Podcasts about civic cocktail

Converge Media's Omari Salisbury, Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison, Plymouth Housing CEO Karen Lee and Rep. Jamila Taylor share highs and lows of the year. Twists and turns defined 2022 in Seattle and beyond. On the national level, inflation surged as pandemic cases waned and the overturning of a landmark abortion law helped fuel a surprising result in the midterm elections. Locally, a new city attorney and mayor came to power as public safety concerns continued their rise and homelessness remained a perennial concern. There was some good news we could all agree on, too: The Mariners finally made it back to the playoffs, though their journey was also filled with thrilling twists and turns.   Yet what do all of these events lead up to? Are we seeing more political progress and more lasting solutions for the city, or is there just more of the same in store for the new year?  For this episode of the Civic Cocktail podcast, we have invited a panel of elected and community leaders to help us understand where 2022 brought us and where we might be headed. Host Monica Guzman sits down with Converge Media's Omari Salisbury, Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison, Plymouth Housing CEO Karen Lee and Rep. Jamila Taylor for some serious talk, mixed with questions that are a little fun. This conversation was recorded on Dec. 7, 2022. Civic Cocktail is a production of Seattle City Club and Crosscut. --- Credits Host: Mónica Guzmán Podcast production: Mark Baumgarten Event production: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara

As the midterms draw to a close, two strategists and an elected leader discuss how our two major parties gain — and wield — political control.  As the region and the nation continued counting votes from the midterms, a brief period of reflection has descended on local and national politics. Candidates and incumbents who won must decide what forward path to chart. Those who came up short, meanwhile, are left to reassess their political prospects.  As part of this examination, Civic Cocktail invited political insiders to consider the lessons of the midterms and a general question that animates American politics: When so much about our political process feels so messy, divisive and volatile, what does it take to win a race, bring about a new policy or just lead?  In the episode's first segment, host Monica Guzman sits down with King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay to talk about the practical considerations of power and policy at his level of government.  "I think people are really disillusioned with the federal government and how hard it is to create change at the federal level," said Grimay. "It's much easier, relatively speaking, to create change at the local level." Then, in the second segment, Republican consultant Alex Hays and Democratic consultant Crystal Fincher discuss how the challenges of running for office and winning on policy look different, yet the same, through red and blue lenses.  This conversation was recorded on Nov. 9, 2022. Civic Cocktail is a production of Seattle City Club and Crosscut. --- Credits Host: Mónica Guzmán Podcast production: Mark Baumgarten Event production: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara

Mónica Guzmán joins Saving Elephants host Josh Lewis as they reach across the political divide to explore how the Left and Right might better engage one another in respectful debate.  Mónica shares her experiences as a liberal living in deep, blue Seattle yet grappling with her immigrant parent's support for Trump.  They also discuss the limitations of reason to resolve our differences, why viewing people as complex and not merely complicated helps us bridge divides, and why Mónica has hope for a brighter future.   About Mónica Guzmán Per her website, Mónica Guzmán is Senior Fellow for Public Practice at Braver Angels, a nonprofit working to depolarize America, host of Crosscut's interview series Civic Cocktail, and author of I Never Thought Of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. ​ Moni was a 2019 fellow at the Henry M. Jackson Foundation, where she studied social and political division, and a 2016 fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University, where she studied how journalists can better meet the needs of a participatory public. ​ Before committing to the project of helping people understand each other across the political divide, Mónica cofounded the award-winning Seattle newsletter The Evergrey and led a national network of groundbreaking local newsletters as VP of Local for WhereBy.Us. ​ She was named one of the 50 most influential women in Seattle, served twice as a juror for the Pulitzer Prizes, and plays a barbarian named Shadrack in her besties' Dungeons & Dragons campaign.  

Three political journalists discuss how the economy, abortion and public safety might shape the state's senate, congressional and secretary of state races. Ballots will begin arriving in mailboxes throughout the state of Washington this week. And voters have some big choices to make.  Informing those big choices will be some big questions: How are major national issues like abortion and the economy driving campaigns across the state? What local issues will show up on the ballot? And what does it all mean for the broader political dynamics in our country? Washington's 2022 midterms might be a referendum on Democrats in power or, thanks to tense confrontations about the health of our elections and democracy, yet another election about Trump.  For the first segment of this episode of the Civic Cocktail podcast, we have invited a panel of local political journalists to analyze these issues inside and out. Then, in segment two, we take a deep dive into the quest for disability rights in the workplace. This conversation was recorded on Oct. 12, 2022. Civic Cocktail is a production of Seattle City Club and Crosscut. --- Credits Host: Mónica Guzmán Podcast production: Mark Baumgarten Event production: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara

We sit down with a teacher, a superintendent and a student to discuss how they plan to meet the challenges ahead. This month school is back in session in Washington after the most turbulent and disrupted years in our lifetimes. The pandemic is easing, we hope, but in its wake are gaps in academic achievement and opportunity, challenges with hiring and retaining teachers and staff, teacher strikes, questions about safety and security, debates about the curriculum, and calls for more support around anxiety and mental health in the classroom. For this month's episode of the Civic Cocktail podcast, host Monica Guzman discusses how to tackle these challenges with three local leaders: 2021 Washington State Teacher of the Year Brooke Brown, Tacoma Public Schools Superintendent Joshua Garcia, and Pavan Venkatakrishnan, the student representative for the Washington State Board of Education. Our guests attempt to answer the difficult questions: Are we ready for this academic year? What have the past couple years taught our educational leaders that they can apply to better educate our kids? And what is next for a strained public education system that we increasingly expect not to just teach our kids, but to care for them too? "We have the kids one-third of the time and they are in the community two-thirds of the time," says Superintendent Garcia. "And so we keep putting more and more pressure on what happens in that one-third of the time." This conversation was recorded on Sept. 7, 2022. Civic Cocktail is a production of Seattle City Club and Crosscut. --- Credits Host: Mónica Guzmán Podcast production: Mark Baumgarten Event production: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara

