Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast

This Rhythm & News Podcast episode discusses the conclusion of the Pack the House campaign, a 10-week initiative supporting Black-owned restaurants in Seattle, run in partnership between The Seattle Medium, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Byrd Barr Place, and the Central Area Collaborative. The campaign highlighted 10 restaurants across Seattle's Central District and South King County, sharing their stories and challenges.

The episode announces Circle Back Week, encouraging community members to revisit or discover featured restaurants. Host Christopher B. Bennett introduces guest Dr. Angela Griffin, CEO of Byrd Barr Place, to discuss the campaign's impact, the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses, and strategies for sustaining momentum beyond the initiative's conclusion.

The Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum, now in its 36th year, returns to Tukwila on November 14 with workshops, courtroom activities, and discussions addressing issues youth face, including law enforcement encounters, bullying, mental health, and online safety. Educator Erin Jones will deliver the keynote address, and former NBA player Shawn Kemp will join a student-led discussion.

The podcast episode features an interview with Rev. Dr. Margaret Spearmon, the forum's event coordinator, and retired Judge LeRoy McCullough, a co-founder of the forum, discussing the event's history and purpose in helping young people understand the law and their rights.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

This Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast episode discusses anticipated increases in health insurance premiums for 2027 and their potential effects on Washington residents. It highlights the current open enrollment period through Washington Healthplanfinder, the state's marketplace for comparing health and dental plans and checking eligibility for financial assistance.

Host Bennett interviews Manny Santiago, chief of equity and community partnerships for the Washington Health Benefit Exchange, about changes to this year's enrollment process. The discussion covers important deadlines that affect when coverage begins for residents seeking affordable insurance options.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

This Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast episode features guest Bobby Alexander, a member of the Youth and Law Forum Organizing Committee. The discussion centers on the 36th annual Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum, a free educational event connecting young people and families with judges, attorneys, and law enforcement officers.

The forum, scheduled for Saturday, November 14 in Tukwila, will include workshops, networking opportunities with legal professionals, and presentations from educator Erin Jones and former NBA player Shawn Kemp. The conversation explores the event's purpose, its value for youth and families, and why attendance should be a priority.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

This Seattle Medium Rhythm & News Podcast episode features guest Rev. Charles Reginald Johnson Sr., the newly arrived senior pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Seattle, a 135-year institution central to the city's Black community. Johnson previously served 17 years as senior pastor of Cochran Avenue Baptist Church in Los Angeles before taking on this new role.

The segment introduces an interview in which Johnson discusses his vision for Mount Zion, including strengthening ties with families and youth while honoring the church's historic legacy. His formal installation celebration is scheduled for November 14 and 15.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

This podcast episode from the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast features an interview with Donna Moodie, founder and owner of Marjorie restaurant in Seattle's Central District. The discussion covers her more than two-decade career in the culinary industry and her restaurant's globally inspired cuisine and community focus.

The episode highlights Marjorie as the featured restaurant in Pack the House, a community campaign organized by the Seattle Medium, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Byrd Barr Place, and the Central Area Collaborative promoting support for local Black-owned restaurants. 

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

This podcast episode from the Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast features an interview with Jawann Bennett of Bennett Media Group discussing the newspaper's 2026 general election endorsements, covering congressional, legislative, King County, judicial races, and statewide initiatives.

Guest Jawann Bennett of Bennett Media Group explains the endorsement process, key issues influencing the selections such as housing, public safety, education, and health care, and highlights specific races and measures voters should consider before Election Day.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

This episode Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast features Kae Hart, owner of Moe Vegan, a plant-based comfort food restaurant in Kent. Hart created the business, which offers vegan versions of dishes like fried chicken and mac and cheese, in memory of his late brother Maurice.

Moe Vegan, which includes a restaurant and food truck, is featured this week in Pack the House, a community campaign by the Seattle Medium and partner organizations promoting support for local Black-owned restaurants. The conversation covers Hart's inspiration, his approach to vegan cuisine, and the importance of community support.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

The Seattle Medium's Rhythm & News Podcast, hosted by Christopher B. Bennett, previews an upcoming candidate forum called "Building Bridges: Barriers Broken, Voices Heard." Organized by Byrd Barr Place on October 24, the event will feature King County Council and Washington state Legislature candidates ahead of the November election.

Guests Dr. Angela Griffin of Byrd Barr Place and moderator Paula Fillmore-Sardinas join to discuss the forum's purpose, what attendees can expect, and how community members can participate. The discussion also references Byrd Barr Place's broader civic engagement efforts, including an upcoming annual Fall Kickoff event.

Interview by Chris B. Bennett.

This Seattle Medium podcast episode features information about the upcoming 36th Annual Judge Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum, scheduled for November 14. The forum connects young people and families with judges, attorneys, and law enforcement to teach legal rights and responsibilities in a supportive setting.

Host Christopher B. Bennett interviews retired Seattle Police Captain John Hayes and retired King County Sheriff's Deputy Fae Brooks, who discuss the forum's significance for youth, parents, and community relationships, including building trust and addressing misconceptions between law enforcement and the public.