UW Alumni and Faculty Launch Engaging Podcasts for Community

A new wave of podcasts featuring University of Washington (UW) alumni and faculty is set to enrich the conversation around community, culture, and well-being. These shows, which began airing in Fall 2025, offer diverse perspectives and aim to foster connections among listeners.

One standout program, “Indigenous Jazz,” is broadcast through Daybreak Star Radio, located at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center near Seattle’s Discovery Park. The show is hosted by Markus Dekanogisdi Teuton, a UW student and a member of the Cherokee Nation. It combines the vibrant elements of jazz music with Indigenous cultural narratives, showcasing both legendary Indigenous jazz musicians and emerging local talent, including the Seattle-based jazz-funk collective Khu.éex’. The show airs on Thursdays at 15:00 and Sundays at 12:00.

Another notable podcast, “At-homish,” was created by Wil Johnson, the chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for Snohomish County. Now in its second season, this podcast emphasizes the importance of safe and inclusive spaces that promote community well-being. It features discussions with civil servants and community members dedicated to fostering relationships that help everyone feel at home.

In collaboration with journalist Marcus Harrison Green, founder of the South Seattle Emerald, and Nora Kenworthy, a professor at UW Bothell, the podcast “In the Meanwhile” addresses the challenges of living with uncertainty and discomfort in a post-pandemic world. It emphasizes maintaining our shared humanity even amidst difficulties, presenting engaging discussions filled with insight and humor.

Additionally, “The Appetite” podcast, co-hosted by therapist Kara Bazzi, Dr. Lexi Giblin, and dietitian Julie Church, provides a platform for conversations on food, body image, and psychological well-being. As co-founders of Opal: Food+Body Wisdom, a Seattle-based eating disorder treatment center, they explore various themes, including the roles of women in sports, the impacts of diet culture, and the growing trend of weight-loss medications.

These podcasts reflect a commitment to addressing pressing social issues while enhancing community engagement through diverse voices. They invite listeners to join conversations that matter, highlighting the power of storytelling in fostering connection and understanding.