The city's arts industry is returning to some semblance of normalcy. During a live Civic Cocktail event, four leaders survey the damage done and chart a path forward. In the spring of 2020, many artists and arts organizations were already struggling to maintain a place for themselves in Seattle. The future of creative expression in the city was uncertain, but the challenges were well-defined. Then the pandemic hit and scrambled everything. Audiences shifted to experiencing their arts and entertainment through screens as artists pivoted to a new digital reality. Many arts organizations, meanwhile, had to rely on philanthropy, government assistance and their own creativity to survive.  Now, as a vaccinated and exhausted world presses on through year three of the pandemic, the arts are in the midst of a slow return to venues across the city. But the world that artists and arts organizations are encountering is very different from the one they faced when the arts shut down two years ago.  For this episode of the Civic Cocktail podcast, we speak with four community arts leaders – Arté Noir founder and president Vivian Philips, Museum of Museums founder and director Greg Lundgren, Artist Home founder and owner Kevin Sur, and Northwest Folklife managing director Reese Tanimura – about the state of the arts now. They share their experiences leading organizations and businesses through the pandemic, outline new challenges of this late-pandemic era and offer prescriptions to keep the arts alive in Seattle.  This conversation was recorded on July 13, 2022. Civic Cocktail is a production of Seattle City Club and Crosscut. To receive future conversations like this one in your podcast feed earlier, subscribe to the Civic Cocktail podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Podbean, or wherever you listen. --- Credits Host/podcast production: Mark Baumgarten Event production: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara Video production: Stephen Hegg

The city's arts industry is returning to some semblance of normalcy. Four leaders survey the damage done and chart a path forward. In the spring of 2020, many artists and arts organizations were already struggling to maintain a place for themselves in Seattle. The future of creative expression in the city was uncertain, but the challenges were well-defined. Then the pandemic hit and scrambled everything. Audiences shifted to experiencing their arts and entertainment through screens as artists pivoted to a new digital reality. Many arts organizations, meanwhile, had to rely on philanthropy, government assistance and their own creativity to survive.  Now, as a vaccinated and exhausted world presses on through year three of the pandemic, the arts are in the midst of a slow return to venues across the city. But the world that artists and arts organizations are encountering is very different from the one they faced when the arts shut down two years ago.  For this episode of the Civic Cocktail podcast, we speak with four community arts leaders – Arté Noir founder and president Vivian Philips, Museum of Museums founder and director Greg Lundgren, Artist Home founder and owner Kevin Sur, and Northwest Folklife managing director Reese Tanimura – about the state of the arts now. They share their experiences leading organizations and businesses through the pandemic, outline new challenges of this late-pandemic era and offer prescriptions to keep the arts alive in Seattle.  This conversation was recorded on July 13, 2022. Civic Cocktail is a production of Seattle City Club and Crosscut. --- Credits Host/podcast production: Mark Baumgarten Event production: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara Video Production: Stephen Hegg

At a live Civic Cocktail event, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and an expert panel discuss the Supreme Court's decision to end federal protection for abortion. Roe v. Wade established the right to a safe and legal abortion nationwide. Its reversal means that each state in this extraordinarily divided country of ours will need to decide for itself whether to keep abortion legal, ban it or severely limit it.  Washington state decided decades ago that abortion access would remain in the state even if Roe fell. But the impact of this decision extends far beyond access.  What changes lie ahead for clinics and service providers as demand grows from other states? Will legislators reinforce Washington's laws as other states rewrite theirs? And what should Washingtonians know about the broader implications to their rights going forward?  For this episode of the Civic Cocktail podcast, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Planned Parenthood regional CEO Rebecca Gibron and State Senator Manka Dhingra attempt to answer those questions. This conversation was recorded on June 22, 2022. Civic Cocktail is a production of Seattle City Club and Crosscut. To receive future conversations like this one in your podcast feed earlier, subscribe to the Civic Cocktail podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Podbean, or wherever you listen. --- Credits Host: Mónica Guzmán Podcast production: Mark Baumgarten Event production: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara Audio support: Sara Bernard

Attorney General Bob Ferguson and an expert panel discuss the Supreme Court's decision to end federal protection for abortion. Roe v. Wade established the right to a safe and legal abortion nationwide. Its reversal means that each state in this extraordinarily divided country of ours will need to decide for itself whether to keep abortion legal, ban it or severely limit it.  Washington state decided decades ago that abortion access would remain in the state even if Roe fell. But the impact of this decision extends far beyond access.  What changes lie ahead for clinics and service providers as demand grows from other states? Will legislators reinforce Washington's laws as other states rewrite theirs? And what should Washingtonians know about the broader implications to their rights going forward?  For this episode of the Civic Cocktail podcast, Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Planned Parenthood regional CEO Rebecca Gibron and State Senator Manka Dhingra attempt to answer those questions. This conversation was recorded on June 22, 2022. Civic Cocktail is a production of Seattle City Club and Crosscut. --- Credits Host: Mónica Guzmán Podcast production: Mark Baumgarten Event production: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara Video Production: Stephen Hegg

