The Informed Citizen

Can America last? As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, Americans find themselves asking difficult questions. Is this a time for celebration or reflection? Is democracy stronger than ever, or more fragile than we realize? And what responsibility does each generation have to preserve the republic? In this special episode of The Informed Citizen, host Dr. Philip Lindholm travels to...

In this solo episode of The Informed Citizen, host Dr. Philip Lindholm confronts one of the darkest realities facing America today: human trafficking. Drawing on insights from his recent conversation with trafficking survivor Brea Burnett, Philip exposes the uncomfortable truth that trafficking often doesn't begin with kidnappings or chains. It begins with loneliness, manipulation, and groomin...

In this special episode, the Informed Citizen leaves the studio and takes the stage! Host Dr. Philip Lindholm invited eight brave leaders to answer the hardest questions of homelessness before a live studio audience. No scripts. No hiding. All the stakeholders in the same room at the same time, from prosecutor to police chief, senator to shelter operators, treatment to lived experience. We finally...

In this compelling episode of The Informed Citizen, host Philip Lindholm sits down with Krist Novoselic, the co-founder of Nirvana, to explore how the same spirit that reshaped rock in the 1990s might help reshape American democracy today. When Nirvana released Nevermind, it disrupted a stagnant music industry and gave voice to a generation that felt ignored. Novoselic believes something similar i...

The Informed Citizen is taking the stage on March 28th, and you're invited! This one-of-a-kind event will blend live performance with an interactive panel discussion as we explore together the root causes and possible solutions to the homelessness crisis. You will hear from people with lived experience, advocates delivering critical services, elected officials shaping policy, and professionals...

Drawing on more than a decade in local and county government, Marty Campbell offers rare insight into how policy is actually made and a truth hiding in plain sight: While politics grows louder and more polarized, there is still far more common ground than we are led to believe. We just don’t talk about it. As media rewards outrage and division, Campbell argues that the real danger facing democracy...

In this revealing episode of The Informed Citizen, host Dr. Philip Lindholm sits down with former Pierce County Executive & Prosecutor John Ladenburg to uncover the untold truth behind the Puyallup Land Claims Settlement, the messy politics of tribal-government relations, and why most elected officials still do not understand what a tribal government is. From forced treaties to billion-dollar...

In this powerful episode of The Informed Citizen, Dr. Philip Lindholm sits down with Pierce County Prosecutor Mary Robnett. Robnett is the county’s top legal officer and the first woman ever elected to the position. She gives a behind-the-scenes perspective on the state of justice in America today. From skyrocketing property crime and the fentanyl crisis, to juvenile violence and eroding public tr...

Why are so many young Americans tuning out? Host Philip Lindholm sits down with Anders Ibsen, a real estate professional, community leader, and former Tacoma City Councilmember, to explore one of the most urgent crises in American democracy: the political disengagement of young people. From the collapse of civic institutions to the fading promise of the American Dream, Ibsen draws on his years in...

In this eye-opening episode of The Informed Citizen, host Philip Lindholm sits down with Jim Henderson, founder of Landlord Solutions and Washington Government Relations, and Caitlyn McKenney, housing policy researcher and writer for FixHomelessness.org, to unpack one of the most divisive issues in America: evictions. Episode OverviewFrom rising rent costs to state-level moratoriums and broken saf...

What if the smiling, straight-A student sitting next to you at school was being trafficked at night? That was the hidden reality for Brea Burnett, who was sold for sex from the age of 8 until 17—while still living at home, going to school, and appearing to lead a “normal” life. Today, she is the founder and executive director of Scarlet Compass, a nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of sexual...

Host Philip Lindholm sits down with Dana Ralph, Mayor of Kent, Washington, about the growing power struggle between cities and the state. As Kent faces the pressures of rapid growth, rising housing costs, public safety concerns, and state-imposed mandates, Ralph offers a frank and unfiltered look at what it really takes to govern at the local level when Olympia holds most of the cards. From budget...

