City Cast Seattle

Today on the podcast, interim host Liam Billingham is joined by Kelabe Tewolde and Jaelynn Scott, candidates for House Position 1 and 2 in Seattle’s 37th District, to discuss the uniqueness of the 37th, why they want to represent it, and what are the biggest issues facing the area. They discuss how education can be a way to reduce crime, bringing down the cost of childcare and housing, how to protect their residents from ICE, and why they decided not to run against each other for the same seat. 

Learn more about the sponsors of thi...

City Cast Partner Studios presents Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy, a five-part series on what a fair economy looks like in King County, told through the people building it. Celeste Levy, Communications Coordinator at the Statewide Poverty Action Network, and Danielle Palmer Friedman, Communications Lead at the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, join Jane C. Hu on this episode of Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy to talk about why housing stability and a basic income floor are the foundation everything else is built on. They dig into what the Poverty Action Network...

Happy Monday! We’re jumping on the feed real quick to let you know we’re taking this week off from the podcast to plan our next steps as we look for a new host. But don’t worry: you can still read the newsletter, check us out on Instagram or TikTok, and even listen to some bonus segments (if you’re a neighbor, that is). We’ll see you again with a brand new episode a week from today, October 26. Have a great week, Seattle!

Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagr...

Today on the podcast, interim host Liam Billingham is joined by the Urbanist’s Amy Sundberg and activist Maria Abando of Whose Streets? Our Streets! to help Seattle understand the difference between CCTV, ALPR, SDOT, and private cameras like Ring.  They also get into why Seattle residents should be concerned about the scope of surveillance in the city. Then Liam is joined by regular contributors Erica C. Barnett of PubliCola and Lex Vaughn of the Needling to talk about District 8’s Seattle Stands With Survivors, Every Step campaign, how it hopes to get funded, and what we need to see c...

Between an aging fleet and the recent sickout drawing attention to pay disparities, the Washington State Ferry system runs on a razor's edge. Fill-in host Liam Billingham asks contributors Hannah Krieg and Chase Hutchinson what’s happened since 119 ferry workers requested sick leave on the same day, and if the state is taking our ferry system seriously enough. Then, Hannah breaks down her reporting on the big business money flooding into a tight 48th District legislative race, and Chase shares his recommendations for this weekend’s Seattle Trans Underground Film Festival. Plus, just in time for Halloween, Liam and Chas...

Next week, City Council will vote on a proposed $5 million assistance program for vehicle residents. Why is this legislation drawing criticism from groups like the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness? We sat down with Dee Williams, a former vehicle resident, to understand the pushback. Then, contributor Brett Hamil joins Liam and Ashley to discuss a right-wing influencer’s attempts to “expose” EBT customers at a local seafood store, Fred Meyer’s inventory robot, and updates on some of our favorite critters. Will you let your dog play with the newly-released Jimothy chew toy from Costco, or will you keep him...

Ana Gaeta, Communications Manager at the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County, and Deric Gruen, Lab Leader at People's Economy Lab, join City Cast Seattle Host Jane C. Hu on this final episode of Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy to talk about what real dignity and real power look like for workers in King County. They dig into what happens when the Workforce Development Council hands people cash with no strings attached, how a group of renters in Brighton bought their own apartment building instead of getting pushed out, and the agency — the ability to choose yo...

Today on the podcast, we revisit a conversation Jane had earlier this year with celebrity chef, author, and Seattleite Kenji López-Alt. They talk about Seattle’s food scene, Kenji’s version of a girl dinner, what to feed picky kids, and lots more. Then Jane, creative producer Sam, and executive producer Ashley review two so-called “historic” American Girl dolls who hail from Seattle… in 1999. If you enjoy the last segment, there are lots more like it: sign up to get weekly bonus segments for City Cast Seattle neighbors (and ad-free listening). 

Learn more about the sp...

Today, Jane C. Hu hosts her last episode of City Cast Seattle (unless we can drag her back). She speaks with Madison Jones of Seattle Gay News about the concerning news that the Seattle LGBTQ+ Center has been ordered to send HIV/STI blood samples to a facility in Texas as part of a cost-saving measure, according to the Washington Department of Health. Madison explains why giving data to a state like Texas is concerning for transgender and queer people in general.

