Best Opb Podcasts (2024)

1
High schoolers turn the tide on coastal Oregon’s seafood workforce in new program 4:49

14m ago4:49

4:49

High schoolers turn the tide on coastal Oregon’s seafood workforce in new programBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Oregon’s long history of failing foster kids, plus a legislative leadership shakeup 18:23

5h ago18:23

18:23

Oregon has a long history of struggling to help kids in foster care and a high profile trial was supposed to put those struggles on center stage. But a settlement put that case on ice at the last minute. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we’ll discuss what that settlement means plus we’ll dive into the latest shakeup in Salem leadership ci…

1
Episode 23: Oregon Primaries, Maryland Results with Dirk VanderHart of OPB 50:08

23d ago50:08

50:08

Nathan Gonzales, Jacob Rubashkin and Dirk VanderHart of Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) look ahead to key House primaries in Oregon and look back at consequential results in Maryland, Nebraska, and West Virginia. Twitter profiles: @nathanlgonzales @jacobrubashkin @dirquez @InsideElections The Inside Elections podcast analyzes congressional, presid…

1
How Oregon designers, retailers are making fashion more inclusive 22:36

2h ago22:36

22:36

According to Credence Research, the U.S. plus-size women’s clothing market is expected to be worth over $101 billion by 2032. But at the same time, within the past few years the market has faced challenges with major retailers like Old Navy and the LOFT scaling back on its sizes. Why do retailers struggle to meet the needs of plus-size clientele, a…

1
Oregon’s seed orchard breeds resilient forests 11:13

8m ago11:13

11:13

Douglas firs, hemlocks and ponderosa pines probably feel like fundamental parts of Oregon’s natural forests. In fact there are people working across the state to breed better versions of those trees to be more resistant to insects, diseases and climate change. Don Kaczmarek, a forest geneticist for the Oregon Department of Forestry, joins us to tal…

1
A Portland building is certified as one of most sustainable buildings in world 18:05

2h ago18:05

18:05

Last month, a 5-story commercial building in Portland’s Old Town historic district was awarded one of the most rigorous sustainability certifications in the world, given by the Portland-based International Living Futures Institute. There are only three dozen certified Living Buildings in the world, and the Portland building is the first commercial …

1
Oregon lawmakers address transportation policy and hit the road 12:39

2h ago12:39

12:39

State lawmakers are traveling across Oregon to host meetings about transportation issues. The Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation has kicked off a 12-stop tour to hear perspectives on the state’s transportation system and the challenges it faces. Lawmakers will use information from the tour to craft Oregon’s next transportation package …

1
OHSU study finds patients of color nationwide twice as likely to lose Medicaid coverage due to administrative issues 14:25

2h ago14:25

14:25

The federal COVID-19 emergency declaration, which expanded Medicaid coverage, officially ended last spring. Since then, state agencies that oversee Medicaid have been updating their eligibility rosters and disenrolling patients who no longer qualify. While some patients were determined ineligible, the vast majority were disenrolled for administrati…

1
City of Salem committee recommends cuts to council to balance the budget 17:40

2h ago17:40

17:40

Salem is far from the only Oregon city to be struggling with balancing its budget amid rising costs and declining revenues. Leaders cite property tax limits, the end of pandemic aid money and inflation rates, among other factors. But as a capital city, it’s one that gets more attention than others. Earlier this year, Salem city residents reacted ov…

1
Criminal case dismissed against burn boss in Grant County 9:16

1h ago9:16

9:16

In October 2022, Grant County Sheriff Todd McKinley arrested Ricky Snodgrass, a U.S. Forest Service employee who was leading a prescribed burn that jumped to private land and burned roughly 20 acres. In February of this year, a grand jury indicted Snodgrass on a misdemeanor count of reckless burning. His case was then moved to federal court, where …

1
Burton, a 3 year-old comfort dog in Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, reports for duty 22:58

32m ago22:58

22:58

Last month, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office had a swearing-in ceremony for Burton, a new member on its force. He won’t, however, be apprehending suspected criminals, working on investigations or responding to requests for back-up. But the help he will provide is just as valuable, albeit in a different way, to deputies and the communities they…

1
What’s being done to try to get those in Gaza medical and humanitarian aid 17:20

32m ago17:20

17:20

Since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, Israel's retaliatory air and ground military response has left Gaza in ruins. Less than a third of the hospitals there are intact and operating at even a diminished capacity. As Beaverton doctor Ahmed Ebeid put it after he returned from a volunteer trip to the region, people are dying from war wounds even if they m…