In this powerful episode, Philip Lindholm sits down with Ginny Burton—a former addict, felon, and now one of the nation’s most sought-after voices on recovery and homelessness. Ginny’s life story reads like fiction: introduced to drugs by her mother at just seven years old, she spent decades addicted, homeless, and entangled in crime. By the age of 40, she had committed 17 felonies and was homeles...

Host Dr. Philip Lindholm sits down with Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello to answer a fundamental question: Is homelessness a housing problem?  Ryan explains what he sees as the root causes of homelessness, the rising cost of housing, and the policies that could turn the tide in Pierce County and beyond. Philip kicks off the episode by asking the central question:Is homelessness a housing problem...

The Informed Citizen – Vigilante Justice in Seattle In this eye-opening episode, host Philip Lindholm sits down with investigative journalist Jonathan Choe and newly elected Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank to tackle one of the most disturbing trends in the Pacific Northwest: the rise of vigilante justice in Seattle. With lawlessness on the rise and faith in public institutions waning, citizens a...

In this episode of The Informed Citizen, host Philip Lindholm is joined by Port of Tacoma Commissioner Deanna Keller for a wide-ranging conversation on the complex responsibilities of leading one of the most critical trade hubs in the U.S. A Marine Corps veteran, former school principal, and business executive, Keller brings a deeply informed and refreshingly pragmatic voice to issues that impact...

In this insightful episode, Philip Lindholm discusses the state of education in America with Deputy Mayor John Hines, who brings his extensive experience as an educator and policymaker to the table. John begins by reflecting on his unique experience on Jeopardy and how his background in education has shaped his views on policy and teaching. Key Topics Covered:1. Safety in Schools? John questions t...

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of "The Informed Citizen," Bruce Dammeier, former Pierce County Executive, gives his exit interview as he transitions from a life of public service into retirement. Bruce shares heartfelt stories about love, family, and the regrets that have shaped him, alongside reflections on his extensive political career. This episode offers a unique glim...

In this moving solo episode of The Informed Citizen, host Philip Lindholm explores the profound impact of gratitude on our lives and communities. Drawing on his personal experiences and a powerful school-wide initiative at the Northwest Career and Technical Academy (NCTA), Philip delves into how gratitude can transform everyday life and tackle pressing social issues. Episode Highlights: • Introduc...

In this compelling episode, Dr. Philip Lindholm sits down with Rep Andrew Barkis for a deep dive into the severe housing supply issues in Washington state, outlining the skyrocketing costs and the projected need for additional homes. Andrew begins by discussing how his background as a property manager informs his approach to housing legislation, emphasizing the real-world impacts of policies on bo...

In this compelling episode, Dr. Philip Lindholm sits down with Rep. Travis Couture, a dedicated legislator and advocate for public safety, to discuss one of the most pressing issues facing our communities: the fentanyl crisis. Drawing from his experience in the Washington State House of Representatives, Rep. Couture provides a candid and insightful look into the multifaceted challenges posed by th...

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Philip Lindholm sits down with Linda Farmer, Pierce County Auditor, to explore the challenges and contentions surrounding election integrity. Auditor Farmer provides a transparent look at the safeguards in place to protect voting rights and shares her perspective on building public trust in elections amidst a climate of skepticism. Linda Farmer begins by discussing...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jason Whalen, Mayor of Lakewood, WA, and a seasoned attorney with decades of experience in local government, law, and alternative dispute resolution. Mayor Whalen offers a unique perspective on the growing issue of political tribalism, drawing from his extensive background in mediation and public service. Though he previously ran as a Republican, he now d...

Join Philip Lindholm and guests as they explore criminal justice and public safety at a deeper level. Guests are Sheriff Paul Pastor and Defense Attorney Chris Van Vechten. Topics include how to build trust between the police and the communities they serve, should police officers live in the neighborhoods they serve, how to hold juvenile offenders accountable, and more. Stay curious, stay informed...

In this episode of The Informed Citizen, Dr. Philip Lindholm discusses the critical role of citizen involvement in a thriving democracy. Building on the previous episode about staying informed, Philip highlights the second habit of a good citizen: getting involved. Episode Highlights: The Importance of Participation: Democracy depends on the active engagement of its citizens. Every individual'...