Broken Class

Alamance is a rapidly rising Eugene-based rock and metal band. Alex, Ivan, Josh and Matt graciously let me join their practice studio in west Eugene. They are frequently releasing new singles, playing shows all around the PNW, and gaining ardent fans both locally and internationally.  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/NbZy4ampIoM.  Check out Alamance: https://alamanceband.com  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-ahksG7l3WY-FuYWeyVtw  https://open.spotify.com/artist/298PHWdca9qKa7xfCKgNIB 

Brian Steveson makes an overdue appearance on my show, as we try and fail at keeping our focus on the delightful 10-year HS reunion we are helping to plan for our North Eugene HS class of 2012.  We discuss Ted Cruz and shoestring fries (1:30), Social dynamics and how to treat people (13:34), Brian's film love & taking IB Film Studies (17:50), The Crucible and all of Brian's NEHS plays (21:34), ASB background and WOW Hall background (26:54), "Hey wait a minute" and Project Give assembly (36:43), Reunions in the social media era (41:15), ACTUAL REUNION CHAT BEGINS more lol (some activities) (46:25), Our former teacher, now cannabis CEO (49:10), Film lightning round (54:25), Geeking out over Hitchcock's "Vertigo" (59:47), and broken media literacy (1:15:18).  RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/NorthRSVP   Other links: https://linktr.ee/nehs2012 

Ben Gleib is among the most accomplished comedians still rising today, and his new special is a must-see! https://youtu.be/zJbQT-ZcPLw  Gleib has pioneered the wildly successful virtual "Nowhere Comedy Club" during Covid, hosted 210 episodes of his Emmy-nominated game show "Idiotest" (which trended on Netflix and is now on Pluto TV), continually co-hosted The Young Turks' Rebel HQ series, and was told by Larry King that he was "exactly the kind of person we need" when he ran for U.S. President in 2020. Ben Gleib has mentored countless comedians you know and love (like Bo Burnham!) and he's just a wonderfully insightful guy. Topics will be time-stamped soon.  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/9J40chmXS5Q.  Follow Ben Gleib: Gleib's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/bgleib Gleib's Rebel HQ video series: https://bit.ly/3vZVEi4 Gleib's First Hour Special: https://youtu.be/k6yF4t5S0Y8 Gleib's Instagram: https://instagram.com/bengleib Gleib's Twitter: https://twitter.com/bengleib https://BenGleib.com

Hailey Schug is a piano studio founder, a licensed music educator, a bartender and my romantic/life partner. Brian Schug is her father, a bird rehab expert who creates TikTok content about animals and social issues. We discuss driving privileges (0:40), religion and abortion (9:55), guns (19:02), teaching during school shootings (24:02), Hailey's B# (B sharp) Piano Studio (29:50), being the father of two great kids (50:52), what is a raptor? (1:09:32), wildlife rehab and education (1:13:40), being @arwentonksschug on TikTok (1:21:26), other cool animal stuff (1:29:06), brokenness around elections & divisiveness (1:34:16), term limits (1:40:20) and more.  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/UtuFbFu7iQU.  Check out and support Hailey's studio: http://bsharperpianostudio.com  https://instagram.com/bsharppianostudio  Enjoy Brian's animal blog and videos: https://www.themischievousmustelidspresenttonkstalk.com  https://tiktok.com/@arwentonksschug 

Only my late father has impacted my creative journey more than Sam. Whether or not you've heard of Sammy Warm Hands (or his band, Dead Fucking Serious), I doubt there has been any Lane County musician more prolific AND genre-diverse in the past two decades. Gradient fans know he's taken me on tour twice, rapped on my first three projects, and engineered/exec produced my debut album, Ambition.  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/vFVHCzuGP30, and the topics are time-stamped there. Please rate/review the podcast, and check out Sammy's website, YouTube, and Spotify(s).  https://take92.com  https://www.youtube.com/c/SammyWarmHands  https://open.spotify.com/artist/4oNJZDoJ2ub2rAM8vPZQcd  https://open.spotify.com/artist/6XQtji16C8xLFRaIsgmqRx 

This Juneteenth, we tap in with two giants of the local entertainment game: m5 vibe and Treylon Day. I felt lucky to get on their calendar because of the grind that keeps both of these guys busy, as they get even better at what they do. We discuss Android vs iPhone (0:54), the value of teamwork (6:44), hip-hop in the Eugene market (13:36), merch game and eco-consciousness (19:16), community-building as LCC’s BSU prez (24:26), Juneteenth and Father’s Day (28:36), US Army experience (33:56), electoral politics & weed (39:07), participating in hip-hop expression (49:21), Kendrick, rap in schools & history class (55:19), “Cotton Pickers” mascot & athletic racism (1:07:46), brokenness solutions in talking & trading (1:11:32), and upcoming EVENTS! (1:13:43). 
SONG: "Cyclez of Lyfe" by m5 vibe featuring Blakkamoore, Michael Leslie and Yahshuwa David (1:17:50). 

