LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY

Not Just for the Stage: Why Jana Szabo Believes Everyone Should Sing

Hello Listeners—today’s guest is basically the Beyoncé of breath support. We’re talking about someone who’s turned the mysterious, often intimidating world of voice training into an open door for, well... all of us. Shower singers, Broadway hopefuls, reluctant public speakers—Jana Szabo has coached them all.
She has a background that starts in New York, winds through Seattle, takes a deep detour into Indian classical music, and then—because of course—lands right here on our beloved Whidbey Island.
Jana doesn’t just teach people how to sing. She teaches them how to show up—fully, bravely, unapologetically. Whether it’s kids in the Whidbey Children’s Choir or adults terrified of a karaoke mic, she guides them to find their voice... and not just the one in their throat.
And here's the kicker—her method? It’s like yoga met music school and had a really emotionally intelligent baby. We’re talking vocal technique, movement, healing energy, and yes—some straight-up scientific voodoo called vocology.
I cannot wait for you to meet her. Get ready to breathe a little deeper and maybe even sing in your car with the windows down. This is Jana Szabo.
 
Find Jana at FACEBOOK, WEBSITE and ARTS ALIVE WHIDBEY.
Follow LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY at @LocalWhidbeyPodcast ... Link: INSTAGRAM and on Facebook.
You may also get to know Magsy and subscribe for invites to her supper club, at https://withmagsy.com. 

Reimagining Real Estate: Alissa & Neal Collins on Building Regenerative Communities

What if real estate wasn’t just about transactions—but transformation? What if the way we buy, sell, and steward land was less about square footage and more about soil health, community connection, spirit, and story?
Today’s guests, Alissa and Neal Collins, are doing just that. As co-founders of Latitude Regenerative Real Estate, they specialize in life-giving, ecologically rich properties that challenge the conventional real estate model. Think permaculture compounds, forest farms, land trust models, biophilic design, and homes built with both community and the cosmos in mind.
They didn’t just choose Whidbey Island—they’re investing in its future. From their own biodynamic homestead to local projects, Alissa and Neal are helping reimagine what it means to live well, live lightly, and live with intention.
They also co-host the the Regenerative Real Estate podcast, where they explore regenerative ideas, interview fellow trailblazers, and ask big questions about home, belonging, and place.
One of the areas that really stood out to me in this conversation, was the modality biophilic design. The concept includes making your home sustainable and all the things to do that are available to you right now. However, as you listen to them iterate how they have planned their life to be totally invested in community, the most important part of biophilic design is the community component. It is subjective because it's how we are and how we behave and how we choose to be. What kind of neighbor would you like to be? Have you ever been in a situation where it wasn't necessarily your family, but you were in your neighborhood and things were going really well. Like what were those elements that made for a good neighborhood? And then what were those things that didn't? How do you bring that into your neighborhood to be neighborly at very minimum? In my opinion, this is what is lacking to me in so much of our country. We can make sure our homes are as sustainable as possible, but ask yourself ‘what are you here for? Do you want to be cared for? Do you want to be worth the trouble?’ If so, create a community that knows you want the same for them.
Let’s dive into the vision, values, and adventures of this dynamic duo—and why Whidbey Island is such a perfect backdrop for their work.
 
Connect with Alissa and Neil Collins at their WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM.
Follow LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY at @LocalWhidbeyPodcast ... Link: INSTAGRAM and on Facebook.
You may also get to know Magsy and subscribe for invites to her supper club, at https://withmagsy.com. 

