Seattle Growth Podcast: Recent Episodes

Jeff Shulman

Join University of Washington professor Jeff Shulman for a seventh season exploring the far-reaching impacts of Seattle's physical and cultural transformation.

Notable guests from earlier seasons of Seattle Growth Podcast include Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens, 3-time NBA All-Star Detlef Schrempf, NBA champion Wally Walker, Sonics legend Slick Watts, Pete Nordstrom, Craig Kinzer, Port Commissioner John Creighton, Paul Lawrence, City Councilmember Tim Burgess, SDOT director Scott Kubly, Tim Burgess, Kshama Sawant, and more.

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King County Executive Dow Constantine discusses navigating the pandemic and the future of King County. Julia Nagele, Principal and Director of Design for the architecture studio at Hewitt, discusses the urbanization of Seattle and how the pandemic economy has affected her business.

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Brian Robinson and Dale Kutzera close out this season. Robinson is on the Seattle Center Advisory Commission and well know for his efforts to have NBA basketball in Seattle. Dale Kutzera is the author of The Death of Seattle: How A Great Town Became a Lousy City.

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Today’s episode features Mari Horita, Seattle Kraken’s VP of Community Engagement and Social Impact, who discusses how the pandemic has impacted her community work. Her interview gives insight into adapting the evolving needs. The episode also features Ben Petter, President of Avara Construction. His interview gives insight into the construction business and what we can expect for the future of Seattle.

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NBA champion and former GM & CEO of the Seattle Supersonics, Wally Walker. Walker gives an update on his quest to bring an NBA franchise to a SODO arena and shares his perspective on whether the pandemic makes it more or less likely that Seattle gets an NBA franchise. You will also hear from longtime Seattle Growth Podcast listener and Seattle Supersonics super fan, Josh Shea. Shea shares the changes he is seeing in his South Lake Union neighborhood and has a plea for the listeners.

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Stories from two industries hit hard by the pandemic: retail and restaurants. Interviews with Lisa Bridge, the president and CEO of Ben Bridge Jeweler, and restaurateur Bernie Garcia, the president of Moctezuma’s Restaurants. The interviews give lessons of resilience and offer distinct perspectives on the changes in Seattle

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UW Foster professor Jeff Shulman interviews the entrepreneur Dhruv Agarwal and former Lt. Governor candidate Ann Davison. The interviews give insight into different ways the people and businesses of Seattle are adapting to the pandemic.

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UW Foster professor Jeff Shulman interviews the executive director of the SODO Business Improvement Area, Erin Goodman. SODO is home to Starbucks headquarters, many industrial companies, and an active port. The episode also features an interview with musician Marco Antonio de Carvalho. The interviews give insight into different ways the people and businesses of Seattle are adapting to the pandemic.

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UW Foster professor Jeff Shulman interviews UW Husky Football Hall of Fame Running Back Greg Lewis who is the executive director of the Meredith Mathews East Madison YMCA. The episode also features an interview with musician Tekla Waterfield. The interviews give insight into how non-profits and musicians are navigating the pandemic.

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UW Foster School of Business professor Jeff Shulman interviews the president/CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association, Jon Scholes, and a long-time Central District entrepreneur and advocate Jesdarnel “Squirt” Henton. Scholes and Henton share how they are navigating the changes in Seattle and their outlook for the future of the city.

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UW Foster School of Business professor Jeff Shulman interviews Pete Nordstrom and noted musician Robbie Hill to learn how they are navigating the changes in Seattle and their outlook for the future of the city.

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UW Foster School of Business professor Jeff Shulman interviews the managing partner at Din Tai Fung Restaurants and the co-founder of the Weaver Byrne Group to learn how they are navigating the changes in Seattle and their outlook for the future of the city.

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On today's episode: Zan Fiskum, a Seattle singer-songwriter who burst onto the national music scene as a finalist on the recent season of The Voice. Alec Shaw, an emerging artist in Seattle's music community. Both talk about Seattle's music scene, adapting to COVID-19, and their upcoming performance in the St. Jude Songwriters Showcase.

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Today’s extra episode of Seattle Growth Podcast features an interview with a small business owner, an artist, and someone who wants to see a positive shared future for the people of Seattle as the city transforms. The episode tells a story of a community-led effort to make the Rainier Farmer Market a desirable place to visit and buy fresh produce. Gavin Amos, associate strategic coordinator for the Central Area Collaborative, shares how he connected Kevin Nguyen, owner of the Rainier Farmer Market, with artist Henry Luke to utilize the power of art to engender a sense of belonging for South End restaurants. Together, they have raised thousands of dollars and come together as a community to demonstrate an appreciation of the shared space. The interviews share perspectives on what changes in Seattle are most striking. The story also highlights challenges small businesses face and how the community can come together to address them.

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Today’s extra episode of Seattle Growth Podcast features an interview with Husky Basketball legend Donald Watts. Watts, owner and player development specialist at Watts Basketball, contributes to this season’s theme of finding community in a dynamic city. Watts shares the work being done to foster a community of children and parents who are interested in basketball as a means to build life skills. Watts also offers valuable lessons from building the Watts Basketball community that can be applied in a variety of contexts.

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Vivian Hua, Executive Director of the Northwest Film Forum, shares the work she is doing to build community in the dynamic city of Seattle. She shares insights for other arts & culture leaders and previous some exciting events available to filmmakers and film lovers alike.

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Jeff Shulman continues his look at finding community in a dynamic city. In today’s episode, UW football Hall of Famer Greg Lewis shares his community work at the Meredith Mathews YMCA, where he serves as executive director. Lewis was the first Doak Walker Award winner for the nation’s top running back in college football and was an important piece of the Rose Bowl winning Husky team. Lewis shares why he has chosen to lead a non-profit and the initiatives he hopes will foster a sense of community in the Central District. In the interview, Lewis connects how the experience of stepping onto the field at the Rose Bowl compares to the work he is doing with the YMCA. Today’s episode also features author Cecile Andrews who talks about her circle of simplicity and the work she is doing to bring small groups together for conversation. Andrews has lived in Seattle for decades and is working to build a sense of community in the Phinneywood area. The interviews offer some interesting tidbits of history and give perspectives on where Seattle has been and where it is going. Both guests offer perspectives from different neighborhoods about growth, change, and community.

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Seattle has an abundance of professional opportunities. Today’s episode shares stories from communities being formed to facilitate connections among professionals who are willing to support and help one another.

With an increasing number of innovative products being developed in Seattle, there are opportunities for Foster graduates and others to lead the development of products as product managers. Lewis Lin, author of Be the Greatest Product Manager Ever, describes the community he has built to help people prepare for product management interviews. He shares valuable lessons about how he built the 9,000 member community that can be applied to other people or organizations hoping to bring people together for a common purpose.

As people are moving to Seattle from around the country, there is an opportunity to guide newcomers to social and professional events. In today’s episode, Ahmad Corner shares why he founded Young Professionals of Seattle based on the principle that people are at the heart of what makes businesses and communities work well. He and Jamie Shindler describe lessons they learned in bringing over 13,000 young professionals together in Seattle.

If you are looking for a community that’s right for you, you just might find it in today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast. If you are looking to build your own community, you will hear lessons of how to start and nurture a group that can be applied to a variety of contexts.

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State Representative Eric Pettigrew and Orlando Morales of 5th Avenue Theatre discuss their efforts to nurture community, empower youth, and empower underserved communities to play a role in building a shared future.

The interviews give insight that businesses and non-profits can utilize as they seek to give back and cultivate relationships with previously underserved communities.

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Laura Elfline shares how a community of home builders is coming together to share information about sustainable building practices. Elfline, co-owner of Mighty House Construction and Mighty Energy Solutions, discusses her work with the NW EcoBuilding Guild. The interview some lessons about how to bring together a community and the benefits of doing so. Elfline also offers some interesting facts about the environmental impact of materials in building homes. Wool as insulation and cork for flooring? Find out more in this episode.