At a live Civic Cocktail event, panelists discussed how city law enforcement might navigate short-term solutions and systemic reforms. What does it mean to be safe in Seattle, to be shielded from danger or threat so you can live your life fully, without fear, no matter where or who you are?  It's a big question, as Seattle wrestles with rising crime, an overwhelmed police department, a strained legal system and neighbors fed up and frustrated by everything from distrust around racial disparities to what feels like inaction, bordering on neglect. All with this nagging sense that, after the reckonings of the past few years, we're still not seeing the bigger picture.   For this episode of Civic Cocktail, host Mónica Guzmán explores how we define and address public safety over the course of two conversations with four guests close to the issue.  The show begins with three local leaders whose community advocacy gives them each a critical lens on what public safety is all about. Then, Guzmán sits down with the man in charge of the most powerful local institution officially charged with supporting safety in our city, Seattle Police interim Chief Adrian Diaz. This conversation was recorded on May 19, 2022. Civic Cocktail is a production of Seattle City Club and Crosscut. Subscribe to the Civic Cocktail podcast now to receive future conversations in your podcast feed earlier.  --- Credits Host: Mónica Guzmán Podcast production: Mark Baumgarten Event production: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara Video Production: Stephen Hegg Audio support: Sara Bernard

At a live Civic Cocktail event, panelists discussed how city law enforcement might navigate short-term solutions and systemic reforms. What does it mean to be safe in Seattle, to be shielded from danger or threat so you can live your life fully, without fear, no matter where or who you are?  It's a big question, as Seattle wrestles with rising crime, an overwhelmed police department, a strained legal system and neighbors fed up and frustrated by everything from distrust around racial disparities to what feels like inaction, bordering on neglect. All with this nagging sense that, after the reckonings of the past few years, we're still not seeing the bigger picture.   For this episode of Civic Cocktail, host Mónica Guzmán explores how we define and address public safety over the course of two conversations with four guests close to the issue.  The show begins with three local leaders whose community advocacy gives them each a critical lens on what public safety is all about. Then, Guzmán sits down with the man in charge of the most powerful local institution officially charged with supporting safety in our city, Seattle Police interim Chief Adrian Diaz. This conversation was recorded on May 19, 2022. Civic Cocktail is a production of Seattle City Club and Crosscut. --- Credits Host: Mónica Guzmán Podcast production: Mark Baumgarten Event production: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara Video Production: Stephen Hegg Audio support: Sara Bernard

This edition of Crosscut Talks features the season debut of Civic Cocktail, featuring a discussion with local historians and a futurist on what was and what will be in the Emerald City. There is a lot to talk about in this present moment. The pandemic continues to disrupt everyday life, while news of clashes on battlefields virtual and actual meet us every morning. Here in Seattle, meanwhile, we continue to struggle with homelessness, growth, inequality and public safety. As we try to better understand this moment, the inclination is to zoom in. But we're doing something different for this new season of Civic Cocktail, and the inaugural episode of the Civic Cocktail podcast. We will be taking a step back. First, by taking stock of where we've been. And then, where we might be going — after some of the most tumultuous years we've ever known.  How do we do that in just 60 minutes? With the help of four experts, including Leonard Garfield, executive director of Museum of History and Industry; Jerry Large, president of blackpast.org; and Ron Chew, founder of Chew Communications, as well as Glen Hiemstra, founder of futurist.com.  From well before the city's founding in 1851, through war, migration, innovation, and incredible growth, ours is a story of conflict and collaboration, of heartbreaking exclusion and steps toward more meaningful inclusion. In this episode we discuss where we've been so we can know better where we ought to be going. Civic Cocktail is a production of Seattle City Club and Crosscut. To subscribe to the Civic Cocktail podcast, go here. --- Credits Host: Mónica Guzmán Podcast production: Mark Baumgarten Event production: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara Video Production: Stephen Hegg Audio support: Seth Halleran

In its season debut, Civic Cocktail hosts a discussion with local historians and a futurist on what was and what will be in the Emerald City. There is a lot to talk about in this present moment. The pandemic continues to disrupt everyday life, while news of clashes on battlefields virtual and actual meet us every morning. Here in Seattle, meanwhile, we continue to struggle with homelessness, growth, inequality and public safety. As we try to better understand this moment, the inclination is to zoom in. But we're doing something different for this first episode of the new season of Civic Cocktail and the inaugural episode of Crosscut's Civic Cocktail podcast. We will be taking a step back. First, by taking stock of where we've been. And then, where we may be going — after some of the most tumultuous years we've ever known. How do we do that in just 60 minutes? With the help of four experts, including Leonard Garfield, executive director of Museum of History and Industry; Jerry Large, president of blackpast.org; and Ron Chew, founder of Chew Communications, as well as Glen Hiemstra, founder of futurist.com.  From well before the city's founding in 1851, through war, migration, innovation, and incredible growth, ours is a story of conflict and collaboration, of heartbreaking exclusion and steps toward more meaningful inclusion. In this episode we discuss where we've been so we can know better where we ought to be going. This conversation was recorded on April 6, 2022. Civic Cocktail is a production of Seattle City Club and Crosscut. --- Credits Host: Mónica Guzmán Podcast production: Mark Baumgarten Event production: Jake Newman, Andrea O'Meara Video Production: Stephen Hegg Audio support: Seth Halleran

The guilty verdict against Derek Chauvin, the police officer who murdered George Floyd, was celebrated as a victory for racial equity progress in our country. As our nation continues to wrestle with racial equity, what local progress has been made? What have our leaders learned from the protests and calls for reform over the past several years? Are there steps we can take as a community to create a more equitable community for all? Join us for a virtual Civic Cocktail program with our host Joni Balter and guests Jasmyne Keimig, staff writer at the Stranger, Naomi Ishisaka, assistant managing editor at The Seattle Times, and Kurt Streeter, Sports of The Times columnist at The New York Times.  As a 40-year-old nonpartisan, civics-focused nonprofit, Seattle CityClub provides a platform for insightful and educational conversations that include a diverse range of perspectives. This program wouldn't be possible without Comcast as our premiere partner, our media partner Seattle Channel and our production partner Town Hall Seattle.  Presented by Town Hall Seattle and Seattle City Club.