Keeping History Afloat: Mark Saia on the Schooner Suva

Today on Local Whidbey with Magsy, we’re climbing aboard one of Coupeville’s most beloved maritime treasures — the Schooner Suva. My guest is Mark Saia, who not only has helped keep Suva’s sails billowing but also keeps her stories alive for the community.
Suva herself is a piece of living history. Built in 1925 and designed by the renowned naval architect Ted Geary, she has sailed Puget Sound for a century. Today, she’s the pride of the Coupeville Maritime Heritage Foundation, offering both locals and visitors a chance to experience Whidbey’s seafaring past firsthand. Mark has been at the center of that mission, welcoming people aboard, sharing Suva’s remarkable journey, and ensuring her legacy continues.
But Mark’s story doesn’t end on the water. As the longtime owner of Island Quality Construction, he’s built a reputation for craftsmanship and reliability that echoes the same care he has brought to Suva. His dual role as both builder and sailor gives him a unique perspective on what it means to preserve heritage — whether through wood, water, or community.
Mark is also a long-time Whidbey resident, deeply woven into the island’s fabric. He’s seen it change, grow, and adapt, and through both his business and his maritime work, he’s contributed to the story of Whidbey Island itself.
And here’s something you may not know — Mark is also a musician. He’s a member of the maritime singers, the Shifty Sailors, a beloved group that carries forward the traditions of sea shanties and maritime music. Beyond that, he writes and records his own music, blending storytelling with melody in a way that feels like a natural extension of his life at sea. The intro music today “Home to Suva” was written and sung by Mark. At the end of our interview, I have added a song that Mark wrote, that I just love. He is talented. I hope you enjoy ‘Old Rowboat’.
Today, we’ll talk about Suva’s history and adventures, Mark’s own life on the island, and the balance of honoring the past while building for the future.
Let’s get to it.
 
Follow Mark on FACEBOOK and book a ride on the SUVA at https://www.schoonersuva.org/.
Follow LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY at @LocalWhidbeyPodcast ... Link: INSTAGRAM and on Facebook.
You may also get to know Magsy and subscribe for invites to her supper club, at https://withmagsy.com. 
 
 

From Pasture to Plate: The Artisan World of Glendale Shepherd

Hello listener!
So, here’s the scene: You’re on Whidbey Island, and have decided to stop at a few of the Island Grown Cooperative Farm and Food trail locations.  Driving just north of Clinton, hang a left on Cultus Bay Road to go to Glendale Shepherd, a beautiful property in the woods, above the Admiralty Inlet facing Mukilteo.  At the heart of these sheep lovers are Lynn and Stan Swanson, the kind of people who somehow make running a Grade A dairy, producing world-class cheese and yogurt, raising sheep, and practicing sustainable agriculture look easy. (It’s not. But they make it look like it is, I’m sure.)
This is a working family farm rooted in deep care—for the land, the animals, and the people they feed. Their lineup? Artisan sheep milk cheeses, pasture-raised lamb, and a yogurt that could convert the most loyal Greek yogurt die-hard. And if you’re thinking, “Wait, that sounds like a full-blown culinary trifecta,” you’d be correct.  By the way, don’t jump off too early because there is a 4th product that is the first in Washington.
Today on Local Whidbey, we talk to Lynn about how Glendale Shepherd came to life, what it means to steward a truly sustainable farm and how choosing the slower, more intentional path led them to international cheese awards and a devoted community right here on Whidbey Island.
I’m Magsy, and this is Local Whidbey—where we get to meet the makers who prove that integrity, taste, and a little bit of island magic can go a long, long way.
Let’s talk to Lynn on the farm.
 
Check out GLENDALE SHEPHERD website, and INSTAGRAM.
Follow LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY at @LocalWhidbeyPodcast ... Link: INSTAGRAM and on Facebook.
You may also get to know Magsy and subscribe for invites to her supper club, at https://withmagsy.com. 
 

Building a Creative District: Lisa Bernhardt on Art, Advocacy, and Coupeville

Today on Local Whidbey, we’re welcoming someone who has been quietly (and not-so-quietly) transforming Coupeville into a cultural cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest—Lisa Bernhardt, the Executive Director of the Pacific Northwest Art School and administrator of the Coupeville Creative District.
Lisa isn’t just running an art school—she’s running a movement. Under her leadership, the Pacific Northwest Art School has become a hub for creative learning and artistic innovation, drawing talent from across the region. But she’s also been working behind the scenes on something big: helping Coupeville gain official designation as a Creative District through the Washington State Arts Commission.
Now, if you're wondering what a Creative District is and why it matters—don’t worry, we’re going to get into that. Because it turns out, creating one isn’t just about pretty murals or art walks. It’s about building a lasting infrastructure for the arts, encouraging economic growth, attracting cultural tourism, and making space for local creativity to thrive.
I’m Magsy, and this is Local Whidbey—the podcast where we talk to the movers, makers, and cultural catalysts shaping the spirit of this island.
Let’s dive into creativity, community, and Coupeville with Lisa Bernhardt.
 
