Since this is our annual Travel & Design issue, I thought I’d share a few objects in my life that embody the above. Each one sparks joy. First, my vintage Eames La Chaise. Designed in 1948 by Charles and Ray Eames, it’s as much sculpture as seating. Its “biomorphic,” almost wind-sculpted form both excites the senses and invites relaxation, a paradox that keeps me looking at it from different angles every time I walk past. It’s functional, yes, but also a love letter to the human form and famous modernist interpretations of it (think Gaston Lachaise’s Floating Figure or Henry Moore’s Reclining Figures). This chair has been with me for 35 years through three architecturally different homes, yet it never fails to level-up any space.

Second, my Patek Philippe Calatrava wristwatch. It’s been said that great design happens when there is nothing more to subtract. The Calatrava is spare, understated, and utterly confident in its simplicity. The case lines are so clean they almost disappear, leaving only the disciplined sweep of the second hand and the minimal hash-marks at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 positions. This watch doesn’t shout luxury—it whispers… permanence. And in that whisper, I’m reminded that the best designs are never about chasing trends. In a sea of large diving watches and chronographs, it quietly renders itself with restrained elegance.

And finally, my Chemex Coffee Maker. An hourglass of glass and wood, this little miracle transforms a morning ritual into something meditative. Watching coffee bloom through its paper filter is like seeing something otherworldly in real time—slow, precise, and rewarding. It is a perfect fusion of engineering and drama, and a reminder that great design doesn’t have to be rare or expensive to feel extraordinary.

All of these things are beautiful not because they are mine, but because they are evidence of what happens when people fully commit themselves to the marriage of form and function. In them, I’m reminded that beauty is a luxury—it’s forged from talent, sweat, and joy.

There is something else besides great design that is equally nourishing: “cultural literacy.” And I’d like to introduce you to someone who has that in spades, among other things; our new editor-in-chief, Rachel Gallaher. Known for her ability to balance cultural sophistication with an approachable warmth, she has spent her career exploring the intersections of art, design, lifestyle,
and community while writing for national magazines like Architectural Digest, Robb Report, Dwell, and Architectural Record. Her vision for Seattle magazine is rooted in a definite worldliness, celebrating all the beautiful and artistic endeavors that elevate our city and make it the world class place we know it to be.

So, as we open this Travel & Design issue, I hope you’ll look around—at your home, your neighborhood, your city—and notice the beauty that’s already woven through it. And then imagine what’s still to come. With Rachel’s vision guiding this publication, we’re not just reporting on design and culture—we’re helping to shape the next chapter of our city’s story. Let’s make it one worth remembering.

The post Publisher’s Notebook: A Well Designed Life appeared first on Seattle magazine.

The company announced it’s beginning driverless testing in Seattle this week, following earlier trials in Bellevue back in 2022. There’s no official launch date yet, but the groundwork is being laid for a wider rollout.

To start, let’s level-set here on the kind of rideshare or taxi rider I am: I am a prolific talker. That’s right, if the Uber driver wants to ask me how my day is going, I’ll give them concise summaries of my last four meetings and my imminent dinner plans. So, I am not, by any means, anti-social. But on several recent business trips to Santa Monica and San Francisco, I had the unexpected pleasure of experiencing what I can only describe as pure “driverless bliss” in a Waymo.

Let me explain why.

Reason One: No Bad Driving, Ever Again

To be clear, most taxi and Uber drivers I’ve had the pleasure of riding with have been great, but I have experienced a ride or two that will surely take a few years off my life. We’ve all been there—trapped on I-5 behind the seat of someone who believes braking should coincide with every body tick… or white-knuckling it down Rainier Avenue while the driver is on the phone with his wife debating when the mother-in-law will leave. Waymo’s arrival means an end to this chaos. No more swearing out the window, no more drivers signaling right while turning left. The machines won’t forget to yield, won’t try to text and drive, and won’t suddenly slam on the brakes to admire some fetching co-ed. Imagine a commute utterly free of creative interpretation. Beautiful, orderly, quiet. Think Jetsons, not Skynet.

