MI Insider Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/mi-insider Mercer Island community figures give their perspectives on issues pertaining to Mercer Island and the world as a whole. Hosted by Miles Avilez, MI Insider gives a voice to those whose messages, hardships, or accomplishments warrant being highlighted. © 2025 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge f39aa276-6cb0-5635-b8cc-71d05e0b1405 no en Fri, 09 Feb 2024 12:08:46 -0800 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 16:46:09 -0800 https://img.transistor.fm/qXfh6wIjavz0DDqgell9L39dbulvlbHr_Nx_GiOMiis/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzM0NDc3LzE2NjQw/NjM5MTEtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.jpg MI Insider episodic KMIH 88.9 The Bridge Mercer Island community figures give their perspectives on issues pertaining to Mercer Island and the world as a whole. Hosted by Miles Avilez, MI Insider gives a voice to those whose messages, hardships, or accomplishments warrant being highlighted. Mercer Island community figures give their perspectives on issues pertaining to Mercer Island and the world as a whole. KMIH 88.9 The Bridge No No What 4 years at MIHS has taught me 14 14 What 4 years at MIHS has taught me full 0aa0e7b5-932c-4f23-876b-22abcca81901 https://share.transistor.fm/s/00809475 Miles reflects on his four years in high school, what he's learned, and the people that have helped him along the way. He gives his advice to the next generation of Islanders and looks forward to what comes next for him.

]]> Miles reflects on his four years in high school, what he's learned, and the people that have helped him along the way. He gives his advice to the next generation of Islanders and looks forward to what comes next for him.

]]> Sun, 21 May 2023 15:54:00 -0700 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 728 Miles reflects on his four years in high school, what he's learned, and the people that have helped him along the way. He gives his advice to the next generation of Islanders and looks forward to what comes next for him.

]]> No Life at the US Airforce Academy 13 13 Life at the US Airforce Academy full eedb02d1-6d2d-4cd1-b073-f3eec583ebba https://share.transistor.fm/s/e15e19d7 Miles invites his former co-host, Creed, on to the show to talk about his first year at the US Airforce Academy. They discuss the lengthy application process, the initial shock of arriving at basic training in the summer, and the daily life on campus.

Later, Creed explains how the Airforce Academy has changed the person he is, and he gives advice to others who are considering attending a military academy.

To see the podcast Creed and Miles hosted together last year, click this link!  :
https://open.spotify.com/show/5uZ6v9hun86tdiI8eKqh9i?si=d55ba00439524f2c

]]> Miles invites his former co-host, Creed, on to the show to talk about his first year at the US Airforce Academy. They discuss the lengthy application process, the initial shock of arriving at basic training in the summer, and the daily life on campus.

Later, Creed explains how the Airforce Academy has changed the person he is, and he gives advice to others who are considering attending a military academy.

To see the podcast Creed and Miles hosted together last year, click this link!  :
https://open.spotify.com/show/5uZ6v9hun86tdiI8eKqh9i?si=d55ba00439524f2c

]]> Tue, 02 May 2023 06:00:00 -0700 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 1355 Miles invites his former co-host, Creed, on to the show to talk about his first year at the US Airforce Academy. They discuss the lengthy application process, the initial shock of arriving at basic training in the summer, and the daily life on campus.

Later, Creed explains how the Airforce Academy has changed the person he is, and he gives advice to others who are considering attending a military academy.

To see the podcast Creed and Miles hosted together last year, click this link!  :
https://open.spotify.com/show/5uZ6v9hun86tdiI8eKqh9i?si=d55ba00439524f2c

]]> No Salmon Under the Stars: Tales from Nighttime Snorkeling 12 12 Salmon Under the Stars: Tales from Nighttime Snorkeling full 18b65552-051e-435c-97f7-dc888cc57405 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a31b4bb3 Miles Avilez sits down with Sergio Camacho, a former snorkeler for U.S Fish and Wildlife, who was tasked with monitoring the endangered  Chinook salmon in Lake Washington as well as their deteriorating habitat. Once a week, Sergio would suit up for a frigid all-night snorkel along the coastline—often the Mercer Island coastline—to take measurements of the salmon and track their location. Sergio shares the shocking and terrifying aspects of his former job, the fond memories he holds, and what his research accomplished.

