What does it mean to truly belong somewhere? Host Wil sits down with Nick Shekeryk and Richard Porter, tourism marketing specialists for Snohomish County, to explore how we create spaces where everyone feels at home - from the bustling streets of Everett to the quiet charm of Darrington. This honest conversation dives deep into the real challenges of belonging: strategic avoidance, navigating spaces where you might not feel welcome, and the power of authentic human connection across our diverse ...
Jul 29, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Antonia Semanskee, a social media expert known for helping thought leaders build authentic online communities. But today’s conversation goes deeper than algorithms and branding—we explore the personal side of her journey, including times she felt like she didn’t belong and how those experiences shaped her mission. Together, we unpack what it means to create places of belonging in digital spaces and how listening is essential for inclusion. Whether you’r...
Jul 08, 2025•50 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Catherine Dennis whose life and work are a testament to what it truly means to create spaces of belonging. From her work in early childhood education to launching initiatives that uplift her community, she has devoted her life to building inclusive, supportive environments where every person—especially the youngest—feels seen and valued. But her journey didn’t stop at programs and policies. As an adoptive mother to children who don’t look like her, she ...
Jun 17, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this flavorful episode, we sit down with Jeff, the owner and pitmaster behind Jeff's Texas Style BBQ , a beloved local BBQ spot that’s serving up more than just incredible brisket. We dive into his journey through the military and music to finding his calling in smoked meats and community building. But this isn’t just a story about BBQ—it’s a conversation about equity, representation, and what it means to create a space where everyone feels welcome. Jeff reveals how his experience at his firs...
May 27, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode, we’re chatting with the incredible United States of America , Ms. Washington—yep, the Ms. Washington —who gets real about her journey through alcohol addiction and what recovery has looked like for her. She opens up about the highs, the lows, and everything in between, including how pushing past her comfort zone completely changed her life. If you’ve ever struggled, felt stuck, or just needed a reminder that it's never too late to start over, this episode is for you. If you are ...
May 06, 2025•53 min•Season 2Ep. 4
LaRae, from the Parkinson’s Wellness Place , joins us to share how she has created a space where individuals with Parkinson’s can come together to slow disease progression through specialized fitness programs. We explore how exercise, plays a crucial part in combating the physical challenges of Parkinson’s and improving overall well-being. We discuss how creating a safe, supportive space is key to helping people feel confident and empowered as they move through their journey. We discuss the phys...
Apr 15, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Seattle Native, Kid Sensation drops by the At-homish podcast to talk about his experience of creating spaces where we all belong. His new book " Kings: Young Men Discovering Purpose and Shaping Their Destiny " highlights the work he is doing to create spaces for young people to learn and have the leading example to change the course of young men's lives. Join the discussion on how we are all responsible for helping people feel At-homish no matter the social environment or our backgrounds....
Mar 25, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 2
The situation you grew up in does not have to define the person you are now. Seth Newsome is the perfect example of this and shares the challenges he has faced in redefining himself from being an addict to being an advocate for labor unions. If you or someone else know you are struggling with addiction know that there is support: Washington Recovery help Line - 866-789-1511 Cocaine Anonymous (caofwa.org) Narcotics Anonymous...
Mar 04, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Let's continue creating spaces where everyone belongs as we talk about expanding comfort zones, struggles of addiction, and finding community. Our guests are not ashamed of their stories and they tell them to help you feel At-homish.
Mar 03, 2025•1 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Meron Bible, of the #GhettoFoodNetwork, joins the At-homish podcast to talk about how Snohomish has created a place of belonging for him and the Mental Wellness Summit on September 21st from 1-7pm in the Snohomish Carnegie. Go deep with Wil and Meron as they share how their voices have shaped who they are now.
Sep 05, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 16
J.Marie ( www.jmarie.associates ) joins Wil to talk about how inequities we experience everyday have a long rooted history, whether it is common sayings to the lack of opportunities presented to certain people in previous generations. These still create inequities in the world. Join the conversation on how learning and talking about difficult topics builds a foundation for belonging.
Aug 15, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Sarah Dylan Jensen, The Market Maven , joins Wil on the At-homish podcast and covers the difficult discussions in our lives. Whether it is how people are treated at farmers markets to how the current political environment leads to difficult decisions and discussions that need to happen for things to change. Have you noticed any themes up to this point in the season?
