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Sound Politics

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Rating
★★★★★
4.8
from
55 reviews
Categories
Country
United States
This podcast has
100 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2024/07/19
Latest episode
2026/10/01
Average duration
30 min.
Release period
8 days

Description

A podcast about the candidates, policies, and perspectives shaping the Pacific Northwest. There’s a lot to wade through when it comes to Washington State politics. The drama, the facts, the money, and the movers and shakers. In Sound Politics KUOW host Libby Denkmann and politics reporter Scott Greenstone go beyond the ballot to guide you through what’s happening in local politics, why it matters, and how you can use your vote to make a difference.  

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Check latest episodes from Sound Politics podcast


Republicans could gain ground in WA's last swing district
2026/10/01
Democrats in D.C. may be poised to take back the House -- and possibly even the Senate.But in Washington state's only swing district, Democrats have to defend a seat from a different kind of Republican than they’ve faced for years. This week on Sound Politics, host Scott Greenstone is joined by State Government Reporter Sarah Mizes-Tan and Seattle Times' D.C. Correspondent Anumita Kaur to break down the race in Washington's 3rd congressional district to see what it can tell us about who is going to win the midterms. Read Sarah's latest story on what's brewing in Battle Ground here: A bitter battle is brewing in one of Washington state’s last swing districts Read Anumita's latest story on the race in the 3rd congressional district here: The GOP fight to win back Southwest Washington conservatives | The Seattle Times Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Sarah Mizes-Tan and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can socialists budget better?
2026/09/24
This week on Sound Politics, can socialists budget… better? Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is saying yes -- and that she solved the city’s budget deficit.But her proposal to add cops, cut elsewhere, and not raise taxes on businesses or the wealthy, has some saying she’s budgeting the same as her predecessors. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Catharine Smith and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sound Politics LIVE
2026/09/18
It's our fall fund drive; we hope you'll take a second to donate to show how much you love Sound Politics.This week, we answered your questions -- in front of you! -- at our first live taping of Sound Politics, hosted in partnership with Seattle CityClub.Initiatives, state Supreme Court races, AI -- you brought some really great questions. We quizzed you about Washington state political history. And we got a little spicy talking about the Stranger and its sway over Seattle voters.Also: a quick update on that natural gas initiative (it's dead) from two years ago and the Bite of Seattle press conference delay story that won't go away. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Catharine Smith and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Seattle’s mayor lives in a one-bedroom apartment. Can she help fellow renters afford to live here?
2026/09/11
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson has staked a lot of her political project on the fact that Seattle is majority renters: she’s trying to make life more affordable for them. She’s promised to build a lot of housing over her term, and to set Seattle up for a better-housed future. We’re going to check in on that… and to do that, we’re going to the one-bedroom apartment she still rents. Join Sound Politics on Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30pm at The Collective Seattle for "Voters Guide Live." This event is a collaboration between KUOW and Seattle City Club featuring KUOW's Cat Smith, Scott Greenstone, and Sarah Mizes-Tan. We'll talk about all the issues and races that will dominate your ballot this fall and answer your questions.Find tickets and more information here.Ask questions we could answer at that event by filling out this survey. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Jason Pagano. Our producer is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Paige Browning and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Voting fight update, school strike averted, Katie Wilson's pledge
2026/09/03
This week on Sound Politics, we’re talking about breakdowns in communication.  First: a Seattle public school strike averted at the 11th-hour, and one very unconventional communication might’ve averted it.  Then, over at city hall, Mayor Katie Wilson is really trying to show us she is fixing communications with her office and the public after the mass shooting at the Bite of Seattle.  Lastly, in voting news, there are new concerns about vote-by-mail ahead of the November election.  Join Sound Politics on Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30pm at The Collective Seattle for "Voters Guide Live." This event is a collaboration between KUOW and Seattle City Club featuring KUOW's Cat Smith, Scott Greenstone, and Sarah Mizes-Tan. We'll talk about all the issues and races that will dominate your ballot this fall and answer your questions.Find tickets and more information here.Ask questions we could answer at that event by filling out this survey. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer this week is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Catharine Smith and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When WA defunded Dolly Parton
2026/08/27
Music legend Dolly Parton died this week, and her legacy can even be felt in Washington state, through a reading program she brought to all 39 counties. But then, the state defunded it. This week on Sound Politics... what does that say about our education funding at a time when kids are heading back to school, and a lack of funding is causing tension between teachers and school administrators? Join Sound Politics on Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30pm at The Collective Seattle for "Voters Guide Live." This event is a collaboration between KUOW and Seattle City Club featuring KUOW's Cat Smith, Scott Greenstone, and Sarah Mizes-Tan. We'll talk about all the issues and races that will dominate your ballot this fall and answer your questions.Find tickets and more information here.Ask questions we could answer at that event by filling out this survey. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politicsSound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. This episode was edited by Cat Smith. Our producer is Alec Cowan. Our hosts were Scott Greenstone and KUOW's Sami West. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Where food meets politics: We visit South Seattle's most iconic fish fry
2026/08/20
How much sway does one South Seattle fish fry hold on local politics? We teamed up with KUOW's Seattle Eats podcast to find out. This episode originally ran last month in the Seattle Eats feed, and we have a piping hot update at the end that you'll want to stick around for.  Join Sound Politics on Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30pm at The Collective Seattle for "Voters Guide Live." This event is a collaboration between KUOW and Seattle City Club featuring KUOW's Cat Smith, Scott Greenstone, and Sarah Mizes-Tan. We'll talk about all the issues and races that will dominate your ballot this fall and answer your questions.Find tickets and more information here.Ask questions we could answer at that event by filling out this survey. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politicsSound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. This episode was edited by Cat Smith and Jim Gates. Our producer was Alec Cowan. Our hosts were Scott Greenstone and Seattle Eats' Brandi Fullwood. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wilson recall, shooting fallout, primary election updates: The biggest politics stories of the week
2026/08/13
This week on Sound Politics... we’re having leftovers, tying up last week's primary elections before heading off to Seattle City Hall, where political pressure is building on the mayor and the police department.  Plus: Join Sound Politics on Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30pm at The Collective Seattle for "Voters Guide Live." This event is a collaboration between KUOW and Seattle City Club featuring KUOW's Cat Smith, Scott Greenstone, and Sarah Mizes-Tan. We'll talk about all the issues and races that will dominate your ballot this fall and answer your questions.Find tickets and more information here.Ask questions we could answer at that event by filling out this survey. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer this week is Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Catharine Smith and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Primary election results 2026: Jimothy vs. your mom
2026/08/05
If you want to help shape our coverage for the general election, fill out our survey. On this week's episode: early results are trickling in for the August primary. How did incumbents fare against a slew of challengers? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann, Catharine Smith, Sarah Mizes Tan, and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Did Seattle's police chief just get fired? (UPDATE)
2026/07/30
We now know that Seattle Police Department Chief Shon Barnes has resigned. It caps off a dramatic day at the city where it was unclear whether the Chief Barnes had a job. We're wading through it on this week's Sound Politics. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann, Catharine Smith, and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hey, big spender! Former governors rip Dems in Olympia
2026/07/23
Two former Democratic Governors of Washington -- Christine Gregoire and Gary Locke -- have concerns about how much Democrats in Olympia are spending and whether a huge new program like the "millionaires tax" will fix the state’s budget woes.Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Trump drama in MAGA Washington
2026/07/16
Washington Republicans come in many flavors, and right now, all of them are competing to represent the center of the state in Congress. On this week’s Sound Politics, we meet the top candidates for an open seat in the 4th Congressional District, and untangle the drama behind the all-important Trump endorsement. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mamdani's Seattle? Not so fast...
2026/07/09
Across the country, progressive Democrats are ousting establishment candidates who have, in some cases, been in office for decades. Could we see the same dynamic play out in Washington? Or are establishment Democrats here too progressive to be challenged to the left? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Catharine Smith and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What SCOTUS' trans athletes ruling means for WA
2026/07/02
The Supreme Court says states like Idaho can ban trans girls from sports.  But what does that mean for our state and the initiative we will vote on in November? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politics Sound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
RIP, vote-by-mail?
2026/06/25
Voting by mail is under attack -- from the Supreme Court, from President Trump -- and big changes could be coming this year. Should you be worried about dropping your ballot in the mail? Guest: Jake Goldstein Street, reporter at The Washington State Standard Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible. If you want to help out, go to https://www.kuow.org/donate/politicsSound Politics is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Catharine Smith. Our producer is Hans Anderson. Our hosts are Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Podcast reviews

