Shows
Seattle NowWeekend Listen: A sci-fi approach to Washington’s struggling power gridToday, we’re bringing you the best from another KUOW Podcast, Booming. Our power grid is maxing out. We're plugging in electric cars, massive data centers, and heat pumps all at once. And the increasing demand is spiking energy bills. But big tech is betting on a solution straight out of science fiction... Could nuclear fusion fix our growing electricity crisis? Joshua McNichols and Monica Nickelsburg from KUOW’s Booming podcast have this story. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and...
2025-11-2915 min
BoomingBONUS: The future of Seattle's highwaysHappy Thanksgiving! We hope you enjoy this bonus episode. The Booming team recorded a live event a few weeks ago at the Seattle Public Library about the future of Seattle’s highways – so we wanted to drop it in the feed in case you missed it. Booming's Joshua McNichols co-hosted the event with Ian Coss. Coss is a reporter from WGBH in Boston and host of The Big Dig, a podcast about one of Boston’s biggest and most controversial infrastructure projects – to bury a downtown highway – and the lessons it offers today. We dug into t...
2025-11-2657 minSeattle NowIs coding dead? This professor doesn't think soToday, we have an episode from our friends at Booming. In a recent episode, they reported how young people are choosing trade school over college out of fear of white-collar jobs drying up. Companies appear to be making big bets that AI can replace huge chunks of their workforces. It seems like “go to trade school” has become the new “learn to code.” But Dan Grossman, professor and vice director of the UW's Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering -- says the outlook isn’t so bleak for students who still want a career in tech. On to...
2025-11-2515 minBoomingCan the power of a star lower our electric bills?Our power grid is maxing out. We're plugging in electric cars, massive data centers, and heat pumps all at once. And it's not stopping anytime soon. Demand is expected to grow by 30% over the next ten years. And the increasing demand is spiking our energy bills. But Big Tech is betting on a solution straight out of science fiction. Nuclear fusion. Today, could nuclear fusion fix our growing electricity crisis? Or is it too good to be true? We want to know what you think of the show, and what you'd like us to...
2025-11-1916 minBoomingIs coding dead? This professor doesn't think soOn our most recent episode, we reported on how tons of young people are choosing trade school over college out of fear of white-collar jobs drying up. Companies appear to be making big bets that AI can replace huge chunks of their workforces. It seems like “go to trade school” has become the new “learn to code.” But Dan Grossman -- professor and vice director of the University of Washington's Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering -- says the outlook isn’t so bleak for students who still want a career in tech. On today's...
2025-11-1216 minBoomingIs AI fueling a trade school boom?When it comes to the white-collar workforce, warning signals are blinking red. That uncertainty has more kids going blue collar. Trade schools are booming. On today's episode, as artificial intelligence and economic uncertainty reshape the labor market, could trade schools be the new ticket to the American Dream? We want to know what you think of the show, and what you'd like us to cover. Fill out our audience survey, linked here, to tell us your thoughts. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want t...
2025-11-0520 minBoomingNine families, one roof: Urban cohousing in SeattleSeattle has more single people living alone than any major U.S. city. The average new apartment size in Seattle is just 650 square feet -- that’s the smallest in the nation. If you’re single, that might work for you. But if you want to raise a family in a larger space, that can get expensive: $3500 a month on average for a 3-bedroom apartment. That’s more than double what a studio would cost. A house with a backyard could cost thousands more. Now, a growing number of people are building a different kind of hou...
2025-10-2916 minBoomingBabies aren't booming. Is that a problem?Seattle and Portland are wrestling for the title of the city with the lowest birth rate. But it's not just the Pacific Northwest. Birth rates are declining across the country. Environmentalists say there are benefits to slowing population growth, like less consumption and strain on resources. But economists start to worry when birth rates dip well below the replacement rate. That’s because it can mean slower economic growth and labor shortages down the road. There are a lot of things driving down Seattle’s birth rate, but the most obvious: it costs a lot to rais...
2025-10-2219 minBoomingCan AI really cure cancer?In the debate over how fast we should be embracing artificial intelligence, one thing comes up again and again. The claim from tech CEOs that AI can cure cancer. So can it? On today's episode, we get into what new AI developments in Seattle's biotech industry could mean for finding a cure. Sign up for our first FREE live event at KUOW.org/events. Join Joshua and The Big Dig podcast to explore the future of Seattle’s highways and hear some experts making big decisions about what’s next for our roads. October...
