Voices of the Methow

Wayne, Dave, Dad And The Gift of Mentoring.

I ran across this recording I made a few years ago and thought I’d share it with you. In these complex and troubled times we live in I think it’s important to step back once in a while and reflect with gratitude where we have come from and who helped us get there! Rock on Methow Valley and beyond! Get full access to Byron Odion at byronodion821766.substack.com/subscribe [https://byronodion821766.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Wenatchee Elder Randy Lewis and a Winters Tale

Preserving Wenatchee tribal stories through film—where tradition, storytelling, and youth come together in The Winter’s Tale. The Winter’s Tale brings together renowned Wenatchee storyteller Randy Lewis and local film students to preserve the legends, history, and land-based traditions of the Wenatchee Tribe. This cross-cultural filmmaking project blends oral storytelling with modern media training, teaching students the art of camera work, sound, lighting, and editing while recording the timeless stories of North Central Washington. Rooted in the ancient winter tradition of elders sharing stories by the fire, The Winter’s Tale connects youth to their heritage—and to the land—with creativity, respect, and wonder. For more Info: https://icicle.org/winters-tale/ [https://icicle.org/winters-tale/] Get full access to Byron Odion at byronodion821766.substack.com/subscribe [https://byronodion821766.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Rico Stover On The History And Benefits Of Cannabis

This is an interview I did in early 2018 with the late Rico Stover, Classical guitar master. At the time, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, tried to remove policy and budget protections that had shielded state-legal marijuana activity, aiming to restore broad federal enforcement discretion. Rico wanted to share his views on the benefits of Cannibus and we go back to the 1930’s and Rico introduces us to “Scary” Harry Anslinger and how and why he made Cannabis illegal. This interview originally was for a radio show I had on the ROOT- KTRT 97.5 Twisp. I knew Rico was a good guitar player, but at the time of this interview, I had no idea the width and breadth of his knowledge and skill! He also was the inspiration for and started the Acoustic Music Group MAMA, Methow Acoustic Music Association that formed in 2018 and is still going strong today! (we meet the first Sunday of the month at Cove 2 in Twisp). I was fortunate to be able to have the conversation with Rico because he passed away a year later on Feb 3rd 2019. My main goal in sharing this is to share the link below. There is a detailed documentary of Rico’s life available on YouTube. I highly recommend checking it out! Blessings to you Rico! It is and was an honor to know you! RIP Get full access to Byron Odion at byronodion821766.substack.com/subscribe [https://byronodion821766.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

From Mexico to Twisp Wa: A Chance Encounter with an Amazing Saxophonist

* A candid five-minute interview with a friendly saxophonist I met on a Twisp street corner a few years ago. Brayan Daniel is from Nuevo Leon, a town in north eastern Mexico. He loves music, and was pursuing a college degree in accounting. Here is an example of how the universal power of art connects us—especially in times when immigrants are unfairly framed. Tune in to hear his reflections, his music, and a reminder that humanity crosses borders, and the ways immigrants enrich our communities. Rock on Brayan! https://music.apple.com/us/artist/brayan-daniel/958701776 [https://music.apple.com/us/artist/brayan-daniel/958701776] Get full access to Byron Odion at byronodion821766.substack.com/subscribe [https://byronodion821766.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

The River’s Voice: Randy Lewis on History, Salmon, and Renewal

On 10-3-25 Randy Lewis and Aaron Naumman gave a talk at the Winthrop Barn titled Dams and the Impacts on Salmon - Weaving Indigenous and Western Knowledge. At least that was how it was billed! It started off with an introduction by David LaFever, director of the Methow Valley Interpretive Center, and then Arnold Cleveland, a Wenatchi/p’squosa tribal member graced the stage with some with some significant thoughts and a flute prayer. Randy Lewis is a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation of the Wenatchi/p’squosa, Methow and Okanagan bands. Randy is a storyteller, teacher, civil rights organizer and historian. Randy took the stage and proceeded to deliver a chilling, riveting, humorous, and intimate look into his own past as well as tracing a broader historical perspective from the Native view. A view that is at times uncomfortable to hear and has been all to often brushed aside or forgotten due to Cultural silencing. Aaron Graciously deferred his portion of the evening to Randy, who was on a roll! Deep Gratitude to Arnold, Aaron, Randy, the Methow Valley Interpretive Center and all who made this evening possible. Methow Valley Interpretive Center Website https://www.methowvalleyinterpretivecenter.org/ [https://www.methowvalleyinterpretivecenter.org/] Get full access to Byron Odion at byronodion821766.substack.com/subscribe [https://byronodion821766.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]