Talk about an uplifting spirit, Raydeane Owens lights up the room when she enters. In spite of several personal struggles, Raydeane uses her experiences and her words to try to make the world a little richer, to inspire kindness and positivity, and hopefully help others transition through their struggles. She talks about, and reads from, her two books, "Heaven-Earth" released in March of 2020, and "Brave One," which will be released soon. Both of of her books inspire, uplift and challenge us to be better in these rather tough times. To find out more about Raydeane visit her website at raydeane.com. You can find her books on Amazon, at Mix It Up in Coeur d'Alene and at the Corner Book Store in Sandpoint.

Joe Jacoby, NIC beloved Professor of Theatre and new division chair for health professions at North Idaho College, talks to us about theatre, acting, teaching his students who really love him, and about the shows he has done and looks forward to doing. Join in for this great conversation between us and this kind, gentle and inspiring man. For more information about the college theatre events visit nic.edu/events.

We really enjoyed talking to Kayla and finding out about her experience and what led her to the MAC, The Museum of Arts and Culture in the historic Brown's Addition in Spokane. What does it take to plan and manage exhibits and lead the team of curators. Kayla has an MA in Arts Administration from Indiana University, and a BA in Arts History and English Writing from DePauw University. We are so lucky to have her here in the northwest! For more information about what's happening at the MAC, visit northwestmuseum.org.

Dawn Wolski has served as the General and Artistic Director of Inland Northwest Opera (INO) since 2017, leading the organization during its rebranding from Opera Coeur d’Alene to Inland Northwest Opera, broadening its reach of professional opera across Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. Dawn joined INO on the heels of a successful international singing career, performing two dozen opera roles, multiple concert works and appeared on television programs in Europe, China, and the U.S. Dawn served two enlistments in U.S. Army where she performed with the London Symphony, Boston Symphony, National Symphony, and the Cincinnati Symphony. She has shared the stage with a variety of performers such as Julie Andrews, Wayne Brady, Wynonna Judd, Pam Tillis, Chris Isaak, as well as several U.S. presidents. For more information about what is next for Inland NW Opera, visit inlandnwopera.com For more information about Dawn visit dawnwolski.com

Trigger Weddle is involved in everything theatre. Not only is she the Artistic Director for Aspire Community Theatre, she is also Theater and Events Manager at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center Coeur d'Alene, and Jazz Instructor at Northern Dance Academy. In fact, she is Performer, Artistic Staff, Teacher, Actor, Dancer, Singer, Director, Producer, Choreographer, Marketing/Business, Stage Manager, and Professor. Post COVID, theater is making a come back, and Trigger is making it happen. For information about upcoming shows, visit aspirecda.com and Kroc Events.

It is always such a pleasure to talk to someone so creative as Hara. She loves to explore her creative side, and right now her focus is on photography and showing people, woman in particular, how beautiful they are. This is also reflected in a thoughtful and beautifully designed podcast "See Beneath Your Beautiful," where guests "share stories of adversity and perseverance which inspire, encourage and challenge us. She embraces these tough conversations, intimately exploring our loves, fears and hopes with a delicious combination of depth and lightness." You can find her at Hara.Photography, or on her See Beneath Your Beautiful podcast at your favorite podcast streamer, and her graphic design studio at StudioH-creative

Leanne Campbell is not only the Cultural Tourism Coordinator for the Coeur d'Alene Casino, she is the art historian and keeper of traditional arts for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. She received the Esto Perpetua award in 2019 from the Idaho Historical Society for her work in Idaho history, and the Women of Distinction in the Arts award in 2021 from the Soroptomist Organization in Coeur d'Alene. She has been featured in several exhibits at the MAC in Spokane, the Boise State Museum, and has some of her basketry on display at the CDA Chamber. As the Cultural Tourism Coordinator for the casino, she leads many workshops from beading to basketry to Pendleton bears and moccasins. For more information about the Lifeways workshops, visit cdacasino.com/cultural-tourism/ Visit Amazon Prime to view episode 2 of The Story of Art in America featuring the CDA Tribe.

Coffee is becoming as crafted as beer and wine these days. But what goes into roasting coffee? Jason Kilmer started Tubbs Coffee Roasters company exactly one year ago today. Hear him talk about the challenges of starting a company, how he chooses the coffee beans, what his different roasts are, and the creativity that goes into the coffee roasting process. And like wine and beer clubs, find out about the coffee club! Jason's knowledge and understanding about coffee is fascinating. For more information about his coffee, visit tubbscoffeeroasters.com.

