Libby Denkmann
Host, Soundside
About
Libby Denkmann has covered veterans' issues, homelessness, and local politics during her radio journalism career. She became the host of KUOW's Soundside in November 2021. Previously she was a producer, reporter, anchor, and host for stations KIRO, KFI, and KPCC in Seattle and Los Angeles. During a yearlong hiatus from journalism in 2011, she worked as a congressional staffer in Washington, D.C.. Libby was born in Seattle, grew up on the eastside, and graduated from the University of Washington. Her favorite things include soccer, video games, and her dog, Monty.
Location: Seattle
Languages: English, limited Japanese and Portuguese
Pronouns: she/her
Podcasts
Stories
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An increase in eco-blocks signals a battle between parking and encampments
Ecology blocks are large slabs made from recycled concrete, with grooves on the top and bottom to help form retaining walls. But on city streets and sidewalks, they form a different kind of barrier: Deterring RVs and encampments, which have proliferated in Seattle during the pandemic.
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Sound it Out: Listeners sound off on ranked choice and approval voting
One of our primary missions for Soundside is to make sure you're not just hearing US when you listen. You're hearing yourself, too. YOUR questions, YOUR thoughts - because you're our neighbors, you're the folks we make this for. This time, we're discussing the feedback you gave us two stories we did about potential changes to Seattle's voting system.
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Soundside's summer bucket list
Schools are starting up again, Labor Day is this weekend, the sunset is inching closer to 7 pm. We can't deny it: fall is coming. So, in these waning days of Summer, the Soundside team hit the streets to record one activity we were hoping to accomplish before the rain and clouds show up. A "Summer bucket list" item that we can check off our lists.
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For Yakima Valley residents, a ‘zombie’ sandwich represents childhood nostalgia
Back to school means the return of a lot of kids' favorite part of the day: lunchtime. And in the Yakima Valley, there's one lunchtime staple that reigns supreme: the cheese zombie. If you grew up on the west side of the state, you've probably never heard of this doughy delight.
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Hear it again: A Puget Sound tech dystopia: Vauhini Vara's "The Immortal King Rao"
The fictional tech company at the center of the new book, “The Immortal King Rao,” is called “Coconut.” It’s a rough amalgamation of Apple and Microsoft of the 1980s and 1990s, driving a personal computer revolution, and later it morphs into a Google, Amazon and Facebook avatar in the way it gobbles up peoples’ data and monetizes human interaction.
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‘You have to start from scratch.’ Navigators at the World School guide students through the health-care maze
The Seattle World School in the Central District is gearing up for the new school year. Teachers are prepping for classes, lockers and classrooms are being cleaned out and readied to welcome new students. And, at the school's health clinic, two patient navigators are preparing to help students in a different way.
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What does the new climate bill mean for Washington state?
Climate scientists say it’s now or never for governments to reassess their energy policies, before it’s too late to make a difference. The US is looking at doing just that. Earlier this month, congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes almost $370 billion dollars in climate provisions that could change how we get our energy. But will those investments bring us any closer to addressing climate change in an impactful way?
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Hot air balloon crew takes hobby to new heights
Carolanne Walter grew up in Indianola, Iowa, home of the National Balloon Classic - a nine day hot air balloon festival held every summer. She's now the pilot of the "Happyanunoit," and along with her crew, has found a new passion in competing in national hot air balloon events. The team, known as the "Ballooney Tunes Crew," just took FIFTH PLACE at the US Women’s National Hot Air Balloon Championship out of a field of 14 pilots. That competition took place in conjunction with the National Balloon Classic in Indianola, where 115 balloons and their pilots took to the skies earlier this month.
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Biden's student loan forgiveness plan provides more than just debt relief
There's a lot more to the White House's plan than debt cancellation for folks making under $125,000 per year, including a big change in how student loans rack up interest under some repayment programs.
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What it takes to 'make it' in Seattle's hip-hop scene
Carving out a music career in any city is tough, and there are going to be highs and lows. But being a hip hop artist in Seattle comes with its own set of challenges.