All American Why

In this episode of All American Why, Michael asks why data centers are suddenly showing up everywhere and what communities should expect in return. From electricity, water, land, and tax incentives to jobs, infrastructure, and public participation, he looks at the physical systems behind “the cloud” and the growing demands being placed on the communities where data centers are built.

Michael then talks with Kipperlyn Sinclair about what Hillsboro’s experience with rapid data center growth can teach us. They discuss how these projects took shape, what communities should know before making long-term commitments, and what greater transparency and public accountability could look like as the industry continues to expand.

Guest Information

Kipperlyn Sinclair
Hillsboro City Councilor and Candidate for Washington County Commissioner
https://www.instagram.com/kipperlyn_forcommunity/
https://www.facebook.com/kipperlyn.sinclair.54

Kipperlyn Sinclair serves on the Hillsboro City Council and is currently running for Washington County Commissioner. Her civic involvement has included service on Hillsboro’s Planning Commission and Public Engagement Committee, with a focus on community engagement and local decision-making.

Recording and Production

Recorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, Oregon
Original Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews)
Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio)
Marketing by: Nate Kersey (@natekersey)

Learn More / Sources

The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.

Energy and AI | International Energy Agency
Research on global data center growth, electricity demand, AI, energy infrastructure, and the challenges of matching rapidly growing computing demand with energy-system development.
https://www.iea.org/reports/energy-and-ai

Oregon Data Centers by the Numbers | Oregon Public Broadcasting
Reporting on research from ECOnorthwest and the University of Virginia examining Oregon’s 111 operating data centers, 32 planned or under construction, electricity consumption, employment, and tax incentives.
https://www.opb.org/article/2026/09/17/oregon-data-centers-consume-quarter-state-power-report/

Data Centers | City of Hillsboro
Information on data center development in Hillsboro, including land use, electricity and water, property taxes, tax abatements, and the City’s ongoing review of data center policy.
https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/17615/5253

Data Centers in Hillsboro | City of Hillsboro
City information on data center-related property taxes and Enterprise Zone incentives, including 2025 tax abatements and exempted real market value.
https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/FormBuilder/FormBuilder/9f579a9bfe2e4be791a30c96d64182a7/5252

Land Use Moratorium Enacted on Data Centers & BESS Facilities | City of Hillsboro
Information on Hillsboro’s 120-day moratorium on certain new and expanded data center and battery energy storage land-use applications and the City’s review of future regulations.
https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/17551/

Data & Energy Storage in Hillsboro | Engage Hillsboro
Information on Hillsboro’s public process for reviewing where and how data centers and energy storage facilities should be located and regulated.
https://engage.hillsboro-oregon.gov/data-centers

Oregon’s POWER Act Delivers Lower Rates for Oregon Families and Businesses, Higher Costs for Data Centers | Office of Governor Tina Kotek
September 2026 update on implementation of Oregon’s POWER Act and reported changes to residential, commercial, and data center electricity rates in Portland General Electric’s service territory.
https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/oregons-power-act-delivers-lower-rates-for-oregon-families-and-businesses-higher-costs-for-data-centers

In this episode of All American Why, Michael asks why the American Dream seems increasingly difficult to afford. From housing, wages, healthcare, and childcare to savings, wealth, and the cost of everyday life, he looks at a basic question: does the math still work? Michael then talks with Alejandro Queral about what Oregon jobs actually pay, what families need to live securely, and what it would take to make economic security feel achievable again.

Guest Information

Alejandro Queral
Executive Director, Oregon Center for Public Policy

Alejandro Queral is Executive Director of the Oregon Center for Public Policy. He brings more than 20 years of experience in advocacy and nonprofit leadership across public health, human rights, environmental policy, and philanthropy.

Recording and Production

Recorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, Oregon
Original Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews)
Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio)
Marketing by: Nate Kersey (@natekersey)

Learn More / Sources

The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.

The Fading American Dream | Opportunity Insights
Research on economic mobility across generations.
https://opportunityinsights.org/paper/the-fading-american-dream/

2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers | National Association of REALTORS®
Data on first-time homebuyers and homeownership trends.
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers

Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households | Federal Reserve
Research on household finances, emergency expenses, and financial security.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/consumerscommunities/shed.htm

Survey of Consumer Finances | Federal Reserve
Data on household income, wealth, homeownership, and net worth.
https://www.federalreserve.gov/econres/scfindex.htm

2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey | KFF
Data on employer-sponsored health insurance premiums and worker contributions.
https://www.kff.org/health-costs/2025-employer-health-benefits-survey/

Child Care in America | Child Care Aware of America
Research on the price and availability of childcare in the United States.
https://www.childcareaware.org/thechildcarestandstill/