1
Potential changes to Oregon’s agricultural labor housing rules frustrate fruit growers and farmworker advocates 12:31

32m ago12:31

12:31

In April, members of the Columbia Gorge Fruit Growers Association gave testimony at a Wasco County Commissioners meeting over potential rule changes to Oregon’s agricultural labor housing standards. The growers claim many of the changes are too costly to implement and unrelated to health and safety. Columbia Gorge News recently reported on the meet…

1
A new District Attorney for Multnomah County 5:55

28m ago5:55

5:55

Multnomah County has a new district attorney. Nathan Vasquez defeated his boss Mike Schmidt and will become the county’s top prosecutor in 2025.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Vancouver gnome trail 4:05

5d ago4:05

4:05

Vancouver gnome trailBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
A look at Oregon’s latest economic forecast 23:24

23h ago23:24

23:24

According to the latest economic forecast, Oregon’s economy is steady. But at the same time, state economists say that job growth over the past few years has been at some of the state’s lowest levels in recent history. The forecast also found that there is a 50% chance for Oregonians to see another kicker in 2026. Josh Lehner interim state economis…

1
In Oregon, rodeos honor past generations and the Western spirit 13:19

1d ago13:19

13:19

The Sisters Rodeo has begun. The event will last through June 9 and features multiple performances and a parade. Next month, St. Paul will host its rodeo over the 4th of July. The rodeos have run for more than 80 years and host thousands of spectators in their rural communities. We hear more about the events from Brian Greig, the director of sponso…

1
Oregon, California universities collaborate to research offshore wind 16:33

1d ago16:33

16:33

Floating offshore wind projects are slowly moving forward off the coasts of California and Southern Oregon. The projects could power millions of homes, but they’ve also raised concerns from tribal governments, environmental organizations and the commercial fishing industry. The Pacific Offshore Wind Consortium aims to address some of those question…

1
Oregon Ballet Theatre shatters attendance record 5:05

23h ago5:05

5:05

Oregon Ballet Theatre had 92,000 attendees this year, the best attendance record ever. We talk with executive director Shane Jewell about what they did right this season.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Crafting spirits in Portland 37:17

2d ago37:17

37:17

We’re taking a deep dive into people’s work lives. We want to learn what it takes to do different jobs and how these professions change us. On the latest installment of our series, we visit Freeland Spirits in Portland, which is owned and run by women. Master Distiller Molly Troupe creates spirits, like gin and whiskey. She takes us behind the scen…

1
Pamplin Media Group sells sells two dozen Oregon papers, while EO Media Group downsizes 17:03

2d ago17:03

17:03

The Pamplin Media Group announced Monday that the Portland Tribune and more than two dozen of its other local newspapers in Oregon had been sold to Mississippi-based Carpenter Media Group. As reported in Willamette Week, Ross Island Sand & Gravel, part of R.B. Pamplin Corp., has been under fire for its failure to refill the cavernous hole it dug wh…

1
The Oregon Game Project Challenge lets students become game developers 21:04

3d ago21:04

21:04

Since 2007, the Oregon Game Project Challenge teaches middle and high school students in Oregon how to go from video game players, to developers in a year long competition. Every season a new theme is announced and competitors have the entire school year to develop a video game from start to finish, including coding, art and sound design. This year…

1
Portland’s Fathom offers new immersive art experience 13:06

3d ago13:06

13:06

There’s a new entry in Portland’s art scene. But it’s not your typical exhibit or art show where the canvases or sculptures are carefully curated and displayed to be enjoyed from a respectful distance. Instead, Fathom is an underwater-themed immersive art experience abounding with opportunities for interaction, whether it’s the 21-foot-long, animat…

1
Drug thefts at a southern Oregon hospital shed some light on why they’re so hard to track 18:24

3d ago18:24

18:24

In December 2023, news broke that a nurse at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center reportedly stole fentanyl from patients in the intensive care unit, by replacing their IV medication with tap water. This wasn’t the first time narcotics were stolen by an employee at the hospital, and it isn’t the only hospital in Oregon where this is happening. Poor…

