Willamette Week Podcast

In this episode, we interview reporter Tess Riski about her cover story surrounding private security firms that have popped up to replace the Portland Police force that has been reduced due to slashes in the PPD budget. We talk about why these companies are controversial and also why the police have put businesses in this situation in the first place. Thanks for listening and see you next week! :)

In this episode of the Dive Podcast, we interview Homer Williams and Lisa Marandas of Oregon Habor of Hope, a privately funded program looking to reduce homelessness in Portland. Together we discuss the upcoming plans to curb homelessness in our city as well as the intricacies of the private and public partnerships. Thank you for listening, and we will see you next week. :)

In this episode of the Dive Podcast, we interview Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury. We ask Chair Kafoury questions about homelessness, the vaccine rollout, and a potential run for Governor of Oregon. Thanks so much for listening to this episode and come back next week for the final installment of our special guest series. See you then! :)

In this episode of the Dive Podcast, we interview one of Portland's leading pioneers in the food industry. James Beard Award-winning Chef Vitaly Paley opened his innovative restaurant Paley's Place 26 years ago. Since then, Chef Paley has opened up several other acclaimed restaurants. After dealing with covid, protests, and Portland's homelessness issue, Paley has closed all his restaurants except his namesake spot. We ask Chef Paley about the last year and what it's like to open and close a restaurant. Thanks for listening and come back next week for another special guest.

In this episode of the Dive Podcast, we interview the second most powerful person in Oregon, Shemia Fagan. Serving as the state's Secretary of State, we wanted to know what the person one heartbeat away from the Governor thought about a series of topics. We ask her about her performance and her accomplishments. We also give you some insight into a recent WW cover story all about the best music in Portland. Thanks for listening to this podcast and see you next week for yet another special guest.

In this edition of Distant Voices, WW reporter Shannon Gormely interviews Scott Oviatt. Scott works for the Oregon branch of the Natural Ressources Conservation Service. He tells listeners about how the warm weather is affecting snowmelt and the consequences of the lack of snow that we are seeing. Also on the episode, WW reporter Sophie Peel interviews Kim McCarty about the upcoming end to the eviction moratorium. Kim gives her perspective on the matter as the Executive Director of the Community Alliance of Tenants in Oregon. Thank you so much for listening to this episode of Distant Voices, and we will see you on Saturday for another special guest on the Dive Podcast! :)

In this episode of The Dive, we talk to Oregon State Rep. Janelle Bynum. Rep. Bynum presides over District 51 which includes a large swatch of east Portland. We had questions for one of the only black female Representatives in Salem. Thank you for listening and see you on Wedensday! 

In this episode of Distant Voices, we feature an interview between Willamette Week Reporter Sophie Peel and Dr. Paul Loikith. Dr. Loikith is a climate expert and he tells listeners about the unprecedented heatwave that Portland experienced last week. We also air an interview between Willamette Week reporter May O'Hara and John McAfee. McAfee recently died in a Spanish prison on tax evasion charges. McAfee lived a wild lifestyle after he was capitulated to wealth and notoriety by his anti-computer virus company McAfee Computer Security Company. He tells of his time in Portland in this interview taped back in 2013. Thank you for listening and see you Saturday for another special guest!

In this episode of the Dive Podcast, we interview U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. The topic of discussion? How f***ing hot it's been in Portland. We talk forest fires, global warming, and climate change legislation in this exclusive discussion with Senator Wyden. Thanks for listening to this episode and join us next week for another discussion with another leader in the community. Also sorry for not giving you a Distant Voices episode this week, we'll be back next week. :)

In this episode of The Dive Podcast, we speak to Multnomah County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Vines. Dr. Vines has been in charge of the County's response to COVID-19 and all other health crises that our city and county face. Naturally, we had a lot of questions for her.

Thank you so much for listening to this episode of The Dive Podcast. Come back next week for another awesomely special guest.