Jul 25, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 14
John Lovick joins Wil to talk about how equity and inclusion is the heart of his service to the community. During the podcast, learn how treatment from his representatives led to John having a lasting career of service where inclusion and seeing everyone is his guiding value. The connection between giving back and feeling like everyone matters is discussed as the key to creating spaces where people belong.
Jul 04, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Join Wil as he talks about the books that influence his approach on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Sometimes the most unexpected titles lend themselves to learning the most about how to practice equity in our everyday lives, such as "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu. Listen along to find our "The Art of War", "The 4 Disciplines of Execution", and "The Four Pivots" can be the foundation for equity and inclusion in your communities. Recommended Reading: "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu "The 4 Disciplines ...
Jun 13, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Bill and Erin Webster, Snohomish treasurers, join Wil to discuss how hard situations can lead to energy to make a difference in your community, which they know a thing or two about building up a community through their work with Kla Ha Ya Days, the Snohomish Food Bank, Fall into Snohomish, the Snohomish Shuttle, and countless other organizations. Buckle up for the story of how spreading the joy is part of the personal healing process and what makes Snohomish the best community to be a part of....
May 30, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 11
The Mayor of Snohomish, Linda Redmon, joins Wil for a discussion on the importance of perspective in making spaces where we belong. Learn about the challenges facing Linda and the city in balancing equity in the community while honoring the tradition of Snohomish. The change starts with individuals acting to make the difference. Book recommendation: "I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times" by Mónica Guzmán
May 02, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 10
State Senator, Marko Liias, joins Wil to talk about how we can make space at the table to create inclusive environments for all that are ready to join. Nothing is off the table in this conversation, from the challenges facing policy makers, to growing up in a Finnish family. Come to the At-homish table to learn how to create spaces of belonging.
Apr 11, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Susanna Johnson, Snohomish County Sheriff, joins Wil to talk about her experience in law enforcement and the changes happening at the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. The conversation centers on how police officers help build places of belonging in the community from Resource Officers at schools to adopting more inclusive approaches to people in crisis. Wil's friend Joy also takes over the host chair for Women's history month.
Mar 21, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Wil is joined by the accomplished Mike Simmons to talk about how we can be inclusive in different environments. Mike brings his experience of working in the community to the conversation of how to create places of belonging, and it is simple(-ish). Listen to hear the simple techniques we all can use to create places of belonging.
Feb 29, 2024•47 min•Season 1Ep. 7
Wil talks about the important cultural holidays in February, and provides background into how they started. Even though there are months dedicated to history of cultures, we can always continue the celebration because history is always happening. Also listen in to hear some fun movie trivia about Snohomish Washington.
Feb 08, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In honor of Dr Martin Luther King Jr day, Wil talks about how he prepared to speak to students and staff for an all school assembly. Hear how music from various genres speak to the message of belonging or waking up to the hard realities around us. How have we woken up from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's dream to make it a reality?
Jan 18, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Creating places where everyone belongs requires working hard on what you can control. This includes the actions you can take and the people you choose to work with to make a change. Even when everything goes well, there is a limit to how people receive the community. Wil shares his story of how Cumming, Georgia has changed to be a city of belonging and the resulting impact.
Dec 28, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Some people never have the experience of being in a place where they feel they do not belong. Wil shares his real experiences of when he was not welcome in places and breaks down how we can all participate to make spaces welcoming. Even if you have not had a space where you did not feel like you belonged, it is still a real experience for many based on the color of their skin, religion, body size, sexuality, identity, and countless other factors. Join the conversation on how we can create spaces...
Dec 14, 2023•31 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Join us on the discussion as we honor those that have served and how safety is something that is needed at multiple levels. This includes community safety to our own psychological safety to create spaces that feel at-homish. What are you doing for yourself and your community to build safe spaces for everyone to belong.
Nov 22, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Wil talks about the big efforts going on in Washington State to support school districts in becoming communities of belonging for students, families, staff, and community members. The conversation centers around community developed standards and terminology from state-level organizations and practical application to daily life. Join the beginning conversation on how we all can foster belonging in our communities. Topic Overview: CCDEI - Cultural Competency Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Unders...
Nov 01, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Join Wil as he gives you insight into why he is starting the At-homish podcast, and what you can look forward to during this journey!
Oct 31, 2023•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1