1
Biotoxin affects shellfish harvesting in Oregon, Washington 19:08

4d ago19:08

19:08

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Agriculture recently announced the closure of shellfish harvesting throughout the entire Oregon coast. In Washington, officials have also closed shellfish harvesting throughout the state’s Pacific Coast. Agencies are checking for a marine biotoxin which can cause paralytic shel…

1
Forested western wetlands could be important 9:40

4d ago9:40

9:40

When you think of wetlands, you probably think of marshy areas around lakes and rivers. But there are also wetlands in the damp forests of the Pacific Northwest. And those wetlands can be very important for storing carbon and helping to slow climate change. Researchers in Washington are mapping the forested wetlands of the West. Natalia Mesa, Edito…

1
The promising potential of using iron instead of scare metals in batteries 12:16

4d ago12:16

12:16

Iron is one of the cheapest and most abundant metals on the planet, unlike nickel and cobalt, which are used in lithium-ion batteries to power electric vehicles, and ubiquitous devices, from mobile phones to laptops. Oregon State University chemistry researcher Xiulei “David” Ji is an author of a new study that shows iron can be used to replace met…

1
How police guns can end up being used in crimes 12:54

4d ago12:54

12:54

Since 2006, more than 52,000 police guns were used in crimes across the U.S. In many cases, these weapons ended up in the hands of the general public in completely legal ways. Law enforcement agencies, including the Oregon State Police and the Portland Police Bureau, have sold or traded-in their firearms to gun stores or manufacturers in order to o…

1
Black students see success in the Class of 2025 7:16

4d ago7:16

7:16

Black students see success in the Class of 2025By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
New jets and renovations coming to Oregon Air National Guard 4:41

4d ago4:41

4:41

New jets and renovations coming to Oregon Air National GuardBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Umatilla tribal leader passes the drip torch to future generations learning about prescribed fire 4:42

7d ago4:42

4:42

Before colonization, many Northwestern tribes used fire to replenish lands. Those fires burned grasses and underbrush, adding nutrients to the soil and helping plants germinate. Raymond Huesties of the Umatilla tribe is sharing this knowledge of prescribed fire with younger generations.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Beaverton author announced as finalist for literary awards 6:04

7d ago6:04

6:04

In Rachel K. Jones’ fantasy/horror story “The Sound of Children Screaming,” a fourth-grade teacher and her students find themselves in a magical world during a school shooting. The story draws inspiration from real-life events. The Beaverton author’s short story is a finalist for several literary awards, including the Hugo, Nebula and Bram Stoker a…

1
Is progressivism on life support in Portland? 19:37

7d ago19:37

19:37

Is progressivism on life support in Portland politics or was the Multnomah County District Attorney’s race an isolated event? On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, reporters Dirk VanderHart, Alex Zielinski and Conrad Wilson discuss the DA’s race and what it may mean for Portland’s city council races this fall. Plus, how will Vasquez approach t…

1
A visit to ‘The Burned Piano Project: Creating Music Amidst the Noise of Hate’ 35:28

7d ago35:28

35:28

Two years ago, a Portland Jewish family’s home was destroyed in an arson. As they got rid of all their burned belongings, the one thing they couldn’t bear to do was toss out with the rest of the burned remains a 100 year-old Steinway grand piano that had belonged to “Grandma Bess.” Much of it was intact, though not restorable. They reached out to m…

1
New bike garden coming to Vancouver 18:02

10d ago18:02

18:02

A bike garden in Vancouver will have its grand opening next month. Also known as traffic gardens, these types of spaces help children and adults practice bike and road safety in a controlled environment. Will Grimm is the lead design and project manager for the Heights Bike Garden. Fionnuala Quinn is the director of Discover Traffic Gardens and con…

1
Out for Delivery: hanging with a rural postal carrier 7:15

7d ago7:15

7:15

An At Work WIth Connie Gunn, a rural postal carrier in Scappoose, OregonBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Vancouver Master Chorale turns 75 22:36

8d ago22:36

22:36

The Vancouver Master Chorale is in its 75th year of performing a range of choral music with a crew of volunteer singers. The choir has gone through several names and directors since 1949, and has toured across Canada, Europe and Hawaii. Today, the choir has grown to more than 100 members and performs everything from Beethoven to Billy Joel. Jana Ha…