Next, Jane is joined by Liam and Sam to talk about Seattle’s weird, analog fl...

A team of UW researchers is developing vaccines that could prevent opioid overdoses by blocking the drug from reaching the brain. Host Jane C. Hu sits down with researcher Marco Pravetoni to discuss a future where anyone at risk of being exposed to opioids could simply take a yearly shot. Then, Jane is joined by Kika Westoff, co-owner of new local deli Friends of Carmela, and local sandwich queen Zoe Kahn to dig into what it actually takes to keep a small business alive in Seattle right now. They break down the cost of labor, ingredients, and rent and...

Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by Stan Shikuma, co-chair of Tsuru for Solidarity’s leadership council, organizer, and a descendant of Poston and Tule Lake Concentration Camps, to discuss their upcoming Free Families Pilgrimage, a 48-mile walk across Puget Sound calling for an end to family and child detention. Then, Jane is joined (for the last time 😞) by contributors Brett Hamil and Chase Hutchinson to discuss the recent AI protests across Washington state, the upcoming Oscar-qualifying festival at The Tasveer Film Center (and what exactly Oscar-qualifying means), and what the Paramount Warner Brothers Discovery means for Seattle. Speak...

After the Pike Place Market pilot, a new car-free experiment will be taking place on University Ave. Host Jane C. Hu talks to urbanist organizer L. Harrison Jerome about what they hope to accomplish by shutting down the street to cars. Then, Jane is joined by contributors Hannah Krieg and Ryan Packer to discuss the Washington State Ferry engineers' ask for better pay by coordinating a mass call out sick. Hannah and Ryan also discuss UW employees and students pushing back on proposed changes to the Student Code of Conduct, asking for protections for trans workers and limits on...

Where can you find the best pumpkin spice lattes in Seattle? Heather Phan Nguyen went all-in on a PSL rankings project, so we brought her on the podcast to talk with host Jane C. Hu and Executive Producer Ashley Smith about what inspired this undertaking, what really makes a good PSL, and favorite local spots. Then, Creative Producers Liam Billingham and Sam J. Leeds hop on the mic to celebrate Liam's first Seattle-versary and test him on his local knowledge. Finally, we dig into the mailbag and share listener feedback on e-scooters, Seattle karaoke, and more. We also mention...

Today on the podcast, Jane gets an insider perspective on how difficult it is to navigate the city’s regulatory system for local businesses from Vince Vu, founder of Anh Oi, a Vietnamese bakeshop. Then Erica C Barnett, founder of PubliCola and host of the Seattle Nice podcast, and Sam J Leeds, creative producer, join Jane to unpack a series of reports on Seattle’s surveillance systems and get the lowdown on how the budget has been going over with City Council. (Hint: poorly!) Plus, if you are a City Cast Seattle neighbor, Jane, Sam, and Executive Producer Ashley Smit...

Is it really a buyer’s market in Seattle? Host Jane C. Hu talks with real estate broker Posey Gruener and Daryl Fairweather, Redfin’s chief economist, about the state of the city’s real estate market, neighborhood trends, and what’s behind the changes in home prices. Then, artist and activist Julie Chang Schulman and journalist and critic Chase Hutchinson join Jane to get into the open letter that Julie and others sent to Mayor Katie Wilson and the city council, which proposed 2027 budget investments in public art and cultural activations, and the public safety ramifications of this. Finally...

Fall is here, with Halloween right around the corner, and we’ve got Seattle-specific costume ideas for you (Jimothy is just the beginning)! In this episode, you’ll hear the best places to go leaf peeping, how to celebrate National Book Month, and our favorite autumn traditions. And if you love Liam’s horror movie recs, don’t miss his guide to Seattle’s best movie theaters! Finally, here's how to host a Trick-or-Streets celebration on your block.

For even more tips on how to make the most of October in Seattle, check out our newsle...

