Best Cahall Podcasts (2024)

1
Fitz Cahall on 17 years of finding new adventures outdoors 25:41

12m ago25:41

25:41

When Fitz Cahall started his “Dirtbag Diaries” podcast in 2007, he was an avid outdoorsman struggling to make ends meet as a travel writer. At the time, this whole ‘on demand audio storytelling’ thing was kind of new, and Fitz saw it as a way of bringing new life to his joy of the outdoors. Today, he’s replaced his wild life bouncing around in a va…

1
Essay #87: Cahal McLaughlin, ‘Participatory Filmmaking: Anarchist Principles and Practices’ 16:50

1d ago16:50

16:50

In this essay, Cahal McLaughlin reflects on the influence of anarchist principles on his documentary filmmaking practices in societies affected by state violence, using case studies from South Africa, Haiti, Brazil and Ireland. Cahal McLaughlin is Professor of Film Studies, Queen's University Belfast. His recent publications include Challenging the…

1
Why Washington is a bellwether for the presidential election 20:49

26m ago20:49

20:49

The Democratic party is riding the Good Vibes Express after its Chicago convention. And a look at polling averages gives them reason to celebrate: Since becoming the nominee, Vice President Harris has shaken up a relatively static presidential race: She’s now running slightly ahead of former President Trump nationwide. In swing states, she has pull…

1
WSU researchers are on a quest to digitize over 30,000 bees, butterflies and other pollinators 9:42

7m ago9:42

9:42

Washington State University's MT James Entomological Collection is the largest insect museum in the state, it holds around three million specimens. In 2022, state legislators allocated $50,000 for the collection to digitize pollinators, like bees, moths, flies, butterflies and other insects that carry pollen. Adding the 30,000 pollinators in WSU’s …

1
Christian Nationalism and its effect on Yakima city politics 20:09

19m ago20:09

20:09

Last year, the Yakima City Council made a landmark decision by passing a proclamation to designate the month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride month. Less than a year later, the council voted to reverse that decision. The move was celebrated by far right religious leaders like Turning Point USA’s Charlie Kirk and Sean Feucht, who took to X to applaud the dec…

1
Budget woes, cellphones, and safety: educators share their thoughts going into the new school year 29:43

9m ago29:43

29:43

For many Washington students, and parents, the school year is just about to start - if it hasn’t already. And they're not the only ones gearing up for the new year. Teachers and school staff are about to step into a new year with all sorts of new questions about how their respective school systems will be run. So, we wanted to check in with a panel…

1
It's time to do a vibe check on the state of remote work 25:53

18m ago25:53

25:53

Earlier this month, City of Seattle workers were told most of them will have to return to the office at least 3 days a week starting this fall. Meanwhile… a certain large tech and online retail company (named after a river in South America) has reportedly started a mulling the minimum number of hours employees must stay on site to count towards its…

1
Mia Zapata and The Gits are often defined by a tragic murder, drummer Steve Moriarty's book tells a different story about the band 17:48

20m ago17:48

17:48

In the early 90s, Seattle was at the center of a sonic revolution. Grunge, a homegrown sludgy rock sound, became a global commodity. At the same time, another sound was making its mark on Seattle. The Gits were a band on the precipice of national stardom, standing out with their punk sensibility and charismatic female vocalist, with music labels ci…

1
How Thurston County is aiming to bring homelessness to "functional zero" 23:41

1h ago23:41

23:41

Addressing homelessness is looking a little different in Thurston County these days. The county, which includes Olympia, just became the fifth community in the nation to collect data on every single adult experiencing homelessness. The county’s partner organization says that data includes the names and circumstances of each person counted. And the …

1
No, Seattle's most notorious brothel madam was not a Gilded Age Girl Boss 25:12

2d ago25:12

25:12

We know a few things about the woman known as Lou Graham, for sure: She was a brothel madam in Seattle at the turn of the century. And she’s immortalized in one of the city’s popular ghost tours. Maybe you’ve even felt her spiritual presence while passing through tunnels underneath Pioneer Square. Beyond that, facts are sparse. But plenty of legend…

1
Essay #88: Jess Dillard-Wright & Danisha Jenkins , ‘Dangerous and Unprofessional Content: Anarchist Dreams for Alternate Nursing Futures’ 18:39

3h ago18:39

18:39

In this essay, Jess Dillard-Wright and Danisha Jenkins make the case for an anarchist approach to nursing. Part love note to a problematic profession we love and hate, part fever dream of what could be, we set out to think about what nursing and care might look like after it all falls down, because it is all falling down. Jess Dillard-Wright is an …