Childcare Workers | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Federal wage and employment data for childcare workers.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm

Consumer Price Index | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Federal data on inflation and changes in consumer prices.
https://www.bls.gov/cpi/

Many Jobs Pay Too Little to Support a Family | Oregon Center for Public Policy
Analysis of Oregon wages and the cost of meeting basic household needs.
https://www.ocpp.org/2026/09/01/many-jobs-pay-too-little-to-support-a-family/

Oregon Center for Public Policy
Research and analysis on Oregon tax, budget, and economic policy.
https://www.ocpp.org/

In this episode of All American Why, Michael asks why American elections so often leave voters choosing between two major-party candidates. From primaries and independent voters to ranked-choice voting, third parties, and electoral systems around the world, the episode explores whether we could give voters more meaningful choices.

Michael then talks with Tom Joseph about America’s Primary, his proposed alternative congressional nominating system. They explore how it would work, what problems it might solve, and what new challenges it could create.

Guest Information

Tom Joseph
Creator of America’s Main Street Primary

Tom Joseph developed America’s Main Street Primary as an alternative approach to congressional nominations. His appearance is an opportunity to explore the proposal and the broader question of whether America could design primary elections differently. @mainstreetparty_

Recording and Production

Recorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, Oregon
Original Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews)
Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio)
Marketing by: Nate Kersey (@natekersey)

Learn More / Sources

The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.

Party Affiliation Fact Sheet | Pew Research Center
Data on party identification and independent voters.
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/fact-sheet/party-affiliation-fact-sheet-npors/

Voters’ Feelings About the 2024 Campaign and Candidates | Pew Research Center
Research on voter attitudes toward the 2024 presidential choices.
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/07/11/voters-feelings-about-the-2024-campaign-and-candidates/

State Primaries Toolkit | National Conference of State Legislatures
Overview of primary systems used across the United States.
https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/state-primaries-toolkit

Preferential Voting | Australian Electoral Commission
Explanation of Australia’s preferential voting system.
https://www.aec.gov.au/learn/preferential-voting.htm

What is MMP? | Electoral Commission of New Zealand
Explanation of New Zealand’s mixed-member proportional system.
https://elections.nz/democracy-in-nz/what-is-new-zealands-system-of-government/what-is-mmp/

The Electoral System | German Federal Returning Officer
Overview of Germany’s Bundestag electoral system.
https://www.bundeswahlleiterin.de/en/bundestagswahlen/2025/informationen-waehler/wahlsystem.html

Voting Systems in the UK | UK House of Commons Library
Overview of electoral systems used across the United Kingdom.
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/sn04458/

2025 Democratic Mayoral Primary Ranked-Choice Results | New York City Board of Elections
Official ranked-choice results from the 2025 mayoral primary.
https://vote.nyc/sites/default/files/pdf/election_results/2025/20250624Primary%20Election/rcv/026916_1.html

Electoral College | National Archives
Overview of the Electoral College system.
https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/about

Electoral College FAQs | National Archives
Additional information about Electoral College procedures.
https://www.archives.gov/electoral-college/faq

1992 Federal Election Results | Federal Election Commission
Official results from the 1992 presidential election.
https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/federalelections92.pdf

2 U.S.C. § 2c | U.S. House of Representatives
Federal law concerning single-member congressional districts.
https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title2-section2c

Electoral System Design Database | International IDEA
Comparative information on electoral systems around the world.
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/electoral-system-design

Subtitle: And, How Can We Be More Like Dolly and Less Like Donald?

In this episode of All American Why, Michael asks why America still organizes so much of working life around systems designed generations ago. From the 40-hour workweek and the decline of organized labor to remote work, employee ownership, burnout, healthcare, workplace flexibility, and the rise of artificial intelligence, Michael explores who benefits when workers become more productive and whether work should demand quite so much of our lives.

Michael then talks with Marina Martinez-Bateman about human-centered management, workers' rights, organizational power, anti-racism, restorative justice, capitalism, and what it might look like to build workplaces differently. Together, they explore how employers can balance accountability with autonomy, profitability with humanity, and the needs of organizations with the dignity and lives of the people who make them work.

"Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” -Dolly Parton

Guest Information

Marina Martinez-Bateman, Founder & CEO of New Coyote Consulting

Marina's work focuses on human-centered management, workers' rights, anti-racism, restorative justice, organizational power, equity, and building institutions differently. Marina also teaches Decolonizing Management, a program examining hierarchy, capitalism, anti-Blackness, budgeting, hiring, firing, accountability, and power inside organizations. Check out all of their workshops! 

Recording and Production

Recorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, Oregon
Original Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews)
Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio)

Learn More / Sources

The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.

