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What's Happening Salem
By Jacob EspinozaNews
What's Happening Salem episodes
- Brandon Eastman on Building Bentley's Coffee Empire
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Eleanore Ryan speak with Brandon Eastman, founder of Bentley’s Coffee, to discuss:
Brandon’s journey founding Bentley’s Coffee and the hard lessons he learned building a beloved local brand.
The culture of growth and loyalty at Bentley’s, including employee promotion and community-focused expansion into Redmond and Boise.
Bentley’s commitment to giving back through dog-friendly philanthropy and why prioritizing local animal shelters became central to their mission.
And much more!
Timestamps:
00:01:17 - Communication mishaps and calendars
00:11:17 - Introduction to Brandon Eastman
00:17:10 - Expansion plans: Redmond and Boise
00:30:01 - Bentley’s Vegas origins and setbacks
00:36:51 - Community giving and the new dog donation program
00:50:19 - This weekend's dog adoption event
1 hr 4 min - Mickey Walker on the Future of Salem-Keizer Volcanoes Baseball and Community Entertainment
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Mickey Walker and Eleanore Ryan about:
Mickey Walker’s journey from shagging home run balls as a kid to leading the Mavericks League and Roto Rooter Park in Salem.
The transformation of Volcanoes Stadium into a vibrant community venue blending baseball with live entertainment and local culture.
Creative challenges and insights into balancing family life with managing a multi-use sports and event venue.
And much more!
Timestamps:
00:10:26 – Mickey’s childhood at the stadium
00:18:46 – Future vision for Volcanoes baseball
00:24:05 – Injecting fun into the baseball experience
00:36:37 – Recruiting independent league players
00:41:26 – Mickey’s baseball and leadership path
00:48:41 – Balancing work, family, and community
1 hr 2 min - Chad Johnson on Salem's Comedy Scene and Building Community Through Laughter
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Chad Johnson and Eleanore Ryan about:
Chad’s foundational role in building Salem’s comedy scene and how it’s grown from just eight comics to a thriving community.
The unique challenges and rewards of producing live comedy shows, including the grassroots success of Cakes Comedy.
How comedy builds community and personal resilience through authentic storytelling and consistent effort.
And much more!
Timestamps:
00:01:30 - The Grand’s new comedy role
00:04:34 - Creating unforgettable live events
00:10:32 - Humbling nature of stand-up comedy
00:16:43 - Evolution of Salem’s comedy scene
00:33:46 - Producing shows for the love, not profit
00:40:27 - Legacy of Cakes Comedy shows
00:50:04 - Finding purpose through community
58 min - Alyssa Lockwood on Sip and Stroll and Salem's Nonprofit Community
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Eleanore Ryan and Alyssa Lockwood about:
Eleanore's rapid rise in comedy, balancing shows in Eugene, Albany, and Salem, and the evolution of her personal style and confidence onstage.
Alyssa’s role at Garten Services and how they empower individuals with disabilities through employment, community, and support programs.
The growth and impact of Sip and Stroll, a downtown Salem event blending local business promotion, community connection, and nonprofit fundraising.
And much more!
Timestamps:
00:01:10 - Comedy show at Max’s Tavern
00:08:17 - Balancing ambition and gratitude
00:17:05 - Alyssa’s journey from San Diego to Salem
00:23:16 - Garten’s Daybreak program expansion
00:31:14 - Sip and Stroll's community evolution
00:40:59 - Building nonprofit collaboration
00:54:24 - Younger generations and giving trends
1 hr 8 min - Maria Hinojos Pressey and Allan Pollock on Salem's Public Transportation
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Eleanore Ryan speak with Allan Pollock and Maria Hinojos Pressey from Cherriots about:
Maria and Allan’s shared commitment to making public transportation more accessible and sustainable in Salem.
How Cherriots is expanding service, adding electric buses, and using technology to enhance rider experience.
The social, economic, and environmental benefits of transit and how it's shaping the city's future.
And much more!
Timestamps:
00:06:43 - Introducing Cherriots team
00:08:01 - Mission and rider priorities
00:13:14 - Launching electric bus corridor
00:17:05 - Real-time bus tracking apps
00:27:43 - Launching Route 22
00:33:36 - Bus wrap community art
00:39:16 - Record ridership stats
1 hr - Chelsea Opfer on Salem's Dark History and Underground Tunnels
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers speak with Chelsea Opfer of Ghost of the Grand about:
Chelsea’s deep dive into Salem’s haunted history and the revival of ghost tours through immersive storytelling.
