Small Town Conversations

17/03/2020

Hey everyone! We wanted to give y'all an update since we've been getting questions about when episode 0014 will be posted.

We've made the very difficult decision to postpone our interviews until things calm down. The health of our guests and community is our greatest concern and we want to do our part to slow the spread and flatten the curve.

Thank you for understanding and supporting Small Town Conversations. Hopefully we will be back soon :) In the meantime, we have 13 episodes you can listen to now: www.linktr.ee/smalltownconvos

Jenny + Danielle

06/03/2020

TGIF! Let's start the weekend with a new podcast episode, shall we?

*** LISTEN NOW TO EPISODE 0013 www.linktr.ee/smalltownconvos ***

We thought it was time for you to get to know the person who brought us together :) This week we sat down with Maleah Larsen and she shared how she went from CHOICE grad to college grad, homeowner, and business owner!

Proud doesn't even begin to explain how we feel about her and all her accomplishments [before the age of 23]!

Don't forget to check out her work and upcoming classes on Instagram at

*** LISTEN NOW TO EPISODE 0013: www.linktr.ee/smalltownconvos ***

04/03/2020

At 93 years young, Marge Valley sat down with us last week and shared what it was like moving to Mason County in the 1940s, being a private duty nurse, raising her family, and how her faith has helped her stay strong with the ebbs and flow of life.

*** LISTEN NOW TO EPISODE 0012: www.linktr.ee/smalltownconvos ***

Post below if you're all caught up!

29/02/2020

*** LISTEN NOW TO EPISODE 0012: www.linktr.ee/smalltownconvos ***

If you know Marge Valley, you know how lucky we were to have sat down with her last weekend. We both walked away better people with a deeper appreciation for the simple things in life.

On this week's episode we reflected on a life well lived. We talked about what it was like working as a private duty nurse during WWII, how she married her husband George after communicating only through letters when he was at war, what it was like moving to the Skokomish Valley in 1946, her faith, and how much life has changed over her 93 years.

We say this every week, but you don't want to miss this very special episode.

*** LISTEN NOW TO EPISODE 0012: www.linktr.ee/smalltownconvos ***

26/02/2020

We have a very special episode coming up this week. In the meantime are you caught up on the podcast?

::: www.linktr.ee/smalltownconvos :::

Episode 0010: Kaylin McIrvin - The Liver Recipient
Episode 0011: Jaime Cuzick - The Liver Giver

21/02/2020

*** LISTEN NOW TO EPISODE 0011: www.linktr.ee/smalltownconvos ***

This week we sat down with one of our favorite human beings - Jaime Cuzick, Mason County's very own liver giver. In 2015, with two young daughters at home, Jaime donated 60% of her liver to her neighbor, Kaylin. Not only did the experience lead her down a new career path, it also showed her firsthand what our small town is capable of when we come together. Today, she is making it a priority to give back to our community.

You don't want to miss this episode.

The young girl mentioned in the episode is named Andrea. She is a first grader at Evergreen Elementary and is fighting an aggressive brain tumor. Right now monetary donations are the most helpful and can be dropped off at Evergreen Elementary.

*** LISTEN NOW TO EPISODE 0011: www.linktr.ee/smalltownconvos ***

11/02/2020

*** LISTEN NOW TO EPISODE 0010: www.linktr.ee/smalltownconvos ***

Longtime Mason County resident Kaylin McIrvin was diagnosed with OTC Deficiency when she was 13 years old. When she was 23 years old she became the first live donor liver transplant recipient in the Pacific Northwest when her neighbor donated a portion of her liver to Kaylin.
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We sat down with Kaylin this week and she shared what it was like growing up in the Shelton Valley, how our community rallied around her during her time of need, and what life has been like since her transplant.

*** LISTEN NOW TO EPISODE 0010: www.linktr.ee/smalltownconvos ***

10/02/2020

We are now on Twitter!

Please follow us at

04/02/2020

*** LISTEN NOW TO EPISODE 0009: www.linktr.ee/smalltownconvos ***

If you went through Shelton High School, you probably know the woman on the left - Ms. [Karen] White. She impacted thousands of students in the 30+ years she worked for the school district.

Who you might not know is the woman on the right - her first born daughter Cyndee who she met for the first time last year (spoiler: she's also a dance team coach!!!)