What's the state of downtown Seattle? How are businesses and other sectors navigating the ongoing impact of the pandemic, recent protests, lack of affordable housing, and other social and economic factors? Hear perspectives from leaders including Bob Donegan, President of Ivar's, and Brian Surratt, Vice President of Real Estate Development and Community Relations for Alexandria Real Estate and former director of the City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development, on the history of the Emerald City and their vision to ensure downtown shifts from surviving to thriving. Bob Donegan is the President at Ivar's, Seattle's Original Seafood Restaurants. He joined the company in 1997 as the Chief Financial Officer and became President on 9/11 when one of his partners died. In addition to Ivar's, Donegan volunteers at the Seattle Aquarium, Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the Seattle Historic Waterfront Association, the Chief Seattle Council of the Boy Scouts, the Seattle Sports Commission, UW's Foster School Center from Strategic Leadership, and the Seattle branch of the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank. Brian Surratt is Vice President at Alexandria Real Estate Equities, one of the largest developers of life science and technology campuses. Previously, he was the Director of the City of Seattle's Office of Economic Development. Surratt has been recognized by the German Marshall Memorial and the White House Fellowship programs, as well as Seattle Met Magazine and Puget Sound Business Journal.  Surratt is currently a board member of FareStart, the William D. Ruckelshaus Center, the Seattle Center Foundation, Downtown Emergency Services Center, Seattle 2030 District, and Downtown Seattle Association. Presented by Town Hall Seattle and Seattle City Club.

George Floyd's murder sparked a movement, forcing this nation to acknowledge and confront systemic racism. But how much has changed in the year since Floyd was killed? Seattle Times Assistant Managing Editor Naomi Ishisaka tells host Joni Balter, "this is part of an arc of work that's been ongoing... and while momentum has slowed, progress has been made." New York Times columnist Kurt Streeter warns, "Any movement for change that specifically regards African Americans can expect a pushback, and of course that's happening." And Jasmyne Keimig, staff writer for The Stranger says, "The defund conversation has pushed the center of gravity... but there's still an overwhelmingly uphill battle to implement real change." All three journalists also agreed the flood of misinformation coming from various news outlets is troubling since it allows false narratives to take hold which are then accepted as fact. 

Ross Reynolds reviews the weeks' news with The Stranger staff writer Jasmyne Keimig, SCC Insight founder and writer Kevin Schofield, and The Seattle City Club's Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter.

What’s ahead for Republicans, Democrats, and Independents when it comes to civics in our country and communities? How can we work together when parties are often divided themselves? This April Civic Cocktail continues an intended multi-part, multi-party series begun in February. With a new administration in the White House, local leaders discuss the next steps for the Democratic Party in D.C., bridging the political divide, and how their national work impacts communities here in Washington State. Join CityClub for a virtual Civic Cocktail program with host Joni Balter and guests Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal and Suzan DelBene to be part of the conversation. As a 40-year-old nonpartisan, civics-focused nonprofit, Seattle CityClub provides a platform for insightful and educational conversations that include a diverse range of opinions. But sometimes we need to dive deeper into a particular topic, so we can listen and engage in a more thoughtful manner with our community. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal is a former Washington State Senator and a lifelong organizer for immigrant, civil, worker, and human rights. She was just re-elected to Congress for a third term with more votes than any Member of the House of Representatives. In 2016, she became the first South Asian American woman ever elected to the House. After coming to the United States alone at the age of 16, she later started the largest immigrant rights group in Washington State and is currently one of only 14 immigrants serving in Congress. As the Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Representative Jayapal is the lead sponsor of the Medicare for All Act, the College for All Act, the Housing is a Human Right Act, and the Roadmap to Freedom Immigration resolution. She currently serves on the Judiciary, Budget, and Education and Labor committees. Congresswoman Jayapal lives in West Seattle with her husband Steve. Congresswoman Suzan DelBene represents Washington’s 1st Congressional District. First sworn into the House of Representatives in 2012, Congresswoman DelBene brings a unique voice to the nation’s capital, with more than two decades of experience as a successful technology entrepreneur and business leaders. She currently serves as the Vice Chair on the House Ways and Means committee, and the Select Revenue Measures and Trade Subcommittees. In the 116th Congress, she was appointed to the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. Congresswoman DelBene also serves as the Chair of the New Democrat Coalition and co-chair of the Women’s High Tech Caucus, Internet of Things Caucus, and Dairy Caucus. Before being elected to Congress, Congresswoman DelBene served as Director of the Washington State Department of Revenue. Presented by Town Hall Seattle and Seattle City Club.