2025-10-1516 minBoomingDoes AI mean game over for video game developers?Electronic Arts (EA), one of the largest video game companies in the world, just sold for $55 billion, a record for a leveraged buyout. The sale is sending shockwaves through Seattle's video game industry. Not just because a lot of people in Seattle worked on EA games, but because the company is banking its future on generative AI. Generative AI has created a cultural conflict so deep, it's sliced the video game industry in two -- like a battle axe through a rotten zombie. On one side: indie game developers and their fans who bel...
2025-10-0822 minBoomingThe cleanup crew mopping up AI slop Coding looks like one of the first real-world skills AI is close to mastering. And AI coding tools are helping a lot more people build apps and websites – no technical expertise required. But there’s a problem. It turns out, handing the keyboard over to a robot can end up costing more time and money than hiring a human to do that work. Today, the unintended consequences of replacing human coders with AI. And what can we learn about embracing this technology too fast from the cleanup crew mopping up AI slop. Thank you to t...
2025-10-0118 minBoomingInside Amazon's surprising settlementThe long-awaited trial between Amazon and the FTC is over... after just a few days. Amazon has agreed to pay $2.5 billion to settle the case over its Prime membership program. On this bonus episode, Joshua and Monica were in the courtroom during the trial, so they sat down to chat about what they heard during the hearings and why they think Amazon might have settled the case so soon. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes. C...
2025-09-2709 minBooming'Dark patterns' and the case against AmazonHave you ever found it impossible to find the “unsubscribe” button? Maybe you’ve accidentally opted into “accepting all cookies?” Then you may have fallen for a "dark pattern." Dark patterns are at the heart of a lawsuit between Amazon and the federal government. The FTC claims Amazon used dark patterns to trick millions of users into subscribing to Prime without meaning to. And the complaint says Amazon created a long, difficult process full of roadblocks that stopped Prime members from unsubscribing. The trial kicked off in Seattle this week, and the outcome could change how compan...
2025-09-2420 minBoomingWho should profit from college sports?College football season is here! If you follow college athletes on Instagram, you may have noticed -- they're doing a lot more commercials lately. And for doing this work, some athletes are raking in big bucks. A court settlement this summer determined that students have a right to make money from sports. And for the first time ever, universities will be the ones to pay them. How this new money flows will determine which college athletic programs thrive, and which ones will watch from the sidelines. On today's episode, who should prof...
2025-09-1720 minBoomingHow can Seattle keep tourists from loving it to death?Every year, tens of millions of tourists visit Seattle’s Pike Place Market, the Elliot Bay waterfront, and sports stadiums. That tourism industry is growing -- this year, a record number of cruise ships are expected to fill Seattle’s piers. Next year, the population of Seattle will swell- to about double its normal size when it hosts the Word Cup. On today's episode, Seattle needs tourists to keep downtown economically viable — so how do we make sure they don’t love the city to death? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make...
2025-09-1026 minBoomingIs thrifting still thrifty?Thrifting has long been a favorite pastime of Seattleites, so much so that we have the biggest Goodwill store in the world. But buying second-hand is also an economic survival strategy for people who can't pay full price on back-to-school clothes or home appliances. Now, in this increasingly expensive city, there's a sense that thrift stores are no longer fitting that need. On today's episode, Monica talks to an expert on thrift culture about the economic forces shaping second-hand shopping and why some say it might not be the place for bargain-hunters anymore. ...
2025-09-0314 minBoomingWhy music festivals can't find their rhythmIt's music festival season. Seattle's own Bumbershoot is just days away. But music festivals across the country are on shaky financial ground, and their futures could be in trouble. Over the past few years, dozens of small festivals have been canceled, and even the biggest ones are showing some signs of softening demand. On today's episode, why is it so hard for this generation of music festivals to find their rhythm? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.or...
2025-08-2724 minBoomingSo much for starter homesFor decades, owning a home was considered a golden ticket to economic security. The reality looks a lot different today -- the median price of a single-family home in Seattle is around $1 million, and the greater Seattle area is the third most expensive in the nation. So, why do prices keep going up? And what would it take to make the dream of owning a home in this city affordable again? We put those questions to a real estate economist. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show...