On this week's episode we sat down with Karen and learned how she survived polio as a young child, what it was like moving from Seattle to Olympia in her teens, her approach to working with and coaching high schoolers, and what led up to this very special reunion. You're going to want to listen to this episode!

Thank you Karen for sitting down with us and sharing your story. You are a remarkable woman and our community is so lucky to have you!

01/02/2020

01/02/2020

Here at Small Town Conversations we are SO excited to sit down with this weekend’s guest!

Karen White began working for the Shelton School District in 1982, and began coaching the dance team in 1988. For decades she has been a mentor and role model to high school dancers and students alike.

She also has a really cool life story, a tie to a local celebrity, and had an amazing life-changing event happen in her family this past year.

Please comment with any questions you’d like to ask Karen and we will do our best to incorporate them into the show.

This is an interview you won’t want to miss!

20/01/2020

*** LISTEN NOW TO EPISODE 0008: https://tinyurl.com/STCEricJohnson***

In this week's episode we sit down with Eric Johnson aka Jenny's favorite (okay fine, only) brother. He is a four time national champion enduro kart racer and owner of Johnson Speed Shop. He shares what it's like to be a business owner and father of two, and talks candidly about what it was like losing both his parents by the age of 32.
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This week we also start a dialogue on a topic that impacts individuals, families and communities: addiction. Eric opens up about his struggle with alcohol and the moment in 2018 that led him to rehab and sobriety (starts at 1 hour 5 minutes). We both want to thank Eric again for his willingness to share this part of his story and look forward to the impact it has on other people's lives.

If you found this episode valuable, please share it with a friend. Let's end the stigma of addiction!

18/01/2020

On tomorrow's show, we will sit down with Shelton's own, Eric Johnson. Eric is a 4-time national champion enduro kart racer, owner of Johnson Speed Shop, and all around adrenaline ju**ie. Eric will tell us about the health crisis that almost killed him in 2014, what it was like to lose both parents at a young age, and the personal challenges he has overcome. If you have questions you'd like us to ask Eric, please comment below:

14/01/2020

Listen now to Episode 0007: *** https://www.tinyurl.com/Katiejonessportspsych ***

Both of us were SO excited to sit down and get to know Katie Jones. We talked all things sports psychology - from training soldiers at JBLM to SHS Students at Zero Period - to her newest chapter as wife to Spencer, Mom to Zach, and Business owner of Optimizing Wellbeing.

Katie, thank you so much for your realness and honesty!

Listen now to Episode 0007: *** https://www.tinyurl.com/Katiejonessportspsych ***

And because we know you’ll ask - here is how to learn more about Katie and how to work with her: www.optimizingwellbeing.com

12/01/2020

Are you all caught up on the Podcast? If not, head over now and listen www.smalltown-conversations.com/podcast

Last week we sat down with Jamie Mell. She shared fun stories from Southside School, what it was like being a young mom, and her latest chapter with John L. Scott.
www.tinyurl.com/jamiemell

We sat down with this week's guest today so Episode 0007 is coming sooooooon. Any guesses who it is?

11/01/2020

On the eve of our two month anniversary, we want to thank you for 2,000 downloads!!!

A new episode gets recorded this Sunday. Who will it be?!!

06/01/2020

You might recognize her last name, but you may not know about the leap of faith she recently took. We were so excited to sit down with Jamie Mell today and hear firsthand what it was like growing up in a well known local family, how she balances family and running a local real estate and property management business, and how she went all in on herself in 2019.

Listen now to Episode 0006: https://tinyurl.com/jamiemell

And don't forget to share so more people in our community can get to know Jamie. We are both so proud to call her our friend.

04/01/2020

We got to work with the one and only Jen Rutledge this morning. We’re excited to share what we’re up to. Until then, get caught up on the podcast www.smalltown-conversations.com and make sure to subscribe.

PS We’re recording a new episode tomorrow 😁

29/12/2019

Small Town Conversations would like to wish a very Happy Birthday to our host, Dani May.

We will be back next week with another podcast.

In the meantime.....GO HAWKS!

23/12/2019

Good morning and happy Monday!