]]> Miles Avilez sits down with Sergio Camacho, a former snorkeler for U.S Fish and Wildlife, who was tasked with monitoring the endangered  Chinook salmon in Lake Washington as well as their deteriorating habitat. Once a week, Sergio would suit up for a frigid all-night snorkel along the coastline—often the Mercer Island coastline—to take measurements of the salmon and track their location. Sergio shares the shocking and terrifying aspects of his former job, the fond memories he holds, and what his research accomplished.

]]> Tue, 25 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0700 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 874 Miles Avilez sits down with Sergio Camacho, a former snorkeler for U.S Fish and Wildlife, who was tasked with monitoring the endangered  Chinook salmon in Lake Washington as well as their deteriorating habitat. Once a week, Sergio would suit up for a frigid all-night snorkel along the coastline—often the Mercer Island coastline—to take measurements of the salmon and track their location. Sergio shares the shocking and terrifying aspects of his former job, the fond memories he holds, and what his research accomplished.

]]> No How the Media Divides Us 11 11 How the Media Divides Us full ac3de73d-080d-44b7-b757-7e1196fb2851 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2a118939 Miles sits down with Henry Brechter, the head editor of the popular news site AllSides.com, to discuss how media bias influences the political landscape, fuels polarization, and sows discord. Brechter discusses AllSides.com, explaining how it was created to counter media bias by showing "all sides" of any news issue. Additionally, Brechter reveals the tactics the media uses to push you in one direction or another.

]]> Miles sits down with Henry Brechter, the head editor of the popular news site AllSides.com, to discuss how media bias influences the political landscape, fuels polarization, and sows discord. Brechter discusses AllSides.com, explaining how it was created to counter media bias by showing "all sides" of any news issue. Additionally, Brechter reveals the tactics the media uses to push you in one direction or another.

]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0700 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 1122 Miles sits down with Henry Brechter, the head editor of the popular news site AllSides.com, to discuss how media bias influences the political landscape, fuels polarization, and sows discord. Brechter discusses AllSides.com, explaining how it was created to counter media bias by showing "all sides" of any news issue. Additionally, Brechter reveals the tactics the media uses to push you in one direction or another.

]]> No Reading my College Essay 10 10 Reading my College Essay full 30433d0a-00cf-4e26-b1bc-cea853e8c2d9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1ecda93f Miles goes solo on this episode, and talks college applications. He reads and gives his reaction to his college essay, then shares what he wished he would have known about the application process beforehand. You'll also get to hear the behind the scenes details of what Miles does at the station, and find out how he came to do this show.

]]> Miles goes solo on this episode, and talks college applications. He reads and gives his reaction to his college essay, then shares what he wished he would have known about the application process beforehand. You'll also get to hear the behind the scenes details of what Miles does at the station, and find out how he came to do this show.

]]> Tue, 28 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0700 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 999 Miles goes solo on this episode, and talks college applications. He reads and gives his reaction to his college essay, then shares what he wished he would have known about the application process beforehand. You'll also get to hear the behind the scenes details of what Miles does at the station, and find out how he came to do this show.

]]> No The truth about declining enrollment (featuring Superintendent Fred Rundle) 9 9 The truth about declining enrollment (featuring Superintendent Fred Rundle) full a56a10e8-eaca-4218-a02b-7c75a362ad9e https://share.transistor.fm/s/a12ce168 Miles interviews Superintendent Fred Rundle on the Mercer Island School District's problem with declining enrollment and why it is such a big issue. In this episode, they unpack the reasons for the low enrollment, the possibility of closing an elementary school, how low enrollment could impact teachers, and how the district is working to overcome the issue. 