The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/5LJW7O70RdU.  Please rate/review the podcast, and check out m5's Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6KbxXAaZ4qV0FCASsbaUZB.  https://instagram.com/m5vibe  Please also check out Dayinthelife Entertainment and get in touch with Treylon (you won't regret it): https://instagram.com/dayin_thelifeent

Cruzer Urameshi is a talented beatmaking musician who is beloved here in the Eugene/Springfield community. Having produced thousands of beats and made an impact from Georgia to Lane County and beyond, he has accomplished a hell of a catalogue in his mid-20s. Cruzer is also a streamer and YouTuber, always aiming to support other creators. We discuss NBA GOAT contenders and the '04 Pistons (0:56), starting in music (7:02), Cruzer's name and iconography (15:31), crediting and compensating producers (19:56), Sampling (26:10), FL Studio and DAWs (29:52), Beat influences and producer-rappers (34:15), T.I., comedy and parody (37:06), KEPW and the radio (43:11), how music sustains life (50:04), Sonic the Hedgehog music (52:32), impact and self-ownership (58:26), how to find/connect with Cruzer (1:05:47), and repairing broken communication in society (1:07:10).  SONG: "Camel's Back" by Cruzer Urameshi (1:41:30).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/ZCC6zxj6IU4.  Please rate/review the podcast, and check out Cruzer's Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7KCGZPocDn2c1PuAFnMqln.  https://instagram.com/cruzer3x 

Tim McCloud is running a historic campaign for the Republican nomination for Oregon Governor. Tim has been a father, a businessman, an early childhood educator, and the chair of a City of Albany bike and pedestrian commission. In a crowded field, I was happy to give this thoughtful fella a chance to talk Oregon issues, especially knowing how less-funded candidates can get drowned out. We discuss child abuse in Oregon's legal system (0:38), commutation of sentences (4:15), campaign challenges and barriers (7:55), "people over party" and closed primaries (14:19), Tim's background (21:14), public narrative vs. leader's reality (26:12), policy recognizing people: Tim's critique (30:02), Student Success Act (32:31), Black Lives Matter and policing (40:33), free expression, protest tactics, automobiles (49:58), Tim's campaign tune and jazz music (1:00:01), campaign finance reform (1:04:20), reproductive rights (1:07:46) and healing Oregon's economic brokenness (1:19:43). We end with the instrumental track "Turtle Hermit" by Cruzer Urameshi, who happens to be next week's guest (1:25:22).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/r2oal5ZjA_4.  Ballots are due in a dropbox by May 17th.  Check out Tim's website: http://www.or4mccloud.com 

Ayisha Elliott is a mother, non-profit founder of Kids for the Culture, and the host of the multimedia podcast "Black Girl From Eugene." On her show and all over this episode, she dishes relentlessly thoughtful opinions and nuggets of knowledge on various issues of social importance.  We discuss the slap heard 'round the white world (0:44), understanding anti-blackness and policy (8:54), Oregon schools and teaching history (13:16), Demographics (whiteness) of Oregon (18:45), Fragility and Robbin' DiAngelo (21:34), lack of Black ownership and community in Eugene (23:56), strategies for writing your narrative (27:35), Black Girl from Eugene: the origin (33:18), separating professional and podcast vibes (37:43), entry point into her show (39:42), Ayisha's family's impact on Eugene (45:10), jazz music, Cardi B and Beyonce (52:23), greatness of Jay-Z and Rihanna (57:35), cognitive "genius" or maturity (1:00:54), who should be President? (1:04:04), Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (1:09:18), Broken: work culture and balance (1:13:10), and we end with a live performance of the unreleased song "Meal Prep" by Gradient. (1:20:19).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/-1G0txJHkls.  Check out Ayisha's work: http://blackgirlfromeugene.org 

