In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Emilie Cameron, President and CEO of the Downtown Spokane Partnership, to discuss the ongoing efforts to keep Spokane’s downtown vibrant and thriving. Emilie shares how the DSP leverages the Business Improvement District, community engagement, and strategic initiatives to enhance public safety, cleanliness, and economic vitality in the heart of the city.
The conversation explores the impact downtown has on the wider Spokane community, the importance of inclusive events, and the policies shaping the city’s growth. Emilie also reflects on her personal journey and passion for civic engagement, offering insight into how community collaboration can transform neighborhoods.
Tune in to learn how Spokane’s downtown is evolving into a hub for culture, business, and connection—and how residents can play a role in its continued success. For more information on upcoming events and ways to get involved, visit downtownspokane.org.
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Spokane local Sheldon Jackson to discuss the city’s pressing challenges around homelessness and urban development. Sheldon shares his perspective on how Spokane can balance economic growth with social responsibility, including insights into the push for a Treatment First approach to homelessness.
They dive into the current state of downtown, the need for community accountability, and initiatives like the Memorandum of Understanding aimed at engaging local leaders and securing federal support. The conversation highlights the role of collaboration, innovative solutions, and long-term vision in shaping a Spokane that’s safer, more equitable, and poised for growth.
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Chris Batten, a Spokane native and key figure in the city’s downtown revitalization. Chris shares his journey from serving in the Navy to navigating the complexities of urban development, including managing properties, understanding legislation, and tackling the unique challenges of Spokane’s downtown.
The conversation explores how policy, creativity, and persistence intersect in real estate development, as Chris discusses past projects and his vision for the future growth of the city. Tune in to hear his insights on building vibrant communities, overcoming obstacles, and shaping the Spokane skyline.
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Rob Brewster, a seasoned developer known for revitalizing historic buildings in Spokane. Rob shares his journey through urban development, discussing the challenges of outdated zoning laws, navigating city approvals, and the balance between economic growth and community needs.
The conversation also explores Spokane’s infrastructure, the future of housing affordability, and the opportunities for smarter, forward-thinking development. Rob offers candid insights into the obstacles and possibilities of shaping Spokane’s urban landscape, highlighting both the city’s potential and the work still needed to unlock it.
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Spokane City Council Member Michael Cathcart to discuss local governance, development, and community engagement. Michael shares his journey into politics, insights on balancing urban growth with preserving Spokane’s character, and strategies for addressing affordable housing, homelessness, and public safety.
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien have a candid conversation about navigating life’s challenges and finding fulfillment. They discuss how adapting to change, embracing setbacks, and redefining success can help both entrepreneurs and everyday people thrive. Through personal stories and reflections, they highlight the importance of perseverance, meaningful relationships, and pursuing purpose in the face of uncertainty.
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Kristen Ward, the creative force behind Spokane’s The Ivory Table Catering. Kristen shares her journey from aspiring musician and singer to running one of the city’s premier catering companies.
She talks about how her early experiences in music and travel shaped her creativity, how a move to Spokane led her to discover a passion for food, and how an unexpected opportunity at a café sparked the birth of The Ivory Table. From there, she pivoted into high-end catering for weddings and corporate events, building a team that thrives on resilience, learning, and shared ambition.
Kristen also reflects on the lessons learned along the way, her approach to leadership and hiring, and her vision for the future of The Ivory Table, which may include expanding into lifestyle and design ventures.
To learn more about Ivory Table, check out ivorytable.com.
On this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Blue Stiley, Spokane native, international model, motivational speaker, and black belt in karate, to talk about navigating life’s challenges with confidence, resilience, and perspective.
Blue shares how mentorship, self-reflection, and building a “confidence team” have helped him turn rejection and failure into opportunities for growth. From lessons learned in martial arts to life experiences in business and personal development, he dives into practical strategies for overcoming obstacles and staying motivated.
The conversation also explores the importance of authentic connections, creating lasting impact, and living intentionally. Whether it’s through mentoring, parenting, or leading with integrity, Blue shows how small, thoughtful actions can ripple into meaningful change.
Learn more about Blue at bluestiley.com
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Brynn MacLennan, CEO and co-founder of Slate, to talk about her journey building an electric flosser that makes oral care simple, effective, and dentist-approved.
Brynn shares the story of how Slate started, from early ideation in 2019 to launching the product in 2022, and the challenges of scaling a consumer product business. She dives into lessons learned about innovation, leadership, team culture, and navigating unexpected hurdles like COVID-19.
