The Schmidt Show PDX

Episode 6 - The Mic, the Myth, the Media: Thom Hartmann Joins Schmidt Show PDX

If you care about democracy, misinformation, or what’s really going on in the American political machine — then you’ve heard of Thom Hartmann.This week on Schmidt Show PDX, we sit down with the nation’s #1 progressive talk show host to dig into the state of democracy, the rise of disinformation, and how local media — yes, podcasts like this one — can help turn the tide.We talk about:- The role of independent media in pushing back against corporate consolidation- How misinformation spreads — and who profits from it- Why platforms like The Thom Hartmann Program still matter in an age of AI clickbait- And how Oregon’s political soul connects to national conversations🧠 And because we couldn’t resist: Thom joins us for a trivia game, “Hamilton or The West Wing?” — where he tries to guess whether a quote about democracy came from the Founding Fathers or fictional TV politicians. (Spoiler: he was alarmingly good.)🎧 Tune in and find out:- Why local journalism might be our last best hope- How Thom connects with other media icons like Sam Seder (host of The Majority Report) and David Sirota, creator of the hit investigative podcast Lever Time- Why Wajahat Ali’s book, Go Back to Where You Came From, is one of the sharpest reflections on race, media, and belonging in America today- And how a single conversation in New Orleans (yes, we talk about that night) brought together voices shaping progressive media across the country📰 Related Media You Should Absolutely Check Out:- 📻 The Thom Hartmann Program- 🎙️ The Majority Report with Sam Seder- 🧨 Lever Time from The Lever- 📚 Go Back to Where You Came From by Wajahat Ali📱 Subscribe to Schmidt Show PDX on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your media-with-a-backbone.  💬 Leave a review. Share the episode. Tell a friend.  🎤 Because the only thing louder than disinformation... is a mic in the right hands.
 
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Episode 5 - Agora-phobic?: A Conversation with Andrew DeVigal

On this week’s episode of Schmidt Show PDX, we hit the road and taped on location at the University of Oregon’s beautiful new campus space in Northeast Portland. Our guest? The ever-insightful Andrew DeVigal, director of The Agora Journalism Center — an organization committed to reinventing journalism as a public service rooted in community and civic trust.We talked about what the word *agora* really means (hint: it’s not just a fancy name for a center), why local journalism is under existential threat, and how Senate Bill 686 in Oregon might help shift power away from Big Tech and back toward the people doing the actual reporting.To find out who your legislators are use this handy Find my Legislator tool and send them an email or give them a call! Don’t miss this one — it’s a deep dive into the crossroads of journalism, democracy, and technology. Listen now, and share with someone who still believes that local news matters.
 
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Episode 4 - Comb Together: A conversation with Mykal of Hairstylists for Humanity

On this week’s episode of The Schmidt Show, we’re talking about the power of a haircut—and trust us, it’s deeper than Met Gala fashion faux pas.
Our guest is Mykal, founder of Hairstylists for Humanity —a platform to network barbers and stylists who offer free grooming services to people experiencing homelessness. No salons, no appointments—just sidewalk solidarity and a whole lot of compassion.
💈Haircuts aren’t just about looking good—they’re about feeling seen. And Mykal’s crew is showing up where it counts: on the streets, in shelters, and anywhere someone needs a fresh start and a little dignity.
✂️We also talk barber loyalty (yes, cheating on your stylist is real ), the emotional power of a good fade, and why something as simple as a cut can restore more than just your edges.
🙌 Plus, we shout out some local legends like the Angel Hair Foundation and Wigs for Kids partners right here in Portland. 
💬Tune in for clippers, compassion, and a conversation that’ll make you think twice about what’s really happening in the barber’s chair.
📱 Follow Hairstylists for Humanity: @hairstylistsforhumanity on Instagram
 
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Episode 3 - Is religion ☠️ in Portland? A Conversation with Rev. Sara Fischer

This week on Schmidt Show PDX, we sit down with someone who embodies the heart and soul of Portland’s service community—Rev. Sara Fischer, Episcopal priest, neighbor, and tireless advocate for people on the margins.
 
In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk about faith—not as dogma, but as presence. Sara shares what it means to show up for people in need, how her ministry has evolved with the city around her, and why volunteering is an act of solidarity.
 
She also names some incredible local organizations that could use your time and talent right now:
👉 Rahab’s Sisters – offering radical hospitality to women and gender-nonconforming folks
👉 Rose Haven – a day shelter and community center for women, children, and marginalized genders
👉 Blanchet House – serving meals and offering transitional housing downtown
👉 Hope and Bread – a grassroots group offering food and community with dignity
 
Whether you’re spiritual, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this episode will leave you with a sense of purpose—and maybe even inspire you to sign up for a volunteer shift.
 
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.
 
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Episode 2 - PDX Saints Love

🎙️ The Schmidt Show PDX: When the City Turns Its Back – A Conversation with Saints Love PDX
In this week’s episode of The Schmidt Show PDX, we sit down with Kristle Delihanty, Executive Director of PDX Saints Love — a grassroots, community-rooted organization providing food, shelter, and critical support to unhoused Portlanders.
But this episode goes deeper than just highlighting their incredible work. It’s a critical moment for the organization’s survival.
📉 Just days ago, OPB reported that PDX Saints Love was excluded from the City of Portland’s recent Request for Proposals (RFP) — a funding decision that could shut down their vital day center. This space serves as a refuge for Portlanders who have nowhere else to go. The decision raises serious questions about whose work gets valued and why.
💬 Kristle opens up about her personal journey, how Saints Love became what it is today, and what all of us can do to help.
🧡 If you care about justice, compassion, and accountability, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
📱 Follow PDX Saints Love: @pdxsaintslove on Instagramschmidtshowpdx.com

Episode 1 - Oregon Walks

We’re thrilled to launch The Schmidt Show PDX, a new podcast amplifying the voices of the people that hold our community together and shape Portland’s future. In our premiere episode, we delve into the motivations behind this podcast and feature a conversation with Zachary Lauritzen, Executive Director of Oregon Walks.
 
🎟️ Learn More About Walkstars 2025: Walkstars 2025 Event Details
 
📱 Follow Oregon Walks:
Instagram: @oregonwalks
Facebook: Oregon Walks
 
Join us as we explore the stories and initiatives driving positive change in our city.
 
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Schmidt Show PDX - Promo

Episode 0, our brief promo. Come learn what The Schmidt Show PDX is all about.