Most Interesting Person You've Never Heard of Podcast

Raf Sermeno (School Councilor) MIP Ep. 48

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Gabby Ryan ( Spokane Community Programs Coordinator) MIP Ep.46

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Terri Givens (Author and Political Scientist) MIP Ep. 45

Harry Sladich (GoJoe Patrol) Ep. 45.

In 1986, President Ronald Reagan visited Spokane and stayed at the Sheraton Hotel. As residential manager of the hotel Harry Sladich not only got to meet the President but had a rare behind the scenes look at the presidential security machine. That started a remarkable business and marketing career for one of the most charismatic leaders Spokane has ever known. Harry led the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau for five years, was executive vice president of sales and marketing at Red...

Tom Stevenson (Bite2Go Founder) MIP Ep. 42

When you’ve had as successful a career in business and finance as Tom Stevenson, what do you do for an encore when you retire? Help feed kids of course! After 30 years in public accounting at Moss Adams including over 20 years spent as its managing partner overseeing 27 offices up and down the West Coast, Tom took on the role of Volunteer President for At the Core, a nonprofit that collaborates with Second Harvest to feed over 11,000 elementary and high school students in Eastern Washington who ...

Chris Bovey (Spokane Artist) M.I.P. Ep. 42

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Rob McCann (CEO of Catholic Charities Eastern Washington) MIP Ep. 41

How do you get a meeting with Mother Teresa? Rob McCann, CEO of Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, had the incredible honor of meeting and working with Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, as a young twenty something member of Catholic Relief Services Worldwide. Hear about his incredible encounter on Episode 41 of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.

Dr. Desiree Stahl (Natural Medicine MD) Ep.40 MIP Podcast

Holistic medicine and naturopathy are on the rise in America. What are they and why are so many people choosing an alternative path to healing? Let’s ask someone who sees it everyday. Dr. Desiree Stahl was born and raised in Germany, the birthplace of Naturopathic Medicine, so it’s no surprise she wanted to study holistic medicine. She graduated with high honors from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2013. Dr. Stahl now practices at Cedar Natural Healthcare in Spokane, a clinic focus...

Jeff Bell (Hollywood Film Editor/ PR Expert) MIP Ep.39

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Don Poffenroth (Dry Fly Distilling) MIP Episode 38

What is the process for creating quality liquor? Who better to ask than Don Poffenroth, CEO of Dry Fly Distilling. Don, a Whitworth University graduate and avid fisherman, has been the CEO at Dry Fly for over 18 years. He specializes in vodka, gin, whiskey, and canned cocktails made with self produced spirits and natural ingredients. Once he retires, he hopes to drive pre 1910 cars across the country while taking time to stop and fish. Join Frank and Don for this invigorating conversation on Epi...

Debbie Heiser (A Lit Up Life) MIP Ep.37

The hardest job in the world is being your own boss. Debbie Hesier is passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals, while also pursuing their hopes, dreams, and ambitions. After rising through the ranks of corporate America for companies like Sprint and Citi, Debbie now helps business owners take meaningful steps to perform at a high level and live happy lives at the same time. Join Frank and Debbie for this transformative conversation about leadership on episode 37 of The...

Chris Standiford (Gonzaga Athletic Director) MIP Ep. 38

.Will the Zags qualify for the NCAA tournament for a 25th consecutive year? Will the Zags join the Big 12? Will the GU women’s team make it back to the Elite 8… or further? Are Name, Image and Likeness and the transfer portal hurting or helping college basketball? Who better to ask than the head honcho himself, Chris Standiford, Gonzaga University’s Director of Athletics, on episode 36 of the Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.

Jerrica Ford (From Heroin to Heroine) Episode 35

Some stories are so inspiring, it’s hard to believe they’re true. Five years ago, Jerrica Ford’s life was in turmoil. A formerly unhoused heroin addict, recently removed from her children and husband, she had few options to turn her life around. Today, thanks to the programs of Catholic Charities Eastern Washington, Jerrica is clean, living with her husband and children in a new home, and ironically managing one of Catholic Charities downtown affordable housing Havens, where she helps people nav...

