Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

In this action-packed episode, Jacob Espinoza sits down with Mason Reeves from the Dax robotics team and Salem's Strongest Man to discuss:

1. The incredible feats of strength you won't believe (card tearing, frying pan rolling, and horseshoe bending!)
2. How Dax security robots are keeping Salem safe at Pringle Park and Salem Center Mall
3. The future of robotics in community safety and sidewalk assessment
4. The vital importance of human connection in an increasingly automated world
5. Technology's role in our community while maintaining person-to-person interaction
6. How to interact with Dax robots around Salem (hint: say hi and take a selfie!)

Timestamps:

00:23 - Live recording introduction and meeting Salem's Strongest Man

01:26 - Tearing a deck of cards in half (incredible feat #1)

03:05 - Rolling a frying pan (incredible feat #2)

05:15 - Introducing Mason Reeves and the Dax robot

12:00 - What is a Dax robot and how does it work?

18:45 - Security applications at Pringle Park and Salem Center Mall

22:30 - Sidewalk assessment technology and community benefits

28:30 - The importance of human interaction in an automated world

29:52 - Jobs and industries least affected by automation

31:22 - How to interact with Dax around Salem

34:00 - The grand finale: bending a horseshoe into a heart!

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

In this live episode, the hosts sit down with Danielle Bethell, current Marion County Commissioner and gubernatorial candidate, to discuss:

1. Her journey from county commissioner to running for Oregon governor
2. The challenges of navigating politics while maintaining neutrality and integrity
3. How local issues across Oregon communities mirror Salem's struggles
4. The disconnect between state leadership and local realities
5. Her experience on the Salem-Keizer School Board during COVID-19
6. The complexities of ethics complaints and political targeting
7. Building the Carousel Skate Center and investing in Salem's community
8. Personal stories of loss, grief, and finding purpose through tragedy
9. Her unique lived experience with homelessness and mental health systems
10. Why she believes her commissioner role has prepared her for the governorship

Timestamps:

00:00 - Pre-show conversation about MMA and local fighters

01:35 - Introduction and campaign journey discussion

02:30 - What a Salem-area governor would mean for Oregon

04:45 - The tightrope of political neutrality

06:25 - Learning to separate campaigns from governance

13:47 - Building the Carousel and community investment

43:49 - Personal stories of loss and finding focus

51:29 - Community service and involvement

1:00:45 - Ethics complaints and political targeting explained

1:06:29 - Daily Deal with Bethell: Why she's running for governor

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

In this episode, Jacob sits down with Jeff Whaley from Uptown Music to discuss how a local music shop has become the beating heart of Salem's creative community for over three decades. From teaching kids their first guitar chords to helping veterans find healing through music, Jeff shares the stories, challenges, and unexpected moments (like removing a remote control from a baritone!) that come with running Salem's beloved music hub.

Topics include:

1. Uptown Music's journey from a tiny shop with a storage locker to Salem's community gathering space
2. Why open mic nights matter for young musicians who can't play bars
3. The Guitars for Vets program and its impact on mental health
4. How local retail survives (and thrives) in the Amazon era
5. Unforgettable instrument repair stories
6. Celebrating 35 years with an extended open mic event

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 - Live recording at Metronome introduction
2. 05:01 - The history and evolution of Uptown Music
3. 06:03 - Taking a community-first approach to music retail
4. 20:04 - The challenges and rewards of running a local music shop
5. 28:47 - Open mic nights: Creating performance opportunities for young musicians
6. 33:04 - Guitars for Vets: Bringing music therapy to veterans
7. 36:23 - The diversity of local musical talent in Salem
8. 39:12 - Navigating instrument scholarships and less common instruments
9. 40:18 - Memorable instrument repair stories

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

In this episode, Jacob Espinoza and Eleanor Ryan sit down with Salem Mayor Julia Hoy to discuss:

1. Julie's journey as a musician from age seven to performing locally
2. The evolution of music culture and how technology has transformed the industry
3. Upcoming community events, including the Paint Your Partner class at Ratchet Brewing
4. Salem's progress on mental health services and the new REACH pilot program
5. Downtown revitalization efforts and community development
6. Supporting veterans and addressing homelessness with compassion
7. The importance of meeting people where they're at during life's challenges
8. And much more!

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 - Welcome and introduction with Mayor Julie Hoy
2. 02:18 - Julie's musical journey and early songwriting at age seven
3. 05:08 - Musical influences and the changing landscape of the music industry
4. 08:13 - Technology's impact on music distribution and artist income
5. 01:43 - Paint Your Partner art class event at Ratchet Brewing (February 14th)
6. 55:11 - Mental health resources for veterans and community support
7. 56:15 - The REACH pilot program and psychiatric center expansion
8. 58:09 - Julie's campaign philosophy: "Hope for today and tomorrow."