Good acting is "the ability to live truthfully under imaginary circumstances," according to this accomplished actor, director and Emmy-nominated producer who has risen to prominence in the realm of acting coach. We are so honored to have David as our guest in this extraordinary discussion about his experiences as well as his methods of coaching. Find out more about his workshops at thejacklincenter.org.

April is an artist, mentor, teacher, speaker, world traveler and fellow sojourner who specializes in providing safe space that aims to help others discover the joy, beauty, and healing that comes from the process of creating art. Ali & Callie listen to April as she guides us throw her journey as person of faith and trust and how she is helping people heal with ART. "I am passionate about creating my own art and providing classes, workshops, and creative soul care which are all designed to nurture the body, mind and spirit whether it be gathering a group of friends and painting in community or exploring deeper things of the heart through process art and creative soul care" - April Near

Join us as we talk about art and our community with Coeur d'Alene's new mayor, Jim Hammond. He started out in education, and has served as a mayor of Post Falls, City Administrator in Post Falls and Coeur d'Alene, and also represented us as a State Senator from 2006-2012. We are honored that he took the time to give us his thoughts on art, community, and civility.

Ali & Callie talk about the A&C events for 2022: ArtWalk, CDA Artists Studio Tour, Riverstone Summer Concert Series, Kids Draw Architecture, and more. For more information about the A&C programs visit artsandculturecda.org. For more information about the NIA's 2022 Onward and Upward Women's Conference visit the eventbrite link here.

What a treat to wrap up our first season with the amazing actress Ellen Travolta, her daughter of many talents Molly Allen, and the beautiful Cabaret singer Abbey Crawford, as they prepare to open their annual Christmas show at the Coeur d'Alene Resort, "Saving Christmas." As we talked, we had a perfect view of Lake Coeur d'Alene from the 7th floor of the resort on this perfect crisp day hearing stories of who they are, what they are doing now, and where they are going next. For ticket information to the show, visit cdachristmas.com or call the resort at 208-765-4000... and don't wait, it will sell out soon.

The CDA Casino's Dee Dee McGowan, Cultural Tourism Manager, is a never ending flow of ideas for cultural tours, exposing people to th lands, the tribal traditions, culture, and arts. Dee Dee's enthusiasm has brought great accolades to the casino in recent years, and her programs continue to grow. From tours of the bald eagle aviary, kayaking, and biking, to painting with native artist Sydney Black Eagle, as well as immersing yourself in the traditional crafts offered by Leanne Campbell, a well known Coeur d'Alene Tribe artist, and so much more! Discover and experience the casino's tribal hospitality! For more information about the casino's tours and workshops visit cdacasino.com/cultural-tourism

Kelsey Grafton is a multi-disciplinary artist working in diverse mediums, from ceramic, oils, acrylic, watercolor, found objects, metals, enamels, song, and sound. She recently expanded upon her artistic research with the project, “Homestead to Hometown”, sponsored in part by a grant from the Idaho Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. During this project, she camped on her family homestead near Colville, WA, founded in 1905 by her great-grandparents who emigrated from Germany. She painted en Plein air, hand-harvested clay, and unearthed artifacts from the onsite dump used by her ancestors. The responsive body of work produced through this experience will be on display at The Blue Lantern Coffee House, in her hometown of Lewiston, ID. To see more of her work, visit blueskymondays.com To find out more about the programs that the Idaho Commission on the Arts offers visit arts.idaho.gov

Meet Max Mendez, currently serving as Professor of Music and Director of Choirs at North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He has been an active part of the Inland Northwest music community for the last 18 years, and divides his time between conducting, teaching and performing. You'll enjoy this high energy, talented musician!

