KMAS Radio
From local leaders and hometown heroes to breaking stories and in-depth conversations, the KMAS Podcast brings you the voices that matter in Mason County, Washington. Hosted by longtime broadcaster Jeff Slakey, each episode dives into what’s happening around the Hood Canal—government, education, small business, the outdoors, and everything in between. New episodes drop throughout the week, featuring interviews, community spotlights, and extended versions of the stories you hear on the air at KMAS. Subscribe, listen, and stay connected to your community—wherever you are.
Episodes
What does the future of rural healthcare look like after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act? In this powerful episode, Jeff Slakey sits down with Eric Moll, CEO of Mason Health, to unpack the fears, facts, and forward-looking strategies surrounding recent Medicaid and Medicare cuts included in the bill signed on July 4, 2025.
Mason General Hospital was listed among rural hospitals that may be impacted, sparking w...
Get ready to tap your toes! In this episode, Jeff Slakey talks with festival organizer Greg Linder about the 20th anniversary of Bluegrass From The Forest, happening this weekend in Shelton, WA. What started as a local idea in a parking lot has grown into one of the Pacific Northwest’s premiere bluegrass events, attracting bands from Nashville to Oregon—and fans from across the U.S.
They talk about the family-friendly campi...
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind weekend in Union, Washington! In this interview, Jeff Slakey talks with festival founder Rob Hill about the 2025 Peace, Love & Union Saltwater Songwriters Festival, an acoustic celebration of award-winning songwriting, deep community connections, and breathtaking scenery. Hear how Grammy-winning artists like Christian Bush, John McLaughlin, Beth Nielsen Chapman, and more are making Union t...
Broadcast live from the Finch Creek Stage at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, this 80-minute set spotlights Randy Baugh & The Rehearsals—a jazz-pop fusion group with lyrical depth, smooth grooves, and effortless charm.
Led by the introspective songwriting of Randy Baugh, The Rehearsals blend warm acoustic rhythms, subtle jazz textures, and poetic storytelling into a performance that feels like a conversation with an ...
Get ready for a color-soaked stroll through downtown Shelton! 🎨 In this conversation, Jeff Slakey previews the 2025 Shelton Art Walk—happening Saturday, June 28, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.—with three creative catalysts:
- Amy Cooper – Photographer, business owner & driving force behind Shelton’s emerging Creative District
- Molly Wheat Baker – local artist/educator painting a brand-new Blue Zones–funded mural on the Coda Street Ant...
Pastor Doug Peterson—running for Shelton City Council Position 3—joins host Jeff Slakey at Marmo coffeehouse for a 36-minute chat that blends policy, faith and hometown pride. Below are the exact questions Jeff poses so listeners (and voters!) can jump straight to the answers they need:
- Who is Doug Peterson? Tell us about your background and ministry at Faith Lutheran.
- Why run now? Gas-card conversations with unhoused n...
Turn up the volume for the next chapter of KMAS Radio’s Shuck & Strum summer series! 🎶 Recorded live on the Finch Creek Stage at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, this 75-minute set features Aaron Gorton—the Pacific Northwest’s premier One-Man Jam Band. A master looper and multi-instrumentalist, Aaron layers guitar, keys, and percussion in real time, morphing from rock swagger to sun-splashed reggae grooves without ...
Feel the energy of KMAS Radio’s Shuck & Strum summer kickoff—now on demand! 🎸 Recorded live on the Finch Creek Stage at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, Washington, this 70-minute set captures Kitsap County singer-songwriter Adam Thorne (@adamthornemusic) at his eclectic best. A 16-year Navy veteran by day and guitar-slinging troubadour by night, Thorne blends Dwight Yoakam twang, Black Keys–style riffs, and pop-pu...
In this in-depth Candidate Conversation, host Jeff Slakey sits down with retired Navy Senior Chief Ken Mobley, one of four contenders for Shelton City Council Position 3. Mobley shares his journey from aircraft-carrier leadership to life in Shelton, explains why economic growth can’t come at the expense of natural beauty, and lays out four pillars—fiscal health, sustainable development, transparent leadership, and youth en...
Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for a deep-dive year-end recap of the Shelton School District. Below are the key questions Jeff asks so you can jump right to the info you need:
- Big Wins: What are you most proud of as the 2024-25 school year closes?
- Post-COVID Classrooms: Is rising student engagement tied to finally moving past pandemic disruption?
- Strategic Plan Progress: How are test scores, discipline numb...
On this month’s Sheriff’s Sit-Down—recorded live at the Fjord Oyster Bank—Mason County Sheriff Ryan Spurling joins host Jeff Slakey to tackle the big questions facing local law enforcement and the community they serve.
- Forest Festival recap: why joint visibility with Shelton Police, State Patrol and Squaxin Tribal PD matters.
- History lesson: Sheriff Spurling breaks down Sir Robert Peel’s nine principles of “policing by c...
KMAS is launching its brand-new Shuck & Strum summer concert series, live from the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport, Washington—and we’re starting strong with Kitsap County singer-songwriter Adam Thorne (@adamthornemusic). Host Jeff Slakey chats with the 16-year Navy veteran about juggling submarine communications by day and guitar strings by night, the 20-year evolution of his songwriting, and why “regionally well-thoug...
Join KMAS Radio host Jeff Slakey as he sits down with Peninsula Credit Union’s Community Financial Educator, Darrell McVea, for a candid talk on conquering financial stress. Discover why budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive, how emergency funds create true peace of mind, and the “free-money” power of 401(k) matches. From daily coffee habits to big-ticket goals like vacations, Darrell breaks down practical ways Mason ...
Wonder what an Economic Development Council actually does? Or how they measure success when it comes to growing jobs, attracting businesses, and supporting housing in a rural county?
In this episode, KMAS’s Jeff Slakey sits down with Kevin Shutty, Director of the Economic Development Council of Mason County, for a candid conversation about what’s really happening behind the scenes. How do we get ready for big employers—or s...
Get the inside scoop on Sound to Sea – Working Together to Build Resilient Coastal Communities, a hands-on workshop coming to the newly renamed Sacred Waters Center for Restoration & Retreat (formerly Harmony Hill) on June 5, 2025. Host Jeff Slakey sits down with Mason County WSU Extension’s Tessa Halloran and Kayla Wells-Yoakum to explore why coastal resilience isn’t just an ocean-front issue—it’s vital for every home...
Join KMAS host Jeff Slakey for an upbeat, behind-the-scenes look at the 81st annual Mason County Forest Festival (May 29 – June 1, 2025). Festival president Amy Cooper breaks down the bonus-weekend carnival, free Friday Family Fun Night, wildfire-prevention displays, and Saturday’s packed schedule—from the Goldsboro Creek Run to the nighttime fireworks. Parade chair Robin Redman reveals what to expect from the Paul Bunyan ...
The Day of Champions is back! On May 29th, North Mason High School will host this heartwarming track and field event for special needs students across Mason County. With 140 participants, 100 volunteers, and loads of joy (plus rubber chickens), this Kiwanis-led event is one you won’t want to miss.
Shelton School District Superintendent Wyeth Jessee joins Jeff Slakey for a wide-ranging conversation about early literacy success, the impacts of state budget shortfalls, and how local levy dollars keep essential student services running. From the challenges of defining “basic education” to celebrating over 50 students attending Evergreen State for free, this interview dives deep into the heart of Shelton’s public schools...
In this episode of Sheriff’s Sitdown, Jeff Slakey catches up with Sheriff Ryan Spurling at the Oyster Bank in Hoodsport. They cover everything from the power of community engagement in law enforcement to homelessness challenges, the impact of Shelton’s new Flock camera system, and the importance of youth structure and service through NJROTC. Brought to you by Our Community Credit Union.
#MasonCounty #SheriffsSitdown #P...
On this episode, Jeff Slakey talks with Tessa Halloran from the WSU Extension Office about the upcoming “Be Septic Smart” workshop happening May 15th in Shelton. They dive into why understanding your septic system is crucial for homeowners—especially those near waterways or with vacation rentals. From landscaping tips to warning signs and maintenance myths, this episode is full of helpful info to keep your system running r...
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