The episode also features an interview with Gabrielle Gerhard. Gerhard shares her motivation for volunteering in her community and highlights some exciting events happening at SPACE, Sand Point Arts and Cultural Exchange. The interview highlights how you can find and get involved in the community that is right for you.

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Today’s episode may be the first Seattle Growth Podcast episode that can save your life. Cindi Barker talks about the Seattle Emergency Hubs. She’s not only bringing Seattleites together, she is preparing them for when disaster strikes. In this interview, you will learn the surprising amount of time you should be prepared to survive in case of an emergency and how you can find the people who can help you through such an event. The episode then gives an inside look at Seattle’s dance community through an interview with Connie Villines. Villines is the managing director of the Seattle International Dance Festival, the artistic director of Converge Dance Festival, and assistant producer of the Full Tilt Dance Festival. She shares what makes Seattle unique in the dance world and offers lessons for what Seattle residents can learn from the local dance community.

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Today’s episode features an interview with a nationally touring comedian who has appeared on Late Night TV many times and had his own special on Comedy Central. Shane Mauss was in town for his Stand Up Science show and sat down for an interview in which he offers an outsider’s impressions of Seattle. He shares his views on how the business of comedy has changed over the years and offers advice on how someone can find a sense of community in a city that is changing so rapidly.

The episode also features Seattle author Thomas Kohnstamm, whose novel Lake City takes place in Seattle at the turn of the 21st century. Kohnstamm shares perspective on how the community has changed over the decades he has lived here and what he hopes the future holds for our growing city.

Whether you have lived here your whole life or are just joining this city, these interviews give insight about Seattle, how it was, how it is changing, and where Seattle is going.

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Today’s episode features John Barr, founder of NHLtoSeattle. Barr shares the story of how his love of hockey evolved from a hobby newsletter to an expansive online community on Facebook and Twitter, to a rich Seattle community that brings people together to watch hockey and advocate for Seattle to join the ranks of NHL cities. Barr discusses what motivates him to pour his effort into the community and how he felt seeing Seattle realize his dream of being awarded an NHL franchise. Today’s episode also features Alex Grindeland, owner of CSZ Seattle. Grindeland describes how he was able to build and maintain a community of improve comedians. He shares how passion for improv comedy has evolved into a business that plays home to ComedySportz, a fast-paced comedy show pitting two teams of comedians against each other. To show just how important practice and skill are, he and host, Jeff Shulman, engage in the least funny improv of all time. If you are looking for a community that’s right for you, you just might find it in today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast. If you are looking to build your own community, you will hear lessons of how to start and nurture a group.

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Season 6 of Seattle Growth Podcast focuses on finding community in a dynamic city. Each episode spotlights some of the interesting people in Seattle who are building community and bringing people together. You will hear from leaders in tech, comedy, music, art, dance, and emergency preparation. Today’s episode features Nathan Vass, an artist, filmmaker, photographer, and author by day, and a Metro bus driver by night, where his community-building work has been showcased on NPR, The Seattle Times, KING5 and landed him a spot on Seattle Magazine’s 2018 list of the 35 Most Influential People in Seattle. Vass shares stories from his popular blog, The View from Nathan’s Bus, and how it led to his successful book The Lines That Make Us. The interview offers a unique perspective on finding community in a city that is changing rapidly. Today’s episode also features Maisha Barnett, a public space developer with over a decade of experience shaping community gathering spaces. She talks about her work with the Jimi Hendrix Park development and the redevelopment of Powell Barnett Park, named after the musician, baseball player, and community leader who was her grandfather. Whether you have lived here your whole life or are just joining this city, these interviews give insight about Seattle, how it was, how it is changing, and where Seattle is going.

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Continue the exploration of finding community in a dynamic city. Today’s episode features Farah Abdallah, a lead product manager at eBay who co-founded Seattle’s chapter of Women in Product. Abdallah shares how she collaborated with Claire Fang of Facebook to bring together hundreds of women in Seattle who are building products for some of the world’s most innovative companies.

The episode also features Kevin Sur, founder of Artist Home. Sur discusses why and how he created a collaborative community for artists and launched highly popular music festivals such as Timber! Outdoor Music Festival, which is bringing together emerging artists for the seventh year in a row in July. Sur shares how his desire to help people and build community evolved into a successful business.

If you are looking for a community that’s right for you, you just might find it in today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast. If you are looking to build your own community, you will hear lessons of how to start and nurture a group.

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How do you find community in a dynamic city? Season 6 of Seattle Growth podcast brings different perspectives together. Whether you are looking for a community that is right for you or hoping to build one, you will learn from the voices of this season. Today's episode includes Red Russak and Brett Greene whose New Tech Seattle was the fastest growing meetup group in history. The episode also features Jane Richlovsky, a talented artist and accidental real estate developer who is finding creative ways to keep artists in Seattle.

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Hear the voices of season 5 describe how they became homeless and how it feels to be homeless. Elected officials, business leaders, academics, and unsheltered residents describe the challenges in addressing homelessness and share opinions on solutions. Casey Trupin of the Raikes Foundation shares how Pearl Jam got involved in the crisis and how the successful Home Shows came together.

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Today’s episode and connects the topic of the previous season, which focused on the past, present and future of Seattle music, with the topic of this season, which is focused on homelessness. The episode features an interview with Anthony Briscoe whose Seattle-based band, Down North, is on the cusp of a breakout. Brisco opens up about his struggle with poverty and his experience being homeless in our region. 

The episode also features an interview with noted author and UW professor Scott Allard. He dispels some myths associated with poverty, describes which programs are effective and which programs build a poverty trap, and offers actions you can take to help improve your community. 

The song Heartbreaker, by Down North, is played in this episode. Down North consists of Lead Vocalist/Dancer Anthony “Renegade” Briscoe, whose North Carolina breeding makes fans swoon and has no equal in the Pacific NW. Raised on Michael Jackson and Sam Cooke, Anthony combines a style and emotional impact reminiscent of Prince in his vocal expressions, proudly stealing the spotlight with his ballet-trained dancing.

Scott W. Allard joined the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington as a professor of public policy and governance in 2014. Allard is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program and co-primary investigator of the Family Self-Sufficiency Data Center at the University of Chicago. He is author of Out of Reach: Place, Poverty, and the New American Welfare State (2009, Yale University Press), which examines the contemporary social service safety net through survey interviews with almost 1,500 government, for-profit, and nonprofit social service organizations. In 2017, he published a book entitled Places in Need: The Changing Geography of Poverty, which focuses upon the rise in poverty in America’s suburban areas and the stubborn persistence of poverty in urban areas.

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As every one of us faces challenges of varying degrees of scale, today’s episode features an inspiring story about how one man can make a world of difference. Dale Hoff offers lessons not only for those seeking improvement in the homelessness crisis, but those seeking to influence change at any level.

Today also features an in-depth interview with a person who has had a significant impact on the economic growth of this city, Craig Kinzer. In today’s episode, Kinzer previews a big idea that he thinks can fundamentally transform how housing gets built for average workers in Seattle.

The extended conversation with Mr. Kinzer also touches upon the controversial public subsidy for the ballpark that is home to Seattle’s Major League Baseball team.

The interview gives you insight into important decisions facing regional government.

Combined, these two interviews represent two of the many examples of Seattle residents who think creatively about how to tackle challenges. They also offer insight into the process of finding where your unique skill set can be applied to make a difference.

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Today’s episode focuses on the business response to a crisis affecting everyone in Seattle: homelessness.

The episode features Jon Scholes, President and CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association, and Mike Slade, former CEO of Starwave and founding partner at Second Avenue Partners.