2004 was the year indie rock exploded on the music scene — at least, that’s according to a new podcast that launched last week. Host Jane C. Hu and Creative Producer Liam Billingham talk with Melissa Locker, executive producer of “2004: The Year Indie Rock Broke” and founder of Nevermind Media, about what was happening musically in the early aughts, and what that looked like in the Pacific Northwest. Then, to celebrate National Coffee Day, contributor Hannah Krieg joins Jane and Liam to chat about Seattle's coffee history, what the city is doing well, and what's missing in the coffee scene. And fina...

The Washington Department of Corrections has used solitary confinement for decades, often in violation of UN rules. Could a neuroscience researcher studying bumblebees change that? Host Jane C. Hu talks with journalist Carolyn Bick about UW neuroscience researcher Micaela Romero's findings and what they reveal about solitary confinement’s psychological impact. Then, Seattle journalist Jonathan Zwickel and CHUM News co-founder Meron Menghistab dig into Pioneer Square's varied and queer history and its recent resurgence as a fashion destination. To round things out, Jane talks with New Affection designer Siobhan Teahan and writer Andrew Matson about Seattle's globally influential style.

Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by two first-timers to City Cast Seattle, Amy Sundberg, reporter at The Urbanist, and Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton, business reporter at The Seattle Times. First, Amy, Megan, and Jane break down what’s in Katie Wilson’s budget for 2027, including questions about the lack of revenue options and the increase in the police budget. Then, Megan talks about the history and craft of Seattle’s neon signs, why they could go away, and why Seattle is a neon sign town. After Megan and Amy head back to their newsrooms, Jane is joined by UW Pro...

Host Jane C. Hu talks with Shane Wahlund and Michael Anderson, co-hosts of Collide-O-Scope, about how Seattle’s image on film has shifted over time and what they’ve learned from years of sorting through vintage video, found footage, and decades of film. The duo discuss their show “Once Upon a Time in Seattle,” from decades of car chases to Elvis sightings, and a surprisingly gritty Pike Place Market. Then, contributor Chase Hutchinson and creative producer Sam J. Leeds join to celebrate some genuinely good news: the Grand Illusion Cinema is coming back to the U District! Plus, Jane, Sam, and...

Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by contributor Brett Hamil and creative producer Liam Billingham, both non-robots. Jane runs down the Archie McPhee saga, and then Liam, Brett, and Jane discuss owner Mark Pahlow’s apology, as well as discuss what responsibility consumers have in knowing what their money is supporting. Then the trio discuss former Councilmember Sarah Nelson’s new initiative, CivicTide, which uses AI to track city council legislation and “solve for the hassle of civic engagement.” They discuss the challenges of civic engagement, ways to improve how our city reports information, and why the ‘neutral’ style of AI...

City Council and Mayor Wilson have been busy: a landmark ordinance protecting polyamorous people and diverse family structures just passed unanimously, a new city budget drops today, and grocery stores are threatening to cancel loyalty programs over a potential dynamic pricing ban. Host Jane C. Hu sits down with guest Andy Engelson, founder of Cascadia Journal, and contributor Ryan Packer to break it all down. Plus, fall is here, and new Amtrak trains are coming, so Jane and our two self-described train nerds discuss the launch of the new Airo trains and other exciting fall activities.

<...

Today on the podcast, it’s all about books! Jane is joined by Diana Le, writer and publisher at Girl Noise Press, and Katie Lee Ellison, author and founder of Nonfiction for No Reason, to talk about starting your own local publishing house, the realities of the book industry right now, and what they are reading or looking forward to this fall. Katie’s profile of Diana and Girl Noise Press will be available in CHUM in October. Then, City Cast Seattle’s Head Honcho/Executive Producer Ashley Smith and old man/Creative Producer Liam Billingham join to do a Mond...

With all the headlines in the last few weeks, it’s hard to parse what is happening with AI – the bot swarms, the threats to humanity (?!) and the new report saying the city is overly dependent on tech money. Host Jane C. Hu talks with Todd Bishop, GeekWire's editor and co-founder, and Alex Halverson, tech reporter at The Seattle Times, to parse through the noise and understand what’s really going on. Then, Stesha Brandon, literature and humanities program manager at The Seattle Public Library, and producer Sam J Leeds join to talk about this year's Seattle Reads pick — a progra...

Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by Camille Hermida-Fuentes, co-director of the Local Sightings Film Festival at Northwest Film Forum, which starts this weekend and features local films made by local filmmakers. Camille and regular contributor Chase Hutchinson (who else, really?) discuss what they are most excited to see, and how Northwest Film Forum is trying to make movie-making accessible to all Seattleites. Then Jane and Chase are joined by resident film guy and producer Liam Billingham to discuss the fact that we’re living in a golden age of absurd documentaries, and how that connects to the ci...

City Cast Partner Studios presents Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy, a five-part series on what a fair economy looks like in King County, told through the people building it.

In this episode of Weaving Our Future: Stories for a Fair Economy, Jane speaks with Tristen Hall, co-lead of the King County Early Learning Coalition, and Carlina Brown-Banks, executive director of Voice2Power Lab and a member of the Be3 Coalition, about why early learning and K-12 education aren't nearly as separate as Washington's funding system treats them. They get into why coalition work can...

A beautiful but deadly beetle has arrived in Washington for the first time, and host Jane C. Hu talks with Daria Gosztyla,  an urban and community forestry planner with the Washington Department of Natural Resources, about what the emerald ash borer could mean for Seattle's trees, salmon habitat, and urban ecosystems. But first, Brett Hamil returns to the contributor’s side of the mic along with Eula Scott Bynoe to dig into Seattle Public Schools' new staff contract and recess length, Mayor Wilson's gun violence reduction plan, Macklemore getting dropped from Ed Sheeran's tour for saying "Free Palestine," and the...

Jane’s back from vacation! And she needs to know what’s going on, so contributors Lex Vaughn and Hannah Krieg join to update her on all she missed: Civil rights protections for polyamorous people, grocery pricing protections, Seattle Public School and AI, and more! Next, they cover some national news that has local relevance (Are you registered to vote?) like the end of the current Cyclospora outbreak, bad news from the EPA, and the new foldable iPhone. Finally, Jane asks Lex and Hannah what the people in their life are discussing! They cover cars driving where they shouldn’t, whe...

For Brett Hamil’s last day as fill-in host, contributor Guy Oron and producer Sam J Leeds join to dig into the real numbers behind Seattle's public safety conversation and why traffic fatalities might deserve as much alarm as gun violence. Then, Sam unearths the surprisingly sweet origin story of Seattle's P-Patch community gardens, from a Boeing-bust-era neighbor's idea to 91 gardens donating 41,000 pounds of food a year. Plus, a new city ordinance aims to protect homeowners from predatory real estate solicitations, and SEA's Spot Saver program is on its way out.

Learn more about th...

With school (almost not) back in session, Brett is joined by Seattle Times Reporter Claire Bryan to discuss the school year that almost wasn’t, whether or not SPS is really broke, and with other cities severely limiting AI or outright restricting AI, what is Seattle Public Schools’ plan? Joining Claire and Brett is PubliCola’s Erica C. Barnett, who also breaks down her story about the botched communications that occurred in the hours after the Bite of Seattle shooting, and how recently released Teams messages and texts shed light on delays by SPD. Finally, Brett is joined by produc...

Brett Hamil is back as guest host to explain why a supervillain showed up to give public comment at a Seattle City Council meeting and other recent political theater in the city. He’s joined by contributors Hannah Krieg and Ryan Packer to break down Dr. Doom’s surveillance camera stunt, why the Route 8 bus is now outpacing all but the fastest pedestrians (sprinters), and which Washington cities are out-progressing Seattle on transit. Plus, when did Tesla start test-driving autonomous cabs on Seattle streets? Then, Skate Park Advisory Committee member Tobias Coughlin-Bogue joins to discuss the new Rainier Beach skat...

Today on the podcast, Brett Hamil (and his soothing NPR voice) joins as guest host to discuss all the news from over the long weekend. First off, they discuss the good news that Bumbershoot went off without a hitch, but Belltown faced 3 shootings in just 24 hours. What does that say about public safety in Seattle? Then, the trio move on to a midweek medley about the Seattle Times’ complicated AI position, Beehive Espresso workers getting overdue pay, and the longest strike in Washington history at Embassy Suites in Pioneer Square. Finally, they celebrate the good news that Beth’s Cafe...

Today on the podcast, we’re revisiting a conversation from earlier this year about one of Seattle’s most iconic works of art: the Fremont Troll. Steve Badanes, who designed and built the troll, gives Jane and Sam the whole story on how it came to be. He also talks about the state of public art in Seattle, and its past and future.  

But first, we revisit a conversation that seems to come up in Seattle fairly regularly: Does Green Lake need more light? Jan, Sam, and Liam debate. 

Learn more about the sponsors of this...

Today on the podcast, Bumbershoot is back! Executive Producer Ashley Smith – who is filling in for Jane – and producer Sam J. Leeds are joined by music journalist Martin Douglas to dig into the festival's history, its wildest moments (a literal flaming pond, Method Man's weed compliments), and the must-see acts. Ashley and Sam also speak with Marybeth Berney about Federal Way’s new massage ordinance and its role in a statewide push to crack down on massage parlors. Marybeth, former president of the Washington State Massage Therapy Association, breaks down what the changes mean for licensed massage therapists and the wo...

Have you heard of the Roadless Rule? Today on the podcast, Jane speaks with UW Professor Julian Olden about the news that the Trump administration has formally proposed its removal, and why it could lead to more fires and affect our drinking water (and beer!). Then we revisit two conversations about how the current administration’s policies are affecting Washington. The first is a chat from April between Jane and contributors Guy Oron and Andy Engleson about the dismantling of the Forest Service and what it means for our hiking trails. Finally, we spoke with Teresa Mosqueda back in Ja...

Come November, Seattleites living in District 5 will vote on a new city council member who will fill the seat vacated by Cathy Moore last year and temporarily filled by Debora Juarez. In the August primary, candidates Nilu Jenks and Julie Kang advanced to the general with 54% and 33% of the vote, respectively. On today’s episode, both candidates join us on the show to talk through the top issues facing their district and the city council. And finally, the City Cast Seattle team, Host, Jane C. Hu, Executive Producer, Ashley Smith, and Creative Producer, Liam Billingham get together to dissect th...

Today on the show, host Jane C. Hu is joined by Executive Producer Ashley Smith and Creative Producer Liam Billingham to discuss the homestretch of Summer, and what they’re looking forward to most in September. Jane and Liam are looking forward to more cooking during apple season, while Ashley stays indoors with local jewelry maker Rebekah J. Designs. Plus, the Bumbershoot Music and Arts festival is coming up-- and take it from Ashley, the lineup is “stacked!” Then, save some money by going to the Seattle Kraken preseason games before the end of the month. And finally, “Seattle Keeps wi...

According to Rick Steves: “ There's no better way to start getting, putting your money to good use than right now. Shrouds have no pockets.” He tells host Jane C. Hu in today’s episode why he bought the historic Edmonds Theater in his hometown, challenges millionaires to give away more of their money “what are you afraid of?” and explains the value in investing in local communities. Jane and contributor Chase Hutchinson also ask for his travel tips in the Seattle area and his future plans for the theater he now owns. Then, Jane is joined by Eaton Fire survivor and...

Seattle's CARE team was supposed to be the city's answer to unarmed crisis response — but a new Inspector General report reveals it's still being strangled by police union restrictions. Host Jane C. Hu digs into the findings with contributors Guy Oron and Brett Hamil. Then they discuss Meta's multi-billion dollar settlement and what it might actually mean for kids online. Finally, they tell you what they are up to this weekend. If you’re a member, stay tuned for a chat about Brett’s experience in Boston, and which city has worse traffic. 

Learn more ab...

King County recently announced it had hired a flight monitoring and outreach coordinator after advocacy groups had been calling for the county to better monitor ICE’s deportation flights. Today on the show, host Jane C. Hu is joined by guest Josefina Mora-Cheung, director of organizing with La Resistencia, a grassroots organization led by immigrants and people of color who have been oppressed by the immigration enforcement system, to discuss this new role. The two also get into the monitoring La Resistencia has been organizing with volunteers since 2023, the increasing responsibilities for the new county role, and the huge up...