Jennifer Yeh is a mother, a neighborhood advocate, and one-eighth of Eugene's City Council, representing Ward 4 (Northeast Eugene/Harlow). While I've expressed critical testimony at several meetings, her thoughtful receptiveness and sincere listening skills have always been self-evident. She is also a UO graduate in English, and the co-Executive Director for the Lane County History Museum.  We discuss not liking beer (1:55), private citizen to public official (2:51), representing Ward 4 (is it conservative?) (7:47), campaign priorities (11:52), businesses, MUPTE, Opportunity Zones (14:34), Riverfront update and Yeh's qualifications (19:25), diversity on boards and commissions (24:38), inclusion and mental health (28:17), her family and anti-Asian racism (31:07) Britney Spears, Ye, fame and bullying (34:33), children, technology and photography (39:00), two new TV shows (The Dropout, The Chair) (45:22), Eugene in 2040 and electrification (48:02), EVs, car culture and transportation (53:33), getting involved and why I dislike "Councilor" (59:43), the brokenness of addiction services (1:04:07).  SONG: "Rant" [live] by Gradient (1:09:51).  The discussion is on video in 4K at https://youtu.be/cKUbVy_iffI.  Please follow/rate/review the podcast, and check out Jennifer's campaign website: https://electjenniferyeh.com

Elena Leona Carbajal is the emcee, singer, and bandleader of The Elena Leona Project. I have known for years how much talent and jovial spirit she brings to Eugene's hip-hop scene, but I was especially hype to see her rocket up past 15,000 followers on TikTok recently. There, she brings joy to viewers with silly takes on current trends, and with open verse duets over popular beats. This episode also features a rare appearance from veteran Eugene emcee, Metri¢.  We discuss vaccinations (0:41), buffalo chicken rollers and other 7-11 "food" (7:15), being a bad Mexican (8:36), her TikTok surge (14:53), performing, improving, being Jack Black (19:32), Metri¢ joins us via phone! (25:19), an EXCLUSIVE upcoming Metri¢ song (33:20), remembering Taylor Hawkins (35:58), her origin story (41:38), the ICP show that I left early (44:04), and violent images from Ukraine (46:45). SONG: "I'm the Boss" by Elena Leona (50:37).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/y6PCqoUBfTA.  Please rate/review the podcast, and check out The Elena Leona Project: https://theelp.net 

Benny Cosmic is a musician, indigenous activist, and radio host with KEPW. Since moving to our area in 2015, Benny has been shining bright as both a dynamic performer and as a real-ass human being. On his new album, "Good Vibes Hood Tribes," he strikes an impressive balance between music that pulls you in and lyrics which confront cruelty, exploitation and inhumanity.  We discuss Nicolas Cage and Frank Zappa (0:53), musical inspiration and honest feedback (4:53), solo vs. band and album meaning (10:51), local friction and finding support (18:18), song breakdowns (23:57), varied points of entry into hip-hop (33:26), elitist barriers around knowledge (41:35), being indigenous in Eugene, activism issues (51:30), being dedicated fully (1:03:20), OutKast, synthwave, influences (1:12:16), looking inward (1:19:10), and solutions to educational disaffectedness (1:27:35).  SONG: "Wishful Thinking" by Benny Cosmic (1:41:30).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/ELz7y3nblGg.  Please rate/review the podcast, and check out Benny Cosmic's album: https://open.spotify.com/album/3KoYbMWnpgAW2QIBdq9G0z?si=BvAAX8tvSr6RARqjFQPWRg.   

Plaedo has been planting literal seeds throughout Eugene's communities of hip-hop, community gardening and direct action activism for years. He just came on my radar after releasing his "Celebrate Tha Liberation" video, and his very collaborative new album releases this Monday, October 18th, called "Empires Die...Live Evolves." This conversation really displays a vibrant new friendship beginning in real time.  We discuss addiction recovery without abstinence (1:58), positivity, competition and community in Eugene (6:30), potlatch and indigenous culture (11:40), Empires Die...Life Evolves (20:00), flow, style and genre (23:50), death feelings and street machete trauma (29:49), urban desensitization and public outcries of emotion (33:07), Ericka Thessen and passionate health advocacy (38:30), guns, religion and the environment (41:05), perceptions of hippies and nerds (47:46), sports (football and tennis) (51:10), a time Plaedo was bitter toward someone (55:31) is the empire dying or evolving? (1:01:18), and how to fix our broken sense of community (1:06:21).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/_pUR6sPMf0k.  Plaedo's music video: https://youtu.be/duFrglT6Zes and website: https://plaedo.com  

Daniel Isaacson is the President of NAMI Lane County. NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) works toward "the support, education, and advocacy of persons concerned with mental health." Daniel was brought to this issue through tragedy, and he's using his voice to change the conversation and save lives. We discuss George Lucas (0:46), the need and function of NAMI services (3:23), desensitization from so much unmet need (7:21), government's role and Dan's ballot measure (12:05), Who is dying? Not just one political side (17:31), Britney Spears and Thomas' story (20:39), productivity loss and social change (26:55), funding of county police (30:55), training bank tellers (36:08), NAMI Walks online and Caitlyn Jenner (37:57), connecting with diversity (44:32), Taylor Swift, The Chicks (canceled) and Kanye (50:08), and mental health misconceptions (54:44).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/5uJTNzXQR8Q.  Learn more at https://namiwalks.org.   

