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The Schmidt Show PDX

The Schmidt Show PDX

By: Mike Schmidt
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About this listen

 The Schmidt Show PDX covers positive local news and happenings in and around Portland, Oregon. The podcast is hosted by former Multnomah DA, Mike Schmidt.

www.schmidtshowpdx.comMike Schmidt Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Ties, Taxes and Treatment

    Ties, Taxes and Treatment
    Jan 25 2026

    Mike interviews Rob Nosse.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.schmidtshowpdx.com/subscribe
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    40 mins
  • Happy New Year?

    Happy New Year?
    Jan 10 2026

    Season 2, Episode 5 - Happy New Year?

    Portland Vibe Check with Author Donovan Scribes

    Episode snapshot

    Portland doesn’t just debate policy—we debate reality. Journalist Donovan Scribes joins me to break down his “Top 10 Takeaways” from a chaotic 2025, and we talk about how vibes (and media narratives) can drive big decisions on Measure 110, police budgets, and the so-called “doom loop”—plus what feels genuinely hopeful heading into 2026.

    What we cover

    Vibes vs. evidence: how hype forms, spreads, and becomes policy

    Portland’s journalism landscape: where Donovan goes to get grounded and verify what’s real

    2025 in review: the moments and patterns Donovan thinks mattered most

    Memory, protest, and power: what Portland learned (and didn’t) since 2020

    Hopeful 2026 governance bets: “boring competence” wins that could change daily life—sidewalks, storefronts, AI accountability, and harm reduction tools

    Portland 2026: initiatives we highlight

    Sidewalk Improvement & Paving Program (Loretta Smith / Mitch Green / Olivia Clark)

    Small business storefront support (Dan Ryan)

    AI + housing / algorithmic systems (Angelita Morillo)

    ERPO focus + youth suicide prevention framing (Steve Novick), including discussion of emerging “smart gun” concepts

    Referenced work from Donovan

    Donovan’s Portland Mercury piece: “THE BLACK BYLINE: Top 10 Takeaways from 2025, A Wild Year in Portland”

    The Portland Mercury x Donovan Scribes project: BlackOut — A Five-Year Retrospective on Portland’s Racial Justice Movement

    Support the show

    If this episode helped you see Portland a little clearer: like, follow, and subscribe—and share it with one person who cares about this city.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.schmidtshowpdx.com/subscribe
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • From the Capitol to the Club

    From the Capitol to the Club
    Dec 11 2025
    Season 2, Episode 4 - Guest Co-Host: Jennifer Williamson • Interview Guest: MAC Smiff (Thesis PDX) In this episode, Mike is joined by guest co-host Jennifer Williamson, attorney, former Oregon House Majority Leader, and co-founder of Swift Public Affairs, for a wide-ranging conversation on law, politics, and what’s about to hit Oregon’s healthcare system. Then we bring in Mac Smiff, organizer and host of Thesis, one of Portland’s longest-running independent music showcases, to talk about building a more accessible and exciting local music scene. Segment 1 – The AG, Kristi Noem, and Federal Misconduct Mike and Jennifer kick things off by unpacking Oregon Attorney General Rayfield’s recent press release and letter to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, flagging concerns about:Allegations of potential criminal misconduct by federal agents in OregonWhat it actually looks like to investigate possible federal misconduct at the state levelHow fighting via press releases, and threats of investigation may fall flat without more.Referenced links:AG Rayfield press releasePortland DA balked Segment 2 – What’s Coming for Oregon Health Care & OHP Next, Jennifer draws on her recent conversations with Oregon lawmakers and policy folks to talk about the real-world impacts of federal funding decisions on Oregon’s healthcare system, including: What’s at stake for Oregon Health Plan (OHP) membersHow impending federal funding shifts and cuts might show up at the local levelWhat this could mean for providers, hospitals, and families trying to stay insuredWhere the political fights are happening—D.C. vs. Salem—and who actually has leverage Referenced links: Article on federal funding changes & OregonCoverage of impending OHP cutsOHP / Medicaid & Snap implications Segment 3 – Building Portland’s Music Future with Thesis (with MAC Smiff) Then we’re joined by MAC Smiff, who runs Thesis, one of Portland’s longest-running recurring music shows.We dig into:The origin story of Thesis and why it’s stuck around so longHow the show is designed to bring new, young artists onto the stageThe work behind the scenes to remove barriers to performing — cost, logistics, access, and gatekeepingWhy Thesis aims to be the place where Portlanders can say“I saw them first,” at their cocktail parties, and what that means for building a real, sustainable sceneHow people who care about Portland’s culture can actually show up and support the artists coming nextLearn more / follow Thesis & MAC:Thesis info / ticketsNews coverage of ThesisIG @thethesispdx Thanks for Listening We hope you enjoyed this episode of Schmidt Show PDX. Do all the podcast things to help keep this going:Follow / subscribe to the showRate and review us on your podcast appShare this episode with a friend who cares about Oregon politics, healthcare, or Portland musicReach out with feedback or guest ideas – who should we talk to Follow and connect with us on our substack! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.schmidtshowpdx.com/subscribe
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    51 mins
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