City Cast Seattle logo
May 19, 2026

Is Seattle Anti-Business? Plus, Cruise Ship Impact & Renaming the Cascades

City Cast Seattle

Is Seattle Anti-Business? Plus, Cruise Ship Impact & Renaming the Cascades

00:00:00
View all City Cast Seattle episodes

Rumors of Starbucks' expansion to Nashville to "refocus its growth" have heightened an already-heated debate about whether or not Seattle and its new democratic socialist mayor are creating a hostile environment for big business. But with Tennessee offering generous tax incentives to corporations, what's really driving the move? City Cast Nashville executive producer Whitney Pastorek joins City Cast Seattle host Jane C. Hu to break down what it looks like to live in a "business-friendly" city. Later, contributors Hannah Krieg and Andy Engelson join the pod to discuss whether the ecological impacts of cruise season outweigh the economic benefits, and if the Cascade volcanoes should reclaim their Indigenous names. 

Learn more about the sponsors of this May 19th episode:

Travel Dundee

King Harvest

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
August 18

Hiring a New Police Chief, a New Permit System for RVs, and the Return of Jane C. Hu

Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu is back with the team, and producers Liam Billingham and Sam J. Leeds catch her up on the headlines...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 17

Where To Find Secret Public Spaces, Light Rail Delays Continue, and Listening to Seattle’s History

Today, on his final day of guest hosting (for now), Marcus Harrison Green is joined by Tony Williams to talk about History Link podcast F...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 14

Unpacking Efforts To Recall Mayor Wilson, Black Nerd Magic, and Hawaiian Shave Ice That’s Worth the Line

Today on the podcast, fill-in host Marcus Harrison Green talks to Michael Peterson, one of the organizers behind the Seattle Black Nerd F...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 13

A Seattle-Filmed Movie, Little Saigon Wants a Comeback, and City Council Bans Junk Fees

Today on the podcast, guest host Marcus Green is joined by journalist Yuko Kodama to discuss her recent piece in the South Seattle Emeral...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 12

What’s Missing From the Conversation About Youth Violence? Plus, Orcas in the Ballard Locks and Meteor Showers in the Sky

Today on the podcast, fill-in host Marcus Harrison Green is joined by William Hairston, the Director of Impact Programs at Center for Chi...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 11

Fair Wages for Artists, Controlled Grocery Pricing, and Affordable Housing Déjà Vu

Today on the podcast guest host Marcus Harrison Green is talking all about affordability in Seattle. First, he is joined by Ryan Guzzo Pu...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 10

Guy Fieri Is Back, Hot Labor Summer Continues, and the Ethics of AI Education

Today on the podcast, Jane is on vacation. And we are thrilled that City Cast contributor Marcus Harrison Green has stepped in to fill Ja...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 7

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Jane C. Hu Debates Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas

As much as you love Seattle, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have compl...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 6

Primary Elections Results So Far, Big Tech Is Hiding AI Debt, and Chief Barnes’ Legacy Reviewed

Today on the podcast, host Jane C. Hu is joined by independent journalist Erica C. Barnett and tech reporter for the Seattle Times Alex H...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art
August 5

What’s Your Plan for Emergencies? Plus, How To Be a Good Library Card Holder

Today on the podcast, we’re revisiting some recent conversations we’ve had about the city that matter now, like how to be prepared and wh...

City Cast Seattle podcast episode art