1
Testing The Waters 54:32

4d ago54:32

54:32

Luke, Job, and Jonah have been best friends since childhood, and with the end of high school looming, they set out on their biggest adventure yet. During a month-long quest to canoe from Job’s backyard in Franklin, Tennessee, to the Gulf of Mexico, they encounter storms, venomous spiders, and alligators putting their skills and stoke are put to the…

1
How a battle over owls points to a bigger question in conservation 19:31

1h ago19:31

19:31

Last winter, federal officials with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a program to save the perpetually threatened northern spotted owl. The problem? Invasive barred owls are crowding out our local forest -- they're bigger, and more aggressive. The solution? Culling half a million of those owls over the next 30 years. On its face, the is…

1
The battle for Public Lands Commissioner turns to a recount 14:12

25m ago14:12

14:12

At this point, most of Washington’s primary election results have been called. Bob Ferguson will face Dave Reichert in the race for governor. Tanya Woo and Alexis Mercedes Rinck are vying for a spot on the Seattle City Council. Goodspaceguy once again failed to get onto the November ballot. But – in one race, the drama has remained at a fever pitch…

1
What goes on beyond the tv stream at the DNC 12:55

3d ago12:55

12:55

When some people picture political conventions, they might imagine a grand stage lit up with dazzling lights, a seemingly never ending stream of speeches - and a sea of enthusiastic supporters cheering their hearts out, waving lots and lots of American flags. Since Monday, the Democratic National Convention has been underway in Chicago. There have …

1
For the first time in its history, McNeil Island is releasing more patients than it's taking in 24:11

18h ago24:11

24:11

Chances are high that you’ve never been to McNeal Island before. Few have - the island, located in the Puget Sound, southwest of Tacoma, isn’t accessible to the general public. The only people that are allowed are staff and pre-screened visitors at the Washington State Special Commitment Center - the first post-prison institution for people designa…

1
How a century-old church in Tacoma is trying to become affordable youth housing 12:26

10m ago12:26

12:26

Picture a historic church in Tacoma’s Proctor neighborhood, bathed in afternoon sunlight, poised for a dramatic transformation. Julie Cain, who purchased the church in 2021, envisions turning it into affordable housing for young adults. The project aims to address local housing needs and foster a supportive community, with plans for shared rooms an…

1
Renters say "junk fees" create real harm 13:27

23m ago13:27

13:27

Imagine you are renting a property and your grass dies and gets brown (this is the Pacific Northwest, where, aside from some unseasonable August rain, it’s pretty dry all summer). Then you get a note from your management company that letting that grass die violates the property’s rules and fines you $125. Then, on top of that, the company charges y…

1
How solitary confinement affects the mental health of WA State inmates 11:31

4m ago11:31

11:31

The Washington State Department of Corrections has pledged to stop the use of solitary confinement in state prisons, in most cases. And the agency says it has made progress on that goal. But a recent report from the agency’s own independent watchdog, the Office of the Corrections Ombuds, says isolating inmates for extended periods of time is still …

1
Weekend rain a welcome relief as wildfire burns near Stehekin 13:28

19m ago13:28

13:28

The summertime is usually the peak season for tourists in Stehekin, Washington – a small community of around 100 people at the north end of Lake Chelan. It’s only accessible by boat or floatplane, making it an ideal place for a lakeside getaway or entry into the North Cascades wilderness. But the geography and topography that make Stehekin unique a…

1
Fewer WA children are in foster care amid state effort to keep families together 14:44

29m ago14:44

14:44

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families, which oversees the state’s foster care system, celebrated a milestone last week: The number of children in foster care has dipped below 5,000. That’s down significantly from 9,171 kids in foster care in 2018 – a reduction of more than 50% in six years. This is seen as progress among experts who have …

1
Hear It Again: He broke his neck diving into a pool. 20 years later, new technology is helping him recover 21:57

3d ago21:57

21:57

For decades, the road to recovery after a spinal cord injury has meant years of physical therapy. The goal is often small but meaningful improvements in body function. Being able to stretch your fingers that much farther, or grip just a bit harder. Jon Schleuter’s path began after he broke his neck diving into a pool 20 years ago. Soundside's Libby…

1
New COVID study finds pandemic mandates did, in fact, save lives 20:50

3d ago20:50

20:50

A new study out of the University of Virginia combined data from all 50 states to see how COVID restrictions did or didn’t reduce pandemic deaths. Despite criticism – even today – that COVID restrictions were tyrannical and unnecessary, the paper shows that states with more stringent mask and vaccine mandates did in fact save lives, and that states…

1
For Seattle drag performers, sick days are not an option 13:52

4h ago13:52

13:52

For many performers, a missed show can mean a huge pay cut. Drag queens, comedians, musicians, and other entertainers are mostly independent contractors, which means no employer provided health insurance or sick time. Now, local drag queen Betty Wetter, as well as the dance duo Drama Tops, and Velocity Dance Center, have come together to create the…

