Best Pnws Podcasts (2025)

1
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1 Breakdown – "Future Days" Explained | PNWS Ep. 43 1:32:14

8d ago1:32:14

1:32:14

The Last of Us Season 2 has officially begun, and we're kicking off with a full deep-dive into Episode 1: "Future Days." In this recap and analysis, ProfNoctis and Evan break down: -The emotional return to Jackson -New characters and their mysterious motivations -Joel's therapy sessions (!) -Ellie's jiu-jitsu skills and character growth -The meanin…

1
The Democratic civil war over taxes 24:07

4d ago24:07

24:07

Democrats released their plan to cover the state's multi billion dollar budget gap this week. Notable progressive proposals like the wealth tax and a payroll tax weren't a part of that plan. Did the progressive wing lose out to big business? And what does a hacked crosswalk button have to do with all of this? KUOW's Jeanie Lindsay and Seattle Times…

1
Unbreakable: How belief, grit, and purpose defined the journey of hall of fame and legendary baseball coach, Pat Casey, and how his leadership pierced the hearts and minds of his players! 52:09

6d ago52:09

52:09

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of SAC FLY, Blake sits down with one of college baseball’s most iconic figures—Coach Pat Casey. A three-time national champion, five-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year, and Collegiate Baseball Hall of Famer, Coach Casey's resume is legendary. But this conversation goes far beyond the diamond. Blake and Coach Casey …

1
Hope vs DisPear in FF7 Rebirth – Deep Dive with Aleczandxr | Final Fantasy Fridays 1:40:52

10d ago1:40:52

1:40:52

Join ProfNoctis and Evan as they sit down with acclaimed video essayist Aleczandxr for a powerful deep dive into the soul of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. In this special DLC installment of the Rebirth Lecture Series, we explore how hope, despair, and the human spirit are intricately woven into the game's narrative. From Aerith’s heartbreaking choices…

1
"Why Tifa is More Important Than Ever in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth" w/ SubTXT | Final Fantasy Fridays 1:41:10

10d ago1:41:10

1:41:10

"Tifa represents more than just memory—she represents the heart of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s true message. In this deep and thoughtful conversation with @SubTXT_ following the release of his amazing video ( • Why FF7 Rebirth Didn’t End How ANYONE... . During the chat, we talk about his origin story in storytelling, the ending of Rebirth, and-- mo…

1
Gary Locke says WA will be caught in the China crossfire 33:34

11d ago33:34

33:34

The U.S. stock and bond markets are continuing to see uncertainty amidst President Donald Trump's flips in tariff policy. While the tariffs placed on a majority of countries have been paused, those in China are continuing to rise as the two nations retaliate against one another. Hosts Libby Denkmann and Scott Greenstone are joined by former Governo…

1
Was Joel Right? | The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 9 Finale Deep Dive | PNWS Ep. 42 45:25

13d ago45:25

45:25

Joel’s choice changed everything. In this finale deep dive, ProfNoctis and Evan unpack the philosophy behind Joel’s decision, Ellie’s search for meaning, and what it means for Season 2. Was he right — or horribly wrong? ___________ The Last of Us Lecture Series: Join me, Professor Noctis-- a real-life professor of religion, myth, and video games-, …

1
All's Faire in love and trade wars 20:51

19d ago20:51

20:51

This week, President Trump announced a slew of international tariffs. The United States will levy a 10 percent tax on goods imported from all trading partners except Canada and Mexico. That's just the start: there are an additional, higher tariffs on the European Union, Japan, India, China, and many, many more countries. Washington state could be i…

1
Countdown to Season 2: The Religious Lessons in The Last of Us S1:E8 | PNWS Ep. 41 49:39

19d ago49:39

49:39

The countdown to season 2 continues with a new recap! In this episode, we examine cult behavior through the story of David and the cannibals! Join me, Professor Noctis-- a real-life professor of religion, myth, and video games-, this spring for an in-depth exploration of The Last of Us in our biggest lecture series yet! Following along with each ep…

1
Sound Politics gets overwhelmed 27:47

26d ago27:47

27:47

Scott got overwhelmed this week trying to keep track of everything happening in our political sphere. And where does he turn to when he feels overwhelmed? Email newsletters. The world condensed into less than 2,000 words. So this week, he's joined by two newsletter writer-reporters, Axios Seattle reporter Melissa Santos and Washington Observer publ…

