Back To Basics Podcast

In this episode of Back to Basics, Oregon State Representative Jeff Helfrich talks with Dee Burch, President and CEO of Advanced American Construction and Gunderson Marine, about leadership, infrastructure, workforce development, and the realities facing Oregon’s construction and manufacturing industries.

Dee shares lessons from four decades in heavy construction, saving hundreds of skilled jobs, navigating regulation, and building training pipelines that give people real careers without debt. The conversation tackles ODOT, public safety, homelessness, infrastructure costs, and why common sense leadership still matters.

A candid, experience-driven discussion about what it will take to get Oregon back to work.

On this episode of Back to Basics, Rep. Jeff Helfrich sits down with Larry Campbell, former Speaker of the Oregon House and one of the architects behind Republicans winning the majority after nearly two decades in the minority.

Larry shares how relationships, groundwork outside the Capitol, and showing up door-to-door made the difference in districts most people had already written off. They talk about what it really takes to build a governing majority, why credibility and trust still matter in politics, and the long game behind meaningful policy change.

From running competitive races against union money to balancing leadership with family, this is a candid conversation about what works, what lasts, and why getting Back to Basics is more important than ever.

Jeff sits down with Loren “Renn” Cannon, former FBI Special Agent in Charge of Portland, for a grounded look at what it really takes to balance constitutional rights, rising criminal behavior, and community trust. With decades investigating violent crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism, Renn brings a clear, no-nonsense perspective on how to keep communities safe while keeping accountability intact.

Jeff is joined by Jason Dudash of the Freedom Foundation to break down how public-union overreach has shaped policy, slowed accountability, and made life harder for too many people across Oregon. It’s a grounded, honest look at how these systems got so tangled — and the common-sense steps needed to restore balance.

In this episode of the Back to Basics Podcast, Jeff Helfrich sits down with Hood River County Sheriff Matt English for a wide-ranging look at what it truly takes to protect Oregon communities today. They talk through the politics of working across state lines with Washington, how the defund-the-police movement reshaped expectations, and the constant fight to stretch limited budgets without sacrificing public safety. Sheriff English also pulls back the curtain on the demanding world of search-and-rescue and the day-to-day challenges most people never see — from partnership building to navigating shifting priorities in Salem. It’s an honest, grounded conversation with one of Oregon’s most experienced law enforcement leaders.

In this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich sits down with Jana Jarvis, President and CEO of the Oregon Trucking Associations. With over two decades of public policy experience and deep Oregon roots, Jana shares how a respect for the trucking industry—and the people behind the wheel—drives smarter, more effective transportation policy. From keeping supply chains strong to advocating for common-sense solutions, this is a conversation about the roads that connect Oregon and the policies that keep them moving. Tune in!

On this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich sits down with HD 32 Representative, Cyrus Javadi. Cyrus is a practicing dentist and a licensed pilot who brings a hands-on perspective and common sense solutions to rural Oregon. Hear how his background and time in Salem has driven his fight for our state! 

On this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich sits down with John Horvick, a top pollster from DHM Research. John’s data reveals what Oregonians care about most—housing, safety, and less red tape—straight from small towns to big cities. Hear how his insights can help simplify government and deliver real results for voters across the state. Tune in for a grounded, voter-first conversation!

Join Jeff Helfrich on Back to Basics as he talks with Kevin Barton, Washington County DA. From tackling crime to rolling out smart reforms, Kevin shares how he’s kept Washington County one of Oregon’s safest places by focusing on the fundamentals—law enforcement that prioritizes community safety and accountability. This episode dives into real, voter-friendly solutions for a stronger Oregon. Tune in and join the conversation!

On this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich welcomes Rep. Ed Diehl of House District 17, covering rural Marion, Linn, and Benton Counties. From his sawmilling family in Plains, Montana, to founding a 100-employee tech company and serving Scio since his 2022 election, Ed shares how his engineering grit and rural values drive his fight for simpler government. This episode is about real solutions for small towns, straight from the heart of Oregon. Tune in for a voter-first conversation!