All Episodes

March 28, 2024 39 mins

Welcome to another episode of Travel Connections. Once again, we hit a home run with our next guest. Aurora Echo lives on Whidbey Island, WA, and owns a delightfully successful business called Wildly Beloved Foods. 

It's interesting; Aurora only validates that every time I visit Whidbey Island, WA, I meet someone new who impresses me. I am once again reminded of how exceptional this destination truly is. My husband and I have visited the island many times, rain or shine, during the summer or while the snow is falling. It is located only about an hour north of Seattle, depending on traffic and ferry wait time. We absolutely love it. 

Whidbey Island and the people who live there are so fascinating that you will find that we have created several podcast episodes in which I have interviewed many intriguing guests who all live on the island. What better way to share a destination than to tell the story through the locals who live there?

Artisanal Pasta on Whidbey Island, WA

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet a powerhouse of a woman who created her own business out of necessity and from a passion for culinary adventures. Aurora Echo created Wildly Beloved Foods, where she makes delicious pasta with healthy, organic ingredients. The minute I met her, I knew she had to come on the podcast and tell her story. It's just too good! Her tenacity and strength to overcome many challenges and succeed to where she is right now inspires me!

Highlights in this episode:

  • How passion and tenacity helped to create an organic pasta business
  • Why organic food matters- What is the 'Dirty Dozen'?
  • Aurora shares sage advice about starting a new business
  • How does Whidbey Island fit into the success of Wildly Beloved Foods?
  • What are some of the challenges that female business owners face?
  • Why is environmentally friendly packaging important to Aurora?
  • Suggestions for a trip to Whidbey Island, WA!

Website:

Wildly Beloved Foods

Travel Connections Podcast

Adventures of Empty Nesters

Instagram:

WildlyBelovedFoods

GoWhidbeyCamano

Suzanne Stavert

Adventures of Empty Nesters

Other Podcast Episodes Featuring Whidbey Island:

A Spectacular Weekend on Whidbey Island - I am Smitten!

A Conversation with Restaurateur Jenn Jurrians

Art & Life on Whidbey Island with Holly & David Price

Kayaking and Island Life on Whidbey Island

Orchard Kitchen: Farm-Focused Fine Dining

Regenerative Travel on Whidbey and Camano Islands

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist

It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.