Seattle

In this special episode, we sit down with Bruce Harrell, the 57th and current Mayor of Seattle. Beyond the office, who is the man leading our city? Join us as we pull back the curtain to learn more about his story, his motivations, and what truly makes him tick. This is Bruce Harrell: the person, not just the politician. Tune in, get inspired, and discover a new perspective on Seattle’s leader.

In this episode Jonathan Sato sits down with Javier Saade; Saade is a recent Seattle transplant and a seasoned leader committed to making a meaningful impact on the city’s economic and entrepreneurial landscape. From founding companies to shaping innovation policy in the Obama administration, Javier has built a career guiding impact-driven ventures while serving on multiple boards and as an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School. Now, he’s turning his focus to the Pacific Northwest: sharing why he believes the city holds untapped potential for innovation, leadership, and the future of impact investing.

Adam Miller of Whitman University is pulling back the curtain to give us an exclusive look at how college admissions really work. In this episode, he brings fresh insight and energy to the conversation, sharing how parents can best support their child’s college journey, what makes a standout application essay, and why now is an especially promising time to apply. We dive into the current state of college admissions, from the decline in high school graduates to the drop in applications, and how these shifts are leading to more opportunities for students as acceptance rates rise.

Scott Stulen is bringing fresh energy to the Seattle Art Museum. In this episode, he shares his vision for making SAM more accessible and community-focused, his journey to the Pacific Northwest, and how pop culture — even Ferris Bueller's Day Off — shapes his approach to art. Tune in to hear what’s ahead for the museum and what it means to Seattle.

Woodland Park Zoo CEO Alejandro Grajal wants you to think differently about zoos. In this episode, he talks about conservation, climate action, and how zoos can serve as civic spaces. He also shares what’s coming next, including the new Forest Trailhead and a chance to walk with flamingos.

Want to understand AI? When we think about the future of technology, it’s easy to picture flashy gadgets or complex code. But today’s guest reminds us that behind every innovation, there are people — thoughtful, passionate people — who are shaping the way we move forward. Laura Hoffman is one of those people. She’s an AI Principal PM Manager at Microsoft, where she leads teams working on some of the most exciting and impactful tech happening today. AI for Good.  Before Microsoft, she built her career at Amazon, gaining a front-row seat to how innovation like the Kindle can change the world. Today, we’ll be diving into the world of AI, what it means for all of us, and why human connection is the difference maker. 

Spencer Frazer is exemplary of multiple talents and multiple acts. Hear his journey of working on top secret government projects, to being a maker of combat knives, to finally emerging as one of the top painters in our region. Learn how he uses his art to change the world.  

Peter Tomozawa, CEO of the Seattle World Cup organizing committee, chats about how Seattle snagged the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He discusses the hustle of local leaders, the importance of community support, and how the event will benefit the entire region.

Peter Tomozawa is the CEO of the Seattle World Cup Organizing Committee, responsible for readying our city for the biggest show in the world. He was also the prior president of the Seattle Sounders, and has had one of the most fascinating business careers spanning the globe. Join us as he tells us why Seattle should take center stage. 

University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce discusses the end of the encampment, why college is more affordable than it seems, and the enormous economic impact of university research.

There are few people in the Pacific Northwest who have successfully navigated tech, economic development, venture capital, and nonprofits. Our esteemed guest, Rebecca Lovell, is one such individual who has done this in no small part due to her native roots in the Seattle/Tacoma region, and her prolific and important contributions as a civic thought-leader. Currently the COO of Greater Seattle Partners, she joins us in our podcast to discuss the importance of our region to the world, our exciting opportunities as a city, the fulfillment of mentoring others, and even how we should tackle some of the city's biggest challenges. As a special bonus, you might even hear some great karaoke tips.  

Tom Mara planned to retire when he left Seattle nonprofit radio station KEXP after two stints totaling 34 years. That didn’t last long. In August 2022, Mara accepted the CEO job at the Seattle International Film Festival. Here, he and longtime Artistic Director Beth Barrett discuss how SIFF became one of the largest film festivals in the world, and what’s in store as the festival celebrates 50 years. This year’s festival runs from May 9-19 at SIFF’s four venues across the city, including the venerable SIFF Cinema Downtown (formerly known as The Cinerama).

Attorney Anne Bremner has been involved in several high-profile cases, including those involving Mary Kay LeTourneau, Ann Rule, and Amanda Knox. She is also an author and media personality, commenting on numerous court cases, including those involving Casey Anthony, Michael Jackson, and Scott Peterson. Here, she discusses how she became friends with LeTourneau, her strategy in defending Knox and how she parlayed her courtroom success into a career as a sought-after TV commentator. Her new book, Justice in the Age of Judgment, explores how social media and the digital age influence due process.

Michelle Li famously created the Very Asian Foundation after a viewer in St. Louis sent her a racist email telling her to “keep her Korean to herself” and of being “very Asian” after she mentioned on-air that she enjoyed eating traditional Korean dumpling soup as part of a New Year’s tradition. Here, she discusses her love of Seattle, her surprise that her experience went viral, and how the experience increasingly shapes her life.

Longtime 5th Avenue Theatre Managing Director Bernie Griffin just retired, but she remains a staunch advocate for an arts community she helped create. In the latest episode of the Seattle magazine podcast, Griffin shares tales from her colorful career backstage, how live theater is inherently risky and why she always returned to Seattle after holding influential roles in both New York and Los Angeles.

Growing up with an NBA star taught Donald Watts untold lessons. Donald is now a full-time caretaker for his father, Sonics legend Slick Watts, who suffered a devastating stroke two years ago. Donald recounts his childhood, the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that prevented him from playing in the NBA, and his commitment to youth and community. He also discusses the importance of the year-old Sonics Legend Fund, a charitable program to help pay the expenses of former Sonics who need assistance.

The Boys in The Boat author Daniel James Brown discusses how he first learned of the triumph of the University of Washington's crew team in the 1936 Olympics and how he connected with the family of one of the rowers.

Former Seahawks wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Doug Baldwin discusses his motivation for giving back to the community and why he's proud to call Seattle home years after his playing days ended. He’s joined by Hilary Young of Pioneer Human Services, a nonprofit that’s become a big supporter of Baldwin’s advocacy on behalf of community-based organizations.

Seattle Magazine talks with New York Times Bestselling Author of The Boys in the Boat, and Redmond resident, Daniel James Brown, to discuss his most recent book, Facing the Mountain. A true story of four Japanese Americans during World War II and their journey in the 442nd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army fighting for a country that incarcerated their family members.

Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz recalls a tense moment in his undercover career, how the use of the term “law enforcement” paints a negative impression of police and why social workers should sometimes be on the front lines of police response. He also lays out his plan to reduce crime throughout the city (hint: it’s already working).