Traverse Talks Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Traverse Talks

Captive Returns Home: The Story Of Wetxuuwíitin – ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 42 – With Chairman Samuel Penney

By Mindy Malone January 20, 2023

Sam Penney sits in a chair, hands in his lap, looking at Sueann Ramella, who sits out of view on the left side of the photograph.

Photo of Sam Penney recording Traverse Talks at the Nez Perce National Historic Park on March 10, 2022. Imagine a stranger took your family’s heirlooms and then offered you an… Continue Reading Captive Returns Home: The Story Of Wetxuuwíitin – ‘Traverse Read More

Psilocybin: Psychology, Policy and Possibilities – ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 41 – With Sam Chapman

By Ashley Beard January 5, 2023

Sueann sits in front of a computer screen where Sam Chapman appears on zoom. Click for story.

Sueann Ramella interviews Sam Chapman virtually on April 19, 2022. What do you really know about psilocybin, commonly known as magic mushrooms? Research on the substance has lagged behind in… Continue Reading Psilocybin: Psychology, Policy Read More

Using Her Bassoon To Elevate Indigenous Voices – ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 40 – With Composer Dr. Jacqueline Wilson (Yakama)

By Ashley Beard December 20, 2022

Bassoonist Dr. Jacqueline Wilson smiling with her instrument. Click here to hear the full story.

Dr. Jacqueline Wilson of Yakama Can an instrument suit your personality? Dr. Jacqueline Wilson of Yakama would say so. She believes her personality fits best with a large, low sounding,… Continue Reading Using Her Bassoon To Elevate Indigenous Voices – Read More

Tales Of A Weed Worker – ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 39 – With Botanist Rich Old

By Ashley Beard December 6, 2022

In this photo Rich Old sits across from Sueann Ramella during an interview for Traverse Talks.

Photo of Richard Old recording this episode of Traverse Talks across from Sueann Ramella. When you cross paths with a wild animal, oftentimes you notice it and recognize it by… Continue Reading Tales Of A Weed Worker – ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 39 Read More

You Inherited A House Full Of Stuff. What’s Next? ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 38 – With Estate Services Owner Rich Old

By Ashley Beard November 22, 2022

Podcast Guest Rich Old sits on a couch in front of a microphone.

Rich Old recording this episode of Traverse Talks on March 3rd, 2022. Grieving the loss of a loved one is already hard enough. To make matters worse, many people have… Continue Reading You Inherited A House Full Of Stuff. What’s Next? Read More

Would You Sacrifice Humanity For A Chance At Divinity? ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 37 – With Author Zoe Hana Mikuta

By Ashley Beard November 8, 2022

Podcast guest Zoe Hana Mikuta sits in front of a microphone and smiles.

Zoe Hana Mikuta recording Traverse Talks in the KTVI Tacoma studios on December 4, 2021. Zoe Hana Mikuta is the young author of the YA science-fiction novel, “Gearbreakers” and its… Continue Read More

Navigating Rough Waters and Tough Conversations ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 36 – With Outdoor Writer and Guide Emerald LaFortune

By Ashley Beard October 25, 2022

This is a photo of podcast guest Emerald LaFortune. She smiles in front of a microphone.

Emerald LaFortune recording Traverse Talks at the NWPB studios on March 8th, 2022. Emerald LaFortune grew up being lured into the wilderness by her parents, who placed little pieces of… Continue Reading Navigating Rough Waters and Tough Conversations Read More

Seeing People As They Are, Not How They Look ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 35 – With Inclusion & Disability Expert Sara Minkara

By Ashley Beard October 11, 2022

Photo of Sara Minkara. Sara Minkara lost her sight at the age of seven but gained a greater awareness of herself and the world around her. Because she can’t interact… Continue Reading Seeing People Read More

Is Your Brain Like A Computer? ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 34 – With Retired Major General Sarah Zabel

By Ashley Beard September 27, 2022

This is a photo of Major General Sarah Zabel. She sits in front of a brick wall and talks into a microphone. She appears contemplative.

Sarah Zabel is focused during the interview with Sueann Ramella. This interview of Traverse Talks was recorded on March 15, 2022 at the Spokane Public Radio station. Sarah Zabel is… Continue Reading Is Your Brain Like A Computer? ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 34 – Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 19: Celebrating The Life And Legacy of Sandy Williams

By McKayla Fox September 13, 2022

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

What’s It Like As A Woman In A Man’s World? ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 33 – With Author Sam Maggs

By Mindy Malone August 30, 2022

Sam Maggs sits in front of a royal blue background. She wears white tennis shoes and a patterned jackets. She has medium length red hair and she is sitting crosslegged with her head in her palm.