Have you had a chance to listen to Episode 0005 yet? If not, head over to your Podcast app or listen at www.tinyurl.com/andyconklin

22/12/2019

5th Generation Mason County resident, real estate agent, and the guy who is committed to the kids (he also happens to be the best uncle in the world) - ANDY CONKLIN

Listen to episode 0005 now at www.tinyurl.com/andyconklin and learn who inspires him, what he is doing for the youth in Mason County, what it means to be nominated for Citizen of the Year, and why bringing a YMCA to our community is so important to him.

Please share so more people in our community can get to know Andy and the important work he does

21/12/2019

We miiiiiight have a new episode for you this weekend. In the meantime, have you listened to Episode 0004? ➳ www.tinyurl.com/belikejaron2020

Don’t forget to subscribe to Small Town Conversations on your podcast app so you never miss an episode! Can’t find us? Post below what app you use and we will make sure we get on there

17/12/2019

By a show of hands 🙋🏼‍♀️ - who hopes the Jaron pizza becomes a thing? 🍕🍕🍕

Also, how amazing is the event that held last week to help support the Holloway family?

Thank you Jaron and crew for all your hard work and dedication to our community.

If you haven’t listened to Episode 0004 yet, tune in now on your podcast app or at www.tinyurl.com/belikejaron2020

16/12/2019

Did you guess right?

Father. Manager. CHOICE graduate. Citizen of the Year Nominee. All around amazing human being.

At the young age of 30, Jaron Garza has been nominated as Mason County Citizen of the Year and for good reason! Today we sat down with Jaron and learned how he went from flipping signs to managing one of the most community-oriented businesses

If you're not following us on a Podcast app, head over to our website to listen to episode 0004 of Small Town Conversations. https://tinyurl.com/belikejaron2020

Please share so more people in our community can get to know Jaron

16/12/2019

Episode 0004 of Small Town Conversation drops tonight! Any guesses who our guest is?

To be one of the first listeners, make sure to subscribe to the podcast!

Itunes: https://tinyurl.com/itunesSTC
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/STCSpotify
Google Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/googleSTC

13/12/2019

On 11/11 Jenny made a pact with her parents that if the Seahawks beat the 49ers she would take action on an idea she had (you can learn more in episode 0001 - www.tinyurl.com/whattheheckarewedoing)

From that Small Town Conversations was born.

On 12/12 (18 days after the first episode) we hit 1,000 downloads!

Thank you for your support! We can't wait to see where this project takes us.

If you haven't already, head over to our website www.smalltown-conversations.com and subscribe. You can also nominate people to be on the podcast

10/12/2019

LISTEN NOW: https://tinyurl.com/monicabeben

We were lucky enough to sit down with Monica Beben (the "Mo" in Smoking Mo's") this weekend to talk all things food, business, and community - including an exciting announcement about the future of Smoking Mo's and why the words "fight on" are so important to her latest chapter.

Monica Carvajal-Beben thank you for being you and for talking with us. Our town is so lucky to have you and Tom.

We end our podcasts by asking our guest who we should. talk to next - Rachel Hansen and Michelle Pugh, you have both been nominated :)

09/12/2019

Happy Monday! Who was downtown this weekend as Shelton took back the title Christmas Town USA?

Share your photos below, we’d love to see them!

03/12/2019

Let’s celebrate that Seahawks win with episode 0002 of Small Town Conversations, shall we!?

Dawn, thank you for being our FIRST guest and sharing your story.

Listen now at www.smalltown-conversations.com/podcast

02/12/2019

UPDATE: Listen now at www.smalltown-conversations.com/podcast

Tonight we will release episode 0002! For this show, we interviewed Dawn Myers, who is behind the big “Fill the Truck” events from a few years ago. Dawn talks about how losing a brother to a tragic drowning accident and becoming a mother at 16 didn’t hold her back from pursuing her dreams. I promise...you won’t want to miss this one! As she said, “YOU create your own destiny”.

30/11/2019

Where are our Apple users at? Word on the street is if you search “Small Town Conversations” in the Podcast app you’ll see us! 💃🥳

Android users - what app do you use to listen to podcasts?

27/11/2019

In our first podcast, Jenny predicted that TWO people would listen. Let me tell you, Mason County, your enthusiasm has knocked our sock off! We are so excited to get the real conversations going this weekend and share some inspiring stories from people in our town. If you haven’t had a chance to listen yet, get caught up on the link below:

https://www.smalltown-conversations.com/podcast/episode/23905f05/what-the-heck-are-we-doing