State of the Global Workplace: United States Country-Level Data | Gallup
Research on employee engagement and the experience of workers in the United States.
https://www.gallup.com/workplace/704063/state-global-workplace-united-states-country-level-data.aspx

U.S. Workers Adjust to the Changing Nature of Employment: Highlights from the 2024 Work in America Survey | American Psychological Association
Research on burnout, working hours, workplace mental health, workplace flexibility, and the experiences of American workers.
https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2024

The New York Factory Investigating Commission | U.S. Department of Labor
History of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and the workplace safety reforms that followed.
https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/mono-regsafepart07

The Department in the New Deal and World War II, 1933 to 1945 | U.S. Department of Labor
Historical background on federal labor protections, organized labor, and workplace reform during the New Deal era.
https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/dolchp03

National Labor Relations Act | National Labor Relations Board
The federal law establishing important protections for collective organizing and bargaining.
https://www.nlrb.gov/guidance/key-reference-materials/national-labor-relations-act

Union Members, 2025 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Federal data on union membership, including long-term changes in the percentage of American workers represented by unions.
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/union2.htm

Growing Inequalities, Reflecting Growing Employer Power, Have Generated a Productivity-Pay Gap Since 1979 | Economic Policy Institute
Research examining the relationship between increases in worker productivity and compensation.
https://www.epi.org/blog/growing-inequalities-reflecting-growing-employer-power-have-generated-a-productivity-pay-gap-since-1979-productivity-has-grown-3-5-times-as-much-as-pay-for-the-typical-worker/

CEO Pay Jumped Nearly 6% in 2024: CEOs Made 281 Times as Much as the Typical Worker | Economic Policy Institute
Research documenting long-term changes in CEO compensation relative to typical worker compensation.
https://www.epi.org/press/ceo-pay-jumped-nearly-6-in-2024-ceos-made-281-times-as-much-as-the-typical-worker/

History of Federal Minimum Wage Rates Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, 1938 to 2009 | U.S. Department of Labor
Historical data on the federal minimum wage, which has remained $7.25 per hour since July 24, 2009.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/minimum-wage/history/chart

U.S. Department of Labor Report to Congress Shows Continued Growth of Employee Ownership | U.S. Department of Labor
Research and federal reporting on ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and other employee ownership models.
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/ebsa/ebsa20260223

Chronotype and Synchrony Effects in Human Cognitive Performance: A Systematic Review | Chronobiology International
A systematic review examining chronotypes and whether cognitive performance can vary based on an individual's preferred time of day.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40293205/

Right to Disconnect | Australian Fair Work Ombudsman
Information about Australia's legal right for employees to refuse certain work-related contact outside working hours.
https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/right-to-disconnect

Predictive Scheduling | Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries
Information about Oregon's scheduling protections for employees of certain large retail, hospitality, and food-service employers.
https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/pages/predictive-scheduling.aspx

How COVID-19 Changed U.S. Workplaces | Pew Research Center
Research on remote work, work-life balance, productivity, and how American workplaces changed following the COVID-19 pandemic.
https://www.pewresearch.org/2025/02/12/how-covid-19-changed-u-s-workplaces/

Durée du travail d'un salarié à temps plein | Service-Public.fr, French Government
Information on France's 35-hour statutory reference period for full-time work.
https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F1911

Directive 2003/88/EC Concerning Certain Aspects of the Organisation of Working Time | European Union
European Union rules addressing working time, daily rest, and minimum paid annual leave.
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2003/88/oj/eng

Holiday Pay | U.S. Department of Labor
Federal guidance explaining that the Fair Labor Standards Act does not require employers to provide paid vacation.
https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/workhours/holidays

United States: Foundations for Growth and Competitiveness 2026 | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
International economic and policy comparisons, including the United States' approach to paid maternity leave.
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/foundations-for-growth-and-competitiveness-2026_40a7532f-en/full-report/united-states_2015aea7.html

Society at a Glance 2024: OECD Social Indicators | Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
International comparisons involving family policy, parental leave, social conditions, and well-being.
https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/society-at-a-glance-2024_918d8db3-en.html

Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance 101 | KFF
Research and data on employer-sponsored health insurance and the role employment plays in healthcare coverage in the United States.
https://www.kff.org/health-costs/health-policy-101-employer-sponsored-health-insurance/

Contingent and Alternative Employment Arrangements, July 2023 | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Federal data on independent contractors and other alternative employment arrangements.
https://www.bls.gov/news.release/conemp.htm

Women in the Workplace 2025 | McKinsey & Company and LeanIn.Org
Research examining women's representation, advancement, promotion, and leadership in corporate America.
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-inclusion/women-in-the-workplace

Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 | U.S. Congress
Federal legislation addressing when discriminatory compensation claims accrue under federal employment discrimination laws.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/181

