether they could continue working the land they loved. Through stories of hardship, perseverance, faith, and community, Doug reminds us why farming has always been more than a business—it's a way of life. With 25 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, a lifetime of public service, and decades of agricultural leadership, Doug England brings a unique perspective that spans generations. This is a conversation about history, family, farming, government, faith, common sense, and the future of rural America.

  6. May 29

    Tugboats, Service & Sacrifice: Navy Veteran Norm Manly Helped Make Manson a Purple Heart Community

    Norm Manly has spent a lifetime serving others—first on the water, then in the community. Born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, Norm's love for the maritime industry began as a young boy riding tugboats with his father, Harry Manly, a tugboat captain. After graduating from Wilson High School in 1961, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving as a Quartermaster aboard a minesweeper during the early years of the Vietnam era. Following his military service, Norm embarked on a remarkable 42-year career with Foss Maritime, working his way from tugboats to leadership roles within one of the Pacific Northwest's most respected maritime companies. Along the way, he became a champion for maritime education, founding the Youth Maritime Training Association and helping thousands of young people discover careers on the water. His contributions earned him recognition as Maritime Man of the Year in 2004. After retiring, Norm and his wife Susan settled in Manson, Washington, where retirement quickly turned into a new chapter of service. From launching student mock interviews and job-shadow programs to revitalizing the Manson Grange, supporting local veterans through the American Legion, serving at North Shore Bible Church, and helping establish Manson as an official Purple Heart Community, Norm has become one of the driving forces behind countless community initiatives. In this episode of Small Towns Unscripted, hosts Russ McClellan and Nicole Turner sit down with Norm to discuss his journey from Tacoma tugboats to Lake Chelan community leadership, the importance of mentorship, service above self, building opportunities for young people, and what it truly means to leave a lasting impact on the place you call home. This conversation is filled with history, wisdom, humor, and a powerful reminder that one person's commitment to serving others can shape an entire community. Authenticity is the new currency. #SmallTownsUnscripted #NormManly #MansonWashington #LakeChelan #FossMaritime #MaritimeIndustry #Veterans #CommunityLeadership #PurpleHeartCommunity #AmericanLegion #YMTA #Mentorship #PacificNorthwest

  7. May 22

    Jared England: The Fight to Preserve Farming in the Lake Chelan Valley

    Welcome back to Small Towns Unscripted. I’m Russ McClellan, alongside Nicole Turner, and today’s conversation may be one of the most important we’ve had yet because the apple industry truly is the heart and soul of our valley. Today we sit down with Jared England, President of Manson Growers and a fifth-generation member of a family whose roots in the Lake Chelan Valley date back to the late 1800s. Jared grew up in Manson, graduated from Manson High School in 1990, and comes from a family deeply connected to the history of farming in North Central Washington. His family helped build parts of the original irrigation ditch systems on the north shore of Lake Chelan using horses, dynamite, and wooden flumes. His father, Doug England, spent roughly 45 years at Manson Growers and also served as President before Jared eventually stepped into that same role. Jared and his wife are raising five kids, with their oldest now 22 and their youngest 14, and we talk about why he still believes it’s important for kids to grow up getting their hands dirty in the orchards, learning responsibility, work ethic, and character in a world increasingly dominated by screens and social media. In this episode, we dive deep into the history and future of the apple industry in North Central Washington. We discuss growing up in a small farming town where packed gyms, fierce rivalries, and strong community ties shaped generations of families. Jared shares insight into how the industry has evolved from traditional Red Delicious orchards to high-density Honeycrisp plantings with modern color-sorting technology, controlled atmosphere storage, and data-driven farming practices. We also talk about the enormous challenges facing growers today, including rising labor costs, seasonal overtime regulations, housing shortages, H-2A worker programs, increasing operational expenses, and the difficult economics of modern farming. Jared explains how orchard development can now cost up to $80,000 per acre and why economies of scale have become critical for survival. After spending nearly 20 years in corporate America following graduation from BYU, Jared eventually returned home to the valley and realized many orchardists were aging out of the business without enough operational support to continue farming. Through Manco, the orchard management company he operates alongside Manson Growers, Jared has helped provide labor coordination, housing, equipment access, chemical purchasing power, and operational efficiencies that have helped many small growers remain in business who otherwise may have been forced to remove orchards entirely. We also discuss consolidation in agriculture, the impact of international ownership, direct-to-consumer opportunities, heirloom apples, and how preserving orchards helps preserve the beauty, identity, and culture of the Lake Chelan Valley itself. This conversation goes far beyond apples. It’s about legacy, family, hard work, small towns, resilience, and adapting to change while trying to protect the communities and traditions that built this valley over generations. If you care about farming, the future of small towns, agriculture, entrepreneurship, or simply understanding the people behind one of America’s most iconic apple-growing regions, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

