This summer, The Headwaters podcast returns for its highly anticipated fourth season, offering listeners a fresh lineup of compelling stories from across the Columbia Basin. Produced by Kootenay Mountain Culture Productions in partnership with Columbia Basin Trust, the new season promises another deep dive into the people, places, and issues that define this unique region.
Executive producer and host Mitchell Scott shares that Season 4 is about digging even deeper. “Our reporters went a little deeper this year,” says Scott. “The first three episodes take you into the sun and wind of Lake Life, on wild mountain adventures in The Epics, and through the region’s past in Heritage Heroes, where we speak to Basin residents who’ve dedicated their lives to preserving some of our most beloved structures.”
In total, ten new episodes will be released, with new content launching weekly through September 11. Listeners can expect a wide range of topics—from reflections on life and death to the importance of preserving starry night skies, the magnetic pull of geology and snow, and even a playful investigation into the local rodent population. A new segment, Tiny Towns, shines a light on the small communities often overlooked on the map.
First launched in May 2022, The Headwaters has released 30 episodes to date, earning glowing reviews and high listener ratings—5.0 stars on Spotify and 4.8 on Apple Podcasts. With over 42,000 downloads, the podcast now ranks in the top 20% of all shows in the medium.
“Season four of The Headwaters continues to capture the spirit of the Columbia Basin—its people, places and possibilities,” says Delphi Hoodicoff, Executive Director, Communications at Columbia Basin Trust. “From life on the lake and backcountry adventures, to volunteerism, heritage and even meteors, these episodes reflect the unique stories that connect us to this region and to each other. We’re proud to help share these voices and perspectives, rooted in the Basin.”
To tune in, search for The Headwaters wherever you get your podcasts. For more information, visit headwaterspodcast.com, ourtrust.org, or kootenaymountainculture.com, and follow their social media channels for the latest updates. And for new listeners, the recently launched Bonus “Best Of” episode offers a curated introduction to some of the most memorable stories from Seasons 1 through 3.