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Today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast looks at question that has affected many throughout Seattle: how should the city deal with tents and encampments in public spaces?

This question is important to our community’s homeless residents hanging on to their last few possessions and to the business leaders and residents who encounter unsanctioned encampments on their commutes, near their homes, and in their parks.

Today’s episode features Dae Shik Kim Hawkins Jr., an activist and organizer of Nikita Oliver’s 2017 Mayoral campaign. Hawkins Jr. explains why he advocates for homeless individuals and gives insight into “Stop the Sweeps” efforts.

You will also hear from Ian Gordon, business manager of the Local 1239 union representing Seattle Parks and Recreation employees. He shares the challenges Parks employees have in maintaining spaces for use by the public.

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Today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast features one of the most candid interviews about life on the streets. Timothy opens up about how he found himself homeless, why he chooses to live in Seattle and what life is like on the streets. He gives a surprising answer to how society is failing the homeless and makes a simple request of listeners.

Seattle City Councilmember Mike O’Brien also appears in the episode. He shares where he believes the city can improve in how it deals with its vehicular residents. Councilmember O’Brien also discusses what it was like to be at the center of the infamous Ballard Town Hall, which was reported as turning “into an angry shoutfest.”

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Today’s episode of Seattle brings you behind the scenes of City Hall in an interview with Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda. Councilmember Mosqueda shares her thinking about the controversial “head tax” and what she learned from how the process of enacting then repealing the tax unfolded. She also shares her vision for how the city could improve its response to the homelessness crisis.

The episode also features an interview with a UW professor who experienced homelessness herself before becoming an academic expert on the topic.

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Today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast continues with a focus on one of Seattle’s most pressing issues, homelessness. Each episode in the season brings voices from a variety of perspectives. Combined the episodes will help listeners understand homelessness from multiple angles, become better informed citizens, and feel empowered to take even small steps toward addressing the challenge.

The episode features an interview with former Washington State Attorney General and 2012 Republican Gubernatorial nominee Rob McKenna. McKenna shares his perspective on how the city and the business community should address homelessness.

The episode also features an interview with a tent-city resident Walter Hudson. Hudson gives insight into what life is like in these communities.

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Today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast continues with a focus on one of Seattle’s most pressing issues, homelessness. Each episode in the season brings voices from a variety of perspectives. Combined the episodes will help listeners understand homelessness from multiple angles, become better informed citizens, and feel empowered to take even small steps toward addressing the challenge.

In this episode, Jeff Shulman sat down with a father of two children who was given a new lease on life by the help of Mary’s Place family shelter. Tyrus Gilbertson describes his experience being homeless with his son and daughter. Gilbertson shares what has kept him going as he works to provide for his family.

Rick Hooper, co-president of the Uptown Alliance, shares what his community organization is doing to build pathways out of homelessness for their fellow community members. Hooper offers perspective on challenges and opportunities individuals can face as they work to strengthen their community.

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Season 5 focuses on a topic that affects everyone in Seattle: Homelessness. King County Executive Dow Constantine discusses regional approach to addressing homelessness and the reasoning behind his efforts. Northwest MLS director Robert Wasser of Prospera Real Estate gives an update on rents and housing prices. The episode also features Ty who was interviewed while living on streets outside City Hall.

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In this season finale, voices from the music industry share why music is embedded in Seattle’s DNA, give insight into the soul of the not just the music scene but the city as a whole, and offer perspectives on what needs to be done to hold on to the rich cultural resource.

For this season, Seattle Growth Podcast host Jeff Shulman set across the city interviewing established and emerging musicians, music lovers, and music industry leaders to learn more about the past, present, and future of Seattle music. The episode features the voices of: David Armstrong who served Executive Producer and Artistic Director of 5th Ave Theatre for 18 years.

Dave B who performed in front of a sold out Key Arena and with Macklemore on The Tonight Show.

Andre Brown who is a recent graduate of the University of Washington’s School of Drama.

Matt Bishop who founded the popular indie folk and chamber pop band Hey Marseilles.

Marco Collins who is the subject of the documentary The Glamour and the Squalor because of his rich contributions to the national music scene through his work as a Seattle radio personality.

Draze who is a hip-hop emcee and musician born in Seattle.

Jason Finn who is the drummer for the platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated band Presidents of the United States of America.

Kate Voss and Jason Goessl who perform as the duo Sundae and Mr. Goessl.

DeVon Manier who is the founder of Sportn’ Life Music Group and was an inaugural member of the Seattle Music Commission.

Celene Ramadan who is a Seattle musician who has performed as Leeni, Prom Queen and Snax the Bunny.

Lydia Ramsey who is an Americana folk singer-songwriter and a talent buyer at the Triple Door.

Curtis Romjue who founded First Aid Arts

Austin Santiago who is the General Manager of Do206

Steven Severin who is the co-owner of Neumos and Wake Up Presents

Brent Stiefl who is CEO of Votiv Inc. and co-founder of Onto Entertainment, which manages the platinum-selling band The Lumineers.

Dustin Vance who fronts the band Fond Farewell.

Naomi Wachira who is an Afro-Folk singer-songwriter.

Levi and Stephanie Ware who founded the Melodic Caring Project.

Tekla Waterfield who received a “Listen Up! Women in Music” grant for songwriting from the Allied Arts Foundation.

Hollis Wong-Wear who is a Grammy-nominated artist who collaborated with Macklemore and performs with the group Flavr Blue.

Visit www.seattlegrowthpodcast.com/s4ep12 for more information on the voices appearing in this episode.

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Today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast continues the focus on music and the future of Seattle. You will hear from Hollis Wong Wear, a Grammy-nominated artist who shares what Seattle can learn from her recent move to Los Angeles. She’s co-written songs that have been heard by millions of people around the world. In today’s interview, she also speaks more broadly to the power of music to influence the future of our city.

You will also hear from Chris Early, founding member of Band of Horses who played bass on their debut studio album. The album’s debut single The Funeral was named one of the top 100 songs of its decade by Pitchfork media. Early shares what he hopes Seattle will do to ensure future musicians can thrive in the city.

The episode gives insight into what residents can ask for in order to carry forward Seattle’s rich musical legacy.

The episode also previews the song “Cuz I Wanna” by Hollis’s The Flavr Blue.

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Today’s episode focuses on the future of the places where musicians and music lovers come together: Seattle’s famed music venues. There is a venue that has come up time and time again in this podcast: Neumos. You’ll hear from Neumos co-owner Steven Severin. He shares what makes the venue so successful and what challenges the future holds for the Seattle music scene.

You’ll also hear from David Meinert, who has had an illustrious career in Seattle’s music scene owning clubs, organizing music events and whose Onto Entertainment manages the platinum selling band The Lumineers. He describes what he sees as an important missing piece in Seattle’s music scene.

The episode gives insight into what we can expect for the future of Seattle’s music venues. The episode also gives perspective on the political clout the music community carries as our city is in the midst of a transformation.

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“Music is incredibly powerful.” Accomplished songwriter Levi Ware is one of several Seattle musicians hoping to harness that power to build a better future for the community. He and his wife Stephanie founded the Melodic Caring Project to bring love and encouragement to hospitalized children through music.

What is happening in Seattle that is cultivating arts-based non-profits such as the Melodic Caring Project? Today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast examines how Seattle’s community of artists, innovators, and social enterprises are intersecting to shape lives in the community. The episode also features Curtis Romjue who founded First Aid Arts after finding success with JUBILEE, a non-profit rock band. First Aid Arts helps trauma survivors recover through arts-based care.

The episode gives further perspective on Seattle’s music scene while sharing inspiring stories of how Seattle musicians channeled their talents to improve the lives of those around them.

Featuring the song Into the Waves from JUBILEE and their EP "Trusting to Rest"

With intro performed by Naomi Wachira, Tekla Waterfield, Matt Bishop, Draze, Porscha Shaw, and Andre Brown.

