Best Rain Man Digital Podcasts (2024)

1
Initiative 2066: Why proponents say you should vote 'Yes' 23:30

18m ago23:30

23:30

This election season we’re taking a dive into the big races and big initiatives on your ballot this November. This week we’re taking a look at Initiative 2066 – the "Natural Gas Policies Measure." For a quick refresher, this initiative aims to keep natural gas as a consumer option as building codes, state policies, and utility companies begin a piv…

1
Seattle City Council approves 'loitering' penalties for prostitution and drug zones 24:51

9m ago24:51

24:51

New criminal penalties for drug and prostitution-related crimes within some of Seattle's busiest areas are on the way. In an 8 to 1 decision, the Seattle City Council voted in favor of two ordinances on Tuesday, one creates “Stay Out Of Drug Area” zones – or “SODA” zones – in six areas of the city. A Seattle municipal court judge can now order peop…

1
Initiative 2066: Why opponents say you should vote 'No' 20:56

22m ago20:56

20:56

This election season we’re bringing you conversations on all of the statewide initiatives on this November’s ballot -- and this year, many of those initiatives have something to do with Washington’s ambitious goals to completely transition off of fossil fuels. Last week we heard about Initiative 2117, which would repeal a key part of Washington’s C…

1
House of Mystery: Hellblazer – Dead in America #5

6h ago

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The House of Mystery is a John Constantine and Friends Podcast! A fan show where each episode is dedicated to discussing the infamous chain-smoking magician and his friends. Topics Discussed: Si Spurrier’s Hellblazer: Dead in America #5 written by Spurrier and Aaron Campbell. Meet us at the Oblivion Bar for more Constantine and friends discussions.…

1
What can we learn from one man's experience with SODA? 29:17

17h ago29:17

29:17

The Seattle City Council is preparing to take a final vote today on a pair of new laws that city attorney Ann Davison and some city council members say could help the city fight drug trafficking and prostitution. The SODA ordinance – stands for “Stay Out of Drug Areas.” It would create a new gross misdemeanor, punishable up to 364 days in jail, and…

1
Human created noise hinders resident orcas' ability to hunt 13:13

7m ago13:13

13:13

As humans have built skyscrapers, factories and highways around the Puget Sound, our environment has become much noisier, and not just terrestrially. Underwater, humans (and our large cargo ships) have a large sonic impact, too. New research suggests that cacophony is hurting the survival of some of the original inhabitants of the Salish Sea: South…

1
How one complaint is changing accessibility at Washington state parks 9:11

18m ago9:11

9:11

Washington state parks need to be more accessible to people with disabilities. That’s the conclusion from a U.S. Department of Justice investigation – which prompted a deal announced earlier this month to bring state parks into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Guests: Laurel Demkovich, Washington State Standard reporter Syren Na…

1
The number of striking workers skyrocketed in 2023, what does that mean for Boeing machinists? 24:28

5m ago24:28

24:28

33,000 Boeing factory workers walked off the job Friday, demanding higher wages and for the company to restore pensions. Most are based here in the Pacific Northwest. The overall labor landscape in the U.S. has changed significantly since the last machinists strike 2008 – nationally, union membership remains at historically low levels, but work sto…

1
Hear It Again: Author Elise Hu on her new book and K-Beauty critique, 'Flawless' 22:08

10m ago22:08

22:08

K-beauty is not a niche market. Built around dewy skin with no visible pores, big eyes, a thin body, it’s the “ideal” for pop stars, celebrities, and regular people across the world. The industry, built on Korean skincare and makeup products, is the result of “hallyu” — exporting of South Korean pop culture that the government has helped sponsor si…

1
Celebrating "El Grito" through the Music of Mexico 4:30

13m ago4:30

4:30

Today is Mexican Independence Day, and we’ve got a bit of a musical treat to take us out. Yesterday, Orquesta Northwest put on a concert at Town Hall Seattle, celebrating “El Grito” -- the day that father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla called for Mexicans to rise and fight for freedom. The concert was part of the Mexam NW Festival, which features dozens…

