UW Alumni and Faculty Launch Engaging Podcasts for Community

Several new podcasts from alumni and faculty of the University of Washington (UW) are set to enrich the audio landscape in Fall 2025. These programs aim to foster community engagement, cultural exploration, and overall well-being, presenting a variety of perspectives and conversations.

Highlighting Indigenous Voices and Community Wellness

One of the standout offerings is “Indigenous Jazz,” hosted by Markus Dekanogisdi Teuton (Cherokee), a recent graduate from the class of 2024. This show, broadcast through Daybreak Star Radio at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle’s Discovery Park, highlights the intersection of jazz music and Indigenous culture. The program airs on Thursdays at 15:00 and Sundays at 12:00, featuring a rich selection of both established Indigenous jazz legends and emerging local talents, including the Seattle-based collective Khu.éex’.

Another noteworthy podcast is “At-homish,” created by Wil Johnson, who serves as the chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer for Snohomish County. Now in its second season, this podcast is dedicated to fostering environments of safety and belonging within the community. It features discussions with civil servants and local residents, focusing on building connections that enable everyone to feel at home.

Exploring Shared Humanity in Uncertain Times

The podcast “In the Meanwhile” is a collaborative effort between Marcus Harrison Green, founder of the South Seattle Emerald, and Nora Kenworthy, a professor at UW Bothell and author of “Crowded Out.” This series addresses the post-pandemic reality of navigating uncertainty and discomfort while maintaining connections with our shared humanity. Through insightful dialogue, the hosts engage listeners with a blend of humor and candor.

Additionally, “The Appetite” podcast, co-hosted by therapist Kara Bazzi, Dr. Lexi Giblin, and dietitian Julie Church, focuses on conversations surrounding food, body image, and psychological wellness. As co-founders of Opal: Food+Body Wisdom, a Seattle-based treatment center for eating disorders, the hosts bring their expertise to discussions on vital topics. Recent episodes have tackled issues such as the representation of women in sports, the impact of diet culture, and the implications of the rise in weight-loss drugs.

These podcasts exemplify a commitment to community and cultural dialogue, showcasing the diverse voices within the University of Washington community. As these programs launch, they promise to engage listeners in meaningful conversations that resonate across various facets of life.