Seattle City Makers

Holy catfish! The 2024 football season has kicked off and what better guest to talk pigskin than the voice of the Seattle Seahawks, Steve Raible? He’s been with the organization since its inception in 1976 (drafted 59th overall), spent nearly 40 years at KIRO 7 following his playing days and has been the play-by-play voice of the Hawks since 2004. Jon and Steve talk about his path to the microphone; the new coaching staff and identity of this year’s team; the origin of his “Holy catfish!” catchphrase; big local stories during his news career and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Steve Raible.

We took the show on the road to record at one of the most iconic locations in the country — The Space Needle. CEO Ron Sevart took the reins of the Needle in 2008 and steered this attraction through the Great Recession, opening Chihuly Garden and Glass in 2012 and then leading both through a global pandemic. Jon and Ron talk about the Needle’s $100 million renovation; the origin story of The Space Needle’s rotating glass floor; the booming attendance of Chihuly Garden and Glass; the values that guide both locations; the enormous upcoming elevator renovation and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Ron Sevart.

Seattle Met described Marcus Lalario as Seattle’s Kevin Bacon – you can connect him to a ton of ventures and a lot of people. Whether it’s the Seattle music scene, nightlife, fashion or restaurants, Marcus Lalario has had a major impact in how we experience this city. Jon and Marcus talk about his fairly unusual start in the nighttime economy; his HOMETEAM and Darkalino’s enterprise; the Pioneer Square neighborhood; how fatherhood has changed him and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Marcus Lalario.

What began as a web hosting operation based in a one-bedroom apartment has become a cloud computing company with a global presence. Wowrack CEO Ed Osckar has a story of growth and perspective on what’s ahead for tech in Seattle. Jon and Ed talk about how Shawn Kemp played a role in Ed coming to Seattle; our city’s positioning in the AI and cloud ecosystem; future infrastructure considerations for AI; Ed’s perfect Saturday in Seattle and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Ed Osckar.

Thinking about design and how we use spaces are key ingredients when considering the vibrancy and activity levels of our cities. HKS Seattle Principal and Office Director Doug Demers has spent decades working on the intersection of design and use. Jon and Doug dig into the economics of converting office space to housing in Seattle; how a district approach to neighborhoods can impact revitalization; the future of the office and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Doug Demers.

Ohio native Alesha Washington has lived in Seattle for two years. For the CEO of the Seattle Foundation, that’s already long enough to make the city feel like home and provide her with ample proof that the Seattle Freeze is more myth than reality. And that’s a great thing when your organization’s role is to create greater equity and opportunity in all areas of a vibrant and healthy city. Jon and Alesha discuss the changing role of community foundations; her vision and priorities for the Seattle Foundation; the importance of joy in her approach to leadership and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Alesha Washington.

Ian Courtnage helped grow MOD Pizza from 100 stores to 500 locations across the country. Then an opportunity arose to take the reins as CEO of Seattle-based Evergreens. Courtnage takes us behind the scenes of this healthy, fast-casual eatery that is now a local brand synonymous with salads, wraps and bowls. Jon and Ian discuss the Seattle retail market’s love for all things local; how Evergreens comes up with catchy names for menu items; doing business in Seattle; the status of downtown and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Ian Courtnage.

When you walk into a Renee Erickson restaurant you’re in for an exceptional experience. The James Beard award-winning chef’s Sea Creatures restaurant group is known for high culinary standards and a renowned aesthetic. Sea Creatures co-founder and co-owner Jeremy Price’s design work has been featured in GQ, Esquire and Architectural Digest, to name a few publications. Jon and Jeremy discuss the company’s new restaurants coming to downtown; the changing nature of the industry; how Jeremy and Renee develop concepts for new restaurants; where Jeremy dines in Seattle and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Jeremy Price.

In a first for the Seattle City Makers Podcast, we have a returning guest. Michele Smith joined us in season one but since then her role has changed dramatically. Now the CEO of MoPOP, she’s leading Seattle’s premier pop culture institution. Jon and Michele discuss her vision for MoPOP; who and what defines pop culture; bridging the gap with area youth through film, fashion and music; Seattleites misconceptions of MoPOP and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Michele Smith.

The makeup of the Seattle City Council is much different than it was a year ago. Six of the nine council members are new to the legislative body, including downtown’s representative Bob Kettle. Jon and Bob discuss what motivated him to run for office; public safety and Seattle Police recruitment; the fentanyl crisis; his first 100 days in office and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Bob Kettle.