Wyatt Mills (Pitcher for Boston Red Sox) MIP Episode 34

What’s it like to pitch in the major leagues? And what do you do next when all your dreams have already come true? Boston Red Sox pitcher Wyatt Mills shares his inspiring story on the 34th episode of the MIP Podcast. Drafted 93rd overall in the 2017 MLB draft, this former Gonzaga Prep Bullpup, Zag, and Seattle Mariner talks about the incredible growth he’s experienced from meeting Ichiro to pitching at Yankee Stadium and overcoming Tommy John surgery. Watch and listen now. Spring training is clo...

Linn Parish (Journal of Business Editor) Episode 33

Full Episode out now!

Ellen Travolta (Legendary Acting Icon) M.I.P. Episode 32

Ellen Travolta, an accomplished Broadway and television star, sat down with Frank this week to share her story. Ellen reflects upon her time in show business, her role models, her path to stardom, and her family life. Additionally, Ellen discusses moving to Coeur d’Alene and participating in the summer theater. This year, she will be returning to General Hospital 30 years after her initial role and has two hallmark movies coming out. Tune in to the full episode to hear the rest of Ellen’s riveti...

Reverend James Watkins (Corrections Officer) M.I.P. Episode 31

What’s it like to grow up black in Spokane, as the son of a legendary Baptist Minister? James Walkins shares his amazing story on this episode of the MIP Podcast. Currently the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, James talks about stepping into his father, Happy Watkins’ shoes and also shares with Frank his remarkable 30+ year career from correctional officer to program manager at Airway Heights Correction Center. James shares his unique insight into the world of the incarcerated population in Am...

Jason Clark (2nd Harvest) M.I.P. Episode 30

For MIP’s 30th episode, host Frank Swoboda sat down with Jason Clark, the CEO of Second Harvest Food, the second largest food bank in Washington state. Jason has worked in the food banking industry for over 30 years, and has been with Second Harvest for over 20 years. Jason discusses his journey within the food bank industry and the unprecedented growth Second Harvest has experienced. This year alone they’ve distributed over 34 million pounds of food and fed millions of families. Jason and Frank...

Charlie Schmidt (Keyboard Cat) M.I.P Episode 29

Have you ever seen the legendary meme of a cat playing the piano? With over a billion views, “keyboard cat” is one of Charlie Schmidt’s best-known art pieces. Charlie, who was born and raised in Spokane is an accomplished artist, who studied at WSU and later in Tokyo, Japan. Charlie and Frank discuss the viral “keyboard cat” meme, shooting movies in Hollywood in the 80s-90s, and how his work as an artist has taken him around the world. In the episode, Charlie shares for the first time that there...

Grant Shipley (Spokane Bike Guy) MIP Episode 28

If you live in Spokane, chances are you’ve heard Grant Shipley. You definitely haven’t ‘heard of’ him, but you’ve heard him –– or, better said, you’ve heard the boom-box-on-wheels he tows around the city on his legendary bike rides. It’s probably blasting a song you’ve never heard before and will never hear again. It probably takes you a moment, actually, to pause and decide whether you even like the song or not –– which is exactly why he’s playing it. And, if you ask nicely, he might bake you a...

Chris Patterson ( Hello For Good) MIP Episode 27

Chris Patterson is the Community Solutions Advisor for Hello for Good; a non-profit representing over one hundred businesses in the Spokane area, concerned about the impact the homeless problem is having on commerce, especially in the downtown core. A former foster child himself, Chris is also the National Lead for the Foster Youth to Independence Initiative and was a Former HUD 9 Regional Administrator. Chris shares about his life growing up in Foster care and reuniting with his biological fami...

