Hacks & Wonks

Crystal Fincher
  • 4.8 (54)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Hacks & Wonks is a show hosted by political consultant Crystal Fincher, who talks with Policy Wonks and Political Hacks to gather insight into local politics and policy in Washington state through the lens of those doing the work, with behind-the-scenes perspectives on what's happening, why it's happening and what you can do about it.

  1. 2D AGO

    Public Defender Nathan Rouse Brings Frontline Experience to Seattle City Attorney Race

    In a comprehensive interview with Crystal Fincher of Hacks & Wonks, Seattle City Attorney candidate Nathan Rouse outlines his vision for reforming the office through the lens of his public defender experience, criticizing incumbent Republican Ann Davison's approach while proposing alternative solutions focused on addressing root causes of crime. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find Nathan Rouse at @nathanrouse.

    1h 7m

  2. 5D AGO

    Week in Review: April 18, 2025 - with Ryan Packer

    On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Ryan Packer discuss: 😟 Poll: people are plugged in/worried 🫰 No wealth tax = everyone else pays 🛣️ Transpo budget overview 🤷 Workers’ comp upgrade debacle 🪪 KC AFIS levy pros & cons 🚸 Tacoma Streets Initiative II   As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Ryan Packer at @typewriteralley.

    43 min

  3. APR 16

    As Federal Rights Rollbacks and Cuts Hit Home, Seattle Council Forms Crisis Response Committee - with Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and Amy Sundberg

    In response to sweeping policy changes at the federal level, Seattle City Council has established a Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes to track and respond to threats to federal funding, executive orders, and civil rights rollbacks affecting the city. The committee, chaired by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, aims to address the local fallout from the Trump administration's second term. In this episode of "Hacks & Wonks" hosted by Crystal Fincher, Councilmember Rinck and journalist Amy Sundberg, who covers public safety and local policy for The Urbanist, discuss the committee's purpose and the challenges Seattle faces. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii. Find Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck on Bluesky at @alexis4seattle and Amy Sundberg at @amysundberg.

    46 min

  4. APR 11

    Week in Review: April 11, 2025 - with Lex Vaughn

    On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Lex Vaughn discuss: 🪧 Thousands protest Trump admin 🧑‍🎓 WA student visas revoked 🐀 Union head blasts “Ratfink” Ferguson 🤞 Progress on rent stabilization 👀 Fingerprint levy on April ballot 💥 Seattle City Council tensions   As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Lex Vaughn on Bluesky at @lex.vaughn.theneedling.com and at TheNeedling.com.

    1h 3m

  5. APR 4

    Week in Review: April 4, 2025 - with Erica Barnett

    On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss: 🙅‍♂️ Ferguson against wealth tax ⚖️ WA joins lawsuit on public health funding cuts 👩‍💼 Braddock appointed acting KC Exec 💸 Moore skips public bidding process for $1M 🤷‍♂️ Saka denounces “defund”   As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Erica Barnett, on Bluesky at @ericacbarnett and on PubliCola.com.

    37 min

  6. MAR 28

    Week in Review: March 28, 2025 - with Shauna Sowersby

    On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Shauna Sowersby discuss: 🌟 Frank Chopp’s legacy 💰 Senate & House budget proposals 📜 Parents’ Bill of Rights initiative 🧯 Natural gas initiative ruled unconstitutional 🚈 Dow Constantine nominated for Sound Transit CEO   As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Shauna Sowersby at @ssowersby.

    31 min

  7. MAR 21

    Week in Review: March 21, 2025 - with Robert Cruickshank

    On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss: 🤨 Gov Ferguson’s workplace complaints 😧 More troubling activity around Bruce Harrell 🏘️ SoDo housing proposal passed 👋 SPS superintendent resigns 🙄 Adam Smith is all wrong   As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii and find today’s co-host, Robert Cruickshank, on Bluesky at @robertcruickshank.com.

    43 min

  8. MAR 18

    Hacks & Wonks Host Returns to Radio Roots with KVRU Acquisition

    Hacks & Wonks host Crystal Fincher and community leader Monisha Harrell have announced their acquisition of KVRU 105.7 FM, a non-profit, non-commercial community radio station based in South Seattle, with plans to preserve it as a trusted resource in South Seattle through community-driven programming. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii, Monisha Harrell at @moharrell, and KVRU at @kvru.

    36 min
See All (440)

    4.8
    out of 5
    54 Ratings

    About

    Hacks & Wonks is a show hosted by political consultant Crystal Fincher, who talks with Policy Wonks and Political Hacks to gather insight into local politics and policy in Washington state through the lens of those doing the work, with behind-the-scenes perspectives on what's happening, why it's happening and what you can do about it.

    Information

    • Creator
      Crystal Fincher
    • Years Active
      2020 - 2025
    • Episodes
      440
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Copyright 2025
    • Show Website
      Hacks & Wonks

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