]]> Miles interviews Superintendent Fred Rundle on the Mercer Island School District's problem with declining enrollment and why it is such a big issue. In this episode, they unpack the reasons for the low enrollment, the possibility of closing an elementary school, how low enrollment could impact teachers, and how the district is working to overcome the issue. 

]]> Tue, 14 Mar 2023 06:50:00 -0700 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 1562 Miles interviews Superintendent Fred Rundle on the Mercer Island School District's problem with declining enrollment and why it is such a big issue. In this episode, they unpack the reasons for the low enrollment, the possibility of closing an elementary school, how low enrollment could impact teachers, and how the district is working to overcome the issue. 

]]> No Combatting Home Burglaries on Mercer Island 8 8 Combatting Home Burglaries on Mercer Island full bf7c2e6d-724f-4901-abb5-56632596de9f https://share.transistor.fm/s/fb4035ea Miles speaks with Officer Foster Barragan of the MIPD about a recent string of home burglaries that occurred on the south end of Mercer Island. Barragan provides information on the case, breaks down the motivations and behaviors of thieves, and explains what you need to do to keep your house burglar-free

]]> Miles speaks with Officer Foster Barragan of the MIPD about a recent string of home burglaries that occurred on the south end of Mercer Island. Barragan provides information on the case, breaks down the motivations and behaviors of thieves, and explains what you need to do to keep your house burglar-free

]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0800 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 460 Miles speaks with Officer Foster Barragan of the MIPD about a recent string of home burglaries that occurred on the south end of Mercer Island. Barragan provides information on the case, breaks down the motivations and behaviors of thieves, and explains what you need to do to keep your house burglar-free

]]> No A Portrait Says a Thousand Words... 7 7 A Portrait Says a Thousand Words... full c4d96d69-89af-4516-99a0-25c07066d09c https://share.transistor.fm/s/6c2ec549 Seattle Artist Al Doggett joins the show to discuss a portrait he created that is displayed at Mercer Island High School. The portrait depicts Dr Stanley Ann Dunham—the mother of President Barack Obama and a 1960 graduate of MIHS. Al walks us through the journey of his career including how he became an artist, what kind of work he does, and how he survived the shift from hand-drawn to digital graphic design mid-career.

]]> Seattle Artist Al Doggett joins the show to discuss a portrait he created that is displayed at Mercer Island High School. The portrait depicts Dr Stanley Ann Dunham—the mother of President Barack Obama and a 1960 graduate of MIHS. Al walks us through the journey of his career including how he became an artist, what kind of work he does, and how he survived the shift from hand-drawn to digital graphic design mid-career.

]]> Wed, 04 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0800 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 1952 Seattle Artist Al Doggett joins the show to discuss a portrait he created that is displayed at Mercer Island High School. The portrait depicts Dr Stanley Ann Dunham—the mother of President Barack Obama and a 1960 graduate of MIHS. Al walks us through the journey of his career including how he became an artist, what kind of work he does, and how he survived the shift from hand-drawn to digital graphic design mid-career. Seattle Artist Al Doggett joins the show to discuss a portrait he created that is displayed at Mercer Island High School. The portrait depicts Dr Stanley Ann Dunham—the mother of President Barack Obama and a 1960 graduate of MIHS. Al walks us through the No Mercer Island Parks get an upgrade 6 6 Mercer Island Parks get an upgrade full 932362b6-5d0f-4246-b4f3-64eab90865ef https://share.transistor.fm/s/182375d3 Sam Harb and Alaine Sommergren of the Mercer Island Parks and Rec Department share the details of a recently passed levy that provides additional funding for parks. They discuss the two main upgrades from the levy, those being more funding for forest restoration in Pioneer Park, and more funding for the replacement of playground equipment.

]]> Sam Harb and Alaine Sommergren of the Mercer Island Parks and Rec Department share the details of a recently passed levy that provides additional funding for parks. They discuss the two main upgrades from the levy, those being more funding for forest restoration in Pioneer Park, and more funding for the replacement of playground equipment.

