The Valley Voice with Jessica Self

Cristy Lake has dedicated her life to keeping Snoqualmie Valley’s history alive. A longtime team member at the Northwest Railway Museum, Cristy has spent years sharing the stories, artifacts, and legacy that define our region. Her own family history is deeply woven into that narrative — reaching back to one of the Valley’s most infamous chapters: the Weyerhaeuser kidnapping of the 1930s, in which her family played a unique and pers...

When tragedy struck, Summer Stumpf found strength in purpose. Through Live Gray’s Way, she’s turned loss into light— raising awareness for DIPG, a rare and aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer, while inspiring others to live with compassion and courage. Partnering with Angela Donaldson, the two have poured their hearts into bringing meaningful community events to Fall City, WA, including the Fall City Festival of Lights—a cele...

From standout collegiate baseball player to performance coach, Derek Decater has taken his love for the game and turned it into something bigger.  With a strong foundation in Anatomy, body mechanics and nutrition, he has built a welcoming training space for all ages - whether you are chasing athletic goals or just looking to be your best.  Along the way, Derek has trained at multiple high schools and now coaches baseball at Mount S...

Episode 11 of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self welcomes a truly inspiring guest — Greg Jamiel of SnoValley Pride! 

Greg’s journey has taken him from the shores of Rhode Island to stages, studios, and screens across the U.S. and beyond. With years of TV and media experience — and travels that span the globe — Greg has now found his forever home in Carnation, Washington. 

In this episode, we dive into his story: how his adventures ...

In this episode of The Valley Voice with Jessica Self, we sit down with Travis Wetherbee of Last Lite Photography—born and raised right here in the Snoqualmie Valley. Travis shares the fascinating journey of how he picked up a camera, chased auroras, evolved into shooting musicians and festivals, and he’s most knows for his stunning, soul-stirring sunsets that have become his local trademark. With deep roots in the Valley and a pas...

This week, I'm chatting with Jeff Warren-your go-to State Farm Insurance Agent and one of the Valley's most dedicated community supporters.  But there is so much more to Jeff than guitars and coverage!  We dive into his story-where he came from, how life lead him to the Valley, and why giving back means so much to him.  Jeff's the kind of neighbor we all hope to have.  Tune in for a fun, inspiring conversation with someone who trul...

The Valley Voice with Jessica Self is back with an awesome new episode featuring Augie Dugar, owner of Reflection of Perfection - and trust me, this one shines!  We talk about Augie's journey to the Snoqualmie Valley and how he built a business that does way more than just window cleaning, pressure washing, and hanging holiday lights.  Augie's all heart-always giving back to the community and showing up for local causes.  And if th...

Rachel Bennett, the proud co-owner of Twede's Cafe' since 2019, is as local as they come-born and raised right here in North Bend.  After heading out on a big adventure for college and life beyond the Valley, she found herself drawn back to her hometown roots.  What started as a part-time job at the iconic Twede's turned into something much bigger: the opportunity to carry on a legendary legacy.  Now, alongside her partner Max, Rac...

In this episode, we sit down with Dori Ross and Katie Podschwit, the dynamic duo behind Chickadee Bakeshop in Snoqualmie, Wa.  We dive into their personal journeys-how they each found their way to the Snoqualmie Valley over a decade ago, built community roots, and eventually teamed up to create one of the area's most beloved bakeries.  We talk about the incredible rise of Chickadee Bakeshop, the devastating fire that forced them to...

In this episode, we sit down with Dori Ross and Katie Podschwit, the dynamic duo behind Chickadee Bakeshop in Snoqualmie, Wa.  We dive into their personal journeys-how they each found their way to the Snoqualmie Valley over a decade ago, built community roots, and eventually teamed up to create one of the area's most beloved bakeries.  We talk about the incredible rise of Chickadee Bakeshop, the devastating fire that forced them to...

In this episode, Jessica sits down leaders of the with Beth and Sam Burrows, the passionate owners of the historic North Bend Theatre and leaders of the nonprofit Friends of the North Bend Theatre.  They share what it's like to own and operate a beloved landmark that is more than just a movie theater.  The theater serves as a community hub for creativity, a performance space as well as a community venue.  From hosting concerts to e...

• Sip, Suds & Si – May 10 (Downtown North Bend) https://www.northbenddowntown.org

• Remlinger Farms Concert Series (Carnation) https://remlingerfarms.com/remlinger-summer-concerts/

• Duvall Days – June 6 & 7 https://duvalldays.org/

• Fall City Day – June 14 https://www.fallcity.org/

• Art Off The Rails – June 21 https://www.northbendartandindustry.org/art-off-the-rails

• Carna...