Skip to main content

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

  • Can the artificial really be 'intelligent'? This researcher wants us to think bigger

    In his new book, "What is Life?" Blaise Agüera y Arcas argues for a broadened definition of “intelligence,” to include things like single celled organisms and even basic tools. And he says humans’ development of technology -- most recently, AI -- is part of a long history of symbiotic relationships that have pushed our evolution forward. 

  • How Seattle's rap scene got its start

    In the 1980s, Seattle's music scene was hooked on disco. That made room for a similar but modified version of the song's simple breakbeat by a group called The Sugarhill Gang, who quickly brought "rapping" to a nationwide audience.

  • Should Washington curb rideshare surge pricing?

    Surge pricing. When there is a lot of demand for rideshares, fares can double or triple their usual rate – or even more.  But a first-of-its-kind bill is looking to slow the surge in Washington State. SB 5600 would cap surge pricing and make sure drivers get more of a share of those extra dollars. 

  • Hear it Again: Oscar winning costumer Paul Tazewell

    On Sunday costumer Paul Tazewell won his first Oscar for his work on Wicked. He sat down with Soundside last month to discuss his design principles, and his ties to the arts community here in the Pacific Northwest.

  • How Seattle is preparing for potential federal funding cuts

    How much will Seattle change under the Trump administration? And what options does the city have to keep the policies it prioritizes? This week, Seattle city councilmember Alexis Merceredes Rinck will chair the first meeting of the council’s new Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes, which will attempt to answer those questions.

  • This actor found freedom — and refuge — on the Seattle stage

    As a young artist in Tehran, “Julia” Rahmanzaei's theater work repeatedly ran up against the strict rules of government monitors – who shut down several of her shows, including her master’s thesis and performance, which discussed limitations of physical performance for women actors.