Ali & Callie Artcast

Ep 203: The Village Bakery: Different Abilities, Shared Purpose

Step inside the heart of Hayden with this inspiring episode featuring The Village Bakery. Founder Dana Bellefeuille and her incredible team share how this beloved bakery is built on more than handcrafted breads and pastries—it’s built on people.

Dana talks about her intentional mission to hire adults with different abilities, creating meaningful employment, dignity, and a true sense of belonging. The team shares what it means to work in a space rooted in kindness, patience, and community, where everyone’s strengths are valued and celebrated. This is a heartfelt conversation about purpose, inclusion, and how one small bakery can make a big impact—one loaf, one smile, and one opportunity at a time.

For more information visit thevillagebakerycda.com or find them on Instagram and facebook.

Ep 202: Aspire brings Shrek the Musical to the Stage

Get ready to get ogre it!

We’re talking all things Aspire Community Theatre and their current production of Shrek with Executive Director Trigger Weddle and show director Abel Siemens. From fairytale fun to behind-the-scenes magic, they share what it takes to bring this larger-than-life musical to the stage.

Don’t miss your chance to see this fun-filled show for its last weekend at the Kroc. Tonight at 7:30 pm. Saturday and Sunday matinee shows at 2 pm. What a great treat for you and your family!

Donkey-approved. Family-friendly. Full of heart.

For tickets visit www.showpass.com/shrek-the-musical-2, and for more about what is coming, visit aspirecda.com.

Ep 201: Big Walls, Bigger Stories with Muralist Paige Reesor

For the third episode in our Arizona series, we head into the bold, colorful world of Phoenix-based muralist Paige Reesor, an artist turning everyday spaces into vibrant, story-filled experiences.

Known for her striking large-scale murals that blend realism with imaginative design, Paige shares how her journey began (quite literally) on the walls of her childhood home and evolved into a career transforming businesses, neighborhoods, and public spaces across Arizona. Her work is rooted in connection—each mural designed not just to beautify a wall, but to tell a story and spark something meaningful in the people who encounter it. 

We talk about her leap into public art, the power of “big ideas, big art,” and what it means to create work that lives out in the world—where art becomes part of daily life. From backyard commissions to collaborations with major brands and sports teams, Paige brings both precision and passion to every project. 

It’s a conversation about scale, storytelling, and the creative energy shaping Arizona’s visual landscape.

For more on Paige’s works, visit paigereesor.com.

And congratulations Paige on a baby girl, Alessia Sondra, born April 8. An artist in the making!

Ep 200: A Double Take with Podcaster, Joshua Kotzen

In the second episode of our Arizona series (and our 200th episode!), we step into a creative mirror with Phoenix-based video podcaster Joshua Kotzen, whose videocast is known as The Baby J Show.

This is a dual podcast experience: we’re recording Joshua as he records us. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at storytelling from both sides of the lens, where conversation, camera, and curiosity all intersect.

Joshua creates in a space where audio meets visual, crafting content that’s as engaging to watch as it is to hear. We talk about his journey into video podcasting, the art of capturing authentic moments on camera, and how this evolving medium is reshaping connection and creativity.

It’s a layered, dynamic conversation—one that reflects the very heart of podcasting today: collaborative, immediate, and alive.

As part of our Arizona series, this episode highlights a different kind of artist—one who doesn’t just tell stories, but builds a space where they unfold from every angle.

Check out Joshua’s YouTube page @joshuakotzen911

Ep 199: Silk, Light & the Desert: MJ Okawa

The Ali & Callie Artcast heads to the Southwest in the first of a three-part Arizona series, spotlighting creatives whose work is deeply connected to community, story, and spirit.

In this episode, we sit down with Phoenix-based silk artist MJ Okawa, whose luminous pieces capture the movement, texture, and quiet power of the natural world. Blending traditional Japanese silk painting techniques with a contemporary, expressive style, her work radiates color, light, and emotion—each piece a celebration of nature’s rhythms.

With more than 20 years as a Visual & Performing Arts Specialist and educator, and as Producing Artistic Director of Copperstar Repertory Co. and Artworks, MJ brings a rich, multidisciplinary perspective to her art and her community.

We talk about the transformative power of art, the influence of the Arizona landscape, and creating work that invites reflection, connection, and joy.

For more information about MJ’s art, visit MJOkawa.com or find her on social media @mjokawaart.

Ep 198: Inside the Season of the Coeur d’Alene Symphony

In this episode of the Ali & Callie Artcast, we sit down with Chris Grant, Former Orchestra Manager of the Coeur d’Alene Symphony to talk about an exciting season ahead. From upcoming performances and special events to the vision behind this year’s programming, Chris gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the Symphony continues to bring world-class music to North Idaho.

We explore what audiences can expect this season, how the Symphony balances tradition with fresh, engaging repertoire, and the ways they’re connecting with the community through music. Whether you’re a longtime concertgoer or new to the symphony experience, this conversation offers a deeper appreciation for the artistry, passion, and planning that go into every performance.

Tune in for a lively and inspiring discussion about music, community, and the power of a great live performance.

For information on their upcoming events and fundraiser “Blazing Fiddles” visit cdasymphony.org.

Ep 197: The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint: A Living Art

In this episode of the Ali & Callie Artcast, we sit down with Karin Wedemeyer, founder and Executive Director of the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, to explore her vision for this dynamic and deeply valued cultural hub in downtown Sandpoint.

Karin shares the Conservatory’s origin story and how it has grown into an international school of performing arts rooted in a classical framework while remaining open, inclusive, and community-focused. We talk about what it means to offer accredited programming alongside a mission that emphasizes collaboration, cultural exchange, and artistic excellence.

From the very first notes of a beginner to the refined mastery of advanced performers, the Conservatory’s dedicated faculty inspires students of all ages and backgrounds to discover, and deepen, their musical talents. This conversation highlights how music education can build confidence, connection, and a lifelong love of the arts, welcoming everyone from the very young to the very old.

To learn more about classes, performances, and upcoming events, visit sandpointconservatory.org.

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.