Soundside

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Dec 3, 2024 · 18 min
For Northwest loggers, work is a source of pride — and danger
Since the late 1800s, logging has been a major industry in the Pacific Northwest, and its impact on the region's economy and environment have been significant. For the towns that depend on logging, the profession comes with a lot of pride. But it’s also one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 4 in 100,000 people die from injury at work. For loggers, it’s more than 10 times as much. Logging has always been dangerous work. But how it can be done safely is still something many are trying to figure out. To learn more, Soundside spoke with Kurtis Lee, economics correspondent for the New York Times, and the University of Washington's Dr. Marissa Baker. Guests: Kurtis Lee, economics correspondent for the New York Times. Dr. Marissa Baker, assistant professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences. Related Links: Read Kurtis Lee's story on logging in Oregon here: Logging Is the Deadliest Job, but Still an Oregon Way of Life - The New York Times Read Dr. Marissa Baker's research on logging here: Determinants of Stress, Fatigue, and Injury Risk for Loggers and Log Truck Drivers | Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center Job Satisfaction in the Logging Industry | Blogs | CDC 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.
Dec 3, 2024 · 26 min
Hear it again: Remembering the Battle of Seattle, 25 years later
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the WTO protests in Seattle, a raucous action by 50,000 protesters who descended on the city in the fall of 1999. Their aim? Shutting down a conference of top decision makers at the World Trade Organization. When this coalition of activists succeeded in stopping the WTO’s opening ceremonies, the “Battle of Seattle” became an inflection point in a growing struggle between advocates for free trade – and groups fighting for the rights of labor, farmers, the environment and more. Comprising over 100 interviews, author DW Gibson’s book, One Week to Change the World, tells a new oral history of the protest through the eyes of people who participated. This segment originally aired on Soundside in June. Guests: DW Gibson, journalist and author of One Week to Change the World. Related Links: One Week to Change the World | Book by DW Gibson | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster 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.
Dec 3, 2024 · 13 min
Do WA students have enough time to eat? Investigating the 'lunch crunch'
If you’re a parent with kids in public school, you’re likely familiar with the "lunch crunch." Across the state, a growing squeeze on lunchtimes is leading many students to eat lunch quickly -- if at all. A recent investigation from KING 5 reveals that many schools are falling short of meeting recommended lunch time benchmarks. This is critical time that helps kids stay full and focused throughout the day. Soundside's Diana Opong was joined by Chris Ingalls, KING 5 investigative reporter, to discuss his recent story on how much time students have to eat lunch throughout Washington state. Guests: Chris Ingalls, investigative reporter for KING 5. Related links: Read Ingalls' KING 5 investigation here: School lunch time crunch for Washington students | king5.com 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.
Dec 2, 2024 · 7 min
For people who are incarcerated, fantasy football creates a connection to the outside world
Fantasy football season is well underway, with many players excited about the upcoming playoffs. I know next to nothing about fantasy football and had to get a primer from Soundside Producer Alec Cowan, who is playing in KUOW’s league. He says it’s essentially regular people trying their hand at being NFL managers: drafting players, and forming rosters for each game. There are elaborate points systems based on how NFL players do each week. There’s a reason why people take part in fantasy leagues – to feel closer to friends, family or to spend time with coworkers. For people who are incarcerated, fantasy football creates a connection to the outside world. Guest: Antoine Davis, an incarcerated journalist in Washington State, pastor, and Inside Director of Organizing for Look2Justice. Relevant Links: Defector: What Fantasy Football Means To Incarcerated Managers See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 26, 2024 · 50 min
Soundside's Producer Picks: AI vs Art, Roller Derby, and Stuntmen
Soundside is taking a break this week to celebrate Thanksgiving. Don’t worry - we’ll be back with new episodes next week. Until then, we’re bringing you some of our favorite stories from the show. 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. Stories Featured: Artists vs AI: Indie creators are noticing the emergence of artificial art 'It’s like you have 80 sisters.' Rat City Roller Derby hearkens back to indie Seattle roots Yakima Canutt: The Washington cowboy who became a stuntman Weekend Warmup Links: Seattle's Turkey Trot Spokane "Huffin' for the Stuffin'" Arlington "Run Your Buns Off" Other Turkey Trots Bellingham Mukilteo Woodinville Gig Harbor Tacoma Seattle’s Christmas Market WINTERFEST at Seattle Center Kumail Nanjiani at the Moore Theater Cyndi Lauper at Climate Pledge Arena See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 25, 2024 · 51 min
Soundside's producer picks: Sick pay, space umbrellas, and volunteering in Ukraine
Soundside is taking a break this week to celebrate Thanksgiving. Don’t worry - we’ll be back with new episodes next week. Until then, we’re bringing you some of our favorite stories from the show. 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. Relevant Links: One option for slowing climate change? Block out the sun Seattle Synchro's small but mighty part in this year's Olympic games For Seattle drag performers, sick days are not an option A man, a dog, a mission to Ukraine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 21, 2024 · 15 min
Canoeing the Columbia River from Montana to the Pacific
The first days of Robert Lester’s ambitious canoe journey started with a lot of walking. That start was in Butte, Montana on Silver Bow Creek -- the starting point of a 1300-mile trip through the Columbia River basin to the Pacific Ocean. Lester made the trip in a two seat canoe. He was joined by 18-year-old Braxton Mitchel, who’d never canoed beforehand. That journey took 55 days and is the focus of a new documentary from Lester and director Neil Larson, titled “The Columbia River Canoe Project.” At its heart is a story about ambition – both from the canoers themselves, and humans who have drastically changed the river with massive projects like dams. Canoer Robert Lester and director Neil Larson joined Soundside to talk about the project ahead of local screenings in West Seattle, Edmonds, and Bainbridge Island Nov. 22-24. Guests: Robert Lester, canoer and focus of "The Columbia River Canoe Project." Neil Larson, director of "The Columbia River Canoe Project." Find information about local showings here: Columbia River Canoe Project — Mountain King 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.
