Spent the Rent Podcast

Ericka Thessen is running to keep her seat on the 4J School Board. Appointed in 2023, she brings years of experience as a physical therapist, a mother of three, and a longtime volunteer in 4J schools. She’s served on site councils at McCornack, Kennedy, and Churchill, and was on the 4J Budget Committee from 2021 to 2023.

She’s focused on equity, student mental health, and making sure families and educators are heard

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Patty Rose sits down with Heather Quaas-Annsa, the appointed Vice Chair of the Springfield School Board and current candidate for Position 2 in Springfield, Oregon. Heather shares her personal story, what she’s learned since joining the board in 2024, and her vision for the future of Springfield’s schools.

We talk about what it means to lead with lived experience, how to support students and staff in a time of burnout and budget cuts, and why this race matters more than most voters realize.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who simply cares about Springfield’s future—this is a conversation worth tuning into.

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Host Patty Rose sits down with Thomas Hiura — artist, educator, activist, and candidate for Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD) Board.Thomas brings a fresh, community-centered vision to the table, shaped by his lifelong connection to Lane County and his experience working directly with students and families. We dive into what motivated him to run, the critical role the ESD plays in shaping educational equity across our region, and how he plans to champion innovation, inclusion, and transparency.Whether you're a parent, educator, or just care about the future of our schools, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.📢 Learn more about Thomas and his campaign at thomashiura.com☘️ support the podcast @ strpod.com/sponsors

Patty Rose engages with Springfield City Councilor Alan Stout in a deep conversation about the intersection of faith, politics, and community. They reflect on the recent passing of Pope Francis, discussing his pastoral approach and the political ramifications of his leadership. The conversation shifts to local governance, the importance of community engagement, and the challenges faced by Springfield compared to Eugene. Stout emphasizes the need for a more walkable and bikeable city, advocating for local solutions to enhance community well-being. The discussion also touches on the complexities of national politics, particularly regarding Trump, and the importance of fostering local conversations to build a stronger Springfield identity.

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Catch Lea Jones May 4th @ Tsunami Books in Eugene

host Patty Rose welcomes musician Lea Jones, who shares his journey through music and personal challenges, including his battle with cancer. They discuss Lea's re-recording of his song 'I Am Not a Stranger,' reflecting on its themes of connection and overcoming stereotypes. The conversation also touches on the importance of friendship, collaboration in music, and Lea's new podcast, 'Gathering Marbles,' which explores personal stories and memory.

Host Patty Rose engages in a deep conversation with Violet Van Horn, exploring themes of identity, transition, and the political landscape surrounding LGBTQ+ rights. They discuss Violet's journey through education, early career challenges, and the complexities of being a trans individual in today's society. The conversation also touches on the importance of community, activism, and the need for better urban planning to reduce car dependency. Violet shares insights on the significance of finding joy and connection in activism, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and understanding in political discourse.

Host Patty Rose interviews Devon Lawson, a candidate for the Lane Community College Board of Education. They discuss Devon's advocacy for lowering the voting age, his goals for the school board, and the importance of youth representation in politics. Devon shares insights on the role of the board, concerns about the Department of Education, and the significance of endorsements in local elections. The conversation highlights the challenges and responsibilities of running for office as a young candidate and the need for community engagement in the electoral process.

In this episode of the Spent the Rent podcast, Patty Rose interviews Jason Kellogg, the creator behind the YouTube channel Country Boy Gas Garage. They discuss Jason's journey of restoring a 1948 Ford F5 church bus found in the forest, his rise to YouTube fame, and his minimalist lifestyle living in a yurt. The conversation explores themes of passion, creativity, and the importance of documenting personal journeys, as well as the challenges and rewards of living off-grid. Jason shares insights into his unique approach to content creation and the community that has formed around his work.

In this episode host Patty Rose speaks with Blair Hickok about the nonprofit organization Neighbors Feeding Neighbors in Eugene, which provides meals to those in need. The conversation covers the challenges faced by the organization, including legal issues with the city, the impact of food insecurity, and the closure of the White Bird Clinic. Blair shares her personal journey from being unhoused to becoming a volunteer and advocate for the community, emphasizing the importance of compassion and support for those facing food insecurity.

In this episode of the Spent the Rent podcast, host Patty Rose engages in a candid conversation with Thomas Hiura, touching on various themes including the legacy of Pearl Harbor, the importance of multiculturalism, food insecurity in the community, and the dynamics surrounding local businesses like Chick-fil-A. They also delve into political violence, healthcare issues, and the challenges facing the Democratic Party. The discussion further explores cabinet picks and their implications for labor and community resilience, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone with references to sports and personal anecdotes.

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