1
Why it's so hard to find an in-network therapist 21:43

11h ago21:43

21:43

If you’ve ever tried to find a therapist who takes your insurance and failed -- you're not alone. Many in-network providers are bailing on insurance companies, and it’s affecting access to care. A new investigation from ProPublica surveyed over 500 therapists nationwide – compiling their answers in a new investigation called “Why I left the network…

1
Breaking down the Seattle Public Schools closure options 8:37

11h ago8:37

8:37

For months, parents, students, and faculty at Seattle schools have been nervously awaiting news about potential elementary closures throughout the district. Back in May, Seattle Public Schools announced it would need to close roughly 20 schools, citing a $105 million budget shortfall… Now, the wait to know FOR SURE about the fate of Seattle schools…

1
The man behind three WA initiatives says the state legislature has gone too far, will voters agree? 51:57

1d ago51:57

51:57

You won’t see Brian Heywood’s name on your ballot this November but you will see his impact. Heywood is a Redmond based hedge fund manager who spent millions of dollars of his own money to fund citizen’s initiatives against the state’s cap and invest system, capital gains tax, and long term care insurance program. His PAC, Let’s Go Washington, also…

1
Boeing machinists face decision to ratify or strike after latest union contract 8:11

2d ago8:11

8:11

To ratify, or to strike: those are the options in front of 33,000 Boeing workers this week. On Monday, machinists at Boeing sites across the West Coast woke up to news that union leadership had reached a tentative contract agreement with the company. The last contract was ratified 16 years ago -- in 2008. However, not everyone is excited about the …

1
Shopping for Nordstrom: Nordstrom family enters bid to buy back the company 8:37

2d ago8:37

8:37

Last March, it was reported that the Nordstrom family was interested in once again taking their storied retail company private. There hadn’t been much word until last week, when we finally heard a price proposal – $23 a share. Another bid by the Nordstrom family was rejected six years ago. So - why try again now? And what is the future of this icon…

1
Proponents of I-2117 make the case for dismantling WA's cap and invest system 33:31

2d ago33:31

33:31

This November, Washington voters will be asked to weigh in on complicated policies like a capital gains tax and a long-term care fund. Maybe the most complex one is the future of the Climate Commitment Act, an initiative on the November ballot seeks to repeal the key part of this 2021 law: the “cap-and-invest” system. It’s essentially an auction fo…

1
I-2117 puts WA's cap and invest system on the ballot, defenders of the system make their case 26:01

3d ago26:01

26:01

This November, Washington voters will be asked to weigh in on complicated policies like a capital gains tax and a long-term care fund. Maybe the most complex one is the future of the Climate Commitment Act, an initiative on the November ballot seeks to repeal the key part of this 2021 law: the “cap-and-invest” system. It’s essentially an auction fo…

1
New study examines increasing suicide rates in Asian American youth 19:08

3d ago19:08

19:08

This week (September 8th to 14th) is National Suicide Prevention Week. Deaths by suicide in young people have risen by more than 60% in recent decades. And in 2022, it was the second leading cause of death for people aged 10-14. Behind that tragic statistic is a lot of nuance, though. For example: Alaska Natives, American Indians, and White youth a…

1
The Boys – 4.06 ‘Dirty Business’ [Discussion]

12d ago

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Welcome to The Crossroads Presents: Hang With The Boys - In this episode, Thomas, Mike, and Ryan discuss The Boys 4.06 'Dirty Business'. Gain access to more content by pledging to our Patreon page.By Rain Man Digital

1
Asahel Curtis' photography continues to suprise archivists nearly a century later 10:37

7d ago10:37

10:37

At the turn of the 20th century, Asahel Curtis was a prolific photographer who traveled throughout Washington. His work captured the state as it underwent big changes, owing to rapid industrialization. For decades, a massive collection of Asahel’s glass plate negatives has been held at the Washington State Historical Society in Tacoma. The plates, …

1
"The importance of giving folks their flowers" - Black & Loud Fest highlights Black performers across the PNW 20:10

