Most Interesting Person You've Never Heard of Podcast

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Bajun Mavawalla is running for Congress, but his story goes far beyond politics.In this episode of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of, host Frank Swoboda sits down with Bajun Mavawalla to explore the experiences, convictions, and unexpected moments that shaped his life.From getting involved in politics as a kid, hanging campaign flyers at just 10 years old, to serving his community and working alongside everyday Americans, Bajun shares the lessons he learned from the people who make this country work. He reflects on hard work, civic responsibility, veterans and the realities of PTSD, and the events that ultimately inspired him to step into public service.Whether you agree with his politics or not, Bajun’s journey is a fascinating look at the people, experiences, and values that shape someone who chooses a life of service.Join Frank as he sits down with a candidate, a veteran advocate, and a lifelong student of the people around him to discover the story behind the name.The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of brings you conversations with remarkable people whose stories deserve to be heard.

Bajun Mavawalla is running for Congress, but his story goes far beyond politics.In this episode of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of, host Frank Swoboda sits down with Bajun Mavawalla to explore the experiences, convictions, and unexpected moments that shaped his life.From getting involved in politics as a kid, hanging campaign flyers at just 10 years old, to serving his community and working alongside everyday Americans, Bajun shares the lessons he learned from the people who make this country work. He reflects on hard work, civic responsibility, veterans and the realities of PTSD, and the events that ultimately inspired him to step into public service.Whether you agree with his politics or not, Bajun’s journey is a fascinating look at the people, experiences, and values that shape someone who chooses a life of service.Join Frank as he sits down with a candidate, a veteran advocate, and a lifelong student of the people around him to discover the story behind the name.

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Award-winning printmaker and artist Reinaldo Gil Zambrano (RGZ) joins Frank Swoboda on this episode of The Most Interesting Person You've Never Heard Of Podcast.Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, and now based in Spokane, Washington, Reinaldo shares his incredible journey from discovering printmaking to becoming an internationally recognized artist whose work explores identity, culture, community, and the universal idea of home.Frank and Reinaldo discuss Venezuela's baseball success on the world stage, his career in screen printing and relief printmaking, the stories that inspire his art, and how creativity can bring people together across cultures and borders.If you enjoy stories about artists, entrepreneurship, cultural identity, and extraordinary people making a difference without seeking the spotlight, this is an episode you won't want to miss.#Podcast #Printmaking #Artist #Venezuela #Baseball #ScreenPrinting #Art #Storytelling #MIPPodcast

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What happens when a frustrated traveler decides the entire airline industry is doing it wrong… and then builds a better version himself?In this episode, Frank sits down with Kent Craford, owner and CEO of Seaport Airlines, for a conversation that’s equal parts unconventional, insightful, and wildly entertaining.From an unexpected connection through PR guru Jeff Bell, to stories of raising his kids on a houseboat along the Columbia River, Kent’s life is anything but ordinary. But at the heart of this episode is the bold idea that launched his airline journey.At just 30 years old, Kent looked at the reality of regional travel and couldn’t make sense of it. Why should flying from Spokane to Seattle take just as long, door-to-door, as driving? Instead of accepting it, he reimagined it.His solution? A radically different model:Smaller planes.Private airfields.No TSA lines.And a streamlined, consumer-first experience that actually saves time.Now, years later, he’s reignited that vision and Seaport Airlines is taking off again, stronger than ever.This is a story about questioning the system, building from the outside in, and having the conviction to do things differently when everyone else says “that’s just how it is.”If you’ve ever felt like there has to be a better way… this episode is for you.Be sure to like, subscribe, and follow for more conversations with the most interesting people you’ve never heard of.Stay classy.

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For more than 35 years, Frank has traveled the world interviewing remarkable people and capturing their stories on film. In this series, he introduces audiences to fascinating individuals whose lives and experiences deserve to be heard.Frank and Tom look back on their long history working together in the film world, including their collaboration on the award winning film The Basket. They also share memories from early productions, creative partnerships, and the filmmaking community that brought them together decades ago.Tom brings humor, honesty, and a few surprising stories to the conversation, proving that sometimes the most interesting people are the ones you’ve never heard of.

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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 Lion Hotels and currently founder and CEO of Go Joe Patrol, a franchise security company. He is one of the most charismatic leaders in the Spokane region and he has done all of it with a high school education. He’s also our guest on Episode 44 of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast. 

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 don’t have enough food on the weekends. Find out about Tom’s insatiable love for Spokane and how he quietly makes huge impacts across his hometown on Episode 43 of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.Like, Share, Subscribe

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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.

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 focused on natural and holistic approaches to medicine. Join Frank and Dr. Stahl as they discuss everything from coffee enimas to the fall of the Berlin Wall on episode 38 of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.

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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 Episode 38 of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.

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 Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.

.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. 