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Did you you that nine of the seventeen new musicals produced in Executive Producer David Armstrong’s tenure at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre went from this Seattle stage to Broadway and that two of them won the Tony award for Best Musical? As the fourth season of Seattle Growth Podcast examines the past, present, and future of the Seattle music scene, the city’s vibrant musical theater scene merits attention.

David Armstrong, who has served as the Executive Producer and Artistic Director for 5th Avenue Theatre for almost two decades describes how the city is getting national recognition for musical theater. Armstrong shares how the city is both producing and drawing in top flight musical theater talent. Armstrong also gives unique insight into how the city’s growth is affecting the business of the storied theater.

Two of the talented actors who were drawn to be a part of Seattle’s musical theater community open up about their transition to the city. Porscha Shaw, who was named by KUOW as one of the Seattle artists you should know about, tells the story of how she has begun her ride to prominence. Andre Brown shares what is happening in Seattle that facilitates the creation of art across various mediums. Both give further insight into the soul of the Seattle music scene.

This episode gives an inside look at a musical theater community that serves as a key aspect of Seattle’s vibrant art and culture.

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Believe it or not, there are musicians among the staggering number of people moving to Seattle during the boom time. Though last week’s episode profiled some of the musicians lost in the boom, there are people around the country eager to take their place within the community. This episode gives insight from three singer-songwriters who were drawn by Seattle’s legendary music scene in hopes of advancing their careers.

You will hear from Tekla Waterfield. She moved to Seattle in 2010 and is soon launching her second album, which is produced by noted Seattle guitarist Jeff Fielder. She describes what drew her to the city and how she has found a way to make a living as a full-time musician.

You will also hear from Dustin Vance, who recently moved here from a small town in Indiana and whose band Fond Farewell has an upcoming gig at the High Dive on May 16th. He describes the emotions of starting anew in Seattle and attempting to integrate into the music scene.

You will also hear from Jeremiah Mothersell, who was drawn by both Seattle’s music scene and it’s tech scene. He gives insight into the options that are available to newcomers to this thriving economy.

The episode gives further perspective on the health of the Seattle music scene through the experiences of those drawn to be a part of it.

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Today’s episode gives rare insight into the economics and emotional journey associated with becoming a professional musician in Seattle. With money and people moving into the city, this episode focuses on some of the musicians the city stands to lose as the economics of a recording artist change. You will hear the voice of a musician who has moved away from the city, two musicians who anticipate moving soon, and a musician whose successful band has gone on hiatus.

The episode gives further perspective on the soul of Seattle’s music scene and how the community is evolving as the city transforms.

In this episode are: Naomi Wachira, who was once named Seattle’s best folk singer by Seattle Weekly.

Matt Bishop, who explains why his popular band Hey Marseilles recently went on hiatus.

Kate Voss who was named Best Jazz Act of 2017 by Seattle Weekly and NW Jazz Vocalist of the Year by Earshot.

Jason Goessl who performs in several bands including Sundae and Mr. Goessl with his wife Kate Voss.

The episode also features the songs Makes My Heart Sway by Sundae and Mr. Goessl and Beautifully Human by Naomi Wachira.

In this episode, you will learn how these artists attracted their followings, how they made a living, and how the booming economy affects the paychecks of local performing artists.

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Is there a cultural transformation underway in Seattle? Has the music scene that grabbed the nation’s attention during the 1990s grunge era maintained its identity?

Three voices in today’s Seattle music scene share their perspective on the culture of Seattle music and how it is changing in recent years.

The episode features: Austin Santiago, owner of BuildStrong Music Group, which has been curating concerts and music culture in Cascadia since 2005 and Vice President at Do206, a website dedicated to highlighting live events in the area.

Lydia Ramsey, an Americana singer-songwriter and talent buyer at the Seattle music venue Triple Door.

Celene Ramadan, a Seattle musician who has performed as Leeni, Prom Queen, and Snax the Bunny.

The voices give insight into the current identity and trajectory of Seattle’s music scene. For comparison, the episode also includes quotes from previous guests including legendary Seattle radio personality Marco Collins, former Grammy executive Ben London, and platinum selling band member Jason Finn.

This episode gives unique insight into the process of becoming a musician in Seattle. It provides a window into the evolving culture of the city that spans beyond music and it gives you a chance to meet some of the talented artists in Seattle.

Featuring the song Show Me The Stars by Lydia Ramsey and the song Vengeance (Will Be Mine) by Prom Queen.

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Draze, who has opened for Snoop Dogg and had his music appear on hit shows such as Empire, shares how Seattle’s transformation has affected his music and him personally. You will also hear from Dave B, who collaborated with Macklemore on the hit song Corner Store, performed in front of a sold-out Key Arena, was seen on national tv performing on Jimmy Fallon's Tonight Show, and headlined his own sold-out show at Seattle’s Neptune Theater.

Today’s episode gives you a rare inside look at the journey a Seattle hip-hop artist takes in the ride to prominence. The two guests also put to words the range of emotions many people are feeling as the city of Seattle undergoes a rapid transformation.

Featuring the songs "The Hood Ain't the Same" by Draze and "Sweetest Thing" by Dave B.

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This episode continues the season's brief look at Seattle’s rich musical history. Janie Hendrix (CEO of Experience Hendrix) shares how the city’s growth has affected her efforts to honor the legacy of Seattle-born rock and roll legend Jimi Hendrix. You will learn more about the continued impact Jimi Hendrix has on Seattle today.

The episode also features an interview with inaugural Seattle Music Commissioner DeVon Manier. Manier is cofounder of Sportn’ Life Music Group and works with Seattle artists such as the Black Tones and Future Shock . He shares stories from his time developing hip-hop artists at the turn of the century and what drove him to participate in the Seattle Music Commission.

The interviews listeners a glimpse into Seattle’s musical past and provides insight into what the future holds for our growing city.

With appearances by Marco Collins, Jason Finn, Ben London, Draze, and Dave B.

Also contains the song Woman in Black by The Blacktones.

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The fourth season of Seattle Growth Podcast brings together diverse perspectives from established and emerging artists, music lovers and music industry leaders to paint a picture of the past, present, and future of Seattle’s iconic music scene.

This second episode of the season continues last week’s focus on Seattle’s music community during the 1990s. Whereas Seattle had produced many notable musical artists in prior years, the sounds from the 1990s were distinctly recognized across the globe as emanating from this city.

The episode features singer-songwriter Ben London who began his Seattle music career while the Seattle sound, grunge, was exploding nationally. London went on to serve on the development team for the Experience Music Project (now known as MoPOP), to serve as an executive at the Grammys, and to serve as the inaugural chair of the Seattle Music Commission. You will hear what it was like to be “a footnote of flannel” during the Seattle grunge era and to do “all the things that other bands did, except...not sell millions of records.”

The episode also features Marco Collins, an influential radio DJ during the early 1990s who record executives from around the world turned to for insight into who would be the next big thing in music.The subject of his own documentary “The Glamour and the Squalor” opens up about what it was like to rub shoulders with Seattle’s rock stars, to help catapult bands to national prominence, and to have the whole world watching what was coming out of Seattle.

These two voices help paint a picture of a unique time in Seattle’s music history and provide insight into the city’s future.

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Seattle Growth Podcast brings its spotlight to the music community in our growing city. The story begins in this first episode of season 4 with a look at the 1990s, an almost universally recognized era of Seattle sound.

Today’s episode features two-time Grammy nominee, the drummer for the Presidents of the United States of America, Jason Finn.

What was it like to be a Seattle musician in this era where one could be catapulted from playing Seattle’s Romper Room to selling millions of records? What was happening in Seattle that enabled local bands to take the national leap?