After struggling through the pandemic, social unrest, and an ongoing homelessness crisis, what is the state of downtown Seattle? Bob Donegan, president of Ivar's restaurants tells host Joni Balter that 2020 was grim, but he's encouraged by the crowds returning to the city. The number of visitors to Pike Place Market is a good example. Donegan says, "In April and May it had none. Last month, Pike Place Market was averaging 10,000 to 12,000 visitors a day." And more people coming downtown will help battle the perception the area is unsafe. Brian Surratt, the former director of Seattle's Office of Economic Development and current Vice President of Alexandria Real Estate says, "Downtown has been vacant for so long when you don't have bodies walking through and interacting with each other, you're going to notice a lot of these issues." He also blames national media reports for doom and gloom descriptions of Seattle after last summer's protests. But both men agree one thing could help jumpstart the recovery, and they say the City of Seattle could actually play a pivotal role.  

Bill Radke reviews the week's news with Washington State Wife founder and publisher DJ Wilson,, KUOW reporter Esmy Jimenez and host of Seattle CityClub's Civic Cocktail, Joni Balter.

Bill Radke reviews the week's news with Converge Media founder Omari Salisbury, KUOW reporter Esmy Jimenez and host of Seattle CityClub's Civic Cocktail, Joni Balter.

Many believe that partisan politics has created a roadblock in efforts to reach across the aisle and forge ahead. Nationally, the chasm separating Democrats and Republicans can be felt to be vast, but what about here in Washington state? Is it possible that similar divisive politics could be holding up progress beneficial to all? If so, what are recommendations for characteristics and qualities needed in future leaders to govern more effectively? Join Town Hall Seattle and Seattle CityClub for a virtual Civic Cocktail program with host Joni Balter and guests Tina Podlodowski, chair of the Washington State Democratic Party, and Caleb Heimlich, chair of the Washington State Republican Party. Tune in for an in-depth conversation with the guests, including audience questions. As a 40-year-old nonpartisan, civics-focused nonprofit, Seattle CityClub provides a platform for insightful and educational conversations that include a diverse range of perspectives. The youngest State Republican Party Chairman in the country, Caleb Heimlich has served as Chairman of the Washington State Republican Party since his election in January of 2018. He is a respected member of the Republican National Committee and was unanimously elected Vice Chairman for the Western Region, and a member of the RNC Executive Committee. Upon graduation, he worked for Americans for Prosperity in Washington DC and then for AFP in Washington State organizing grass roots activists. That led to being hired as the Political Director of the WSRP in 2011, promoted to Executive Director in 2013. Tina Podlodowski is the daughter of two naturalized U.S. citizens who fled post-WWII Europe as refugees. As a first-generation American, “union kid,” and lifelong Democrat, Podlodowski has spent her life fighting for equity and equality and gained prominence as a visible leader in both the Democratic party nationally, and the LGBTQ community nationally and internationally. After a career as an executive at Microsoft, Podlodowski won an at-large seat on the Seattle City Council with 65% of the popular vote. Podlodowski won her first term as State Party Chair in 2017. Nationally, Podlodowski is proud to be the Western Association of State Democratic Committees Vice President (representing all of our Western States), Chair of the DNC Western States Caucus (again, representing all of our Western States), and a member of the 2021 DNC Executive Committee. Special thanks to CityClub’s premiere partner Comcast, and media partner Seattle Channel. Presented by Seattle City Club and Town Hall Seattle.

The President and Congressional Democrats are moving fast to work through a list of major projects demanded by the American public. Two U.S. House members from Washington state, helping to lead the way, speak to host Joni Balter about the challenges ahead. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Progressive Caucus, says "I just watched the American Rescue Plan go through with not a single Republican vote when 76% of Americans believe it was the right thing to do." Democrats hope the multi trillion-dollar plan to revamp the nation's crumbling infrastructure will have more bipartisan support. Rep. Suzan DelBene, chair of the New Democrat Coalition, which includes 94 congressional moderates says, "We have great needs across our country...long-term going forward we want to make sure we are getting things done for the American people." Other subjects discussed include gun control, the future of the filibuster, immigration policy, and what each congress member believes is the biggest threat to democracy. This episode of Civic Cocktail is the third in a multi-part series on "The State of Our Democracy."

A new president has established a different tone, but politics nationally remains as contentious as ever. Is the same true in this state? The leaders of Washington's two major political parties join host Joni Balter to discuss bridging the political divide. The conversation revealed there's still work to be done. "I think Republicans, at this point, have zero, none, nada ground to stand on when talking about bipartisanship" said Washington state Democratic Party Chair Tina Podlodowski. Her counterpart for the Republican Party, Caleb Heimlich, responded, "If the Democrats viewpoint is that you have to abandon all your principles, you have to give up on the people that voted for you... than our country is never going to come together." Heimlich did agree the election is over and that Joe Biden is clearly the president. Despite their differences, each party chair was given the opportunity to say something positive about the other person. And it was more than just, "no comment." This episode of Civic Cocktail is the second in a multi-part series on "The State of Our Democracy." Watch January's conversation with Rick Wilson and Bill Bryant.

