Ali & Callie Artcast

Ep 196: Birch Bark & Imagination with Kristina Ludwig

In this episode, we sat down with Kristina Ludwig, a nature-inspired artist based in Sandpoint, whose work transforms the raw beauty of the forest into extraordinary art. Kristina is best known for her intricate creations made from birch bark—including a breathtaking gown crafted entirely from this natural material.

Drawing deep inspiration from the Pacific Northwest landscape, Kristina shares her creative process, her relationship with natural materials, and how imagination and environment intersect in her work. We also talk about her experiences exhibiting locally, including being featured as Artist of the Month at Pend d'Oreille Winery and showing her work with the Pend Oreille Arts Council.

This conversation is a thoughtful exploration of art, nature, and place—and a reminder of the magic that can come from looking closely at the world around us. To see more of Kristina’s work, visit woodandeye.com or follow her on Instagram @woodandeye_kristinaludwig.

Ep 195: Inside the World of Singer/Songwriter Dario Ré

Welcome Dario Ré, a genre-bending artist who lives off-grid in the mountains above Sandpoint, Idaho. Ré is the lead singer-songwriter of Heat Speak, a highly collaborative, ever-evolving ensemble known for its eclectic instrumentation and richly layered sound. Blending indie rock, chamber folk, and world fusion, Heat Speak pairs impassioned poetics—sung in both English and French—with dynamic musicianship and intricate arrangements.

Beyond music, Ré is a visual artist, permaculturist, avid disc golfer, and private music instructor. His interdisciplinary approach is rooted in deep academic study, including an MA in Art History from Concordia University and a BA from Fairhaven College.

You’ll hear excerpts from Heat Speak’s “Dark Side of You” as well as “Lifecall,” a new collaboration with Mačka Moon. Join us for a conversation about living creatively, crossing disciplines, and making art rooted in place and purpose.

Learn more about Dario Ré’s music, art, and upcoming shows at dariore.com.

Ep 194: Britt Thurman, Museum of North Idaho's Next Chapter

Season six of the Ali & Callie Artcast kicks off with Britt Thurman, Executive Director of the Museum of North Idaho. Britt joins us to share how the museum’s first year in its new home at the base of Tubbs Hill has gone, along with a look at upcoming exhibits, community events, and what’s ahead for the future of the museum.

We also talk about the important role the museum plays in preserving and sharing the rich history of our region—through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and partnerships that help tell the stories shaping life in North Idaho.

To learn more about the museum or become a member, visit museumni.org.

Ep 193: The Uncrushable Spirit Behind Matt’s Place Foundation

In this special episode, Ali & Callie sit down with Theresa Wild, co-founder of Matt’s Place Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting families facing the devastating challenges of ALS. Theresa shares the deeply personal story behind the foundation, the innovative housing solutions they’ve pioneered, and the community-driven mission that keeps their work moving forward. Her passion, resilience, and commitment shine through as she talks about the families they serve and the hope they work to protect every day.

As we close out the year, we invite our listeners to join us in supporting Matt’s Place Foundation—Ali & Callie’s charity of choice in honor of our friend, the late Steve Gibbs. Your end-of-year gift can make a meaningful difference for families navigating ALS and help continue the incredible work Theresa and her team are doing.

For more information or to make a donation visit mattsplacefoundation.org.

Ep 192: Behind the Curtain at Lake City Playhouse, Jessica Peterson on Little Women

Lake City Playhouse is bringing a beloved holiday classic to Coeur d’Alene with its production of “Little Women,” opening tonight and running through December 7. This heartwarming story filled with sisterhood, sacrifice, and timeless charm is the perfect way to ease into the spirit of the season.

The show is directed by Jessica Peterson, a vibrant force at Lake City Playhouse. Known for her talent on stage as well as behind the scenes, Jessica made her directorial debut earlier this year and now returns with a fresh, heartfelt vision for this iconic production. In addition to joining the Playhouse board, Jessica is a licensed master social worker who brings deep empathy and insight to every project she touches. Theater has long been a passion woven through her life, with memorable performances in both CYT and Lake City Playhouse shows.

Tickets are on sale now at lakecityplayhouse.org.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this cherished classic—beautifully staged and perfectly timed for the holidays. Gather your friends and family and make “Little Women” part of your seasonal tradition.

Ep 191: Brian Crain’s Musical Journey

Brian Crain is an American pianist and composer whose music has been streamed more than six billion times. Born in Hollywood, Brian grew up creating melodies by ear—often whistling tunes he made up on the spot. His father was an award-winning educational filmmaker, and Brian spent part of his youth helping with film projects, which sparked his interest in writing music for pictures. Though he briefly took piano lessons as a child, he mostly taught himself by improvising at the family piano between baseball practices—balancing dreams of being a professional ballplayer with a growing pull toward composition.

