Seattle radio host Jason Rantz joins us on Episode 16 of the Safe Space Podcast for a no-holds-barred conversation about Washington’s changing political climate, the rise in crime, and what it’s like being a conservative voice in a deep blue state. We dig into everything from voter turnout and gun laws to juvenile justice reform and the growing importance of owning a safe — plus, the now-legendary 17 minutes of magazine freedom.
Agree or not, this episode brings sharp insights, candid takes, and even a few laughs. You won’t want to miss it.
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Episode 16 Discussion Questions
Episode 16 Discussion Question Synopses
1:07: For those who might not be familiar with you, can you share a bit about your background and how you got into radio?
Jason Rantz got his start in radio when he was just 15 years old, working as an intern at a sports station in Los Angeles. From there, he worked his way up through different jobs — call screener, producer, and eventually program director.
His dream was always to talk on the radio, and that dream came true after he moved to Seattle about 15 years ago. He started with an evening show on KIRO Newsradio, then later joined KTTH where he now hosts a conservative talk show.
While Seattle is known for being very liberal, it has had a strong conservative radio presence for years. Jason jokes that he’s one of only a handful of conservatives who still live in the city. Sometimes, people recognize him from Fox News. But, they only whisper their support because they’re afraid to be judged for agreeing with a conservative.
Lately, though, Jason has noticed a shift. More people, even some who consider themselves liberal, are saying they agree with his views on public safety. He believes this is because issues like crime and safety shouldn’t be political — people just want to feel safe walking with their kids or living in their neighborhoods.
What frustrates him most is how some people still try to deny the problems happening in the city, even when he shares real videos and facts. He hopes this growing awareness will help push Seattle toward a more balanced and realistic approach.
Not Your Grandma's Jewelry Box. Picking the Best Jewelry Safe!
A recent study by A Secure Life revealed that Washington is among the top 10 states with the most break-ins. In 2020, there were 41,638 reported burglaries.
3:59: Many of our listeners feel frustrated with the political climate in Washington. What would you say is the most effective way for them to make a real difference?
Jason encourages people to stop giving up and start voting. He says it may sound simple, but it’s powerful. Too many people feel like their vote doesn’t matter or think elections are rigged, so they don’t even try. But Jason argues that not voting makes it easier to lose — there’s no need to "steal" an election if people don’t show up in the first place.
He believes both political parties, especially conservatives, need to do a better job supporting strong, electable candidates. Some candidates may be too extreme to win in certain areas, no matter how likable they are. That’s why it’s important to pick candidates who fit the region and can actually win.
Jason also encourages people to talk about issues, not party labels. Instead of starting with “I’m a conservative,” he suggests asking neighbors questions like:
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Are you concerned about rising crime or homelessness?
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Did you hear about the break in at your favorite restaurant or business the other day?
Then, connect those problems to the policies and politicians causing them. Avoid using polarizing labels like “Republican,” which can immediately turn people off. Focus on ideas, not identities.
He also points out that Democrats are often more organized and show up to vote, especially in local and midterm elections. If more conservatives and moderates simply voted, especially in areas like Pierce, East King, and Snohomish counties, it could make a real difference.
Sometimes, Jason even votes for moderate Democrats when that’s the best realistic option. It’s not always about voting with your heart — sometimes, you have to vote smart to make progress.
7:00: Your station continues to thrive, even in a predominantly blue state. Why do you think conservative talk radio still resonates so strongly here?
Jason Rantz believes people support his work because they share similar values and feel outnumbered in a very liberal area. He says conservative ideas are often more popular than the people promoting them, especially at the local level.
Even some of his liberal listeners and viewers appreciate his content because it’s reasonable and respectful. He explains that while critics may try to label conservative views as extreme, most of what he shares is based on common sense. By focusing on everyday issues and treating others with respect, Jason believes KTTH and Seattle Red are connecting with a wide, thoughtful audience.
8:28: You've worked with Northwest City for a while now. Why do you think your audience connects with what we do? And in your view why is owning it safe more readily relevant now than ever?
Jason Rantz describes KTTH as more than just a radio station — it feels like a family. Everyone there shares common values, uses common sense, and genuinely cares about the work they do. NW Safe, he explains, feels the same way. And in a lot of cases, some staff members at NW Safe are literally related, while others feel like adopted family. He appreciates that the team takes their work seriously and isn’t just chasing money.
Jason also believes now is the perfect time to invest in a safe. With summer vacations leaving homes empty and crime still a serious issue, it’s smart to protect valuables. While some people claim crime and homelessness are improving, he sees otherwise. Burglaries, car break-ins, and theft still happen regularly.
He says safes are important not just for protecting high-value items, but also for securing meaningful personal items — things like family heirlooms, old tools, or a pocket knife passed down from a loved one. These items may not be worth much money, but they carry deep emotional value. A safe gives people peace of mind that those memories are protected.
11:19: From your time covering Northwest politics, what stands out as the most overreaching or impactful piece of legislation you've seen?
At the start of July, the Washington State Supreme Court quietly changed a rule that gives judges the power to drop criminal charges based on personal judgment. Judges can now dismiss cases if they feel the community or defendant might be negatively impacted by prosecution — even in serious crimes. A simple government error, even a small one, could be enough to throw out a case.
This change surprised prosecutors and even many judges, with judge associations speaking out against it. Some Democratic lawmakers and prosecutors have called the change dangerous, but it hasn’t received much public attention. It’s a reminder that elections matter.
13:00: If you had the chance to pass one piece of legislation at the state level, what would it focus on and why?
Jason Rantz says that if he could make changes, he would start by repealing several gun control laws in Washington State. He believes recent legislation has stripped away people's gun rights and made it harder for them to protect themselves. He’s hopeful that the U.S. Supreme Court will step in, just like it did with homelessness and clearing encampments. He argues that Washington doesn’t need bold new ideas — just a return to common-sense policies that allow law enforcement to do their jobs.
One of the first laws he would get rid of is the juvenile suspect law, which requires a lawyer to be present before police can talk to a minor. Since lawyers almost never allow those talks, many crimes, including murders, have gone unsolved. He believes this law has done more harm than good.
Rantz also discussed how brief a recent legal victory was for gun owners. A judge issued an injunction that paused Washington’s magazine ban — but it only lasted 17 minutes. He says change needs to come from the U.S. Supreme Court, not the state level.