Best Multnomah County Podcasts (2025)

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Inside one of Portland’s new homeless shelters 23:08

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1h ago23:08

23:08

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson sailed into City Hall this year on the back of an ambitious pledge to end unsheltered homelessness. That plan relies heavily on swiftly opening a bunch of overnight-only shelters across town. We’re now nine months into Wilson’s term, and quickly approaching his self-imposed deadline to get everyone off the streets. So le…

1
Greater Vancouver Chamber 9/21/25 24:58

5d ago24:58

24:58

An interview with Janet Kenefsky, COO of the Greater Vancouver Chamber about Give More 24, their 24 hour fundraising campaign for local non-profits, and about the changes happening in downtown Vancouver.

1
Who needs shots? Vaccines drive a wedge between Oregon and the feds 24:03

6d ago24:03

24:03

It’s been five years now since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Oregon and a global pandemic shook our lives and our politics.The virus is now endemic. A permanent feature of life. Causing less destruction and loss than it did, but still capable of sending people to the hospital and worse.This is the time of year when boosters for COVID a…

1
Why 2 Oregon lawmakers bucked their political parties 20:57

13d ago20:57

20:57

Last week, two Oregon lawmakers bucked their respective parties in a major vote on transportation taxes. This week, both of them face very different political futures. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we look at what their votes mean for the Democratic and Republican parties in Oregon. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.…

1
Regional Water Providers Consortium 9/14/25 24:58

13d ago24:58

24:58

An interview with Bonny Cushman, Program Manager for the Regional Water Providers Consortium, about emergency preparedness and the importance of water during an emergency.

1
988 Oregon 9/7/25 24:58

20d ago24:58

24:58

An interview with Dr. Christa Jones, Deputy Director for Oregon Health Authority’s Behavioral Health Division, about 988 Oregon, a 24/7 service available in our state that anyone can call, text or chat and speak with trained counselors. People can connect if they are struggling with mental health or substance use, or just going through a tough time…

1
Oregon's road funding special legislative session sputters at its midway point 22:54

20d ago22:54

22:54

The special session that was supposed to funnel billions of dollars into the state’s roads and prevent hundreds of layoffs at the Oregon Department of Transportation…well similar to a crumbling bridge, it fell apart. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Dirk VanderHart and Lauren Dake discuss the last week of politics in Salem. Demo…

1
Other Worlds of Wonder 8/31/25 21:28

28d ago21:28

21:28

An interview with Chris Newell, Vice President and Vendor Coordinator with Other Worlds of Wonder, a non-profit community service organization based on Pagan beliefs. They are having Pagan Pride Day celebration which will also gather food and donation for Ester’s Pantry.

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The politics of Gov. Kotek’s special session on transportation funding 28:16

27d ago28:16

28:16

Lawmakers will be back in Salem this week to consider a proposal that would help stave off layoffs for hundreds of transportation workers. But it would also raise taxes at a time when a lot of Oregonians are already hurting financially. Does this sound familiar? Yes, we’ve been here before but this time Gov. Tina Kotek said she’s confident lawmaker…

1
Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon 8/24/25 25:03

1M ago25:03

25:03

An interview with Karen Kraus, Executive Director of the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon about their services offered to feral and stray cats, including spay and neuter and about their catio tour coming up to benefit FCCO in cooperation with Bird Alliance of Oregon.

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Oregon's timber counties brace for losses after Trump's Big Beautiful Bill 19:43

1M ago19:43

19:43

Much of Oregon relies on our forests to generate cash for roads, bridges, law enforcement and more. But for decades, that money has faded as the timber industry has struggled. Now those problems are coming to a head in a whole new way.. On the latest episode of OPB politics now, we explore how Oregon’s timber counties are bracing for losses after t…

1
Oregon Dog Rescue 25:03

1M ago25:03

25:03

An interview with Dannica Fetters, Foster Coordinator with Oregon Dog Rescue and Mary Gedrose, organizer of the Fur Baby Love Fest about dog adoption and fostering, volunteer opportunities and the fest which is a fundraiser for Oregon Dog Rescue.