In his early twenties, Brian began writing music for films alongside his father, before releasing his own solo piano albums. His breakout came with Morning Light, leading to a career of more than twenty albums that blend contemporary classical, cinematic storytelling, and minimalist elegance. His duet albums Piano and Cello Duet and Piano and Violin Duet have inspired musicians around the world to perform his work, and pieces like Butterfly Waltz and Song for Sienna have become global favorites.

Brian’s music has been featured in films, commercials, and broadcasts internationally, and in 2013 he was named Honorary Cultural Ambassador for Yeongwol, South Korea. Today, he continues to compose and perform music rooted in curiosity, emotional resonance, and the simple joy of creating.

You can find his music on any streaming app, or visit his website at briancrain.com

Ep 190: Jim Lien - from One Night to 39 Years

What started as a one-night gig in 1986 turned into a nearly 40-year tradition of good music, good people, and very good times. Back then, the school district needed a band for a levy victory party — and teacher/musician Jim Lien basically said, “Yeah, I know some folks.” He rounded up a crew of fellow educators who could sing or play (or, in some cases, were just brave), and they hit the stage as Heavy Levy and the Rhythm Dawgs — playing classic hits from the ‘50s and ‘60s.

The levy passed. The crowd went wild. People danced like nobody was grading them. And somewhere in the middle of all that fun, something stuck. The band dropped the “Heavy Levy” part and officially became The Rhythm Dawgs.

Fast-forward 39 years: the Dawgs are still out there. Sure, life changed — band members rotated, music styles shifted, and the world sped up — but one thing stayed steady: Jim Lien, bass in hand, heart in the community, keeping the groove alive.

He’s the backbone, the memory-keeper, the storyteller, and the guy who reminds everyone why this all started in the first place: because music has a way of bringing people together — especially when there’s something to celebrate.

You can find him on Facebook @TheRhythmDawgsCDA

Ep 189: Dancing with Heritage: Kultura de Filipino Dance Company

We’re joined by Gatieh Nacario and Anna Caldwell, founders of the Kultura de Filipino Dance Company — a passionate, independent Filipino cultural dance company in Spokane dedicated to preserving and showcasing the beauty of their heritage through authentic performances.

More than just a dance group, Kultura de Filipino is committed to artistic excellence, cultural education, and the personal growth of their dancers. Their performances celebrate the rich traditions of the Philippines through movement, storytelling, and traditional attire.

Their dances include:

Phase 1 - Dances of the Cordillera Region; Takiling, Ragragsakan, Salip and Uya-uy

Phase 2 - Spanish-influence Dances; Jota Quirino, Sinakiki, Polkabal, Miligoy, Sinulog

Phase 3 - Exotic Mindanao Dances; Pig-apir, Panghalay, Kapa Malong Malong, Sagayan, Dugso

Phase 4 - Palawan and the Visayas Dances: Karatong, Kuradang, Itik-Itik Sibonga, Tinikling 

Their next performance is scheduled for Saturday, November 8 at the Spokane Folk Festival at Spokane Community College. For exact times and other performances visit spokanefolkfestival.org.

To learn more about Kultura de Filipino Dance Company, visit kulturadefilipinodc.com or find them on Facebook or YouTube @KulturadeFilipinoDanceCompany.

Ep 188: The JACC: 20 Years of Art in Post Falls

 

For over 20 years, the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center, also known as The JACC, has brought the Post Falls community together through the transformative power of the arts. What began as a mission to save a historic building has blossomed into a thriving hub where creativity, connection, and culture flourish in the heart of Post Falls.

Darla Dreyer has been the Executive Director for the last eight of those years, and she talks to us about the upcoming events, exhibits and classes happening there this fall and winter.

To find out more visit thejacklincenter.org or on Facebook @JacklinArts.

Ep 187: Making Waves with Ripple Dance Company

We sit down with Crystal Bain, Owner and Artistic Director, and Jessie Tulleners, Assistant Artistic Director of Ripple Dance Company — the first and only professional contemporary-modern dance company in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Founded by Crystal, Ripple Dance Company gives advanced and professional-level dancers the opportunity to continue their artistic journeys right here in our community. The company also offers youth apprenticeships, produces both live and screen dance performances, and even hosts an annual dance film festival.

Crystal shares her recent honor as the 2025 Dance Teacher of the Year by the Idaho Dance Education Organization and reflects on her journey as a teacher, choreographer, and creative force shaping the local arts scene. Together, Crystal and Jessie talk about their mission to make a ripple in the community — inspiring others through innovation, education, and a genuine love for movement.

Learn more at www.rippledance.com.