1
Updates are coming to this 60-year-old treaty guiding the Columbia River 19:06

13d ago19:06

19:06

The Columbia River is undoubtedly one of the most important rivers in the Northwest. Today, its irrigation provides water for the farms of Central Washington; it’s a vital waterway for salmon; and it provides a critical source of hydroelectric power. The river is split between the U.S. and Canada, and its headwaters begin in British Columbia. For t…

1
An Indigenous CEO says "time is ticking" to help Native elders heal from government-run boarding schools 20:23

6d ago20:23

20:23

For 150 years, the United States government operated boarding schools that separated Native American children from their families and communities. The government's goal was to eradicate native languages and culture. At least 17 US Indian boarding schools existed in Washington State. A new report from the Department of Interior outlines the scale an…

1
Exploring the intersection of art and landscape in the Pacific Northwest 10:45

7d ago10:45

10:45

A new show from Cascade PBS looks at the way artists in the Pacific Northwest incorporate their surroundings into drawings, tapestry, and pottery. ‘Art by Northwest’ showcases local artists inspired by the landscapes and culture of their communities. Each episode explores the stories behind their work, reflecting the unique essence of the Pacific N…

1
Marysville Schools are facing a 'critically declining financial condition,' but is far from the only district with budget challanges 19:34

27m ago19:34

19:34

There are a lot of stories about the financial challenges facing schools right now: Seattle School District has a $100 million budget gap they need to close and they’re going to be shuttering schools to make ends meet. Bellevue School District also closed schools to shore up its budget last year. Other districts are looking at million dollar shortf…

1
What will it take to bring the Boeing Starliner, and it's astronauts, back to Earth? 29:26

12m ago29:26

29:26

Two NASA astronauts named Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, are currently stuck in space. The pair launched in the Boeing Starliner earlier this year. Malfunctions have delayed their return from what was originally meant to be an 8 day trip to the International Space Station. Now, they may not be back on Earth until February. And – most galling for …

1
Race remains tight in primary for public lands commissioner 9:52

8h ago9:52

9:52

While ballots are still being counted, most of the races in last week’s primary election have been decided. But one contest in particular – the race to become the next Commissioner of Public Lands for Washington state – has become surprisingly close. The Commissioner of Public Lands runs the state Department of Natural Resources – think forest and …

1
Remembering Seattle music journalist Charles R. Cross 25:20

17d ago25:20

25:20

We wanted to round out today’s show by remembering a man described as the greatest music journalist Seattle ever had - Charles R. Cross. For over 40 years, Cross tracked the pulse of Seattle through its music. He was also known for his biographies of local rock legends: Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain, and Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart. Cross’ family con…

1
As Seattle City Council gets up to speed, election results may signal voter discontent 15:30

17d ago15:30

15:30

Primary election results continue to roll in. And sure, your head may have been turned by that flashy State Lands Commissioner race. But if you’re a Seattle resident, a very consequential city council contest should also be on your radar. The at-large 8th district seat is up for grabs this November. The citywide position was formerly held by Teresa…

1
Meet Your Heroes 46:22

23d ago46:22

46:22

Jim Donini has been a climber for over 50 years– since well before Tad McCrea was born. As the two developed an unlikely intergenerational friendship during an epic trip in the mountains of Patagonia, both climbers realize that mentorship isn’t just about showing someone the ropes on your way to the summit. It’s about reflecting on the joys, regret…

1
Data centers put WA clean energy goals in jeopardy 20:52

15d ago20:52

20:52

Across vast stretches of rural Washington, large boxy warehouses have popped up between fields of potatoes. They contain the humming infrastructure that the tech industry and users rely on to store documents in the cloud, access streaming videos, or perform internet searches. It’s easy to see why companies put data centers in this part of the state…

1
Community of Point Roberts struggling as tourists are slow to return 15:25

8d ago15:25

15:25

Summer is in full swing with clogged hiking trails, packed ferries, and the smells of backyard barbeques. But while many of you might be visiting tourist towns in the Cascades or near a Puget Sound Island, one Washington tourist town has been struggling: Point Roberts, our favorite local exclave. It’s a peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides…

1
Breaking down Washington's 2024 primary election 23:30

15d ago23:30

23:30

Yesterday, thousands of Washingtonians dug through the pile of mail sitting on their hallway table. They found their primary ballot - maybe even their voter pamphlet - and took time to vote. Congratulations to all who did. Wear that new “I voted” sticker with pride. Because there were a lot of important things to consider in this year’s primary ele…

