On this episode, I read my blog post “Don’t think of an Olympia” from Olympia Time, revisiting one of my longest-running gripes: the use of “Olympia” as a lazy shorthand for state government. I explore why this rhetorical habit is more than just annoying, it shapes how people think about power, accountability, and democracy. Drawing on philosophy, civics, and the evolving nature of legislative work, I argue that language matters and urges journalists and political commentators to be more precise. Plus, there are some practical tips for anyone covering state government to avoid flattening complex realities, or alienating a whole town.

Want to change how people think about democracy? Start with how we talk about it.