Traverse Talks Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Traverse Talks

‘Traverse Talks’ Bonus Episode: Behind The Scenes Of Season Two

By McKayla Fox August 31, 2021

Photo of producer McKayla Fox (left), host Sueann Ramella and producer Greg Mills.

Photo of host Sueann Ramella (center) with producers McKayla Fox and Greg Mills. Photo Credit: Scott Leadingham. In this special episode of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella, producers Greg Mills and McKayla Fox with host Sueann Ramella discuss the origins of the podcast, how this second season came to be and the things they enjoyed… Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 23: Jess Walter On The Crossroads Between Humility And Confidence

By McKayla Fox August 24, 2021

Photo of author Jess Walter | Courtesy of Jess Walter. In this episode of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella, author Jess Walter talks about humility and confidence, about the characters that still haunt him and how the history of Spokane shapes his work. With seven novels, one book of short stories and one nonfiction book, Jess… Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 22 – Judy Cornish on Dementia Care Through The DAWN Method

By McKayla Fox August 17, 2021

Photo of Judy Cornish, guest on 'Traverse Talks.'

Photo of author and creator of the DAWN method for dementia care, Judy Cornish. In this episode of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella, attorney Judy Cornish, talks about the confusion around diagnosing dementia, how she found her way into being an advocate for better dementia care and she explains the DAWN Method which is her… Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 21: Keith and Chenoa Egawa On How All Of Our Connections Shape Us

By McKayla Fox August 10, 2021

Sibling and co-authors of the book, The Whale Child, Keith and Chenoa Egawa.

Siblings and authors of the children’s book, The Whale Child, Keith and Chenoa Egawa. In this episode of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella, siblings and co-authors of a children’s book Keith and Chenoa Egawa talk about their book The Whale Child, the rollercoaster life story of their grandparents and how they came to be, and… Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 20: Josh Gortler And Gigi Yellen On The Concept Of Tikkun Olam

By McKayla Fox August 3, 2021

Photo of Josh Gortler from Josh's book "Among The Remnants"

A photo of Josh Gortler from the cover of his book “Among The Remnants.” In this episode of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella, retired social worker and community leader Josh Gortler shares his story: his childhood, fleeing with his family from the Nazi Holocaust, his adolescence, in Displaced Person camps, and his adulthood, free to… Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 19: Harold Scott On Changing The Culture Of Policing

By McKayla Fox July 27, 2021

Nez Perce Tribal Police Chief Harold Scott on April 21, 2021 in the Northwest Public Broadcasting studios. In this episode of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella, Nez Perce Tribal police chief Harold Scott talks about his childhood in Lapwai, Idaho and how the racism and disrespect placed on him and his community lead him to… Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 18: Sandra Williams On The Black Experience In The Inland Northwest

By McKayla Fox July 20, 2021

Sandra Williams, creator of The Black Lens, talks virtually for a recording of 'Traverse Talks.'

In this episode of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella, founder of a local newspaper, The Black Lens, in Spokane, Washington. Sandra Williams shares her life story growing up in the predominantly white Inland Northwest as a Black woman, her work ethic and what she is doing to insure future generations have a place that feels like community in Spokane. Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 17: Esmy Jimenez On Life As A Journalist And DACA Recipient

By McKayla Fox July 13, 2021

In this episode of "Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella," KUOW reporter Esmy Jimenez talks about her life growing up in a rural part of central Washington as an undocumented immigrant, being the first in her family to attend college, and the fun and hardship of reporting on the never-ending news cycle. Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 16: Artist Jesse Clyde On The Art Of Being Present

By McKayla Fox July 6, 2021

In this episode of "Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella," cartoonist Jesse Clyde is radiating good vibes and positive energy. He shares how he tries to be present in the moment and explains how money and other societal distractions can take away from his artwork. Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 15: Jennifer Griffin On Dyslexia And Playing To Its Strengths

By McKayla Fox June 29, 2021

In this episode of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella, speech language pathologist Jennifer Griffin talks about dyslexia and signs that you or your child may be suffering from it. Continue Reading ‘Traverse Talks’ Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 14: Chigozie Obioma On Finding Differences And Similarities Between Cultures

By McKayla Fox June 22, 2021

In this episode of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella, author Chigozie Obioma talks about how his time in Cyprus for school and growing up in Nigeria shaped his work, the types of racism he has experienced in his travels and the meaning behind his name. Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 13: Christine Hemp On Finding Your True North

By Gabriel del Rosario June 15, 2021

Author Christine Hemp talks about her latest book, a memoir "Wild Ride Home," finding red flags in relationships, taking care of aging parents and always keeping your true north. She is an author, poet, musician, speaker and teacher. Continue Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 12: Becky Albertalli & Scott Leadingham On Literature Helping Form Identity

By Gabriel del Rosario June 8, 2021

Author Becky Albertalli with her book collection.