1
Oregon Democrats say federal cuts hurt the vulnerable, Republicans blame Democrats 19:18

1M ago19:18

19:18

Gov. Tina Kotek’s office released an analysis this week detailing how much money Oregon stands to lose in federal funding. The state could lose more than $15 billion it uses to pay for health care and food assistance programs and a whole lot more. But Republicans have a different take: It’s not the big beautiful bill that’s going to hit Oregon’s ec…

1
Regional Water Providers Consortium 25:06

2M ago25:06

25:06

An interview with Bonny Cushman, Program Manager for the Regional Water Providers Consortium, about how to conserver water indoors and outdoors during the summer months and about the importance of water in an emergency and where our water comes from.

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Portland wrestles with how to respond to Trump administration 22:11

2M ago22:11

22:11

Portland and other Democratic-leaning cities are trying to figure out how to respond to Trump administration 2.0. On the latest live edition of "OPB Politics Now," reporters Bryce Dole and Alex Zielinski talk about what the city did before, what it's doing now and what observers have to say about it.…

1
Explaining Oregon’s farm stand rules kerfuffle 18:04

2M ago18:04

18:04

Oregon has some of the strictest land-use policies in the nation. And those laws have made Oregon what is today. They’ve protected farmlands and preserved coastlines. They’ve pushed developers to build up - not out - in an effort to avoid sprawl. And they have prompted endless battles as housing becomes more expensive and farm land becomes less ava…

1
Federal immigration raids are shaking the Northwest 19:54

2M ago19:54

19:54

President Donald Trump has spent his first six months back in the White House using broad executive orders and aggressive raids and deportations to overhaul longstanding immigration practices. The unpredictability of these actions has stoked fear and confusion among immigrant communities across the country – and in Oregon. On this week’s OPB Politi…

1
Senator Jeff Merkley is running for reelection, plus special session scuttlebutt 15:53

2M ago15:53

15:53

For months, there has been speculation that U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley would not seek re-election. But we learned last week that one of the U.S. Senate’s most outspoken progressives will indeed seek a fourth term. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we’ll break that down and dig into the latest rumblings about a possible special legislative sess…

1
Piano Push Play 7/13/25 25:03

3M ago25:03

25:03

An interview with Megan Diana, founder of Piano Push Play, an artist installation of pianos placed all over Portland for the summer months for anyone to play and enjoy. We also discuss where Megan donates the pianos at the end of summer, including schools and community centers.

1
Oregon Legislature wraps up a busy session punctuated by a transportation package failure 38:33

3M ago38:33

38:33

Oregon lawmakers have finished their more than five-month session, where they debate, pass laws and approve a budget for the next two years. The session ended with drama, intrigue and one major political failure by the majority party. On this week's OPB Politics Now livestream, political reporters Dirk VanderHart, Bryce Dole and Alex Zielinski help…

1
Fireworks Safety / Mean Gene Fireworks 6/29/25 25:02

3M ago25:02

25:02

An interview with Gene Marlow, retired firefighter and owner of Mean Gene Fireworks about safety for the 4th of July, the difference between Washington and Oregon laws, tips for protecting pets, and about the traditions of fireworks for the holiday.

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Salem drama reaches fever pitch as sine die looms 29:28

3M ago29:28

29:28

The past few days of the legislative session have produced a lot: drama, vetoes, people removed and added to a key committee. The mad dash to sine die continues. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we discuss the major events of the week. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

1
What Oregon lawmakers have, have not done on education issues this session 31:35

3M ago31:35

31:35

Oregon lawmakers have less than two weeks left in this year’s legislative session. What have they done to tackle the state’s lagging education system? I’m Bryce Dole. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we dive into the major education topics in Salem this session. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.…

1
Multnomah County Health 6/22/25 25:02

3M ago25:02

25:02

An interview with Charlene McGee, Director, Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotions Unit with the Multnomah County Health Department about the dangers of tobacco use, its impact on BIPOC communities, and their programs offered, including smoking cessation programs.