Nov 21, 2024 · 4 min
Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" - Nov 21st-24th
It’s been a week! The headlines, the bomb cyclone, being stuck without electricity... A LOT of us could use a way to disconnect and do something FUN this weekend, so to help with that, we’ve enlisted our resident Culture Nerd to find the best events! So, once again, here’s producer Jason Megatron Burrows with a few sneak peeks of things to keep you occupied this weekend… LINKS: Vitamin String Quartet Thursday - Seattle Friday - Bellingham Saturday - Spokane Sunday - Portland, OR (SOLD OUT) Composing Iran - Seattle Symphony CUDDLE TACOMA - Thresholds Collective, Tacoma 44th Annual Seattle International Comedy Competition - Bellingham Home Team Harvest Food & Funds Drive - Multiple Locations WICKED at SIFF Cinema Downtown GLADIATOR II If you would like to suggest events for us to talk about in upcoming "Weekend Warmups," please send Jason an email at SOUNDSIDE@KUOW.ORG 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.
Nov 21, 2024 · 13 min
Memory, music, and caretaking take center stage with 'Lucidity'
Lucidity is a new opera staging its west coast premiere at the Seattle Opera tonight. The performance takes a deeper look at the personal impacts that a dementia diagnosis has on an individual, and their family. The opera follows Lili, a former singer who has a bit of a diva streak. Her adopted son, Dante, pauses his career as a pianist to care for his mom. Together, they navigate Lili’s declining memory, her ability to perform, and her struggle to hold onto the thing at the center of her life: music. It’s a role that Lucy Shelton, the soprano portraying Lili, was gifted by her friend Laura Kaminsky, who wrote the opera for her. Shelton does not have dementia, but she has navigated the dynamic between aging and singing over a five decade career. GUEST: Lucy Shelton, portrays Lili in Lucidity. RELATED LINKS: Lucidity - Seattle Opera 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.
Nov 21, 2024 · 22 min
Jazz has a storied past in Seattle. But what about its future?
Seattle has a rich jazz history -- and you can’t talk about it without mentioning legends like Ray Charles and Quincy Jones. Both artists knew each other, as they grew their music chops right here in Seattle. Of course, we can’t forget to mention Kenny G. In the 1920s and 1930s jazz clubs were an escape during prohibition, and many of them lasted long after prohibition ended. For almost 45 years, Dimitriou’s Jazz Alley has not only been one of the preeminent jazz clubs in Seattle, but also in the country. Whether you’re someone who likes to go out to the club or not, you’ve probably heard of Seattle’s Jazz Alley. Tucked away down a literal alley, the all ages jazz club has showcased performances by jazz greats like Tower of Power, and American Blues Musician Taj Mahal, who will be returning for his annual Thanksgiving residency. Soundside host Diana Opong caught up with Ari Dimitriou and his father, John Dimitriou – who is still running the club at 75 years old. They discussed the origins of Jazz Alley and the future of the iconic family business. Plus... while Jazz Alley is undoubtedly the face of the genre in Seattle, it isn’t the only establishment looking to keep jazz alive. Seattle has a wealth of new talent – local high schools like Bothell, Garfield, and Roosevelt are regular finalists in national competitions. But the journey from a local school band to a big stage like Jazz Alley is long and difficult. One local organization – the Seattle Jazz Fellowship – is looking to change that. Soundside producer Alec Cowan visited a jam session to hear about the importance of local bandstands for musicians and jazz-enjoyers alike. Guests: John and Ari Dimitriou, who founded and operate Jazz Alley in Seattle. Thomas Marriott, jazz trumpeter and founder of the Seattle Jazz Fellowship, a nonprofit supporting mentorship and playing opportunities for local jazz musicians. Roman Goron, local jazz pianist. Related Links: How Seattle’s Jazz Alley, now 43, became a premier destination | The Seattle Times Jazz Has a New Home in Seattle. One Caveat: The Place Is ‘For Lease.’ - The New York Times 3 Seattle-area high schools make finals of 2024 Essentially Ellington jazz band competition | The Seattle 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.
