If you are looking outside, seeing a little sunshine peeking through the rain, some tulip bulbs starting to sprout, maybe you have some buds on your flowering trees...

You might be thinking, "What can I do to really get in the Spring spirit today?" 

Well, Producer Jason Megatron Burrows is here to help you fill your weekend with whimsy and get out there and enjoy the first day of Spring.

LINKS: 
Spring Equinox Potluck at Golden Gardens
Spring Equinox Art Party at Freeway Park
Seattle Moisture Festival at Broadway Performance Hall
The Seattle Pop Punk Festival 2025
Freedom Day - NAAM
Bruce Wells' Beauty and the Beast 
Georgetown Bites & Sites
Match Schedule | Seawolves Rugby
2025 Schedule Release | SoundersFC.com

CORRECTION:The Big Climb 2025 is taking place at the Columbia Center downtown, rather than the Space Needle.

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

If you are looking outside, seeing a little sunshine peeking through the rain, some tulip bulbs starting to sprout, maybe you have some buds on your flowering trees...
You might be thinking, "What can I do to really get in the Spring spirit today?"&nbsp;
Well, Producer Jason Megatron Burrows is here to help you fill your weekend with whimsy and get out there and enjoy the first day of Spring.
LINKS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-equinox-potluck-at-golden-gardens-tickets-1232198822849">Spring Equinox Potluck at Golden Gardens</a></li>
<li><a href="https://everout.com/seattle/events/meeting-at-the-balance-spring-equinox-art-party/e200798/">Spring Equinox Art Party at Freeway Park</a></li>
<li><a href="https://everout.com/seattle/events/seattle-moisture-festival/e200579/">Seattle Moisture Festival at Broadway Performance Hall</a></li>
<li><a href="https://tdrecs.com/products/the-seattle-pop-punk-festival-2025">The Seattle Pop Punk Festival 2025</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.naamnw.org/freedom-day">Freedom Day - NAAM</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pnb.org/season/beauty-beast/">Bruce Wells' Beauty and the Beast </a></li>
<li><a href="https://georgetownseattle.org/event/georgetown-bites-sites/">Georgetown Bites &amp; Sites</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.seawolves.rugby/schedule">Match Schedule | Seawolves Rugby</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.soundersfc.com/2025-schedule-release/">2025 Schedule Release | SoundersFC.com</a> </li>
</ul>
CORRECTION: <a href="Big%20Climb%20Seattle">The Big Climb 2025</a> is taking place at the Columbia Center downtown, rather than the Space Needle.
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to <a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Soundside

Soundside Producer Jason Megatron Burrows brings you all the Spring Equinox events AND MORE in this weekend's warmup!

Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" Spring Equinox Edition

A lot has changed during Sara Nelson’s time in Seattle government.

She was a centrist outlier on a progressive city council when she was first elected in 2021. But the dynamics changed: Nelson became the center of power, and ended up running the show as council president, after a moderate slate of candidates swept the 2023 election. 

She helped oversee pandemic-era recovery, worked with two different mayoral administrations and two very different presidential administrations during her time on the council. 

Now - her time in office is coming to an end.

Next month, there will be a new, more progressive representative in the citywide Position 9 seat that Nelson’s held the past four years. Nonprofit leader Dionne Foster will take Nelson’s place after winning by a wide margin of votes in November. 

Between passing a police contract, approving phase one of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, and putting forward a bill to change how consultants work with the city – Nelson has been busy during her last month in office.

And last week she spent an hour with Soundside to reflect on her tenure and the direction Seattle politics is moving.


GUESTS:
Sara Nelson, outgoing position 9 Seattle City Councilmember and City Council President

RELATED LINKS: 
Seattle passes new transparency law aimed at political consultants - Seattle Times
New Seattle Police contract includes pay boost, increased use of unarmed crisis responders - KUOW

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. 

A lot has changed during Sara Nelson&rsquo;s time in Seattle government.
She was a centrist outlier on a progressive city council when she was first elected in 2021. But the dynamics changed: Nelson became the center of power, and ended up running the show as council president, after a moderate slate of candidates swept the 2023 election.&nbsp;
She helped oversee pandemic-era recovery, worked with two different mayoral administrations and two very different presidential administrations during her time on the council.&nbsp;
Now - her time in office is coming to an end.
Next month, there will be a new, more progressive representative in the citywide Position 9 seat that Nelson&rsquo;s held the past four years. Nonprofit leader Dionne Foster will take Nelson&rsquo;s place after winning by a wide margin of votes in November.&nbsp;
Between passing a police contract, approving phase one of the city&rsquo;s Comprehensive Plan, and putting forward a bill to change how consultants work with the city &ndash; Nelson has been busy during her last month in office.
And last week she spent an hour with Soundside to reflect on her tenure and the direction Seattle politics is moving. 
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Sara Nelson, outgoing position 9 Seattle City Councilmember and City Council President</li>
</ul>
RELATED LINKS:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/seattle-passes-new-transparency-law-aimed-at-political-consultants/">Seattle passes new transparency law aimed at political consultants - Seattle Times</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.kuow.org/stories/new-seattle-police-contract-includes-pay-boost-increased-use-of-unarmed-crisis-response">New Seattle Police contract includes pay boost, increased use of unarmed crisis responders - KUOW</a><a href="https://www.kuow.org/authors/amy-radil"></a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.&nbsp;

Sara Nelson reflects on her tenure, and the direction Seattle politics is moving.

"Frankly I love this town" - City Council President Sara Nelson says goodbye

Every Monday on Soundside we catch you up on the top stories that are fascinating right now – and what they say about the Pacific Northwest.

It’s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward.

