Shows
Nerd Farmer PodcastGrokipedia and the Musk Disinformation System – Jason Wilson, The Guardian – #253Guardian correspondent Jason Wilson joined us to discuss his reporting on Elon Musk’s new Grokipedia.
The service, an online encyclopedia and purported rival to Wikipedia, serves up white nationalist talking points, pseudoscientific racial theories, and sanitized profiles of extremist figures. The encyclopedia’s articles are written by Musk’s Grok AI, which has its own problems with racism and pseudoscience.
Later in the episode, Wilson described how a new “transparency” feature on Musk’s Zombie Twitter (X) inadvertently exposed that many prominent “MAGA” and “America First” accounts had been run from abroad, including accounts operated from Russia...
2025-11-2549 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastArmenia and Azerbaijan: A Lasting Peace? – Sevinc Osmanqizi – #250This week we welcome back Azeri dissident journalist Sevinc Osmanqizi, joining us for her third appearance on the show. Sevinc is one of the most prominent independent voices covering Azerbaijan and has a massive Azeri language YouTube Channel with over 600k followers.
When news broke that Armenia and Azerbaijan had reached an agreement many see as the formal end to their decades-long dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh, Sevinc was the first person I wanted to hear from.
In this conversation, she helped me unpack what the deal actually means on the ground, how it’s being received in...
2025-09-2938 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastAI and Data Privacy – Bill Fitzgerald, Privacy Activist – 243Bill Fitzgerald is a privacy activist and vociferous critic of the data protection practices of Big Tech.
In this week’s episode Bill came on to talk about the data privacy implications of putting AI in everything (and putting everything, as in your data, into AI), and the wider societal implications.
Bill also did an episode of Off-the-Record about data privacy precautions to take when transiting through customs and immigration. Channel 253 Members can check the member only podcast feed and Member Slack for that conversation.
Cast of Characters: Bill – Mastodon
2025-06-2550 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastThe 2025 Housing Market – Marguerite Martin, Move to Tacoma – 238Marguerite Martin is a co-founder of Channel 253 and creator of Move to Tacoma. This is an update to her and my ongoing conversation about housing policy and real estate. You can find my previous conversations with her and many of our other conversations about housing below.
Join the #NerdFarmRead book club! We’re reading How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Maria Ressa. Members, also check the Slack Channel #Books for details of our upcoming discussion on Parable of the Sower.
Nerd Farmer Housing & Real Estate Conversations
The Housing Ma...
2025-03-1742 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastCreating the Seattle Green Book – Amanda Williams, Denkyem Finance – 237Amanda Willams is a former teacher in Seattle Public Schools and is the creator of the Seattle Green Book, an online listing of Black Owned Businesses in the Seattle Area. She joined us to talk about creating the Green Book and her work with Denkyem Finance, a Seattle Based community development financial institution.
Join the #NerdFarmRead book club! We’re reading How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Maria Ressa. Members, also check the Slack Channel #Books for details of our upcoming discussion on Parable of the Sower.
Going Further:...
2025-03-0347 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastPreviewing the 2025 Oscars – Chase Hutchinson and Andrew Hammond – 236This week’s episode is a change of pace for the show.
Film critic Chase Hutchinson joined us for a conversation about the upcoming 97th Academy Awards. We talked through who we think will win each of the major categories and who we think should win.
You’ll hear a breakdown of the Oscar frontrunners and why the rise of Anora seems to be breaking Nate’s brain.
Join the #NerdFarmRead book club! We’re reading How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Maria Ressa. Members, also check the Slack Channel #B...
2025-02-2153 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastHow the Middle East Sees the New US Administration – Willy Lowry, The National – 235Following the inauguration of Donald Trump last month, reactions in the U.S. ranged from jubilation to alarm—depending on one’s political leanings and level of engagement. But how is the new admin being received beyond American borders? In this episode, we flip the “local lens” outward to examine how the new administration is being viewed in this neck of the woods.
Our guest is Willy Lowry, Washington correspondent for The National. He joins us to break down the regional response to the news admin. We discussed how the US’ growing reputation as an unreliable partner is pushing...
2025-02-1033 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastFresh Imperial Ambitions – Zoltan Grossman, Evergreen State College – 234In this episode, we discuss the US’ renewed expansionist ambitions with Zoltan Grossman, a professor of Geography and Indigenous Studies at Evergreen State College. Grossman helped me unpack some throughlines connecting 19th century Manifest Destiny to 21st-century imperialism and discussed the stakes for indigenous communities caught in the crosshairs of these ambitions.
We also talked about the fight to recolonize place names like that of Mt. McKinley.
Join the #NerdFarmRead book club! We’re reading How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Maria Ressa. Members, also check the Slack Channel #Books for details of our u...
2025-02-0244 min
Citizen TacomaLooking back at Tacoma’s 2024, with Evelyn LopezLongtime Channel 253 host Evelyn Lopez joins the podcast to look back at Tacoma’s 2024 and chat about the year ahead. We also look back at some highlights of the podcast Crossing Division.
Note, we recorded this earlier in December before the board of Metro Parks called a special meeting to appoint Alisa Lee to the board. Evelyn was correct! They decided to handle this before they lost their quorum.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2024-12-311h 03
Nerd Farmer PodcastTacoma Audio Voters’ Guide, Part I – Evelyn Lopez, Crossing Division and Nathe Lawver, Pierce County Labor Council – 228This is Part One of a Tacoma Audio Voters’ Guide. In this conversation, we talked through the Congressional races, statewide initiatives, statewide offices, Pierce County judges, and a proposed fire and safety levy for the City of Tacoma.
In this episode, we were joined by Evelyn Lopez, host of Channel 253 show Crossing Division and Nathe Lawver, who brought the perspective of the Pierce County and Washington State Labor Councils to the conversation.
In a subsequent conversation, Evelyn will go over the State Supreme Court races and the proposed Charter Amendments for the City of Tacoma, ov...
2024-10-1049 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastA Tacoma-Centric Year in Review, Part II – Erik Hanberg, Citizen Tacoma and Evelyn Lopez, Crossing Division – #211Happy New Year!