Nov 21, 2024 · 12 min
With notable cases of bird flu in the Northwest, how concerned should Washingtonian's be?
Bird flu has spread at astonishing speed and with little discretion for what it infects. Since first emerging, the strain of H5N1 has infected wild birds, commercially raised chickens, seals, dairy cows, and, yes, even humans. Late last week, Woodland Park Zoo announced that a red breasted goose died in a suspected case of bird flu. The zoo quickly isolated birds and restricted access to them. Meanwhile, just north of Washington in British Columbia, a teenager was hospitalized in critical condition after contracting bird flu. The teen had no known contact with infected animals. This comes after 11 Washington farm workers contracted the virus in October. As the Northwest sees notable bird flu events, how much do we need to be concerned? Guest: Dr. Peter Rabinowitz, professor, physician, and director of the University of Washington’s Center for One Health Research. Relevant Links: KUOW: With the U.S. bird flu outbreak uncontained, scientists see growing risks KUOW: Bird flu is now spreading to cattle. Should Washington dairy farmers be worried? 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.
Nov 20, 2024 · 16 min
A first of its kind state agency faces a slow start, and pushback from police reform advocates
Back in 2021, following calls for police reform after the murder of George Floyd, Washington state did something unique. Legislators created a state-funded agency to investigate instances of serious or fatal police use of force – even ones that had happened in the past. Many believe the Office of Independent Investigations has potential to improve trust between marginalized communities and law enforcement. But some say it’s taking the office too long to get going. So far, the OII hasn’t officially launched a single investigation. Melanie Henshaw, an Indigenous Affairs reporter at InvestigateWest, spoke to reform advocates and agency officials about the obstacles that are keeping the office from quickly meeting its intended purpose. 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. GUEST: Melanie Henshaw, Indigenous Affairs reporter for InvestigateWest RELATED LINKS: Three years, no investigations: A slow start for Washington office tasked with probing police violence - InvestigateWest See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 20, 2024 · 23 min
Exit polls, gender gaps, and religion: understanding Latino voting patterns in the 2024 election
In the aftermath of the 2024 election, Democrats are confronting a possible existential threat: The erosion of support among important demographic groups, particularly Latinos. An example close to home helps illustrate the shift: In the 14th Legislative District, in the Yakima Valley, a newly redrawn map was supposed to strengthen Latino representation in the state House and Senate. Republicans even challenged the map in court, alleging it was built to win seats for Democrats. But as the dust settles, Republicans are poised to sweep the 14th District, new map and all. So what’s happening here, and what’s driving changes in Latino voting patterns? 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. Guests: Sophia Jordán Wallace is a political science professor at the University of Washington. She specializes in Latino politics and politics of race and ethnicity, among other things Relevant Links: The role of the Latino vote in the 2024 election - NPR In a purple Pacific Northwest pocket three Latina candidates face tough House races - NPR Late hardball from the WSRP - Washington Observer See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 19, 2024 · 21 min
A conversation with Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez
One of the most closely watched congressional races of the 2024 election happened here in Washington State, with Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez facing off once again against Donald Trump-endorsed Republican Joe Kent. The district went for Trump in the presidential race, but held on to the Auto Shop owner-turned-Congresswoman for another term. And she’s here to talk about the win, what Democrats can learn from it, and her legislative priorities in office. 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. GUEST: Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez RELATED LINKS: Gluesenkamp Perez, Golden Introduce Bill to Establish Bipartisan Electoral Reform Select Committee US Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez on what her win means and what comes next - OPB Marie Gluesenkamp Perez Wants Fellow Democrats to Look in the Mirror - The New York Times She won in a red district. Her blunt message to fellow Dems | CNN Politics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 18, 2024 · 32 min
A conversation with Attorney General elect Nick Brown
Washington state is about to get a new top lawyer. Former U.S. Attorney Nick Brown defeated Pasco Mayor Pete Serrano earlier this month to become the state’s next Attorney General. Brown is an Army veteran who also served as general counsel to Governor Jay Inslee. When he’s sworn in in January, he’ll be stepping into the high-profile job just as the stakes get even higher: Washington state had a history of legal clashes with the last Trump Administration, over everything from the Muslim ban to environmental protections and the Affordable Care Act. So how is the next Attorney General thinking about confrontations with Trump 2.0? He sat down with Soundside's Libby Denkmann to discuss the job ahead, his thoughts on Matt Gaetz as the US Attorney General, and his time on the reality show, Survivor. 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. GUEST: Attorney General elect Nick Brown RELATED LINKS: Ferguson and other WA Democrats prepare for new era of showdowns with Trump - Washington State Standard Four areas where Trump’s policies and WA’s priorities could clash - Washington State Standard The race for WA Attorney General: Nick Brown - Soundside's interview prior to the election See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 18, 2024 · 15 min
What could a capital gains tax mean for Seattle?
