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PODCAST

Hacks & Wonks

Crystal Fincher

Hacks & Wonks is a show hosted by political consultant Crystal Fincher, who talks with Policy Wonks and Political Hacks to gather insight into local politics and policy in Washington state through the lens of those doing the work, with behind-the-scenes perspectives on what"s happening, why it"s happening and what you can do about it.

news politics

All Episodes

43:37

Week in Review: May 23, 2025 - with David Kroman

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/05/23

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and David Kroman discuss: 🖋️ Ferguson acts on state budget, parental bill of rights 🧊 Troubling ICE raids 🤓 Seattle Mayor race deep dive 🔔 Sara Nelson bellwether 🗳️ Other notable primary races ⛺️ Rushed Tent City 4 move As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, David Kroman at

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59:35

Jamie Fackler Outlines Vision for Seattle's District...

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/05/21

Jamie Fackler, running for Seattle City Council in District 2, shares his stance on housing affordability, public safety, transportation, and more while emphasizing his opposition to corporate influence in local politics. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find more about Jamie Fackler at https://www.jamieforseattle.com/.

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48:53

Former Federal Prosecutor Erika Evans Launches Bid...

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/05/07

In an extensive interview with Crystal Fincher of Hacks & Wonks, Seattle City Attorney candidate Erika Evans outlines why she is challenging incumbent Ann Davison with a platform centered on community-based solutions, addressing root causes of crime, and protecting civil rights. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find more about Erika Evans at

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35:43

Week in Review: May 2, 2025 - with Robert Cruickshank

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/05/02

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss: 📊 Breakdown of Legislature's state budget 🧐 Ferguson’s first four months 🤔 Mallahan can? What's up with Seattle mayor race 🚔 SPD hiring up but few women + another lawsuit alleging racism As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Robert Cruickshank, on

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55:20

Reform-Minded O'Sullivan Sets Sights on City Attorney...

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/04/29

In a wide-ranging interview on the Hacks & Wonks podcast, Seattle City Attorney candidate Rory O'Sullivan outlines his vision for transformative change in an office he believes has gone in the "wrong direction" under current City Attorney Ann Davison. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Rory O’Sullivan at @electrory.

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38:14

Week in Review: April 25, 2025 - with Donna Blankinship

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/04/25

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Donna Blankinship discuss: 💔 State Senator Bill Ramos 🗳️ April ballot results 💵 Seattle Democracy Vouchers 📚 Seattle Education Levy expanded 🧑‍⚖️ Spokane homeless initiative struck down 📈 Sharp increase in homelessness As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii. Find today’s co-host, Donna Blankinship on

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01:07:20

Public Defender Nathan Rouse Brings Frontline...

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/04/22

In a comprehensive interview with Crystal Fincher of Hacks & Wonks, Seattle City Attorney candidate Nathan Rouse outlines his vision for reforming the office through the lens of his public defender experience, criticizing incumbent Republican Ann Davison's approach while proposing alternative solutions focused on addressing root causes of crime. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal

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42:30

Week in Review: April 18, 2025 - with Ryan Packer

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/04/18

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Ryan Packer discuss: 😟 Poll: people are plugged in/worried 🫰 No wealth tax = everyone else pays 🛣️ Transpo budget overview 🤷 Workers’ comp upgrade debacle 🪪 KC AFIS levy pros & cons 🚸 Tacoma Streets Initiative II As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Ryan Packer at

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46:20

As Federal Rights Rollbacks and Cuts Hit Home,...

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/04/16

In response to sweeping policy changes at the federal level, Seattle City Council has established a Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes to track and respond to threats to federal funding, executive orders, and civil rights rollbacks affecting the city. The committee, chaired by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, aims to address the local fallout from the Trump administration's second term. In this episode of "Hacks & Wonks" hosted by Crystal Fincher, Councilmember Rinck

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01:03:24

Week in Review: April 11, 2025 - with Lex Vaughn

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/04/11

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Lex Vaughn discuss: 🪧 Thousands protest Trump admin 🧑‍🎓 WA student visas revoked 🐀 Union head blasts “Ratfink” Ferguson 🤞 Progress on rent stabilization 👀 Fingerprint levy on April ballot 💥 Seattle City Council tensions As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Lex Vaughn on