Recorded live in the Moonyard Studios in gorgeous North Tacoma, this episode is the second of our two part 2023 Year in Review. If you missed Part I, you can find it here.
We were joined again in the studio by Erik Hanberg, President of Channel 253 and host of Citizen Tacoma and Evelyn Lopez co-host of Crossing Division.
In this episode we each gave end of the year awards for:
Tacoman of the Year
Story of the Year
Things we’re watching going into 2024
Cast of Characters
...
2023-12-2934 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastA Tacoma-Centric Year in Review, Part I – Erik Hanberg, Citizen Tacoma and Evelyn Lopez, Crossing Division – #210
Happy Holidays!
Recorded live in the Moonyard Studios in gorgeous North Tacoma, this episode is the first of our two part 2023 Year in Review.
We were joined in the studio by Erik Hanberg, President of Channel 253 and host of Citizen Tacoma and Evelyn Lopez co-host of Crossing Division.
Here’s the contact info for Compassion Tacoma the organization Evelyn mentioned who are providing mutual aid to people experiencing homelessness in Tacoma.
In this episode we each gave end of the year awards for:
Story you wish got more coverage
Profile in...
2023-12-2647 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastLaunching a Reader Supported Soccer Journalism Project – Jeremiah Oshan, Editor-in-Chief Sounder at Heart – #207Jeremiah Oshan is a recovering newspaper journalist and the editor-in-chief of Sounder at Heart. Sounder at Heart is the most read blog in US club soccer. The website was previously a part of Vox’s SB Nation but Oshan and the team took the site independent earlier this year.
He joined us to talk about that story and the roster questions facing the Sounders in the coming off season.
Channel 253 Members, you can find an additional conversation with Oshan on the Off the Record feed where we shared our MLS era best XI..
Ca...
2023-11-0751 minNerd Farmer PodcastThe End of the Conflict Over Nagorno-Karabakh? – Sevinc Osmanqizi – #205In March, on episode 188, we welcomed Azeri journalist Sevinc Osmanqizi on the show for a conversation about the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
On September 19, that conflict was reignited, with Azerbaijan winning a decisive victory and forcing over 100,000 ethnic Armenians out of the region. Some commenters called this the end of the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, a dispute that’s been raging on & off since the fall of the Soviet Union, but has roots even earlier.
So earlier this month we reached back out to Sevinc for an update and to...
2023-10-1642 minNerd Farmer PodcastNerd Farmer Live: “Episode 200” – Lessons from the Last Five Years – Jenna Hanchard, Will James, Melissa Santos, and Matt DriscollIn June, over a hundred friends and members of Channel 253 gathered for Channel 253 Fest, an evening of live podcasting from the Press Room in downtown Tacoma. It was a great event and this week’s episode is the audio from that evening.
Each All Star Guest appeared on the show for the first time in 2017 and joined us to talk about lessons learned and how they’ve become smarter over the last five years.
We’re calling this “Episode 200”, (it’s really episode 197).
Matt and Melissa closed the evening
Cast of Cha...
2023-07-171h 00
Nerd Farmer PodcastRunning a Small Biz in Tacoma Series, Part 1 — Russ Heaton, Doyles Public House — #195This summer we are hosting a series highlighting small businesses and their struggles and triumphs in Tacoma. Opening the series, we have a conversation with Russ Heaton the proprietor of Doyle’s Pub, named one of the best bars in America by Esquire. Doyle’s has been open in the heart of the Stadium District for seventeen years.
Doyle’s is a Liverpool and Sounders bar and as you will hear Russ wears his heart on his sleeve.
Admin
This Thursday, we’re hosting Channel 253 Fest. A few tickets still remain to join us for a...
2023-06-2653 min
We Art Tacoma“The Tacoma Method” | A special “Off the Record” with Gregory YoutzThe “Off the Record” podcast is normally available exclusively for Channel 253 members. But this was a special enough episode we wanted to publish it widely.
If you appreciate this interview with Gregory Youtz about The Tacoma Method opera, please consider joining Channel 253 as a member.
Links
Gregory Youtz
The Tacoma Method opera
Channel 253 membership
2023-03-3033 min
Nerd Farmer Podcast“Dopesick” by Beth Macy — Nerd Farm Reads Audio Book Club — #187This is our long awaited conversation about Dopesick by Beth Macy. Dopesick is the story of the orign and rise of the opioid crisis and the actions of pharmaceutical companies in flooding our communities with drugs. The opioid crisis, a uniquely American problem, was manufactured by capitalism and our market-based health care system.
In the book, Macy looks at how a black market pill crisis became a heroin crisis, and has now become an overdose crisis that claims nearly 100k lives each year.
Dopesick generated more conversation of the Channel 253 Member Slack than any topic w...
2023-03-1356 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastLIVE: Adult Civics Happy Hour, Previewing the 2023 Legislative Session – #183On December 22, Channel 253 hosted the first Adult Civics Happy Hour since the start of the pando. This is the second of two panels from that evening.
Cast of Characters
Rep Elect Sharlett Mena – 29th LD – Twitter
Rep Jessica Bateman – 22nd LD – Twitter
Sen Yasimn Trudeau – 27th LD – Twitter
Subscribe to my newsletter, Takes & Typos!
The Nerd Farmer Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts and is brought to you by Libro FM
Please consider supporting the podcast by joining Channel 253 as a member
2023-01-0142 minNerd Farmer PodcastLIVE: Adult Civics Happy Hour, the Troyer Trial – Kari Plog, KNKX and Jared Brown, TNT – #182On December 22, Channel 253 hosted the first Adult Civics Happy Hour since the start of the pando. This is the first of two panels from that evening.
Cast of Characters
Kari Plog – KNKX FM
Jared Brown – TNT
Going Further
Prior podcast coverage of the Troyer case: here, here, and here.
Subscribe to my newsletter, Takes & Typos!
The Nerd Farmer Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts and is brought to you by Libro FM
Please consider supporting the podcast by j...
2022-12-2634 minNerd Farmer PodcastThe Case Against Ed Troyer, Part 2 – Justin Camarata – Reviewing Evidence from the Public Record – #174In this episode, the second of a two-part series, we continue exploring the controversial term of Pierce County Sheriff, Ed Troyer. In this episode, we look and the public record including two official investigations into Troyer’s misconduct, first as the department’s Public Information Officer and eventually as Sheriff.