1
Understanding Grief in “Left Behind” Last of Us S1:E7 | PNWS Ep. 40 1:07:13

27d ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Explore the hidden depths of 'Left Behind' as the Kubler Ross model maps out Ellie's complex emotional landscape in a devastated world. _____________ Join me, Professor Noctis-- a real-life professor of religion, myth, and video games-, this spring for an in-depth exploration of The Last of Us in our biggest lecture series yet! Following along with…

1
Now's your time to yell (questions) at us 0:39

29d ago0:39

0:39

Hey Sound Politics listeners. We're here in your feed because we want to know: what questions do you all have in this kind of bonkers political moment? Curious about what happens when lawmakers ignore court rulings? Why are the governor and the legislature getting a raise right now? Other burning politics questions you've been dying to have answere…

1
Is this the year rent limits pass? 24:55

1M ago24:55

24:55

For years, progressives have tried to fight the rising cost of living by instituting a kind of "rent control" – what proponents call "rent stabilization." Basically, a limit on how much the landlord can raise your rent. It's a divisive issue, even in the Democratic party -- in fact for years, it was Democrats that kept killing attempts at rent limi…

1
What Joel’s Breaking Point in the Last of Us Means for Us S1:E6 | PNWS Ep. 39 50:56

1M ago50:56

50:56

In this episode, Joel finally has a breakthrough in understanding his own trauma and how that impacts his relationship with Ellie. We discuss all the twists and turns in episode 6 of The Last of Us here! Join me, Professor Noctis-- a real-life professor of religion, myth, and video games-, this spring for an in-depth exploration of The Last of Us i…

1
Hire Yourself, Lead with Humility, Coach with Enthusiasm, and other Gems from the Playbook of Life with Tim Morgan 48:31

1M ago48:31

48:31

In this episode of SAC FLY host Blake St. Onge sits down with Tim Morgan, CEO of AAA Oregon & Idaho, former youth sports coach, and a dedicated leader. Tim shares his journey from reluctant Little League coach to a business leader who embraces servant leadership. They explore the parallels between coaching youth sports and leading a company—how col…

1
Republicans' unlikely ally: Gov. Ferguson 24:42

1M ago24:42

24:42

Republicans might have more influence this legislative session than they have in almost a decade. A big reason why is Governor Bob Ferguson. The newly elected Democrat has been warmer toward the GOP point of view than the previous administration was, pushing to close the state’s budget deficit through cuts rather than raising more revenue from taxe…

1
The Last of Us Season 2 details from the SXSW Panel & Season 1 Episode 5 Recap and Analysis | PNWS Ep. 38 1:20:08

1M ago1:20:08

1:20:08

In this episode, we explore the value of changing a beloved relationship in The Last of Us. Also, Prof gets too excited over Kathleen getting her just desserts. Join me, Professor Noctis-- a real-life professor of religion, myth, and video games-, this spring for an in-depth exploration of The Last of Us in our biggest lecture series yet! Following…

1
The graveyard shift: lessons from WA's dead bills (so far) 21:43

2M ago21:43

21:43

It’s an old saw in Olympia: A lawmaker’s job is not so much to pass good bills, but to kill bad ones (because there are just a lot of bad ones). Good or bad, this time of year is “Bill Killing Season” at the state capitol, having just passed two deadlines for the hundreds of policy and fiscal bills introduced this session. Bills that haven’t passed…

1
Biomedical Ethics & The Last of Us with Dr. Jennifer Gleason and Season 1 Episode 4 Recap | PNWS Ep. 37 1:39:53

2M ago1:39:53

1:39:53

We are thrilled this week to bring you the Season 1 Episode 4 recap and analysis 00:00:14 for the Last of Us TV Show as well as an amazing interview with Dr. Jennifer Gleason 00:44:10. Dr. Gleason is a professor teaching philosophy and biomedical ethics at the University of Alabama and walks us through the foundations of the field and how to view c…

1
The governor's honeymoon is over with Democrats 31:24

2M ago31:24

31:24

In Olympia, the Democrats' honeymoon with Gov. Bob Ferguson was short -- and it's now over, says Rep. Kristine Reeves, the chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. Ferguson has laid out his plans for closing a multi-billion dollar shortfall while still boosting spending on hiring police and largely avoiding new taxes. But plenty of his fellow Dems ar…