Reason Two: Total Privacy

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Wait, a car filled with sensors, cameras, and microphones is supposed to give me privacy?” And yet, counterintuitively, it does. Like I said, I am a social guy, but I also have challenges finding enough downtime to leave my mind free to wander, review, or dream. Consider the bliss of stepping into a vehicle where no life stories need exchanging, however politely, no Lyft driver is cheerfully offering unsolicited relationship advice, and no cabbie is debating whether the Mariners will make the playoffs. With Waymo, you are gloriously alone. Just you, your thoughts, and maybe your favorite podcast (I am partial to Seattle magazine’s own podcast). Waymo gives us a neutral zone for Seattle Freeze, a third space: no awkward silence with a human driver, no forced small talk. Just a perfect blank canvas where we can, ahem, rehearse Karaoke go-to numbers at full volume.

Reason Three: Royal Treatment

Now here’s my favorite part. When Waymo picks you up, it announces your name out loud like you’re royalty arriving at the Met Gala. “Hello Jonathan! Your car is here!” There’s no confusion, no asking, “Hey I’m Jonathan, are you Derek?” And for a brief soothesome moment, my current rumination or phone call is left uninterrupted. This feature alone is worth celebrating. If you really think about it, years of enduring apps that make us prove we are not robots have led us here: a robot that recognizes us immediately like a celebrity. Now that’s what progress feels like!

So yes, Seattle, let’s rejoice. Waymo isn’t just another rideshare option, it’s a lifestyle upgrade and a reprieve from bad driving habits, a privacy cocoon, and, frankly, a chance to feel like the future has arrived in the good way that we all secretly wished that it would. Now, if only Waymo could also fix other Seattle drivers’ “you go, no, you go” tendencies at four-way stops, then we’d really be talking.

The post Finally, the Robot Chauffeurs Are Coming appeared first on Seattle magazine.

Nowadays, we find substances such as LSD, psilocybin and MDMA being seriously studied in clinical settings and reevaluated as powerful therapeutic tools. Microdosing has even emerged amongst the “suburban soccer mom” set as a promising practice for enhancing mental health, creativity, and productivity without dangerous hallucinogenic effects.

Studies at Johns Hopkins University and Stanford University have shown that microdosing can indeed alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even chronic pain. Subjects further reported enhanced cognitive function and a greater “sense of presence.” And still recent studies suggest they can even promote neuroplasticity and mental flexibility, supporting long-term mental wellness with fewer side effects than conventional antidepressants.

Now decriminalized in cities like Seattle, what was once taboo is now on the cusp of mainstream integration into wellness and mental health regiments. In 2025, this same cover would likely not be of a daytripper, but your neighbor.

The post Back Page: A “Trip” Through Time appeared first on Seattle magazine.

Yes, people have wondered. Yes, some days I do look “suspiciously well-rested” for someone who owns a magazine, sits on multiple nonprofit boards, and drinks way too much coffee. But no, I do not sleep in a cryogenic pod — at least not yet.

I’m a one-man Benjamin Button, except with a better skincare routine and significantly more Amazon Prime orders.

I’m simply a man trying to outwit time armed with cutting-edge science, exercise, a small army of serums, and the ambition of someone who once tried intermittent fasting — and ended up intermittently eating an entire pizza.

Now, I realize I may have a problem. Somewhere between my 39th and 50-ish birthdays (please don’t check the math), I bought a standing desk and treadmill to quietly begin a full-court press against Father Time. I’m a one-man Benjamin Button, except with a better skincare routine and significantly more Amazon Prime orders.

Let’s start with the supplements. Each morning, my kitchen counter looks better stocked than the pharmacy section at Bartell Drugs: NAD+, resveratrol, magnesium threonate, omega-3s, and something called “NMN” that I think is working because I once beat my son in a push-up contest. (He insists he was tired. I say: science.)

