Move to Tacoma Podcast

Tamiko Nimura’s book, “A Place for What We Lose: A Daughter’s Return to Tule Lake” centers on her father’s unpublished memoir about his family’s incarceration during WWII. The book contains a history she revisited during a difficult period in her life. Growing up in California, Nimura moved to Tacoma in 2004 and later learned about the city’s lost Japanese American community, which was forcibly removed in 1942. She emphasizes how racism and policies like Executive Order 9066 led to the displacement of over 700 Tacoma residents, most of whom lost their homes and businesses permanently. Resistance and Relevance Today Tamiko Nimura discusses Japanese American resistance to incarceration, including legal challenges, protests, and acts of cultural resilience, such as kite-flying contests in the camps. She draws parallels to current immigration detention policies, particularly the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, and stresses the need for collective action. Organizations like Tsuru for Solidarity and La Resistencia work to oppose these systems, and she encourages listeners to support them through education, donations, and political advocacy. Tamiko Nimura urges listeners to bear witness to suffering and engage in resistance, whether through protests, supporting marginalized communities, or preserving accurate histories. She highlights the importance of intergenerational storytelling and grassroots organizing, framing her book as both a personal tribute and a warning against repeating past injustices. New chat The post Tacoma History & Intergenerational Resilience with Tacoma Author Tamiko Nimura [https://movetotacoma.com/podcasts/history-intergenerational-resilience-with-tacoma-author-tamiko-nimura/] appeared first on Move to Tacoma [https://movetotacoma.com].

Silong Chhun moved to Tacoma as a two-year-old Cambodian refugee. In this interview on the Move to Tacoma Podcast Silong recounts his upbringing on the Eastside. Tacoma’s Eastside is a place of deep community and cultural richness. He shares memories of growing up in low-income housing, where families relied on each other for support, and highlights the role of places like Tacoma Community House in helping refugees adapt. Despite challenges, Silong emphasizes the strong sense of belonging and the vibrant mix of immigrant-owned businesses, food spots, and community gatherings that define the area. He discusses how the Eastside has evolved, noting improvements like Swan Creek Park’s development while acknowledging ongoing struggles with disinvestment. Silong reflects on the neighborhood’s resilience, where residents historically relied on each other rather than institutions, and how this fostered a unique, self-sufficient culture. He also addresses gentrification concerns, stressing the need for economic opportunities without displacing long-time residents, and celebrates the area’s diversity, from its multilingual grocery stores to its weekend swap meets. Silong invites listeners to engage with his community and explore Tacoma’s Eastside. Whether for its hiking trails, thrift stores, or some of Tacoma’s best Mexican food. He underscores the importance of knowing your neighbors and supporting local businesses, sharing his vision for a thriving but authentic Eastside. New chat The post Growing Up in Tacoma’s Eastside Neighborhood with Silong Chhun [https://movetotacoma.com/podcasts/growing-up-in-tacomas-eastside-neighborhood-with-silong-chhun/] appeared first on Move to Tacoma [https://movetotacoma.com].

How to Open a Coffee Shop in Tacoma, Washington Kevin Lee, the founder of Third Space Coffee in Downtown Tacoma [https://www.thirdspacetacoma.com/], joins the Tacoma real estate agent Marguerite Martin [https://movetotacoma.com/meet-your-guides-tacoma-real-estate-agent-marguerite/] on the Move to Tacoma Podcast to share the story of how his new café came to be — and what it really takes to open a small business on Pacific Avenue. Kevin moved to the Tacoma area with his immigrant parents from New York City in the mid-2000s. He grew up learning the ropes of running coffee stands and cafes with his family, went to culinary school, and later managed Beecher’s at SeaTac Airport during the pandemic. After years of working behind the scenes in food service, he’s now building something of his own in the heart of Downtown. Kevin’s Instagram went a little viral recently [https://www.instagram.com/thirdspacetacoma/] thanks to his honest, behind-the-scenes reels explaining what goes into the price of a cup of coffee and how much it really costs to start a café. His transparency, work ethic, and humor make this a must-listen. If you’ve ever thought about opening a coffee shop, restaurant, or any kind of small business in Tacoma, you’ll love this conversation. The post How to Open a Coffee Shop in Tacoma with Kevin Lee from Third Space [https://movetotacoma.com/podcasts/how-to-open-a-coffee-shop-in-tacoma-with-kevin-lee-from-third-space/] appeared first on Move to Tacoma [https://movetotacoma.com].

In this episode of the Move to Tacoma Podcast, host Marguerite Martin speaks with Catherine Feeney, a local artist and founder of South Sound Plein Air. Catherine shares her journey from growing up in Tacoma to rediscovering her passion for painting later in life. She explains what plein air painting is. En Plein Air is painting outdoors to capture natural light and atmosphere, and how the practice connects artists with both nature and community. The conversation covers how plein air painting became popular, what supplies beginners need, and how anyone, regardless of skill level, can join the South Sound Plein Air group. Catherine and Marguerite discuss the value of creative expression, overcoming self-doubt, and the joy of painting outside with others. Catherine also shares details about upcoming plein air meetups in Tacoma, including plans for seasonal and themed events, and how people can get involved. En Plein Air Painting Tacoma The post En Plein Air Painting in Tacoma with Catherina Feeney [https://movetotacoma.com/podcasts/en-plein-air-painting-in-tacoma-with-catherina-feeney/] appeared first on Move to Tacoma [https://movetotacoma.com].

Marguerite hosts Sean Leacy from Tacoma Dads [https://www.facebook.com/tacomadads/], a supportive group aimed at fostering connections among fathers in Tacoma. Sean talks about how the group evolved from its beginnings as a small, private Facebook group in 2016 to its current form with hundreds of members. The group organizes regular events like adventure days, game nights, and cold water plunges, providing dads with opportunities to connect with their peers, share their experiences, and receive support. TACOMA DAD’S GROUP Sean explains the importance of providing a space where dads can meet regularly and discuss their challenges. This includes parenting challenges and beyond. Tacoma Dad’s Group encourages dads to embrace their roles and find joy in their journeys while also understanding that fatherhood can be challenging and isolating. Their events range from adventure days at local parks to monthly dad’s nights out. Tacoma Dad’s offers different activities to suit a variety of interests. The community strives to be inclusive, supporting all types of families and advocating for acceptance and diversity. Sean also shares personal insights into how building this community has been therapeutic for him. Sean emphasizes that while the group initially leaned heavily on social media for organization, it has now found success on Discord, where members can chat and coordinate events. Despite the challenges of balancing parenting and socializing, he encourages fathers to push past their reservations and engage with the group, stressing how important it is to make new friends and find support networks. The post Tacoma Dad’s Group with Sean Leacy [https://movetotacoma.com/podcasts/tacoma-dads-group-with-sean-leacy/] appeared first on Move to Tacoma [https://movetotacoma.com].