1
Dr. Joshua Horn Interview on the Philosophy of The Last of Us & Season 1 Episode 3 Recap | PNWS Ep. 36 2:22:30

2M ago2:22:30

2:22:30

First, we recap Season 1 Episode 3 of the The Last of Us TV Show. Then, at 01:12:48 join us as we sit down with Dr. Joshua Horn, Professor of Philosophy at the University of Wisconsin- Steven Point and editor of The Last of Us and Philosophy, to discuss the philosophical concepts of the game and TV series. Whether you're a philosopher or just want …

1
Firings and bad vibes hit PNW's federal workers 20:38

2M ago20:38

20:38

From closed trailheads to power outages, the firing of federal workers could have a big effect on us here in the PNW. KUOW investigative reporter Ashley Hiruko joins Sound Politics Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann to discuss the potential impact of the firings, and what it’s like inside federal government buildings right now -- from Seattle’s VA…

1
Dr. Anthony M. Bean Psychologist & Author plus Last of Us Episode 2 analysis | ProfNoctis Show Ep. 35 1:54:11

2M ago1:54:11

1:54:11

Join us for this episode as Dr. Anthony M. Bean, editor of "The Psychology of the Last of Us: Endure and Survive". To start the show we recap the main events and analyze Season 1 Episode 2 of the Last of Us Television Show. Next, Dr. Anthony Bean so kindly shared his time with us to discuss his career, video game history, and most of all the Psycho…

1
How Taking Big Life Chances, Playing Offense, and a little Eminem Influenced the Leadership of one of PNW's Most Successful CEOs 43:16

2M ago43:16

43:16

Blake St. Onge sits down with Joth Ricci, a seasoned business leader who has left his mark on iconic brands like Jones Soda, Stumptown Coffee, Dutch Bros, and Burgerville. Joth shares his journey from aspiring high school basketball coach to leading some of the Pacific Northwest’s most recognizable food and beverage brands. Blake and Joth dive into…

1
For your ears only: The politics of privacy 23:40

2M ago23:40

23:40

What do you have a right to? Your data? Your gender presentation? Your child’s health information? Between DOGE sifting through our personal data, tech companies tracking our location, and executive orders weighing in on kids’ medical care, local and national politics are challenging Americans’ ideas about privacy and personal autonomy. We talk thr…

1
What we can learn about crisis in our lives through the Last of Us episode 1 | ProfNoctis Show Ep. 34 2:08:17

2M ago2:08:17

2:08:17

Join us this week as we begin our Semester Series on the Last of Us! This episode we begin 00:00:38 with an overview of the events and themes of Episode 1 of the Max television show The Last of Us. Then we discuss the theme of how to handle crisis, preparedness, and what it says about our character as people in our theme discussion 01:10:24. We're …

1
Just for the Podcast listeners: New format and release date for the Last of Us Semester 3:11

2M ago3:11

3:11

Hi everyone! Thanks for tuning into the podcast, this is just a few minutes of special time with our audio only listeners letting you know about the new format changes for this semester's programing. With the Last of Us television show recaps releasing on Youtube on Monday's, the lecture plays through the sections of the video game that correspond …

1
USAID in Seattle, Musk-opoly, and a chick off the old block 30:55

2M ago30:55

30:55

Politics right now it feels like everything is shifting all the time. Federal agencies dismantled? Educational funds frozen? Tech broligarchs breaking into data stores of private citizens? A lot of it is hitting home in Washington. On today's Sound Politics, hosts Scott Greenstone and Libby Denkmann talk about how the changes at the United States A…

1
Get Ready for The Last of Us! | ProfNoctis Show Ep. 33 8:38

3M ago8:38

8:38

In this week's episode, we're preparing for our next lecture series on The Last of Us! We share a new trailer for the series, and discuss what to expect out of it, including how you can prepare. The new lecture series starts the week of February 9th, and goes through season 2 of the new Max (formerly HBO) show. This is our biggest lecture series ye…

1
Does Seattle love social housing enough to fund it? 30:13

3M ago30:13

30:13

There is a special election coming up in Washington state on February 11. And in Seattle, there’s something big to decide on: a new way of creating and paying for housing. Voters approved the formation of a social housing developer in 2023, and now will decide how to fund it and whether to put guardrails on the nascent developer. We break down the …