Sexual Harassment in Our Nation's Workplaces | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Federal data and research concerning workplace sexual harassment, reporting, and enforcement.
https://www.eeoc.gov/data/sexual-harassment-our-nations-workplaces

Generative AI at Work | Erik Brynjolfsson, Danielle Li, and Lindsey R. Raymond, National Bureau of Economic Research
Research involving more than 5,000 customer-support agents examining the effects of generative AI assistance on worker productivity.
https://www.nber.org/papers/w31161

Generative AI at Work | The Quarterly Journal of Economics
The peer-reviewed published version of the research on generative AI and customer-support worker productivity.
https://academic.oup.com/qje/article/140/2/889/7990658

Changes in Work Time and Well-Being: A Large-Scale Global Study | Nature Human Behaviour
A 2025 peer-reviewed study of 2,896 employees across 141 organizations examining reduced working time without reduced pay and its relationship to burnout, job satisfaction, mental health, and physical health.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-025-02259-6

Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor
History of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the development of federal minimum wage, overtime, and working-hour protections.
https://www.dol.gov/general/aboutdol/history/flsa1938

Fair Labor Standards Act | U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division
Federal information about minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and child labor protections under the FLSA.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/flsa

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire | Library of Congress
Historical materials about the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and its significance in American labor and workplace safety history.
https://guides.loc.gov/chronicling-america-triangle-shirtwaist-factory-fire

In this episode of All American Why, Michael begins by sharing why this question matters to him as a business attorney who believes business can be a powerful force for good. He then talks with Tom Hering and Kim Allchurch-Flick about the evolution of corporations, the purpose of business, and how different approaches to corporate governance can shape our economy and society. Together, they explore whether we have designed capitalism in a way that reflects the values and outcomes we want to encourage. 

Guest Information
Tom Hering, Co-Founder & Managing Partner ofBenefit Corporations for Good
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-hering-9829727/

Kim Allchurch-Flick, Founder of Mighty Measure
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimallchurchflick/

Leaders and advocates in the Benefit Company and Certified B Corporation movement, helping businesses align profit with purpose, accountability, and long-term impact.

Recording and Production
Recorded at: Michael’s Office in SE Portland, Oregon
Original Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews)
Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio)

Learn More / Sources
The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.

The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits (Milton Friedman, 1970)
The landmark essay that helped popularize shareholder primacy and influenced modern corporate governance.
https://www.nytimes.com/1970/09/13/archives/a-friedman-doctrine-the-social-responsibility-of-business-is-to.html

Dodge v. Ford Motor Co. (1919)
The Michigan Supreme Court decision frequently cited in discussions of shareholder primacy and corporate purpose. https://law.justia.com/cases/michigan/supreme-court/1919/170-n-w-668-2.html

The Shareholder Value Myth – Lynn Stout
 Examines the legal and economic misconceptions surrounding shareholder primacy.
 https://www.bkconnection.com/books/title/the-shareholder-value-myth

Cannibals with Forks – John Elkington
Introduced and popularized the Triple Bottom Line framework of People, Planet, and Profit.
 https://www.johnelkington.com/archive/TBL-elkington-chapter.pdf

Benefit Corporations for Good
An affordable certification for purpose-driven businesses committed to people, planet, and profit.
https://benefitcorporationsforgood.com/
B Lab International
The nonprofit organization that administers the Certified B Corporation certification.
 https://www.bcorporation.net/

Model Benefit Corporation Legislation
The model legislation used as the basis for benefit corporation statutes across the United States.
 https://benefitcorp.net/

Oregon Benefit Company Statutes
Oregon's laws governing Benefit Companies.
 https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors060.html

Washington Benefit Corporation Act
Washington's statutes governing Benefit Corporations.
 https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=23B.25

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
The U.S. Supreme Court decision expanding protections for independent political expenditures.
 https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/558/310/

Federal Election Commission: Independent Expenditures
Explains campaign finance rules governing independent political spending.
 https://www.fec.gov/help-candidates-and-committees/making-independent-expenditures/

OpenSecrets
Tracks lobbying, campaign finance, Super PAC spending, and political influence.
https://www.opensecrets.org/

Economic Policy Institute: CEO Compensation
Research documenting long-term trends in CEO pay relative to typical worker compensation.
 https://www.epi.org/publication/ceo-pay-in-2023/

Congressional Budget Office
Independent analyses of federal tax policy, deficits, and economic trends.
 https://www.cbo.gov/

Congressional Research Service
Nonpartisan reports on tax policy, corporate governance, and economic issues.
https://crsreports.congress.gov/

Federal Reserve Distributional Financial Accounts
Data on wealth distribution and household balance sheets in the United States.
 https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/z1/dataviz/dfa/

