Best Nonpartisan Voters Podcasts (2024)

1
NC FWD Update 9-21-24 Shelane Etchison Event at Charlie Mike Commissary 5:23

1h ago5:23

5:23

Pat reports in from The Commissary in Graham, NC - operated by Charlie Mike, a non-profit serving veterans. LINK Pat interviews Dustin Gladwell, Executive Director, and Shelane Etchison, Forward-Independent running for US Congress District 9. Learn more about all our candidates at LINKBy Pat & Chet

1
Machinists’ union president rallies striking workers at Boeing’s Gresham facility 4:48

22m ago4:48

4:48

Around 33,000 of Boeing’s unionized workers on the West Coast have been on strike since early Friday. That includes over 1,000 workers in Gresham. The walkout comes as the machinists’ union continues to negotiate toward better wages and pensions.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Oregon's Congressional District 5 - Part 3 5:02

19m ago5:02

5:02

Oregon's Congressional District 5 - Part 3By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Class of 2025 students getting to graduation with a little help from their friends 4:30

29m ago4:30

4:30

Class of 2025 students getting to graduation with a little help from their friendsBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Local elections officials are removing noncitizens from Oregon voter rolls, as controversy swirls 4:27

4d ago4:27

4:27

The state is still working to identify how many people were improperly registered to vote despite not being U.S. citizens.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Oregon's 5th congressional district - Part 2 4:23

3h ago4:23

4:23

Oregon's 5th congressional district - Part 2By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Caleb Smith on Working for 3 GOP House Speakers 1:02:18

12h ago1:02:18

1:02:18

Caleb Smith may be the only political operative who's worked for three consecutive US House Speakers. During over a decade on Capitol Hill, he worked with Speakers Boehner, Ryan, and McCarthy. In this conversation, Caleb talks his path to politics from managing a legislative race in small-town Kentucky to working in some of the most prime real esta…

1
Urban-rural divide underscores tensions as congressional candidates vie for Clackamas County 5:03

16m ago5:03

5:03

The battle between U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer and state Rep. Janelle Bynum could come down to Clackamas County. Winning Oregon’s 5th Congressional District could help decide control of the U.S. House of Representatives.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
WCU Prof. Chris Cooper on where things stand in several key races ahead of the November election 12:49

3d ago12:49

12:49

Prof. Chris Cooper of Western Carolina University The long-awaited presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump finally took place this past week, and according to most independent analysts, the evening went very well for Harris. While she projected an image of calmness and confidence, Trump seemed ratt…

1
NC Justice Center policy analyst Kris Nordstrom on the expansion of private school vouchers 14:19

3d ago14:19

14:19

Kris Nordstrom The North Carolina General Assembly returned to Raleigh last week to approve a Republican plan to dramatically expand the state’s controversial private school voucher program. The plan advanced despite strong opposition from the Governor, Democratic lawmakers and an array of advocates for public schools. So what exactly will the plan…

1
Reporter Lisa Sorg on a massive liquefied natural gas plant under construction in Person County 12:17

3d ago12:17

12:17

Investigative reporter Lisa Sorg The global imperative of dramatically reducing fossil fuel consumption is as urgent as ever, but that isn’t preventing private and public plans to build new fossil fuel infrastructure. See for example, a massive new facility under construction in Person County. As Inside Climate News reporter Lisa Sorg reported this…

1
NC FWD Weekly Update 9-14-24: Congressman Don Davis Signs Forward Pledge 4:29

3h ago4:29

4:29

Pat share the big announcement.... Congressman Don Davis from District One in North Carolina signed the Forward Party Candidate Pledge. Visit the website to read the pledge and learn more! www.northcarolinaforwardparty.comBy Pat & Chet

1
Record Oregon wildfire season keeps NWS meteorologists extremely busy 4:22

17m ago4:22

4:22

Meteorologists say it’s been an incredibly busy summer tracking and forecasting the wildfires across Oregon.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Partisan group weeds out hopeful Bend city council candidates in nonpartisan race 3:41

31m ago3:41

3:41

In Bend, this year’s city council race has been shaped by pledges some candidates made to the Deschutes County Democrats – and that means voters will have fewer choices in November.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Oregon football rivalry game expected to be a close one 5:42

8h ago5:42

5:42

The Oregon-Oregon State game wasn't expected to be this interesting. The Beavers are playing well, and the Ducks aren't so much. Tyson Alger of the I-5 Corridor newsletter joins us to preview the game.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
In a sign of the times, Pendleton struggles to figure out what is and isn’t allowed 5:06

8h ago5:06

5:06

The rise of the railroad helped create Pendleton, and that heritage can still be found in many downtown buildings. Now, the city is working to restore some of that frontier history while giving businesses the modern signs they say they need. But not everyone’s happy.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
With fundraising flagging, Oregon Republicans’ ambitions rely on Greg Walden 4:49

8h ago4:49

4:49

Republican lawmakers in Oregon have struggled to raise campaign money this year. That means the GOP is increasingly relying on a familiar face: former Congressman Greg Walden.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Oregon program helps incarcerated youth and adoptable dogs alike. It’s called Project POOCH 4:51