You’ll hear Jason Finn’s perspective on these questions and more. You’ll also hear the fan perspective from Daryl Ducharme, a music lover who worked at Guitar Center during the decade.

The interviews will paint a vivid picture of a unique moment in Seattle’s history that will also give insight into our future.

With musical intros performed by Draze, Naomi Wachira, and Porscha Shaw.

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A preview of Season 4 with an interview with emerging Seattle hip-hop artist Dave B.

Professor Jeff Shulman has been interviewing a set of established and emerging artists, music lovers, and music industry leaders and will soon share their stories with you. The episode also includes brief clips from the talented voices of Lydia Ramsey (http://www.lydiaramseymusic.com/), Prom Queen (http://promqueenmusic.com), and Kate Voss (http://www.katevoss.com/).

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The arena wars are not over as two groups vie to reshape Seattle’s music scene, Seattle Center, and the future of winter professional sports in Seattle. In this special episode, find out why 33 members of Seattle’s music community weighed in on the arena debate to support one of the two proposals.

You will hear from Jason Finn, drummer for the platinum-selling, grammy-nominated band Presidents of the United States.

You will hear from David Meinert, whose Onto Entertainment manages the platinum selling musicians, The Lumineers.

Today’s episode gives you a better understanding about how Seattle’s music scene can be shaped by the arena proposals.

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The arena wars are not over as two groups vie to reshape Seattle’s music scene, Seattle Center, and the future of winter professional sports. In this special episode, get an update on the process and hear from Wally Walker and Pete Nordstrom how their group’s efforts to bring an NBA franchise to an arena in Sodo can also have an impact on music lovers and musicians in the city.

With an appearance by Ben London and featuring the music of Stag.

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In this third season of Seattle Growth Podcast, UW Foster professor Jeff Shulman set out to better understand the physical transformation of Seattle. Shulman set across Seattle to learn from real estate developers, residents, and activists about the changes under way. What he found may surprise you.

The season began as an exploration how much the physical landscape of Seattle is changing, who is driving these changes, how people are affected by these changes, and what people are doing to shape the future of Seattle. Along the way, the voices of Seattle expressed a significant challenge facing the community

In this season finale, hear Seattle residents share a common concern about how Seattle is transforming and offer their ideas for action steps that can build progress toward addressing the challenge.

Featuring the voices of Damon Bomar, Tim Thomas, Cole Austin, Martin Henry Kaplan, Queen Pearl Richard, Ethan Phelps Goodman, Alisha Cross, Carl Livingston, Joe Ferguson, and Rev. Dr. Phyllis Beaumonte.

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Seattle’s growth is bringing a physical and cultural transformation. Buildings are changing, businesses are changing, and people are changing at a rapid pace. This episode of Seattle Growth Podcast features three expert opinions on how policies from Seattle’s past are shaping the migration patterns of today that will influence Seattle’s future.

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Money and people are moving into Seattle at an unprecedented rate. In an apparent effort to keep pace with the growth, Seattle has led the nation in the number of cranes in the sky two years in a row.

Though significant attention is given to the number of people moving in, IRS data shows thousands of people are also moving out.

Today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast features interviews with two people who have chosen to leave Seattle and an interview with the Director of Seattle’s Office of Planning and Community Development about what the city is doing to avoid losing more of its long-time residents.

If Seattle has changed to a point that these residents feel the need to leave, what might happen you and your life in this city? By understanding why some residents are saying goodbye to Seattle, you can work together to ensure that Seattle maintains a community for you and those you care about as it continues undergoing its transformation.

Today’s episode features in-depth interviews with Reverend Dr. Phyllis Beaumonte, Cole Austin, and Sam Assefa.

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Three residents with more than a combined century living in Seattle tell their side of the story of Seattle. Seattle’s population has increased an astounding 15.4 percent since the start of the decade. For tens of thousands of newcomers, a bustling, growing Seattle is all they’ve ever known. But tucked within some of those houses, apartments, and condos surrounded by construction cranes are people who grew up in a very different city.

The three interviews give you perspective on how the physical transformation under way in Seattle is affecting some of the city’s long-time residents. Given history has a habit of repeating itself, hearing their stories will give you a better understanding of how Seattle’s future growth may ultimately affect you and life in this city. You will also gain insight into the challenges your fellow community members are facing, so that you can be a part of building a mutually beneficial future.

The episode features Damon Bomar, Wendy Colgan, and Alisha Cross.

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Seattle is growing at an extraordinary rate. As more people and money flow into the city, the skyline and neighborhoods are being transformed. What will the future of the Seattle and its neighborhoods look like? Only time will tell as various people and groups jockey for position to have their vision for Seattle unfold.

Today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast offers guidance into how you can influence the future of Seattle. You will hear from people who have organized, lobbied, or litigated to play a role in determining what Seattle will look like for years to come. Through these examples, you will have a better understanding of how you can have your voice heard as the city changes around you.

You will hear from Roger Valdez of Smart Growth Seattle.

You will hear from Martin H. Kaplan, an architect and engaged Seattle resident.

You will hear from Ethan Phelps-Goodman about Seattle Tech Workers for Housing.

Through meeting these change-makers, you will get perspective on the variety of efforts underway to set policy.

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Gain insight into the minds of real estate developers as they reshape Seattle’s streets and skyline. As you look ahead to where you live or might live, these interviews give you insight into the kinds of neighborhoods and properties that attract real estate developers. You will get an inside look into their development process and how you can influence it.

You will hear from Liz Dunn of Dunn + Hobbes, which specializes in the adaptive reuse of existing buildings as well as the construction of new urban infill projects.

You will hear from Joe Ferguson of Lake Union Partners, which specializes in residential mixed-use and commercial projects.

These two interviews give you examples of the variety of developers reshaping the physical landscape of our city.

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People and money are flowing into Seattle at unprecedented rates and the city is undergoing a physical transformation like none other. As Seattle booms, the city has lead the nation in the number of cranes in the sky two years in a row. Anyone who even passes through Seattle can visibly see the physical changes under way. But in those buildings being torn down are people and businesses; lives being changed that we often do not get to see from the outside.

The third season of Seattle Growth Podcast gives you insight into the physical transformation of Seattle and the lives it is affecting. You will learn what developers are thinking as they reshape the landscape of our city, how some of your fellow community members are reacting to these changes, and what you can do to influence what Seattle will look like. You will gain insight into Seattle’s history and what that history means for its future. Through this journey, you will have a better understanding of this dynamic city and the role you can play in shaping its tomorrow.

In today’s episode of Seattle Growth Podcast, two people share heart-felt stories about how their lives have been impacted by Seattle’s changing physical landscape: Kailash Upadhyay is a business owner whose building was redeveloped. Queen Pearl Richard is a long-time Seattle resident who has seen the buildings and businesses change around her. Ethan Phelps-Goodman, a software engineer who developed SeattleInProgress.com, describes how you can learn about and influence further development in the city.

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Can Seattle become a hockey town? If the highest level of professional hockey calls Seattle home, what would that mean to the Seattle residents who do not care about the sport?

Today’s episode brings you several perspectives on the existing hockey community in Seattle and what hockey could mean to all residents, sports fans and non-sports fans alike. Interviews with Executive Director of the Seattle Sports Commission Ralph Morton; John Barr, a hockey enthusiast behind the NHL to Seattle fan movement; Vanessa Kirk-Briley, from Ronald McDonald House Charities; and Todd Humphrey, a former professional hockey player who served on the Mayor’s Advisory panel that weighed two proposals for a Key Arena remodel.

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How will growth and the potential for a new sports and entertainment arena affect the city’s budget? Hear from City Budget Office director Ben Noble and UW professor Justin Marlowe.