I wash those down with a collagen protein smoothie that tastes like blueberries and regret, followed by a matcha mushroom adaptogen coffee that tastes like, well, mushrooms. But it’s doing things, I swear!

Then comes the mask. Not the superhero kind — though let’s be honest, I wish — but a glowing, red light therapy face shield that makes me look like a Cylon from the old Battlestar Galactica series. My dog has stopped barking at it. My wife has not stopped laughing at it.

Next up: serums. Plural. I am layering regimens like I’m painting the Sistine Chapel — vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides (so many peptides), and something with snail mucin that I try not to think about too hard. My face routine is literally more complex than my taxes.

And don’t get me started on hair growth strategies. I’ve tried it all — scalp massages, minoxidil foam, the occasional whispered prayer to God. There was even a brief flirtation with microneedling, which, I’m told, is not dissimilar to aerating your lawn — except it’s your head and the “grass” is your dignity.

So, why do I do all this? Is it vanity? Of course. But it’s also curiosity. I’ve always believed that science, when paired with just the right amount of over-the-counter enthusiasm, can offer us a better life — or at least a better selfie.

More seriously, I’m fascinated by the growing research around longevity, healthy aging, and vitality. We’re living in a moment where the tools to extend our healthspan (and to wear skinny jeans into our 70s) are more accessible than ever. A 2009 study on longevity published by the British Medical Journal indicated that those who act and look younger will live longer.

So, here at Seattle magazine, we’re diving into these very topics of healthfulness. In addition to a comprehensive listing of the “Top Docs” in our community, this issue explores the foundations of wellness: from busting top medical myths, to current developments in longevity research, and a discussion with the head of world-renowned Fred Hutch Cancer Center. And as always we spotlight some inspiring things to do and see in Seattle that will, at the very least, keep you young at heart.

As for me, I’ll keep experimenting, walking, supplementing, red-lighting, and moisturizing. I make no promises — except to tell you the truth, even if it means sharing that I once wore a Korean skincare mask into a Zoom meeting by accident.

Aging may be inevitable, but doing it with a laugh (and maybe a peptide or two) is a choice.

Yours in youthful delusion,

Jonathan

This story is part of the July/August 2025 issue of Seattle magazine, featuring our annual Top Doctors list and other health-related stories. Pick up a copy wherever you buy magazines — or better yet, subscribe and never miss an issue.

The post Publisher’s Note: The Not-So-Secret Life of a Health-Obsessed Publisher appeared first on Seattle magazine.

In this “Trailblazing Women” issue — on stands now and available by subscription —  we are privileged to feature extraordinary women whose contributions across technology, health care, social justice, and the arts aren’t just breaking barriers — they’re rewriting the rulebook. They are also living proof that what happens in Seattle matters to the rest of the world.

Melinda French Gates is a name that needs no introduction. As the former co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and now leading Pivotal Ventures, Melinda has “all the receipts” in the fight for global health and equity. But what sometimes goes unspoken is how her long personal commitment to women’s well-being and equity has become a timely and powerful counterforce to the dynamics setting us back. She is one of the superheroes of our region reshaping all of our futures.

I had the honor of being Melinda’s co-worker in the halcyon days of Microsoft’s consumer division under Patty Stonesifer. As we’re just past the 50th anniversary milestone of Microsoft, I think we can safely proclaim Melinda as one of our proudest alums. We are honored to showcase exclusively in this magazine, in her own words, how she learned through deeply humbling personal experience that it’s essential in life to leave room for your plans to change. It can even make you fiercer.

We also shine the spotlight on Dr. Joan Sung, a pioneering physician-scientist who has dedicated her career to advancing precision medicine, particularly in the realm of cancer treatment. Her brilliance, coupled with her unyielding commitment to breaking barriers for Asian American women, serves as a reminder that innovation is not just about the science itself — it’s also about beating down barriers that deny some a seat at the table.