What’s ahead for Republicans, Democracts, and Independents when it comes to civics in our country and communities? How can we work together when parties are often divided themselves? This February Civic Cocktail is the first of an intended multi-part, multi-party series. Join CityClub as they explore a few—certainly not all—of the varying viewpoints within the Republican Party with a discussion between the Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson and local Republican leader Bill Bryant, moderated by journalist Joni Balter. With the national election over, they explored some of the next steps for the Republican Party. After the departure of a one-term president who commanded a deeply loyal following among a large number, as well as challenged a number of others, the party is left without a clear, national standard bearer. Will the Republicans maintain a cohesive theme to unite the disparate perspectives within their ranks nationally? What is the local impact and future of the Party here in Washington? Join CityClub for this conversation to get some insight. As a 40-year-old nonpartisan, civics-focused nonprofit, Seattle CityClub provides a platform for insightful and educational conversations that include a diverse range of opinions. But sometimes we need to dive deeper into a particular topic, so we can listen and engage in a more thoughtful manner with our community. Rick Wilson is a Republican political strategist, negative ad-maker, writer, speaker, and political commentator. He is a founding member of the Never Trump movement, and a co-founder of the Lincoln Project. Wilson is the author of Everything Trump Touches Dies and Running Against the Devil. His work has been seen in The Daily Beast, The Washington Post, Politico, Rolling Stone, and more, as well as on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR. Bill Bryant is the founder and chairman of Bryant Christie Inc. Under President Reagan, he was appointed as a trade policy coordinator at the Department of Commerce International Trade Commission. He organized the presidential campaign for Vice President Bush in Washington, and was co-chair for the Dole for President finance committee in Washington. In 2005, he served as the Washington State GOP finance chair, and in 2007 he was elected to King County Port Commission—the only Republican elected King County-wide—and re-elected in 2011. Presented by Seattle City Club and Town Hall Seattle. To become a Town Hall member or make a donation online click here. 

Bill Radke reviews the week's news with Kiro7 reporter Essex Porter, host of Civic Cocktail on the Seattle Channel Joni Balter, and tech correspondent for the New York Times, Karen Weise.

After losing both the White House and control of the U.S. Senate, even longtime Republicans are wondering, what's the future of the GOP? Lincoln Project Co-founder Rick Wilson and 2016 GOP nominee for Washington governor Bill Bryant share strong opinions with host Joni Balter on what they see on the road ahead. Wilson says the Republican party is at a juncture, and warned, "they're going to be the Whig Party and die, or they're going to take a very difficult step and say we're not a party about the dear leader." Bryant agrees, saying it's time to move past the Trump era. He says Republicans must "focus on the real reasons we lost and why we're not responding to the needs of people and neighborhoods all around the country." Both guests say the country is in desperate need of a center-right party. Wilson summed it up this way, "offer a vision that is optimistic, prospective, big, inclusive, smart, and forward-looking." This episode of Civic Cocktail is the first in a multi-part series on "The State of Our Democracy."

"Unity" is the theme of the week after President Joe Biden's inauguration. Washington state's GOP, however, is facing deep divisions with some telling mainstream Republicans to leave. Joni Balter with Civic Cocktail and Marcus Harrison Green with The Seattle Times and the South Seattle Emerald weigh in.

KUOW reporter David Hyde and Civic Cocktail's Joni Balter discuss the political rhetoric, and the many threats to public officials, that have arisen since the November election.

Seattle is losing its current mayor, its current school superintendent, and has already lost its police chief (all women). Is there something wrong with Seattle? Civic Cocktail's Joni Balter and Seattle Channel host Brian Callanan weigh in on the recent news.

Speculation is running wild over who President-elect Joe Biden will pick for his upcoming administration, and a couple Washington officials have been mentioned. Q13's CR Douglas and Civic Cocktail's Joni Balter discuss the potential contenders.

Bill Radke reviews the week's news with Q13 political analyst CR Douglas, Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter, and KIRO-7 reporter Essex Porter.

While all eyes have been focused on the national election, Washington has made a series of notable election wins. The state will send its first Black woman and first Korean-Am But two things happened in Washington that were not as high profile as other boxes on the ballot, at least if you ask CR Douglas with Q13 News and Joni Balter with Civic Cocktail.

Q13's CR Douglas and Civic Cocktail's Joni Balter react to initial election results from Nov. 3 while chatting with KUOW's Angela King. A few results are quite surprising.

One day after Americans cast their ballots in record numbers, we are joined by a prominent Democrat and Republican who share their perspectives on our divided nation. Congressmember-elect Marilyn Strickland tells host Joni Balter, no matter who becomes president, we must find a way to come together to begin solving problems. She says she'll start by listening to those who don't share her point of view. Former Washington Attorney General Rob McKenna says, "The people of our country need to see their elected leaders accomplishing something." He urges they start with an effective response to the pandemic. But even after the ballots are counted and winners declared, it's clear this country will remain bitterly divided. Two of the three founding members of the Interfaith Amigos admit healing will be difficult, but doable. Imam Jamal Rahman advises we, "Listen, respect, connect, so there's no need to talk about politics or religion, let's start by sharing stories." Pastor Don Mackenzie agrees saying people need to be heard, especially right now. But he adds, "...in order to have the difficult conversations, we come back to the need to trust each other."  

Election day is almost here. Civic Cocktail's Joni Balter and Q13's CR Douglas weigh in on the statewide races and local battles on the western Washington ballot.

As Senate Republicans push to confirm President Trump's conservative Supreme Court nominee, how will that be received? Senior U.S. District Judge Robert Lasnik tells host Joni Balter politics should stay out of the process and we should avoid any temptation to load the court. He says, "...it is a bad idea, frankly, to tinker with the nine we have." State Senator Manka Dhingra is worried about the future of healthcare and reproductive rights but says Washington has protections other states do not. And, the daily protests have ended, but the Trump administration continues to label Seattle an "anarchist city." Is that fair? Two journalists who captured many moments protesters clashed with police, share their perspective. Omari Salisbury, founder of Converge Media, spent 30 consecutive days in the CHOP. His live stream attracted a global audience. And though he agrees Seattle has its problems, he says "to paint the whole city with this broad brush is disingenuous and misleading." Associated Press photographer Ted Warren says there was plenty of sensationalized media coming out of Seattle. He cites one example where a TV network manipulated photos to make it appear downtown Seattle was in flames and overrun by crime. 

