Best Jeff Slakey Podcasts (2025)

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Inside Shelton’s CTE Academies: Preparing Students for Real-World Success 34:44

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4d ago34:44

34:44

The Shelton School District’s Career and Technical Education team is redefining how students prepare for life after graduation. Director Gretchen Maliska, Academy Coach Wendy Burr, and Business & Hospitality Lead Tye Ramos join Jeff Slakey to talk about the district’s academy model, hands-on learning, and internships connecting students directly to…

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Shelton Schools Set New Goals for Student Success and Attendance | Superintendent Wyeth Jessee 15:51

10d ago15:51

15:51

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey to explain how each school sets measurable goals for student growth, reading achievement, and attendance. They also discuss the district’s upcoming levy renewal, how those funds sustain classrooms, and why consistent attendance makes such a difference after COVID. A transparent l…

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Books, Bonding, and Better Readers: A Shelton Schools Update with Wyeth Jessee 12:04

16d ago12:04

12:04

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for a conversation on building a love of reading — both in the classroom and at home. From “stretch” reading levels to family book clubs and spooky Halloween reads, the two talk about helping students find books they enjoy while improving comprehension. Plus, an update on Shelton…

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Shelton’s Spooky Celebration: Mason Health’s 6th Annual Trunk or Treat Brings the Community Together 6:08

20d ago6:08

6:08

Halloween is back in full swing in Mason County! 🎃 Jeff Slakey talks with Jen Capps from Mason Health and Chala Gray from WellPoint about the 6th Annual Mason Health Trunk or Treat — happening Friday, October 24th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Mason General Hospital. Families can park at Olympic Middle School and walk over for a fun, safe, and candy-filled …

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North Mason Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael, on the Levy, Local Impact & Community Pride 17:15

23d ago17:15

17:15

North Mason School District Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael, joins Jeff Slakey for an in-depth conversation on her first few months leading the district, connecting with community groups, and preparing for November’s levy vote. She shares how levy funding supports essential programs like safety, technology, athletics, and early learning — plus …

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Building Futures: Shelton Schools’ Progress, Partnerships, and Pride 16:10

24d ago16:10

16:10

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for a deep dive into what’s new in Shelton schools — from recognizing student athletes and improving graduation readiness to major gains in student behavior and engagement. They discuss how career and technical education programs, internships with Mason County and Mason Health, a…

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From Scratch, From the Heart: Inside Shelton’s Cuppiecakes Queen 39:13

25d ago39:13

39:13

Shelton’s own Cuppiecakes Queen is celebrating two years—and Cally’s story is as sweet as her bakes. She shares how a home hobby became a destination bakery, why real-deal ingredients matter (butter, sour cream, scratch-made fillings), the fan-favorite flavors (hello, oatmeal cream pies, Tropical Escape, and those viral-worthy Dubai brownies), how …

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Downtown Shelton’s Halloween Spooktacular Returns Bigger Than Ever! | With Amy Cooper from Shelton Downtown Merchants 7:45

27d ago7:45

7:45

Downtown Shelton is getting ready for one of its most anticipated events of the year — the Halloween Spooktacular! Jeff Slakey sits down with Amy Cooper from the Shelton Downtown Merchants to talk about what’s new for 2025, how the event keeps growing, and how families and businesses can join in. From safe trick-or-treating on Railroad Avenue to th…

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Inside Olympic Middle School: Supporting Shelton’s 5th & 6th Graders with Care, Connection, and Learning 54:23

28d ago54:23

54:23

Join KMAS Radio’s Jeff Slakey for a special community forum at Olympic Middle School in the Shelton School District, featuring Principal Mary Johnson, Counselor Grace Reneker, and Superintendent Wyeth Jessee. This in-depth conversation explores how Olympic supports Shelton’s 5th and 6th-graders through positive relationships, structured learning, a…

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Shelton Schools Update: Engagement, Levies, and a New Era of Learning 13:56

1M ago13:56

13:56

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey with a candid update one month into the new school year. From tackling discipline challenges and supporting student mental health, to empowering kids through hands-on projects and leadership opportunities, Jessee shares why this year feels smoother than ever. The conversation als…

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🏃‍♂️ Shuck & Share 5K +1: Running for Project Share During Oysterfest Weekend 6:51

