Episodes 50
Avg. Duration 44m
Activity Highly Active
Apple Rating 4.9 (59)
Since Apr 2025
Latest Episode Jun 2026

Outreach Signals

Features Guests

Publishing Details

Schedule
Weekly
Format
Episodic
Consistency
8%
Hosting
crystal.libsyn.com

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

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.

Podcasting 2.0 Features

transcript

Social Media

Explore Statistics

Recent Episodes

Tatiana Brown Makes Case for Open Senate Seat in the 37th District

Jun 09, 2026 45m Transcript

Tatiana Brown is running for the open 37th District State Senate seat on a platform of progressive tax reform, environmental justice, expanded public safety alternatives, and community-driven…

Week in Review: June 5, 2026 - with Jerry Cornfield

Jun 05, 2026 50m Transcript

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Jerry Cornfield discuss: ⚖️ Developments in WA redistricting case 🧑‍⚖️ WA Supreme Court races ⚔️ Impending battle to be Speaker of the House 🔍 Rep Tarra…

Jaelynn Scott Seeks Open State House Seat in Seattle's 37th District

Jun 03, 2026 48m Transcript

Jaelynn Scott is running for the 37th District House and shares her priorities, including progressive revenue, social housing, care-based public safety, and sanctuary protections for immigrants and…

Week in Review: May 22, 2026 - with Robert Cruickshank

May 22, 2026 32m Transcript

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss: ☕ Mayor Wilson, Starbucks, and business lobbying 🏳️‍🌈 Seattle to declare a state of emergency to support LGBTQ refugees 🚈 Sound…

Hannah Sabio-Howell Challenges Senate Majority Leader Pedersen in Seattle's Most Progressive District

May 19, 2026 57m Transcript

Hannah Sabio-Howell, a labor organizer and former Washington State Senate communications staffer, is challenging incumbent Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen for the 43rd Legislative District's…

Senator Jamie Pedersen Defends Millionaire's Tax, Budget Choices, and Progressive Record Ahead of Primary Challenge

May 13, 2026 55m Transcript

Washington Senate Majority Leader Jamie Pedersen is running for reelection in the 43rd District. In this Hacks & Wonks interview, he defends his record and shares his priorities on taxes,…

Port Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa Shares Vision as King County Council District 2 Candidate

May 08, 2026 1h 12m Transcript

Port Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa is running for the King County Council District 2 open seat and shares her priorities, including prioritizing criminal legal reform, affordable housing, child…

Rebecca Saldaña Makes Her Case for King County Council

May 05, 2026 52m Transcript

Rebecca Saldaña is leaving the State Senate to run for the open King County Council District 2 seat. She spoke with Hacks & Wonks about her priorities, including addressing the county's budget…

Week in Review: May 1, 2026 - with David Kroman

May 01, 2026 47m Transcript

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and David Kroman discuss: 🚧 Governor comms sign-off rule delays info flow 🧊 WA tries to gain access to privately-run ICE facility ❌ Calls for dissolution after…

Week in Review: April 17, 2026 - with Robert Cruickshank

Apr 17, 2026 36m Transcript

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss: ⚔️ Progressive Democrats take on moderate incumbents 🚈 Sound Transit 3 in crisis 🏘️ Mayor Wilson's housing proposals 💯 Katie…

Week in Review: April 10, 2026 - with Erica Barnett

Apr 10, 2026 28m Transcript

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss: 📜 Accountability law enacted for sheriffs ⚔️ Court battle starts over millionaires' tax 🏛️ Wilson town halls on shelter proposal and…

Why We're on a Reduced Schedule

Jan 16, 2026 1m

Crystal gives a quick update on the Hacks & Wonks schedule. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks. Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii.

From Consumer Protection to Constitutional Defense: Nick Brown's First Year as AG

Jan 14, 2026 39m

Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown has focused on protecting state residents, filing 49 lawsuits against federal actions and prioritizing consumer protection and workers' rights during his…

Week in Review: January 9, 2026 - with Robert Cruickshank

Jan 10, 2026 40m Transcript

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Robert Cruickshank discuss: 😡 WA still providing driver data to federal immigration agents 🌱 New Seattle electeds inaugurated 🤨 SPOG misleads on drug…

Rep. Shaun Scott Pushes Revenue Plan to Counter Austerity

Dec 30, 2025 33m Transcript

As Washington state braces for devastating federal budget cuts, State Representative Shaun Scott is leading a progressive revenue effort he says could protect critical services from austerity…

Rep. Chipalo Street on Tax Reform, Budget Deficits, and Federal Threats to Washington

Dec 24, 2025 40m Transcript

Washington State Representative Chipalo Street is entering the upcoming 2026 legislative session with an ambitious agenda that includes fixing structural problems in juvenile rehabilitation,…

Transit Riders Union Charts New Course After Katie Wilson's Election

Dec 16, 2025 29m Transcript

The Transit Riders Union faces a transformation as its longtime leader prepares to become Seattle's mayor. For over a decade, the grassroots organization has built power for working people across…

Week in Review: December 12, 2025 - with Shauna Sowersby

Dec 12, 2025 38m Transcript

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Shauna Sowersby discuss: 🌊 Historic flooding across WA 🛡️ Protecting workers from immigration raids ⚔️ Legislature's public records fight continues 📉…

Seattle's Creative Economy at a Crossroads: Randy Engstrom on What's at Stake

Dec 09, 2025 34m Transcript

Seattle's creative economy drives 18% of city GDP but artists can't afford to live here. Randy Engstrom, co-leading Mayor-Elect Wilson's arts transition team, argues culture must be central to…

Week in Review: December 5, 2025 - with David Kroman

Dec 05, 2025 34m Transcript

On this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and David Kroman discuss: ✂️ Ferguson budget relies on cuts 🧑‍⚖️ Trump sues WA 🏢 Affordable housing bailout 🔮 Significance of Wilson hires ✋ Eddie Lin sworn…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Hacks & Wonks have?

Hacks & Wonks has published 50 episodes since April 2025, covering topics in News, News Commentary.

Is Hacks & Wonks still active?

Hacks & Wonks is currently highly active with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 44m.

How do I contact Hacks & Wonks for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Hacks & Wonks, including email and social media links.

Similar Podcasts