Best OPB Podcasts (2025)

1
Deschutes County sheriff gave false testimony in criminal cases, DA finds 5:09

2h ago5:09

5:09

Prosecutors won’t call the sheriff to the stand anymore, and the district attorney says charges could be dismissed in past cases.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Oregon’s legislative session hits the midway point 18:06

2d ago18:06

18:06

Oregon’s legislative session is at the midway point. I’m Lauren Dake. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we discuss what the Legislature has accomplished so far, how the Trump administration has affected Salem and much more. Find the show where ever you get your podcasts

1
Emily Wilson on translating the classics 52:36

2h ago52:36

52:36

Emily Wilson’s name on the cover of a book is a likely sign that it will be a bestseller. But she isn’t an author, and the books are unlikely fan favorites. Wilson has made a name for herself translating classic Greek texts - most notably Homer’s "The Odyssey" in 2017 and "The Iliad" in 2023. Wilson’s translations have gained a cult following and o…

1
Portland’s Third Angle presents new piece for percussion and ASL poetry 15:25

2h ago15:25

15:25

Portland’s Third Angle New Music will debut a new commissioned piece at its upcoming show on April 16 at OMSI’s Kendall Planetarium. The composition, called “Spheres,” was written for percussion quartet and three American Sign Language performers. Deaf and hard of hearing audience members can experience the program through haptic vests that transla…

1
Celebrating 20 years of youth poetry slams in Portland 20:52

2h ago20:52

20:52

It’s been 20 years since Nancy Sullivan, a media specialist at Portland’s McDaniel High School, organized a poetry slam for students in the school’s library. That one slam eventually evolved into Verselandia, the citywide youth poetry competition now sponsored by Literary Arts. The slam allows students from across Portland to bring their original s…

1
Depoe Bay business owners win award from the US Small Business Administration 17:10

2h ago17:10

17:10

Tadd Mick, Noelie Achen and Chris Schaffner are the owners of Tradewinds Charters in Depoe Bay. They recently won a statewide award from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The national winner of the Small Business Person of the Year award will be announced in May. Tadd Mick is the president of Tradewinds Charters, and Noelie Achen is the vice …

1
Portland high schoolers raise money, awareness for youth aging out of foster care system 4:18

1d ago4:18

4:18

Portland high schoolers raise money, awareness for youth aging out of foster care systemBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
From phonographs to Wurlitzers, this Portland collector spins a life around vintage sound 5:01

2d ago5:01

5:01

As music fans around the country celebrate Record Store Day, which started in 2008, Albert Menashe shares a look at his records and record players going back over 100 years.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Harney County flood update 5:35

2d ago5:35

5:35

OPB's rural communities reporter Antonio Sierra gives us an update from Burns about flooding in Harney County, and Governor Tina Kotek's visit there.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Two Portland Panorama Films Use the Lloyd as a backdrop 9:05

2d ago9:05

9:05

Interview with two filmmakers who use Lloyd Center at the setting for their films.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Yamhill County is getting families with children out of homelessness. Here’s what’s working. 15:51

2d ago15:51

15:51

The Yamhill Community Action Partnership has reached “functional zero” for unsheltered families with children. That means more people in that group are exiting homelessness than are entering it in Yamhill County. The organization has invested in a liaison who works with landlords and clients to get people into rentals and stay housed. It also expan…

1
ODOT falling behind on replacing state’s aging bridges, new report says 14:03

2d ago14:03

14:03

More than one in five bridges in Oregon was in “distressed” condition in 2024. That’s according to the Oregon Department of Transportation’s annual bridge condition report. Oregon also has the fewest number of bridges in “good” condition as determined by federal standards compared to six other Western states. Under ideal conditions, ODOT says it wo…

1
Oregon public defender crisis far from over, as lawmakers consider different proposals 22:45

2d ago22:45

22:45

If you’re accused of a crime, having the right to an attorney - regardless of ability to pay - is one of your fundamental constitutional due process rights in the U.S. At least in theory. In reality, Oregon - like many states around the country - has long suffered from a shortage of defense attorneys. In 2018 the shortage had become so severe that …

