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  • Um, Civics: The System Is Designed to Kill Your Bill

    Um, Civics: The System Is Designed to Kill Your Bill
    Jan 21 2026

    Emily walks Ashley (and all of us) through how a bill actually becomes law in Washington. Spoiler: it’s messy, slow, and absolutely designed to kill your idea. Using the fictional Rhythm Reduction Act (RIP dancing), they break down committees, sponsors, lobbyists, hearings, caucuses, companion bills, and why a 60-day session turns everyone feral. Along the way: dinosaurs, pickleball, Bic pens, why the minority party controls the clock, and a reminder that democracy is less Schoolhouse Rock and more group project with deadlines and vibes.

    CHECK OUT

    Washington State Legislature Bill Tracker

    The Snohomish Podcast Network

    Committee schedules & public hearing calendars

    Washington State legislative session calendar & cutoff deadlines

    *Research your favorite advocacy organization and find their Advocacy Day!


    LISTEN

    Um, Sir Podcast

    Um, Civics: FIFA 2026 and the Politics Behind the Pitch

    Capitol Ideas Podcast


    WATCH

    I'm Just a Bill, Schoolhouse Rock - YouTube

    TVW - Committee hearings livestreams from Olympia

    READ

    The Washington Standard

    Axios Politics

    Fiscal notes (and why they kill dreams)
    Governor’s Veto Power in Washington: How It Works and Why It Matters - Tri City Regional Chamber of Commerce
    Initiative and Referendum Processes - National Conference of State Legislatures


    BUY. IF YOU MUST

    Pocket Constitution
    Washington State Legislative Gift Center!


    LEARN MORE

    Washington State Civic Education Programs
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    1 Std. und 26 Min.
  • Tragic Optimism & Costco Receipts

    Tragic Optimism & Costco Receipts
    Jan 14 2026
    In this messy New Year’s edition of Um, Sir Podcast, Emily holds down the mic solo and rings in the new year with Everett real estate powerhouse Ashley Bolden for a raw, wide-ranging conversation that spirals exactly where it needs to. From Costco sticker shock and the true cost of living, to housing affordability, civil liberties, nihilism vs. hope, and whether West Virginia is a secret real-estate opportunity or an absolute no. Nothing is off the table. Along the way, Emily confidently misquotes several philosophers, attributes at least one quote to the wrong person, then powers through anyway, proving once again that vibes > citations. This is a New Year check-in for anyone exhausted by late-stage capitalism but still stubbornly committed to finding meaning, community, and a way forward.CHECK OUTThe Income Needed to Buy a Home in 2025 - Post Referenced, FacebookThe Snohomish Podcast NetworkEverett Recovery Café (community recovery & mutual aid model)Everett Rotary Club LISTENUm, Sir PodcastNeighbor-ish: Building Community Through Homeownership (and Renting, Too) - the At-Homish PodcastBrene Brown on Comparative SufferingWATCHAlone (Reality Survival) ShowBroad City, The Florida Sun - Comedy Central READBroad City, S04E07 "Florida" Discussion Thread - RedditMan's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl - by Max Gravenstein, Medium'Tragic optimism': The antidote to toxic positivity - Allie Volpe, BBCAffordability and Homebuilding: State-by-State Report Cards - Realtor.comFreedom in the 50 States: An Index of Personal and Economic Freedom - CATO InstituteMargaret Mead’s work and quotes on collective action - GoodreadsWest Virginia health care ranked worst in the nation - Ellen Allen, West Virginia WatchPieces on burnout, nihilism, and resilience in political organizingBUY. IF YOU MUSTPlanned Parenthood MarketplaceToilet paper (apparently still emotionally charged)Co-Op Supply Snohomish County*Books instead of things*Secondhand or cooperative goodsLEARN MOREIntroduction to the Property Tax–School Funding Connection - Lincoln Institute of Land PolicyRural and Urban Health - Georgetown University, Health Policy InstituteHow abortion laws vary by state - GuttmacherEthical Considerations in Real Estate Investing Red States Are Losing Their Housing Edge - City JournalCommunity Organizing 101: How to Start a Social Movement - Marta Brzosko
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    53 Min.
  • Stadiums, Soccer & Late-Stage Capitalism

    Stadiums, Soccer & Late-Stage Capitalism
    Jan 7 2026

    Keith Macaulay joins Emily in Everett for a wide-ranging, slightly unhinged (in a good way) conversation about sports, money, vibes, and why fan culture actually matters. From soccer chants and Mariners loyalty to NIL chaos, stadium politics, FIFA corruption, and the economics behind who wins (and who tanks), this episode connects the dots between sports, power, and civic life with strong opinions, petty moments, and plenty of sir sass.