8h ago4:51

4:51

The youth development program, housed at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn, teaches its participants specific skills and broader life lessons, all while finding homes for dogs in need.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
When Legislatures Act Before Citizens Vote: Colorado's Top Four Election Reform 29:25

1d ago29:25

29:25

Election reform is officially on the ballot for voter approval in Colorado this year. This “Top Four” voting system is similar to the Alaska model of a unified open primary plus ranked choice general election. But there is a catch to this Colorado ballot measure, and it came via the state legislature in the final moments of the 2024 session. “Well,…

1
Rep. Julie von Haefen on crisis pregnancy centers and public education funding 11:17

10d ago11:17

11:17

Rep. Julie von Haefen - Photo: ncleg.gov For several years now, the Republican leadership of the North Carolina legislature has appropriated millions of dollars to the state’s network of so-called crisis pregnancy centers. The centers give the impression that they provide healthcare services, but critics argue that they do no such thing. Recently, …

1
NC Justice Center’s Ana Pardo on how workers are faring and how lawmakers could lift the economy 13:42

10d ago13:42

13:42

Ana Pardo (Courtesy photo) On the whole, the U.S. economy has been faring well in recent years – especially when compared to the dark days of the pandemic. That said, the situation average workers find themselves in varies widely from state to state and one where things remain mired well below average is North Carolina. Indeed, a recent report by t…

1
The nonpartisan Trusted Elections Tour with Jennifer Roberts and Bob Orr 12:59

10d ago12:59

12:59

Jennifer Roberts and Bob Orr (Courtesy photos) It’s hard to believe, but early absentee voting will soon be underway in the fall election. And while a scattering of ill-informed critics continues to cast aspersions and promote conspiracy theories, the evidence is overwhelming that our state’s electoral systems are honest and trustworthy. What’s mor…

1
Volunteers Advocate for Foster Care Kids 7:55

9d ago7:55

7:55

Court-Appointed Special Advocates are volunteers for children in the foster care system.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
R.G. Shore on memoir ‘The Ocean Inside Me 5:51

6d ago5:51

5:51

R.G. Shore on memoir ‘The Ocean Inside Me,’ incarceration and healing racial traumaBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Audio 5:10

6d ago5:10

5:10

The Ocean Inside of Me QABy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
NC FWD Weekly Update 9-7-24 Candidate Support - Countdown to Election Day 5:42

7d ago5:42

5:42

Pat discussed our great candidates that have already signed with the Forward Party, as well as some that are coming soon! He also outlines opportunities for Forwardists to donate to our yard sign program, and/or volunteer to distribute them throughout the state.By Pat & Chet

1
With deep debt and low-paying jobs, Portland alternative medicine graduates say their degrees will never pay off 5:03

7d ago5:03

5:03

The Oregon College of Oriental Medicine is closing. Its graduates face one of the worst combinations of high debt and low earnings in the country.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
A private equity firm saved beloved Portland restaurants from bankruptcy. Then it stopped paying its bills 5:37

13d ago5:37

5:37

The company that owns Sizzle Pie, Rudy’s Barbershop, See See Motor Coffee Co. and Bamboo Sushi is facing evictions and lawsuitsBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
NAYA celebrates 50 years of Native culture and history with upcoming powwow 5:52

7d ago5:52

5:52

Portland's Native American Youth and Family Center celebrates culture and history with a powwow as nonprofit turns 50.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Class of 2025's first day of senior year 5:01

8d ago5:01

5:01

OPB is nearing the end of a 13-year reporting project following a group of students in the Class of 2025. Today, several students in the class we’ve been following start senior year at David Douglas High School in Southeast Portland — their last, first day of high school.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Drug possession is a crime again in Oregon. Here’s what you need to know 5:30

9d ago5:30

5:30

Oregon has ended its experiment with drug decriminalization. Starting Sept. 1, possession of small amounts of illicit substances are once again considered a misdemeanor crime. Earlier this year, state lawmakers rolled back key provisions of Ballot Measure 110, the voter-passed initiative that decriminalized drugs nearly four years ago.…

1
2024 Digital Trends & Best Practices with Mark Jablonowski, President & CTO of DSPolitical 47:47

10d ago47:47

47:47

Mark Jablonowski is the President and Chief Tech Officer of DS Political - one of the leading digital ad firms for Democratic campaigns and progressive causes. Mark's roots in campaign tech go back to 2004 and he was deeply involved in the Obama 2008 primary and general election digital innovations. In this conversation, Mark talks his own path to …

1
Secretary of Health and Human Services Kody Kinsley on a landmark effort to erase medical debt 24:19

16d ago24:19

24:19

Kody Kinsley, secretary of the NC Department of Health and Human Services. (Photo: DHHS) It’s a sobering fact that one of the largest sources of consumer debt in North Carolina and across the nation is unpaid medical bills. Of course, no one gets sick or accumulates healthcare debt on purpose, but for most average households – including those with …