1
Fantasian: The Final Fantasy We Never Got| ProfNoctis Show Ep. 32 44:20

3M ago44:20

44:20

On this week's episode, we discuss Fantasian: Neo Dimension-- the latest game from the famed creator of Final Fantasy, Hironobu Sakaguchi. We consider whether Fantasian is a spiritual successor to the franchise, or if it's the game we never got in the main series. Plus, we marvel over the beautiful backdrops in the game and consider the biggest que…

1
Washington 'gets Jesse' and sues Pres. Trump 30:19

3M ago30:19

30:19

President Trump technically has only been in office for 72 hours – but our state is already feeling the shockwaves. So today, we want to talk about how the President’s flurry of executive orders, pardons, et cetera, have hit home here. Democratic leaders here are responding in all kinds of different ways. Some are suing him, some are speaking out –…

1
Control the Controllables: Journeys of a Lumber Trader turned CEO of Sport Oregon 56:06

3M ago56:06

56:06

In the inaugural episode of SAC FLY, host Blake St. Onge sits down with Jim Etzel, CEO of Sport Oregon, to explore the intersection of leadership, coaching, and grit. Jim shares his remarkable journey from growing up as the son of a coach to leading a prominent sports nonprofit, with stops in sports marketing, agency ownership, and even driving a U…

1
How Life is Strange Perfectly Captures College Life | ProfNoctis Show Ep. 31 1:16:05

3M ago1:16:05

1:16:05

This week, Prof dives into his thrilling journey with Life is Strange: Double Exposure—his very FIRST taste of this iconic series! Is it the perfect starting point, or did Prof find himself completely adrift? Discover the answers here! The first half of the episode sparks a deep dive into Prof's thoughts inspired by the game, while the second half …

1
A new governor and a salmon-shaped budget hole 22:51

3M ago22:51

22:51

Governor Bob Ferguson was sworn in as Washington’s new governor on Wednesday. Off the bat, his term has been me with shade from outgoing Governor Jay Inslee, who was critical in his farewell address of Ferguson's recent budget proposal -- one containing billions of dollars in new cuts. Sound Politics talked last week about the $12 billion shortfall…

1
Revisiting the Game that Changed RPGs Forever | ProfNoctis Show Ep. 30 1:42:00

3M ago1:42:00

1:42:00

This week's episode is all about the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake! As Prof thinks about his time with the game, he examines the key themes of the story, while also considering the lessons that a player can expect to take from their time with it. There's also plenty for those who have no knowledge of Dragon Quest, including an epic diversion involv…

1
Cut spending? Limit vaping? Lawmakers decide in Olympia 20:20

3M ago20:20

20:20

On Monday, Washington’s lawmakers will return to the Capitol for a 105-day sprint to discuss, debate, and distill their hopes and dreams into policy. The biggest “to do” item for this session: fixing the budget. Faced with a $12 billion shortfall, lawmakers need to figure out the age-old question: to spend less money, or raise more of it? We've gat…

1
4 Keys to Understanding FF7 Rebirth | ProfNoctis Show Ep. 29 1:52:34

4M ago1:52:34

1:52:34

This week on the ProfNoctis show, we wrap up the Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth Lecture Series, and you'll finally hear Prof's own thoughts and theories. A HUGE thanks to all our guests for making this incredible series possible. Go subscribe to every one of them! 00:00:00 -- Intro 00:01:44 -- Reflecting on the FF7R Lecture Series 00:27:07 -- Lessons f…

1
New year, new (laws that affect) you 15:08

4M ago15:08

15:08

Do you feel that in the air? As of midnight on January 1st, life is a bit different for most of us in Washington state. That’s because there are new laws governing your life. Particularly if you’re a minimum wage worker, an Uber or Lyft driver, a low-income student, a crane operator, a stripper, an orca – or one of many other occupations and/or ani…

1
Setting Goals That Change Your Life in 2025 | ProfNoctis Show Ep. 28 59:45

4M ago59:45

59:45

🎉 New Year, New Goals! | ProfNoctis Weekly Show 🎉 Join us for a special New Year’s episode of the ProfNoctis Weekly Show, featuring Evan (still rocking his Santa suit!) and Wade as they dive into a thoughtful, and vulnerable, discussion on goals, resolutions, and celebrating wins. Whether you're looking to recalibrate for the year ahead or rethink …