Harry Sanger is a father, a public transit project director, and a candidate for the 4J school board. His critiques of the district come from a different place than those of other candidates, and we tell each other flat-out what offends and concerns us about one another's worldviews. I am not time-stamping any topics, as I'd prefer to present this fiery discussion in its full context.  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/5tpVRv2brBc.  Ballots are due May 18th! 

Rose Wilde is a mother and an elected representative of all of Lane County on the Lane ESD Board. She is running for a third term to continue working with all 16 school districts in the county. Rose is particularly interested in career and technical education, thriving post-pandemic, and responding to historical inequities.  We discuss addressing historical inequities (1:07), Vanport and Oregon history (7:26), Holli Johnson, LCC Board (10:47), earning re-election, satisfying all districts (16:09), national standards and Common Core (21:05), Is American public education failing? (25:10), career/technical ed COMBINED with academics (28:59), food (35:00), pride in history and media soundbytes (36:54), collegiality and de-polarization (42:16), the role of competition, capitalism, and taxes (47:19), music we love (55:22), and hip-hop and women's sexual expression (59:31).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/3THxD12VhOU.  Learn more at https://friendsofrosewilde.com. Ballots are due May 18th! 

Laural O'Rourke is a mother, a 4J graduate, and a disaster relief manager with Lane County Human Services. While being the "mama bear" advocate for her kids who navigate special education plans, she has cultivated a fire for justice that she's bringing to the 4J school board, along with some inclusion and representation of the Black community in Eugene.  We discuss disaster relief and changemaking (1:14), tone-policing of strong voices (7:50), disability and advocating as a mom (11:59), today's civil rights movement (15:34), running for office and working for the whole community (26:40), spending and public funds (33:43), "our kids are behind" and mental health (42:55), music, from Matthews to Simone (56:49), conservative views (1:03:51), and cancel culture or consequence culture (1:12:18).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/p7ovZiq6sXc.  Learn more at https://www.lauralfor4j.com. Ballots are due May 18th!

Tom Di Liberto taught Spanish in the Eugene School District longer than I have been alive. He remains involved in music education and teacher training in our community, and he is making a splash in this cycle's most competitive race for a seat on the 4J school board.  We discuss fact-finding and deliberation (1:31), stepping up as a first-time candidate (4:05), issues in testing and funding over 30 years (7:02), staying involved no matter what (12:46), music and genre fusion (16:40), pre-pandemic momentum and Covid hurdles (24:30), challenges in home life, meals, and de-professionalization (31:05), hurtful rhetoric about the teachers' union (38:38), burdens foisted on teachers of color (42:50), class size and teacher pay (47:29), and identity and equity (53:30).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/wqek2r_phSo.  Learn more at https://www.tomdilibertofor4j.com. Ballots are due May 18th!

Maya Rabasa is about to join Eugene's 4J school board, much to the excitement of the community. A "recovering teacher" herself, Maya is a long-time 4J parent and artist who has volunteered several thousand hours of time and love to our schools.  We discuss Harry Potter disinterest (1:29), communitarian values and voices (6:16), money and campaigning (14:26), board experience and picking a superintendent (20:27), volunteering and hidden needs of schools (30:17), starting young with support for "the whole student" (38:34), how music inspires and connects (46:33), Lhasa de Sela and Kendrick Lamar (50:47), respectability and anti-Black discrimination (54:51), no police in 4J update (57:40), recognizing differing perspectives (1:06:45), Zoom classrooms and learning from Covid-19 (1:12:54) and free lunch and trust within the community (1:18:01).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/V5SNIz-91xY.  Learn more at https://mayarabasa.com

Rohan Mukherjee is a brilliant (though he won't like me saying that) business analyst working in healthcare. He is my closest friend from Carleton: the liberal arts college we goofed off at. I think you will love this chat about moving forward and finding unity in a tense time.  We discuss existence as an illusion (2:08), body positivity and health (8:07), Celebrity and Joe Rogan's success (19:40), toxic masculinity and college cost (25:57), taxes and Trumpism (31:17), Andrew Yang, VAT and Georgia (38:53), Progressives vs. pragmatic liberals (45:04), moving from the coasts (52:46), young leftist identity and the Sunrise Movement (1:00:57), Experimental jazz music (1:14:21), our brokenness (1:19:23), and sports and social divisions (1:22:08).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/FslvviUfRVA.