2025-08-2022 minBoomingThe next earthquake is coming. Is old Seattle worth saving?It's been almost 25 years since the Nisqually earthquake, the last "big one" to hit Seattle. But the region is due for an even bigger one -- one that could be more massive than the underwater quake that just hit off the coast of Russia. The Nisqually quake did at least $2 billion worth of damage across the Puget Sound region. It hit Seattle’s historic brick and stone buildings hard, and the city has learned a lot of expensive lessons about what would make them safer. So... is old Seattle worth saving? And is there...
2025-08-0623 minBoomingCan light rail make Bellevue hip?Bellevue, Washington – Seattle's neighbor to the East - is having a bit of an identity crisis. For decades it’s been the younger sibling... trying to get out from under Seattle’s shadow. But now, Bellevue is preparing for a major change. Workers are putting finishing touches on the long-awaited link across Lake Washington. When it’s finished next year, two of the largest cities in our region will be connected by light rail for the first time. Bellevue’s older sibling, Seattle, has been in the limelight for a long time. Is it Bellevue’s time to shi...
2025-07-3012 minBoomingIs AI the new electricity?Microsoft is spending $4 billion dollars on workshops, technology, and other initiatives to get artificial intelligence into the hands of millions of people around the world. The company pioneering the AI revolution says it could be bigger than the Internet, bigger than mobile, and that the best comparison is the advent of electricity. So, what does it mean for all of us? Booming host Monica Nickelsburg spoke with a tech historian who takes us back in time to search for lessons learned the last truly revolutionary technology that took over the world. Thank you to...
2025-07-2313 minBoomingCould tariffs bring back the lumberjack?For nearly a century, Washington’s timber industry produced everything from paper to 2x4s to the massive wood beams that hold up the Tacoma dome. But the industry’s been on a long decline since the 1990s. Now, President Trump wants to reduce foreign competition and increase U.S. logging to bring back those jobs. Could Trump’s strategy revive the timber industry in the Northwest? We went to a sawmill in the foothills of Mt. Rainier to find out. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! I...
2025-07-1620 minBoomingLayoffs, lost faith, and 'cruel optimism' in techMicrosoft’s latest round of layoffs leaves even more tech workers in Washington without a job – and with a new worldview called "cruel optimism." Just a few years ago, a job in tech was considered a straight shot toward economic security and affordability in Seattle. But today, employees are afraid that if they lose their job, they won’t be able to find another one. To understand how the shift is affecting tech workers psychologically, Booming talked with Samuel So, who started interviewing tech workers caught up in the first round of mass layoffs back in 2022. Why...
2025-07-0915 minBoomingSeattle's to do list isn't penciling outMayor Bruce Harrell has a big to do list. He’s got to fix bridges, build housing, and spruce the place up for the World Cup next year. But to make all this happen, he needs federal dollars... money the city could lose. The Trump administration has used executive orders to cut funding for cities that don’t cooperate with its immigration enforcement agenda. And now, Seattle is fighting back. So we asked the mayor, how does Seattle spend its federal money? And if that money goes away, what can we do to replace it? ...
2025-07-0215 minBoomingHow much does it cost to live comfortably in Seattle?Seattle is one of the wealthiest and most expensive cities in the U.S. One out of every fourteen Seattleites is a millionaire. By some estimates, costs in Seattle have risen more than 20% in just a few years. On today's episode, we ask more than 300 Seattleites: How much money would it really take to live comfortably in this city of millionaires? And if you can't make enough, what can you do to feel more comfortable here? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go t...
2025-06-2517 minBoomingICE fears turn sweet cherry season sourWashington state is known for its cherries. We produce more sweet cherries than any other state in the country, and we export them all over the world. But to supply the world with cherries, Washington farmers need a lot of workers to show up for a very short harvesting window. Usually they do, but not this year. High profile ICE raids are keeping migrant workers from the fields. Today, how a culture of fear is pushing Washington cherry growers to the brink. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this...