In this unique episode of "Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella," NWPB's Scott Leadingham interviews author Becky Albertalli. The two talk about identity, representation of LGBTQIA+ books in school libraries, and how people come out and present themselves to the world. Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 11: Backyard Harvest On The Importance Of Food And Community

By Gabriel del Rosario June 1, 2021

Image of Will O'Neal and Renee Love from Backyard Harvest.

In this episode of "Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella," Will O'Neal and Renee Love, leaders within the organization Backyard Harvest, share how the group serves its community and how both they and many of their volunteers got a close-up view of food insecurity within local households. Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 10: Ryka Aoki On Culture, Transphobia And Giving It Your Best

By Gabriel del Rosario May 25, 2021

In this episode of "Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella," author Ryka Aoki shares how growing up in the U.S., she had a hard time seeing what happens on a societal level, but still wants it to be better, as well as her personal experiences as a transgender woman. Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 9 – Part 2: Ted Tremper On Finding Humor And Accepting Failure

By Mia Hunt December 22, 2020

Photo of host Sueann Ramella and guest Ted Tremper talking virtually for a recording of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella.

In part two of this episode of "Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella," comedy writer Ted Tremper talks about how jokes impact thoughts and beliefs in an accessible way. And he discusses how he implements rules from his mother and advice from his father in his daily life. Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 9 – Part 1: Comedy Writer Ted Tremper On Finding Humor In Tragedy

By McKayla Fox December 15, 2020

Photo of Ted Tremper, a guest on Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella

In part one of this episode of "Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella," comedy writer Ted Tremper talks about growing up in the Northwest as the overweight-funny kid. He says his mom's untimely death while he was in college shaped much of his outlook on life and his career. Tremper has written for "The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,"" I Love You, America" with Sarah Silverman, Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 8: Stella Williams On Diversity In Literature And Art’s Impact On Community

By Mia Hunt December 8, 2020

Photo of author Stella Williams from a recording of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella.

In this episode of "Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella," author Stella Williams shares how her love for reading at a young age drove her to write about stories that showcased characters that looked like her. Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 7: Ross Gay On Tenderness And Finding Delight

By Mia Hunt December 1, 2020

Photo of Ross Gay from a recording of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella

In this episode of 'Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella,' poet and professor Ross Gay discusses ways to recognize and incorporate tenderness into your life. Ramella and Gay cover everything from the benefits of gardening to why he doesn't often give advice. Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 6: Dior Vargas On Intersectionality And Mental Health

By Mia Hunt November 24, 2020

Photo of Dior Vargas during a recording of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella.

In this episode of "Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella," Latinx feminist and mental health activist Dior Vargas shares her history with mental health and why discussing the topic through an intersectional lens is so important. Continue Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 5: Pulitzer Winner Jericho Brown On The Importance Of Name And Truth

By McKayla Fox November 17, 2020

Photo of Jericho Brown from a recording of Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella

Pulitzer-winning poet Jericho Brown shares how growing up in a Black church exposed him to the art of performative poetry at a young age and how that propelled him to dedicate his life to poetry starting in his early twenties. Continue Reading ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 5: Pulitzer Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 4: Carlos Gil On Mexican-American Assimilation, Identity And Immigration

By Grace Arnis November 10, 2020

Carlos Gil, guest number four on the podcast Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella.

In this episode of "Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella," author and University of Washington professor of Chicano studies Carlos Gil discusses his views of assimilation as a descendant of Mexican immigrants growing up in California Continue Reading ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 4: Carlos Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 3: Dawn Shaw On The Power Of Choice And Resilience

By McKayla Fox November 3, 2020

Public speaker Dawn Shaw shares how resilience, perspective and the power of choice, help people find inner beauty. The removal of a tumor at birth left Shaw with facial paralysis. She is an author of three books, including her memoir "Facing Up to It" and more recently an inspirational guide: "Facial Shift, Adjusting to an Altered Appearance." Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 2: Poet Jordan Chaney On Acknowledging, Learning From And Healing Racism

By Mia Hunt October 27, 2020

Photo of Poet Jordan, second guest on Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella

Poet Jordan Chaney, from Pasco, Washington, joins this episode of "Traverse Talks" and gives advice on how to be a true ally and setting and respecting boundaries when talking about race. Continue Reading ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 2: Poet Jordan Chaney On Acknowledging, Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 1: Dr. Lawrence Pintak On The Muslim World And American Exceptionalism

By Mia Hunt October 13, 2020

Dr. Lawrence Pintak joins this episode of "Traverse Talks with Sueann Ramella" to discuss what you can do to understand the Muslim world, how to check your news sources and give a history lesson on American exceptionalism. Pintak is a former CBS News Middle East correspondent, founding dean of the WSU Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, and author of "American & Read More