1
What to know about Covid and the Summer Surge 12:15

6d ago12:15

12:15

Have your friends been canceling on you because they’re sick? Coworkers on prolonged absence because your entire team came down with a bug? Feeling a sniffle yourself lately? This summer, The CDC says more than a dozen states across the US are seeing “very high” spikes in COVID cases. But now that we’re a few years past the pandemic, what’s the res…

1
Better, Faster, Farther and the revolutionary impact of women runners 28:24

6d ago28:24

28:24

It’s track and field week at the Paris Olympics. Yesterday, the women’s 800 wrapped up with Keeley Hodgkinson of Great Britain taking the top spot. As exciting as an Olympics track event always is, it didn’t compare with nearly 100 years ago, when women were first allowed to run this race. Then, it was a media frenzy. And not because of the pure aw…

1
Seattle Synchro's small but mighty part in this year's Olympic games 8:45

24d ago8:45

8:45

The Paris 2024 Olympics are in full swing. Tomorrow (Wednesday the 7th) is the final day of competition for the artistic swim teams - better known to many by the sport’s old name: synchronized swimming. This is the first time in 16 years that the American team has qualified for the Olympics. And, two members of that team come from right here, in Se…

1
Voter Turnout and YOU! Elections Officials share their thoughts on the Primary 13:56

22d ago13:56

13:56

It’s primary election day. Over a million Washingtonians have already turned in their ballots. If you’re not one of those early voters, you’re not alone. About 80% of registered voters have opted to wait until the last few hours, if they’re voting at all. Perhaps it’s procrastination; perhaps you plumb forgot. Maybe you just really prefer casting a…

1
Nearly 99% of WA ballots are accepted, what's going on with the 1% that aren't? 14:54

8d ago14:54

14:54

When I say the one percent, what do you think of? Is it the ultrawealthy? A phrase coined during the Occupy Movement? Is it the second wateriest form of milk on the market? This story is about a different group of one percenters, it’s primary election season, after all, and we’re talking about voters who have their ballots rejected in Washington. O…

1
As wildfires burst through, ranchers fight to protect their herds and homes 15:30

21d ago15:30

15:30

Fueled by dry weather and high temperatures, wildfires across the Northwest have now burned more than 1 million acres. On Friday, Governor Jay Inslee declared a statewide emergency to unlock more firefighting resources. As of now, those dozens of fires across Washington and Oregon have put thousands of people under evacuation notice. But for cattle…

1
Seattle City Council's SOAP and SODA Zones, explained 15:32

8d ago15:32

15:32

Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison and Councilmember Cathy Moore say they have a plan to give the city a new tool to help fight drug trafficking and prostitution. Last Thursday they introduced a pair of ordinances that would create a number of “safe zones” in the city -- typically called Stay out of Drug Areas (or SODA) and Stay Out of Areas of Pros…

1
The Race for District 3: Leslie Lewallen 24:25

12d ago24:25

24:25

We’re headed back to Washington’s 3rd Congressional District – which includes the southwest corner of the state, from Long Beach to Mount Adams, and from Yelm down to Vancouver. It’s expected once again to be the site of one of the closest House races in the country – the Cook political report rates it as one of only 22 “tossup” contests in 2024. D…

1
Amid mergers and layoffs, how is Seattle's theater scene doing? 38:04

13d ago38:04

38:04

There has been an onslaught of news in Seattle’s theater community. Earlier this year, Seattle Rep announced it was laying off the majority of its artistic staff. The non-profit theater’s subscription base is half of what it was before the pandemic. And that isn’t the only change in the theater world: The 5TH Avenue Theatre is shutting down its new…

1
WA race for head of public schools is heating up 12:34

15d ago12:34

12:34

August is right around the corner and that means schools are getting ready for the academic year. While kids are hanging onto a few more weeks of summer, voters are getting ready to determine who will oversee Washington’s public schools. The incumbent, Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, is facing some challengers in the primary on …

1
Tumbleweeds, a Northwest nuisance, are taking home decor by storm 14:29

13d ago14:29

14:29

The scene opens on a dusty street. Weathered wooden buildings with false fronts line either side of the street, as two gunslingers line up at high noon. A lone tumbleweed drifts across the street… which, actually, is the problem we’re here to discuss today. Tumbleweeds, also known as Russian thistle, are an invasive plant here in the United States.…

1
The Columbia River is FULL of Shad! 14:23

14d ago14:23

14:23

For generations, native Chinook salmon have made their spring migration up the Columbia River… But over the past few decades, as their population has dwindled, salmon have been overtaken by a non-native species of fish hailing from the East Coast - THE SHAD. Shad runs now number in the millions, while just about 700 thousand native Chinook make the…

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