The Outlet | Podcast

We're sitting down with Steve Hammerson candidate for Douglas County Commissioner, and Zackary Weiss, Roseburg City Council Ward 4. We get into why so many young people leave Douglas County and don’t come back, homelessness and the factors behind it, the long-standing gap between city and county government, trade and medical pathways that could keep more skilled workers local, the future of downtown, and how ordinary people can get a seat at the table. Both Steve and Zack found their way into local government in ways they probably didn’t expect. Zack talks about leaving a council meeting feeling unheard, then remembering something he tells his own child: if something matters enough to be upset about, it matters enough to try to change it. Steve shares how wanting a greater voice in the direction of his kids’ school district eventually led him to run for the school board. The conversation also gets personal. Zack talks about years spent hitchhiking and living out of a backpack, and how those experiences influence the way he looks at homelessness today. They talk about the volunteers behind projects many people assume are funded by government, including Roseburg’s downtown Christmas lights. And they talk about how surprisingly accessible local government can be, including what it means when a city council race can be decided by roughly a thousand votes. Whether you agree, disagree, or simply want to better understand the people involved in shaping our community, this is the kind of conversation The Outlet was made for.

This week on The Outlet…We’re sitting down with Steve Loosley, candidate for Mayor of Roseburg.

This conversation gets into Roseburg’s future, the role of the mayor, city government, downtown, homelessness, housing, small business, public trust, and what it could look like for local leadership to help bring people back to the same table.

Steve talks about growing up in Roseburg, serving on local boards, why he’s running, and what he sees as some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing the city.

Whether you agree, disagree, or just want to better understand the people asking to lead our community, this is the kind of conversation worth hearing.

THE OUTLET IS BACK! This week on The Outlet…

We’re sitting down with Aiden Valderown of Umpqua Paranormal Experience

From ghost tours and private investigations to spirit boxes, downtown Roseburg stories, haunted locations, Sasquatch, UFOs, and the experiences people can’t always explain… this episode gets interesting fast.

Aiden shares how a lifelong connection to the paranormal turned into tours, investigations, community storytelling, and helping people explore the things that might be happening just beyond what we can see.

Whether you believe, you’re skeptical, or you’re somewhere in the middle… this is one of those conversations that makes you want to keep an open mind.

In this episode of The Outlet, Shane sits down with Ryan Foster of Cold Sun Fitness in Sutherlin, Oregon.Ryan talks about growing up in Roseburg, getting into personal training, opening Cold Sun Fitness, and what it takes to build a healthier life one step at a time.This conversation gets into more than just workouts. Shane and Ryan talk about mindset, discipline, nutrition, old habits, accountability, fitness myths, building a business, and why showing up for your health matters before something forces you to.Ryan also shares what it’s been like running the gym on his own, helping clients build confidence, and creating a space where people can work toward their goals with structure, support, and community.Whether you’re already into fitness or just trying to figure out where to start, this episode is a reminder that small steps add up, discipline matters, and investing in yourself is worth it.#TheOutletPodcast #RyanFoster #ColdSunFitness #TheRoseburgPlug #SutherlinOregon #RoseburgOregon #DouglasCounty #Fitness #HealthAndWellness #PersonalTraining #Mindset #LocalStories

In this episode of The Outlet, Shane sits down with Betty Simon for a real conversation about life, community, purpose, and the stories that shape who we become.

Betty shares her perspective on personal growth, mindset, resilience, and the importance of showing up with intention. This conversation goes beyond the surface and into the heart of what The Outlet is really about: hearing from the people who help make Douglas County what it is, one story at a time.

Honest, grounded, and full of heart, this episode is a reminder that everyone has a story worth listening to.

#TheOutletPodcast #TheRoseburgPlug #KQUA #RoseburgOregon #DouglasCounty #LocalStories #CommunityVoices

Some people wait for permission.

Jake Tranter is building the thing anyway.

In this episode of The Outlet, Jake talks about filmmaking, self-trust, and what it takes to follow a passion that other people might not fully understand yet.

His advice?

Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Trust yourself.
Get a little delusional.
Keep going until the vision starts becoming real.

From filming on an iPhone to building Spiderking Studios right here in Douglas County… this is what local creativity looks like when someone refuses to quit.

Answer the call.

In this episode of The Outlet, Shane Hayes & Joseph Ziegler sit down with comedian Rodney Norman, known for his deadpan humor, unexpected wisdom, and strangely comforting reminders that everything is probably going to be okay.

What starts as a funny conversation turns into something deeper about comedy, perspective, life, and finding a way to laugh through the weirdness of being human.

Rodney brings the kind of humor that sneaks up on you, simple, dry, thoughtful, and somehow exactly what you needed to hear.

This episode is funny, honest, unexpected, and very much Rodney Norman.

👇 Watch, laugh, and try not to overthink it.

#TheOutletPodcast #RodneyNorman #Comedy #Podcast #RoseburgOregon #DouglasCounty #TheRoseburgPlug #EverythingIsGoingToBeOkay #TheRoseburgReceiver

In this episode of The Outlet, Shane sits down with Tim Lacey — former owner of Granny’s Mini Hut in Roseburg and current owner of Mama Ginger’s Cookies.

This conversation dives into Tim’s journey through entrepreneurship, resilience, and overcoming serious medical challenges along the way.

It’s honest, heartfelt, and a reminder of what it really takes to keep going.

This is what The Outlet is all about — real people with real stories.

In the very first episode of The Outlet, Shane sits down with one of Douglas County’s most unexpected community figure: Ripples the Clown.

What starts as a conversation about clowning quickly becomes something deeper: purpose, connection, empathy, identity, and the power of making people smile in a world that often forgets how to play.

From volunteering at local fairs to creating unforgettable moments for kids and adults alike, Ripples shares how small acts of joy can create lasting ripples through a community.

This episode is funny, heartfelt, surprising, and exactly what The Outlet is about, real people with real stories.