Photo of author Sam Maggs. Book, comic book and video game author Sam Maggs is working to carve a path for minorities in industries traditionally populated by cisgender, heterosexual white… Continue Reading What’s It Like As A Woman In A Man’s Read More

How Do We Experience The World Around Us? ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 32 – With Petra Kuppers

By Mindy Malone August 16, 2022

Petra Kuppers is seen through a screen. She is in front of a pink background. Sueann sits at the computer. A microphone is in view.

Photo of disability culture activist Petra Kuppers. Petra Kuppers holds many titles: disability culture activist, community performance artist, disabled woman, academic and writer, among more. She’s written several books, primarily… Continue Reading Read More

How Does Art Connect Us? ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 31 – With Artist Jiemei Lin

By Mindy Malone August 2, 2022

Jiemei Lin wears a pair of headphones and a crocheted sweater on a tan loveseat.

Photo of Jiemei Lin recording Traverse Talks in the Pullman studios on November 17, 2021. Born in Hangzhou, China, Pullman-based artist Jiemei Lin has made a home and a name for… Continue Reading How Does Art Connect Us? ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 31 Read More

What’s What: Themes And Faces In American Politics – ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 30 – With Political Commentator Chris Matthews

By Mindy Malone July 19, 2022

Chris Matthews sits in front of a microphone. He is smiling and holding a mug.

Photo of Chris Matthews recording Traverse Talks in the Pullman studios on April 20, 2022. Chris Matthews, a self-described centrist, spent his lifetime in politics. A speechwriter during the Carter… Continue Reading What’s Read More

What Does It Mean To Have Integrity As A Journalist? ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 29 – With Journalist Ann Curry

By Mindy Malone July 5, 2022

Photo of Ann Curry during the recording of Traverse Talks in WSU’s Jackson Hall Studio B on April 4, 2022. The next day, Ann received the Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award… Continue Reading What Does It Mean To Have Integrity As A Journalist? Read More

How Can We Learn to Shape A Better Tomorrow? ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 28 – With Abolitionist Nikkita Oliver

By Mindy Malone June 21, 2022

Nikkita Oliver wearing a pair of headphones, a black flannel shirt and vest smiles while sitting on a black couch in front of a bookshelf.

Photo of Nikkita Oliver during the recording of Traverse Talks inside Washington Hall in Seattle on December 6, 2021. Nikkita Oliver is a Black, queer, Seattle-based creative, community organizer, abolitionist,… Read More

How Many Lives Does A TabiKat Live? ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 27 – With Moscow Duo Kathy Sprague and Tabitha Simmons

By Mindy Malone June 7, 2022

Tabitha Simmons looks off into the distance while Kathy Simmons is looking to the right at Tabitha while sitting on a loveseat.

Photo of Tabitha Simmons (left) and Kathy Sprague (right) answering questions in two-part harmony at the Northwest Public Broadcasting studio on March 22, 2022. Wives Tabitha Simmons and Kathy Sprague… Continue Reading How Many Lives Does A TabiKat Live? Read More

What Does Peace Mean to You? ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 26 – With Peace Campaigner Kwabi Amoah-Forson

By Ashley Beard May 24, 2022

Over the shoulder photo of Kwabi sitting across from Sueann/ kwabi has on e hand out stretched and he appears to explain something to Sueann. She listens in the foreground.

Photo of Kwabi Amoah-Forson recording Traverse Talks in the KTVI Tacoma studios on December 4, 2021. Peace campaigner and humanitarian, Kwabi Amoah-Forson, journeyed across America asking people what “peace” means… Continue Reading What Does Peace Read More

‘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… Continue Reading ‘Traverse Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 24: 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… Continue Reading Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 23 – 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… Continue Reading ‘Traverse Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 22: 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… Continue Reading ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 21: 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… Continue Reading Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 20: 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… Continue Reading ‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 20: Harold Scott On Read More

‘Traverse Talks’ Episode 18: 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 17: 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 16: 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 15: 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 14: 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 13: 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 12: 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 11: 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 10 – 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