Seattle City Makers

Pike Place Market is home to 220 stores with doors, 160 crafters, 85 farmers, 450 residents and five social service organizations. How is America’s oldest continuously running farmers market like “a cross between the mafia and a socialist government?” And why is it the most efficient shopping experience in Seattle? In Episode 31 of Seattle City Makers, Pike Place Market PDA Executive Director Mary Bacarella joins Jon for an entertaining conversation about this one-of-a-kind destination in the heart of downtown.

One of the foremost authorities on cities sat down with us for an engaging look at the future of urban areas in this episode of Seattle City Makers. Award-winning Harvard professor, author and economist Ed Glaeser was recently in town for DSA’s annual State of Downtown event. He and Jon discussed Ed’s planned keynote remarks, the resiliency of cities, how to bring vibrancy back to our urban cores, making downtowns more equitable and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Ed Glaeser.

A trip to Europe sparked inspiration for Rachel Marshall, and that led to what’s become THE standard by which all ginger beers are measured in Seattle. Her eponymous Rachel’s Ginger Beer began as a stand at a farmers market and 10 years later has four storefront operations. Jon and Rachel mix together Rachel’s origin story, her perspective on running a small business in Seattle, their favorite cocktails and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Rachel Marshall.

There’s no shortage of topics to discuss with this episode’s guest. A fifth-generation Seattleite, City Council member Andrew Lewis represents District 7 at City Hall, which includes downtown Seattle. Jon and Andrew dig into the tensions of the local political landscape, key issues impacting the heart of the city, what he’s hearing from voters and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Andrew Lewis.

Southern California’s loss has certainly been Seattle’s gain in Eric Tanaka. Academia had him penciled in to design bike trails in the Golden State, but his real passion directed him to a culinary career that has served downtown Seattle since the early 90s. The managing partner at Tom Douglas restaurants, Eric and Jon discussed the state of the industry post-pandemic, his outlook on the city and recovery, a couple of recipe tips and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Eric Tanaka.

Our second episode of the year welcomes GeekWire co-founder John Cook to the podcast. A veteran journalist and media outlet co-creator, Cook and his team have grown GeekWire to a go-to national technology news website based in Seattle. Jon and John talk about GeekWire’s evolution, the growth and current status of the tech sector in Seattle, the importance of the office and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest John Cook.

Our first episode of 2023 focuses on public safety in downtown Seattle with a true authority on the subject – Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz. From a patrol officer in the late 90s to the top brass, Adrian Diaz has 26 years of experience in the department. Jon and Adrian talk about his rise to leadership, current challenges facing the department and the city, what he sees at areas like Third and Pine and 12th and Jackson and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Chief Adrian Diaz.

Our final episode of the year digs into one of the most complex issues facing Seattle and other cities across the nation – homelessness – with Pallet Founder and CEO Amy King. From its headquarters in Everett, Washington, Pallet has grown into a national leader in rapid-response housing with villages in more than 100 cities. Jon and Amy discuss how Seattle and King County are faring in the fight against homelessness, what she has learned from other cities, why she believes housing is not the cure-all for this crisis and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Amy King.

As SDOT’s new director, Greg Spotts believes he needs to understand every neighborhood in Seattle. If you follow him on social media, you’ll see he’s certainly making the rounds. Jon and Greg talk about his boots-on-the-ground management style, Greg’s background in the music industry, his vision for connecting the Seattle Streetcar line, mobility in a post-pandemic Seattle and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Greg Spotts.

Bob Donegan has been called the unofficial mayor of Seattle’s central waterfront. This conversation with Ivar's president proves that to be an appropriate moniker. Jon and Bob talk about the economic health of the neighborhood, the impact of the waterfront redevelopment, his advice for our city’s elected leaders, favorite Ivar’s menu items and more. Join us for Seattle City Makers with Jon Scholes and guest Bob Donegan..