1
As Oregon’s legislative session hits the midway point, plenty of big issues remain 4:46

3d ago4:46

4:46

Salem lawmakers have yet to tackle the biggest items — such as passing a budget and debating a major transportation package.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
A rock opera about the Columbia Gorge watershed comes to life 38:19

3d ago38:19

38:19

When you think about the Columbia Gorge, a multimedia rock opera might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But that’s exactly the vehicle producer Sarah Fox chose to showcase the unique history, personal stories and ecology of the Gorge. “The Watershed Rock Opera” unfolds in five movements that symbolize the cycle of the watershed itself. Th…

1
Multnomah County’s Preschool for All program exceeds goals, but can’t meet demand 15:34

3d ago15:34

15:34

Multnomah County’s Preschool For All program has overshot its goals in each of its first three years, and this year is no exception. The county's coal was to support 3,000 slots, but it expects to have capacity for 3,800 3 and 4-year-olds in the 2025-2026 school year. Still, that number is far below demand, with nearly double the amount of applicat…

1
From notes of affirmation to gift cards, Portland nonprofit Wildly Kind aims to spread acts of kindness to strangers 12:57

4d ago12:57

12:57

From notes of affirmation to gift cards, Portland nonprofit Wildly Kind aims to spread acts of kindness to strangers LONG SYNOPSIS: Wildly Kind is on a mission to spread acts of kindness to strangers, not only in its home base of Portland but also across the nation and around the world. The Portland Tribune recently profiled the three-year-old nonp…

1
Oregon sees rise in unclaimed, indigent remains 16:40

4d ago16:40

16:40

From 2021 to 2024, the Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery Board, the state agency that oversees death care, saw a whopping 79% increase in repayment claims from funeral homes for indigent remains. Indigent remains are the bodies that go unclaimed, have no next of kin or lack financial means for the handling of the body that may have been left in the dece…

1
'Juniper House' that once provided end-of-life care for AIDS patients is now on National Register of Historic Places 23:12

4d ago23:12

23:12

An unassuming house in Southeast Portland’s Buckman neighborhood was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places. Once known as “Juniper House,” the building served as one of the first end-of-life care homes for AIDS patients in the Pacific Northwest in the late 1980s. An OPB documentary at the time explored the lives of some of the …

1
Oregon bill would create farmworker labor standards board 22:30

5d ago22:30

22:30

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would give agricultural workers a seat at the table. House Bill 2548 would establish a board made up of voices representing farmworkers, farmers, government agencies and labor law to help establish working standards and conditions. Reyna Lopez, executive director of PCUN, which is supporting the bill and Jenny …

1
UO researcher reflects on how the pandemic changed our cities 14:42

5d ago14:42

14:42

It’s been five years since the pandemic shut down cities and towns across the country and changed the daily lives and routines of many people. From virtual workplaces to outdoor dining, COVID-19 also changed how we use and see our cities. Nico Larco is a professor of architect and urban design and is the director of the Urbanism Next Center at the …

1
Trump administration attempts to use 19th century Native American case to overturn birthright citizenship 15:32

5d ago15:32

15:32

In its attempt to end birthright citizenship, the Trump administration has cited a 19th century lawsuit that denied U.S. citizenship to Native Americans. The president’s executive order has been blocked by multiple federal judges, and his use of Elk v. Wilkins to justify the order is generally deemed invalid by legal scholars. But the use of the la…

1
The adventures of Koda the whale sniffing dog 5:10

8d ago5:10

5:10

The adventures of Koda the whale sniffing dogBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Portland author and illustrator Aron Nels Steinke shares personal story behind new graphic novel, ‘Speechless’ 19:51

6d ago19:51

19:51

Award-winning Portland author and illustrator Aron Nels Steinke is perhaps best known for his “Mr. Wolf’s Class” series of graphic novels which revolve around a teacher – who happens to be a wolf – and his 4th grade class of anthropomorphized animal students. Steinke drew from his experience as a teacher at Portland’s Woodstock Elementary School fo…