The mysterious tunnels beneath downtown Salem and their ties to Chinese immigrant communities and forgotten narratives.
How local events like Ghost of the Grand and Ghoul’s Night Out bring Salem’s dark past to life in fun and meaningful ways.
And much more!
Timestamps:
00:03:43 - First impressions of Salem
00:07:16 - Reviving the Grand Theatre
00:10:05 - Haunted origins of the Grand
00:16:28 - Salem’s hidden underground tunnels
00:21:17 - Building Salem’s murder map
00:27:37 - Disturbing history of state hospital
00:34:40 - Ghost tours and Ghoul’s Night Out
Click here to learn more about Ghosts of the Grand.
42 min - Superintendent Castañeda and Eleanore Ryan on School Budgets and Student Support
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem! In this episode, Jacob Espinoza speaks with Superintendent Andrea Castañeda and comedian Eleanore Ryan about:
Andrea's experience leading the Salem-Keizer School District through financial hardship and her commitment to transparency and growth.
The increasing need for behavioral and mental health support in elementary schools and how the district is responding.
Why investing in relationships, community engagement, and joy-driven leadership matters for public education.
And much more!
Timestamps:
00:02:14 – Sharing personal journeys of resilience
00:03:07 – The weight of school budget decisions
00:04:49 – Grace vs. accountability in education
00:13:06 – Breaking down school funding myths
00:27:00 – Expanding behavioral health services
00:41:05 – Embracing leadership during adversity
00:54:07 – Coffee and pastries crawl brainstorm
59 min - Ali Virtue, MS NTP, on Nutrition and Healthy Eating in Salem
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with nutritionist Ali Virtue, MS NTP, to discuss:
Practical approaches to healthy eating and fitness that work for busy lifestyles.
Budget-friendly strategies for eating healthy in Salem.
Simple habits that create major health improvements.
And much more!
Timestamps:
00:58 - Jacob shares his fitness journey and current goals
05:16 - Debunking myths about healthy eating and diet approaches
12:22 - Budget-friendly grocery shopping strategies for healthy eating
21:10 - Ali's favorite Salem restaurants for nutritious options
27:17 - How to eat mindfully at restaurants and make better choices
34:07 - Creating a balanced relationship with alcohol without derailing health goals
46 min - Commissioner Bethell on Addiction Treatment Funding Cuts
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell to discuss:
The recent $3 million funding cut to Bridgeway Community Health, Salem's largest addiction treatment provider.
How the Oregon Health Authority's grant allocation process impacts local treatment services.
Current legislative efforts to improve funding distribution based on population needs.
And much more!
Timestamps:
00:30 - Introduction with Commissioner Bethell
03:22 - Background on the recent funding cuts to addiction treatment
16:58 - How funding decisions impact Bridgeway's new facility and services
28:24 - The impacts on Oregon's unsheltered population and those in crisis
34:57 - Marion County's innovative approach to community partnerships
39 min - Dr. Jessica Howard on Chemeketa's Future and Workforce Innovation
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers sit down with Dr. Jessica Howard, President of Chemeketa Community College, to discuss:
How Chemeketa is adapting to rapidly changing workforce needs through innovative programs
The upcoming May renewal bond that will maintain current tax rates while funding critical facility updates
The integration of AI and cutting-edge technologies in education and career preparation
And much more!
Timestamps:
03:40 - How Chemeketa stays relevant in a changing workforce landscape
11:47 - Using advanced technologies like AI in education
19:07 - What employers look for in today's workforce
21:36 - Details about the May renewal bond and its impact
30:00 - Balancing AI tools with critical thinking skills in education
38:16 - The exceptional return on investment for Chemeketa students
42:07 - Bonus: President Howard's bond campaign anthem
45 min
About What's Happening Salem
From the publisher's feed
Stay connected to your community with "What’s Happening Salem," your go-to podcast for all things Salem, Oregon. Every Friday morning, we bring you the latest news, events, and stories from the past…
week, keeping you informed and engaged with what's happening in your city. Whether it's local government updates, community events, or neighborhood highlights, "What’s Happening Salem" ensures you never miss a beat. Tune in weekly to stay in the know and be part of the vibrant Salem community.