Voices on Second

In Episode 5 of Voices on Second, we interviewed Kristina from Nine. Intuitive Salon. She owns the salon that is a block from Tuxedo Gallery right next to the bridge. In this episode, we talk about some of her different encounters with people on the street, her scary stories but also the good that has come from it. She talks what brought her to this area of town and the different struggles she’s had and how she has tried to combat them. Google’s description when we researched her salon said this-Nine. Intuitive Salon in Spokane (specifically Kristina Kenagy at Sola Salons) is highly rated for providing personalized, holistic hair care in a serene, woodland-themed, or private, quiet setting. Clients praise Kristina for exceptional, detailed consultations, intuitive scalp massages, and expertise in hair color, health, and styling, often describing her work as transformative and relaxing.This really does describe her. She’s so lovely and fun. Check her salon out! Address-164 S Washington St STE 700, Spokane, WA, 99201, United StatesPhone Number-509-768-5914Website-https://doljasalon.glossgenius.com/

On episode four of Voices on Second featuring an interview with Troy, a DJ who specializes in weddings and also hosts private trivia and karaoke parties. Troy shares his experiences working as a property manager in downtown Spokane. He recounts daily encounters with homeless individuals, including a shocking incident involving an overdose. We talk about broader issues of homelessness and drug addiction in Spokane, focusing on the financial burden of Narcan shots on the city, the frustration of addicts being revived only to relapse, the strain on local hospitals due to overdose cases, the complex nature of addiction, acknowledging that while some choose their lifestyle, others struggle with chemical dependency and the challenges of helping addicts, emphasizing that enabling behavior worsens the problem. We discuss the controversial concept of "harm reduction" through providing clean drugs, the preference of some unhoused individuals to stay on the streets rather than in shelters due to safety concerns and restrictive policies and the practice of "relocation therapy," where unhoused individuals are bused to other cities.

In Episode 2 of Voices on Second, Karin, President of the German American Society, tells the unfiltered story of defending a 128-year-old building on Third Street while facing threats, intimidation, and political pressure. From hired pickers to direct warnings meant to scare her out, Karin explains what happens when you refuse to back down and why she’s still standing.German American Society 25 W 3rd AveSpokane, WA 99201United States1 (509) 747-0004germanamericansociety-spokane.org

In our first episode of Voices on Second, we sit down with Gabriel, the owner of Lotus Martial Arts Academy, a South downtown Spokane institution that has served the community for over 45 years and is now barely staying afloat.Gabriel shares what it’s like to keep a long standing small business alive amid growing safety concerns, lack of accountability, inconsistent policy enforcement, and little meaningful support for those on the front lines. This is an honest conversation about what business owners are facing day-to-day not theory, not headlines, but lived experience.We also talk about the Safety on Second meeting, recent council discussions, and what moving forward could look like for downtown Spokane if real solutions and community accountability are taken seriously.This episode sets the tone for Voices on Second real stories, hard truths, and conversations that need to be heard.To support and learn more about Gabriel’s business -Spokane Lotus Martial Arts Academy 212 W 2nd AveSpokane, [email protected]