Looking for tips on not only finding a talent agent, but what they can do for actors? This is a great insight into one of our loved talent agents, Dawn Taylor Reinhardt. Working for Big Fish NW Talent, one of the most trusted agencies in the Seattle/Spokane area, Dawn really understands actors' needs and brings her years of experience in both the theater and on-camera worlds, becoming the Spokane division’s lead agent and the agency’s first ‘Education Director'. For more information about Dawn and Big Fish NW Talent, visit bigfishnw.com

Jessica Bryant is making a name for herself nationally, having just won an award from the American Watercolor Society, and is featured in their 2021-2022 traveling exhibit. She didn't start out loving watercolor, but came back to it while raising her children. Her work is absolutely stunning, and her process is amazingly detailed. Visit her website and see her work at jessicabryant.com

Suzanne Knutson is a volunteer board member for the Out of the Shadows Theater, a performing arts organization that brings actors with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities out of the shadows and into the spotlight. Their 2021 production Bye Bye Birdie opens October 29 at the Kroc Center Theater and runs through November 5. Don't miss this great opportunity to see an amazing show and support these actors who absolutely beam on stage. It is a moving experience. For more information about Out of the Shadows Theater visit outoftheshadowstheater.com

What a delight getting to know Maya and her many adventures in glass blowing, yoga, meditation and ceramics. Her work is fresh and fun.  For more on Maya, visit her website and melissamayapottery.com. Watch her delightful videos on instagram @melissamayapottery, and see samples of her work on Etsy.

Meet Matt Goodrich, an accomplished pianist whose played musical theater to the Shakespeare Festival, and teaches piano at the Music Conservatory of CDA and Sandpoint. Such high energy from this amazing talent. Enjoy a little sample of his Beethoven, Sonata in E-Flat Major, Op. 81a. For more information on the conservatories, visit cdaconservatory.org or sandpointconservatory.org. You can find the entire Beethoven piece on YouTube.

As part of our back to school series, we had Halle Hatfield co-host with us. Halle is 9 years old and has been taking classes and doing camps with CYT since she was 5. What fun we had when Halle took the reins and interviewed us! For information about CYT, visit cytnorthidaho.org

Ali, Callie and producer, Kristin, give a summer recap and get excited about what is coming up for the rest of this year, and 2022.

It is back to school month, and this is a great conversation for young people about our local young talent, and some of the amazing resources we have to hone those talents in this community. Meet this lovely young lady who hopes to one day be on broadway, and is surely set to make it there. For more information on how to see Ruby and the next generation of characters, visit aspirecda.com.

An honest and frank conversation with Chelsea about her art, her passion, and the transitions that we all find ourselves making.  We explore the business of being an artist and learn about some great resources that are available to our communities working artists.   For more information about programs through the Idaho Commission on the Arts, visit arts.idaho.gov.

Being in the riverboat cruise business for 23 years, Bill and Laura talk about their adventures, and their unique response to not being able to travel during the COVID shut down. Enjoy stories, quotes from Mark Twain, and some singing. It'll make you want to book your cruise on the Columbia River! For books and virtual tours visit their website at historyhighlights.com

An enjoyable conversation with Buddy Le, owner of the western art gallery in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Art is not only a passion, but a business, and Buddy talks about the various fascinating events the gallery does annually, including the "Annual Miniatures by the Lake" in September and the "March in Montana" huge auction held in Great Falls. For more information about these events, visit cdagalleries.com or marchinmontana.com.

Ali and Callie are treated to an intimate concert with Pamela Benton, a master of stringed instruments. Her love of the electric violin makes magic happen. Don't miss this treat to several of Pam's songs, and find out how she got started. It's inspiring.

Find out how and why Melinda Cadwallader started The Hive CDA, and how you can become a member of this great interactive space.

Join us for a conversation with Tanden Launder, a young local artist and visionary of the collective studio space for artists and creatives at the Rockford Building.

Gary Edwards has had an amazing career, publishing numerous books, cds and compositions. He is funny and interesting, and has a wealth of experience.

Ali & Callie sit down with Carrie Scozzaro and chat about how art, teaching, and writing has formed her outlook on life!  She continues to write, teach, and make art, and is expanding her writing to include several large, long-term projects of her own design. She is also developing a long-range plan to turn her Spokane-area home into a place for artists-in-residences who might partake of the massive garden on the property. And she still makes frequent trips to the hardware store. 

Jeni Hegsted has championed emerging artists for going on ten years through the non-profit Emerge. Find out the exciting things they have planned this year!

Ali & Callie sit down with concert promoter Tyler Davis and learn about the ups and downs of producing live weekly concerts in the summer!  He tells a great story about when Stephen Marley was in town and his travels to Turkey to visit his wife's family.  Enjoy!!  

