Seattle Tech 4 Housing founder Ethan P. Goodman came by the bookstore smack in the middle of the utter craziness that was the fight over the Seattle "headcount tax." Ethan shared his inspiration for jumping into the fight for more--and more affordable--housing, why a run-of-the-mill tech worker has an obligation to get involved, and then defends the controversial tax in the context of Seattle's limited revenue-generation options.

Longtime competitive athlete and founder of the Duncan Connection Tiana Duncan stops by the bookstore. She and Ian discuss the role fitness can fill in building social relationships and thawing the "Seattle freeze," especially in scenarios where it's acceptable to throw shade at the instructor. Then, Cascadia Underground and Cascadia Media founder Brandon Letsinger finally sits down and raps with Ian about the inspiration for creating a culturally autonomous region in the Pacific Northwest, warning against those who use the regional identity for nefarious racial purposes.

Jennifer Zeyl came by the bookstore and discussed artistic excellence, something she knows a great deal about as Artistic Director of Intiman Theater, one of the Seattle's indispensable -- and arguably most important -- theater companies. While the dogs frolicked about, Ian and Jennifer went back and forth on the impact that recent demographic and economic changes are having on the theater community, and what Jennifer thinks the incoming tech business transplants can do to integrate better with the Seattle arts community.

Ever-present at Seattle City Council events, planning meetings, and social media posts, Seattle for Growth's Roger Valdez visits the bookstore and takes Ian through the history of zoning in the US -- which he calls "a 20th-Century solution to a 19th-Century problem." His critiques of the unnecessary bureaucracy implicit in Seattle's -- and other cities' governments -- sparks a debate about the value of growth regulation. Also, a full-fledged concert rages in the background, because that's how Horizon Books rolls.

Another week, another pair of guests challenge Ian's convictions. Hugo House co-founder Linda Breneman talks growing up nuclear, dishes on the origins of Hugo House, and debates Ian on the nature of reliable information today. Then Dr. Teresa Swanson of the University of Washington and March for Science Seattle describes exactly what makes the scientific method different and why scientists need to be better activists.

Grist.org CEO and former Washington State legislator Brady Piñero Walkinshaw stops by the bookstore and talks about growing up in a rural town on the Canadian border and how to advocate for density and against climate change -- spoiler: even Ian feels pain at one of his solutions. Brady then challenges one of Ian's biggest personal takeaways from the 2016 election.

Three of Seattle's most relevant and interesting spoken word poets sit with Ian to discuss life, the universe, and when to just give up and call an Uber. The legendary Imani Sims details a tumultuous spiritual journey that is still only just taking shape. Reigning Grand Slam Champion Ben Yisrael compares Fort Worth, TX to Seattle, and explains why he thinks slam poetry is leaving something on the table as an art form. Chelsey Brown explains how she balances motherhood, art, and youth advocacy on no sleep.

KUOW Seattle's mid-day host Bill Radke walks Ian through his history as a radio host, including why he lost interest in news comedy following 9-11, and why he prefers not to be "the opinionated one" -- especially about what to do in response to Seattle's rapid growth. His personal recommendation is mindful skepticism, which he says allows us to treat ourselves and others as mere storytellers.

Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda shows off her unique combination of policy chops and passion for urbanization, while shouting out her favorite bar spot in Seattle. Ian is then joined in the studio by Matt Hutchins of CAST Architecture, a pioneer in local density advocacy and a tireless agitator for more housing.

Marcos Martinez of Casa Latina stops by the studio for a chat on the history of Latino activism and the forces and influences that shaped his life and career. Ian's dog Kanye gets in on the action and hijinks ensue.