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Former Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn shares gives rare insight into Seattle’s past, present, and future. The mayor of Seattle from 2010 until the end of 2013 converses about the topics from Season 1 and Season 2 of Seattle Growth Podcast. In particular McGinn discusses how rapid growth is affecting residents, businesses, and city leaders. McGinn also weighs in on the arena debate the continues several years after his office agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding with Chris Hansen's Sodo arena group.

The episode also features insight into why Seattle is growing from Taylor Graham (Seattle Sounders FC), Chris DeVore (TechStars and Founders Co-op), Maggie Walker (Founding partner of Seattle Venture Partners), and Brian Bonlender (Washington State Department of Commerce).

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This special episode gives you an inside look at a burgeoning industry with potential to further drive growth in this city. Jeff Shulman had an opportunity to visit the Geekwire Sports Tech Summit and interview individuals uniquely involved in the the sports tech.

In this episode:

Taylor Soper, sports tech reporter for Geekwire, describes how Vicis, Amazon, and Microsoft are driving sports tech in the region and what can be expected in the future.

Former NHL player and co-founder of League, Todd Humphrey, explains how professional hockey has prepared him for entrepreneurship. He offers an idea of what Seattle can expect from local sports tech companies in the future.

Akvelon employee, Jeremiah Mothersell, shares why he moved here from Arizona without a job in hand, and what it is like to work at a sports tech company in Seattle.

Professional hot air balloon competitor, Eliav Cohen, describes how a local tech company is incidentally revolutionizing the world-wide sport of hot air ballooning.

The episode gives you a better understanding of what you can expect from Seattle's sports tech scene and how it may further drive the growth of the city.

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This episode gives you a better understanding of how public resources may be deployed in bringing the NBA and NHL to Seattle and in improving Seattle Center.

In this episode, City Councilmember Rob Johnson describes the process by which the proposals to renovate Key Arena and the proposal to build a SODO arena will be evaluated and offers insight into the pros and cons of each.

Developer Sam Farrazaino offers an alternative vision for repurposing Key Arena should a development in SODO becomes the home of professional arena sports.

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Former Seattle City Councilmember Sally Clark gives guidance on how to effectively engage city government. She shares the best way to communicate your opinions along with some do’s and don’ts. Her guidance applies to those following the discussion on the arena decision facing the council as well as to anyone who has a passion about a city issue.

In this episode, host Jeff Shulman reveals that he is not actually a Sonics fan. However, he discusses how he has been moved by people who have made this city great. People from diverse races, genders, educations, and political affiliations who have been brought together and inspired by the world class athletes wearing Sonics uniforms.

Sharing what the Sonics have historically meant to the city of Seattle, the episode features quotes from Pete Nordstrom, Slick Watts, Lenny Wilkens, Detlef Schrempf, Professor Jen Hoffman, Jack and Steve Hussey, Debi Frausto, Jeff Brown, Lauren Henry and Nicole Morrison.

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In the nearly 10 years since the NBA franchise Seattle Supersonics left for Oklahoma City, several people have been working tirelessly to bring the Sonics back to Seattle. This episode gives you a window into the hearts and minds of two people working for several years to return Seattle to the league of cities playing host to professional basketball. In this episode you will hear from:

  1. Chris Hansen; the leader of a group of investors attempting to bring an NBA franchise to an arena in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood. He discusses his motivations for continued efforts to bring Seattle an NBA franchise. He also shares rare insights into where his group is in the process.

  2. Jeff Brown; a Sonics fan and leader of the Bring Back our Sonics movement. He shares why he continues to rally fans years after the NBA left the Emerald City.

Sonic Boom Day is coming April 17th. Residents from across Seattle will be sharing their voice with Seattle City Council on where they would like an arena to be developed. As City Council is in the process of determining where to pave the way for a return of the NBA, developing an informed opinion can help you achieve the outcome that is in your best interest.

This episode of Seattle Growth Podcast gives you unique insight into what the NBA can mean to the residents of Seattle and what the proposal for a SoDo arena would mean to you and life in this city.

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Sonic Boom Day is coming April 17th! People from around the city will be sharing their voice with City Council on the same day so that wishes of Seattle residents can be heard loud and clear. Prepare with today’s episode, which focuses on how the arena location decision would affect your wallet through its effect on rents, home values, and further development.

In this episode: Craig Kinzer, Founder and CEO of Kinzer Partners, explains the real estate development that should occur around a new arena.

Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist at Windermere Real Estate describes current trends in Seattle Real Estate and how they would be affected by a return of the Sonics and the arena location they call home.

Realtors Tyler Davis Jones and Phil Greely discuss what a return of the Sonics would mean to them and their work.

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There are potentially three private groups vying to invest roughly half a billion dollars into a sports and entertainment complex in Seattle. The city is weighing a proposal for a SoDo arena and inviting proposals for a renovation of Seattle Center’s Key Arena. Decisions will soon be made and this episode helps you become further informed of the issues.

In this episode:

Get the scoop on how the city is approaching a potential Key Arena location from Brian Surratt, director of Seattle’s Office of Economic Development.

Get an inside look at Oak View Groups intentions to submit a proposal from Lance Lopes, director of special projects at Oak View Group.

Hear the challenges and opportunities the surrounding neighborhood sees from Debi Frausto who serves on the KeyArena Subcommittee Chair for the Seattle Uptown Alliance and is also on the Mayor’s Key Arena Advisory Panel.

This episode will give you a better understanding of how a Key Arena renovation could impact you and life in this city.

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This episode gives you a behind the scenes look at the life and impact off the court of the first coach to deliver Seattle a professional sports championship.

You will hear from Hall of Fame Sonics player and coach Lenny Wilkens about his upbringing and his motivation to help his community through the Lenny Wilkens Foundation for Children.

You will also hear from Dr. Ben Danielson of the Odessa Brown Clinic as he shares personal stories of how Lenny Wilkens has affected his life and the lives of the children he serves.

The episode continues our exploration of what a return of the Sonics could mean to Seattle. But much more than that, it provides a story of the difference one person can make in the lives around them. A story that will hopefully inspire others in our community.

In this episode, host Jeff Shulman calls upon listeners to “Live Like Lenny.” If you have time to do something good for the community, snap a picture and share on social using #LiveLikeLenny.

Whether it is bringing food to a food bank, bringing clothes, blankets or supplies to a shelter, cleaning trash from a public space, or volunteering with a religious or secular organization, listeners are asked to show the ripple effect our positive role models can have.

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Though Seattle’s economy has grown dramatically, there are still many residents in need. This episode explores what a return of the Sonics could mean to the less fortunate residents of Seattle.

To explore this question, this episode gives you an inside look into the work of one of Seattle’s star athletes. While any basketball fan in the mid-90s recognizes the contributions Detlef Schrempf made on the court, this episode gives unique insights into the lives he changed off the court.

Recognized as a 3-time NBA All-star, the first german born player to lead a team to the NBA finals, and the player of choice for video game fans who played NBA jam, Detlef Schrempf left an indelible mark as a player for the Sonics. As a citizen in our community, his reach extends well beyond basketball enthusiasts.

The episode features in-depth interviews with: Detlef Schrempf: Three-time NBA All-Star and two time Sixth Man of the Year. Nicole Morrison: Executive Director of the Detlef Schrempf Foundation Lauren Henry: A beneficiary of Detlef Schrempf’s contributions to Rise N’ Shine.

You will learn what Detlef Schrempf has accomplished with his foundation and what motivated him to make the contributions here in Seattle.

As decisions are being made at the city level that could pave the way for a return of the Sonics, this episode gives a better understanding of how these decisions would affect the interwoven fabric of people who call Seattle home.

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How would the children of Seattle be affected by the presence of the NBA?

To explore this question, this episode features:

Legendary Sonics player Slick Watts, who has helped cultivate future NBA talent such as Jason Terry and Jamal Crawford while coaching youth basketball in Seattle for decades. He describes how his playing days influenced his contributions to the community.