Bureau of Economic Analysis
Official U.S. economic statistics including GDP, corporate profits, and national income.
 https://www.bea.gov/

OECD Corporate Governance Resources
International comparisons of corporate governance and economic policy.
 https://www.oecd.org/corporate/

Germany's Codetermination System
Overview of employee representation on corporate supervisory boards.
https://www.boeckler.de/en/codetermination-3494.htm

France's "Entreprise à Mission"
Overview of France's legal framework allowing companies to adopt a public-purpose mission.
https://www.economie.gouv.fr/entreprises/entreprise-mission

European Union Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive
European rules requiring large companies to address human rights and environmental impacts throughout their supply chains.  https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/doing-business-eu/corporate-sustainability-due-diligence_en

The Anarchy – William Dalrymple
History of the British East India Company and its role in colonialism and corporate power.  https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/anarchy-9781635573954/

The Corporation That Changed the World – Nick Robins
A history of the British East India Company and its lasting influence on global commerce.
https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300240986/the-corporation-that-changed-the-world/

Michael sits down with former Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt for a thoughtful conversation about the purpose of prison, the prison industrial complex, public safety, rehabilitation, recidivism, race, addiction, and the difficult decisions prosecutors make every day. Together, they explore what justice is meant to accomplish, when prison is necessary, where rehabilitation works, and what it would take to build a criminal justice system that better protects communities while reducing future crime. Check out Mike Schmidt's podcast "Schmidt Show PDX."

Guest Information

Mike Schmidt (He/Him)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SchmidtShowPDX/
Subscribe/Listen on Substack: https://www.schmidtshowpdx.com/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-schmidt-show-pdx/id1814153508
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-schmidt-28664043/

Recording and Production

This Episode Recorded at: Michael's office
Original Music: Rainezra (@rainezra) and Vews (@pointofvews)
Audio Editing: Kye Gilmer (@residual_audio)
Filming & Social Media: Nate Kersey (@natekersey)

Learn More / Sources

The following reports, organizations, and resources informed this episode and are provided for transparency and further reading.

Criminal Justice Data & Research

Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) – National statistics on incarceration, prisons, jails, sentencing, and recidivism.
https://bjs.ojp.gov/

National Institute of Justice (NIJ) – Research on rehabilitation, corrections, sentencing, recidivism, and evidence-based criminal justice practices.
https://nij.ojp.gov/

The Sentencing Project – Research on sentencing policy, mass incarceration, racial disparities, and criminal justice reform.
https://www.sentencingproject.org/

Prison Policy Initiative – Research and data on incarceration, jail populations, probation, parole, and the prison system.
https://www.prisonpolicy.org/

RAND Corporation – Research on prison education, vocational training, rehabilitation, and recidivism.
https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR266.html

National Reentry Resource Center – Resources and research on successful reentry after incarceration.
https://nationalreentryresourcecenter.org/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Information on addiction treatment, recovery, and behavioral health.
https://www.samhsa.gov/

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – Research on substance use disorders and evidence-based treatment.
https://nida.nih.gov/

Oregon Department of Corrections – Information on Oregon's prison system, rehabilitation programs, and reentry services.
https://www.oregon.gov/doc

Oregon Criminal Justice Commission – Research, sentencing data, and criminal justice policy in Oregon.
https://www.oregon.gov/cjc

Multnomah County District Attorney's Office – Information about the role and responsibilities of the District Attorney's Office.
https://www.mcda.us/

Equal Justice Initiative – Research on the history of race, incarceration, convict leasing, and the American criminal justice system.
https://eji.org/

13th Amendment - Read more about the 13th amendment here.
https://www.history.com/articles/thirteenth-amendment

The National Academies of Sciences – The Growth of Incarceration in the United States – Comprehensive examination of the causes and consequences of mass incarceration.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/18613/the-growth-of-incarceration-in-the-united-states-exploring-causes

Additional Reading

Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

Locked In: The True Causes of Mass Incarceration and How to Achieve Real Reform by John Pfaff

Nonprofits are expected to solve some of society's biggest challenges, yet we rarely support them like we do other businesses. Michael sits down with longtime nonprofit leader Scott Kerman to explore why one of Oregon's largest industries lacks the same infrastructure, technical assistance, and investment that entrepreneurs and for-profit businesses receive. Together, they discuss the growing role nonprofits play in delivering public services, the challenges facing nonprofit leaders, and what it would take to build an ecosystem that helps these organizations thrive instead of simply survive.

Guest Information

Scott Kerman (He/Him)
Nonprofit Executive and Public Sector Leader
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-kerman-pdx/

Recording and Production

This Episode Recorded at: Michael's Narwhal Law and Business Strategy Office
Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews
Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio
Filming/Socials by: Nate Kersey @@natekersey 

Learn More / Sources

The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.