Our guest today is Justin Camarata. He is a former member of the Tacoma City Council and a regular guest across the shows here on Channel 253. This conversation leans heavily on the reporting of local journalists, particularly Kari Plog from KNKX. Each document or report we refer to in...
2022-09-0744 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastThe Case Against Ed Troyer, Part 1: Troyer and the Black Community – Jamika Scott – Tacoma Action Collective – #173In this episode, the first of a two-part series, we dig into the turbulent term of the elected Pierce County Sheriff, Ed Troyer. In this episode, we look at Troyer’s influence on the investigation into the killing of Manuel Ellis and his stalking & harassing of Black newspaper delivery driver Sedrick Altheimer, which we covered in 2021. This conversation is focused on Troyer’s impact on the Black community and Black residents in Pierce County. In part two, we will take a longer look at the public record on Sheriff Troyer.
Our guest today is Jamika Scott. She is a...
2022-08-2248 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastHow to Resist Amazon and Why — Danny Caine, Author & Bookseller — #171Danny Caine is the co-owner and proprietor of the Raven Bookstore in Lawrence, Kansas. He is also the author of How to Resist Amazon and Why a zine/audiobook about the business practices of Amazon and how they harm society. We discussed his book and the monopolistic, predatory market behavior that Amazon engages in: data mining, exploiting marketplace sellers & sub-contractors, union busting, etc.
In the second segment, we talked about some alternatives to Amazon products that we utilize, like our friends at LibroFM (remember to use promo code “Tacoma”), rather than Audible and the recent choice to move...
2022-08-0141 min
Nerd Farmer PodcastThe January 6 Hearings, Christian Nationalism, and the Campaign Against the LGBTQ Community – Professor Will Horne, Activist History Review – #167The founding thesis of this podcast back in 2017 was that national politics in the US is largely broken, possibly irreparably, and that it’s essential to put our collective energy into state/local activism, issues, and elections. My life choices have taken me overseas since then but that ethos remains at the heart of this show and the Channel 253 Podcast Network.
The rightward momentum that in many ways inspired this podcast is arguably stronger than ever. In this week’s conversation with Will Horne we talked about three legs of the current Christian theocratic movement: white rage poli...
2022-06-2553 min
Taco-ManOff the Record: “The Fortress of Taco-Tude” with Taco-ManEvery week, Channel 253 releases a special members-only podcast called “Off the Record.” This short show is hosted by Producer Doug. It is sometimes serious and sometimes very much not serious. This is one of those very much not serious episodes.
And since it’s been a while since we’ve seen Taco-Man around these parts, we thought we’d share this special episode with everyone. Enjoy.
If you’d like to subscribe to Off the Record episodes every week, join Channel 253 as a member and follow the instructions. Thanks!
2021-07-0906 min
Crossing DivisionLet’s Talk About Harm Reduction: Decisions and Consequences with Shannon McMinimee (February 26, 2021)Channel 253 continues its partnership with Tacoma’s Downtown on the Go Friday Forums in 2021. This year the forums focus on racism, urban design and transportation. After each forum, we will have a Crossing Division episode that expands on the discussion.
The February 26 DOTG Friday Forum discussed the questions: “Can Street Safety be Anti-Racist? And How?” Our follow up discussion is about government policies, laws and rules, and whether making criminal laws is an appropriate response to non-violent activities. Who is harmed, and how can harm be reduced?
Government decision making is complicated and important, so we’re...
2021-02-271h 05Crossing DivisionNerd Crossing: WTF Tacoma! Who’s in Charge Here? (January 24, 2021)Sometime around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan 23, 2021, a crowd gathered at 9th and Pacific in Downtown Tacoma, watching one or more cars spin and burn circles in the intersection. A Tacoma Police Department SUV arrived on scene, and when the crowd gathered around the vehicle, the driver revved the engine and drove into the crowd, running over at least one person. Videos immediately hit social media.
What happened here? What does this tell us about the Tacoma Police Department? What does this tell us about Tacoma’s government and city leadership?
And what do we, as...
2021-01-2456 min
What Say U?Episode 32—Desperate TimesJoin the Sisters as they discuss the depth of “caucasity” that led to the INSURRECTION (the egregious attack on American democracy) at the nation’s capitol building.
Links
South Sound Anti-Racist Project
Caucasity Urban Dictionary Definition
Antebellum Trailer
Channel 253 membership
2021-01-2159 minWhat Say U?Episode 31—Lead with Love in 2021Sisters Audrey and Melannie welcome the New Year with an inspirational discussion about the power of leading with LOVE as the way forward in 2021.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2021-01-0659 minWhat Say U?Episode 30—Mommy knows bestThe sisters share the mic with their mother, Alean Cunningham. This inspirational discussion is centered in generational experiences, knowledge and the wisdom she passed on that is the foundation of shaping them into the women they are today.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2020-12-221h 02
Gimme the Mic Podcast2.3: Diane Tilstra—Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in NonprofitsIn her final episode looking at nonprofits in Tacoma, Diane Tilstra dives deep into how nonprofits need to bring about a sea-change in how they embrace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Many organizations and companies are currently working to embed these concepts into their missions and visions. Diane’s guests talk about this transformation and how nonprofits are approaching it.
Guests
Lawrence Garrett, 828 Consulting
Krista Perez, Founder of Tacoma Women of Color Collective and consultant
Links
Channel 253 membership
Want to host a show on Gimme the Mic? Tell us who you are and a Ta...
2020-12-0846 minGimme the Mic Podcast2.2: Diane Tilstra—Funding Tacoma nonprofits during COVIDHow have Tacoma’s funding organizations changed as a result of COVID? Diane Tilstra sits down with some of the biggest funders in the area to learn more. Guests include:
Seth Kirby, Greater Tacoma Community Foundation
Holly Bamford Hunt, Bamford Foundation
Erika Tucci, Ben B Cheney Foundation
To support podcasts like this, please consider supporting Channel 253 with a membership. Just $4/month or $40/year.
And don’t forget, it’s Giving Tuesday! Many nonprofits in Tacoma could use your help today. Please consider support them during these difficult times.