GUEST: Former KIRO-FM host Dave Ross

TODAY'S TOPICS:
Flooding

Seattle Times: A damaged King County levee awaited fixes for years. Then it failed.
NBC News: Federal grants for flood mitigation work sat on hold as storms inundated Washington state
Affordability

NYTimes: How Democrats Used One Word to Turn the Tide Against Trump
NYTimes: These Young Adults Make Good Money. But Life, They Say, Is Unaffordable.
Dave Ross parody songs

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Every Monday on Soundside we catch you up on the top stories that are fascinating right now &ndash; and what they say about the Pacific Northwest. It&rsquo;s our chance to talk about the latest news with a rotation of plugged-in journalists and guests, taking a look at the headlines from the weekend and the stories that we'll be following as the week moves forward.
GUEST: Former KIRO-FM host Dave Ross
TODAY'S TOPICS:
<ul>
<li>Flooding
<ul>
<li>Seattle Times:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/times-watchdog/a-damaged-king-county-levee-awaited-fixes-for-years-then-it-failed/#:~:text=The%20Desimone%20levee%20has%20been,long%20after%20the%202020%20flood.">A damaged King County levee awaited fixes for years. Then it failed.</a></li>
<li>NBC News: <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/washington-state-floods-federal-grants-on-hold-rcna250132">Federal grants for flood mitigation work sat on hold as storms inundated Washington state</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Affordability
<ul>
<li>NYTimes: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/20/upshot/affordability-democrats-trump.html">How Democrats Used One Word to Turn the Tide Against Trump</a></li>
<li>NYTimes: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/20/us/politics/middle-class-us-economy-affordability.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share">These Young Adults Make Good Money. But Life, They Say, Is Unaffordable.</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="http://daveross.com/index.html">Dave Ross parody songs</a><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nfl/philip-rivers-colts-nfl-seahawks-rcna249182"></a></li>
</ul>
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

Every Monday on Soundside we catch you up on the top stories that are fascinating right now – and what they say about the Pacific Northwest.

Front Page: Flooding, affordability and Dave Ross sings

The holidays: a time to gather with friends and family, to enjoy one another’s company as we light candles or sit by a tree and contemplate the year’s passing.

It’s also a time to argue with said friends and family about some really dumb stuff.

Is Die Hard a holiday movie? Should Mariah Carey officially be crowned “Queen of Christmas?” Has there ever been a good Hanukkah song? 

You’ll be debating hard hitting questions like this. And on Soundside, we’re here to help you win the argument.

It’s our gift to you.

Today – We’re pitting three movies, songs, and local events against each other to determine a winner, in a totally original game we’re calling “Kiss Merry Kill.”

And of course that’s merry like Santa is - with an E.

 

HOLIDAY FARE DISCUSSED:

Movies
Deck the Halls (2006)
The Happiest Season (2020)
A Diva’s Christmas Carol (2000)

Music
The Christmas Shoes by NewSong
Mistletoe by Justin Bieber
Puppy for Hanukkah by Daveed Diggs

Events
The Bait Shop holiday light show
SantaCon
The Seattle Christmas Market
Sitting on Santa's lap at the Bellevue Square Mall

 

GUESTS:
Betty Wetter is a Seattle drag queen, and host of monthly drag variety show Tush! at the Clock-out Lounge
Juno Men is a comedian, and co-host of the Moth Storytelling Slam here in Seattle

 

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

The holidays: a time to gather with friends and family, to enjoy one another&rsquo;s company as we light candles or sit by a tree and contemplate the year&rsquo;s passing.
It&rsquo;s also a time to argue with said friends and family about some really dumb stuff.
Is Die Hard a holiday movie? Should Mariah Carey officially be crowned &ldquo;Queen of Christmas?&rdquo; Has there ever been a good Hanukkah song?&nbsp;
You&rsquo;ll be debating hard hitting questions like this. And on Soundside, we&rsquo;re here to help you win the argument.
It&rsquo;s our gift to you.
Today &ndash; We&rsquo;re pitting three movies, songs, and local events against each other to determine a winner, in a totally original game we&rsquo;re calling &ldquo;Kiss Merry Kill.&rdquo;
And of course that&rsquo;s merry like Santa is - with an E.
&nbsp;
HOLIDAY FARE DISCUSSED:
Movies
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790604/">Deck the Halls (2006)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8522006/">The Happiest Season (2020)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0270317/">A Diva&rsquo;s Christmas Carol (2000)</a></li>
</ul>
Music
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJcPVB-we7g">The Christmas Shoes by NewSong</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUjn3RpkcKY">Mistletoe by Justin Bieber</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbxyZAduGvY">Puppy for Hanukkah by Daveed Diggs</a></li>
</ul>
Events
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/baitshopseattle/?hl=en">The Bait Shop holiday light show</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/seattlesantacon/?hl=en">SantaCon</a></li>
<li><a href="https://seattlechristmasmarket.com/">The Seattle Christmas Market</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bellevuecollection.com/tenant/snowflake-lane-factory/#/cat/all">Sitting on Santa's lap at the Bellevue Square Mall</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
GUESTS:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Betty Wetter is a Seattle drag queen, and host of monthly drag variety show Tush! at the Clock-out Lounge</li>
<li aria-level="1">Juno Men is a comedian, and co-host of the Moth Storytelling Slam here in Seattle</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to&nbsp;<a href="http://kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes">kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes</a>
Soundside&nbsp;is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

We’re pitting three movies, songs, and local events against each other to determine a winner, in a totally original game we’re calling “Kiss Merry Kill.”

Soundside's "Weekend Warmup" Spring Equinox Edition

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