This conversation isn’t just about floss—it’s about creating products people actually use, leading with purpose, and turning ideas into businesses that last. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just someone who hates flossing, Brynn’s insights are practical, inspiring, and surprisingly fun.
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Spokane native and professional boxer Rick Welliver to talk about the power of boxing, community, and giving back. Rick shares his journey from 17 pro fights to opening his own gym, and how he’s using the sport to mentor Spokane’s youth and bring people together.
From reviving Spokane’s boxing scene to creating a space where young people can build confidence, discipline, and resilience, Rick shows that boxing is about much more than what happens in the ring. He also discusses the upcoming Brick West Boxing event on September 6th—a day to celebrate local talent, community, and positive change.
00:00 Intro
00:44 Rick's Early Life and Boxing Career
02:09 Reviving Spokane's Boxing Scene
03:29 Family Legacy in Boxing
06:51 Economic Impact of Boxing in Spokane
09:29 Boxing as a Character Builder
12:50 Challenges and Outreach Programs
18:53 Community Events and Future Plans
20:59 Spokane's Growth and Challenges
35:30 The Importance of Helping Others
38:51 Community Inclusion and Challenges
39:37 The Inclusive Nature of Boxing Gyms
40:24 Economic and Social Issues in Spokane
41:28 Proposed Solutions for Spokane's Problems
45:31 The Importance of Community Involvement
54:33 Revitalizing Spokane's Neighborhoods
58:54 Reflections on Policy and Development
01:11:01 Upcoming Boxing Event Details
01:12:16 Closing Time
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith and Jordan sit down with Brennon Poynor, owner of Spokast!, to talk all things podcasting. Brennon shares how he started Spokast! during the podcasting boom of COVID, helping people launch their own shows with ease.They dive into the challenges of producing a podcast—from booking guests to managing tech—while keeping the focus on great conversations. Brennon also talks about why some podcasts thrive while others fizzle, and how Spokast! helps creators stay consistent and grow.Whether you’re curious about starting your own show or just want a behind-the-scenes look at the world of podcasting, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and tips for navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape.Episode Chapters:00:00 – Welcome & Intro to Brennon00:49 – How Brennon Got into Podcasting01:18 – How Podcasts Have Evolved02:25 – Podcasting: Challenges & Opportunities03:56 – Why Consistency Matters15:10 – Brennon’s Personal Motivation16:27 – The Power of Conversations24:49 – Moving into Video Podcasts30:40 – What’s Next for Podcasting33:05 – Gonzaga Basketball Podcast Highlights33:28 – The Spokane Podcast Scene34:48 – Common Podcasting Struggles35:58 – The Therapeutic Side of Podcasts38:55 – The Future of SP Cast41:37 – AI’s Role in Podcasting48:47 – Staying Human in a Digital World59:45 – Tips for Starting Your Own PodcastLearn more at www.spokast.com
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Luc Jasmin to talk community, policy, and the challenges shaping Spokane today. Luc shares his journey from Boston to becoming a first-generation Haitian American leader in the Pacific Northwest, and how he got into politics through early childhood education advocacy.
They dive into the realities of housing, workforce, and regional development, and how creative, collaborative solutions can make a real difference. Luc also shares how government can better meet community needs and the power of building consensus to drive change.
If you care about Spokane, policy, or just want to hear a thoughtful conversation about improving communities, this episode is for you.
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien chat with Steve Jones, a seasoned real estate pro from Spokane. Steve shares his journey, from his early days in the car business to flipping houses and managing multifamily projects. He talks about the real-world challenges of real estate—unexpected delays, rising costs, and the importance of persistence. Steve also breaks down the difference between speculation and true investment, offering insights into Spokane’s up-and-coming neighborhoods and what it takes to succeed in the business.
If you’re looking to get into real estate or just want a peek behind the curtain of a real estate veteran’s journey, this episode’s for you. Tune in to hear Steve’s lessons on persistence, investment strategies, and making the most of opportunities in Spokane!
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien share a candid conversation about the real-world challenges every entrepreneur faces. They explore Jordan’s personal journey, from dealing with a ruptured Achilles injury to facing the aftermath of some tough headlines about his business dealings. Through these struggles, their conversation uncovers how resilience and perseverance play a pivotal role in moving forward.
