Seattle Rob Smith, Jonathan Sposato

There are few people in the Pacific Northwest who have successfully navigated tech, economic development, venture capital, and nonprofits. Our esteemed guest, Rebecca Lovell, is one such individual who has done this in no small part due to her native roots in the Seattle/Tacoma region, and her prolific and important contributions as a civic thought-leader. Currently the COO of Greater Seattle Partners, she joins us in our podcast to discuss the importance of our region to the world, our exciting opportunities as a city, the fulfillment of mentoring others, and even how we should tackle some of the city's biggest challenges. As a special bonus, you might even hear some great karaoke tips.  

Tom Mara planned to retire when he left Seattle nonprofit radio station KEXP after two stints totaling 34 years. That didn’t last long. In August 2022, Mara accepted the CEO job at the Seattle International Film Festival. Here, he and longtime Artistic Director Beth Barrett discuss how SIFF became one of the largest film festivals in the world, and what’s in store as the festival celebrates 50 years. This year’s festival runs from May 9-19 at SIFF’s four venues across the city, including the venerable SIFF Cinema Downtown (formerly known as The Cinerama).

Attorney Anne Bremner has been involved in several high-profile cases, including those involving Mary Kay LeTourneau, Ann Rule, and Amanda Knox. She is also an author and media personality, commenting on numerous court cases, including those involving Casey Anthony, Michael Jackson, and Scott Peterson. Here, she discusses how she became friends with LeTourneau, her strategy in defending Knox and how she parlayed her courtroom success into a career as a sought-after TV commentator. Her new book, Justice in the Age of Judgment, explores how social media and the digital age influence due process.

Michelle Li famously created the Very Asian Foundation after a viewer in St. Louis sent her a racist email telling her to “keep her Korean to herself” and of being “very Asian” after she mentioned on-air that she enjoyed eating traditional Korean dumpling soup as part of a New Year’s tradition.
Here, she discusses her love of Seattle, her surprise that her experience went viral, and how the experience increasingly shapes her life.

Longtime 5th Avenue Theatre Managing Director Bernie Griffin just retired, but she remains a staunch advocate for an arts community she helped create. In the latest episode of the Seattle magazine podcast, Griffin shares tales from her colorful career backstage, how live theater is inherently risky and why she always returned to Seattle after holding influential roles in both New York and Los Angeles.

Growing up with an NBA star taught Donald Watts untold lessons. Donald is now a full-time caretaker for his father, Sonics legend Slick Watts, who suffered a devastating stroke two years ago. Donald recounts his childhood, the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that prevented him from playing in the NBA, and his commitment to youth and community. He also discusses the importance of the year-old Sonics Legend Fund, a charitable program to help pay the expenses of former Sonics who need assistance.