    READ

    Ex-Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels: Sonics were gone ‘the day they were sold’ - The Seattle Times

    Everett Forges Ahead with Downtown Stadium for Minor League Sports - The Urbanist

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino accused of rules breach over Trump - ESPN

    Analysis of MLS revenue sharing and league structure
    Pieces on sportswashing and global soccer politics - Journal on Democracy


    LISTEN

    Um, Sir Podcast
    Copa90 (soccer fan culture + documentaries)
    Stephen A. Smith is Ruining Sports Television - YouTube


    WATCH

    Seattle City Council sells out the SuperSonics - Sonicsgate, YouTube
    Who Killed the Expos?     (documentary on the Montreal Expos relocation)

    Ted Lasso (Apple TV — debated heavily, not endorsed 😅)

    Club de Cuervos (Netflix, Spanish-language soccer drama, strongly recommended)

    MLS matches (if you already have Apple TV… sorry)

    CHECK OUT

    The Snohomish Podcast Network

    Snohomish United FC (men’s & upcoming women’s teams)

    Everett AquaSox

    Everett Silver Tips (WHL)

    Portland Timbers

    Ballard FC / Salmon Bay FC


    BUY. IF YOU MUST

    Cowbells (for vibes, not apologies)

    LEARN MORE

    NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) - NCAA

    Outdoor Event Center - City of Everett

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    1 Std. und 26 Min.
  • Um, Civics: FIFA 2026 and the Politics Behind the Pitch

    Um, Civics: FIFA 2026 and the Politics Behind the Pitch
    Dec 31 2025
    Emily is joined by Washington State Rep. Julio Cortes for an Um, Civics crash course on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, what it means for Everett and Washington State, and how government actually prepares for global events. They also dig into banning masked law enforcement interactions, protecting immigrant families, fixing Washington’s upside-down tax code, and what to expect from a tough legislative session ahead. Civics, but make it accessible. CHECK OUTSnohomish County Podcast NetworkWATCHParticipation trophies have gone too far! - The Late Show with Stephen Colbert2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw | Full Show | FOX SoccerSeattle prepares to share World Cup 2026 spotlight with 9 Washington fan zone cities - KOMO 4 NewsREADPride Match - Egypt Vs. Iran - Instagram FIFA — 2026 World Cup structure, host cities, teamsWashington State Welcomes the World: A Breakdown to FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fan Zones - Seattle BallooningWashington State Legislature -Legislative session info & bill trackingSeattle Pride Statement on the FIFA World Cup SB 5855 (Washington State) - Bill banning face-concealing coverings for law enforcementCalifornia Masked Law Enforcement Law - Court case & precedent referencedFamily Separation Rapid Response Team -WA Department of Children, Yout,h and FamiliesFerguson backs income tax on WA residents earning over $1M - Washington State Standard Funding Public Good through Progressive Tax Reform - Economic Opportunity InstituteFIFA World Cup 2026 Economic Impact $929+ Million Projected - Seattle Sports Commission BUY. IF YOU MUSTUS Soccer Pride KitAirbnb and FIFA announce major multi-tournamentLEARN MORESnohomish United Soccer Regressive vs. Proportional vs. Progressive Taxes: An Overview - InvestopediaLegislative Session Hearings - TVW How the Washington State Budget Works — Washington State Fiscal InformationWashington State Legislature Guide to LawmakingLaw Enforcement Transparency Laws — Mask bans, identification requirementsImmigration Casework Support — How legislators & congressional offices help constituentsHow to Contact Your Washington State Legislators 38th Legislative District, Marysville, Tulalip, and Everett, Senator June Robinson, Representative Julio Cortes & Representative Mary FosseFan Zones Explained — Reddit
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    36 Min.
  • Um, Civics: Vision, Traction, and Getting the Bag