In this solo episode of Chest Not Checkers, Keith Riddle takes over the mic to talk about the importance of mindset and how it drives success in both life and business. He shares why asking the right questions—like “why” instead of “how”—can make all the difference. Keith dives into how fear can hold us back from taking action and offers three steps to start making positive changes in your life.If you’ve been looking for some inspiration to shift your mindset and take that next step, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear how to navigate fear, identify areas for improvement, and focus on what truly matters.
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien chat with Shawn Lloyd, the founder of rConnect, about building real, meaningful connections in business and life. Shawn shares his journey, from growing up in Spokane to creating a platform where people can come together to learn, grow, and support each other.
He talks about how his early challenges, including being labeled a “special education” student, helped shape his mindset and drive. Shawn also explains how his organization focuses on fostering community, mentorship, and relationships—helping individuals and businesses grow together.
His story is all about overcoming obstacles, embracing growth, and the power of authentic connections. Tune in to hear how rConnect is changing the way people network and grow!
For more information about rConnect, visit https://joinrconnect.com. To learn more about Shawn, visit his website at https://shawnrlloyd.com.
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien chat with Evan Moore, founder of Real Frequency, about how college consulting helps students find the right fit for their higher education journey. Evan shares his personal path to consulting, how his experiences shaped Real Frequency, and why it’s all about matching students with schools that fit them socially, culturally, and academically.
He dives into how his team helps families understand the full cost of college—tuition, scholarships, financial aid—and how important it is for students to find a school where they’ll thrive, both in the classroom and beyond. Evan also talks about how a good support system, like the one he had, can make a huge difference for students during the college search.
If you’re trying to figure out the college process or need help with your next steps, this episode has a ton of great tips.
For more information, visit Real Frequency.
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien chat with Jim Orcutt, a local real estate pro, about his journey from Spokane to becoming a successful investor and entrepreneur. Jim talks about how his start in construction and finance led him to real estate, and how a mentor in Seattle helped shape his approach to property investing.
Jim shares his experience buying small multifamily properties in Spokane and how he learned that owning real estate, rather than just brokering deals, was the key to success. He also talks about the challenges of investing, like financing issues, renovation surprises, and market ups and downs—and how resilience and planning are key.
If you’re looking to get into real estate, Jim’s advice on starting with clear goals, seeking mentorship, and being patient is spot-on. Tune in to hear Jim’s story and get some valuable tips on building a successful real estate career.
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien sit down with Clarisa Morris, aka “Bicep Babe”, a four-time competitor on American Ninja Warrior.
Clarisa shares her unexpected journey into the world of ninja competitions, from growing up as a gymnast to rediscovering her love for fitness after college and motherhood. She opens up about how her first experience on the show didn’t go as planned, but how it taught her the importance of shifting her mindset from self-doubt to confidence.
Clarisa talks about how she balances weightlifting, ninja training, and her family life, and how she’s stayed motivated despite setbacks and injuries. She also touches on the role her family plays in supporting her, especially her husband, who helps keep her mindset strong. Along the way, Clarisa’s authenticity has helped her build a real connection with her followers online, staying true to herself in an industry that often focuses on image.
Her story is a reminder that success isn’t just about winning; it’s about the persistence, mindset, and resilience you bring to the journey.
Don’t miss Clarisa’s appearance on American Ninja Warrior on June 30th! Check your local listings for time and station.
Follow her on Instagram: @bicepbabe_ninja
In this episode of Chess Not Checkers, hosts Keith Riddle and Jordan Tampien chat with Bill Kalivas, the man behind Launchpad INW. Bill shares his journey from spotting Spokane’s untapped tech potential to building Launchpad into a key resource for local entrepreneurs.
Bill discusses his early days, the co-founding of Launchpad, and how a small event evolved into a thriving community of innovators. He’s open about the struggles—financial hurdles, personal setbacks, and the mistakes he made along the way. But those challenges helped him grow and understand the importance of mentorship, having a solid advisory board, and staying humble.
After taking a step back, Bill came back to relaunch Launchpad as a nonprofit, offering programs like the Springboard program and Innovator Connect events to support local entrepreneurs. His story is all about resilience, community, and the power of mentorship.
Tune in to hear Bill’s take on building something meaningful, learning from failure, and what’s next for Spokane’s startup scene. If you’re looking to get involved, check out Launchpad INW at launchpadinw.com