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37:19

Week in Review: April 4, 2025 - with Erica Barnett

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/04/04

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss: 🙅‍♂️ Ferguson against wealth tax ⚖️ WA joins lawsuit on public health funding cuts 👩‍💼 Braddock appointed acting KC Exec 💸 Moore skips public bidding process for $1M 🤷‍♂️ Saka denounces “defund” As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Erica Barnett, on

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31:14

Week in Review: March 28, 2025 - with Shauna Sowersby

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/03/28

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Shauna Sowersby discuss: 🌟 Frank Chopp’s legacy 💰 Senate & House budget proposals 📜 Parents’ Bill of Rights initiative 🧯 Natural gas initiative ruled unconstitutional 🚈 Dow Constantine nominated for Sound Transit CEO As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Shauna Sowersby at

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42:31

Week in Review: March 21, 2025 - with Robert Cruickshank

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/03/21

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss: 🤨 Gov Ferguson’s workplace complaints 😧 More troubling activity around Bruce Harrell 🏘️ SoDo housing proposal passed 👋 SPS superintendent resigns 🙄 Adam Smith is all wrong As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Robert Cruickshank, on Bluesky at

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36:02

Hacks & Wonks Host Returns to Radio Roots with KVRU...

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/03/18

Hacks & Wonks host Crystal Fincher and community leader Monisha Harrell have announced their acquisition of KVRU 105.7 FM, a non-profit, non-commercial community radio station based in South Seattle, with plans to preserve it as a trusted resource in South Seattle through community-driven programming. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii, Monisha

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36:05

Competing Social Housing Measures Face Off in Seattle...

Hacks & Wonks ·

2025/02/08

Seattle voters will decide between two competing social housing funding measures in a special election ending Feb. 11. Proposition 1A, backed by labor and community groups, proposes a payroll tax on high earners to generate $53M annually. Proposition 1B, supported by the Chamber of Commerce, redirects $10M from existing funds. We chat with Rian Watt and Tiffani McCoy about the initiatives and their potential impact. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at

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50:01

Harm Reduction Approach Vital for Addressing Opioid...

Hacks & Wonks ·

2024/12/24

On this topical show re-air, Crystal welcomes Everett Maroon, Executive Director of Blue Mountain Heart to Heart, for a conversation about their work in Southeast Washington using a harm reduction philosophy to support people, stabilize lives, & promote health and wellness in the community. Crystal and Everett chat about how the opioid epidemic has impacted rural communities, the role that stigma plays in keeping people from the help they need, what harm reduction is and why it is important. They

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37:40

Denver's STAR Program Offers Promising Alternative...

Hacks & Wonks ·

2024/12/20

On this topical show re-air, Crystal welcomes Evan Thompkins, STAR Program Specialist with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment, and Stephanie Van Jacobs, Program Manager at WellPower! The STAR program offers a promising alternative response to mental health and substance use crises, providing individuals with the support and resources they need while reducing the burden on traditional police response. With strong community support and a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of

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49:26

King County's Community-Led Approach Showing Promise...

Hacks & Wonks ·

2024/12/13

On this topical show re-air, Eleuthera Lisch, director of the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention, joins Crystal for a conversation about curbing youth gun violence using community-based approaches with violence interrupters. Encouraging early data from the program indicates fewer youth involved in shootings, fewer re-hospitalizations after gun injuries, less shoplifting near outreach, and 400+ high-risk youth mentored. Transcript and resources:

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29:25

Children's Alliance Director Highlights Critical...

Hacks & Wonks ·

2024/12/10

On this Tuesday topical show re-air, Crystal welcomes Dr. Stephan Blanford, Executive Director of Children’s Alliance, for a wide-ranging conversation on childcare. They delve into the importance of childcare as an economic driver and its societal impacts through preparing kids for success in school and life. A review of the state of childcare in Washington reveals that this critical resource is often out-of-reach for those who need it most and looks at the factors that make it inaccessible and

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56:26

Week in Review: December 6, 2024 - with Robert...

Hacks & Wonks ·

2024/12/06

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss: 😖 Morales bullied out of office ✋ Rinck sworn in 🙅 SPS recall effort shut down 🔥 KC Exec race heats up 🤓 Final precinct data & election thoughts 💚 Green Jacket Lady is back! As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Robert Cruickshank, on Bluesky at

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466 results

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