
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers sit down with Maddie Leutwyler from Salem Free Clinics to discuss:
The incredible impact of providing free healthcare services to the Salem community.
How Salem Free Clinics evolved from a church initiative to a vital community resource.
The launch of their new Compassion Campaign.
And much more!
To learn more about Salem Free Clinics visit: https://salemfreeclinics.org/
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
05:34 - Salem Free Clinics overview and services
07:07 - Clinic accessibility and qualifications
14:15 - Challenges of nonprofit awareness
16:35 - Funding sources and Compassion Campaign
20:00 - Legacy donors and next generation support
23:56 - Healthcare provider perspectives
30:30 - Future vision for Salem Free Clinics
34:26 - Ways to support the clinic
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Cory Poole, Chair of the Southeast Mill Creek Neighborhood Association (SEMCA), to discuss:
The challenges facing manufactured home park operators.
The potential impact of House Bill 3054 on housing.
Salem's housing market and infrastructure needs.
And much more!
Timestamps:
03:02 - Discussion of House Bill 3054
08:11 - Housing affordability concerns
12:29 - Subsidized vs. non-subsidized housing
17:38 - Common misconceptions about manufactured home communities
19:14 - Positive developments in Salem
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Joe and Sarah, former owners of Chubby Bao House, to discuss:
Their journey from food truck to brick-and-mortar restaurant.
The challenges facing restaurants in Salem's current economy.
Their transition out of restaurant ownership.
And much more!
Timestamps:
03:53 - Starting out in the food business
12:12 - Restaurant industry challenges
20:06 - Impact of state workers on downtown
22:27 - Advice for future restaurant owners
34:45 - Future plans
44:56 - Memorable moments
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers sit down with Salem Reporter Managing Editor Rachel Alexander to discuss:
The evolution of local journalism.
Challenges facing local news organizations.
The importance of community connection in reporting.
And much more!
Timestamps:
02:17 - Rachel’s Background
04:46 - Changes in local journalism landscape
09:12 - Role of bias and objectivity in reporting
15:21 - Investigative reporting
21:34 - Salem's major stories for 2025
26:26 - Memorable stories
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Salem City Councilor Virginia Stapleton to discuss:
The importance of local government engagement.
Her journey to becoming a City Councilor.
Future plans and projects
And much more!
Timestamps:
02:28 - Virginia's new podcast
05:01 - Local government communication
07:34 - Initial motivation to run for City Council
13:27 - Personal background
20:07 - Power and public service
23:29 - Major accomplishments
25:46 - Community art initiatives
28:22 - Future plans and projects
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this first episode of 2025, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers are joined by Salem Public Works Director Brian Martin to discuss:
The recent West Salem sewer line emergency.
How the city responded to the infrastructure crisis.
The impact on residents and the community response.
And much more!
Timestamps:
04:59 - West Salem sewer emergency
07:02 - Salem's wastewater system
14:43 - Infrastructure challenges
22:56 - Future infrastructure planning
26:25 - Next steps for sewer system maintenance
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Albert Ramon (DJ Inferno) to discuss Salem's evolving music and entertainment scene, including:
The journey of starting Rhythm and Flow events in Salem.
Challenges of organizing shows in a smaller market.
Building relationships with local venues.
And much more!
Timestamps:
02:08 - First events and early experiences
05:13 - Challenges of finding venues in Salem
11:06 - Development of hip-hop scene in Salem
20:18 - Future plans for events and content
22:37 - Working with downtown Salem businesses
24:20 - Learning experiences from event promotion
30:13 - Creating memorable experiences
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Summers are joined by Pat Zajac to discuss Salem's newest sports team, the Marion Berries. You’ll learn about:
The $6 million renovation of Willamette University's ballpark.
Plans for community engagement and youth development.
What the West Coast League is and how it works.
And much more!
Timestamps:
01:52 - Overview of Marion Berries
07:27 - Wood bat league format
11:16 - Impact on downtown Salem
14:34 - Plans for youth development
17:41 - Funding and partnerships
20:45 - Impact on local sports culture
24:21 - Timeline and upcoming developments
26:04 - Entertainment plans and promotional events
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers are joined by new Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth to discuss:
The comprehensive services provided by Salem Fire Department.
Innovation and technology in emergency services.
Community engagement initiatives.
And much more!
Timestamps:
01:07 - First impressions of Salem and holiday season
04:22 - Overview of Fire Department services
07:27 - Discussion of staffing and new ambulance services
10:35 - Innovation and technology initiatives
14:19 - Emergency response protocols
17:16 - Chief's vision for community involvement
20:47 - Social media and public communication
22:05 - Salem Fire Foundation
Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!
In this special Thanksgiving episode, Jacob Espinoza and Brandon Sommers reflect on:
The growth and impact of What's Happening Salem
Future plans for What’s Happening Salem
Holiday preparations and upcoming events
And much more!
Timestamps:
01:32 - What drew Brandon to What's Happening Salem
03:08 - The podcast's approach and impact
10:38 - Future plans
13:32 - Community building
18:55 - Advantage Heating's growth and culture
21:50 - Leading with intensity
23:12 - Holiday plans and traditions
25:39 - Preview of Salem's Christmas parade
From the publisher's feed