1
How some Portland coffee shops are giving back 12:45

8d ago12:45

12:45

Portland is known as a coffee city – but some cafes are not only serving drinks, but a cause as well as nonprofits. Taylor Bolan is the manager of The Porch Coffee Space. Christina Horigan is the co-founder of Jubilee Hall. They both join us to share more about the work they’re doing and how they see this movement in the city.…

1
How the smells of nature can affect human well-being 18:18

8d ago18:18

18:18

Whether it’s a walk in the park, hike in the forest or tending to a backyard garden, there’s ample subjective and scientific evidence that being in nature can have beneficial effects for us, from relieving stress to improving our mood. But less is known about what role the scents of nature, from the unmistakable odor of a pine tree to chemicals emi…

1
Episode 24: Texas Runoffs, Nevada Races with Gabby Birenbaum of the Nevada Independent 49:44

8d ago49:44

49:44

Nathan Gonzales, Jacob Rubashkin and Gabby Birenbaum of The Nevada Independent look ahead to key races in Nevada including upcoming primaries and a handful of consequential races that will help determine who sits in the White House and which party controls Congress. Twitter profiles: @nathanlgonzales @jacobrubashkin @birenbomb @InsideElections The …

1
What an Oregon class action foster care settlement means for children and youth in care 24:12

9d ago24:12

24:12

Five years ago, the national advocacy group A Better Childhood teamed up with local nonprofit Disability Rights Oregon to file a class action lawsuit against Oregon’s Department of Human Services. The state’s child welfare system had been sued individually many times over the years over horrific outcomes in individual cases. But this class action w…

1
How Oregon’s strawberry season is shaping up 13:15

9d ago13:15

13:15

Oregon strawberries are renowned for their deep-red color and exceptional sweetness. They’re a special fruit, but the high sugar content that makes their flavor pop also makes them difficult to ship and store. Most of the state’s berries go into the processed market, to be used in ice cream, pastries and other goodies. But as reported in the Capita…

1
An update on protests at PSU, UO 15:06

10d ago15:06

15:06

Gaza war protesters at two Oregon universities have made progress on their demands after weeks of demonstrations On Friday, the Associated Students of Portland State University and PSU President Ann Cudd released a joint statement condemning the violence in Gaza and announcing new initiatives on campus. At the University of Oregon, a deal has been …

1
Remembering Portland Trail Blazers legend Bill Walton 5:38

10d ago5:38

5:38

Bill Walton died this week at the age of 71. Many are remembering his dominance as a pro-basketball center, including with the championship-winning Portland Trail Blazers in 1977. After he retired, he enjoyed a second life as a unique and off-the-wall announcer.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Colorectal cases are on the rise for younger adults. Here’s what you need to know from an Oregon doctor 17:13

11d ago17:13

17:13

A Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recently recommended the approval of a new blood test that can detect colon cancer. This comes at a time when more young people are getting diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Flavio Rocha is the physician-in-chief at OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute. He joins us to share more on what this trend means and w…

1
Staff at renovated Central branch of the Multnomah County library work together to serve range of needs 17:23

11d ago17:23

17:23

It’s been three months since the main branch of the Multnomah County Library reopened after being closed for nearly a year for renovations. The improvements include new and updated meeting rooms, a new designated teen space, new gender-inclusive and family restrooms, charging and internet improvements and a variety of safety changes, like lowered s…

1
Portland Public Schools faces budget cuts 17:41

11d ago17:41

17:41

Oregon’s largest school district is facing a $30 million deficit and the prospect of cutting some 250 positions districtwide. Interim Superintendent Sandy Husk has presented her proposed budget, which the school board tentatively approved last week. Schools across the state face budget cuts, citing rising costs, limited state funding, the end of fe…

1
How the outcome of county DA election might influence campaigns for Portland mayor 4:06

10d ago4:06

4:06

Mayoral candidates Carmen Rubio and Rene Gonzalez each had a rooting interest in the race for county prosecutor. The results suggest a rightward shift countywide, with potential implications for City Hall this fall.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Two Oregon women spend years sifting through ashes to give veterans a proper burial 4:57

10d ago4:57

4:57

Two Oregon women spend years sifting through ashes to give veterans a proper burialBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Two Oregon women spend years sifting through ashes to give veterans a proper burial 4:35

10d ago4:35

4:35

After noticing that many abandoned cremated remains in Portland belonged to veterans, the two volunteers launched a decade-long effort to find them and give them a soldier’s resting placeBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

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