2020-12-0137 minWhat Say U?Episode 29—Justice in the HouseSisters Audrey and Melannie are joined by the Honorable G. Helen Whitener, recently elected Justice to the Washington State Supreme Court. Justice Whitener shares details of her journey to the bench. She also gives listeners a deeper insight into the judicial branch of government and the thought process judges go through to make decisions.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2020-11-3059 minGimme the Mic Podcast2.1: Diane Tilstra—Tacoma’s nonprofits during COVIDIn this series, host Diane Tilstra sits down with Tacoma-area nonprofits to talk about the pandemic, diversity, equity, inclusion, and more.
In the first episode, Diane talks to Miriam Barnett, CEO of the YWCA Pierce County, and Erin Guinup, Artistic and Executive Director of Tacoma Refugee Choir.
Links
YWCA Pierce County
Tacoma Refugee Choir
Channel 253 membership
2020-11-2539 minWhat Say U?Episode 28—God Don’t Like UglyAudrey and Melannie connect for the first time since the 2020 U.S. election results were revealed. The sisters analyze national and local races in their “keepin’ it real” style and offer a WORD of inspiration to the community about healing and the path forward to unity.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2020-11-2045 minWhat Say U?Episode 27—America needs colon hydrotherapyHeightened racial tensions, toxic rhetoric, political tactics, protests, riots – whew! With all this sh_t going on in America right now, the Sisters satirically explore the metaphor of an internal flushing cleanse as the way towards reconciliation and healing of this nation.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2020-10-2642 minCitizen TacomaJanice Bridges—write-in candidate for Pierce County SheriffJanice Bridges is running a write-in campaign for Pierce County Sheriff. What does it mean to launch a “write-in” campaign? Why this office? What does it mean to be an “anti-racist grandma?”
Annie Jansen sits down with Janice Bridges to find out.
Links
Janice Bridges for Sheriff
Channel 253 membership
2020-10-1947 minWhat Say U?Episode 26—Black JusticeCarol Mitchell, the Black woman who worked in the Pierce County Executive Office C-suite and was fired chats it up with Melannie and Audrey about everything that led up to her termination and the latest developments. She also introduces her new project: The Black Justice Institute.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2020-10-121h 03What Say U?Episode 25—Oppression is not Sustainable – duh!The Cunningham sisters broadly explore topics of systemic racism, oppression and other active efforts aimed at silencing and continued marginalization of Black people in America. They speak on ideas of empowerment and liberation.
Links
White House memo
TUL members
South Sound Anti-Racist Group
Channel 253 membership
Off the Record – a Channel 253 members only podcast
2020-09-2851 minWhat Say U?Episode 24—Good Trouble: Inside the Pierce County Executive Election RaceLarry Seaquist, the challenger to the incumbent in the Pierce County Executive 2020 election race answers Melannie and Audrey’s question – “Are you anti-racist?” As of the time of this taping, incumbent Bruce Dammeier and his campaign has not responded to the Sister’s request for an interview.
Links
Larry Seaquist for Pierce County Executive
Channel 253 membership
Off the Record – a Channel 253 members only podcast
2020-09-141h 01Citizen TacomaBeth Doglio, Candidate for US Congress, WA-10Annie sits down with Beth Doglio, a candidate for the US House of Representatives in Washington’s 10th congressional district. This seat covers parts of Tacoma and much of the South Sound.
Links
BethDoglio.com
Channel 253 membership
Off the Record with Producer Doug (new members-only podcast!)
2020-09-0847 minWhat Say U?Episode 23—Change is Here: The Formation of a “New Day”So much has happened in America over the past few months that show a clear shift in what we knew as “America” as recently as the beginning of the year.
The Cunningham sisters talk about current events in the United States that are indicative of the change that is in the air. They also discuss the race for Pierce County Executive in the “253” and the need to pay attention.
Links
Pierce Co. employee fired 9 days after filing whistleblower complaint, asks for damages
Channel 253 membership
2020-08-311h 03Citizen TacomaCyndie Fajardo, Candidate for Pierce County SheriffAnnie Jansen interviews Cyndie Fajardo, a candidate for Pierce County Sheriff. The County has had the same sheriff for nearly twenty years. Hear how Lieutenant Fajardo would handle the job if elected.
Links
Fajardo for Sheriff
Channel 253 membership
2020-08-311h 02Crossing DivisionLet’s Talk About that Primary: Crystal Fincher and Erik Hanberg on Races to Watch in 2020 (Aug. 5, 2020)Crystal Fincher, political consultant and principal at Fincher Consulting, and Erik Hanberg, Metro Parks Board Commissioner and Channel 253 Publisher, join host Evelyn Lopez to break down the primary results from the August 4 election, and discuss which races to watch in the 2020 general election.
There is a lot going on in our state and local area, and big issues facing the Legislature, County Council, and elected officials. Who will represent our interests? Listen to our take on the candidates, and remember that you can find more information about campaigns at www.pdc.wa.org.
Let us...
2020-08-061h 05What Say U?Episode 22—Black Liberation – This is How We RiseSisters Melannie and Audrey talk about the first step in changing the narrative of combating systemic racism. Everyone can participate…..or not.
Links
People’s Gathering
Channel 253 membership
2020-08-031h 02Citizen TacomaCitizen Fircrest?Annie Jansen talks to Hunter George, the Mayor of Fircrest, about what’s happening with Tacoma’s closest neighbor, including an upcoming EMS levy.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2020-08-0147 minCitizen TacomaPierce County Auditor Julie AndersonGood news! Annie Jansen and Megan Holyoke are pinch hitting on Citizen Tacoma during this election season.
For their first episode, they are joined by Auditor Julie Anderson, who talks about how the work of running elections has changed due to the coronavirus and the ways we can continue to make it easier to “vote from home.”
Remember to vote in the August 4 primary!
Links
Channel 253 membership
2020-07-2354 minWhat Say U?Episode 21—Closing the Chapter (Last Call to White People)Listen as the sisters return from Racial Battle Fatigue to discuss their perspectives on the current racial climate and the rest, remainder and residue that goes with it.