]]> Wed, 30 Nov 2022 19:01:55 -0800 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 930 Sam Harb and Alaine Sommergren of the Mercer Island Parks and Rec Department share the details of a recently passed levy that provides additional funding for parks. They discuss the two main upgrades from the levy, those being more funding for forest restoration in Pioneer Park, and more funding for the replacement of playground equipment. Sam Harb and Alaine Sommergren of the Mercer Island Parks and Rec Department share the details of a recently passed levy that provides additional funding for parks. They discuss the two main upgrades from the levy, those being more funding for forest rest No Teaching the Next Generation of Storytellers 5 5 Teaching the Next Generation of Storytellers full c79271ae-2bbb-4c96-aa5c-5637031dd00a https://share.transistor.fm/s/c16f1ce4 Miles talks with Michael Ketchum, the teacher of Mercer Island High School's new "Media Technology" class, about his career through the years. Michael has served in the navy, owned a restaurant, worked as program manager of allrecipes.com, and has since become a freelance film producer and the teacher of Media Tech. In Michael's class, storytelling is above all else, and video is the tool that allows students to tell these stories.

]]> Miles talks with Michael Ketchum, the teacher of Mercer Island High School's new "Media Technology" class, about his career through the years. Michael has served in the navy, owned a restaurant, worked as program manager of allrecipes.com, and has since become a freelance film producer and the teacher of Media Tech. In Michael's class, storytelling is above all else, and video is the tool that allows students to tell these stories.

]]> Wed, 09 Nov 2022 18:43:49 -0800 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 1232 Miles talks with Michael Ketchum, the teacher of Mercer Island High School's new "Media Technology" class, about his career through the years. Michael has served in the navy, owned a restaurant, worked as program manager of allrecipes.com, and has since become a freelance film producer and the teacher of Media Tech. In Michael's class, storytelling is above all else, and video is the tool that allows students to tell these stories. Miles talks with Michael Ketchum, the teacher of Mercer Island High School's new "Media Technology" class, about his career through the years. Michael has served in the navy, owned a restaurant, worked as program manager of allrecipes.com, and has since b No Sleepless in Mercer Island 4 4 Sleepless in Mercer Island full 16b6c7ad-b973-462d-b076-6b7c7d191dcd https://share.transistor.fm/s/645ff55c The streets of Mercer Island are alive in the middle of the night. From shoplifters to Pokémon Go players to police on their patrol routes, there is so much to be seen when the sun goes down. David King, a Mercer Islander with insomnia, recounts the crazy experiences he's had while walking the streets of Mercer Island in the middle of the night. He explains why he enjoys his night-walks so much and why you should give it a try...

]]> The streets of Mercer Island are alive in the middle of the night. From shoplifters to Pokémon Go players to police on their patrol routes, there is so much to be seen when the sun goes down. David King, a Mercer Islander with insomnia, recounts the crazy experiences he's had while walking the streets of Mercer Island in the middle of the night. He explains why he enjoys his night-walks so much and why you should give it a try...

]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2022 21:23:24 -0700 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 1693 The streets of Mercer Island are alive in the middle of the night. From shoplifters to Pokémon Go players to police on their patrol routes, there is so much to be seen when the sun goes down. David King, a Mercer Islander with insomnia, recounts the crazy experiences he's had while walking the streets of Mercer Island in the middle of the night. He explains why he enjoys his night-walks so much and why you should give it a try... The streets of Mercer Island are alive in the middle of the night. From shoplifters to Pokémon Go players to police on their patrol routes, there is so much to be seen when the sun goes down. David King, a Mercer Islander with insomnia, recounts the crazy No The Fight for Women's Rights in Iran 3 3 The Fight for Women's Rights in Iran full 844fc40f-d511-4b8f-9f57-e0a13b1083da https://share.transistor.fm/s/b84bedc5 Protests have erupted across Iran after Mahsa Amini was wrongfully killed for refusing to wear a hijab. Protestors call for revolution and an end to the reign of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Anahita, a second generation Iranian Immigrant, shares her perspective on the movement and what the future may look like for Iranian citizens.

