City Cast Seattle logo
September 8, 2026

Could the Fremont Troll Get Built Today? Plus, the Argument for More Light at Green Lake

City Cast Seattle

Could the Fremont Troll Get Built Today? Plus, the Argument for More Light at Green Lake

00:00:00
View all City Cast Seattle episodes

Today on the podcast, we’re revisiting a conversation from earlier this year about one of Seattle’s most iconic works of art: the Fremont Troll. Steve Badanes, who designed and built the troll, gives Jane and Sam the whole story on how it came to be. He also talks about the state of public art in Seattle, and its past and future.  

But first, we revisit a conversation that seems to come up in Seattle fairly regularly: Does Green Lake need more light? Jan, Sam, and Liam debate. 

Learn more about the sponsors of this September 8th episode:

Clipper Vacations

Grand Central Bakery 


Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastSeattle on Instagram, or email us at seattle@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 206-880-3931.

For more Seattle news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, City Cast Seattle.

Support City Cast Seattle by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/seattle

Looking to advertise on City Cast Seattle? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Seattle

Stay connected to City Cast Seattle and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
September 4

Bumbershoot's Stacked Lineup, Massage Ordinances Explained, and the Punk Band That Literally Lit the Stage on Fire

Today on the podcast, Bumbershoot is back! Executive Producer Ashley Smith – who is filling in for Jane – and producer Sam J. Leeds are j...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
September 3

How Can Washington Protect Its Forests, Water, and Citizens?

Have you heard of the Roadless Rule? Today on the podcast, Jane speaks with UW Professor Julian Olden about the news that the Trump admin...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
September 2

District 5’s Top Issues According to Both Candidates

Come November, Seattleites living in District 5 will vote on a new city council member who will fill the seat vacated by Cathy Moore last...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
September 1

Your Guide to September 2026 in Seattle

Today on the show, host Jane C. Hu is joined by Executive Producer Ashley Smith and Creative Producer Liam Billingham to discuss the home...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 31

Rick Steves on Buying the Edmonds Theater and Giving Away His Fortune. Plus, Fire Survivor Advice for Seattle

According to Rick Steves: “ There's no better way to start getting, putting your money to good use than right now. Shrouds have no pocket...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 28

Will the Meta Settlement Actually Change Anything? Plus, SPD's Restrictions on CARE

Seattle's CARE team was supposed to be the city's answer to unarmed crisis response — but a new Inspector General report reveals it's sti...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 27

Boeing Field's Deportation Surge, Unemployment Hoops for Striking Workers, and Mourning Dolly Parton

King County recently announced it had hired a flight monitoring and outreach coordinator after advocacy groups had been calling for the c...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 26

Is Downtown Seattle Really Bouncing Back?

In July, downtown Seattle saw the most visitors it's had in years. Does that mean downtown is finally bouncing back? Today, Host Jane C....

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 25

Mayor Wilson Gives Vision Zero a Deadline. Plus, Will the Millionaires Tax Get Repealed?

Contributors Ryan Packer from The Urbanist and Hannah Krieg of The Burner join Jane C. Hu to discuss Mayor Wilson’s executive order direc...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 24

How To Help Unsheltered Families, What Patients Actually Want From Abortion Care, and How the Local News Sausage Gets Made

Dominique Alex, CEO of Mary’s Place, joins Jane C. Hu to discuss the King County Regional Homelessness Authority’s 2026 Point-in-Time Cou...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art