Inside Olympia

Latest Episodes:

Inside Olympia -- Washington State's Business and Energy Futures Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

Representatives of Washington's business community examine rising energy costs, reliability concerns and the state's clean energy transition. Peter Godlewski of the Association of Washington Business and Patrick Connor of the National Federation of Independent Business discuss permitting reform, fuel prices, natural gas, electricity infrastructure and priorities for the 2027 Legislature. The program also revisits and updates a clean energy documentary produced by TVW’s Washington to Washington.

Inside Olympia --- The Latest on Elections with Secretary of State Steve Hobbs Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs discusses approximately 60 federal subpoenas for individual voter records ahead of the Nov. 3 election, federal enforcement actions in California and Washington's preparations for possible disruptions. The interview examines rising ballot rejections tied to Postal Service changes, reduced federal cybersecurity support and threats extending from Election Day through certification.

Inside Olympia -- Energy Affordability and the Future of Climate Policy Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Inside Olympia: Austin Jenkins discusses energy affordability and climate policy future with former State Senator Reuven Carlyle and Todd Myers of the Washington Policy Center.

Inside Olympia --- DSHS and the Future of Service Delivery Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Facing a tight 2027 budget, DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez says the agency is pursuing a two-track strategy: scaling back spending while modernizing how it delivers services. Ramirez discusses potential program reductions, workforce constraints, an AI decision package and other efficiencies as federal policy changes add new costs and administrative demands.

Inside Olympia --- State Supreme Court Election Discussion Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

Washington voters will elect five of nine state Supreme Court justices this fall, putting competing views of the judiciary before voters. It is the first time in modern state history that a majority of the high court is up for a vote in a single election cycle. Tim Kovis of Full Court Press and Andrew Villeneuve of the Northwest Progressive Institute and Northwest Progressive Foundation discuss judicial restraint, accusations of judicial activism, precedent and how voters can assess candidates who cannot say how they would rule in future cases.

Inside Olympia -- WA State Attorney General Nick Brown Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Inside Olympia: Austin Jenkins sits down with Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown.

Inside Olympia -- Washington Income Tax Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

Attorneys Paul Lawrence and Jackson Maynard debate the constitutional challenge to Washington’s new 9.9% tax on income above $1 million. Lawrence argues the state Supreme Court should overturn nearly century-old precedent treating income as property. Maynard argues the tax plainly violates that precedent and the state constitution. The discussion also explores the November repeal measure and what could happen next in court.

Inside Olympia -- Wildfire Response Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

On this week's episode of Inside Olympia: The Spokane complex fire was just one of several large and destructive fires this summer. Our focus this week is on the changing wildland fire enviroment. The lessons learned from what happened this year. And what can be done to miitigate and prepare for future fire seasons. Plus, what are the implications of this year's fire season for the property-casualty insurance market? We ask that question and more of State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer.

Inside Olympia -- Exit Interview with Arts Commission Director Karen Hanan Jun 24, 2026

Show notes

Onthis episode of Inside Olympia: Austin Jenkins sits down with Karen Hanan, longtime director of the Washington State Arts Commission on the eve of her retirement.

Inside Olympia -- WA State Labor and Industries Director Joel Sacks Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Inside Olympia: Host Austin Jenkins goes one-on-one with the Director of the Washington State Labor and Industries Joel Sacks.