7d ago20:10

20:10

If someone asked you to name three Rock musicians that are Black, could you? Some people might be able to, but in general there aren’t a lot of them. This is despite the fact that the genre traces its roots back to Black blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues artists in the United States. The rock music industry and academic scholarship of the genre i…

1
Burien faces new challange to homelessness policy, this time on religious grounds 15:45

8d ago15:45

15:45

There’s a new wrinkle in the debate over homelessness policy in the city of Burien. Last September, Burien passed a controversial ordinance banning camping in much of the city, Meanwhile, a local church decided to step in and offer its property as a temporary encampment for the homeless. Burien requested that the church, the Oasis Home Church, get …

1
PFAs in Spokane's well water? Maybe recall a County Commissioner 14:28

8d ago14:28

14:28

Spokane County Commissioner Al French is facing a recall effort over his handling of disclosures of contaminated groundwater in the West Plains. The “Clean Water Accountability Coalition” is sounding the alarm about PFAS—sometimes called 'forever chemicals’—in well water. And let's not forget to mention that French is also running for re-election t…

1
How small acts of “dignity” can help vulnerable populations 20:04

8d ago20:04

20:04

One of the best coffee spots in Bellingham isn’t a cafe, at least according to some of the folks in the city’s unhoused population. Instead, it’s a casual coffee cart that pops-up twice a week, at a free lunch program, known as the Maple Alley Inn. While the coffee is decent, the main attraction is the person running the cart. 85 year-old Ursula De…

1
As light rail expands, suburbs plan for density 10:24

14d ago10:24

10:24

Riders packed trains on Friday to see four new stations on the One Line, which now stops in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, and Lynnwood. At the 148th Street Station, Shoreline celebrated the occasions with a marching band, speeches, and bubble machines. The suburb has been planning for this moment for years, that’s apparent when you step off the tra…

1
A look at the Seahawks before their home opener on Sunday 15:08

9d ago15:08

15:08

Being a sports fan in Washington State is akin to riding the Extreme Scream at the fair: big highs, and REAL SUDDEN LOWS. Yes, I’m looking at you, Seattle Mariners… With the Seahawks kicking off their regular season at home this weekend against the Denver Broncos, hope springs eternal! And it felt like a good time to check in on what’s been cooking…

1
King County Council is unanimous: keep the youth jail open 24:57

9d ago24:57

24:57

Members of the King County Council have moved to officially say the county’s youth jail should remain open. The council voted last week eight-to-zero in favor of a non-binding resolution to declare its support for keeping the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center in operation – with some improvements. The move comes just over four ye…

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

14d 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

14d 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
The Boys – 4.05 ‘Beware the Jabberwock, My Son’ [Discussion]

21d ago

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Welcome to The Crossroads Presents: Hang With The Boys - In this episode, Thomas, Mike, and Ryan discuss The Boys 4.05 'Beware the Jabberwock, My Son'. Gain access to more content by pledging to our Patreon page.By Rain Man Digital

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

22d 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

15d 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

16d 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

16d 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
The Boys – 4.04 ‘Wisdom of the Ages’ [Discussion]

17d ago

—

Welcome to The Crossroads Presents: Hang With The Boys - In this episode, Thomas, Mike, and Ryan discuss The Boys 4.04 'Wisdom of the Ages'. Gain access to more content by pledging to our Patreon page.By Rain Man Digital

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

17d 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

22d 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
How a battle over owls points to a bigger question in conservation 19:31

21d 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

21d 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

22d 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

22d 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

22d 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
Fitz Cahall on 17 years of finding new adventures outdoors 25:41

29d 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
Renters say "junk fees" create real harm 13:27

23d 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

23d 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

28d 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

24d 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

29d 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
Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1 (2024)

29d ago

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In this episode of Weird West Radio, we delve into Kevin Costner’s Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1, exploring its blend of classic Western aesthetics with modern, revisionist themes. Tune in as we analyze the film’s grand narrative, striking visuals, and its ambitious take on frontier mythology.…

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

1M 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…

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