Sullivan’s Unheard Voices goes live from the World Beat Festival for a vibrant episode celebrating multiculturalism, community, and the beauty of cultures from around the world. Surrounded by music, food, art, and traditions from many different communities, this special live recording captures the energy of a festival built on connection, celebration, and shared experience.

In this episode, we highlight why it matters to honor and uplift cultures from across the globe. Through conversation and storytelling, Sullivan’s Unheard Voices continues its mission of amplifying diverse voices and recognizing the value of inclusion, representation, and cultural exchange.

Invicta rolls into Sullivan’s Backstage Pass like a thunderclap in steel-toed boots — loud, fast, unfiltered, and absolutely locked in. Shawn Sullivan sits down with a band that doesn’t just play metal, they live** it, and the conversation digs into their roots, the story behind the name Invicta, the chaos and joy of live shows, and the raw truth that nobody needs to be in a mosh pit to belong at a metal show.**

What really comes through is that these aren’t just professional musicians grinding through another set. They’re solid, down-to-earth guys who genuinely respect one another, and that brotherhood is all over the way they talk, joke, and play together. You can hear it in the chemistry, see it in the way they move on stage, and feel it in the way they back each other up — these dudes know how to throw down, but they also know how to look out for their bandmates. It shows.

From punk and thrash scars to metal muscle memory, Invicta talks about chasing the muse, keeping shows unpredictable, and turning every performance into a full-contact experience without losing the human side of it. It’s a gritty, high-voltage ride through the mind of a band that’s loud on purpose, sharp as hell, and somehow still grounded enough to be the kind of guys you’d want to share a stage, a beer, or a war story with.

Sullivan’s Backstage Pass sits down with musician, writer, and storyteller Ken Scholes for a rich conversation about songwriting, live performance, creativity, and the lifelong journey of becoming fully yourself. Ken shares how storytelling has shaped his music from the beginning, how his artistic path has evolved over time, and why connection, compassion, and honest expression matter so much in both art and life.In this episode, Ken reflects on:The role storytelling plays in songwriting.His path from ministry to music and fiction writing.What live performance gives both the artist and the audience.How personal growth and human connection shape his creative work.If you enjoy acoustic music, thoughtful interviews, and real conversations with artists who have something meaningful to say, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Sullivan’s Backstage Pass for more conversations with musicians, writers, and creative voices worth hearing.

In this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Shawn sits down with Terry from Salem Multicultural Institute and World Beat to talk about the power of cultural celebration, community connection, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. Terry shares the inspiring story behind Salem Multicultural’s origins, the impact of the World Beat Festival, and why building understanding across cultures matters now more than ever.They also explore how World Beat goes beyond entertainment by creating an experience rooted in accessibility and inclusion, with sensory-friendly support, volunteer opportunities, and a festival environment designed to welcome people of all abilities. Just as important, the conversation highlights how peace starts at the community level through curiosity, empathy, and simple human connection.From music, food, storytelling, dance, and art to the deeper work of breaking down fear and isolation, this episode is a reminder that culture brings people together in powerful ways. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about belonging, respect, and the beauty of learning from one another.#SullivansUnheardVoices #WorldBeatFestival #SalemMulticultural #PodcastInterview #Community #Culture #Inclusion #Accessibility #Multiculturalism #Peace

Anni Piper joins the show to share her journey from Sydney, Australia, to the blues-rock scene, talking about her musical roots, gritty vocals, songwriting process, live performance, and the stories behind her latest music. She opens up about creativity, family, touring, and how real-life experiences shape the songs she writes.

In this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, Shawn Sullivan sits down with guitar powerhouse Rafael Tranquilino for a conversation about music, family, discipline, and the real meaning of connection on stage. Rafael shares how growing up in a musical family in Mexico City shaped his path, how his father pushed him to study and keep improving, and why he still believes the best performances come from humility, groove, and heart.

They also dig into what makes a great band, why respect and professionalism matter, and how live music is really about creating something special for the audience—not just showing off. Rafael opens up about his journey from early piano lessons and first gigs as a kid to becoming a respected blues guitarist, bandleader, and producer. If you love blues, guitar, live performance, and honest stories about the grind behind the music, this one belongs in your queue.

In this episode of Sullivan’s Unheard Voices, Shawn sits down with Karolle Hughes, owner of Books-N-Time, an independent bookstore in Silverton, Oregon, for a conversation about books, reading, local business, community support, and the importance of shopping local. This episode is perfect for viewers searching for Oregon podcasts, bookstore interviews, small business stories, independent bookstore content, community-based podcasts, and local business support.

Karolle shares how a lifelong love of books led her from volunteering at the shop to becoming the owner of Books-N-Time, and how the bookstore has become a welcoming space for readers, neighbors, and families in Silverton and the surrounding Oregon community. The conversation explores why independent bookstores matter, how personal customer service sets local shops apart, and why supporting small businesses helps keep money in the community.

This episode also dives into reading for children, graphic novels for reluctant readers, book recommendations, books that change lives, and the lasting impact of reading on young minds. Karolle talks about the joy of discovering new authors, the value of hardbacks and trade paperbacks, and the unique role bookstores play in preserving local culture and connection.

If you enjoy podcasts about books, author discussions, independent bookstores, Oregon small business owners, community storytelling, local culture, and thoughtful conversations about reading and connection, this episode is for you. Sullivan’s Unheard Voices highlights the people, stories, and places that make a community stronger.

Topics covered: independent bookstore, Books-N-Time, Silverton Oregon, community podcast, local business, reading culture, children’s books, graphic novels, book recommendations, supporting local, small business ownership, Oregon podcast, bookstore interview, community storytelling.

#BooksNTime #SilvertonOregon #IndependentBookstore #CommunityPodcast #OregonPodcast #LocalBusiness #SmallBusiness #BookPodcast #ReadingCommunity #SupportLocal #BooksStore #BookstoreInterview #SullivansUnheardVoices

On this episode of Sullivan’s Backstage Pass, Shawn Sullivan sits down with Anthony Estrada for a deep and soulful conversation about the roots of the blues, the power of live performance, and the lifelong journey of becoming a musician. Ant shares his origin story, from beating on a drum as a child to developing a sound shaped by family, faith, and the legends who helped define the blues.

This conversation dives into the heart of music history, the spirit of local jams, the realities of being a working musician, and why blues remains the foundation of so much of the music we hear today. Anthony also speaks openly about mental health, resilience, and the role music can play in healing, making this episode both inspiring and unforgettable. If you love blues history, artist origin stories, and honest conversations about the music life, this episode belongs in your queue.