1M ago6:51

6:51

The Oysterfest fun doesn’t stop at the fairgrounds—just down the road, the Shuck & Share 5K +1 Run/Walk brings the community together to support Project Share. Jeff talks with Sheila Corson from Mason PUD 3 about the event’s 11-year tradition, how it helps local families with power bills, and why participants get more than just a race—swag bags, gi…

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All 3,086 Counties—And He Chose Mason County: John DeLeva at Hood Canalé 37:30

1M ago37:30

37:30

He’s visited all 3,086 U.S. counties, published a six-language travel magazine that sold the American dream overseas, and now he’s slinging unforgettable pies on the Hood Canal. Jeff sits down at Hood Canalé with John DeLeva to talk about choosing Union on purpose, what international travelers really want (parks, open roads, icons), how phones chan…

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Shelton Schools Community Forum #1: Inside Bordeaux Elementary—Routines, Reading Gains & Real Talk with Families 49:07

2M ago49:07

49:07

Bordeaux Elementary kicks off Shelton School District’s new community forum series with a candid, feel-good conversation about what’s working—and what’s next. Host Jeff Slakey sits down with Principal Kyle O’Neil, 3rd-grade teacher Bree West, Superintendent Wyeth Jessee, and school board members James Dale and Lauren Gilmore to unpack a fast start …

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Septic Smart, Salmon-Safe Farming & Whole Farm Planning — WSU Extension’s Fall Lineup in Mason County 25:34

2M ago25:34

25:34

WSU Extension’s Tessa Halloran joins Jeff to cover three timely topics for Mason County: (1) Septic Smart maintenance and the Oct 23 workshop in Hoodsport, (2) “Cultivating Coexistence: Farming for Salmon Health” at the Salmon Center on Oct 21, and (3) the statewide online Whole Farm Planning course (Sep 22–Nov 3) with flexible, recorded sessions a…

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Building Strong Schools: Shelton’s Superintendent Talks Literacy, Leadership & High School Spirit 9:36

2M ago9:36

9:36

In a phone call on September 17, Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey to reflect on the district’s new community forums, the success story at Bordeaux Elementary, and how aligning learning across schools helps students thrive. They celebrate Shelton High School’s vibrant clubs and football victory, discuss national …

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What’s New at Port of Shelton: LED Taxiway Lights, Hangar Demand, and Ice Cream on Deck 37:03

2M ago37:03

37:03

Shelton’s port is buzzing. Executive Director Wendy Smith and Engineering Manager Brandon Palmer join Jeff to walk through what listeners are seeing right now: the Bear Gulch Fire incident base camp at Sanderson Field, an airport-wide taxiway paving and LED lighting project (~$4.3M), and a major rebuild of the former Sawtooth site—engineered for he…

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Shelton WA Election 2025: Full City Council Candidate Debate 54:25

2M ago54:25

54:25

Hear directly from the candidates before you cast your ballot! Recorded live on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at the PUD 3 Auditorium, this full-length Shelton City Council Candidates Debate features those running for Seats 3, 4, 6, and 7: Lindsay Sapp (incumbent, Seat 6) Shaena Garberich (challenger, Seat 6) Kenneth G. Mobley (Seat 3 candidate) Sha…

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From Backyard Startup to Local HVAC Leader: The Bradley Air Company 21:32

2M ago21:32

21:32

Brad and Heidi McCutcheon from Bradley Air Company join Jeff to talk fall prep, why modern variable-speed systems feel better and cost less, and how PUD-3 rebates—even for tenants—are helping Mason County families upgrade to whole-home comfort. We dig into service timelines (next-day residential service, ~two-week installs), airflow myths (don’t cl…

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Sheriff Spurling: New Jail Chief, Staffing Boosts, and Bear Gulch Fire Lessons 19:18

2M ago19:18

19:18

Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling joins Jeff Slakey with a September update packed with news and context. Sheriff Spurling reflects on Jail Chief Kevin Hanson’s tenure and the years-long push that led to jail accreditation. He introduces new Jail Chief Shane Schoeneberg and explains how a recent wave of qualified applicants—and a 10-week Correctio…

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From Buses to Books: How Shelton Schools Kicked Off Strong This Week 18:15

2M ago18:15

18:15

School’s back—and Shelton’s first week is humming. Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey to take you behind the scenes: the maintenance and custodial crews who flipped spaces after the Bear Gulch response, the transportation team that kept routes moving, and why the district put English Language Arts instruction front-and-center on day one.…

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Brain Health in Rural Communities: UW & Mason Health Partner on Dementia Research 17:51