Check out the Pacific Northwest Art School and Coupeville Creative District.
Follow LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY at @LocalWhidbeyPodcast ... Link: INSTAGRAM and on Facebook.
You may also get to know Magsy and subscribe for invites to her supper club, at https://withmagsy.com. 
 

From the World to Whidbey Island: Guitarist & Poet Andre Feriante

Hello folks! Today’s episode is not your average stroll down a Whidbey Island beach with a latte and a Labrador.
 
We are going to go global. Flamenco global. Italy-meets-Island-meets-a-guitar-that-might-just-seduce-you kind of global. Today’s audacious Islander is a world-renowned virtuoso.
 
Our guest is the one and only Andre Feriante, guitar maestro and expert ‘cross-over artist’.  Poet of strings. A man who, I’m convinced, might actually have a PhD in soulfulness. He's performed at Carnegie Hall, he's played in castles and cathedrals, and now—bless us all—he's right here on Whidbey Island, being casually audacious with his artistry like it’s no big deal.
 
But it is a big deal. Because Andre doesn’t just play guitar—he communicates with it. Like…intimately. If his guitar were a person, I’d be jealous.
 
I must say something about my love of acoustic guitar, especially Spanish music. It’s not just music—it’s a sensory event. There’s just something about acoustic Spanish guitar that gets me every time. It’s warm, expressive, and somehow manages to be both soothing and deeply emotional. I love how the rhythms feel alive—like a conversation without words. It doesn’t need anything extra. Just the sound of those strings and suddenly, I’m transported—calmer, more focused, maybe even a little more romantic about life. It’s the kind of music that settles into your bones in the best way. I may or may not tear up every time I listen.
 
So, grab your coffee, your wine, or whatever you sip while pretending to be culturally enlightened, because you're about to meet a man who can turn nylon strings into magic.
 
This is Local Whidbey with Magsy, and this is Andre Feriante.
 
Follow ANDRE FERIANTE on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK. His website is: https://www.andreferiante.com/
Follow LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY at @LocalWhidbeyPodcast ... Link: INSTAGRAM and on Facebook.
 
You may also get to know Magsy and subscribe for invites to her supper club, at https://withmagsy.com. 
 

From Tunes to Tuna, the Musician Behind the Oak Harbor Music Festival

Hello, hello, my fabulous Whidbey adventurers. Today, buckle up, because I’ve got an absolute force of nature on the mic. I’m talking about Larry Mason—a man who, frankly, makes the rest of us look like we’re standing still. 
 
Larry is the man who makes sure the music behind the Oak Harbor Music Festival actually happen. You know that 15+ year event, where thousands of people come to hear musical artists, dance, sing, and revel in the heart of downtown Oak Harbor? Yeah, that doesn't just magically appear—Larry is the wizard behind the curtain making the music all work. 
 
But wait, there's more! He just retired from being a project manager for Cascade Custom Homes and Design, building gorgeous custom homes right here on Whidbey Island. Because sure, why not throw a little dream-home-building into the mix? 
 
And if that wasn’t enough to make you question your life choices, he’s also the owner and operator of Island Trollers, selling custom canned Troll Caught Albacore since 1969. That’s right—he’s out here feeding the people and entertaining them too. 
 
Oh, and as I mention in the title, he’s also a musician. Because of course he is. 
 
Today, we’re diving into how Larry juggles it all, why he’s so committed to keeping Whidbey Islands music and community spirit alive, run a business, can tuna, organize the musicians of a major festival, and still play the drums without collapsing. Spoiler alert: It’s pretty inspiring.  So let’s get into it!"
 
Follow LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY at @LocalWhidbeyPodcast ... Link: INSTAGRAM and on Facebook.
 
You may also get to know Magsy and subscribe for invites to her supper club, at https://withmagsy.com. 
 

Composing Community: Tekla Cunningham and the Music That Moves Whidbey

Today, we are diving into a world of music, movement, and... gut strings. Yep, you heard that right. I am beyond excited to introduce you to someone who quite literally makes classical music sing with soul and spark: the incredible Tekla Cunningham.
 