1
What the Big Beautiful Bill would mean for Oregon’s healthcare system 32:41

3M ago32:41

32:41

Oregon is rarely a major player on the national political scene, but the Trump administration’s Big Beautiful Bill could play an outsized role in the Beaver State. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, politics editor Andrew Theen and reporters Amelia Templeton and Dirk VanderHart discussed what the bill might mean for people who depend on the…

1
Our Giving Table 6/15/25 24:59

4M ago24:59

24:59

An interview with Lydia Massaad, founder and president of Our Giving Table and Jerry Kenney, owner of 7 Papa Murphy’s locations about how Our Giving Table aims to end hunger in Oregon and SW Washington and how Papa Murphy’s is having a fundraiser for the month of June to benefit Our Giving Table.

1
Oregon legislative session is almost over - what have they done? 30:20

4M ago30:20

30:20

On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Lauren Dake, Bryce Dole and Dirk VanderHart discussed the major things happening in Salem, as lawmakers race to a conclusion in the coming weeks. This episode was available live on OPB.org/livestream or on OPB's YouTube page. They discussed the transportation package, gun legislation, foster care…

1
On This Edition of Fighting The Power, we celebrate Juneteenth before the Trump regime eliminates the holiday 28:05

4M ago28:05

28:05

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties. Our panelists include: • LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest. • Dianne Johnson: Professor an…

1
Clackamas Community College 6/1/25 25:02

4M ago25:02

25:02

An interview with Dr. Tim Cook, President of Clackamas Community College about his running for Oregon community college students (ROCCS) this summer. Dr. Cook is running to all 17 community colleges in Oregon to raise money and student awareness and celebrating communities throughout the state.

1
The rise, fall and return of cap and trade in Oregon 20:43

4M ago20:43

20:43

An issue that once prompted a Republican legislative walkout and derailed two legislative sessions is back. On this week’s OPB Politics Now, we’ll discuss why a controversial climate proposal has suddenly re-emerged and what happens next. Find the show wherever you get your podcasts.

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An inside look at how OPB covers the Oregon Capitol 24:54

4M ago24:54

24:54

The Oregon Legislature is racing toward a conclusion in the coming weeks. On this week's episode of OPB Politics Now, we’re going to bring you a special episode from our OPB colleagues and friends at The Evergreen podcast. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at what our lives are like down at the state Capitol in Salem. Usually, OPB Politics reporter Dir…

1
Oregon’s revenue forecast shows economic slowdown 20:47

4M ago20:47

20:47

Oregon’s most important revenue forecast, the one that lawmakers used to write the two-year budget, was released this week. It showed that the state is expecting more money to roll in, but significantly less than the amount predicted just three months ago. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Dirk VanderHart and Alex Zielinski discu…

1
American Heart Association 5/11/25 25:03

5M ago25:03

25:03

An interview with Shannon Droning, Consumer and Specialty Market President of Providence Health Plan, Dr. Abby Khan, OHSU cardiologist, Dr. Amit Kansara, Providence neurologist, and Matthew Kampfe, Brain Rehab Network President. All are volunteers with the American Heart Association. We discuss heart disease and stroke causes and prevention and tal…

1
Unpacking Portland Mayor Keith Wilson’s first budget 15:55

5M ago15:55

15:55

During his campaign to be Portland’s next mayor, Keith Wilson had an idyllic pitch for the city’s future. Now the mayor is up against his first major challenge: balancing the budget. With a huge funding gap, how does Wilson hope to confront the city’s problems? On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Bryce Dole and Alex Zielinski discu…

1
A Revolutionary Friendship of May 19 between Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X 27:48

5M ago27:48

27:48

The relationship between the Asian & African American communities has often been tenuous and seemingly at odds. However, the relationship between Yuri Kochiyama and Malcolm X came at a time when the fight for Civil Rights was at its peak for many minority communities. In this special episode of Fighting The Power, Lanita Duke is joined by Radio Pro…

1
The rise of placeholder bills in Oregon’s Legislature 24:22

5M ago24:22

24:22

Oregon lawmakers are increasingly relying on bills that are not what they initially seem. Lawmakers this session filed a record number of placeholder bills, which are often just empty vessels of legislation that morph into something more significant later in the legislative process. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Dirk VanderHa…

1
Democracy dies when you comply; do not comply in advance. 27:38

5M ago27:38

27:38

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties. Our panelists include: · LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest. · Dianne Johnson: Professor an…

1
Dan Handelman’s life, work and the vacuum his death leaves in advocacy world 18:48

5M ago18:48

18:48

Portland lost one of its most active and knowledgeable advocates for police accountability earlier this month. Dan Handelman spent decades of his life keeping track of the actions of the Portland police bureau, and pushing for reform. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we discuss Handelman’s life, death and what happens when an institutiona…

1
The Freshwater Trust 4/27/25 24:57

5M ago24:57

24:57

An interview with Joe Whitworth, President and CEO of The Freshwater Trust, a local non-profit conservation organization with a mission to preserve and restore freshwater ecosystems.

