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Hacks & Wonks

Crystal Fincher
Seattle
Washington State
Public Safety
Homelessness
Seattle City Council
Education Funding
Seattle, United States
Washington State Legislature
King County
Seattle Public Schools
Childcare
Capital Gains Tax
Affordable Housing
Housing
Bob Ferguson
Housing Affordability
Gun Violence
Progressive Revenue
Climate Commitment Act
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
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Artwork for Hacks & Wonks

Latest Episodes

Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, running for reelection in the 37th Legislative District, argues that displacement, public safety, housing, childcare affordability, and a fundamental reimagining of Washington's education delivery system are the d... more

Kelabe Tewolde is running for State Representative in the 37th District, challenging the incumbent in a race centered on housing affordability, education investment, environmental justice, and public safety in South Seattle.

As always, a full text ... more

Silas James is running for Seattle City Council District 5 as a working-class Democratic Socialist focused on fixing failing systems.

As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com.

Follow us on Bluesky at... more

Nilu Jenks is running for the District 5 Seattle City Council seat, prioritizing affordable housing, reliable public transportation, and climate resilience.

As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com.

... more

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Recent Guests

Sharon Tomiko Santos
Representative, 37th Legislative District
Washington State Legislature
Episode: Sharon Tomiko Santos Makes Her Case for Reelection in the 37th
Kelabe Tewolde
Candidate for State Representative, 37th District
Campaign for State Representative, 37th District
Episode: The Fighting 37th Has a New Contender: Kelabe Tewolde Eyes House Seat
Silas James
District 5 Candidate for Seattle City Council
Candidate, Seattle City Council District 5
Episode: Silas James, District 5 Candidate, Outlines Plans to Address Housing, Safety, and Poverty
Nilu Jenks
District 5 candidate for Seattle City Council
Seattle City Council District 5 Candidate
Episode: Nilu Jenks, Seattle City Council District 5 Candidate, Shares Her Priorities and Plans
Ron Davis
Candidate for the 46th District Legislative Seat
Candidate for Washington State House representing the 46th District
Episode: Ron Davis Challenges Incumbent Gerry Pollet in 46th District House Race
Chipalo Street
Current representative for the 37th District and Senate candidate
Washington State Legislature
Episode: State Rep. Chipalo Street Seeks 37th District Senate Seat
Tatiana Brown
Candidate for the 37th District Senate seat, focused on community voices and progressive policy
Campaign for 37th District Senate
Episode: Tatiana Brown Makes Case for Open Senate Seat in the 37th District
Jaelynn Scott
Executive Director of the Lavender Rights Project, Seattle-based housing justice and legal advocacy organization
Lavender Rights Project
Episode: Jaelynn Scott Seeks Open State House Seat in Seattle's 37th District
Hannah Sabio-Howell
Challenger to the Washington State Senate Majority Leader in the 43rd District
Candidate, Washington State Senate (43rd District)
Episode: Hannah Sabio-Howell Challenges Senate Majority Leader Pedersen in Seattle's Most Progressive District

Hosts

Crystal Fincher
Host of Hacks & Wonks with a focus on politics, policy analysis, and local governance.
Robert Cruickshank
Co-host and longtime communications and political strategist.
Jamie Pedersen
State Senator, Washington State Senate

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 States3 months 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 States10 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.

Occasionally polarizing but consistently thorough.
Smart take on WA state politics with practical policy detail.
Contributes thoughtful, evidence-based discussion on housing and transit.
In-depth interviews that illuminate local governance and budgeting.
A trusted source for state-level policy analysis and civic context.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Fighting 37th Has a New Contender: Kelabe Tewolde Eyes House Seat
Q: What should be on our radar that we haven't discussed?
Education funding remains the biggest priority; failing to invest in kids today jeopardizes their futures and the state's overall trajectory, so restoring and expanding programs like transition to kindergarten and teacher support is essential.
The Fighting 37th Has a New Contender: Kelabe Tewolde Eyes House Seat
Q: Do you think anything different should be done either on the policy side, or on the implementation side, to get us in a position to better achieve our emissions reduction targets?
We should reallocate and optimize funds from existing programs to accelerate transportation electrification, expand transit corridors, and apply more robust environmental reviews and diversified energy strategies while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The Fighting 37th Has a New Contender: Kelabe Tewolde Eyes House Seat
Q: First wondering, why are you running and what will your top priorities be if you're elected?
I'm a lifelong Seattle resident, a renter, and a child of a refugee; my family's housing insecurity and medical debt shaped my priorities. My top goals are affordable housing, strong public schools with real investment in early learning, and safety that comes from addressing root causes like poverty and lack of opportunity.
Week in Review: December 5, 2025 - with David Kroman
Q: What does the new mayoral transition team suggest about Seattle's future policy direction?
Mayor-elect Katie Wilson appears to be assembling a diverse, bridge-building slate that includes both progressive advocates and business-oriented figures to navigate housing, revenue, and development.
Week in Review: December 5, 2025 - with David Kroman
Q: How is Seattle responding to affordable housing financing challenges?
By increasing the housing budget and relying on local voter-backed funding mechanisms, even as providers report higher costs and lower rent collections, raising questions about sustainability and long-term strategies.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hacks & Wonks

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

A policy- and politics-forward show focused on Washington state, blending deep-dive interviews with in-depth analysis of local governance, budgets, housing, transit, and reform efforts. Episodes frequently explore the relationship between city leadership, business interests, and state policy, often through conversations with state senators, district representatives, port and county officials, and journalist guests who illuminate behind-the-scenes dynamics, funding debates, and accountability. Notable strengths include rigorous policy discussion, clear explanations of complex issues, and a willingness to challenge incumbents and explore progressive reform tools while explaining practical implications for residents and stakeholders. The forma... 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. Seattle Now
4. City Cast Seattle
5. Strict Scrutiny

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. Sharon Tomiko Santos
2. Kelabe Tewolde
3. Silas James
4. Nilu Jenks
5. Ron Davis
6. Chipalo Street
7. Tatiana Brown
8. Jaelynn Scott

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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