  8. May 15

    Don & Judy Phelps: A Story of Family, Farming, Winemaking & Reinvention

    From East Coast roots to the vineyards of the Lake Chelan Valley, Don and Judy Phelps have lived a life shaped by hard work, reinvention, family, science, and a willingness to adapt through changing times. Don grew up in rural New Hampshire in a large family of ten children, with 24 years separating the oldest and youngest siblings. His parents carried the mindset and work ethic forged during the Great Depression and World War II era, and that mentality shaped the household he was raised in. Childhood wasn’t centered around endless free time—it was about responsibility, contributing to the family, and learning the value of hard work early in life. Raised on a farm where his father logged timber, Don developed a deep connection to the outdoors and dreamed of becoming a forester. After earning a forestry degree from the University of New Hampshire, he headed west toward Alaska with just $180 in his pocket, convinced it would be enough when gas cost 30 cents a gallon. He made it as far as Washington before running out of money, unknowingly beginning a lifelong connection to the Pacific Northwest. Judy’s upbringing was a completely different world. Raised in Hartford, Connecticut, she grew up surrounded by the diversity and culture of East Coast immigrant communities. A proud University of Connecticut Husky—“Go Huskies!”—Judy pursued biology before earning her master’s degree in Zoology, along with advanced studies in statistics and computer programming long before those skills became mainstream. Her research focused heavily on fish biology, including groundbreaking work studying how temperature impacts sex determination in fish populations during the 1980s. While science was her passion, statistics and computer programming became highly valuable skills that shaped much of her professional career. Long before they became husband and wife, their families were already connected. Don’s sister married Judy’s brother, and Judy actually knew Don’s children before she truly knew Don himself. Both had previous marriages, children, careers, and full lives before eventually finding each other later in life. Together, they blended two families into one after marrying in 2000. This episode explores the contrast between East Coast and West Coast life, from Judy’s memories of Hartford’s historic melting pot of cultures to Don arriving in the Chelan area in 1971 to work for the Forest Service out of Entiat. He shares stories of staying in a camper in Jerry Risley’s yard and renting a tiny lakeview place connected to Dave Hale’s family for just $400 per year—a version of Chelan almost impossible to imagine today. Over the years, Don’s career evolved from forestry to teaching to helping lead Hammond, Collier & Wade, one of the region’s prominent civil engineering firms. After the tragic plane crash that took Larry Wade’s life in Mexico, Don once again found himself navigating a major life transition. Then came wine. The first grapes in the Lake Chelan Valley were planted in the late 1990s, and the Phelps family became part of the early foundation of what would eventually become the Lake Chelan AVA. Judy took early retirement from Pfizer, studied winemaking through UC Davis, and together they transformed former orchard ground into vineyards. Their winery officially opened in the mid-2000s as the 9th winery in the Lake Chelan Valley. Their original winery name, Balsamroot, honored the iconic yellow flower covering Chelan hillsides each spring, but after a few years they realized the branding wasn’t resonating with visitors. Embracing the philosophy “differentiate or die,” they made the bold decision to rebrand with a name rooted deeply in the history and lore of Lake Chelan. Today, the family operates vineyards in the Lake Chelan Valley, a winery in Chelan, and an additional tasting room in Leavenworth. Their vineyards are now officially organic, and their son Julian, now the winemaker, is working on a proof of concept to potentially expand from organic vineyards into fully organic wine production as well. Through it all, Don and Judy have remained grounded in one simple belief: it takes great grapes to make great wine. Farming has always been Don’s true passion, and that passion helped shape not only their vineyards, but part of the story of the modern Lake Chelan wine industry itself. This episode is about far more than wine. It’s about family history, second chances, science, farming, forestry, entrepreneurship, and the evolution of the Lake Chelan Valley itself. This is Don and Judy Phelps on Small Towns Unscripted.

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About

Welcome to Small Towns: Unscripted, a podcast celebrating the heart of the Lake Chelan Valley community. Whether you're new to the area or from families who arrived here on covered wagons, this is a space for voices of all ages and backgrounds. We believe every connection, old or new, weaves a unique thread into our shared lives. Through authentic conversations, we aim to honor stories, bridge generational gaps, and foster genuine relationships. Join us in building a stronger, more vibrant community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Our mission is to build relationships.

Information

  • Creator
    Small Towns Unscripted
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Small Towns: Unscripted
  • Show Website
    Small Towns: Unscripted