In our last two episodes we talk to two local experts about housing, and the increasing numbers of local residents who don’t have it.  Part 2 brings us back to Meg Martin, who was our first ever guest. Much has happened in Interfaith Works program that Meg runs, and she catches us up on this year’s worth of steps forward.

Oly Talks

Episode #24: Housing Ends Homelessness, Pt. 2

In our last two episodes we talk to two local experts about housing, and the increasing numbers of local residents who don't have it. Part one of our conversation is with Cary Retlin, Olympia's housing expert. Cary talks to us about how much housing is actually available, and about projects on the horizon to ease burden lack of housing in our community.

Episode #23: Housing Ends Homelessness, Pt. 1

The capital building is open, seven days a week, and staffed with knowledgeable folks ready to show you around. You can take a tour, drop by your legislator’s office, and see learn an amazing amount - for free. We recorded this episode in the basement of the building and Jim (resident government nerd) has never been happier!

Episode #22: Civically hospitable

 Where do we find the stories we really need to know about? What's isn't being covered? What's the state of journalism and how does that impact our civic society? In this episode we talk to local writing legend John Dodge (formerly of The Olympian) about his life in journalism and his successful book, A Deadly Wind; the 1962 Columbus Day Storm. In this conversation we get a lot of questions answered, and think of many, many more.  

Episode #21: No Coverage: the regional transition to new journalism

How are our community’s foster kids taken care of? Who is involved in juvenile justice, and how are we ensuring that the kids involved get what they need? What happens when we don’t invest in kids? Community Youth Services is a one stop shop for youth in our area, and we talked with their director, Derek Harris about what they do, what kids need, and how you can help. 

Episode #20: Community Youth Services: the director’s view

In this episode we talk to Jill Barnes, Executive Director of the Washington Center for the Performing Arts about taking risks, bridging cultures, and how much our area loves the arts. Also: she wants to hear from you. Be a part of the conversation.

Episode #19 Civics and the performing arts: visiting the Washington Center

Our senior population is expected to be 25% of the population in the next few years, but the financial support for them is stagnant. Find out what the creative folks at Senior Services of the South Sound are doing to help. Along the way you might find some of the best tickets in town.

Episode #18 Serving Seniors: efforts to prevent a community crisis

After a tough year, Harlequin productions is focused on the welfare of their employees and the plays on their stage (s). Get the inside scoop on their upcoming season and hear about their philosophy about the role of the theater in the community. Plus they invite us to a party!

Episode 17: Harlequin Presents

Check out our interview with local restauranteur Adam Adrian. why did Ramblin Jack’s close? Spoiler alert: it wasn’t what many assumed. Listen for that, to find out where to get your Mac and cheese fix, and what new projects he has in store. Local foodies won’t want to miss out. 

Episode #16: Eat Local

Four years in, StoryOly, a monthly story-telling event at Rhythm and Rye in Olympia, is a big success. Co-founders Amy Shepherd and Elizabeth Lord lead the monthly competition where Olympians from all walks of life get on stage and tell true stories in front of an audience. StoryOly is in it's fourth season, they've had three grand slam challenges, and in the process have brought it's attendees, storytellers, and judges closer together. Check out this episode about creating community one story at a time.

Episode #15 The Storytelling Challenge

Programming for people with intellectual disabilities is in short supply, and free programming is even harder to find. Two staffers from the local organization Kokua are changing that with LEAD, an education program that pairs local college students with folks with disabilities who have learning objectives, and Hummingbird Studios, a downtown Olympia art studio that is about to be open free of charge five days a week for art workshops and more. This episode is an interview with Randi Miller, who manages both programs and can melt your heart with stories of what happens when you include those who've never been included. 

Episode #14 Art & Learning are for Everyone

What does graduate school have to do with citizenry? As it turns out, quite a bit. We invited Doreen Swetkis and Cheryl Simrell King on the podcast to discuss the impact that the Evergreen State College's Master's in Public Administration program have had on the south sound community, Those who work in non-profits or government have all run across MPA graduates, and they are some of the most civically engaged folks there are. Listen to find out more.

Episode #13 Graduate Citizenship

The City of Olympia counts on the recommendations of citizen advisory committees on topics ranging from zoning to utilities to public art. They are currently recruiting for new members for all of these commissions, so we thought we'd talk to someone with experience. In this episode we chat with Brian Mark, former Planning Commission Chair, about what this type of citizen engagement means for the community, your resume, and your relationships. To find information on all of the commissions, go to the city's website to read more. 

Episode #12 Be Jim's Boss, Join a City Commission!

Immigration, refugees, people who are undocumented. They are on the national news regularly, but what impact does this issue have on our community? To discuss this topic we invited Kathy Baros Friedt of Strengthening Sanctuary to discuss what the group is doing to support undocumented folks in our area. In the meantime we are reminded that we should all, always, know our rights.

Episode #11 We Are Sanctuary

Check out this mini episode to get to know our host Jim Cooper. Jim Cooper is a city councilmember, nonprofit executive and community organizer. He lives in southeast Olympia with his wife, daughter, and dog Rusty and loves to spend summer weekends camping in his travel trailer. 

Episode #10 Meet Jim Cooper

Oly Talks A podcast focused on civic affairs in Olympia, Washington. The show focuses on building bridges and talking about things we hope are relevant to everyone. Hosted by Emma Margraf and Jim Cooper.

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Oly Talks

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