Links
Southwest of Salem
Channel 253 membership
2020-07-211h 00What Say U?Episode 19—Unapologetically Black (Part II)The Pierce County Medical Examiner released a report this week that Manuel Ellis (a Black man) died on March 3 of respiratory arrest due to hypoxia caused by physical restraint. The persons causing the death of Manuel Ellis were Tacoma Police officers. The Cunningham Sisters continue the conversation about the value of Black Lives and the role white people play in creating the cure for the racism disease that is crippling our community and nation.
Links
Manuel Ellis dies by homicide
Tacoma Mayor wants officers in Manuel Ellis case fired
Channel 253 membership
2020-06-081h 05What Say U?Episode 18—Unapologetically BlackThe Cunningham Sisters draw the line in the sand with white people. You’re either anti-racist or you’re not. There is no middle ground. What Say U white people?
This episode centers on the police brutality and protests the US has witnessed over the last several days.
Links
South Sound Antiracist Project
White Accomplices
Antiracist resources
Ask Yourself
Channel 253 membership
2020-06-011h 09Gimme the Mic PodcastTacoma Urban League: The State of Black TacomaTwo weeks ago, Tacoma Urban League hosted a virtual event on “The State of Black Tacoma” with a focus on COVID-19. We’ve captured the audio from the event and packaged it as a podcast. Enjoy!
Speakers include:
Mayor Victoria Woodards
Deputy Mayor Keith Blocker
Pierce County Auditor Julie Anderson
Superintendent Carla Santorno
Ryan Mello, Pierce Conservation District
Deborah Howell, Workforce Central
Jacques Colon, City of Tacoma Housing
Jamilia Sherls-Jones, Multicare Health System
Links
Tacoma Urban League
Channel 253 membership
2020-05-212h 16What Say U?Episode 17—What Lies Beneath?Inspired by the 1999 film starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Harrison Ford titled: What Lies Beneath, the Cunningham Sisters engage in real talk over “what people show you as self is not always truth.”
Links
Channel 253 membership
2020-05-1255 minCrossing DivisionLet’s Wrap Up on Age Friendly Cities: Downtown on the Go, Friday Forums 2020This year, Downtown on the Go partnered with Channel 253 to coordinate podcasts of the Friday Forums, and follow-up Crossing Division episodes to further explore the issues raised in the Forums. Go back to check out forums and follow-ups on Aging in Place from January, and Moving Forward in February. In March we were interrupted by the COVID 19 pandemic, but we wanted to wrap up the issues discussed at this year’s forums.
Tanisha Jumper, the City of Tacoma’s Director of Media and Communications, and Christina Clem, AARP Communications Specialist, join Evelyn Lopez to talk about Age Frie...
2020-05-0559 minWhat Say U?Episode 16—Dating over 50The sisters dig into some real talk about what it’s like to date when you’re over 50.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2020-04-2755 minWe Art TacomaIngrid Barrentine—PhotographerIngrid Barrentine joins the podcast to talk about her photography. She got the photo-bug at 19 as a hobbyist and managed to create a professional career as a photographer. For Channel 253 this week, she...
2020-04-2300 minGimme the Mic Podcast1.4: Stella Keating—Importance of Inclusive SchoolsIn this episode, Stella is interviewed about the important role school counselors, supportive teachers, principals, and staff are for transgender and non-binary students. Melissa shares her professional experiences working with trans students. Together, they offer insight to inclusive practices. *Fun fact, Stella and her mom, Lisa, co-host the Queerest Book Club Ever.
Queerest Book Club Ever meets the second Monday of every month at King’s Books. This book club is geared towards queer and trans youth, aged 10-16, but is open to all. We read fiction (mostly Middle Reader to Teen), nonfiction on queer and trans iss...
2020-04-2344 minGimme the Mic Podcast1.3: Stella Keating—Allies In ActionStella interviews three Allies In Action Alum. Allies discuss how this program has shaped who they are as leaders, why providing younger students leadership opportunities is key youth engagement. *Fun fact, Stella is one of the OG Alum
Guest: Kylie, Taylor, and Tala
Allies In Action is an after school program provided by Lisa J. Keating through her nonprofit, My Purple Umbrella. Students explore, in depth, how and why to be Allies. Using experiential exercises, team building activities and art increase self-awareness, critical thinking and problem solving. Allies serve as stewards to the school and...
2020-04-2216 minGimme the Mic Podcast1.2: Stella Keating—Mayor’s Youth Commission of TacomaIn this episode, Stella talks with her fellow MYCT peers about leadership, the purpose of the commission, and the work being led by the commission. *Fun fact, the Mayor’s Youth Commission of Tacoma is the only known youth commission with the ability to create and set policy in the county. Go 253!
Guests: MYCT Chair Rosemary Sissel, MYCT Vice Chair Yasmin Aref, Education, Arts & Culture Vice Chair Emma Robison, MYCT Budget and Outreach Vice Chair Stella Keating.
The Mayor’s Youth Commission is a platform for youth in Tacoma to engage their local government and be a...
2020-04-2229 minGimme the Mic Podcast1.1: Stella Keating—PEEL (Peer Education Empowerment League)In this episode, Stella kicks off the series talking with Collin, Arizona, and Kellz about consent, youth led initiatives, the marginalization of queer youth, impact vs. intent, and the ways PEEL is empowering youth.
Guests: Collin Veenstra, Founder & Program Director, PEEL leaders Arizona and Kellz.
Intergenerational Community Organizing: Youth-Led, Adult Staff and & Volunteer Supported
As a volunteer-run organization with an anti-oppression framework, PEEL works differently than a lot of traditional youth programs.
Our staff team are 100% volunteer and include adult community members who serve the Tacoma area as teachers, youth advocates...