Overview of the U.S. nonprofit sector, including economic impact, employment, and charitable organizations.
https://independentsector.org/resource/health-of-the-u-s-nonprofit-sector/

National Center for Charitable Statistics data on nonprofit organizations in the United States.
https://nccs.urban.org/

Independent Sector's annual Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector report.
https://independentsector.org/resource/health-of-the-u-s-nonprofit-sector/

Oregon Department of Justice Charitable Activities Section, which regulates charitable organizations operating in Oregon.
https://www.doj.state.or.us/charitable-activities/

Oregon Secretary of State resources for nonprofit corporations.
https://sos.oregon.gov/business/Pages/nonprofit.aspx

Business Oregon's programs supporting businesses, entrepreneurship, innovation, exports, and economic development.
https://www.oregon.gov/biz

Prosper Portland's Office of Small Business and economic development initiatives.
https://prosperportland.us/

U.S. Small Business Administration overview of business assistance, financing, and technical support.
https://www.sba.gov/

America's Small Business Development Center Network.
https://americassbdc.org/

SCORE volunteer mentoring and business education programs.
https://www.score.org/

Oregon Innovation Hub Network supporting entrepreneurs and commercialization throughout the state.
https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/innovation

Oregon Entrepreneurs Network supporting startups through education, networking, and mentorship.
https://www.oen.org/

MESO (Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon), providing business education and technical assistance to entrepreneurs.
https://meso.org/

Xcelerate Women supporting women entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and networking.
https://xceleratewomen.org/

Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) – Oregon's statewide nonprofit membership organization providing advocacy, policy leadership, governance resources, research, training, networking, and capacity-building for charitable nonprofits across the state.
https://nonprofitoregon.org/

The People's Nonprofit Accelerator – Professional development organization offering affordable education, executive leadership training, fundraising certificates, peer learning, networking, and capacity-building for nonprofit professionals throughout Oregon.
https://thepeoplesnonprofit.org/

National Council of Nonprofits overview of nonprofit governance, fiduciary duties, and board responsibilities.
https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/

IRS guidance for tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3).
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits

IRS Life Cycle of a Public Charity compliance overview.
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitable-organizations/life-cycle-of-a-public-charity

National Council of Nonprofits resources on nonprofit financial sustainability and organizational resilience.
https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/

Multnomah County Homeless Services Department and contracted service providers.
https://www.multco.us/homelessness

Oregon Health Authority information on community-based behavioral health services.
https://www.oregon.gov/oha

Oregon Department of Human Services overview of partnerships with community organizations delivering public services.
https://www.oregon.gov/odhs

Urban Institute research on the economic impact of nonprofit organizations.
https://www.urban.org/

Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies research on the nonprofit sector and civil society.
https://ccss.jhu.edu/

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. And, we'll meet you at the cottage! 

Guest Information 

Stacy Brewster (He/Him)
Author of What We Pick Up, screenwriter, creative coach, and workshop facilitator
https://www.stacybrewster.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-brewster-1b0148/
https://www.instagram.com/stacybrew/

Recording and Production
Recorded at: XRAY.FM Studios

Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews
Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio

Learn More/Sources
The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.

The Celluloid Closet by Vito Russo
Foundational book on how Hollywood historically portrayed LGBTQ+ characters through coding, villainization, and tragedy
https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520250817/the-celluloid-closet

GLAAD Studio Responsibility Index
Annual report tracking LGBTQ+ representation in film and television and how it has evolved over time
https://www.glaad.org/sri

“The Hays Code” – American Film Institute
Overview of the Motion Picture Production Code and its explicit censorship of queer stories in Hollywood beginning in 1934
https://www.afi.com/news/the-hays-code/

Bechdal Test
A measure of the representation of women in film and other fiction
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bechdel_test

“Ellen DeGeneres Comes Out” – Time (1997 cover story)
 Historic mainstream coming-out moment and the backlash that followed
 https://time.com/4728994/ellen-degeneres-coming-out-cover/

Outsports – LGBTQ+ Athletes Coverage
 Ongoing reporting and data on openly LGBTQ+ athletes, including the continued absence of openly gay male players in major leagues like the National Hockey League
 https://www.outsports.com

Canadian Content Regulations – Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission
 Explains how Canadian media funding structures support culturally driven and diverse storytelling
 https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/cancon.htm

Brokeback Mountain – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences overview
Landmark queer film that helped shift mainstream visibility while still reflecting tragedy-based storytelling
https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2006

Variety – Industry & Viewership Reporting
 Entertainment industry reporting on streaming performance and audience data, including coverage relevant to Heated Rivalry
https://variety.com

“The Celluloid Closet” documentary (1995)
 Film adaptation of Vito Russo’s work with visual examples of queer coding and censorship in Hollywood
 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112651/

“Queer Representation in Film and Television” – UCLA Williams Institute
 Research and data on LGBTQ+ visibility and representation in media
 https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu

“LGBTQ Inclusion in Sports” – Human Rights Campaign
 Research and reporting on LGBTQ+ participation and inclusion in athletics
 https://www.hrc.org/resources/sports

Climate change is no longer theoretical. The measurements are clear and the impacts are already here. So why are we still debating instead of acting? Michael talks with climate activist and comedian Brian Ettling about climate communication, political will, and how ordinary people can push real change. 