Then there is Seattle Foundation CEO Alesha Washington, who has successfully navigated politics and power dynamics in her three short years since arriving in Seattle from Cleveland. Leading the oldest philanthropic organization in Seattle, one born from the city’s original cohort of male business leaders, Washington shatters the glass ceiling with relentless determination. By centering “joyful leadership” as a management philosophy, Alesha is teaching us all how to recognize the inherent value of women, particularly women of color, who are doing critical work to ensure we have a thriving community that changes economic inequality.

As you read these stories, I hope you keep something in mind: To create the world you want to live in, you must be the hero you wish to see. These incredible women remind us that change is absolutely possible. I want to see a world run by women, and within our May/June 2025 issue, I am convinced that we are already there. While the reality is that it may take longer, face greater resistance, or even take occasional steps backward, architecting a future for all of us that is more inclusive and compassionate is happening right here in Seattle. It’s a privilege to share their stories with you.

The post Publisher’s Note: Trailblazing Women – The Power of Courage and Vision appeared first on Seattle magazine.

If changing up the old routine is on your horizon, then this issue offers just the right form of adult escapism — the dream of a second home. Whether this is of practical imminence or merely fantasy, the simple aspiration itself can be a telling exercise in how you want your life to change, what you wish to keep versus shed, and whether to slow down or be more active. Imagine a place your very own that’s just a short drive (or flight) away, where upon arrival your mood elevates, and the world seems not so bad.

Whether it be a beach cottage, a modernist’s haven in the San Juan Islands, or a charming farmhouse in the countryside, it’s a sanctuary and a place to recharge without the stress of planning trips every time you want to get out of town. It’s not just a luxury. It’s really an investment in your well-being and happiness.

In these pages, we present some of the top architects and builders in that business. All are from the Pacific Northwest and all enjoy national renown. Their bold visions and cutting-edge approaches manifest in the jaw-dropping architecture gracing our pages. You’ll read about master architect Eric Cobb discussing light and space as key drivers of “structural expression” in the Pacific Northwest, resulting in some highly innovative designs that have arguably upped the bar for Seattle’s custom home builds over the last 30 years. The partners at architecture firm mwworks, who specialize in challenging build sites in the San Juans and Hood Canal, also share gorgeous design ideas that balance simplicity, lack of preciousness, and massive weather robustness.

But you’ll also hear from the owners themselves. From Chelan to Bainbridge, what is the reality of second-home ownership truly like? What are the joys but also the downsides? And would they do it over again?

Beyond the personal benefits, a second home can be an investment in your retirement. With a robust annual average appreciation of 4% to 5% per year in our idyllic region, second homes can be enjoyed now and have a strong upside in the years to come. If you’re open to it, you can generate rental income when you’re not using the space, helping to offset costs. It’s a win-win.

So, let’s get out of town for a bit, yeah?

The post Publisher’s Note: The Beauty Of A Second Home appeared first on Seattle magazine.

This issue is about more than just recognition — it’s about commemorating the people who think different, have a strong point of view, and push the boundaries of what’s achievable beyond what most of us thought possible. Can Seattle’s hosting of several matches during the FIFA 2026 World Cup generate 21,000 new jobs, $1 billion in estimated new revenue, and also radically transform our city in long-lasting ways? Peter Tomozawa is confident of it. Or can an author recreate the framework for how we value ourselves and heal trauma through the powerful story of her own immigrant family’s history? Susan Lieu, author of The Manicurist’s Daughter, offers a compelling answer.

And, deviating from convention for the first time in the magazine’s history, we honor a non-person this year as one of Seattle’s Most Influential: Microsoft. No company and its employees in the history of business have contributed more than a staggering $3 billion in philanthropic giving across the world. As Microsoft turns 50 in April, we take a moment to reflect on its impact in our community in preserving Seattle’s “civic jewels and icons.” To quote Microsoft President Brad Smith: “Let’s really imagine together what we want this region to be, and then let’s go build it.”

