Jun 30, 20261h 1m
Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, running for reelection in the 37th Legislative District, argues that displacement, public safety, housing, childcare affordability, and a fundamental reimagining of Washington's...
news
Hacks & Wonks
Hosted by Crystal Fincher · news · EN
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.
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Contact path
Verified email
Booking probability
32%
Guest openness
Selective
80/100
Required Score
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Signup to Generate a PitchQuestions about Hacks & Wonks
What is Hacks & Wonks 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.
Who hosts Hacks & Wonks?
Hacks & Wonks is hosted by Crystal Fincher. The show has published 50 episodes to date.
What has Hacks & Wonks covered recently?
Recent episodes include "Sharon Tomiko Santos Makes Her Case for Reelection in the 37th" (30 June 2026, 61 minutes), "The Fighting 37th Has a New Contender: Kelabe Tewolde Eyes House Seat" (27 June 2026, 38 minutes), and "Silas James, District 5 Candidate, Outlines Plans to Address Housing, Safety, and Poverty" (25 June 2026, 52 minutes).
How often does Hacks & Wonks publish?
Hacks & Wonks publishes roughly a few times a week, with episodes averaging 44 minutes across 50 episodes.
How hard is it to get booked on Hacks & Wonks?
Booking probability for Hacks & Wonks is 32%, and the host is rated Selective on guests. Hacks & Wonks requires a Pod Score of 80 or higher. Hacks & Wonks's contact route on record: verified email.
Who should pitch Hacks & Wonks?
The strongest fits for Hacks & Wonks are Government & Politics. Hacks & Wonks has a news audience.
About the host
Crystal Fincher hosts Hacks & Wonks, a news podcast with 50 episodes published.
Verified host email: ████████@████.comSign in to unlock →
Recent episodes
Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.
- Jun 27, 202638 min
Kelabe Tewolde is running for State Representative in the 37th District, challenging the incumbent in a race centered on housing affordability, education investment, environmental justice, and public safety in South...
Hacks & Wonks
Silas James, District 5 Candidate, Outlines Plans to Address Housing, Safety, and Poverty
Jun 25, 202652 minSilas James is running for Seattle City Council District 5 as a working-class Democratic Socialist focused on fixing failing systems. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at...
- Jun 24, 202642 min
Nilu Jenks is running for the District 5 Seattle City Council seat, prioritizing affordable housing, reliable public transportation, and climate resilience. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at...
- Jun 23, 202642 min
Ron Davis, challenging 15-year incumbent Rep. Gerry Pollet, shares his vision and priorities for the 46th district. As always, a full text transcript of the show is available at officialhacksandwonks.com . Follow us on...
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- Jun 16, 202645 min
State Representative Chipalo Street is running for the open 37th District Senate seat, emphasizing his record on progressive taxation, housing affordability, reparations, and immigrant protections as the district faces...
Hacks & Wonks
Week in Review: June 12, 2026 - with Erica Barnett
Jun 12, 202630 minOn this week-in-review, Crystal Fincher and Erica Barnett discuss: 🗄️ Data center moratorium 🚈 Link light rail ridership soars 🕸️ The whole KCRHA situation 🫶 CARE Department proposal As always, a full text...
- Jun 9, 202645 min
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 governance. As always, a...
Hacks & Wonks
Week in Review: June 5, 2026 - with Jerry Cornfield
Jun 5, 202650 minOn 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 Simmons faces ethics...
- Jun 3, 202649 min
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 LGBTQ communities. As...
- May 22, 202633 min
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 Transit swings...
Hacks & Wonks
Hannah Sabio-Howell Challenges Senate Majority Leader Pedersen in Seattle's Most Progressive District
May 19, 202657 minHannah 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 state senate seat. The...
Hacks & Wonks
Senator Jamie Pedersen Defends Millionaire's Tax, Budget Choices, and Progressive Record Ahead of Primary Challenge
May 13, 202656 minWashington 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, education, child care...
Hacks & Wonks
Port Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa Shares Vision as King County Council District 2 Candidate
May 8, 20261h 12mPort 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 homelessness, and...
- May 5, 202653 min
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 deficit, homelessness...
Hacks & Wonks
Week in Review: May 1, 2026 - with David Kroman
May 1, 202648 minOn 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 KCRHA audit 🧒...
- Apr 17, 202636 min
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 Wilson's first 100...
Hacks & Wonks
Week in Review: April 10, 2026 - with Erica Barnett
Apr 10, 202628 minOn 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 surveillance 👮...
Hacks & Wonks
Why We're on a Reduced Schedule
Jan 16, 20261 minCrystal gives a quick update on the Hacks & Wonks schedule. Follow us on Bluesky at @HacksAndWonks . Find the host, Crystal Fincher, on Bluesky at @finchfrii .
- Jan 14, 202639 min
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 first year in...
Recent guests
Recent guests on Hacks & Wonks. Study who booked and why before you pitch.
D
Dr. Ron Davis
political and tech consultant, author of the Rendezvous newsletter, Kush Edifying Ministries
T
Toshiko Hasegawa
Port of Seattle Commissioner and candidate for King County Council District 2, Seattle Port Commission
M
Melissa Santos
Axios Seattle
J
Josh Cohen
Director for MBA Entrepreneurship Programs and Startup Recruiting, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Florida Network Realty
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