55 episodes

UpZones podcast features stories from the people building a richer, more cosmopolitan new Seattle. Host Ian Martinez, a former journalist and Obama Administration adviser, brings his unique conversational manner to long-form interviews with community leaders in the arts, politics & activism, business, and general civic life.

UpZones podcast UpZones podcast

    • News
    • 5.0 • 9 Ratings

UpZones podcast features stories from the people building a richer, more cosmopolitan new Seattle. Host Ian Martinez, a former journalist and Obama Administration adviser, brings his unique conversational manner to long-form interviews with community leaders in the arts, politics & activism, business, and general civic life.

    Upisode #53: Alex Brennan

    Upisode #53: Alex Brennan

    Futurewise Executive Director Alex Brennan came by the Collaboratory and talked urban growth boundaries, development, and housing.

    • 35 min
    Upisode #52: Liz Berry

    Upisode #52: Liz Berry

    We're back! Washington State Association for Justice Executive Director Liz Berry stops by the new digs to talk about her firsthand experience with gun violence, Washington's inability -- or unwillingness -- to raise tax revenue, and her legendary cousin Glen.

    • 37 min
    Classic Upisode: Cary Moon

    Classic Upisode: Cary Moon

    Classic upisode! Or, re-run!

    Longtime advocate and 2017 mayoral finalist Cary Moon swings by the bookstore and raps with Ian about growing up in the Midwest, land planning in Seattle, and the value of our city's connection to the water. She explains the distinction between the successful public park (a city project) and the viaduct (a controversial state project) and discusses what she learned -- and what confirmed that she already knew -- during her run.

    • 29 min
    Classic Upisode: Sol Villarreal

    Classic Upisode: Sol Villarreal

    Classic upisode! Or, re-run! Real estate expert and Civic Minute founder Sol Villarreal stops by the book store to chat about the housing market, trust in business and politics, and engage in a rigorous debate with Ian about our social expectations for elected officials.

    • 33 min
    LIVE Cascadia Day Upisode

    LIVE Cascadia Day Upisode

    It's Cascadia Day! Ian gets together with a gang of the region's top subject matter experts to discuss how we define the region, how we think about the region, and what's next for the millions of people who call Cascadia home. Cascadia Magazine founder Andrew Engelson, Tarika Powell of Sightline Institute, Cascadia Rail co-founder Paige Malott, and iconic Cascadian poet Nadine Maestas take turns schooling Ian and the live audience on their perspectives about Cascadia's future.

    • 1 hr 2 min
    Upisode 50! Season two finale feat. Milenko Matanovic

    Upisode 50! Season two finale feat. Milenko Matanovic

    Celebrated Slovenian/American avant-garde artist Milenko Matanovic, also known for his tireless and effective community organizing here in the U.S., came by the bookstore for a philosophical barnburner while the "Puzzle Break" was in full swing next door. He shares his passion for that most democratic of institutions, the public meeting, and breaks down how important it is to a functional relationship with the government (and how easy it is to abuse).

    • 35 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
9 Ratings

9 Ratings

😎🔥🙌🏿 ,

Laura Loe Brought Me Here

Just subscribed after listening to the Laura Loe interview. So refreshing to hear housing politics explained in a way that’s inviting to people new to the space. Even better, hearing how it’s connected to the larger progressive movement and places where victories are being secured — like the Liberty Building project. Keep up the great work and invite Loe again!

PNWOB ,

Great Seattle podcast

Ian Martinez manages to consistenly pull together a smart show focused on relevant topics with an impressively diverse cast of community members. The podcast is starting to change my perspective on why urban communities should prioritize growth, and explain (without sleepy partisan scripts) how city development projects impact low-income and minority persons. An important ongoing conversation for urbanists, Y/NIMBYs, and just the intellectually curious who find themselves in Seattle in 2018.

MarsHammer ,

Ian has a mighty beard

He also has a mighty fine command of the interview form. He has a unique ability to guide a conversation while keeping it engaging, entertaining and elucidating. I look forward to his future episodes.

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