2025-06-1813 minBoomingThe real threat to trees isn't housing After years of heated arguments, Seattle just passed a law allowing up to four houses per residential lot -- and six, in some cases. The hope is that building a lot more homes will keep prices from becoming dramatically more expensive than they are now. But there’s a tradeoff. To gain more housing, we’re going to lose something else people care a lot about: trees. On the latest episode of Booming, could there be a way to have both? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possibl...
2025-06-1119 minBoomingPharmacies are sick. Is there a cure?Bartell Drugs is a Pacific Northwest icon. But its corporate owner, Rite Aid, is going belly-up — and that’s put the future of Bartell’s in jeopardy. On today's episode, staying alive is not just a problem for Seattle’s oldest brick and mortar pharmacy. CVS, Walgreens, and independent pharmacies everywhere are struggling to stay afloat. So, what’s making pharmacies sick — and is there a cure? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes. Booming is a production o...
2025-06-0418 minBoomingWill AI collapse the career ladder?It's graduation season. When today’s grads started college four years ago, an entry-level job in tech was a sure bet. Now, it's anything but. And it's not just tech. Internship openings across the country are the lowest they've been in 6 years. On today's episode, entry-level jobs are supposed to be the first rung of the career ladder. So why is that ladder breaking? And is there anything that new grads hoping to enter the workforce can do about it? We're working on an episode about how much money you need to live comfortably in th...
2025-05-2819 minBoomingWhiplash at the Port of SeattleA lot of people have been wondering if the Port of Seattle is dead. Spoiler alert: the ports haven’t been knocked out by the trade war, but they definitely have whiplash. The extreme tariffs that the US and China have put on each other – have already had a negative effect on trade. Now, they’re scaling those taxes back – at least for three months. On today's episode, we visit the gateway to the Pacific to find out what the port really tells us about the chaotic state of international trade. And now that China and the US...
2025-05-1413 minBoomingThe plan to boost Black homeownershipIn Seattle's Central District, the number of Black homeowners has reached a historic low. And across Seattle, less than half as many Black households own homes as white families. But there's a new law that could help turn that around. The law expands the Covenant Home Ownership program, a state program that helps first-time Black and other marginalized home buyers cover their down payments and closing costs. In today's episode, Joshua explains why Black homeownership has plummeted and what lawmakers are doing to boost it. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you...
2025-04-3018 minBoomingThere's no such thing as local and these Northwest industries prove itIf you've got tariff whiplash, you're not alone. The Trump administration's on-again, off-again tariffs are meant to protect domestic businesses and bring industry back to the US. So tariffs should be good for the iconic local industries we're so proud of here in the Pacific Northwest...right? On today's episode we'll dig into three of these Northwest industries: salmon, craft breweries, and aerospace parts, to see how they could be affected by rising tariffs. In today's economy, is anything really local anymore? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help ma...
2025-04-1620 minBoomingMicrosoft President Brad Smith on how to defend your job from AIWhen it comes to the white-collar workforce, alarm bells are starting to go off. The tech industry is seeing widespread layoffs, and a lot of those laid off workers are struggling to find new gigs. Some experts speculate that these are early signs of AI moving into the workforce and replacing jobs. Microsoft is one company at the center of this debate, so Monica sat down with its president Brad Smith to ask: is AI already taking our jobs? And if so, what can we do about it? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you...
2025-04-0230 minBoomingShould social media have a bedtime?Experts say kids are spinning out online. Can Washington lawmakers help by putting seatbelts on social media? Parents, tech workers and even kids are asking for social media regulation, and there’s a bill moving through the Washington State Legislature that could make it happen. Senate Bill 5708 would block apps like Instagram and Snapchat from using addictive algorithms to keep kids scrolling. It would also require apps to stop sending push notifications late at night and during school hours. Monica talked to social psychologist Ravi Iyer from the University of Southern California about what these re...
2025-03-2621 minBoomingAn inside look into Seattle's AI startup sceneThere’s an invisible startup boom happening in Seattle right now. Tons of artificial intelligence companies have cropped up in the area – rivaling sectors like health tech and computer software. Seattle’s secret AI startup scene could transform our economy, but are we in a bubble, or is it here to stay? Joshua sits down with insider Kirby Winfield to find out. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes. Do you have a question about the econ...
