Soundside

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February 19 · 19 min
Ask a Doctor: All things colon cancer
Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths for Americans under the age of 50, according to a paper published last month in JAMA. This research backs up a trend that doctors have been seeing for a while now: Colon cancer isn’t just a disease that affects older people. Just last week, James Van Der Beek, who played Dawson on “Dawson’s Creek” died of colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old. In the past few years, more health organizations have followed the American Cancer Society in lowering the recommended age for colon cancer screenings from 50 to 45 years old. And more recently, there’s been a trend online that encourages people to start “fibermaxxing”... which is just a fancy way of telling them to eat more fiber. We talk to a doctor about this trend and the symptoms to look out for when it comes to colon cancer. Guests: Dr. Rachel Issaka, director of the colorectal cancer screening program for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and UW Medicine Related links: Leading Cancer Deaths in People Younger Than 50 Years | Breast Cancer | JAMA | JAMA Network Colorectal Cancer Is Now the Top Cause of Cancer Death in Younger People - WSJ Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 18 · 19 min
Front Page: Seahawks for sale, Seattle's mayor on the state of the city, and future state taxes
Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward. Guest: Seattle Times reporter David Kroman Related stories: Seattle Seahawks begin sale process, less than 2 weeks after winning Super Bowl - NYT Katie Wilson promises shelter, focus on public safety in first year of office - Seattle Times Tension rising over how to spend revenue from proposed WA income tax - Washington State Standard Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 17 · 34 min
The federal government is rolling back greenhouse gas regulations. What's it mean, and what's Washington doing?
Last week, President Trump announced he was overturning the Environmental Protection Agency’s "endangerment finding.” That finding is a scientific conclusion signed by the EPA in 2009. It determined that greenhouse gases are harmful to people and the environment, and it allowed the EPA to regulate heat trapping emissions like carbon dioxide and methane. The current Presidential administration says that climate change is a “hoax” and that environmental regulations hinder the economy. Current EPA head Lee Zeldin is praising the move by Trump. Environmental activists and democratic lawmakers took no time to denounce the decision, saying that it will harm public health and lead to intensifying climate change related catastrophes, such as wildfires, heatwaves, and flooding. And, of course, there’s a court challenge. California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that California intends to sue the federal government over this change – potentially leading to a drawn out, years long battle to determine what the EPA can and cannot do when it comes to greenhouse gas regulation. Washington attorney general Nick Brown has promised something similar. But how could its repeal change climate science and policy in the United States? And what does it mean for Washington? Guests: David Battisti - Professor of Atmospheric and Climate Science and Tamaki Endowed Chair at the University of Washington Former Washington State Governor Jay Inslee Related stories: As U.S. abandons climate fight, Washington state feels the heat to do more - KUOW Trump Administration Erases the Government’s Power to Fight Climate Change - NYT Future of Washington state’s climate-pollution fund up in the air - KUOW Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 17 · 9 min
What's going on with the Boeing IMAX Theater?
Another one of Seattle’s iconic movie theaters has been sold. This time, the Boeing IMAX theater. The theater’s six story tall and 80 foot wide screen has endeared itself to local movie goers since it opened nearly 30 years ago. Pacific Science Center sent out an email last week confirming they are selling the Boeing Imax, and a parcel of land equaling nearly a quarter of its footprint at Seattle Center. The buyer is a familiar neighbor: The Space Needle. And Space Needle leaders said, through a statement, they intend to keep operating the theater. GUEST: Chase Hutchinson - Freelance writer & film critic RELATED LINKS: Pacific Science Center’s Boeing IMAX Theater to Be Sold to Space Needle Seattle’s Pacific Science Center to sell IMAX theater, part of property PacSci Real Estate Transaction - Pacific Science Center Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 12 · 21 min
You deserve better sex. This UW professor has some suggestions.