2M ago17:51

17:51

Why do rural communities face higher risks of Alzheimer’s and dementia? Dr. Justin Miller from the University of Washington joins Jeff Slakey to talk about the new Northwest Rural Brain Health Initiative launching in partnership with Mason Health. The project brings free education sessions, brain health conversations, and clinical testing directly …

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From Kindergarten to High School: Shelton School District Prepares for a New Year 21:07

2M ago21:07

21:07

Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey to talk about the excitement of a new school year, how the district is helping students with everything from backpacks to career readiness, and what parents can do to support their kids at every stage — from kindergarten drop-offs to high school transitions. #SheltonSchools #Back…

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"Exit Interview": City Clerk Donna Nault on Seven Years Serving Shelton 40:59

2M ago40:59

40:59

After seven years as Shelton’s City Clerk, Donna Nault is retiring — but not before sharing a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city’s most important (and least understood) jobs. In this "exit interview", Donna explains what a city clerk really does, how Shelton transitioned from a three-person commission to a seven-member council, and the chall…

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Mason County Overdose Awareness March & Resource Fair – Community, Recovery & Prevention 10:22

3M ago10:22

10:22

This year marks the 9th Annual Mason County Overdose Awareness Marches and Fairs. Jeff Slakey sits down with organizers Jamie Ellertson and Abe Gardner to talk about the two-day event in Belfair and Shelton, the growth of resources and sponsors, and why community support and conversations around recovery matter more than ever. Hear about new locati…

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Shelton School District Finance Director Clinton Sherman Explains Budgets, Levies & Community Investment 38:32

3M ago38:32

38:32

School budgets can seem complicated; they affect every family, taxpayer, and student in the community. In this episode, Jeff sits down with Shelton School District’s new Executive Director of Finance, Clinton Sherman, for a candid, plain-spoken conversation about how education funding works in Washington state. Clinton shares his journey from small…

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Shuck & Strum Spotlight: Chris Eakes, Hoodstock Heat, and an October Album 14:17

3M ago14:17

14:17

Hoodstock was electric—and local favorite Chris Eakes tells us why. Fresh off a buzzworthy set with the “Union supergroup,” 5 Guys & A Flute, Chris breaks down the band’s chemistry, what makes the Hood Canal audience different, and how that energy shapes the sound you’ll hear at his solo performance during Shuck & Strum this Thursday, August 21, at…

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Shelton Schools Update: Literacy Gains, Fewer Suspensions, and a Phone-Free Class Year 31:21

3M ago31:21

31:21

Shelton School District is starting the year with momentum—and a headline win: No. 1 in Washington for early-literacy growth. Superintendent Wyeth Jessee walks through what that means for third-grade readers, how attendance climbed from 81% to 86%, that’s about 215 fewer chronically absent students, and why suspensions dropped from 865 to 200 by fo…

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From Beatles-Style Beginnings to Songwriter Stage Legacy – A Conversation with Robert Poole 39:27

3M ago39:27

39:27

We’re taking a trip down memory lane with Robert Poole — a musician, storyteller, and the man behind the beloved Songwriter’s Stage on KMAS. In this reflective, reintroduction interview, Poole shares how his musical spark ignited in his teens, from playing in a Beatles-inspired band in Tacoma to rubbing elbows with rock legends like The Kinks and T…

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Golf Balls from Heaven: Love INC's Charity Tournament Returns to Alderbrook 8:43

3M ago8:43

8:43

🏌️‍♂️ Helicopters, golf balls, and giving back—what more could you ask for? In this special episode, Jeff Slakey chats with longtime Love INC supporter and board member Dan Partridge about the annual Love INC Golf Tournament at Alderbrook. Hear how this community-powered event supports hundreds of families in Mason County, and why the famous “Golf …

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Shelton Schools Update With Superintendent Jessee: Big Wins, Big Challenges 18:21

3M ago18:21

18:21

In this episode, Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee talks with Jeff Slakey for a candid conversation on the district’s financial outlook, record-setting literacy growth, and the exciting programs launching this school year. From budget pressures to preparing classrooms, we unpack the realities facing public education today. Plus, l…

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Mason County Fires, Leadership Shifts & New Tools to Fight Fentanyl – Sheriff Sit-Down with Ryan Spurling 26:55

3M ago26:55

26:55

Recorded 8/1/25. In this August edition of the Sheriff Sit-Down, presented by Our Community Credit Union, Jeff Slakey is joined by Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling for a timely conversation recorded in smoke-filled Hoodsport. They cover the latest on the Bear Gulch Fire, what Level 2 evacuations mean for residents, and how the sheriff’s office is…