2025-03-1220 minBoomingCould layoffs lead to a startup baby boom?For months, Seattle's tech industry has been reeling from layoffs. Microsoft, Amazon, Expedia and Starbucks are just a few of the companies who've recently let corporate employees go. And that's left many tech workers in a tough spot. But could there be a silver lining? With so many people suddenly out of a job, could these layoffs lead to a startup baby boom? On today's episode, Monica sits down with Geekwire co-founder Todd Bishop to find out. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help...
2025-03-0517 minBoomingWhy you can't afford to ski anymoreSkiing has never been cheap, but it used to be accessible to families and casual skiers. Now the slopes seem to have turned into a playground for the rich. Tickets are costly...and large companies are buying out smaller ski hills. On today's episode, why is it so expensive? And is there a way for everyone to access the mountains? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes. Do you have a question about the economy th...
2025-02-2615 minBoomingREI and the steep climb to unionize retailWashington's iconic outdoor retailer, REI, has gotten a little too far out over its skis. The member-owned co-op has been losing money for years. And that's put it at odds with its employees who want better wages and benefits. On today's episode, workers in the service industry are organizing at companies that used to seem immune from unionization. So, could the next generation of workers revolutionize retail? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes. Do yo...
2025-02-1914 minSeattle NowWhat's next for social housing in Seattle?Voters in Seattle are overwhelmingly supporting a tax on big businesses to fund a social housing developer. Now, that developer has to build housing or snap up an existing building. KUOW reporter Joshua McNichols tells us what comes next and how soon we can expect it. Watch Mayor Bruce Harrell's 2025 State of the City Address here. Watch Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal's community forum here. Learn more about Jazz Night in Pioneer Square here. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a...
2025-02-1810 minBoomingHow to avoid being tariffed out of businessSeattle’s economy relies heavily on trade. So all this talk about tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China? It's got a lot of local companies concerned. But how businesses respond to tariffs may depend on if they’re big companies or small ones. On today's episode, Joshua talks to Seattle outdoor clothing company KAVU to learn more about what they're doing to prepare for potential tariffs. And we dig into the techniques some companies use to engineer their way out of tariffs. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show...
2025-02-0517 min
SoundsideThe trade war is off—for now. What would tariffs mean for Washington?The threat of a trade war against the United States' nearest neighbors is off for now. Last week President Donald Trump said he was placing a 25% tariff on goods from North American trading partners Mexico and Canada. In an executive order, Trump said he was using the United States’ economic leverage to push the countries into better border enforcement. He also said he was seeking to balance out a trade deficit. The announcement led to widespread anxiety and confusion across US borders. However, yesterday we learned that tariffs on Mexico have been paused fo...
2025-02-0522 min
Sound PoliticsDoes Seattle love social housing enough to fund it?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 options with the host of KUOW's Booming, Joshua McNichols. Plus, we take a look at the White House directive that froze potentially trillions of dollars in federal grants and loans. That order was first halted by...
2025-01-3130 minBoomingMaking six figures? You could qualify for affordable housing in SeattleSeattle has one of the worst housing shortages in the country. Nearly half the households in and around Seattle pay more than they can afford for a place to live. That’s why some housing advocates are promoting a big idea – called Social Housing - that would let even people with six-figure incomes qualify for public housing. In February, voters will decide how to pay for it. On this episode of Booming, the debate over social housing is raising a big question: Who are we building affordable housing for? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW...
2025-01-2214 minBoomingWhat's behind Amazon's all-or-nothing return to office policy?It’s been a week since Amazon’s corporate employees ditched their slippers for commuter shoes and started heading into the office every day. Amazon says the five-day return to office policy is about strengthening its culture, but some employees and experts have a different theory for why the company is rolling back its pandemic-era work from home policy. On this episode of Booming, what's really behind Amazon's push to come back to the office? And does this signal the end of the work-from-home era? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this...
2025-01-0816 minBoomingHow stores are spying on youShopping online can be creepy. Suggested products, targeted ads...it feels like your phone is listening to you. You might be tempted to hit the mall instead. But actually, AI is tracking you there too. Many brick-and-mortar stores depend on holiday sales to stay alive. And increasingly they’re borrowing tricks from the online world to get us to buy stuff – lots of stuff. So in the age of Artificial Intelligence, is there any way to stop being tracked when you shop? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If y...