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Oregon Business Academy 4/20/25 24:57

5M ago24:57

24:57

An interview with Anne Adler, CEO of Oregon Business Academy and Shivan Bosco, a senior at Newberg High School about the work OBA does preparing students for college, career, and life success and about Business Week this summer at Oregon State University.

1
How Oregon businesses are reacting to Trump’s tariffs 16:23

5M ago16:23

16:23

Tariffs have been one of the dominant themes of the first few months of the Trump administration. And Oregon businesses are feeling the pinch, and the uncertainty. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we discuss how Oregon businesses are responding to the tariffs and what it could mean for consumers. Find the show wherever you get your podcas…

1
Oregon’s legislative session hits the midway point 18:06

6M ago18:06

18:06

Oregon’s legislative session is at the midway point. I’m Lauren Dake. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we discuss what the Legislature has accomplished so far, how the Trump administration has affected Salem and much more. Find the show where ever you get your podcasts

1
Habitat for Humanity 4/13/25 25:05

6M ago25:05

25:05

An interview with Steve Messinetti, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Portland and Julie Carter, Vice President of Retail for the Restores about the work Habitat does to build and repair affordable homes and about the Restores where donations can be made to help fund Habitat’s mission.

1
Is the Pacific Northwest entering an era of dam removal? 23:23

6M ago23:23

23:23

The Pacific Northwest’s rugged beauty - our mountains, forests, deserts and rivers - is a draw for many of us who call this region home. For decades, many of our most powerful rivers have been tamed - by dams. But in recent years we’ve seen some major dams come down. And it’s possible more big changes are afoot. Is that good? Bad? We’ll discuss the…

1
Melissa Fireside’s sudden rise and downfall in Clackamas County 11:38

6M ago11:38

11:38

Democrat Melissa Fireside came out of nowhere in November to win a key election in Oregon’s third most populous county. But the Clackamas County commissioner’s sudden rise came with an even quicker downfall. It’s just the latest change on a county board that’s seen the political pendulum go back and forth many times in the past decade. Settle in an…

1
Democracy dies when the Fourth Estate complies 26:10

6M ago26:10

26:10

Fighting The Power is a radio/Podcast featuring independent journalists resisting Trump's authoritarian rule. We highlight efforts to restore democracy and confront Project 2025, which aims to reduce civil liberties. Our panelists include: · LaNita Duke: Award-winning multimedia producer for Grassroots News Northwest. · Dianne Johnson: Professor an…

1
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek stops by OPB 53:01

6M ago53:01

53:01

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek stopped by the OPB studio this week for an extended interview with Think Out Loud. She talked about her housing policy, what she views as her role in responding to the Trump administration and much more. It was a meaty conversation. Here’s governor Kotek with OPB’s Dave Miller…

1
Free Geek 3/23/25 24:59

6M ago24:59

24:59

An interview with Dwindell Feely, Director of Business Development and Ashley Martinez, Manager of Digital Equity from Free Geek about the work they do creating digital equity in our communities and about the work Free Geek does to refurbish and recycle technology. Free Geek is having their Tech Now drives through April.…

1
A deep dive on Oregon’s education system 33:18

7M ago33:18

33:18

Many Oregon students are struggling to pass tests and graduate. State lawmakers and Gov. Tina Kotek are trying to do something about it. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we talk about the state of Oregon schools and the policies proposed during this year’s legislative session. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.…

1
TEDxPortland 24:57

7M ago24:57

24:57

An interview with Dave Rae, co-founder of TEDxPortland about this year’s event, speakers, and theme Continuum. Also discussed is the new platform this year called The Women’s Leadership Forum. Use promo code YEAR13 to receive a 13% discount on tickets. TEDxPortland is April 26 at Keller.