2020-04-2241 minWhat Say U?Episode 15—The Peace Queen returns from AfricaThe sisters talk about Melannie’s visit to Africa.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2020-04-1541 minWhat Say U?Episode 14—The coronavirus, centeredness, and working from homeThe sisters talk about what all of us are talking about—the coronavirus and its effects on our community and our lives.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2020-04-0750 minWhat Say U?Episode 13—Be The OtherMelannie discusses with Audrey her upcoming trip to the African continent and what the experience is like living while Black outside of America.
www.africabound2020.com
Channel 253 membership
2020-03-1657 minCrossing DivisionLet’s Talk About: Post-Presidential Primary Podcast Plus Pandemic!Campaign consultant/political strategist Crystal Fincher and local elected official/Channel 253 publisher Erik Hanberg join host Evelyn Lopez to break down the 2020 Washington Presidential Primary results:
The importance of key demographic voting blocks,
Whether these primary results foreshadow aspects of our state and local races this year,
Speculation about VP options, and
Can a woman ever successfully run for President?
Plus the latest on pandemic news and what we should all be doing to get through this health crisis.
Let us know what you think! And !look for Crystal’s political radio show and podcast Hac...
2020-03-121h 01What Say U?Episode 12—Why U Do That?Melannie and Audrey unpack Gail King’s interview with Lisa Leslie about Kobe Bryant and the outrage that ensued plus other instances of human pollution.
Lisa Leslie on Kobe Bryant
Channel 253 membership
2020-03-021h 02Crossing DivisionDowntown on the Go Friday Forum: Moving Into the Future (Feb. 24, 2020)Channel 253 is partnering with Downtown on the Go as a media sponsor of DOTG’s Friday Forums. We think that the topic is a good fit with our Crossing Division podcasts, so we will record the Friday Forum and then record an episode of Crossing Division that follows up or expands on the issues in the Forum.
For February 2020 the Friday Forum topic was Moving Into the Future. Learn about the transportation and access needs of our aging residents, how well-maintained sidewalks and parking near destinations help make Tacoma navigable for everyone. You will also learn about Ta...
2020-02-271h 00What Say U?Episode 11—Where is the Love?The sisters dig into an essential question: where is the love?
Links
Channel 253 membership
2020-02-1759 minWhat Say U?Episode 10—Peace QueenLast month, the sisters were joined by the filmmakers behind the Peace Queen documentary for a special showing of the half-hour film at the Grand Cinema.
This podcast is the recorded discussion after the film and includes some excerpts of the film for context. Enjoy!
Links
Peace Queen Documentary
Channel 253 membership
2020-02-0348 minWhat Say U?Episode 8—Real Talk With A Tween: Insight into Gen ZThe sisters chat with Jalean Peek, Melannie’s granddaughter and Audrey’s great niece who is 12 years old. They discuss a variety of topics on how a tween navigates the world.
Links
Southern Anti-Racist Project
Channel 253 membership
2019-12-301h 08What Say U?Episode 7: The Mashup EpisodeThe sisters dive into a bunch of topics, including the Peace Queen Documentary to be broadcast on KTBC, the black beauty shop experience, potluck etiquette, Kwanza/Christmas, and Census 2020.
Links
253 Peace Queen
Channel 253 membership
2019-12-161h 02What Say U?Episode 6: The N WordWho gets to say the N Word? The sisters discuss.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2019-12-021h 02What Say U?Episode 5: The Nobel Peace PrizeThe sisters talk about the Tacoma Peace Prize and the Nobel Peace Prize.
Links
Tacoma Peace Queen goes to the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony
Channel 253 membership
2019-11-1848 minWhat Say U?Episode 4: Living While BlackThe sisters discuss situations where white people call the police on black people and offer recommendations on how the situation can be avoided.
Links
Channel 253 membership
2019-11-051h 09Citizen TacomaEpisode 65: John O’Loughlin, candidate for Tacoma City CouncilHere it is, our last candidate of 2019! This was a meaty interview, y’all. John O’Loughlin is running for At-Large Position 8 on the City Council, which is being vacated by Ryan Mello as he terms out.
O’Loughlin spent 31 years working for the city of Tacoma in environmental services, and oversaw the cleanup of the Foss Waterway. He says that experience brings him a unique perspective on budget and environmental issues in the city.
O’Loughlin hasn’t run for office before and says he’s not a politician. Here, he talks about his ideas on pay...
2019-10-2758 minCitizen TacomaEpisode 63: Enrique Leon, candidate for Tacoma School BoardIt’s almost time to vote! If you’re a voter in Tacoma, you probably already have your ballot (they’re due Nov. 5, btw). But before you fill it out, listen to our final three candidate episodes of the season!
In episode 63, we talk to Enrique Leon, who was appointed to the board of Tacoma Public Schools in 2018 to replace Catherine Ushka when she was elected to the Tacoma City Council. Now battle-tested after living through the Tacoma teacher strike last year, Leon wants a chance to be chosen by voters to serve for a full term.
...
2019-10-2150 minCitizen TacomaEpisode 62: Lisa Keating, candidate for Tacoma school boardLisa Keating was our first interview this year with a school board candidate this year (and our only one with someone with purple hair!). Keating, who founded and heads an organization that advocates for LGBT youth, is challenging the formidable 30-year incumbent Debbie Winskill for position 1 in November.
Keating explains why she decided to run, and we talked at length about equity and inclusion in the school district and her work in Tacoma schools over the last decade. We also vented frustrations with some of the school board’s actions during the strike last year, and she to...
2019-10-131h 01Citizen TacomaEpisode 61: Conor McCarthy, candidate for Tacoma City CouncilConor McCarthy, Tacoma’s deputy mayor, is running for re-election to the City Council.He’s pointing to his ability to secure funding for opioid treatment, public safety, homelessness, and environmental testing as he tries to win a second four-year term.But he’s facing a new kind of challenger: Courtney Love, an outspoken progressive attacking him for his positions on the liquefied natural gas plant under construction on Tacoma’s Tideflats, campaign financing, and other issues.KNKX Public Radio reporter Will James filled in as host for this episode. McCarthy talked about how he was influenc...
2019-10-091h 04Citizen TacomaEpisode 60: Courtney Love, candidate for Tacoma City CouncilIn Citizen Tacoma’s continuing series of 2019 candidate interviews, we bring you a conversation with Courtney Love.No, not the Courtney Love who’s a fixture of 90’s alternative rock and so, so many supermarket tabloids.This is Tacoma’s Courtney Love. She’s challenging City Council Member Conor McCarthy in the race for the Position 7 at-large seat, and she’s a breed of candidate Tacoma has rarely, if ever, seen before. Love is carving out a unapologetically progressive political profile more in line with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders or Seattle City Council Member Kshama Sawant than a...