2024-12-1125 minBoomingSports ticket prices have skyrocketed. Here's whyTickets to pro sports in Seattle will put a dent in your budget. A seat at a Seahawks game could cost you $260. So why do they cost so much? The ticket selling business is a complex system with lots of players driving up the prices. On this episode of Booming, we’ll find out how the pricing works and hear about ways to see sports games without breaking the bank. Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes.
2024-11-2721 minBoomingIf free trade isn't free, what's next for Washington's economy?The free trade era that has defined the U.S. economy for decades made clear winners and losers. It tanked the Rust Belt, but sent the Pacific Northwest’s global economy to new heights. Washington state has always benefited from its international companies and the free flow of talent across borders. So what does the potential end of the free trade era mean for our economy? Monica sat down with University of Washington historian Margaret O'Mara to talk about her predictions for how a second Trump term will affect Washington's economy - and the people who live he...
2024-11-1323 minBoomingWashington's plan to make billionaires share the wealthWashington is a wealthy state.... that needs more money. So a couple years ago, it tried a new way to tax rich people. It’s called the capital gains tax, but an initiative on the ballot could kill it this November. On this week’s episode of Booming, we dig into Initiative 2109. Is the capital gains tax doing what it's supposed to do? What would a fair tax system actually look like here in Washington? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to k...
2024-10-3024 minBoomingDowntown countdown: Top 5 notes Seattle could take from other citiesWhat would it take to put the shine back on our cities? Seattle used to be a superstar city...a technopolis by the sea. Companies, and their employees, wanted to move here. But for several years now, it’s felt like some of that glitter has gone. And it’s not just Seattle – downtowns across the country are struggling. On this episode of Booming, Joshua heads to the International Downtown Association Conference to meet with city leaders from all over the country. We'll find out what they're doing that actually works to save their downtowns and wha...
2024-10-1628 minBoomingCould paying more for gas save you money?Washington's gas prices are among the highest in the country. Some blame the state’s efforts to reduce climate change for the extra cost at the pump. This November, they’ve put those concerns on the ballot. Initiative 2117 aims to cut prices at the pump by cutting the state's plan to reduce fossil fuels. But would killing that plan -- known as the Climate Commitment Act -- result in even higher prices? In this episode of Booming, we look at the economics and hidden costs of our addiction to fossil fuel... and the surprising lesson we c...
2024-10-0221 minBoomingCan historic transpo levy fix Seattle's traffic problems?Maybe you’ve noticed: Seattle traffic is back. And not just during rush hour. It’s busy all the time. But there's a transportation levy on the ballot in Seattle this November, and it's the biggest one we’ve ever seen. So, will $1.55 billion buy us better commutes? Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes. Booming is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Carol Smith. Our producers are Jen...
2024-09-1826 minSoundsideIt's time to do a vibe check on the state of remote workEarlier 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 three day in-office mandate.These changes had us wondering – is remote work gradually eroding in the Puget Sound region? One study looking at 2022 Census data found that a quarter of workers in the Seat...
2024-08-2825 minBoomingAre we on the brink of a tax revolt?There’s something unusual happening to property values in Seattle right now. As housing prices continue to climb, the value of commercial property is taking a big plunge. The County Assessor warns office buildings will be worth 30-40% less next year. This is a historic shift. And it will have impacts on the cost of living for all of us. That might not sit well with people who are already feeling the effects of inflation and high prices. Joshua looks at the downstream effects of plunging commercial real estate values, and what might happen at th...
2024-07-2424 minBoomingA robot took his job. And he's happy about itLike it or not, "smart robots" enabled with artificial intelligence are taking on jobs that only humans used to do - maybe even yours. Whether that's something to fear or embrace depends on whether the robot could replace you, or actually make you smarter. In this episode, Joshua tags along with a robot "inspector" on an apartment tower construction site. The robot makes the rounds each day, helping its human counterparts detect construction defects and safety violations. Its use marks a new era for robots, which typically toil in highly controlled and predictable environments. But construction sites...
2024-07-1034 minBoomingCan buildings learn?Seattle is littered with buildings that seem obsolete in our post-pandemic economy. Now an unprecedented number of them are going up for sale and selling at deep discounts. Some of those new owners will renovate to retain the history or character of a building. Others will tear them down and start again. In a Booming city like Seattle, we need to use every square foot of space. So how do we build for the future without demolishing our past? To find out, Joshua revisits a lost neighborhood karaoke bar and a renovated Elk’s Temple in Tacoma. An...
