Willamette Week Podcast

On this week's episode of the Dive Podcast, we sit down with freelance journalist Anthony Effinger and the subject of his WW cover story, Mark Frohnmayer. Together we discuss Mark's company Arcimoto which is evaluated at over $1 billion and is paving the way for electric vehicles as the future of our transportation. We discuss Arcimoto, Mark's life story, and Mark's side gig: tackling vote reform. We also go over the big news of the week. Thank you for listening. Email us at [email protected] with questions, comments, concerns, or otherwise. Thank you.

In Episode 14 of the Dive Podcast, Hank talks to freelance reporter Emma Pattee about her story covering Christina Malone. Malone holds Oregon's record for powerlifting. Despite her accolades, people in Portland are constantly commenting on her size. Wherever she goes, people remark on her large body, trying to advise her or shame her into changing her size. We talk about fat-shaming in sports and the reason why Portland is not as comfortable with larger people than we would like to think. Also, we want to hear from you, the listener. Email us at [email protected] to tell your story on the Dive Podcast. Thanks for listening.

In this week's episode, we talk to the founders of two Portland institutions. Michael Powell founded The City of Books - one of the largest and most widely known book stores in America. Kim Malek founded one of the most popular ice cream shops in the country, Salt & Straw. They tell us how COVID-19 has impacted their businesses and what they look forward to. We also play games together and have some fun, per usual. Also, we have a new closing segment thanks to listner feedback! Enjoy :)

Portland has more pedestrian deaths than most cities. Why is that? Willamette Week reporter Latisha Jensen answers all of your traffic-related questions. We also interview someone who lost his father to a hit and run. Also, we are changing up the ending of our shows and would love your advice. Email [email protected] to pitch your ideas. 

Pets have helped us through this pandemic. So, this year's Willamette Week Pet Pageant is all about how animals have saved us. Willamette Week's Joy Bogdan tells us what it's like to photograph the most famous pets in Portland. Also on the episode, Dr. Nancy Haigwood tells us the importance of animal research and her role as the director of one of the nation's 7 primate research centers located at OHSU. We talk about the controversies around animal testing and how primates have impacted the fight against COVID-19. All that and more, this week on the Dive Podcast. Enjoy! 

Why do weed stores get robbed so much? The reason might surprise you. Tess Riski sits down with Hank to discuss the interworkings of the weed industry and the dark reality of the business. 

Food and art: two industries that thrive in Portland and two of industries that have been hit the hardest by COVID-19. On this episode of the Dive Podcast, we talk to arts and culture writer Shannon Gormley about her Willamette Week cover story about art in Portland, focusing on how covid has impacted the art scene. We also sit down with the owner of Portland institution Papa Haydn, one of Portland's landmark restaurants. We discuss the troubles the past year has brought and get a first-person account of the restaurant business today. We end the show with a heartwarming rescue story. The news and Quote of the Week are also covered. Thank you for listening.

This week of the Dive Podcast, Hank sits down with Oregon's U.S. Senator Ron Wyden. Wyden has had a busy few weeks. His year started off with a riot at his place of work, followed by impeachment and a failed conviction trial. On top of that, Wyden has been named the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee where he is working on a stimulus package and updating unemployment resources. We talk to him about everything going on in his life, at work and personally. We also interview Aaron Mesh - news editor at Willamette Week - and get the inside scoop on this week's cover story; an "Obituary for Portland." Thanks for listening.

Dive's releases our interview with Portland's Mayor. Hank and Ted talk about homelessness, COVID-19, politics, and Wheeler's future.  Games are played, laughs are had, serious and frank conversations abound. We also talk headlines, the best quote of the week, and Valentine's Day. Hank announces he's running for something...? Support the #hankforunionprez campaign, it's heating up.

Every year Willamette Week finds the funniest five comedians in Portland. The Dive interviews two of them and the editor of this year's "Funniest Five" paper. We talk COVID comedy, writing processes, how to write a joke, and listen to some standup. We also talk about beavers and the news. It's a blast. 

Warning: Strong language