Guest Information 
Brian Ettling (He/Him)
Climate Activist/Comedian
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-ettling-97853226/
https://www.instagram.com/brian.ettling/
https://climatechangecomedian.com/

Recording and Production
Recorded at: XRAY.FM Studios
Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews
Audio Editing by: Kye Gilmer @residual_audio

Learn More/Sources
The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.

Tracks global temperature trends and confirms recent years as the warmest on record.
https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/global-temperature/

Annual climate summary confirming record global temperatures and major climate trends.
https://www.noaa.gov/news/2023-was-warmest-year-on-record

Long-running measurements showing atmospheric carbon dioxide now exceeding 420 parts per million.
https://gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends/

Historic dataset visualizing the steady rise of atmospheric carbon dioxide since the 1950s.
https://keelingcurve.ucsd.edu/

Database tracking U.S. weather and climate disasters that caused more than one billion dollars in damage.
https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/billions/

Global report documenting rising deaths and economic losses from extreme weather and climate disasters.
https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/library/atlas-of-mortality-and-economic-losses

Overview of the catastrophic 2022 floods in Pakistan that affected more than 30 million people.
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/pakistan-floods

Analysis of the 2023 Canadian wildfire season and the smoke that spread across much of the United States.
https://www.noaa.gov/news/record-canadian-wildfires-2023

Explains how rising sea levels are causing regular coastal flooding even without storms.
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/nuisance-flooding.html

Satellite data tracking global sea level rise due to melting ice and warming oceans.
https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/sea-level/

Major global scientific report summarizing the causes, evidence, and impacts of climate change.
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/synthesis-report/

Report explaining how climate change is affecting infrastructure, agriculture, health, and communities in the United States.
https://nca2023.globalchange.gov/

Explains the federal determination that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare.
https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/endangerment-finding

Landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision confirming that greenhouse gases can be regulated under the Clean Air Act.
https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/06pdf/05-1120.pdf

Overview explaining PFAS “forever chemicals” and their environmental and health risks.
https://www.epa.gov/pfas

Overview of global plastic pollution and how it spreads through oceans and ecosystems.
https://www.unep.org/plastic-pollution

Scientific research showing microplastics have been detected in human blood samples.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412022001258

Analysis explaining how extreme weather and electrification are increasing strain on power grids.
https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-grids-and-secure-energy-transitions

Analysis of how climate-related extreme weather affects agriculture and global food prices.
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture/brief/food-security-update

Overview of major U.S. investments in clean energy, manufacturing, and climate technology.
https://www.energy.gov/inflation-reduction-act

Congressional resolution outlining a framework connecting climate action with jobs, infrastructure, and economic reform.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-resolution/109

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together! 

Guest Information 
Rhodes Perry (He/Him)
Founder and CEO of Rhodes Perry Consulting
Author of Belonging at Work and Imagine Belonging
https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhodesperryconsulting

Recording and Production
Recorded at: XRAY.FM Studios
Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews
Audio Engineer/Editor: Kyle Gilmer @residual_audio

Learn More/Sources
The following materials were referenced or informed this episode. Links are provided for transparency and further reading.

Transgender and nonbinary population estimates in the U.S.
This provides the widely cited estimate that about 2.8 million people in the U.S. age 13+ identify as transgender or nonbinary, and about 3.3% of teens do, and explains limitations in the data.
https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/press/trans-pop-estimates-press-release/

Why trans and nonbinary people are undercounted in surveys
Explains gaps in data collection on sexual orientation and gender identity and why many surveys miss people or why people may not answer honestly.
https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/issues/data-collection/

National survey on trans adults’ lived experiences (KFF/Washington Post)
Large survey covering healthcare, discrimination, safety, and daily life for trans adults in the U.S.
https://www.kff.org/lgbtq/kff-the-washington-post-trans-survey/

What intersex traits are and how common they are (Cleveland Clinic)
Explains intersex variations and commonly cited prevalence ranges around 1 to 2 percent.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16324-intersex