2024-06-2631 minBoomingThe risky business of airplanesIn the months following Boeing’s now-infamous door panel blowout, speculation has swirled that the company’s troubles can be traced back to its decision to outsource so much of its manufacturing. It’s easy to accuse Boeing of putting profits above all else, but economy reporter Monica Nickelsburg wanted to understand what went into that decision and why the economics of building airplanes are so weird. She didn’t have to go very far to find answers. Listen to Booming's special Father's Day episode. A special thanks to all you listeners out ther...
2024-06-1219 minBoomingThe solution to our struggling power grid could be hiding in your closetCities around the country are facing down a catch-22. In just a few short years, they need to somehow get off of fossil fuels while meeting surging electricity demand. The crisis is especially acute in the Seattle area, where demand for power is expected to increase by up to 50% and new energy-hungry datacenters are cropping up all the time. On this episode of Booming, we uncover a surprising solution that's hiding in plain sight. Will it be enough to keep the lights on? A special thanks to all you listeners out there who financially support...
2024-05-1532 minBoomingWhat's sending first gen electric cars to an early graveThis week on Booming, can electric vehicles really save us from our fossil fuel addiction? Economy reporter Monica Nickelsburg went searching for a "Tesla Graveyard." What she found reveals how complicated our transition to a greener transportation future will be. Plus, our growth reporter Joshua McNichols takes us to opening day of the light rail that could transform one of the most car-centric parts of our region, and our hosts try to guess the wacky animal names carmakers are giving their new EVs. A special thanks to all you listeners out there who financially support...
2024-05-0123 minBoomingThe campground crunchWe know Washington's cities are booming, attracting thousands of newcomers each year. But did you know demand for Pacific Northwest campgrounds and trails is growing even faster?This week on Booming: why landing a good spot outdoors can feel harder than scoring Taylor Swift tickets, and what you can do to get around the campground crunch.Plus, we'll put our new campsite hunting tools to the test in a race to reserve a spot on one of the hottest weekends of the summer -- and take you inside Seattle's 'ghost mall.' A...
2024-04-1734 minBoomingBoeing at the glass cliffBoeing's hiring of its new CEO of Commercial Airplanes is the latest in a series of women who finally break through the glass ceiling at male-dominated companies, but only when there's a crisis to solve. Researchers call this the glass cliff. It can be a once-in-a-career opportunity for women, but it can also be a huge professional liability.This week on Booming, we ask an expert why the glass cliff exists, and what the future looks like for the first woman to lead Boeing's Seattle-based jet manufacturing department.Plus, the Department of Justice goes after...
2024-04-0326 minBoomingSeattle's 15-minute makeoverWho killed the 15-minute city? And what will it take to get it back? Seattle leaders have a plan to turn NIMBYs into YIMBYs. They're betting they can get residents to say "yes in my back yard" to growth if Seattle becomes a 15-minute city. That means changing laws so that everything you need is a 15-minute walk, bike, or bus ride from your home. This week on Booming, we travel to Georgetown, which could become a 15-minute neighborhood under Seattle's new Comprehensive Plan. Plus, local content creators are sounding off on federal lawmakers' plan...
2024-03-2032 minBoomingThe new mommy trackMore American women with young children are working than ever before, thanks in part to the rise of remote work. That has clear benefits for the economy and individuals. But hybrid work may not be a golden ticket to career advancement and satisfaction we think it is.Plus, Seattle leaders unveil their long awaited 20-year plan for the city, and we go back in time to see what housing and child care cost previous generations. "Booming" is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is...
2024-03-0632 minBoomingCould a broken ferry system help fix our cities?The Washington State ferry system is down by a third of its fleet. That’s leaving people up and down Puget Sound stranded, intermittently severing them from their jobs, schools and doctors. But out of this crisis, a solution is gaining steam: “mosquito fleets” of smaller, more efficient passenger-only ferries. And they’re helping shape downtowns like Bremerton into more walkable communities. Plus: Adult dancers in Washington fight for a 'Strippers' Bill of Rights' that could set the standard for workplace protections in their industry. And can you guess which movies these iconic PNW ferry scenes c...