Colin Davenport, a youth coach who grew up in Seattle while the Sonics were here. He describes how the Sonics shaped his life.

Pat Dobel, a professor at the University of Washington and the writer of the popular sports blog Point of the Game. Having worked closely with collegiate athletes, Professor Dobel shares what he saw firsthand as the impact of sports on personal development and cautions against expecting too much from a return of the NBA.

You will also hear from your fellow listeners as UW Foster professor Jeff Shulman reads tweets from local Sonics fans.

As decisions are being made at the city level that could pave the way for a return of the Sonics, this episode gives a better understanding of how these decisions would affect you and your children.

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How would a return of the Sonics affect your evening commute? With two arena locations under city consideration, this episode gives you the scoop on how each of them would affect you. Given common perceptions about the Mercer corridor, what you hear will likely surprise you.

In this episode:

3-time NBA All-Star Detlef Schrempf discusses his time playing at Seattle’s Key Arena.

Scott Kubly, Director of Seattle Department of Transportation, discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the transportation network serving each location.

Martin Duke, Editor-in-Chief of Seattle Transit Blog, describes the current and future state of transit serving the two locations.

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The SoDo arena group was a street vacation away from being ready to invite the NBA to a modern Seattle arena, but the Port of Seattle has been an outspoken opponent. Find out exactly what the Port opposes and get a further understanding of why the Port is concerned about the SoDo arena.

In this episode, you will hear from Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton. You will also get historical context about the Port of Seattle from former Port CEO Mic Dinsmore, who served in that capacity for 15 years from 1992 to 2007. The episode concludes with the executive director of the Manufacturing Industrial Council Dave Gering who describes the local maritime industry and how he fears a SODO arena could impact not just the industry, but all residents of Seattle.

The city is in the midst of its decision-making process, and now is the time to become informed about the benefits and challenges associated with potential locations.

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A local investment group led by Chris Hansen has a proposal to build an NBA arena in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood. Their proposal has the potential to impact you and life in this city.

You will learn what the SoDo arena group needs from the city to proceed and what they hope a return of the Sonics will mean to Seattle.

In this episode, you can hear:

Pete Nordstrom, co-president of Nordstrom) describes what basketball has meant to him and how his experience as a team owner influences his efforts to bring the Sonics back to Seattle.

Wally Walker, former Sonics player and team executive, shares details of the proposal and what it was like to be a player on the first professional sports team to bring a championship to Seattle.

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Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess talks about City Council's role in the process of bringing back the Sonics.

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Why should you care about a potential return of the Sonics? Because the story is more complex than you might imagine. Yes, there is considerable enthusiasm for bringing them back. But their return requires addressing some tough questions. Will your tax dollars go toward subsidizing an NBA-ready arena? Where would an arena go? How would an arena affect the surrounding real estate, jobs, traffic, and other aspects of life in the city? How can the positive effects of an NBA franchise be maximized?

This season of Seattle Growth Podcast will explore these issues so you can be better informed about how a return of the Sonics would affect you and your neighbors. With this knowledge, you can have your voice be heard on the issue while there are decisions being made.

To give context to the potential return, it is important to understand some of the history of the Sonics. In this episode, you can hear:

1) Hall of Fame Sonics player and coach Lenny Wilkens shares why he wants the NBA to return to Seattle and what it was like to deliver the city its first professional sports championship.

2) Craig Kinzer opens up about his experience as a member of the Sonics ownership group that sold the team to Clay Bennett’s Oklahoma City investment group.

3) Paul Lawrence explains what can be learned from his experience as the city’s lead attorney in its trial attempting to force Clay Bennett to fulfill the obligations of the Sonics’ lease in Key Arena.

Also appearing in this episode are City Councilmember Tim Burgess, Pete Nordstrom, Wally Walker and Steve Hussey.

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Seattle Growth Podcast returns for a second season to explore how a return of the NBA franchise Seattle Supersonics would impact you and life in this growing city. As Seattle has experienced rapid growth, efforts to return the Sonics to the Emerald City are picking up steam. Whether you are a basketball fan or not, you will gain perspective on how the Sonics would affect real estate, community, traffic, jobs, taxes, and more.

Featuring interviews with: Lenny Wilkens Slick Watts Wally Walker Jeff Brown Colin Davenport

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What happens to an artist and a locally owned coffee house in a rapidly growing city when they encounter a for-profit developer? The events of this podcast might surprise you. And this unexpected true story has implications not just for developers, artists, and small businesses, but for anyone concerned about the future of their community.

Featuring Jane Richlovsky, Greg Smith, Ali Ghambari, and Karen True

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It is time for us to decide as a people : what do we want for this city as it undergoes a transformation? In today’s episode you are going to hear what the highest leadership at the city and state levels want. You will hear an in-depth interview with Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. You will also hear an in-depth interview with a member of Governor Jay Inslee’s executive cabinet, Brian Bonlender.

You will also hear appearances by Maggie Walker, Friends of Waterfront Seattle Greg Smith, CEO of Urban Visions; Jane Richlovsky, partner in Good Arts Building; Benjamin Zuercher, founder of StuffMapper; Ali Ghambari, owner of Cherry Street Coffee; Tasha Meyer, student; Bojie Mageo, cofounder of Swurveys; Mikaela Kiner, CEO of uniquely HR; Ty Sanders

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Listen to the first ever taping of Seattle Growth Podcast before a live audience at the Impact Hub in Seattle. University of Washington's Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship organized the event on October 17th, 2016.

Host Jeff Shulman moderated a panel of three individuals who have made immeasurable contributions to Seattle and will play a major role in its future: Maggie Walker, John Connors, and John Creighton.

Maggie Walker is well known in Seattle as a philanthropist and civic leader. Walker was a founding member of Social Venture Partners and of the Washington Women's Foundation. She is Chair and Board President of Global Partnerships. She is Vice Chair of the National Audobon Society Board of Directors. She is a member of the UW Foundation Board of Directors and the Seattle Art Museum Board of Trustees where she previously served as President. She is a board member of Friends of Waterfront Seattle. She is an advisory board member for the University of Washington's College of the Environment, the Evans School of Public Policy, and the College of Arts & Sciences.

Walker previously served as chair of The Bullitt Foundation's Board of Trustees, co-chair of the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) Board of Trustees, chair of the Washington Women's Foundation (founding member and first Chair) and was the first vice-chair of The Seattle Foundation Board of Trustees.

John Connors is a managing partner at Ignition Partners, an early stage, business software venture capital firm. Connors was named to the 2013 Forbes Midas List, a ranking of the world's top venture capital investors, and to Business Insider's 2013 list of top enterprise technology VCs. Connors joined Ignition in 2005 after a distinguished career as a software-industry executive.

Connors spent sixteen years at Microsoft in several high-level, strategic roles. From January 2000 to April 2005 he was senior vice president of finance and administration, as well as the company's chief financial officer. Connors is a member of the board of directors of Nike (NKE), Splunk (SPLK), FiREapps, DataSphere, Motif Investing, Chef, Azuqua, Tempered Networks, and Icertis.

John Creighton has served on the Port of Seattle Commission since 2006. He came to the commission with broad experience as a lawyer specializing on complex international transactions in the port cities of Singapore, Helsinki and Istanbul prior to returning home to Seattle. Creighton currently has a solo practice focused on business law and public policy.

As a commissioner, Creighton has focused on keeping the Port strong as a jobs creation engine while increasing the agency's commitment to the environment and making it a more accountable, socially responsible public agency.

Creighton grew up on the Eastside and graduated from Interlake High School in Bellevue. He earned a B.A. and M.A. from Johns Hopkins University, a J.D. from Columbia University and a Certificate of Administration from the University of Washington Foster School of Business.