2019-10-041h 11Citizen TacomaEpisode 59: Nathe Lawver, candidate for Tacoma City CouncilIn our latest candidate episode, we chatted with Nathe Lawver, who’s running for Tacoma City Council District 1 (the North and West End). We hit on all the usual Tacoma hot topics (affordable housing! Potholes!), but we also talked about mental health. It was maybe the first time anyone has talked openly about their own mental health on the pod, but hopefully not the last.
Also, stay tuned for our next episode, which features KNKX reporter Will James in the hosting chair. Will is an actual professional radio reporter who doesn’t say “um soooo” every other sentence...
2019-09-3053 minCitizen TacomaEpisode 58: John Hines, candidate for Tacoma City CouncilWe’re deep in our election interviews, y’all. In this episode we sat down with John Hines, who’s running for District 1 (the North and West End) for the second time. John is a longtime educator and Tacoma native who serves on the Tacoma Public Library board.
We talked about affordable housing, public safety, and why John thinks the Tacoma City Council needs to get “back to the basics.”
Links
John Hines for Tacoma City Council website
Public Disclosure Commission: Hines John
Housing, housing, housing. Tacoma City Council candidates...
2019-09-2449 minWhat Say U?Episode 3: Seeking JOY at workAudrey and Melannie Denise Cunningham give some real talk on dealing with toxic co-workers.
Real sisters, real talk.
Part of the Channel 253 podcast network.
2019-09-2044 minCitizen TacomaEpisode 57: Kristina Walker, candidate for Tacoma City CouncilWelcome to Episode IV of our candidate interview series. We sat down with Kristina Walker, who’s running for At-Large Position 8 on the City Council (that seat is currently occupied by Ryan Mello, who terms out at the end of the year).
Kristina is the executive director of Downtown: On The Go! and a policy wonk. She probably knows more about transit, transit-oriented development, and parking than you.
We talked about that, how good public transit can promote and support housing affordability, and some things she’d like to see happen on Tacoma’s Tideflats.
...
2019-09-1656 minCitizen TacomaEpisode 56: Deanna Keller, candidate for Port of Tacoma commissionIt’s September! That means Election Day is only two months away. We sat down with Deanna Keller, candidate for Port of Tacoma commission, for our third candidate interview to talk about why she says her private and public sector experience (as the president of a company and a longtime educator) make her the right person for the job.
We recorded this interview the same day Channel 253 released original reporting by Sean Robinson that revealed Keller’s company did business with ICE (yes, that ICE) in 2014 and 2017. We asked her about that, and about her views on the...
2019-09-0354 minWhat Say U?Episode 2Audrey and Melannie Cunningham reflect on the Netflix Mini Series “When They See Us.”
Real sisters, real talk.
Part of the Channel 253 podcast network.
2019-08-3037 minCitizen TacomaEpisode 55: David Combs, candidate for Tacoma City CouncilIt’s the second installment (of many) of our 2019 election season candidate interviews! This time we sat down with David Combs, a Hilltop businessman and political newcomer who’s vying for the District 3 position on City Council. Hear him talk about his vision for the council and his ideas for more support for small business owners in Tacoma.
A note: Your host was really sick the day this was recorded. You can probably hear it. Sorry.
Another note: These interviews are not fact-checked. But you can do some fact-checking yourself: All listeners (and everyone who vote...
2019-08-2546 minCitizen TacomaEpisode 54: Keith Blocker, candidate for Tacoma City CouncilWelcome to the first candidate interview of the 2019 election season! We talked with Councilman Keith Blocker, who’s running for his second term representing District 3 in Tacoma, which includes the Hilltop, Central Tacoma and parts of South Tacoma.
Keith grew up in Philadelphia but has lived in Tacoma since he was 25. We talked about the biggest issues facing his district and the city, a few of which we expect to come up a lot this cycle: namely, homelessness and affordable housing.
Keith has one challenger for his seat: political newcomer David Combs. His interview will be...
2019-08-2157 minCitizen TacomaEpisode 53: Politics and socks with WA’s next House speakerWe were lucky enough to get an hour with Rep. Laurie Jinkins, the speaker-designate of the Washington state House of Representatives a week after she was elected to her new role. She’ll be the first woman speaker, she’s from Tacoma, and she knows how to get stuff done in the Capitol. Goes without saying that Grit City — and the Democratic party in Washington — are pretty excited.
We talked about what the new gig means, how she might differ from her predecessor (current House speaker Frank Chopp), how her sense of humor has helped her build relation...
2019-08-131h 00What Say U?Episode 1Check out the new podcast from Melannie Denise Cunningham and Audrey Cunningham.
Real sisters, real talk.
Part of the Channel 253 podcast network.
2019-08-0452 minWhat Say U?Episode 0Check out the new podcast from Melannie Denise Cunningham and Audrey Cunningham.
Real sisters, real talk.
Part of the Channel 253 podcast network.
2019-08-0351 minCitizen TacomaEpisode 52: What’s the state of tech in Tacoma?Tech companies and startups are that elusive unicorn from the north that the city of Tacoma is always chasing. But positive momentum seems to be building: We sat down with the co-founder of a tech company (Bill Herling of Humming) that recently moved to Tacoma from Seattle, and he had really good things to say. We also spoke with city of Tacoma Business Development Manager Pat Beard and Kristine Grace, an investor from the RAIN biotech incubator to talk about the current state of tech and start-ups in Tacoma.
Herling shared insights on his three chief concerns...
2019-07-2954 minCitizen TacomaEpisode 51: Getting to know the Puyallup Tribal CouncilOn this second and very special joint episode of Citizen Tacoma and Crossing Division, we were thrilled to sit down with Puyallup Tribal Council Chairman David Bean and Councilmember Anna Bean (yep, they’re cousins).
We learned the story of the Puyallup Tribe and about tribal government, the meaning of sovereignty, how the tribe has grown in numbers and local influence since the mid-1900s, and what exciting projects and events are on the horizon (hint: That beautiful, shiny new casino is opening sooner than you think!) We also talked about how the tribe’s relationships with othe...