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Meet North Mason’s New Superintendent — Dr. Kristine Michael on Budget Fixes, Community Vision & the 2025-26 School Year 31:14

3M ago31:14

31:14

Get an inside look at North Mason School District’s new leader. In this long-form conversation, host Jeff Slakey sits down with Superintendent Dr. Kristine Michael, EdD, to trace her journey from Ohio to Belfair, unpack the district’s looming replacement-levy vote, and preview what students and families can expect this fall. From class-size pressur…

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National Night Out in Mason County: Hot Dogs, Fire Trucks & Community Connection 12:25

4M ago12:25

12:25

National Night Out returns on the first Tuesday in August—and here in Mason County, it’s not just law enforcement getting involved. Jeff Slakey is joined by representatives from North Mason, South Mason, and Central Mason Fire to talk about how this once police-focused evening has grown into a full-on first responder celebration. Abe Gardner, Amber…

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What’s at Stake for Shelton Schools: Federal Cuts, Local Impact, and the Fight to Keep Services Going 21:39

4M ago21:39

21:39

Federal education funding cuts are looming and rural districts like Shelton are feeling it first. In this important conversation, Jeff Slakey is joined by Shelton School Superintendent Wyeth Jessee to break down what these sudden changes mean for students, staff, and the broader community. With 9% of the district's budget coming from federal source…

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Terry Mutter performs at Shuck & Strum - 7/10/25 1:24:20

4M ago1:24:20

1:24:20

Recorded live on the Finch Creek Stage at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, this set features Terry Mutter—a singer-songwriter with a voice as rich as the stories he tells. Rooted in Americana and built on the timeless power of a well-crafted lyric, Terry’s music explores the joys and complexities of the human spirit. Whether he's strumming throu…

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What the One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Rural Hospitals: A Deep Dive with Mason Health’s CEO 31:11

4M ago31:11

31:11

What does the future of rural healthcare look like after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act? In this powerful episode, Jeff Slakey sits down with Eric Moll, CEO of Mason Health, to unpack the fears, facts, and forward-looking strategies surrounding recent Medicaid and Medicare cuts included in the bill signed on July 4, 2025. Mason Gener…

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20 Years of Pickin’ and Grinnin’: Bluegrass From The Forest Celebrates a Musical Milestone 14:04

4M ago14:04

14:04

Get ready to tap your toes! In this episode, Jeff Slakey talks with festival organizer Greg Linder about the 20th anniversary of Bluegrass From The Forest, happening this weekend in Shelton, WA. What started as a local idea in a parking lot has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest’s premiere bluegrass events, attracting bands from Nashville to O…

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Grammy Winners & Songwriting Legends Unite in Union for Peace, Love & Music 13:12

4M ago13:12

13:12

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind weekend in Union, Washington! In this interview, Jeff Slakey talks with festival founder Rob Hill about the 2025 Peace, Love & Union Saltwater Songwriters Festival, an acoustic celebration of award-winning songwriting, deep community connections, and breathtaking scenery. Hear how Grammy-winning artists like Christian …

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Shuck & Strum Concert Series - Randy Baugh & The Rehearsals | June 26, 2025 1:06:46

4M ago1:06:46

1:06:46

Broadcast live from the Finch Creek Stage at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, this 80-minute set spotlights Randy Baugh & The Rehearsals—a jazz-pop fusion group with lyrical depth, smooth grooves, and effortless charm. Led by the introspective songwriting of Randy Baugh, The Rehearsals blend warm acoustic rhythms, subtle jazz textures, and poeti…

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2025 Shelton Art Walk Preview 9:42

5M ago9:42

9:42

Get ready for a color-soaked stroll through downtown Shelton! 🎨 In this conversation, Jeff Slakey previews the 2025 Shelton Art Walk—happening Saturday, June 28, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.—with three creative catalysts: Amy Cooper – Photographer, business owner & driving force behind Shelton’s emerging Creative District Molly Wheat Baker – local artist/educato…

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Candidate Conversation: Pastor Doug Peterson’s Vision for Shelton—Housing Help, Small-Biz Boosts & Faith-Driven Service 35:56