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Are Seattle’s public utilities prepared for the influx of people? Hear from Ray Hoffman, former Director of Seattle Public Utilities, which oversees water, sewage, and solid waste management. In an in-depth interview, he shares which utilities are ready to expand with demand and which utilities concern him.

Hear from Larry Weis, CEO of Seattle City Light, share the impact of new development on electricity usage. He also shares what changes have been made in reaction to the population growth and his vision for the future.

Through this episode you will have a better understanding of how growth impacts the public utilities and the scalability of these services.

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This special episode of Seattle Growth Podcast brings you more information about the proposed ordinance that can change the way public spaces are used in neighborhoods throughout Seattle. Seattle City Council is considering a proposal that will set rules dictating the city’s response to unsanctioned encampments on public property.

The proposal has made headlines, but Seattle Growth Podcast is the first to bring you in-depth interviews from multiple perspectives closest to issue. City Councilmember Rob Johnson discusses the proposal and why he co-sponsored it. City Councilmember Tim Burgess discusses why he is opposed to the proposal and what he believes should be done instead.

For a perspective outside of government, the episode also includes an interview with the CEO of the Downtown Seattle Association: Jon Scholes.

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What does Seattle’s growth mean for the future of the city’s transportation network? This epsiode will look at land transportation through an in-depth interview with the Director of the Seattle Department of Transportation, Scott Kubly. He will share details about the projects underway and what he sees for the future of how Seattle residents will move about the city. The episode also features an interview with the editor-in-chief of the Seattle Transit Blog, Martin Duke.

The episode also looks at air transportation through an in-depth interview with Port of Seattle commissioner John Creighton. He will share the fascinating history and future of the Port of Seattle.

This episode will give you unique insight into the far reaching impact of how growth affects the city’s transportation network and what the future holds for Seattle mobility.

With appearances by: Brian Bonlender, Director of the Washington State Dept. of Commerce Mark Plunkett, Seattle Aquarium Conservation Coordinator Nicole Bell, Executive Director of Cambia Grove Kshama Sawant, Seattle City Councilmember Harold Scoggins, Chief of Seattle Fire Department Geoff Austin, Interim Executive Director of UW Medical Center Dr. Susan Stern Steve Smith Leslie Basil Dan Morgan

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A teacher, a parent, and the associate superintendent at Seattle Public Schools discuss school crowding and how schools adapt to a growing population. Hear from in-depth interviews with Kirk Wohlers, Liz MacLennan, and Dr. Flip Herndon about Seattle’s growth and the impact on its public schools.

You will learn specifics about the growth in the student population, how Seattle Public Schools forecasts the number of students, and the process by which it expands capacity. You will hear a surprising way in which PTSAs have shifted their priorities. Through this episode, you will have a better understanding of the challenges facing the city’s public schools and what can be done about these challenges.

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How are Seattle’s hospitals affected by the city’s growth? Today’s episode features an in-depth interview with Dr. Susan Stern who is the head of the Division of Emergency Medicine, in charge of two of Seattle’s premier emergency departments: Harborview and UW Medical Center.

You will hear the shocking way in which growth is impacting Suzanna, a nurse in a Seattle hospital’s orthopedics department. You will also hear from the executive director of Harborview Medical Center, Paul Hayes, and the interim executive director of UW Medical Center, Geoff Austin. This episode will give you a better understanding of capacity issues in our region’s hospitals and the resource needs of our region’s hospitals in the changing city.

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How are emergency services affected by Seattle’s growth? Seattle Fire Chief Harold Scoggins (4:25) describes how Seattle’s increasing density affects service calls and deployment of personnel and resources. Chief Operating Officer of the Seattle Police Department, Brian Maxey (19:50), shares how Seattle’s economic and population growth affects emergency response.

Through these in-depth interviews, you will get an inside look at how the city’s first responders think about growth and adapt to Seattle’s changes.

With an appearance by Ben Noble, Director of Seattle’s City Budget Office (0:00)

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Where should Seattle put the people who are moving to the city? Hear from City Councilmember Mike O’Brien (4:55) about his plan for more density in single-family residential neighborhoods.

Also listen to University of Washington architecture professor Rob Pena (24:35) and land use planner Theresa Greer (37:15) discuss how various places to put density affect the community and sustainability of the built environment.

With an appearance by Jeremy Zaretsky, Wirespring (0:00)

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Hear from two Seattle natives why Seattle’s character and culture matter to them: Hazel Margaretes (5:30) and Dan Morgan (15:47). Also hear from artist-turned developer, Sam Farrazaino (28:25) who shares his perspective on the importance of culture and how catering to the arts community can be financially rewarding.

With appearances by: Nate Daum; Startup Hall (0:00) Taylor Graham; Seattle Sounders FC (1:45) Bogie Mageo; Swurveys (2:13) Kathy Kelley (2:55) Jeff Mangalin (3:25) Mike Lang (3:55) Don Schulze; Owner of Shultzy’s Restaurant & President of University District Parking Associates (4:25) Greg Smith; CEO of Urban Visions (51:00)

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Get an inside look at the effect of rising rents on the lives of some of Seattle’s workers and what Seattle's Socialist City Council member thinks should be done. You will hear in-depth interviews with a chef named Carrie (3:30) who works two jobs to make ends meet, Steve Smith (13:55) who builds for people in Seattle and Kshama Sawant (26:52) who is Seattle’s first Socialist City Council member in over a century.

The episode also has an appearance by Jeff Mangalin.

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Hear from the neighbors you’ve noticed but likely know little about. Learn about life in a Tent City, what a mother thinks about when living in a car with her two children, and why someone might move to Seattle without having a home to move into.

This episode gives you an inside look into the lives of some of Seattle's residents who struggle with homeless: Ty Sanders (4:49) who lives on the streets, Stu Tanquist (11:18) who I met in Tent City 7, and Charlotte Wheelock (22:25) who I met in Mary's Place family shelter. You will also hear from Janie Hendrix (2:40), CEO of Experience Hendrix and sister of the late, great musician Jimi Hendrix; and from Parker Ferguson (3:01), founding partner at Flinn Ferguson commercial real estate services. The episode features an in-depth interview with the executive director of Mary's Place, Marty Hartman (35:42), who provides expert opinion on how to address the challenges of the rising homeless population.

With an appearance by Mike Gibbons of Tent City 7.

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Learn what it takes to buy a starter home in Seattle and how that has changed over the years. First hear Seattle Mayor Ed Murray share what the people of Seattle can do to help improve their neighborhoods.

Then Rob Wasser (5:02), owner and designated broker of Prospera Real Estate and a member of the Northwest MLS board of directors, shares data on affordability in Seattle, as well as how the conversion of single-family homes to townhomes is affecting that affordability.

Brad Evered (25:41), a broker with Caliber Home Loans, discusses the changes in lending standards over his 20 years in the business, and translates the current parameters to the levels of income, debt and savings necessary to buy a home in Seattle today.

The episode also features appearances by Seattle homeowners and house hunters Kathy Kelley, Leslie Basel, Loren West and Dan Morgan.

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Why is Seattle's tech sector booming? What challenges does Seattle's growth create for business leaders? To find out, listen to:

Rob Johnson; Seattle City Council (1:25) Parker Ferguson; Partner at Flinn Ferguson (2:30) Chris Devore; Techstars, Founders’ Co-Op, Seattle's Economic Development Commission (3:20) Sunil Gowda; Founder of Garmentory (25:35) Vinayak Hegde; Chief Marketing Officer at Groupon (36:15)

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Hear varying perspectives on economic and population growth in this introduction to the Seattle Growth Podcast - a 13 episode serial covering the rise of Seattle's tech sector, housing affordability, homelessness, schools, transportation and more.

In this episode: City Councilmember Mike O'Brien, Seattle lawyer Craig Sherman, Groupon CMO Vinayak Hegde, Walter Hudson, and Ty Sanders.