2024-02-2126 minBoomingWhatever happened to hustle?Gen Z and millennial workers have become a punchline for media pundits and TikTok comedians. Young people get a bad rap for refusing to go above and beyond at work. Is this just the latest battle in an endless generational war, or do young people really have less work ethic? And if so, what's driving the shift? KUOW's economy reporters Monica Nickelsburg and Joshua McNichols have answers in this episode of Booming.Plus, Seattle's urban ghost town sees sparks of life. See if you can guess which artists, makers, and pop-up businesses are moving into vacant storefronts...
2024-02-0722 minBoomingDorms for adultsSeattle is running out of room. Could tiny, Tokyo-style apartments be part of the solution? How much space do we really need? Residents of a new Seattle-area micro-apartment building say not much. Units go for less than studios in the same neighborhood, allowing barbers, seniors, and other folks on low incomes to live in an expensive tech hub. State lawmakers think micro-apartments could be one solution to the region’s affordable housing crisis. The catch? Rooms are about the size of a single dorm, and residents share kitchens and common spaces. In this episode of Booming, KUOW ec...
2024-01-2423 minBoomingKUOW's Booming: Coming January 24 (TRAILER)The Seattle area's been home to many booms over the years. It’s brought jobs, people and wealth to the region, but also real growing pains that people here feel every day. In Booming, KUOW economy reporters Joshua McNichols and Monica Nickelsburg explore hidden connections between technology, cities, work and our day-to-day experiences. We’ll ask the important question: how can more of us benefit from the booms and weather the busts? New episodes every other week, starting January 24.Support the show: https://kuow.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2024-01-1101 min
Week In ReviewWeek in Review: Manny Ellis, Microsoft, and AIBill Radke discusses the week’s news with Geekwire’s Mike Lewis, South Seattle Emerald’s Lauryn Bray, and KUOW’s Joshua McNichols.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2023-10-0650 min
The Seattle Public Library - Author Readings and Library EventsCommunity Listening: The JungleListen to residents of the homeless encampment called The Jungle as they share their perspectives on their community. -- The Jungle: This is a deep dive into the encampment, the city's efforts to clean it up, and what the alternatives are for people who live there. This conversation was moderated by KUOW's Joshua McNichols, with a panel of current and former Jungle residents, Tim Harris from Real Change, and other advocates.
2023-09-151h 28
Week In ReviewWeek in Review: Elections, downtown, and blue angelsGuest host Zaki Hamid discusses the week’s news with Seattle Times' Amanda Zhou, Seattle Met's Allison Williams, and KUOW's Joshua McNichols.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2023-08-0552 min
Week In ReviewWeek in Review: Governor Inslee won't seek re-election, pollution, and housingBill Radke discusses the week’s news with Insider’s Katherine Long, freelance journalist Joanne Silberner, and KUOW’s Joshua McNichols.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2023-05-0553 min
UpzonedCowboy Hotels for Housing ShortagesLike all major cities in America, Seattle is facing a housing shortage. And 100 years ago, Seattle faced a housing shortage bigger than the one it has now. The initial response to the historic shortage was to build small, boxy, apartment buildings holding four to six apartments (called Cowboy Hotels) that blended in with the houses already established in the neighborhood. In this Upzoned episode, host Abby Kinney and co-host Chuck Marohn talk about Cowboy Hotels and their financial possibilities.
ADDITIONAL SHOW NOTES
“Small Apartments From 100 Years ago Offer Townhome Alternative,” by Joshua McNichols, KUOW, (March 2023).
Abby...
2023-04-0542 min
The Vine Church OCWatching for the One Who First Loved (Joshua 24:14-15, Matthew 25:1-13) Mike McNichols 2020-11-08Watching for the One Who First Loved (Joshua 24:14-15, Matthew 25:1-13) Mike McNichols 2020-11-08 by The Vine Church OC
2020-11-1026 minComposting in the Pacific NorthwestMaster Composters #7: Diary of an Urban SoilPhoto by erix!, shared via Flickr.In this episode of Seattle's Master Composter Podcast, host Joshua McNichols translates soil science into a short piece of young adult fiction. And you thought soil science couldn't make you cry.
2011-08-1200 min