Mandy Chapman Semple MIP Episode 26

No one knows how to tackle the homelessness crisis in America better than Mandy Chapman Semple. Seriously. She started by helping to decrease the homeless population of Houston by 60% in four years. As the Managing Partner of Clutch Consulting Group, she has helped 30,000 people find housing – roughly the population of Pullman, WA. Now, she’s helping Spokane create their own solution to homelessness. Join them for this incredible conversation on episode 27 of the 𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 ...

Dena Carr (Director of House of Charity) Episode 25

To say Dena Carr likes a challenge is an understatement. She’s tried just about everything, from fencing to Dutch oven cooking, so it comes as no surprise that she’s taken on the ultimate challenge, as Director of House of Charity, Spokane’s downtown homeless shelter. Walk with Frank and Dena on this powerful conversation on episode 25 of the 𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙊𝙛 podcast. Please Like, Share, Review and Subscribe! #podcast #mipynhopod...

David Zaccaria (Former NBC Senior Promotions Producer) Episode 24

It’s pretty cool when the first guy who hires you turns out to be a legend in your industry. David Zaccaria is that and more. From Spokane’s local Fox affiliate to Creative Director of Promotions for NBC during the “Must See TV” 90’s, the beginning of the WB network to winning two Emmy’s for his work promoting Ellen’s daytime juggernaut, Zac shares his incredible 30 year career and the amazing people he’s met along the way. Join Frank and Dave for this incredible conversation on episode 24 of th...

Nicolette Ocheltree (City Council Manager of Housing and Homelessness initiatives) MIP Episode 23

It’s safe to say the majority of people trying to solve homelessness in America, have never been homeless. Nicolette Ocheltree is not one of them. Living in a car and couch surfing with her mother in Spokane as a teen, Nicolette also survived being stalked by the Green River killer. She now serves as the Manager of Housing and Homelessness for the Spokane City Council. She also has her PhD from Columbia University and has a lot to say about how we as the community should be managing the homeless...

Jack Delehantly (G-Prep Theater / Novelist) MIP Episode 22

You never forget the guy that hangs you…especially on stage. You won’t want to miss this conversation with Jack Delehanty, legendary director of Gonzaga Prep’s theater department and teacher of literature, as they discuss Frank’s starring role as Harold in the epic play Harold and Maude and the impact Jack has had on thousands of former students by introducing them to art that challenged them. Jack also shares his new career as a mystery novelist, on episode 22 of the 𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞...

Megan Duvall (Historic Preservation Officer) MIP Podcast Episode 21

From art deco to mid-century modern, Spokane has some of the most well preserved historic homes in the country and Megan Duvall is on a mission to make sure they stay that way. As the Historic Preservation Officer for the City of Spokane, Megan shares why our historic buildings matter so much and why we should do everything we can to preserve them on episode 21 of the 𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙊𝙛 podcast. Please Like, Share, Review and Subsc...

Sean Finley (Indy Film Director) Episode 20 MIP Podcast

I admire someone, anyone, who takes on the great challenge of producing a film. Long or short, it’s a monumental endeavor, especially when it’s based on a short story by one of America’s finest storytellers. Sean Finley is one of those brave souls and I’m thrilled he decided to share the journey he’s taken to direct and produce a film adaptation of Jess Walter’s celebrated short story We Live in Water, on this episode of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of Podcast! Like, Share, Rev...

Anna Harbine (Curator at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture) - MIP Episode 19

Every city has secrets. Anna Harbine is the keeper of Spokane’s. As an experienced public historian, Anna is the Johnston Fix Curator of Archives and Special Collections at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, overseeing the day to day operations of the Joel E. Ferris Research Archives. Skilled in archival research, Pacific Northwest history, community-based outreach, digital history, and archival preservation and management, Anna is crazy passionate about the quirky events and characters t...

Kevin Parker - Episode 18 MIP Podcast

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