]]> Protests have erupted across Iran after Mahsa Amini was wrongfully killed for refusing to wear a hijab. Protestors call for revolution and an end to the reign of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Anahita, a second generation Iranian Immigrant, shares her perspective on the movement and what the future may look like for Iranian citizens.

]]> Wed, 19 Oct 2022 23:03:00 -0700 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 500 Protests have erupted across Iran after Mahsa Amini was wrongfully killed for refusing to wear a hijab. Protestors call for revolution and an end to the reign of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Anahita, a second generation Iranian Immigrant, shares her perspective on the movement and what the future may look like for Iranian citizens. Protests have erupted across Iran after Mahsa Amini was wrongfully killed for refusing to wear a hijab. Protestors call for revolution and an end to the reign of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Anahita, a second generation Iranian Immigrant, shares h No How Russians are Reacting to the War in Ukraine 2 2 How Russians are Reacting to the War in Ukraine full d69c0d01-fa7d-4e93-ac4a-56c49f86dca0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3f9716b9 Miles speaks with Tolly, an MIHS student who has family currently living Russia. Tolly gives the inside scoop on Russian attitudes towards the war, how propaganda has affected its citizens, and how thoughts are starting to shift among Russia's youth. Tolly suggests that Russia's failure to overcome a NATO-backed Ukraine will lead to a revolution in Russia.

]]> Miles speaks with Tolly, an MIHS student who has family currently living Russia. Tolly gives the inside scoop on Russian attitudes towards the war, how propaganda has affected its citizens, and how thoughts are starting to shift among Russia's youth. Tolly suggests that Russia's failure to overcome a NATO-backed Ukraine will lead to a revolution in Russia.

]]> Wed, 12 Oct 2022 22:11:56 -0700 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 1153 Miles speaks with Tolly, an MIHS student who has family currently living Russia. Tolly gives the inside scoop on Russian attitudes towards the war, how propaganda has affected its citizens, and how thoughts are starting to shift among Russia's youth. Tolly suggests that Russia's failure to overcome a NATO-backed Ukraine will lead to a revolution in Russia. Miles speaks with Tolly, an MIHS student who has family currently living Russia. Tolly gives the inside scoop on Russian attitudes towards the war, how propaganda has affected its citizens, and how thoughts are starting to shift among Russia's youth. Toll No A Humanitarian Crisis in Tigray 1 1 A Humanitarian Crisis in Tigray full 55ab504e-0807-49cd-9226-57a5cd9ebb33 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a178a591 Miles Avilez interviews Tech Specialist and ethnic Tigrayan, Beniam Yetbarek, on the dire state of the war and humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia. In Tigray millions of civilians are stuck behind the blockade, being deprived of food and water. Miles and Beniam discuss the origin of the war, Beniam's family still in Tigray, the current situation on the ground, and what you can do to help.

]]> Miles Avilez interviews Tech Specialist and ethnic Tigrayan, Beniam Yetbarek, on the dire state of the war and humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia. In Tigray millions of civilians are stuck behind the blockade, being deprived of food and water. Miles and Beniam discuss the origin of the war, Beniam's family still in Tigray, the current situation on the ground, and what you can do to help.

]]> Sun, 02 Oct 2022 23:18:04 -0700 KMIH 88.9 The Bridge KMIH 88.9 The Bridge 738 Miles Avilez interviews Tech Specialist and ethnic Tigrayan, Beniam Yetbarek, on the dire state of the war and humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia. In Tigray millions of civilians are stuck behind the blockade, being deprived of food and water. Miles and Beniam discuss the origin of the war, Beniam's family still in Tigray, the current situation on the ground, and what you can do to help. Miles Avilez interviews Tech Specialist and ethnic Tigrayan, Beniam Yetbarek, on the dire state of the war and humanitarian crisis in Tigray, Ethiopia. In Tigray millions of civilians are stuck behind the blockade, being deprived of food and water. Miles No