1
Women’s healthcare advocate Amber Gavin on the state of reproductive healthcare 12:46

16d ago12:46

12:46

Amber Gavin It’s been more than two years now since the U.S. Supreme Court ended the constitutional right to abortion care and more than a year since North Carolina enacted a 12-week ban on the procedure – this on top of a raft of other burdensome and medically unnecessary restrictions. So, what can we say about what’s been happening since? Nationa…

1
NC FWD Update 8-31-24: Pat & Chet Show Retrospective - Special Guests & More! 7:04

15d ago7:04

7:04

After 3 years and 2,000 downloads, Pat goes into the archives and replays some clips from classic Pat & Chet Show episodes. As this podcast has shifted into a weekly update on the North Carolina Forward Party it's fun to gain some perspective and take a look back at where it all started. Visit our website at www.northcarolinaforwardparty.com…

1
Portland's community solar program aims to lower utility bills 4:27

14d ago4:27

4:27

Portland's community solar program aims to lower utility billsBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Fast fashion and its effect on Portland clothing makers 4:36

14d ago4:36

4:36

Fast fashion and its effect on Portland clothing makersBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Spending the summer restoring Oregon waterways 4:34

15d ago4:34

4:34

Spending the summer restoring Oregon waterwaysBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
New Oregon Trail for Ranked Choice Voting? From Farmer’s Market to Legislature & Citizen Ballot 35:40

26d ago35:40

35:40

“I've sat in rooms where we as Democrats have high-fived when a Libertarian party candidate gets into a competitive race,” recalls former Oregon House Speaker Dan Rayfield. “That's not democracy.” “And Republicans high five when a Green Party candidate gets into the race,” says Rayfield, currently running for Attorney General in Oregon. “That's not…

1
Portland water managers plan for a smoky future 4:48

16d ago4:48

4:48

Portland water managers plan for a smoky futureBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Bryan Bennett, of Navigator Research, on Findings from Recent Polling of 4,000 Young Voters 59:54

23d ago59:54

59:54

Bryan Bennett is the Senior Director for Polling & Analytics at The Hub Project and a pollster for Navigator Research who recently spearheaded a 4,000 sample survey among voters 18-34. In this conversation, Bryan talks his path to politics and polling and goes deep on this new massive project among younger Americans. This data unearths new findings…

1
Sarah Ovaska on the state of voting rights in the South 13:47

24d ago13:47

13:47

Sarah Ovaska (Photo: SCSJ) It seldom comes as a surprise when laws negatively impacting people of color are enacted in the American South and a new report from the Southern Coalition for Social Justice provides the latest list of sobering examples. The report, which is entitled “State of the South: Voting Rights Under Assault,” documents how voters…

1
Meech Carter with the NC League of Conservation Voters discusses clean energy and climate change 17:46

27d ago17:46

17:46

Meech Carter (Photo: NCLCV) As Tropical Storm Debby reminded North Carolinians in powerful and sobering fashion once again earlier this month, climate change continues to progress and grow more serious. While no one can say that any particular storm is a byproduct of climate change, scientists do say loudly and without equivocation that climate cha…

1
The Montavilla Jazz Festival 5:33

19d ago5:33

5:33

Talking with the Executive Director of The Montavilla Jazz FestivalBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
NC FWD Update 8-24-24 - RFK Backs Trump, Helps Harris? 5:17

22d ago5:17

5:17

Pat discusses RFK's recent choice to step out of the race and back Donald Trump. Could he inadvertently be helping Harris and the Democrats? Pat also shares the work Adrian has done on our Voter Resources page on the website.By Pat & Chet

1
Portland’s east side poised to host 2 new venues, could boost the city’s music scene 5:00

21d ago5:00

5:00

Two different projects are moving forward to develop entertainment venues that are able to accommodate audiences of more than 3,000 people.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Officials spearheading Oregon drug recriminalization could learn a lot from Washington 5:07

1M ago5:07

5:07

Some of the people at the heart of that process believe Oregon is on the verge of making critical mistakes that mean many parts of the state will flop when it comes to meeting the overarching goal: steering drug users who are causing public angst and disorder away from the public eye and toward recovery.…

1
Final XOXO festival this weekend 4:33

23d ago4:33

4:33

The investigation into the mass shooting last October in Lewiston, Maine, said local law enforcement and Army Reserve leaders failed repeatedly to take steps to prevent the tragidity. We’ll find out more in our newscast, just two minutes away on O-P-B. (IDS). Today is Tuesday August 20th … it’s 4 o'clock … Good afternoon. 4:00 BILLBOARD This is OPB…

1
Multnomah County sheriff agrees to jail people under Portland camping policy, for now 4:08

23d ago4:08

4:08

In a reversal, Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell has agreed to start booking people into jail who have been charged with violating Portland's anti-camping policy.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Re-connecting with Election Analyst David Nir for the Launch of The Downballot 1:09:48

26d ago1:09:48

1:09:48

Catching up this week with return guest David Nir, who for over a decade has been an influential election analyst and the creator of Daily Kos Elections. Within the past week, David has moved his analysis to an independent site - now called The Downballot. In this conversation, David provides an update on his transition: what is happening, why now,…

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