From business leaders to activists, artists to yes, companies, these honorees represent the thought leaders who attack big problems in order to make the world better. In doing so, nothing is truly impossible. And, in a real way, this annual list reflects the direction in which Seattle itself is heading. The stories of these extraordinary people are a testament to the “servant leadership” ethos that is uniquely common to our culture.

As we’ve continued to witness tremendous growth and change in Seattle over the decades, these leaders emphasize putting the needs of others first, actively supporting and empowering others around them, and focusing on our community’s growth and benefit over self-gain. We all continue to thrive as a result. While the individuals featured in this issue may not themselves seek the spotlight, we happily shine one on them in proud acknowledgment.

Seattle is a city of doers, dreamers, and big thinkers, and the individuals within these pages are proof of what happens when purpose and talent come together. As the owner and publisher of Seattle magazine, I’m personally inspired by the grit, vision, and energy of the people who make this city what it is. I’m deeply proud of the role our magazine plays in sharing these voices with the wider public. Please join me in congratulating all the honorees this year.

The post Publisher’s Note: When Purpose and Talent Come Together appeared first on Seattle magazine.

They remind us that being the best isn’t always about being the biggest or the most famous, but rather dedication to craft , commitment to community , and a certain je ne sais quoi.

With this issue’s mission to highlight what makes Seattle exceptional, we sought out the experts: you. In the recent Readers’ Choice survey, you all identified en masse the many businesses within these pages. Thus, this “Best of Seattle” issue celebrates not just the well-known establishments but also hidden gems that may have gone unnoticed. These places infuse our city with life, character, and vitality. They remind us that being the best isn’t always about being the biggest or the most famous, but rather dedication to craft, commitment to community, and a certain je ne sais quoi. We thank you for your invaluable input.

However, spotlighting the best has a counterpoint. It reminds us to be intentional in our excellence and growth. In a time when many cities face challenges such as housing, sustainability, and social equity, choosing what’s best means embracing our responsibility to create a more inclusive and equitable Seattle. Supporting local businesses, championing diverse voices, and investing in our neighborhoods are essential steps in nurturing a thriving community. It is too easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of competition and comparison. It’s fun, right? But true greatness comes from lifting each other up. Thus, we’re dedicated to showcasing Seattle’s best, alongside stories of cooperation, community, and giving back. You will see ample evidence of this in the various feature stories throughout both Seattle and Seattle Business magazines. We are all family, and we are better together.

So, as we unveil this “Best of Seattle” issue, I invite you to reflect on what being the best means to you personally. Who inspires you in your own sphere to do better? Which local treasures exemplify the values you live by? And, by all means, feel free to disagree with what’s in these pages. Debate over morning coffee or an impromptu conversation with neighbors. Send us your feedback. And let’s absolutely celebrate the essence of Seattle together, recognizing that each of us plays a role in making this city extraordinary.

Giving you my very best.

The post Publisher’s Note: The Essence Of Excellence appeared first on Seattle magazine.

When I retired from my long-time job in corporate tech, I found myself in complete freefall. The structure and predictability of my previous career had defined my days for decades. Morning meetings, followed by more meetings, lunch in the cafeteria with colleagues, back to meetings, prepping for upper management reviews, and a real job title. All that disappeared overnight, to be replaced by contemplative, quiet, and surprisingly relaxing stretches of “think flow.” And soon enough, time spent on re-evaluation of priorities, reassessment of abilities, and ultimately reinvention of self, yielded an exciting second chapter as an internet entrepreneur of multiple companies. What was once scary became very good.

I won’t lie. Engaging in something I truly love has had profound effects on my mental well-being. The act of creating something of value to others from a clean sheet is therapeutic, allowing one to express ideas and contributions that brings joy to the community. I think all humans were meant to be expressive. It is our nature. And entrepreneurship has brought a sense of baseline satisfaction and contentment that transcends the everyday stresses of entrepreneurship itself.