    Um, Civics: Vision, Traction, and Getting the Bag
    Dec 17 2025
    This week on Um, Sir, we’re joined by Matt Hansen, EOS implementer, mountain enthusiast, inventor with nine patents, and a genuinely thoughtful guide to how systems actually work. We talk Cascades hikes, Patagonia’s values vs. capitalism tension, Washington’s upcoming tax fights, and what it really takes to build something with intention. Matt helps us connect business frameworks to civic life, while we ask the eternal question: how do you stay values-driven and get the bag? Civics, leadership, business, money, and meaning, in one episode. Welcome to be here. Guest Convo Links Matt Hansen, EOS Worldwide ImplementerNorth Cascade Institute - Washington Hikes Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business - ThriftBooks Cutthroat Pass via the Pacific Crest Trail - Washington Trails AssociationMount Pilchuck - Washington Trails AssociationKendall Katwalk - Washington Trails AssociationMountain Loop General Store - Verlot, WashingtonPatagonia Work in Progress Report Patagonia - Store Civics Update: State LegislatureRepresentative Shaun Scott - Washington State LegislatureTech for Taxes - InstagramTech companies are abusing tax policy to scam us out of money our state needs to fund critical social services - Tech 4 Taxes InstgramRep. Shaun Scott Unveils “Well Washington Fund,” a Progressive Payroll Excise Tax to Protect Washington Families from Trump’s Austerity Budget - Washington State DemocratsSenator Rebecca Saldaña Maps Out Legislative Priorities for 2026 Session - Hacks & Wonks PodcastWA Democrats’ latest run at taxing the state’s largest companies - Jerry Cornfield, Washington State StandardInvest WA Now State Budget & Revenue - Washington Budget & Policy CenterOther LinksBurkett's Boutique - Everett, WashingtonSnohomish Podcast Network - JoinRed Trux - Audio & Video Services
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    1 Std. und 33 Min.
  • Sh*t Storms & Sweater Weather

    Sh*t Storms & Sweater Weather
    Dec 10 2025
    This week on Um, Sir, the world is still on fire, and Trump, tariffs, tire factories, and meat mail all made the same episode. Samie and Emily kick things off with Trump spending Thanksgiving tossing around the R-word like a stale dinner roll, while simultaneously dismantling the Department of Education like it’s a Black Friday doorbuster. Meanwhile, Boy Scouts and immigrant truckers are suddenly on the GOP’s hit list; Everett Public Schools is bracing for a LifeWise lawsuit; AI is getting creepier; Charlie’s tail survives; and tire shopping becomes a political crisis. Oh, and Emily soft-launches her 2040 presidential campaign and wants to know when her Costco tariff check is coming.TONIGHT! Podcast Network Mixer | Wed. Dec. 10 | Rustic Cork Mill CreekFOLLOW US@UmSirPod Instagram@umsirpod TikTokTEST YOURSELFCan you spot AI videos from real ones? - NPRLISTENNew moves to dismantle the Education Department raise legal questions - NPRTrump administration shares plan to dismantle more of the Department of Education - NPRDocuments show Pentagon preparing to sever ties with Scouting - NPRPete Hegseth is a F******* Douch - TikTokThe DOT says it wants to make trucking safer, but some see an 'immigration raid' - NPRWATCHWrap the Epstein Files Around Your Tree - The Daily Show, FacebookRep. Massie Voices Concerns Over Trump and Epstein Files - TikTokReligious group threatens to sue Everett School District over access restrictions - KIRO 7 News SeattleREADComments from the National Down Syndrome Society - Instagram Nursing Excluded as 'Professional' Degree By Department of Education - Nurse.OrgNursing programs excluded from 'professional degree' status under new federal loan rules. Here's what would change - KING 5WA becomes third state to allow punishment for 'stealthing' - KOMO NewsNew law criminalizes disclosure of AI-generated sexual images, videos - CascadiaQuit Clicking Kids Legislation - Latest Washington UpdatesHope Walz: Trump slur against father unleashed ‘s‑‑‑storm’ toward family - The HillAustralia's first ‘sexting’ laws have been introduced with those found guilty of distributing naked pictures without consent facing TWO YEARS in jail - The Daily MailIF YOU HAVE TO BUYLes Schwab TiresShop Red BagThe Little Blue Cart
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    1 Std.
  • Um, Civics: Arizona — Exporting Copper and Crazy

    Um, Civics: Arizona — Exporting Copper and Crazy
    Dec 3 2025
    Emily returns from Arizona with a suitcase full of political chaos and sunscreen residue, and Samie settles in to hear all about it. From right-to-work headaches to a legislature held together by vibes, Emily breaks down Arizona’s wild policy landscape, including their billion-dollar school voucher fiasco (yes, someone bought lingerie with public education money).They also reintroduce themselves to new listeners, one recovering legislator, one recovering drug addict, both firmly at D-list celebrity status, and remind everyone why Um, Sir and Um, Civics exist: to make government make sense without making anyone feel stupid.It’s Arizona politics, the five C’s, and more sass than their incumbent Mine Inspector deserved.Follow Us @UmSirPod Instagram@umsirpod TikTokRSVPPodcast Mixer | Snohomish Podcasts Network Wed. Dec. 10 | Rustic Cork Mill Creek - Wear your Sweaters (Cute or Ugly!)Listen Curmudgeon’s Corner PodcastAt-homish PodcastStorytelling in a Small Town PodcastSnohomish County Storytellers PodcastCheck OutWashington Institute for a Democratic FutureBlack Lives Matter Phoenix MetroArizona Governor’s Office of Budget & Strategic PlanningArizona Education AssociationAliento AZResilient Strategies Freedom to Learn FoundationIntersection Government Relations Arizona Democratic Legislative Campaign CommitteeSnohomish County Podcast NetworkShasti Conrad, Meet the Chair of the Washington State Democratic PartyArizona Democratic Party Elects Charlene Fernandez as Chair - AZ DemsArizona State LegislatureAZ Visit Overview - InstagramAZ Visit Day 1 - InstagramAZ Visit, Day 2- InstagramWatchWAIDF Election Recap Post - InstagramWAIDF Election Recap Post - InstagramReadKatie Wilson’s Path to Election Victory, Precinct by Precinct - The Urbanist'I'll be cheering for him': Takeaways from Trump and Mamdani's surprisingly cordial meeting - BBCThe Arizona Cardinals are 0-5 since they hosted the Charlie Kirk Memorial Event at State Farm Stadium - RedditBill Pierce for AZ Mine Inspector - Facebook Joe Hart prevails in Arizona mine inspector race - AZ CentralArizona Faces Sweeping Budget Cuts, Driven by Flat Tax and Private School Vouchers - Arizona Center on Budget and Policy PrioritiesAZ school voucher expansion draws fire over fraud allegations, cost concerns - FOX 10How students are faring in Arizona’s voucher program that could be adopted nationwide - PBSArizona school voucher program ignored state audit law for nearly a year, officials say - AZ MirrorESA parents bought diamond rings, lingerie, and Kenmore appliances with education tax dollars - NBC 12 NewsPhoenix sees sharp rise in police shootings since Trump DOJ ended oversight in May - Cronkite NewsPhoenix police routinely used excessive force and violated civil rights, DOJ says - PBS News
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    1 Std. und 21 Min.
  • Chaos, Crocs, Cadavers & Corruption

    Chaos, Crocs, Cadavers & Corruption
    Nov 26 2025
    RELEASE THE FILES! Wait… WHAT?!Emily and Samie break down a wild week in politics and life. From MTG’s surprise resignation to the newly released Epstein emails implicating major political players. They roast Trump’s fantasy “$2,000 tariff checks,” dive into hidden million-dollar payouts for GOP senators, and react to a federal move letting foster parents misgender kids. Between political chaos, cadaver dogs in Snohomish, quitting nicotine, and free Crocs, the hosts bring their signature mix of snark, outrage, and “we’re just trying to survive this timeline.” Join UsPodcast Network Mixer | Wed. Dec. 10 | Rustic Cork Mill CreekSnohomish County Podcast Network Check OutSnohomish WalksDog's Devotion: True Adventures of a K9 Search and Rescue Team, By James Guy Mansfield and Suzanne Elshult - Thrift BooksRick Steves Europe - A Symphonic JourneyGregg Olsen BooksPlease Don’t BuyCrocs Echo Clogs Sandals Sport Mode Aloe Green - eBayWatchMarjorie Taylor Greene Resigns, Sky News - TikTokBut Her Emails!! NINE Years AGO!, Face the Nation - YouTubePresident Donald Trump reacted strongly after ABC News reporter Mary Bruce asked him about files - NBC NewsRepublican Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (N.C.) got furious, Independent - TikTokRep. McGovern slammed his GOP colleagues, saying he hopes they enjoyed their "8-week vacation" - Courier News Room, TikTokA hidden clause in the government shutdown bill could give 8 senators at least $1M each | king5.comMen are Natural Leaders, Eli Rallo - TikTokConde Nast Restructuring, Lexi McMenamin - TikTok ReadThe Emails - The New York TimesThe only 'no' vote on releasing Epstein files - BBCNobody's Girl - A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice, By Virginia Roberts Giuffre - Penguin Random House Supreme Court declines to revisit gay marriage decision - NPRU.S. Coast Guard will no longer classify swastikas, nooses as hate symbols - Washington PostFederal memo: foster parents free to misgender at will - The Seattle TimesNew DNA Analysis Reveals Hitler May Have Had a Micropenis - The Daily BeastTrump floats tariff 'dividends' even while plan shows major flaws - NPRWho has President Trump pardoned and why? - NPRRandomSwiss billionaire Ernesto BertarelliListen Curmudgeon’s Corner
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    1 Std. und 13 Min.