Read Sound Politics podcast reviews


4.8 out of 5
55 reviews
★★★★★
Delighted Listener 1000 2025/03/27
Great local news!
It’s fantastic to get detailed information about Washington state politics and budgets. This podcast is educational and entertaining
★★★★★
P.erry 2024/10/31
In depth and balanced
Sounds great and has excellent coverage of WA ballot initiatives.
★★★★☆
Cme2see 2024/09/17
Good summary on local politicians and issues..
I appreciate the take on the Governor’s race and other local issues. I’d like to know more about mysterious Eastern Washington. Why have the Dems aban...
★★★★★
Sockeye12 2024/08/04
Sounding great
Making WA politics fun and interesting
★★★★★
OlyMan12 2024/08/02
Engaging hosts who’ve done their homework
Washington State could use a nonpartisan podcast that regularly digs into the Olympia scene and state politics. The debut episodes for this show hoste...
★★★★★
jesjus25 2024/07/29
Local politics, good info, timely
An upgrade to reading wiki pages and the voters pamphlet, a great way to get a better understanding of local political discourse without second guessi...
★★★★★
JohnnyV53 2024/07/26
Don’t know how they did it…
But Libby and Scott really made listening to a political analysis podcast FUN! Their insights and expertise was very helpful, and the lighthearted way...
★★★★★
SKassabian 2024/07/26
What do you mean brat summer is over?
Sara with the WA Observer here, thanks for the shout out for us on the pod! I’m really enjoying the podcast and while I respect Scott’s status as an o...
★★★★★
awinterhalter 2024/07/26
Nuanced!
Love hearing this focused politics coverage presenting nuanced perspectives.
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