1
Oregon Humanities faces steep federal funding cuts 11:29

6d ago11:29

11:29

Humanities councils across the country, including in Oregon, recently learned that the federal government is slashing their funding. A grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities was meant to fund the councils through 2027, but it was rescinded on April 2 following reports that the Department of Government Efficiency was planning cuts at t…

1
Protesters in three different parts of Oregon on demonstrating against Trump and Musk 21:05

6d ago21:05

21:05

This Saturday saw the biggest coordinated nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration to date. In Oregon, Indivisible helped organize protests, among others, as part of the 50501 movement. Many thousands of people turned out in Portland alone, with thousands more out all over the state including in Tigard, Medford, Enterprise other sm…

1
‘A Feast of Thorns and Roses’ is just the latest in pop culture cookbooks from PNW authors 4:52

7d ago4:52

4:52

‘A Feast of Thorns and Roses’ is just the latest in pop culture cookbooks from PNW authorsBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Oregonians take to the streets for Hands Off protests 4:31

7d ago4:31

4:31

Oregonians take to the streets for Hands Off protestsBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Oregon Democrats unveil ambitious road funding proposal. Now the haggling begins 5:33

9d ago5:33

5:33

A framework released Thursday includes a major gas tax hike, several entirely new taxes, and a lot more.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Lawsuit alleges Washington County does not provide equal services to people in mental health crisis 17:28

11d ago17:28

17:28

Last year, the group Disability Rights Oregon brought suit against Washington County, alleging that when 911 is called for people in mental health crises, it’s often law enforcement officers who respond. The lawsuit claims these officers are more likely to exacerbate a crisis than resolve it. Last week, a federal judge ruled that the case can move …

1
What mass deportations could mean for Oregon public schools 13:36

9d ago13:36

13:36

Since the start of his second term, President Trump has taken sweeping actions targeting immigrants of all kinds in the U.S. From challenging birthright citizenship to lifting bans on immigration arrests in schools and churches, the administration’s plan to deport millions is creating fear among many families and could have significant effects on c…

1
In Washington, how has ‘Joel’s Law’ been working 10:52

9d ago10:52

10:52

Joel’s Law in Washington allows a guardian, conservator or loved one to petition a court to force treatment for people who suffer from serious mental illness. Some supporters of the law have called it a lifeline for family members desperately seeking care for a loved one, but others have concerns about stripping away a person's civil liberties. The…

1
Oregon aims to add PFAS to state’s list of regulated hazardous substances 12:41

9d ago12:41

12:41

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a class of synthetic chemicals that have been used since the 1940s to manufacture a wide range of products, from nonstick cookware to firefighting foam, clothes and electronics. PFAS have also been described as “forever chemicals” because they easily disperse and persist in the environment…

1
Vets get free training at an Oregon community college 4:48

10d ago4:48

4:48

Vets get free training at an Oregon community collegeBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Is the Pacific Northwest entering an era of dam removal? 23:23

10d ago23:23

23:23

The Pacific Northwest’s rugged beauty - our mountains, forests, deserts and rivers - is a draw for many of us who call this region home. For decades, many of our most powerful rivers have been tamed - by dams. But in recent years we’ve seen some major dams come down. And it’s possible more big changes are afoot. Is that good? Bad? We’ll discuss the…

1
Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters celebrate 10 years of Americana music with new album 28:13

10d ago28:13

28:13

Ashleigh Flynn is a long time Portland musician who was primarily a solo artist for much of her career. But that all changed in 2015 when a friend introduced her to Nancy Luca, who had an all-female cover band. She and Luca hit it off and drew other women into a new all-female band: Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters, an homage to Rosie the Riveter, the…

1
Bill would require OHA to provide services for children with severe psychiatric needs 10:26

10d ago10:26

10:26

In 2013, Oregon implemented a plan to expand access to home and community-based services for Medicaid recipients with intellectual, developmental or psychiatric disabilities. The goal was to allow more Oregonians to receive care at home rather than in an institution. While programs were established for individuals with intellectual and developmenta…

