The Olympia Standard

Latest Episodes:

#150: Sine Die 2026 with Beth and Claire Apr 18, 2026

Show notes

We expand our annual Sine Die episode this year to include education expert Senator Clair Wilson! Also on this episode is our own Rep. Beth Doglio who does the traditional unpacking of what the legislative session meant for us in Olympia.

#149: What do we think about when we think about closing schools Apr 04, 2026

Show notes

As we enter budget building season for the Olympia School District, Erika Lari sits down with veterans (both students and parents) about the debate just a couple of years ago over closing some elementary schools.

You can also listen to this old episode: #105: Do we want to close Madison and McKenny schools?

#148: Neighborhood Associations Mar 21, 2026

Show notes

For decades, official neighborhood associations have been an essential part of Olympia’s civic fabric. This week, we examine how these associations operate with Michael Craw from The Evergreen State College, a scholar in the field. Then, Daniel sits down with Grace Fletcher to discuss the new generation leading the Council of Neighborhood Associations and their evolving approach to civic engagement.

#147: Planning for a Better Olympia Mar 07, 2026

Show notes

Daniel sits down with Greg Quetin, Chair of the Olympia Planning Commission, to talk about the city’s recently approved Comprehensive Plan and the role of the planning commission in guiding Olympia’s growth.

#146: How to Understand the Fine Grain of Olympia Schools Feb 21, 2026

Show notes

We are in the season where, in the Olympia School District, you can choose a different path for your kids. In this episode, we sit down with OSD4All’s Erika Lari to talk about the new guide the group recently released to describe, in fine detail, all of the different programs around the district: https://osd4all.org/district-guide/

#145: Intercity Transit Feb 07, 2026

Show notes

Daniel visits with leadership at Intercity Transit. Emily Bergkamp, General Manager, and Nick Demerice, Chief Marketing, Communications & Outreach Officer, cover the recent history of our local transit agency, what is going on with the change in routes and how transit will grow.

#144: Olympia School District Tech, Safety and Facility Replacement Levy 2026 Jan 24, 2026

Show notes

You’ve already received your ballot, so this week Erika sat down with Superintendent Mr. Dr. Patrick Murphy and Marc Elliot, Chief Information Officer, to talk about the replacement levy. Don’t forget to vote by February 10!

#143: Legislative Preview Jan 17, 2026

Show notes

What is Olympia going to get from Olympia this year? Erika sits down with Maria Flores from the school board and Daniel visits with State Senator Jessica Bateman. We dive deep into what schools need from the legislature and what we should expect this session as a community.

For further discussion on school funding, please see episode 105: Do We Need to Close Schools?

#142: 2025 Holiday Special Dec 27, 2025

Show notes

We sit down with Mayor Dontae Payne and City Councilmember Dani Madrone (also host emerita) to walk through the formative issues in Olympia of 2025 and how they lead into 2026.

#141: Sarah DeStasio looks back at 2025 Dec 06, 2025

Show notes

Daniel sat down with Sarah DeStasio to round out our campaign coverage for this year. Destasion worked on the Caleb Geiger and Robert Vanderpool campaigns and takes us through 2025 from the progressive lens.

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