Former KIRO Newsradio Host

Ron Upshaw

Ron Upshaw was formerly the co-host of The Ron & Don Show on KIRO Newsradio.

Ron: Aretha Franklin is a once-in-a-generation talent

There have been quite a few titans of music that have passed recently, Tom Petty, Chris Cornell, and Prince. I would argue that none of those men outshine The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.
8 years ago

Shower thoughts: Pearl Jam, toxic trolls, and the Space Force

In this edition of Ron Upshaw's Shower Thoughts: Do we need a Space Force? Why is it so hard to sleep when it's hot out? When will Twitter start addressing toxic content? And one of Ron's favorite Pearl Jam songs.
8 years ago

Something changed last night for Felix Hernandez

Ron Upshaw is still bummed that Felix Hernandez never got to pitch in a meaningful playoff game for the Mariners. He never got to face off in a championship situation at the peak of his powers.
8 years ago

Should Seattleites get a say in what happens to The Showbox?

Say what you will about Seattle City Councilwoman Kshama Sawant, but she definitely knows how to keep herself in the action.
8 years ago

Two things you should know about me

Ron Upshaw can't come up with one good reason to deny people the right to work in the apple orchards of Washington.
8 years ago

Ron: How to both survive and enjoy Seafair

KIRO Radio's Ron Upshaw provides some Seafair Weekend pointers for the uninitiated. This is the Seattle area's signature event. Enjoy it.
8 years ago

Shower Thoughts: Pearl Jam, homelessness, and orca grief

In this edition of Shower Thoughts, Ron contemplates the depth of emotions in animals; Pearl Jams' upcoming concert, the homeless industrial complex, and Seattle sports.
8 years ago

Journalism shouldn’t rely on billionaires and celebrities

Journalism shouldn't depend upon millionaires, billionaires, and celebrities buying them to keep them running with integrity. Take the time and give a few bucks to a worthy journalist.
8 years ago

This is what true grit looks like

The NFL season is quickly approaching, and you're going to hear a lot about the toughness of players. But nothing compares to this.
8 years ago

Does The Showbox deserve to be made a Seattle landmark?

I stood across the street of The Showbox this weekend, considering its meager architecture next to the Seattle Art Museum and various high rises. Does this site deserve to be a landmark?
8 years ago

Shower Thoughts: Still laughing over the Seattle streetcar

Let's do some Wednesday Shower Thoughts, shall we? These are some of the random things that ping pong thru my noggin while in the shower.
8 years ago

Why is online gambling still illegal in Washington state?

The State of Washington is behind the times with gambling laws from a bygone era. Hopefully, this new online gambling app will change things around the state.
8 years ago

Why is Ride the Ducks allowed to stay in business?

Hey Seattle City Council, or Mayor Jenny Dukan, or Governor Jay Inslee, how about revoking the business license of Ride the Ducks? How many more people need to die?
8 years ago

I’m begging you not to Ride the Ducks

Seventeen people were killed in an accident involving a Ride The Ducks boat in Missouri. KIRO Radio's Ron Upshaw says no one should Ride the Ducks, ever.
8 years ago

Ron: A few things to consider as football training camp starts

Football training camp is about to start and it is exciting. But it also forces NFL fans to consider a few unsettling factors about their favorite sport and athletes.
8 years ago

Ron Upshaw’s shower thoughts: Words, weather, and fancy dinners

Ron Upshaw considers complaining about the summer weather when we all just complained about the long rainy winter season in this edition of Shower Thoughts.
8 years ago

Did the President of the United States just commit treason?

The question for everyone now, is did that press conference give aid and comfort to Russia? Did the president adhere to our enemy?
8 years ago

The best things around Seattle are free

From the sunshine, the views, the lakes, and the hikes, the best things around Seattle are free. And now is the time to take advantage of why we live in the Northwest.
8 years ago

The very first Ron & Don Show that only one person heard

Technically, the very first Ron and Don radio show was for an audience of one, in the middle of nowhere. But it started something between two friends.
8 years ago

Considering bias as Seattle selects a new police chief

All three candidates for Seattle police chief say they will not tolerate bias. Let's talk about bias for a minute. What does that really mean in Seattle?
8 years ago

Shower thoughts: Shout outs for Seattleites on the road

Meditative thoughts on new clothes, Costco's Polish dog, a rescued in Thailand, Seinfeld is still amazing, and some shout outs to a few Seattleites on the road.
8 years ago

Does Durkan get credit for changing her mind?

Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan got it wrong about not considering Carmen Best for the police chief job and changed her mind, but did it in the most politician way you can think of.
8 years ago

Mister Rogers is the ultimate anti-hero America needs right now

Fred Rogers was the anti-hero that America needs most today. That's right. Mister Rogers, who reminded us to love, listen and be kind to each other.
8 years ago

One tiny toy brought back memories of BMX bikes and Donkey Kong Jr.

How one simple Nintendo item was able to bring back a flood of adolescent memories -- from BMX bikes, Bubble Bobble and Donkey Kong Jr., to the smell of bubble gum when you open a pack of baseball cards.
8 years ago