Global intersex awareness and human rights framing (UN Free & Equal / OHCHR)
Explains intersex traits, human rights concerns, and global context.
https://www.unfe.org/what-we-do/our-campaigns/intersex-awareness

Human Rights Watch report on medically unnecessary intersex surgeries in the U.S.
Documents nonconsensual surgeries on intersex infants and children and the harms caused, and shows they have continued into modern times.
https://www.hrw.org/report/2017/07/25/i-want-be-nature-made-me/medically-unnecessary-surgeries-intersex-children-us

Human Rights Watch update urging an end to nonconsensual intersex surgeries
More recent expert and human rights calls to stop these practices.
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/09/04/experts-urge-end-nonconsensual-intersex-surgeries

Marsha P. Johnson biography (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
Authoritative overview of her life and role in LGBTQ+ history.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Marsha-P-Johnson

Sylvia Rivera biography (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
Authoritative overview of her life and activism.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sylvia-Rivera

Compton’s Cafeteria Riot historical overview (PBS)
Explains the 1966 uprising by trans and gender nonconforming people in San Francisco, years before Stonewall.
https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/premarketplace-history-the-comptons-cafeteria-riot-made-history-years-before-stonewall

The “three-article rule” and criminalization of drag and cross-dressing (History.com)
Explains how police used clothing laws to arrest gender nonconforming people.
https://www.history.com/articles/stonewall-riots-lgbtq-drag-three-article-rule

Timeline of anti-cross-dressing laws in the U.S. (PBS NewsHour)
Shows how these laws were used historically across the country.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/arresting-dress-timeline-anti-cross-dressing-laws-u-s

Trump executive order on “gender ideology” (January 20, 2025)
Official White House text declaring the federal government recognizes only two sexes.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/defending-women-from-gender-ideology-extremism-and-restoring-biological-truth-to-the-federal-government/

Trump executive order on military policy (January 27, 2025)
Directs the Department of Defense to revise policies related to gender identity and service.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/prioritizing-military-excellence-and-readiness/

Reuters reporting on Supreme Court allowing trans military ban and Hegseth quote
Includes the “No more pronouns. No more dudes in dresses” quote and legal context.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-supreme-court-lets-trumps-transgender-military-ban-take-effect-2025-05-06/

Reuters reporting on Pentagon separation timeline for trans service members
Explains the 30 and 60 day timelines and how the policy is implemented.
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-military-start-kicking-out-transgender-troops-next-month-memo-says-2025-05-08/

Military Times reporting on the impact of the separation policy
Covers how many service members may be affected and how the policy works in practice.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2025/05/08/up-to-1000-transgender-troops-being-separated-under-new-pentagon-memo/

Williams Institute study on public accommodations and bathroom safety
Shows that nondiscrimination laws did not increase safety incidents in Massachusetts.
https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/ma-public-accommodations/

ABC News coverage of Nancy Mace bathroom ban effort
Explains the Capitol bathroom controversy and the political context.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/mace-effort-ban-transgender-women-capitols-womens-restrooms/story?id=116009034

Animal Pride documentary program page (PBS International)
Overview of the documentary about same-sex behavior, sex-changing species, and intersex traits in animals.
https://pbs.org/programs/animal-pride

UC Berkeley explainer on sex-changing fish
Explains sequential hermaphroditism in species like clownfish and wrasses.
https://evolution.berkeley.edu/fisheye-view-tree-of-life/gender-bending-fish/

Natural History Museum explainer on same-sex behavior in animals
Shows how widespread same-sex behavior is across many species.
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/gay-natural-history.html

VICE reporting on Grindr usage spike during the 2016 RNC
Early reporting on increased Grindr usage around a conservative political event.
https://www.vice.com/en/article/clear-vp-turnout-grindr-during-the-rnc

Newsweek reporting on Grindr app spike/crash around the 2024 RNC
More recent coverage of the same phenomenon.
https://www.newsweek.com/grindr-app-crashes-milwaukee-rnc-1927750

Pornhub Year in Review trends coverage
Secondary reporting on adult search trends including trans-related content, useful for the “public panic vs private reality” point.
https://www.them.us/story/pornhub-2025-top-searches-most-viewed-lesbian-femboy-lgbt-trends

WPATH Standards of Care Version 8
International clinical guidelines supporting gender affirming care.
https://wpath.org/publications/soc8/

Peer-reviewed article on outcomes and standards of care (PMC)
Academic publication discussing standards, outcomes, and evidence base.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9553112/

American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirmation of gender affirming care
Shows major U.S. pediatric medical body supports evidence-based care.
https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/25340/AAP-reaffirms-gender-affirming-care-policy

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry statement
Professional organization supporting access to gender affirming healthcare.
https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Policy_Statements/2024/Access_Gender-Affirming_Healthcare.aspx