Washington voters just upheld the state’s new capital gains tax — which places a 7% tax on the sale of long-term assets like stocks and bonds. Now, the Seattle City Council is looking at a proposal to create its own capital gains tax for the city itself. Instead of benefitting schools, like the state tax, this revenue would fund things like rental assistance. But so far, the idea is not being universally embraced by city leadership. Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore sits down with Soundside host Libby Denkmann to discuss why she thinks the capital gains tax idea is right for Seattle. GUEST: Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5) RELATED LINKS: Seattle could get its own baby capital gains tax - KUOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 14, 2024 · 16 min
With Bullitt Prize, two brothers plan to restart Lummi Youth Canoe Family
Canoe journeys are rigorous, challenging trips that go for hundreds of miles. Each year, canoe “families” from different tribal nations paddle between villages on the Salish Sea, joining local celebrations and ceremonies along the way. They camp at each stop until reaching that year’s destination tribal site. For indigenous people who take part, it’s an important way to connect with their culture as well as other tribes. It’s also a chance to explore nature and their own inner strength. The Lummi Youth Canoe Family took its last journey in 2019. Now, two brothers are trying to revive the group. Raven and Free Borsey first joined the Lummi Youth Canoe Family in 2013. The twin brothers say joining the group as teenagers changed their trajectory in life and gave them a better understanding of the natural world. Now, more than a decade after their first canoe trip, the twin brothers have received the Bullitt Prize, a $100,000 dollar grant from Washington Conservation Action aimed at developing young environmental leaders in the state, under the age of 35. Their goal is bringing the trips back for new generations of Lummi youth and expanding the programming year round. Guests: Raven Borsey, Bullitt Prize Recipient Free Borsey, Bullitt Prize Recipient Relevant Links: Bullitt Prize info See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 14, 2024 · 8 min
SPS parents mount a recall effort against Seattle School Board President Liza Rankin
Students, parents, and educators are still waiting to find out how the Seattle School Board will vote on a proposal to close four elementary schools in the district. But in the meantime - a group of SPS parents believe it's time to take matters into their own hands: they’ve launched an effort to recall school board president Liza Rankin. 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. GUEST: Sami West - education reporter for KUOW RELATED LINKS: Seattle School Board president faces recall over handling of school closures -KUOW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 14, 2024 · 4 min
Soundside's Weekend Warmup - Nov 14th -17th
Soundside host Libby Denkmann is still on a high from her experience at the USHER show on Sunday, but we're looking forward to what’s happening THIS weekend... Producer Jason Megatron Burrows is here to help you get a jump on making plans with “THE WEEKEND WARMUP!” LINKS: SIFF Presents SHREK WEEK!! Shrek the Musical - Spokane Shrek the Musical - Bellingham First Annual Veteran Art Show - Spokane Field Notes: Artists Observe Nature Opening Celebration - Tacoma Haunted Farmers Market - Tacoma The DB Cooper Conference - Tukwila If you would like to suggest events for us to talk about in upcoming "Weekend Warmups," please send Jason an email at SOUNDSIDE@KUOW.ORG 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.
Nov 14, 2024 · 20 min
Advocating for WA immigrants under Trump
Back in 2017, President Donald Trump arrived in office touting big promises about immigration. Remember building a wall and making Mexico pay for it? Or defunding sanctuary cities? Trump had mixed success fulfilling those pledges, though not for lack of trying. Many of his policy goals couldn’t get past the courts, or Congress. During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump made even more immigration-related promises: mass deportations, ending birthright citizenship for some, and tightening the U.S.’s green card application process. Now, with more experience and savvy, the Trump administration is positioning itself to hit the ground running. So are people on the other side of the immigration fight. Here to discuss lessons from Trump’s first presidency and preparations for a second term are two Puget Sound-area immigrant advocates. Matt Adams is legal director for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. And Vanessa Reyes is a policy manager for the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network. American Immigration Council - Mass Deportation: Devastating Costs to America, Its Budget and Economy New York Times: Judge Tosses Out Biden Program for Undocumented Spouses 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.