5M ago35:56

35:56

Pastor Doug Peterson—running for Shelton City Council Position 3—joins host Jeff Slakey at Marmo coffeehouse for a 36-minute chat that blends policy, faith and hometown pride. Below are the exact questions Jeff poses so listeners (and voters!) can jump straight to the answers they need: Who is Doug Peterson? Tell us about your background and minist…

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Shuck & Strum Concert Series - Aaron Gorton | June 19, 2025 1:14:37

5M ago1:14:37

1:14:37

Turn up the volume for the next chapter of KMAS Radio’s Shuck & Strum summer series! 🎶 Recorded live on the Finch Creek Stage at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, this 75-minute set features Aaron Gorton—the Pacific Northwest’s premier One-Man Jam Band. A master looper and multi-instrumentalist, Aaron layers guitar, keys, and percussion in real t…

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Shuck & Strum Concert Series - Adam Thorne | June 12, 2025 1:13:49

5M ago1:13:49

1:13:49

Feel the energy of KMAS Radio’s Shuck & Strum summer kickoff—now on demand! 🎸 Recorded live on the Finch Creek Stage at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, Washington, this 70-minute set captures Kitsap County singer-songwriter Adam Thorne (@adamthornemusic) at his eclectic best. A 16-year Navy veteran by day and guitar-slinging troubadour by night…

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Ken Mobley’s Vision for Shelton: Economic Growth, Youth Engagement & Real Talk on Homelessness 53:14

5M ago53:14

53:14

In this in-depth Candidate Conversation, host Jeff Slakey sits down with retired Navy Senior Chief Ken Mobley, one of four contenders for Shelton City Council Position 3. Mobley shares his journey from aircraft-carrier leadership to life in Shelton, explains why economic growth can’t come at the expense of natural beauty, and lays out four pillars—…

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Shelton Schools 2024-25 Wrap-Up: Wins, Budget Pain & Graduation Gains with Superintendent Wyeth Jessee 46:48

5M ago46:48

46:48

Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for a deep-dive year-end recap of the Shelton School District. Below are the key questions Jeff asks so you can jump right to the info you need: Big Wins: What are you most proud of as the 2024-25 school year closes? Post-COVID Classrooms: Is rising student engagement tied to finally moving past pandemi…

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Sheriff’s Sit-Down: Peelian Policing, New Gun Law 1163 & Homelessness—Community Action in Mason County 29:24

5M ago29:24

29:24

On this month’s Sheriff’s Sit-Down—recorded live at the Fjord Oyster Bank—Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling joins host Jeff Slakey to tackle the big questions facing local law enforcement and the community they serve. Forest Festival recap: why joint visibility with Shelton Police, State Patrol and Squaxin Tribal PD matters. History lesson: Sherif…

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Shuck & Strum Kick-Off: Adam Thorne’s Eclectic Country-Rock Hits the Fjord Oyster Bank 11:32

5M ago11:32

11:32

KMAS is launching its brand-new Shuck & Strum summer concert series, live from the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, Washington—and we’re starting strong with Kitsap County singer-songwriter Adam Thorne (@adamthornemusic). Host Jeff Slakey chats with the 16-year Navy veteran about juggling submarine communications by day and guitar strings by night, …

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Master Your Money: Budgeting Tips with Peninsula Credit Union | Mason Matters 41:34

5M ago41:34

41:34

Join KMAS Radio host Jeff Slakey as he sits down with Peninsula Credit Union’s Community Financial Educator, Darrell McVea, for a candid talk on conquering financial stress. Discover why budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive, how emergency funds create true peace of mind, and the “free-money” power of 401(k) matches. From daily coffee habits t…

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The Future of Mason County: Inside Economic Growth with the EDC’s Kevin Shutty 50:49

5M ago50:49

50:49

Wonder what an Economic Development Council actually does? Or how they measure success when it comes to growing jobs, attracting businesses, and supporting housing in a rural county? In this episode, KMAS’s Jeff Slakey sits down with Kevin Shutty, Director of the Economic Development Council of Mason County, for a candid conversation about what’s r…

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Sound to Sea Workshop: WSU & COHORT Unite for Hood Canal Resilience 13:18

6M ago13:18

13:18

Get the inside scoop on Sound to Sea – Working Together to Build Resilient Coastal Communities, a hands-on workshop coming to the newly renamed Sacred Waters Center for Restoration & Retreat (formerly Harmony Hill) on June 5, 2025. Host Jeff Slakey sits down with Mason County WSU Extension’s Tessa Halloran and Kayla Wells-Yoakum to explore why coas…