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Hacks & Wonks

Crystal Fincher
Washington State
Seattle City Council
Homelessness
Public Safety
Seattle
Education Funding
Childcare
Capital Gains Tax
King County
Bob Ferguson
Gun Violence
Seattle Public Schools
Housing Affordability
Affordable Housing
Progressive Revenue
Climate Commitment Act
Washington State Legislature
Public School System
Housing
Transportation

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.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes466Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNews CommentaryNews

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Artwork for Hacks & Wonks

Latest Episodes

Jaelynn Scott is running for the 37th District House and shares her priorities, including progressive revenue, social housing, care-based public safety, and sanctuary protections for immigrants and LGBTQ communities.

As always, a full text transcri... more

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss:

☕ Mayor Wilson, Starbucks, and business lobbying

🏳️‍🌈 Seattle to declare a state of emergency to support LGBTQ refugees

🚈 Sound Transit swings the axe at ST3 projects (v... more

Hannah Sabio-Howell, a labor organizer and former Washington State Senate communications staffer, is challenging incumbent Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen for the 43rd Legislative District's state senate seat. The district, which covers Capitol... more

Washington Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen is running for reelection in the 43rd District. In this Hacks & Wonks interview, he defends his record and shares his priorities on taxes, education, child care, immigration & protecting Washington res... more

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Recent Guests

Jamie Pedersen
State Senator, Washington State Senate
Washington State Senate
Episode: Senator Jamie Pedersen Defends Millionaire's Tax, Budget Choices, and Progressive Record Ahead of Primary Challenge
Toshiko Hasegawa
Port of Seattle Commissioner and King County Council District 2 candidate
Port of Seattle; Candidate for King County Council District 2
Episode: Port Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa Shares Vision as King County Council District 2 Candidate
Nick Brown
Washington State Attorney General, invited guest
Office of the Attorney General, State of Washington
Episode: From Consumer Protection to Constitutional Defense: Nick Brown's First Year as AG
Shaun Scott
Representative, 43rd Legislative District
Washington State House of Representatives
Episode: Rep. Shaun Scott Pushes Revenue Plan to Counter Austerity
Chipalo Street
State Representative, 37th District
Washington State Legislature
Episode: Rep. Chipalo Street on Tax Reform, Budget Deficits, and Federal Threats to Washington
Randy Engstrom
Owner and principal of Third Way Creative; former director of Seattle's Office of Arts and Culture
Third Way Creative; former Seattle Office of Arts and Culture
Episode: Seattle's Creative Economy at a Crossroads: Randy Engstrom on What's at Stake
Erika Evans
Candidate for Seattle City Attorney
Episode: Former Federal Prosecutor Erika Evans Launches Bid for Seattle City Attorney
Rian Watt
Fellow Urbanist Board member and local housing advocate
Episode: Competing Social Housing Measures Face Off in Seattle Election with Rian Watt and Tiffani McCoy
Tiffani McCoy
Co-Executive Director of House Our Neighbors, campaigning for Proposition 1A
House Our Neighbors
Episode: Competing Social Housing Measures Face Off in Seattle Election with Rian Watt and Tiffani McCoy

Host

Crystal Fincher
Host of Hacks & Wonks; political consultant known for in-depth policy discussions with policy wonks and political hacks.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 96 ratings
  • Great local coverage

    Really wonderful and informative coverage of local issues for Seattle, King County and Washington state.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    km-sea
    United Statesa month ago
  • Best, most in-depth local political podcast

    I consider myself pretty tuned in and aware of what is happening politically and policy-wise in Seattle and across the state, but every week I learn about something I hadn’t otherwise heard about and get a lot of great insight into what’s going on.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    camilleeonn
    United States9 months ago
  • Awesome comforting rational review of what’s going on in Washington politics and policy.

    This podcast is a welcome review of what’s going on in Washington politics and policy with a calm and considered approach that is so comforting these days. It means so much to have something to listen to that has clarity and rational consideration. Crystal does an excellent job and has great questions for her great guests. Please keep them coming.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    brentnospg
    United Statesa year ago
  • Excellent. Informative.

    I listen to this podcast more than any other because Crystal and her guests always explain issues in a way that makes sense to me. I learn a ton about politics and the movers and shakers in WA from them. She also covers issues outside of only Seattle with the same level of integrity. She does her homework for sure, which is welcome!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    boatchick
    United States2 years ago
  • Crystal Fincher is a cynical liar

    I said what I said

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    woodlandfemme
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Honest conversations and substantive policy breakdowns
Clear, thoughtful analysis with strong guest diversity
Informative and well-researched, great for understanding WA politics
A few episodes can feel cynical to some listeners
Consistently high-quality interviews and practical takeaways

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Rebecca Saldaña Makes Her Case for King County Council
Q: Why are you running for King County Council? What are your top priorities if elected?
My life's work has been organizing communities to stand up to powerful interests and deliver for people. My priorities include transforming the criminal legal system, expanding housing and behavioral health, protecting immigrant care, and building regional solutions that center people first while navigating a tight budget.
Rep. Shaun Scott Pushes Revenue Plan to Counter Austerity
Q: What are the political odds and coalition dynamics for getting HB 2100 through?
Support is growing with several co-sponsors; the goal is to expand beyond urban districts to rural areas, building a diverse coalition that recognizes the shared benefits of funding safety nets and public services for working people.
Rep. Shaun Scott Pushes Revenue Plan to Counter Austerity
Q: How does this revenue proposal compare to other tax ideas like an income tax on the wealthy?
The Well Washington Fund is designed to be ready for 2026 and protect essential services, while other proposals like an income tax face legal and ballot challenges; thus, the fund seeks broader buy-in across urban and rural districts and avoids relying solely on a politically contentious option.
Rep. Shaun Scott Pushes Revenue Plan to Counter Austerity
Q: What does House Bill 2100 do for the state, and why this structure over others?
HB 2100 creates a dedicated funding mechanism, modeled after Jumpstart, with a focus on housing, healthcare, and higher education, and uses a payroll tax threshold of $125,000 to invite large employers to contribute, aiming to stabilize essential services amid federal cuts.
Seattle's Creative Economy at a Crossroads: Randy Engstrom on What's at Stake
Q: What is top of mind for you as Seattle considers its transition in leadership and policy?
Urgent listening and facilitating collaboration across sectors to synthesize ideas into a practical 90-day, 6-month, and 18-month plan that can move the city toward a more inclusive, connected creative economy.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hacks & Wonks

What is Hacks & Wonks about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A deep-dive into Washington state politics and policy, focusing on how local government decisions affect Seattle, King County, and the broader state. Episodes feature interviews with policymakers, journalists, and advocates, unpacking topics like public safety, housing, budgeting, tax policy, and governance with attention to root causes, transparency, and practical solutions. The show tends to center on thoughtful, data-informed discussion, highlighting reform ideas, candid assessments of current leadership, and the lived impact of policy choices on communities. A standout aspect is the host's emphasis on context, credible analysis, and inviting a range of expert voices to illuminate complex issues for listeners who want to understand how p... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Hacks & Wonks?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Hacks & Wonks:

1. Seattle Nice
2. Week In Review
3. Booming
4. Seattle News, Views, and Brews
5. Seattle Now

How many episodes of Hacks & Wonks are there?

Hacks & Wonks launched 6 years ago and published 466 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Hacks & Wonks?

Recent guests on Hacks & Wonks include:

1. Jamie Pedersen
2. Toshiko Hasegawa
3. Nick Brown
4. Shaun Scott
5. Chipalo Street
6. Randy Engstrom
7. Erika Evans
8. Rian Watt

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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