1
A Christmas of Games | ProfNoctis Show Ep. 27 44:51

4M ago44:51

44:51

In this special BONUS episode, Prof and Evan talk about the games that put them in the holiday spirit, from Mario to Final Fantasy. They also remember games they received for Christmas and think about the memories that have stuck with them through the years. Then, they end with their mini-game stretch break?! Yep, that means you get ANOTHER episode…

1
Inslee looks back on his way out 43:49

4M ago43:49

43:49

This week, outgoing Washington Governor Jay Inslee sat down for an interview with our colleague Jeanie Lindsay to talk about the defining moments of his time in Olympia. He's been in office for 12 years, longer and than any currently-serving governor in the country. So much has changed since 2012 -- in climate policy, economic growth, homelessness,…

1
FF7R's Parent Problem w/ EyesOnBee | ProfNoctis Show Ep. 26 1:45:41

4M ago1:45:41

1:45:41

Today's episode features the thoughtful and terrific @eyesonbee ! We chat with her about her journey into content creation, what it's like to look at FF7R through a parental lens, and what she's most excited for in part 3. Enjoy! 00:00:00 -- Intro 00:01:41 -- Eyes On Bee's Origin 00:49:01 -- Minigame Stretch Break 00:56:44 -- FF7R's Parent Problem …

1
Washington shifted right less than any state. Why? 30:41

4M ago30:41

30:41

“As America zigs, Washington zags." That was the name of our election night episode. And you might remember hearing from a lot of places, for days or even weeks post-election, that Washington was the only state in the country where Trump did not gain ground compared with 2020. The national vote shifted toward Trump by about 6 points. But Washington…

1
Finding Fantasy with Phil Hartshorn and Aliya Will | ProfNoctis Show Ep. 25 2:17:52

4M ago2:17:52

2:17:52

In this heartwarming and insightful interview, we sit down with the inspiring duo, @PhilipHarts / @philiphartshorn and @AliyaWill ! Philip and Aliya share how the stories in their lives have influenced who they are and how their paths crossed. They open up about what it’s like to fall in love and build a life together. Philip reflects on the power …

1
Big names bowing out of Seattle-area politics 26:36

5M ago26:36

26:36

We’ve gotten two major announcements from local politicos: First, Seattle City Councilmember Tammy Morales has announced she’s resigning from her seat on the council come January. Morales was re-elected this year, and is one of the two remaining incumbents of the 2020 council, which pushed for more progressive policies like police reform. What’s be…

1
Trailer: Welcome to SAC FLY 0:52

5M ago0:52

0:52

Welcome to SAC FLY, the podcast that delves into the powerful connection between business leadership and coaching youth sports. Just as a sacrifice fly in baseball emphasizes teamwork over individual achievement, this podcast celebrates the selfless, strategic actions that help others succeed. Hosted by Blake St. Onge, we’ll hear from seasoned busi…

1
Leaving Midgar for Good: Finding Freedom in the Open World (with David Vinc)| ProfNoctis Show Ep. 24 1:49:10

5M ago1:49:10

1:49:10

Joining us on the show this week is the famed JRPG enthusiast, and utterly hilarious, @davidvinc ! We kick things off by diving into his astonishing treasure trove of RPG wisdom and even some vintage gaming magazines that narrate his incredible journey through life and content creation. We also learn why David appreciates the open-world escapism th…

1
Sonic to Sephiroth: How Final Fantasy VII Recreated Genesis VII | ProfNoctis Show Ep. 23 2:13:19

5M ago2:13:19

2:13:19

Join us this week as we interview the thoughtful and dulcet Genesis VII aka Martin! Get to know him, his history with Sega and Sonic, and how he manages the demands of life with his creative output in the first part of our interview. Next, in our Mini Game Stretch Break you don't want to miss our plans to survive a postapocalyptic survival scenario…

1
Washington stares into the (budget) abyss 26:04

5M ago26:04

26:04

It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year… budget season. Washington state legislators are facing a deficit of over $10 billion dollars for the 2025-2027 budget. And, the state’s not alone: King County is looking at maybe a $150 million deficit by 2026. Seattle is about to pass a budget that filled a $250 million budget hole without massive cuts. S…

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