Happy almost-Valentine’s day to all who celebrate. It’s a time for love, of course. For fancy dinners. Cute notes. And hopefully, for some, a time for intimacy. We review some of the research, and get some advice, on our burning questions about sex, love and relationships. Guest Professor Nicole McNichols, author, You Could Be Having Better Sex: The Definitive Guide to a Happier, Healthier, and Hotter Sex Life, @nicole_thesexprofessor Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 12 · 5 min
Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" - Feb 12-16
What a WEEK! Are your voices recovering from the Seahawks parade? Or from yelling at the Olympics on t-v like me? Let’s get out there and do something FUN, or cute and sweet, for Valentine’s Day weekend! Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows here with almost all of the lovely options we've got for the weekend! LINKS: The Atomic Bombshells: J’ADORE 17 Year Anniversary at Triple Door Winter Festival | Early Music Seattle Noir City - SIFF After Hours Premier: No Pressure Valentines - Seattle Aquarium Busch Light PBR Everett Comedy of Love: A Valentine's Day Improv Disenchanted! | Tacoma City Theaters Science After Dark - Pacific Science Center Get a Friday the 13th Tattoo at One of These Seattle Shops Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 12 · 11 min
How much should we entrust our dating to AI?
When you use dating apps, there’s a lot of pressure to make an impression in the mere moments you have before someone decides whether you’re worth the effort. So, as frustrating as it can be, we understand that there’s a fair bit of truth-bending involved in finding love online: Like pictures with really flattering angles or exaggerations of interests. All’s fair in love and/or exciting-but-sometimes-brief-and-often-regretted romance. But is it fair if someone’s using AI to make basic conversation? A growing number of daters report asking ChatGPT – or one of a flurry of new “AI dating assistant” startups – to craft questions and answers on dating apps. Was that witty repartee in your DMs generated by a bot? How much has dating been co-opted by digital wingmen, and what does it mean for the future of digital romance? Guest: Henry Chandonett, reporter for Business Insider Relevant Links: Business Insider: The Rise of the AI Wingman The Guardian: ‘I realised I’d been ChatGPT-ed into bed’: how ‘Chatfishing’ made finding love on dating apps even weirder See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 12 · 9 min
Happy Seahawks Victory Parade Day!
SEA...HAWKS! Need we say more? Surely by now, you know that your Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl this year. KUOW's Noel Gasca was on the scene of the Seahawks Victory Parade in downtown Seattle, she talked with us about what she saw. Guest Noel Gasca, reporter, KUOW Related Links Seattle's 12s celebrate Super Bowl champion Seahawks Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 12 · 35 min
Front Page: Valentine's edition with Dan Savage
Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward. Guest: Author of the Savage Love column and host of the Savage Lovecast Podcast, Dan Savage Related Stories: As US Olympians call for tolerance and LGBTQ rights, some face Trump attacks and online hate - NPR ‘Heated Rivalry’ Reaches 10.6 Million Viewers in The U.S. With Audience Increasing by Over 100% Since Finale - Variety Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 11 · 15 min
Reflecting on the legacy of Eddie Bauer
The retail operator for Eddie Bauer’s North American stores has filed for bankruptcy. Depending on how things turn out, the outdoor gear brand could see the closure of nearly 200 stores across the United States and Canada. The Seattle Times also reports that the company's store operator plans to close its headquarters in Seattle and lay off 60 workers. This isn’t the first sign of trouble for the Seattle-based business, which faced bankruptcy proceedings in 2003 and 2009. This latest filing won’t affect the company’s wholesale, manufacturing or online operations -- so it’s not like the brand’s going away completely. But the news still feels pretty big…. Because once upon a time, not too long ago, Eddie Bauer was a premiere spot for outdoor gear. It outfitted the first American to summit Mount Everest. And there was a time when it was quite the fashion statement to walk into work with an Eddie Bauer puffer. As the company faces an uncertain future, we decided to reflect on its legacy. Guests: Clara Berg, a fashion historian and Curator of Collections at MOHAI. Related links: Our Story – Eddie Bauer Eddie Bauer to close its Seattle headquarters, lay off 60 workers | The Seattle Times Eddie Bauer: From Outdoor Staple to Bankruptcy Watch - Business Insider Retail operator of Eddie Bauer files for bankruptcy, will keep stores open during restructuring | AP News Eddie Bauer store operator files for bankruptcy, seeks sale | Reuters Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 11 · 22 min
