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Won't Take No For An Answer: Sound Effect Episode 117

This week on Sound Effect, we hear stories of people who refused to give up.

Billy Idolator

Michael Henreichsen developed a fascination with a particular musician: Billy Idol. Michael saw him live a few times, including a show at Tulalip Casino just north of Everett. And something about that show left kind of a sour taste in his mouth. That launched a quixotic two-year quest to get Billy Idol to come to Seattle, and play a live show at his birthday party. 

Blind Sailor

Mohamed Farid took a class at a local sailing club to learn how to operate a type of boat called a keelboat. He passed all of the tests, but the sailing club still will not let Mohamed captain a boat alone. They’re concerned about his safety, given that Mohamed is legally blind. But that hasn't stopped him from wanted to captain his own ship. 

A "Dreamer’s" Fight

After the presidential election, Ana Ramirez decided to run for office herself. She campaigned for Vice President for Governmental Affairs at Western Washington University. She came up with a platform, and put up posters. Then election night came around: She won, and then the real fight began.

Don’t Tell Me Girls Can’t Box

Tricia Arcaro Turton says she was never one to be discouraged just because someone tells her she can’t do something. So she underwent grueling training, and eventually became a professional boxer. She’d rack up 8 wins and 4 losses before retiring in 2005, and now has her own gym.

Olympia Homeless Shelter

Meg Martin saw a need. She and a few friends came up with the idea for a low-barrier shelter. The Interfaith Works Emergency Overnight Shelter serves Olympia's homeless,and doesn't turn people away if they are addicted to drugs or have mental illness. Meg faced a lot of resistance and anger from the community when she tried to open the shelter a few years ago, but refused to concede defeat. 

Sound Effect is your weekly tour of ideas, inspired by the place we live. The show is hosted by KNKX's Gabriel Spitzer

Kevin Kniestedt is a journalist, host and producer who began his career at KNKX in 2003. Over his 17 years with the station, he worked as a full time jazz host, a news host and produced the weekly show Sound Effect. Kevin has conducted or produced hundreds of interviews, has won local and national awards for newscasts and commentary.