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Hacks & Wonks

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

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
NewsPoliticsNews Commentary

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Latest Episodes

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

Ron Davis, challenging 15-year incumbent Rep. Gerry Pollet, shares his vision and priorities for the 46th district.

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

Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. F... more

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Recent Guests

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
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
Rebecca Saldaña
State Senator, 37th Legislative District; candidate for King County Council District 2
King County Council Campaign
Episode: Rebecca Saldaña Makes Her Case for King County Council
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
Stephen Paolini
Principal at Bottled Lightning Collective
Bottled Lightning Collective
Episode: Decoding the 2025 Elections in Seattle and WA: An Insider's Analysis

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 States2 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.

Seattle's Democracy Voucher Program Faces Critical Renewal Vote in August Primary
Q: What are Democracy Vouchers and how do residents receive them?
Residents receive four $25 vouchers by mail once they are registered and eligible to contribute; they can allocate these to qualified municipal candidates either via mail, in person at campaigns, or online through the city portal.
Girmay Zahilay Outlines Vision for Executive Role
Q: What is the difference between you and Claudia in this race, and how would you guide voters in evaluating you?
This is not a traditional party race. I would expand participation, prioritize issues communities care about, and bring diverse voices into decision making. I would partner with communities I grew up in and with broad stakeholders, and push for a governance model focused on building and reducing red tape, backed by boots-on-the-ground engagement.
Girmay Zahilay Outlines Vision for Executive Role
Q: So why are you running and what will your priorities be if you're elected?
I'm running because I believe thoughtful leadership and strong policies can create safety and opportunity for everyone in the region. My priorities center on expanding housing, reforming public safety with a more coordinated approach, investing in transit and climate action, and ensuring that the county government works closely with communities to deliver measurable improvements, especially for those most affected by homelessness and economic distress.
Hannah Sabio-Howell Challenges Senate Majority Leader Pedersen in Seattle's Most Progressive District
Q: How would you address the budget and revenue tools beyond the millionaire's tax?
She urges bringing back other progressive revenue tools (e.g., wealth tax, estate tax, Vibrant Cities Act, Well Washington Fund) and argues for acting boldly rather than crisis-driven one-at-a-time policy changes.
Hannah Sabio-Howell Challenges Senate Majority Leader Pedersen in Seattle's Most Progressive District
Q: Why are you running and what will your top priorities be if elected?
Hannah Sabio-Howell cites housing affordability, universal childcare, stronger K-12 and higher ed investment, immigrant protections, and taxing the wealthy to fund social programs as her priorities, coupled with ending corporate money influence in campaigns.

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 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. Seattle News, Views, and Brews
3. Week In Review
4. Booming
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. Hannah Sabio-Howell
2. Jamie Pedersen
3. Toshiko Hasegawa
4. Rebecca Saldaña
5. Nick Brown
6. Shaun Scott
7. Chipalo Street
8. Randy Engstrom

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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