Ali & Callie talk to Britt about the new show at the Museum Hollywood of the North.  She tells stories about all the great big budget and small movies that were filmed in North Idaho.  Getting to hold Patty Dukes Oscar, where locals can see some of the films, like Smoke Signals, Sherman Alexie's epic story about two friends who live on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation.   We hear about her journey to becoming the Executive Director of the Museum of NI and her favorite museums across the country.      

Ali & Callie chat with Jeanette Laster of HREI and hear about how you can get involved with the organization and more.  We hear stories of their wild women weekends and what Coeur d'Alene is doing to stay above the line in human rights.  

Ali and Callie taste wine with Wine Sommelier, Krista Spencer-French and her husband Robby French, who sings part of an original song that he wrote for Krista, and we hear about their amazing trip to fourteen countries in Europe just ahead of the COVID pandemic.

Ali and Callie taste wine with Wine Sommelier, Krista Spencer-French and her husband Robby French, singer/songwriter/actor. In this episode, learn a little bit about tasting wine, drinking wine, and how to choose your wine.

Pre-recorded on May 18, Mt. St. Helens eruption anniversary, with a live audience at the Greenbriar Inn. Meet the members of this very popular band: Michael Koep on drums, Cris Lucas on bass, and Cary Beare on guitar. Check out their YouTube videos. Or catch them on June 24 Live After 5 Post Falls, July 1 Riverstone Summer Concerts, and July 2-4 at the Ironhorse in Downtown CDA.

Ali, Callie and Kristin celebrate their tenth episode by talking about the Coeur d'Alene Arts & Culture Alliance.  The Coeur d’Alene Arts & Culture Alliance is dedicated to promoting, strengthening, embracing and elevating art and culture, with a vision to inspire and sustain the community. We value integrity and diversity; excellence, creativity and passion; stewardship; and collaboration.

A lovely conversation with the Executive Director of the Coeur d'Alene Symphony Dr. Holly Blanchette and Maestro Jan Pellant. We learn that the oboe is a really cool instrument and the Symphony will be playing live shows this summer!!   Don't miss the CDA Symphony at the Riverstone Concert Series Sat. Aug 21, Coeur d'Alene ID. 

Live* from the Historic Greenbrier Inn in downtown Coeur d' Alene, Ali & Callie's conversation with world traveler, photo journalist, and just an amazing human!  HBO has called Adam's work "the strongest independent photo journalist we've seen all year" and National Geographic says his compositions are "striking" and will "draw your attention". Listen to stories from around the world, hear about his book "The World I See" and learn about his Hello from a Stranger series, plus stories of being in the heat of the 2020 pandemic and protest year on the road.  You don't want to miss this episode!!     * Pre-recorded with a live studio audience, sound is a little off but worth the listen for sure!!  Enjoy!!  

Ali and Callie talk with David Groth, art educator and all around great guy, about Sorenson Magnet Art Elementary, juggling, receiving the Governor's Award in the Arts, and more. 

Stephen Shortridge - Actor, author and romantic impressionist painter reads a couple of experts from his book, A Fingerpainted Life and talks about his upcoming new book, Where the Road Turns to Water.  Then tells tales of how the Hollywood actor ended up as a well-known artist in Coeur d'Alene Idaho.  

Enjoy a new Artcast with the Chair of the CDA Arts Commission, Jennifer Drake as we talk about the process of choosing public art, where the money comes from, and how our public art collection vitalizes our community. And we spend a minute talking about Jenn and Ben's English Pub, The Crown and Thistle, and what is a tatty egg... and should you eat mushy peas. For more information about the CDA Arts Commission and to access the public art collection, visit https://cdaid.org/190/committees/arts/public-art-collection  

The Inland Northwest has writers...  and here is one of the best!! Michael Koep, musician, swordsman, father, damn good waiter and writer join us today along with his publisher Andreas John, owner of Nspire Magazine. They will spin tales of their journey to get the books published, travels around the country promoting the book series and how they are currently working on turning the Newirth Mythology Series into a TV show.   You can find Mr. Koep's books where ever books are sold and be sure to try the Audible set!  

One of the Inland Northwest's most loved artists, Terry Lee tells us stories of his start in painting and sculpting, his relationship with George Carlson, his little known ties to North Idaho College and what it takes to get a large piece commissioned. He also walks us through the foundry process of one of his popular sculptures, The Suffragist, that now sits downtown Coeur d'Alene.