Interim Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz is already on the move, shifting 100 officers from specialty units to patrol. The night before taking command, he shares his list of priorities with host Joni Balter and explains his plan to repair relationships within the community. But to Diaz, this still tops his list, "When people call 911, they don't care if you have enough staffing or not, they need help." Sharing in the discussion is Rev. Harriett Walden, founder of Mothers for Police Accountability. She offers a historical perspective to protests from her current and decades long experience fighting for civil rights and poses a stern warning to troublemakers disrupting peaceful protests. From protests to lesson plans, the state's largest school district shifts to remote learning as classes begin. Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Denise Juneau explains the "strong start" method and how the district will employ check-ins to ensure students receive social/emotional support. Juneau also shares who saved the day when the district's 12,000 iPads were stranded in a supply-chain nightmare. Now, all 53,000 Seattle students will return to class with the tools needed to learn. 

Host Marcie Sillman discusses the week's news with Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter, Kiro7 reporter Essex Porter, and Q13 correspondent Simone Del Rosario.

Marcie Sillman discusses the week's news with Manola Secaira og, Civic Cocktail's Joni Balter, and the Seat

Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan says the trauma of systemic racism is real and has inflicted pain on the African American community for generations. She tells host Joni Balter, "If we don't acknowledge that deep, deep truth about our country and its systems, we can't begin to heal." That healing process inched forward as protest leaders met with the Mayor to share concerns about policing and inclusion on the community police commission. Mayor Durkan also agreed it's time to review police crowd control tactics. One of those meeting with the Mayor was Andre Taylor, Executive Director of the racial justice organization Not This Time! But Taylor did not come with a list of demands. He says the current problems are much bigger than the Mayor. He encouraged Black people to stand up, realize their own power and genius and get things done. Taylor also encouraged, what he called, his "White allies" to use their passion and privilege to infiltrate their own communities and work for change.

Washington state cracks the door on its economy giving some businesses a boost. But the Director of the state's COVID-19 Health System Response Raquel Bono tells host Joni Balter it will clamp down if the number of coronavirus cases spikes in the weeks ahead. Bono emphasizes, "we want to avoid increasing risk to others who may not be as capable of fighting this off." She also explains the current challenge regarding testing. Speaking as a former Navy surgeon, she answers the question about whether six feet of social separation really enough? And, as the coronavirus first emerged, former Washington Governor Gary Locke says the Trump administration was slow to act, "the W.H.O. sounded the alarm, many other countries around the world responded, the United States did not." Locke also comments on his puzzling appearance in an anti-Joe Biden ad and what it reveals about longstanding stereotypes. Plus, he updates Washington's participation in the current U.S. census.

Bill Radke talks the week's news with Joni Balter of Civic Cocktail, Scott Greenstone of the Seattle Times, and Marcus Green of South Seattle Emerald.

Bill Radke reviews the week's news with C.R. Douglas of Q13 News, Erica C Barnett of The C is for Crank, and Joni Balter, host of Civic Cocktail.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson explains his rationale behind 58 lawsuits against the Trump administration. He tells host Joni Balter, "There are many times the administration does something that I think is not the right way to do something." Ferguson's challenges cover a wide range of issues including immigration, environmental protections, 3-D printed guns, the border wall, and DACA. Currently, the Attorney General's office is also investigating possible price gouging related to the coronavirus. Concerns about COVID-19 also have Secretary of State Kim Wyman urging voters not to lick the envelope on their election ballots, as a precaution. And with the state's presidential primary just around the corner, election security is top of mind. Wyman describes it as a race with no end, as security experts keep up with operatives trying new schemes to hack the system. She explains what's being done to keep this state's election firewalls secure.

Bill Radke reviews the week's news with the writer and editor of The C is for Crank, Erica C Barnett, Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter, and writer for The Stranger, Charles Mudede.

Bill Radke reviews the week's news with former US representative Brian Baird, Q13 correspondent Brandi Kruse, and host of Civic Cocktail, Joni Balter.

Despite growing terror threats and recent conflicts with Iran, retired four-star General Barry McCaffrey tells host Joni Balter the U.S. has never been more secure. He uses historical context to justify his claim saying it's highly unlikely our naval or air forces will run into anyone who is even remotely a competitor. MCaffrey also discusses Seattle's vulnerability to a North Korean attack, plus the damage done by President Trump to our defensive alliances. Then, meet the four new members of the Seattle City Council. Tammy Morales, Alex Pedersen, Dan Strauss, and Andrew Lewis share their thoughts on the downtown crime problem, a proposed countywide tax, the Third Avenue transit corridor, and how they feel about "Seattle Kraken" as a potential name for the city's future NHL team!

Bill Radke reviews the week's news with Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter, Crosscut editor-at-large Knute Berger, and The Stranger's digital editor Chase Burns.

The Seattle City Council will have four new faces, and possibly more, once all the ballots are counted from the Nov. 5 general election. Political consultant Heather Weiner tells host Joni Balter, "When Amazon dropped $1.5 million into our local election... politics suddenly hit home for the people of Seattle." But, Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Marilyn Strickland says money has always been a part of politics. She adds, "...declaring victory is more about the work that's going to happen after the election is over." And two men who really know their numbers also weigh in. The Seattle Times' Gene Balk, author of the popular data-centric column FYI Guy, says some of the political tension in town may be due to a growing generation gap, as 3 out of 4 people moving here are millennials. Seattle pollster Stuart Elway's latest poll on the City Council left him with this topline conclusion: those he polled want to change the people in the Council chamber and elect new people to keep doing the same work the council's already been doing!