2019-06-2857 minCitizen TacomaAdult Civics Happy Hour XV: The (Shady) State of the CityIn the 15th installment of #ACHH253 at Pacific Brewing, we spoke with current elected officials and Channel 253 podcast hosts about the state of Tacoma, from the public school and Metro Parks board to the Port of Tacoma commission and the City Council. And yes, there was shade. Lots of shade.
It was also the last Adult Civics Happy Hour with Nerd Farmer Podcast host Nate Bowling and Interchangeable White Ladies host Hope Teague-Bowling at the mic. They’re off to the United Arab Emirates this summer to teach for two years. Best of luck, Nate and Hope! Yo...
2019-06-201h 07Taco-ManTaquería El Antojo—Episode 11Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s … TACO-MAN. Taco-Man’s mission: to review the tacos of Tacoma. It’s a podcast by Taco-Man for all Tacomans* to enjoy. Each episode, he reviews a different Tacoma taco with a different trusty sidekick.
We’re at El Antojo.
Host: Taco-Man
Taco-Man is not the superhero we need. But he’s the superhero we deserve. And, we can feel that hometown pride because he’s a native Tacoman (obvs).
This Episode’s Trusty Sidekick
Erik Hanberg, host of the We Art Tacoma podcas...
2019-06-1820 minCitizen TacomaEpisode 49: How do we solve our affordable housing crisis?Affordable housing might well be the signature issue of the upcoming City Council elections in Tacoma. And in the words of Citizen Tacoma guest Jason Gauthier, it’s hugely complicated and there’s no silver bullet.
We went in-depth on the issue with Gauthier, the Director of Operations for Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity, and City Councilman Anders Ibsen to talk about the tools the city and state are using to create more units of affordable housing, whether they work, and what we really need to make an impact. Tax breaks for developers? Government-funded affordable housing developments? Waiv...
2019-05-2356 minCitizen TacomaEpisode 48: The future of Tacoma’s TideflatsWe got City Councilman Ryan Mello and Principal Planner Stephen Atkinson together to talk about the future of land use on Tacoma’s Tideflats, where heavy industry and fossil fuel production are being called into question by nearby neighbors and environmentalists. If you’ve ever heard the terms “interim regulations” or “subarea plan” and had no idea what they meant, this is for you.
But don’t be scared, it’s not TOO technical! We laid out the city’s vision for this regionally-designated manufacturing industrial center the current rules that are in place while a permanent road map for the f...
2019-05-1045 minTaco-ManBack to Ta’ Carbon—Episode 10Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s … TACO-MAN. Taco-Man’s mission: to review the tacos of Tacoma. It’s a podcast by Taco-Man for all Tacomans* to enjoy. Each episode, he reviews a different Tacoma taco with a different trusty sidekick.
We’re back at Ta’ Carbon for some margaritas and guacamole made at the table. (Seriously, this place was great.)
Host: Taco-Man
Taco-Man is not the superhero we need. But he’s the superhero we deserve. And, we can feel that hometown pride because he’s a native Tacoman (obvs).
Thi...
2019-04-2315 minTaco-ManTa’ Carbon—Episode 9Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s … TACO-MAN. Taco-Man’s mission: to review the tacos of Tacoma. It’s a podcast by Taco-Man for all Tacomans* to enjoy. Each episode, he reviews a different Tacoma taco with a different trusty sidekick.
Host: Taco-Man
Taco-Man is not the superhero we need. But he’s the superhero we deserve. And, we can feel that hometown pride because he’s a native Tacoman (obvs).
This Episode’s Trusty Sidekick
Jeremiah Oshan, columnist and podcaster at Sounder at Heart
Their Taco Location
...
2019-03-0619 minTaco-ManBack to El Barracho—Episode 9Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s … TACO-MAN. Taco-Man’s mission: to review the tacos of Tacoma. It’s a podcast by Taco-Man for all Tacomans* to enjoy. Each episode, he reviews a different Tacoma taco with a different trusty sidekick.
This episode is a little different, though. Taco-Man goes back to El Borracho with trusty sidekick Annie to review their vegan tacos. Vegan tacos are hard to find in Tacoma! Hear what Annie and Taco-Man think of them (plus a few groan-worthy jokes while they wait for their order).
Host: Taco-Man
2018-07-2513 minTaco-ManTaqueria El Rinconsito—Episode 8Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s … TACO-MAN. Taco-Man’s mission: to review the tacos of Tacoma. It’s a podcast by Taco-Man for all Tacomans* to enjoy. Each episode, he reviews a different Tacoma taco with a different trusty sidekick.
Host: Taco-Man
Taco-Man is not the superhero we need. But he’s the superhero we deserve. And, we can feel that hometown pride because he’s a native Tacoman (obvs).
This Episode’s Trusty Sidekick
Justin Camarata, Co-host of Crossing Division and Tacoma City Councilmember
Their Taco Location
2018-06-2712 minTaco-ManLa Perla del Mar—Episode 5Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s … TACO-MAN. Taco-Man’s mission: to review the tacos of Tacoma. It’s a podcast by Taco-Man for all Tacomans* to enjoy. Each episode, he reviews a different Tacoma taco with a different trusty sidekick.
Host: Taco-Man
Taco-Man is not the superhero we need. But he’s the superhero we deserve. And, we can feel that hometown pride because he’s a native Tacoman (obvs).
This Episode’s Trusty Sidekick
Doug Mackey, Co-Founder, Producer, Composer, Sound Engineer of Channel 253
Their Taco Location
...
2017-11-2914 minTaco-ManTres Hermanos—Episode 4Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s … TACO-MAN. Taco-Man’s mission: to review the tacos of Tacoma. It’s a podcast by Taco-Man for all Tacomans* to enjoy. Each episode, he reviews a different Tacoma taco with a different trusty sidekick.
Host: Taco-Man
Taco-Man is not the superhero we need. But he’s the superhero we deserve. And, we can feel that hometown pride because he’s a native Tacoman (obvs).
This Episode’s Trusty Sidekicks
Mary Holste (of the Miss Fisher Philes and the Miss Adventure podcasts) and Erik Hanberg (P...
2017-11-1515 min