Nike's under investigation for allegedly discriminating against white people
Like many private companies, Nike has implemented diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in its workplace. The Trump Administration has long been a vocal critic of such policies. On the first day of his second term, President Trump signed an executive order, titled “Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing.“ The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently disclosed it's investigating Nike for “systemic allegations of DEI-related intentional race discrimination” against white workers. Nike does have regional ties – with headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. But... this is Nike: “Just Do It” and Air Jordans. We’re talking about a global entity, and this investigation could have wide ranging implications for employment practices nationwide. Guests: Rebecca Davis O'Brien, a labor reporter at The New York Times Related links: EEOC Files Subpoena Enforcement Action Against NIKE | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Nike, Accused of Bias Against White Workers, Is Under Federal Investigation - The New York Times What to Know About the Federal Investigation Into Nike - The New York Times Nike and Trump’s Supporters Have Been on a Collision Course for Years - The New York Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 10 · 11 min
Evictions cases continue to rise in King County, even as rents stay relatively flat
Eviction cases hit an all time high in King County last year. It’s the latest data point in an ongoing trend. Since the Covid era eviction moratorium ended in 2022, the number of people facing eviction proceedings has risen every year. This is happening even as rents have remained relatively flat. Hanging over all of this is budget tightening in Olympia state lawmakers are planning a multi million dollar cut to legal assistance for tenants. Are we at a crisis point when it comes to the number of evictions in our state? Links: Seattle Times: King County, WA eviction levels hit an all-time high, again Guest: Alexis Weisend, real estate reporter at the Seattle Times See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 9 · 20 min
How sports betting has changed the game for fans and athletes
If you’re a Seahawks fan, Sunday’s big game was glorious domination. For the rest of the hundred-and-thirty-million plus viewers the defensive showcase was maybe a bit of a snooze. But football fans had other ways to amp up the excitement: Betting cold hard cash. It’s impossible to avoid hearing about betting when you’re watching most sporting events in the US these days -- let alone the biggest game of the year. According to the American Gambling Association, Americans were expected to wager $1.76 billion dollars on this year’s Super Bowl. That’s a near 27% increase over last year. Now, sports betting is still illegal in Washington state outside of tribal casinos. But, as the mobile betting market has expanded legally into more and more states, alternative means for placing bets have become increasingly popular - even in states like Washington. And according to my next guest, that market isn’t just shaping how we watch the game. It’s changing the game itself. Guest: Danny Funt covers sports betting as a contributor at the Washington Post, and he’s the author of the new book “Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling” Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 9 · 4 min
Audio Postcard: The Seattle Seahawks win another Super Bowl
It’s a whirlwind of emotions this today for Seahawks players and fans. Seattle wasn’t supposed to dominate its division, or field another historic defense, or win the Super Bowl for the second time in team history. But that’s exactly what happened this season, culminating in yesterday’s 29-13 victory over the New England Patriots. From the trophy presentation at Levi's Stadium to the triumphant confines of Seattle bars … KUOW’s Natalie Akane Newcomb brings us this audio postcard. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 9 · 25 min
Front Page: Seahawks are Super Bowl champs, Bad Bunny riled the right, what all those AI ads were about