As several U.S. House committees pursue an impeachment inquiry, Washington Congressman Adam Smith tells host Joni Balter, "Impeachment is not a good thing, it's just not." The 9th District Democrat says the process is divisive and poses some political concerns for his party heading into 2020. Still, Smith agrees President Trump's behavior is not acceptable and he needs to be held accountable. And he says what's most puzzling, the President hasn't even tried to hide his dealings with Ukraine. And just two weeks after she addressed a congressional committee on the climate crisis, 17-year-old Jamie Margolin of Seattle tells how she stood up to a house member and called him, "cowardly." The co-founder of the international nonprofit Zero Hour doesn't mince words when talking about the climate crisis, saying "Our oceans are dying, our salmon are dying... there is no gray area for survival, so it's kind of either we do survive this thing or we don't."

Deadly violence linked to white supremacy is on the rise in this country. King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg tells host Joni Balter that much of this violence involves white males who are alienated and angry. University of Washington political science professor Christopher Sebastian Parker adds, "...it removes all doubt of the fact that this is a racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic country, period." In the second half, Garth Stein - best-selling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain - shares his thoughts about the book being adapted for the big screen and whether Hollywood got it right. Stein also talks about the inspiration behind the book and reveals tidbits about his next novel, A Couple of Old Birds, set in Seattle and influenced by his 89-year-old mother.

Bill Radke reviews the week's news in Bellingham, at the Mount Baker Theatre, with Luke Burbank of Live Wire, Joni Balter of Civic Cocktail, and author Antonio García Martínez.

Washington Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz says all signs point to an extremely serious wildfire season, with the state facing more risk than wildfire-prone California. "I have firefighters who've fought for 40 years who've said 'I've never seen this in my entire life,'" Franz tells Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter. For now, she's focused on fires, but we ask if she's also considering a run for governor. And, it's been 50 years since the Stonewall riots marked the start of the modern LGBTQ movement. Today, the fight for civil rights continues. Former Seattle Deputy Mayor Anne Levinson says in the past few years there's been a ceaseless, relentless attack on the LGBTQ community. And Tobi Hill-Meyer, co-executive director of the Gender Justice League says transgender women of color are especially vulnerable and frequently the target of violence.

We talk first this week with the new executive director of the Seattle City Club, Teresa Moore, who outlines what the organization is all about, from its community learning programs to its core mission of fostering civic dialogue about the issues that affect us most here in Washington. Also, with this year's legislative session in Olympia now complete, we take stock of what the Democrats were able to get accomplished. 45th LD Senator Manka Dhingra joins us to offer her perspective on some of the bigger achievements, not least of which was passage of the budget, a thing she says in and of itself speaks volumes. We also have our weekly calls to action with research team leader Stephen Wilhelm. Links: Watch past Civic Cocktail events: https://seattlecityclub.org/our-programs/civic-cocktail/past-civic-cocktails/ Upcoming events: https://seattlecityclub.org/calendar For your comments: cityclub@seattlecityclub.org

Bill Radke reviews the week's news with former Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna, Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter, and Live Wire host Luke Burbank.

Is Seattle dying or trying? That question - arising from a KOMO News special on the impacts of substance abuse and homelessness - sparked a lively conversation hosted by Joni Balter. Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes shares some of the public's discontent, but says the documentary failed to mention effective city programs. KOMO News Director Bill Dallman says the report's nontraditional approach gave a voice to frustrated residents and police. Thea Oliphant-Wells, a public-health manager who battled addiction and homelessness, highlighted the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions and suggested a treatment option for those who refuse assistance. Then, the conversation took on a more lighthearted tone as local NPR radio personalities Bill Radke and Luke Burbank offered a humorous take on Seattle's changing culture, from the zipper merge to tech-boom tensions.

Bill Radke reviews the week’s news with Seattle Channel’s Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter, former Washington State representative Jessyn Farrell and former Washington State attorney general Rob McKenna.

Bill Radke reviews the week’s news with the C is for Crank writer Erica Barnett, Seattle Channel’s Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter and columnist for Crosscut Knute Berger.

Bill Radke reviews the week’s news with host of Live Wire and the podcast Too Beautiful To Live Luke Burbank, host of the Civic Cocktail on Seattle Channel Joni Balter and political analyst for Q13 C.R. Douglas.

Bill Radke reviews the week’s news with KUOW’s web editor Sydney Brownstone, The C is for Crank writer Erica Barnett and host of Civic Cocktail on the Seattle Channel Joni Balter.

Bill Radke reviews the week’s news with the host of Civic Cocktail on Seattle Channel Joni Balter, Crosscut’s city politics reporter David Kroman and Monica Nickelsburg Geekwire’s Civics Editor.

Bill Radke reviews the week’s news with the host of Civic Cocktail on Seattle ChannelJoni Balter, Crosscut’s city politics reporter David Kroman and Monica Nickelsburg Geekwire’s Civics Editor.

C.R. Douglas reviews the week’s news with KUOW’s online editor Sydney Brownstone, KIRO 7 government and politics reporter Essex Porter and Seattle Channel’s Civic Cocktail host Joni Balter.

Bill Radke reviews the week’s news with Chris Vance, co-chair of the Washington Independents, Erica C. Barnett, writer at "The C is For Crank," and Joni Balter, host of Civic Cocktail on the Seattle Channel.

Bill Radke reviews the week’s news with civic editor for Geekwire Monica Nickelsburg, former Washington State representative Jessyn Farrell and host of Civic Cocktail on the Seattle Channel Joni Balter.