In this issue of Seattle magazine, we present several notables from our community who are doing just that — second acts who are also class acts in how they’re creating real change in the world. Get to know a former Costco merchandise buyer turned national museum founder. Learn how a former King County prosecutor has enjoyed a fantastic rise to become the nation’s highest-profile criminal law pundit. Go behind the scenes with a retired knife designer who now creates art that changes the way top world leaders understand global warming. All forged their second acts right here in Seattle, embodying the rugged individualism and “think different” attitude that has become our hallmark.

Not surprisingly, many of us in our second acts actually have a third act up our sleeves. And this third act is as universal as anything else in life — taking care of our aging parents. We again present an ensemble of third act heroes whose stories are at once heartbreaking but also inspiring. As I tend to my elderly mother — who has sadly been afflicted with dementia — I have never lost sight of the once vibrant and opinionated free spirit who attended Columbia University while a single mother.

My mother has taught me a powerful life lesson: Perhaps “happiness” is simply just a matter of stringing together small moments of joy that bring a smile to one’s face.

Both personas seem to coexist simultaneously in a quantum framework. Now free of her memories, prior trauma, resentments, and yes, even anger, every day is another clean sheet from which new friendships and experiences are born. My mother has taught me a powerful life lesson: Perhaps “happiness” is simply just a matter of stringing together small moments of joy that bring a smile to one’s face.

Assuredly, our second and third acts have not only enriched our own lives, but benefit others close to us even more. We hope this issue’s inspiring profiles remind us that retirement can be a profound opportunity to rediscover yourself, embrace something wholly new, and make a lasting impact in unexpected ways. You’ll never know until you try.

The post Publisher’s Note: Embrace The Magic Of A New Beginning appeared first on Seattle magazine.

But recent research taking place in our region has begun to challenge this perception, uncovering the profound potential of things such as psilocybin, MDMA, and LSD to treat heal the human psyche. In this increasingly complex world, could a simple mushroom be the answer to depression, anxiety, PTSD, and even addiction?

Seattle, with its progressive reputation, is currently playing a big role in this “psychedelic renaissance.” We could potentially lead the nation in unlocking the value of psychedelics. The region’s trifecta of STEM expertise, cultural openness, and entrepreneurial drive has fostered an environment where both research and therapeutic trials have begun in earnest and at scale.

In 2022, the Seattle City Council approved a resolution to decriminalize noncommercial activity around a wide range of psychedelic substances, and Seattle became the largest major city in the United States to do so. Last year, Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation that enacts a state task force to further psychedelics and lay the groundwork for a long-term strategic plan. That bill, known as SB 5263, authorized UW Medicine to launch a pilot program in 2025 to safely access and study psilocybin. Sorry everyone, but applications for that trial are now closed.

What really sets Seattle apart in this burgeoning field is not just its science or even politics, but its commitment to social justice and equity.

And again, on character, what really sets Seattle apart in this burgeoning field is not just its science or even politics, but its commitment to social justice and equity. To this day, the legacy of the War on Drugs still looms large over any discussions of drug policy and psychedelic legalization, but local initiatives like “Decriminalize Nature Seattle” are continuing the work to decriminalize possession and use of natural psychedelics, recognizing that punitive drug policies have disproportionately harmed marginalized communities. By shifting the focus from punishment to education, Seattle and Washington state are leading the way in pivoting the national conversation.

I’ve said this before: What happens in Seattle influences the rest of the country and the world. In this issue of Seattle magazine, we invite you to explore with us the groundbreaking research and treatments reshaping our understanding of psychedelics, and their incredible potential to heal and transform. Our stories in this issue point to the challenges and solutions that promise to reshape the way we think about health care. The mental health renaissance unfolding in our own backyard is nothing short of innovative and inspiring.

Yours in entheogens,

Jonathan NG Sposato

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