Tekla is the founder and artistic director of the Whidbey Island Music Festival, where world-class musicians gather to perform jaw-dropping pieces of Baroque and early classical music—often on period instruments, and always with heart.
 
This isn’t your average “sit quietly in a concert hall and pretend you know what ‘a fugue kind of vibe” is. Tekla’s vision brings classical music to life in warm, intimate spaces—think candlelight, harpsichords, and that undeniable Whidbey magic.
 
She’s not just curating performances—she’s creating experiences and preserving centuries-old musical traditions while inviting all of us to be part of something real, rich, and totally transcendent.
 
So, whether you’re a Bach lover, a total classical newbie, or just here for the vibes, this conversation is going to pluck all the right heartstrings.
Check out the TEKLA's WEBSITE, WhidbeyIslandMusicFestival as well as her INSTAGRAM.
 
Follow LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY is on @LocalWhidbeyPodcast ... Link: INSTAGRAM 
If you love Whidbey Island Merchandise, I have the perfect branding ... AUDACIOUS ISLANDER(tm) Merchandise can be purchased on sweatshirts, tee shirts, travel mugs, coffee cups, duffle bags and more. Check it out.
 
You may also get to know Magsy and subscribe for invites to her supper club, at https://withmagsy.com. 
 

FLORAL ALCHEMY: HOW LEXI OCHOA TURNS NATURE INTO ART

Hey listener! Today I'm talking to Lexi Ochoa, the founder and floral genius behind Forage—a custom floral design company based in Oak Harbor. Now, let’s be clear: Forage is not your run-of-the-mill flower shop with sad balloons and generic roses wrapped in cellophane. Oh no. Lexi is out here creating art—lush, soulful, one-of-a-kind arrangements and wreaths that are basically emotional experiences with stems. 
 
Whether it’s a wedding, a celebration, a quiet moment of remembrance, or just a “because flowers make life better” kind of day—Lexi’s work brings the wild beauty of nature into the most meaningful corners of people’s lives. 
 
We’re diving into her story, what inspired her to start Forage, and how she’s redefining floral design in our little island town with heart, style, and a whole lot of intention. So, grab your tea—or your clippers—and let’s get into this gorgeous conversation. It’s going to smell amazing!"
Check out the FORAGE WEBSITE and Lexi on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK.
 
Follow LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY is on @LocalWhidbeyPodcast ... Link: INSTAGRAM 
If you love Whidbey Island Merchandise, I have the perfect branding ... AUDACIOUS ISLANDER(tm) Merchandise can be purchased on sweatshirts, tee shirts, travel mugs, coffee cups, duffle bags and more. Check it out.
 
You may also get to know Magsy and subscribe for invites to her supper club, at https://withmagsy.com. 

Exploring the Heart of Sustainable Agriculture on the Island

In this episode, Judy Feldman shares her inspiring journey from Texas to Whidbey Island, driven by a passion for nature and sustainable agriculture. Join Magsy as she explores the captivating world of the Organic Farm School, a vibrant hub dedicated to nurturing the next generation of farmers.
With an emphasis on systems and regenerative practices, the school offers comprehensive training programs, blending classroom learning with hands-on experience in farming and business planning.
Magsy and Judy delve into the unique aspects of farming on Whidbey Island, highlighting the island community's vital role in supporting local agriculture. Discover the complexities of sustainable farming, the challenges of running a community-focused program, and the rewarding connections fostered through food and farming.
Tune in to uncover how the Organic Farm School is cultivating a brighter future for food systems, while Judy reflects on personal growth, favorite moments, and the driving force behind her mission to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for those who bring food to our tables.
Visit the Organic Farm School at:
6039 Maxwelton Road, Clinton
And, check them out online!
Follow the Organic Farm School on INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK.
 
Follow LOCAL WHIDBEY WITH MAGSY is on @LocalWhidbeyPodcast ... Link: INSTAGRAM 
If you love Whidbey Island Merchandise, I have the perfect branding ... AUDACIOUS ISLANDER(tm) Merchandise can be purchased on sweatshirts, tee shirts, travel mugs, coffee cups, duffle bags and more. Check it out.
 
You may also get to know Magsy and subscribe for invites to her supper club, at https://withmagsy.com.