At the start of every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward. Guest: KUOW Politics Editor Cat Smith Related Links: Super Bowl 2026: Dominant Seahawks show they’re here to stay Review: Bad Bunny brought Puerto Rico's history and culture to a revolutionary Super Bowl show Super Bowl LIX averages record audience of 127.7 million viewers Trump, Bad Bunny and Puerto Rico’s Perennially Broken Power Grid - POLITICO Trump bashes Bad Bunny’s halftime spectacle - POLITICO "Good Will Dunkin' : The Pilot" Seahawks owner Jody Allen isn’t a placeholder. She’s an essential leader When the Seattle Seahawks sell, will any tech execs step up for the 12s? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 6 · 12 min
Seattle, you're about to get a Thai coffee shop
This weekend, Seattleites will be able to buy drinks from the city’s first Thai coffee shop: Nudibranch Coffee, which is set to open its doors Feb. 7 on Capitol Hill. The shop will serve drinks that reflect Thailand’s popular flavors and hot climate. Nudibranch also plans to host low-cost community events at the shop, like guest chef nights and gallery walks. This cafe-slash-community-space is just a few days away from opening its doors... But we were able to steal some time from the busy owners to hear how the vision for Seattle’s first Thai coffee shop came together. Guests: Emily Sirisup and Cole Arnesen, two of Nudibranch Coffee's founders Related links: Nudibranch Coffee | Explore Thai Coffee Today Nudibranch Wants to Be Seattle’s First Thai Coffee Shop | Eater Seattle Nudibranch will bring Thai coffee to former Capitol Hill vegan doughnut shop | CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 5 · 5 min
Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" - Feb 5-8
Every Thursday, Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows brings you the highlights for how to spend your weekend... And there are a couple of big events happening THIS WEEKEND, right? Maybe something sports related? LINKS: Olympic Opening Ceremony Olympic Women's Hockey @ Rough & Tumble Ballard Full Watch Party Schedule Ear Hustle | Town Hall Seattle Eagle Festival | Arlington, WA Enumclaw Wine & Chocolate Festival Chocolate “Escape Room” challenge Washington State Gaming Expo / Anime Washington The Grave Plot Film Fest Seahawks at Patriots Super Bowl LX Game Center Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 5 · 25 min
To bus or not to bus? That's the 'Revive I-5' question
From now through 2027, various lanes over the Ship Canal Bridge in Seattle will close, making an already-challenging traffic situation worse. WSDOT has encouraged travelers to Seattle, especially commuters, to consider using the bus instead of clogging the freeway with more cars. But that might be a hard sell. Perennial concerns about safety, reliability, and access have plagued King County Metro, and other transit options. And elsewhere in the city, Mayor Katie Wilson has called for a dedicated lane for the crosstown Route 8 bus. We're talking about it all, plus putting your questions (and complaints) to the general manager of King County Metro. Guest Michelle Allison, general manager, King County Metro Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 4 · 26 min
Front Page: an on the ground look at Minnesota, and Bill Gates in the Epstein files
Every week we talk about the most fascinating stories in the news and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. We call it Front Page. It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward. Guest: Axios Twin Cities newsletter co-author Kyle Stokes Related stories: Trump administration pulling 700 immigration agents from Minnesota - Axios How Minnesota's rapid responders track ICE agents in real time - Axios Melinda French Gates reacts to new details about Bill Gates in the Epstein files - NPR Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 3 · 18 min
Should WA restrict access to porn sites based on age?
Should you have to show your ID to watch porn online? A proposal introduced in the State Legislature this month would require it. If it passes, Washington will join over 20 states that already require age verification. Critics have said the law makes users vulnerable to data breaches and that content about LGBTQ people can be flagged as sexual, instead of educational, among other issues. So far, the bill hasn’t made it out of the House Consumer Protection and Business committee. But meanwhile, the core question remains: What to do about the access kids have to harmful sexual materials on an ever-changing internet? Guests Shauna Sowersby, state politics reporter at The Seattle Times Nicole McNichols, associate teaching professor at the University of Washington, @nicole_thesexprofessor Links HB 2112 - 2025-26, establishing an age minimum to access certain adult content online WA age verification bill targets access to online adult content - The Seattle Times The Age-Gated Internet Is Sweeping the US. Activists Are Fighting Back - Jason Parham, Wired Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.