KUOW launches SoundQs, a new podcast about our region fueled by listener curiosity

In 2018, KUOW launched a new series of stories—SoundQs. The theme? Each SoundQs story is based on a question from a KUOW listener. 

So far, SoundQs reporters have followed the money on legalized pot and lottery funding, explored what would really happen if Mt. Rainier erupted, investigated how safe our vote by mail system really is and even tried to figure out if Seattle drivers really are so terrible.

Today, KUOW is launching a new weekly podcast—also called SoundQs—that brings these stories together in one place. The podcast is hosted by KUOW’s Deb Wang, with lead reporting from Anna Boiko-Weyrauch and David Hyde.

The first episode centers on a question from listener Douglas, who asked KUOW, “What happened to the sea lions that used to hang out at the Ballard Locks?”

“In investigating this question, we learned a surprising bit of history about Seattle and how much Seattle is a heavily engineered place,” explained producer Matt Martin, “We’ve dramatically altered the natural landscape of our region, and this episode gets into the unintended consequences that come from that change.”

Future SoundQs episodes will explore questions around how sea planes land on Lake Union, earthquake safety, a gun range next to a school, whether or not water bottles expire, and much, much more.

You can subscribe to SoundQs (and send in your questions!) at KUOW.org or wherever you get your podcasts.