1
Oregon economist examines the future of ODOT 14:07

10d ago14:07

14:07

Portland economist Joe Cortright says ODOT’s projects have a history of costing much more than initial estimates. He points to proposals like the I-5 Rose Quarter project which has been in the works for nearly a decade and is estimated to cost around $1.9 billion. The estimate in 2017 was $450 million. A Statesman Journal investigation found that O…

1
Portland struggling with ‘confusing’ public comment rules in new government 3:33

11d ago3:33

3:33

Getting more feedback from residents partly inspired Portland's new government structure. But a confusing comment process has stymied that goal.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Harney county's jail needs updating but funds are hard to come by 4:33

11d ago4:33

4:33

Harney county's jail needs updating but funds are hard to come byBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Oregon adoptees reflect on 50th anniversary of Operation Babylift 22:53

11d ago22:53

22:53

Shortly before the fall of Saigon in 1975, roughly 3,000 children were flown out of Vietnam in an effort dubbed Operation Babylift. The children went on to be adopted by families in the U.S., Australia and other countries. An initiative of the Ford administration, the operation was billed as a humanitarian effort to rescue Vietnamese orphans – many…

1
Founder of Our Children’s Trust on what the end of Juliana v. US means for youth and climate policy 31:04

11d ago31:04

31:04

Attorney Julia Olson founded the nonprofit public interest law firm Our Children’s Trust in 2010 in Eugene. Five years later, she filed a lawsuit on behalf of Kelsey Juliana and 20 other youth activists in Oregon and elsewhere. Their contention was simple on its face: youth have a right to a stable climate, just as they have a right to clean water …

1
Oregon Trail conference meets at the ‘crossroads’ of history, aiming to tell more diverse, accurate stories 4:32

12d ago4:32

4:32

A group of history buffs spent this summer trekking across Eastern Oregon to retrace the path of the old Oregon Trail. The event is a part of an annual conference that's re-examining how to share the story of the West's pioneer era.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
A visit to Oregon's quickest fishery 4:55

12d ago4:55

4:55

A visit to Oregon's quickest fisheryBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
Conservation nonprofits brace for budget cuts 4:23

12d ago4:23

4:23

Conservation nonprofits brace for budget cutsBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
CAHOOTS program in Eugene faces severe funding crisis 19:57

12d ago19:57

19:57

For more than 30 years, Eugene's CAHOOTS program has been in place for situations that don’t need an armed police response, like mental health crises, overdoses and homelessness. The program has gotten a lot of national attention, and the model has been an inspiration for cities across the country, including Portland. But last week, White Bird Clin…

1
Providing permanent housing for families is cheaper than shelters, says nonprofit Path Home 19:44

12d ago19:44

19:44

The biggest determining factor in whether someone will become homeless is if they have ever been homeless. Keeping children out of homelessness, so they won’t become homeless as adults is one of the big reasons the Portland-based nonprofit Path Home exists. And as Oregon has the highest rate of children experiencing unsheltered homelessness, the ne…

1
Foster youth advocacy programs in Central and Eastern Oregon feel loss of federal funds 13:30

12d ago13:30

13:30

There are 19 local programs across Oregon that recruit, train, supervise and support volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates for foster children and youth. The programs operate independently with their own budgets and are funded through a mix of state dollars, private donations, philanthropic grants and community fundraising. This…

1
Oregon cold case goes to trial after more than three decades 4:45

13d ago4:45

4:45

Oregon cold case goes to trial after more than three decadesBy Oregon Public Broadcasting

1
From wolves to water, Eastern Oregon lawmakers strike balancing act to move bills forward 4:46

13d ago4:46

4:46

As the legislative session heats up, here’s how Oregon Republicans are gaining ground within the state’s Democratic supermajority.By Oregon Public Broadcasting

Podcasts Worth a Listen

OPB Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide