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Spectator 2026-05-14

Spectaor 2026-05-21

What’s a Worker-Cooperative? Plus, Seattle IMAX Is Dead and Where To Take a Wealth Walk

Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu is joined by regular contributors Marcus Harrison Green and Chase Hutchinson to talk about the state of worker-owned collective businesses in Seattle. Does Rainier Beach’s Jude’s show us a path forward to alternatives to big business threatening to leave the state, and why isn’t the media focusing more on success than failure? Then, Chase tells us about the unfortunate news coming from Seattle Center: you won’t be able to see new Hollywood movies on IMAX anymore. Plus, the exciting new Seattle-based film coming out of the Cannes film festival! Finally, Jane sits down with theater artist Ryan Guzzo Purcell to discuss his theatrical walking tour Wealth Walk, which is happening now through the beginning of June.  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Travel Dundee King Harvest Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Who Wins Summer in the USA? Seattle Makes Its Case

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Seattle host Jane Hu, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Jane beat out her competitors from Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, and the Twin Cities? If you enjoyed this interview with  Nik Coutinho, the Head of Sales and Marketing at FRS Clipper, learn more here.  Learn more about the  sponsors of this May 21st episode:  Travel Dundee King Harvest Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Are You Prepared for The Big One? Plus, the State of Seattle Public Schools

Today on the podcast, Jane C. Hu is joined by Cindi Barker, one of the original founders of Seattle Emergency Hub, to discuss how Seattle communities can prepare for disasters. Then Seattle Times’ education reporter Claire Bryan joins to discuss how new SPS superintendent Ben Shuldiner is doing, his clear passion for education, and his goal to make Seattle Public Schools’ ‘the country’s single greatest urban school district.’ They also discuss learning how to read, screentime, and the ‘wild west’ of AI in schools. City Cast contributor (and parent) Brett Hamil joins with his own questions and one tip for the superintendent.   Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Travel Dundee King Harvest Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Is Seattle Anti-Business? Plus, Cruise Ship Impact & Renaming the Cascades

Rumors of Starbucks' expansion to Nashville to "refocus its growth" have heightened an already-heated debate about whether or not Seattle and its new democratic socialist mayor are creating a hostile environment for big business. But with Tennessee offering generous tax incentives to corporations, what's really driving the move? City Cast Nashville executive producer Whitney Pastorek joins City Cast Seattle host Jane C. Hu to break down what it looks like to live in a "business-friendly" city. Later, contributors Hannah Krieg and Andy Engelson join the pod to discuss whether the ecological impacts of cruise season outweigh the economic benefits, and if the Cascade volcanoes should reclaim their Indigenous names.  Learn more about the sponsors of this May 19th episode: Travel Dundee King Harvest Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Tap To Pee? Plus, Real Change Changes and a Food Mailbag

Contributors Eula Scott Bynoe and Guy Oron join host Jane C. Hu to talk about the state of public restrooms in Seattle ahead of the World Cup. Then they dive into the news that the weekly street newsletter Real Change is increasing in price, and what that could mean for your local Real Change vendor. Finally, a mailbag devoted to girl dinners and meals under $20. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 18th episode: Travel Dundee King Harvest Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

The Hidden History of Seattle Superheroes, Primary Races To Watch, and the Nuances of Public Safety

Today on the podcast, Jane talks with political consultant Crystal Fincher and contributor Marcus Harrison Green about the most consequential races to watch for the August primaries, including challenges to powerful incumbents and the role of progressive messaging in local politics. Then Marcus shares what motivated him to write his latest piece about surveillance, fear, and public safety policy. And finally, filmmaker Bayan Joonam discusses his documentary about Seattle's real-life superhero Phoenix Jones and what the superhero community reveals about Seattle.  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Travel Dundee SIFF FRS Clipper Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Hantavirus Exposures in King County, an LGBTQ+ Civil Emergency, and a Harrowing Story of AI Extortion

Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by managing editor of Seattle Gay News, Madison Jones, to talk about a tip she received that the city may soon declare a civil emergency for LGBTQ+ refugees fleeing other U.S. states to live in Seattle. Madison explains the kinds of resources a civil emergency grants access to and the circumstances that have led to this moment. Then, producer Sam and contributor Lex Vaughn join for a full rundown on what we know so far about the three King County residents who may have been exposed to hantavirus. And finally, Sam tells Lex and Jane about an AI extortion scam that feels like Taken for 2026. Plus, some helpful ideas for how to avoid similar scams in the future.  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Travel Dundee SIFF FRS Clipper Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Kenji López-Alt Talks Seattle Dining, Industry Scandals, and Girl Dinner

Today on the podcast, Jane is joined by author, chef, and Seattleite Kenji López-Alt. They talk about whether Seattle is a fine-dining town, recent scandals in the larger restaurant scene, what Kenji’s version of a “girl dinner" is, and lots more. Finally, Jane, producer Liam, and executive producer Ashley talk about the latest updates to the menu at Costco and its “calorie-heavy newcomer” dish of chicken strips. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 13th episode: Travel Dundee SIFF FRS Clipper Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Seattle Children's Asking to End Medical Review Committee, the Campaign to Overturning Gay Marriage, and Free Downtown Shuttle Service

Today on the podcast, host Jane gets a first-hand account from contributor Hannah Krieg on this weekend’s Laurelhurst protest. While the protest was being planned, Seattle Children’s Hospital announced they’re asking the city for approval to remove the Medical Review Committee for helicopter landings. Jane dives into this change and then breaks down the latest challenge to the millionaires tax through a new ballot initiative. Plus, she explains the growing efforts to overturn same-sex marriage spearheaded by a Seattle woman. And finally, Jane, Hannah, and contributor Brett Hamil get into the good news for the week, including a sip and stroll around Pike Place, a free shuttle service connecting downtown and Seattle Center, and UW library workers narrowly avoiding a strike.  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Is Amazon Delivering Your Non-Amazon Packages? Plus, Fire Trucks Can’t Fit in Queen Anne

Today on the show, Jane is joined by Seattle Times’ tech reporter Alex Halverson and contributor Ryan Packer to discuss the news that Amazon wants to become a shipping giant like DHL and FedEx, and they also get into the severance being offered by Microsoft to some of its long-time employees. Next, Ryan talks about reporting people being hit by cars and how he recently became a part of his own reporting. Finally, they talk about the news that reduced parking in Queen Anne to allow for the passage of emergency vehicles has some residents up in arms. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 11th episode: Travel Dundee SIFF FRS Clipper Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at [email protected]. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931. For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle. Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.