Every person has a story, but not everyone has a place to tell it. As a filmmaker for over 35 years I've interviewed people all over the planet, and this week the Most Interesting Person you've never heard of is my next door neighbor Jeff Crawford.
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.
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.
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 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 closer than you think! Stay interesting!
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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!
How much is homlessness costing our community each year? Gavin Cooley, the recently retired CFO of the city of Spokane, who, by the way also survived working for six different mayors over 18 years and still remains one of the most respected people in the community. sits down with Frank to share how he might be having an even bigger impact on the region he loves today, as an advocate for solutions to the homelessness crisis, as host of the video series Housing and Help. Oh, and what did he do his first year of retirement? - Walk 1,000 miles across California, of course. You won't want to miss this extraordinary conversation!
SHOW LESSWell, it's already happened. The first guest MIP who is not only incredibly interesting, but who yes…you've likely heard of. She's Julia Sweeney, the actress, comedian, and author, who gained fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live during the 90's, where she created and played Pat, the androgynous character whose impossible-to-determine gender became a part of American pop culture. Julia discusses everything from growing up in Spokane, to her final one person show Older and Wider, and why she's both a student of religion and an atheist. She even weighs in on Will Smith and Chris Rock at the Oscars. Get ready to laugh and think. Ladies and gentlemen, the most interesting person you've likely heard of, the incomparable Julia Sweeney!
Solar power, electric car charging, solar battery storage, off-grid power, zonal heat pumps. Where in the world is it all going? This episode, Frank talks with Gavin Tenold, Owner and General Contractor at Northwest Renewables, an Inland Northwest design, consulting, and renewable energy construction company, about where the world of renewable energy is today and what it means for our tomorrow. Gavin was also a member of the Board of the Washington Solar Energy Industries Assoc. Oh, and he drinks amazing beer...
When His Holiness, The Dalai Lama tells you to “Go west and teach”, you listen. Geshela Phelgye certainly did. Join an extraordinary conversation with the head of Spokane's Tibetan Temple, The Buddhist Institute of Universal Compassion, and former Member of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile. From escaping his home country at 3 years old, to living in a cave, to his unique relationship with the 14th Dalai Lama, you won't want to miss one of the most interesting people you've never heard of. Like, Share, Review and Subscribe!
Matt Meyer will forever be known as the man who brought Paul McCartney to Spokane. As the Director of Entertainment for Spokane Public Facilities District, Matt helped put his hometown on the map as a high end destination for entertainment thanks to The Beatles legend choosing Spokane to kick off his Got Back tour. Matt did it brick by brick, relationship by relationship. Hear how he went from homemade music festival promoter to the key player in bringing the two greatest songwriters in American music history, Sir Paul and soon the great Bob Dylan, to the Lilac city.
Meg Miller is taking the Big Leap! After several years as Director of Resort Operations for Northern Quest Resort, one of the top native casino hotels in the country, Meg walked away from it all to pursue a new passion. Find out how COVID reset Meg's perspective on life and is shaping her remarkable path forward...oh and what a gutsy skydiving adventure taught her about leadership. Tune in to catch a great conversation, Like, Share, Review and Subscribe!
This week on The Most Important Person You've Never Heard Of podcast: Jim McPhee, the third leading scorer in Gonzaga University basketball history, stops by Corner Booth Media to talk about what it was like to play college basketball before the three point line, and the twenty year rocketship that is Gonzaga Basketball. Tune in to catch a great conversation, Like, Share, and Subscribe!
This week on The Most Important Person You've Never Heard Of podcast: Kate Burke holds the distinction as the youngest female to be elected to the Spokane City Council in its history. She's also in rare company of those with their face on a bus! Hear why Kate didn't seek a second term on the Council and you won't want to miss her teaching Frank "Woke 101" class. Tune in for a very lively conversation, Like, Share, Review and Subscribe!
This week Eckart Preu, former conductor of the Spokane Symphony, stops by Corner Booth Media to talk about how he became a member, soloist and assistant conductor of the Boys Choir Dresdner Kreuzchor plus much more!
This week on of The Most Interesting Person You've Never Heard Of Nick Pupo stops by Corner Booth Media to talk about his love for Baseball, and coaching as well as much more! Tune in, Like, Share, and Subscribe. #Baseball #Podcast #Coaching 0 Comments SORT BY
This week on The Most Interesting Person You've Never Heard Of Sister Madonna Buder stops by Corner Booth Media to talk about what it was like being the oldest woman to finish an Iron Man race, and how it relates to her religious beliefs / life purpose.
This weeks Most Interesting Person You've Never Heard Of is Mike Hazel, professor of communications at Gonzaga University , but most importantly my college roommate. #Podcast #Gonzaga #Communications
This week on Most Interesting Person You've Never Heard Of, founder of Feast World Kitchen stops by Cornerbooth Media to discuss what its been like becoming a restauranteur, and her journey from Jordan to Spokane. #podcast #feast # refugee
Every person has a story, but not everyone has a place to tell it. As a filmmaker for over 25 years Ive interviewed people all over the planet, and this week the Most Interesting Person you've never heard of is my next door neighbor Jeff Crawford. #Podcast #Spokanepodcast #Newpodcast
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