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 navigate homelessness and addiction. Watch and listen to Jerrica’s courageous story on Episode 35 of the Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast. 

What’s it like to pitch in the major leagues? And what do you do next when all your dreams havealready come true? Boston Red Sox pitcher Wyatt Mills shares his inspiring story on the 34thepisode of the MIP Podcast. Drafted 93rd overall in the 2017 MLB draft, this former GonzagaPrep Bullpup, Zag, and Seattle Mariner talks about the incredible growth he’s experienced frommeeting Ichiro to pitching at Yankee Stadium and overcoming Tommy John surgery. Watch andlisten now. Spring training is closer than you think! Stay interesting!

Full Episode out now!

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 riveting story about show business, life, and love.

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 America and his ideas on how to improve it. Be inspired by this incredible man who has dedicated his life to service in his family, church, and community. Make sure to like and subscribe. 

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 also discuss Bite2go, a program that Second Harvest partners with, that sends bags of food home with nearly 10,000 students every weekend during the school year. Because he’s a child of the 70’s, Jason even shares his favorite Star Wars episode and critiques the latest Indiana Jones movie. Make sure to like, share and subscribe and check out the entire interview for more information on Second Harvest and Jason’s crusade against hunger. To volunteer with Second Harvest, visit https://2-harvest.org/volunteer/. 

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 is a documentary in process about his life. Join Charlie and Frank for a captivating conversation for Episode 29 of the Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of podcast.

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 pie, too. Grant knows that every small encounter, moment of joy, and serendipitous bike-ride can have a huge impact.Join Grant and Frank for a conversation spanning joy, self-reflection, musical festivals, and even Amador whiskey on episode 29 of the 𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙊𝙛 podcast.Please Like, Share, Review and Subscribe!

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 family later in life. Join Chris and Frank for a remarkable conversation on episode 27 of the 𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙊𝙛 podcast.Please Like, Share, Review and Subscribe!#podcast #mipynhopodcast #helloforgood #fostercare #fosteryouthtoindependence #homelessness 

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 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙊𝙛 podcast.Please Like, Share, Review and Subscribe!

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 #mipynhopodcast #houseofcharity #walkwithus #homelessness 

 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 the 𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙊𝙛 podcast.Please Like, Share, Review and Subscribe!#podcast #mipynhopodcast #nbcpromotions #ellendegeneres #mustseetv

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 homelessness crisis. Join Frank for this incredible conversation on episode 23 of the 𝙈𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙊𝙛 podcast.Please Like, Share, Review and Subscribe!#podcast #mipynhopodcast #homelessness #spokanecitycouncil #spokanedoesntsuck #columbiauniversity

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 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙊𝙛 podcast.

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 Subscribe!#podcast #mipynhopodcast #historicpreservation #spokanehistorichomes #historicarchitecture #spokanedoesn’tsuck

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, Review and Subscribe! #podcast #mipynhopodcast #weliveinwater #spokanefilms #shortfilms #spokanedoesn’tsuck

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 that make up Spokane’s sometimes gentile, sometimes seedy past. Where did the Great Spokane Fire start? Did Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel hide out here? Are there really rum running tunnels under the city? These mysteries and many more, revealed on this episode of The Most Interesting Person You’ve Never Heard Of Podcast!Like, Share, Review and Subscribe!#podcast #mipynhopodcast #nwmuseumofartsandculture #spokanearchivist #archivist #spokanesecrets #spokanedoesn’tsuck

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You always look up to those a few years older when you’re in high school. No one inspired me more to be a leader than Alan Giebel. As ASB President of Gonzaga Prep, he transformed school assemblies into his own personal variety show. His trademark big entrances included landing onto the football field in a helicopter. Today, no one knows business in Asia-Pacific better than Big Al. He shares his sales insights from over 30 years based in Singapore and gives his take on how the rest of the developed world views America today. Without further ado, Ladies and Germs… Alan Giebel!  Like, Share, Review and Subscribe!  #podcast #mipynhopodcast #asiapacificbusiness #questionshutupandsell #singapore #internationalsales #spokanedoesn’tsuck

This week-  Julie Garcia: One of Spokane's most impactful & controversial people & founder of Jules Helping Hands- the organization caring for Camp Hope; the largest encampment of people experiencing homelessness on Washington State land.  #camphope #spokane #homelessness #podcast #interview #news

Michael Sherlock (Shock Your Potential)  Don’t be fooled by the name or crazy hair color. Michael Sherlock is serious about business. She is dedicated to creating positive, productive, and profitable workplaces, and helping individuals, and businesses unlock their ultimate potential.  Before launching her global training company, Shock Your Potential, Michael was Vice President of US Sales for two multinational medical device companies, responsible for net revenue exceeding $75 million and as many as 500 employees at a time. A successful author, Michael’s also the host of the successful business sales podcast, Shock Your Potential and has a killer singing voice. Be ready for a shockingly good time? Like, Share, Review and Subscribe!