Recorded live at Metronome in Salem.

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

Jacob Espinoza sits down with Rhonda Wolf from Mid-Willamette Valley United Way to discuss:

1. The evolution of United Way from traditional fundraising to direct service provision
2. How the Community Resource Hub serves 270,000 individuals through 75+ partner organizations
3. The warehouse that distributes $17 million worth of goods annually (and the surprising items they receive!)
4. Affordable housing cottages for seniors at $500/month and plans for 15 additional units
5. The critical need for a new warehouse space to expand emergency preparedness and community support
6. How you can get involved through volunteering or supporting their legislative funding efforts

Timestamps:

00:01 - Introduction and Awesome 3000 emcee announcement

03:07 - What does United Way actually do? Understanding their role in Salem

04:37 - How nonprofits can access United Way support

06:12 - The Community Resource Hub program serving thousands

07:12 - From a conference room to 33,000 square feet: The warehouse growth story

09:10 - How the warehouse partnership model works with local organizations

09:46 - Surprising donations: From engagement rings to computer monitors

12:16 - Serving 270,000 individuals through 75+ organizations

12:49 - The urgent need for a new warehouse facility

15:26 - United Way's ability to pivot during emergencies (wildfires, pandemic)

16:13 - Funding plans and how the community can help

17:45 - Volunteer opportunities at the warehouse

18:15 - Supporting the warehouse move through community advocacy

20:53 - Senior housing cottages: Building community for $500/month

21:48 - 15 new affordable housing units coming in fall 2025

24:06 - Why United Way's financial efficiency (92% to programs) matters

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

Join us at Metronome, an incredible rehearsal space for bands, as we sit down with Keizer Mayor Kathleen Clark and Veronica from We Make Art Oregon. This episode is packed with insights about Keizer's growth, community events, and local arts scene!

In this episode, we discuss:

1. Keizer's evolution from incorporation to the present day
2. The city's unique relationship with Salem and its own distinct identity
3. Top places to eat in Keizer and must-attend community events
4. Keizer Rapids Park and the incredible 31,000 annual disc golf rounds
5. Economic development updates, including the Raising Cane's story and potential new businesses
6. The Riverwalk Art Fair and opportunities for local artists
7. How Keizer balances growth while maintaining its small-town vibe

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to Metronome and introductions

02:11 - Choosing animal portraits: The fox and the zen panda

03:29 - Mayor Clark's 12 years of service to Keizer

04:12 - How Keizer has evolved since 1982

06:09 - The River Cherry Overlay District and smart zoning

08:26 - Middle housing and affordable homeownership options

12:13 - Top 5 places to eat in Keizer (presented by Salt Water Wellness)

17:15 - Top 5 events to volunteer and have fun in Keizer

23:04 - Keizer Rapids Park: 250 acres of community space

28:14 - Mayor Clark's hobbies and potential book projects

29:33 - The truth about Raising Cane's in Keizer

33:47 - Setting the record straight: Keizer was never part of Salem

39:26 - Creating more art opportunities for kids in the community

47:43 - What makes a great mayor and the highest office in the land

51:33 - Final thoughts and art reveal

Special thanks to We Make Art Oregon for painting live during this episode!

Welcome to this week’s episode of What’s Happening Salem!

In this episode, host Jacob Espinoza is joined by Vanessa Nordyke, Salem City Councilor and mayoral candidate, for an in-depth and wide-ranging conversation about the heart, challenges, and future of Salem.

Together, they discuss:

1. What truly makes Salem special—from community events to local culture
2. The role and real responsibilities of the mayor and the city council
3. Downtown revitalization, housing development, and economic growth
4. Affordable housing myths, realities, and what’s actually being built
5. Homelessness, public safety, and long-term solutions beyond enforcement
6. Why positivity, leadership, and community-driven action matter now more than ever

This episode blends local pride, honest political conversation, and real solutions—offering listeners a clearer picture of where Salem is headed and how the community can move forward together.

00:00 – Live show introduction & podcast format

02:07 – Getting to know the guests & Salem personalities

04:09 – Top community events that define Salem

06:26 – Arts, music, and cultural life in the city

08:21 – State Fair, holiday events, and community traditions

10:32 – Positivity, kindness, and showing up for the community

14:16 – Sports, fitness events, and economic impact

18:47 – What the mayor actually does in Salem

20:44 – Leadership, transparency, and access to city government

25:43 – Public safety staffing, fire, and police response times

27:41 – Affordable housing concerns and common misconceptions

31:51 – New developments, zoning changes, and downtown growth

34:00 – Support for small businesses and urban renewal

36:16 – Campaign differences and leadership philosophy

39:55 – Homelessness, services, and accountability

44:18 – Funding realities and state vs. city responsibility

48:30 – Shelter success stories and lived-experience solutions

52:16 – Long-term vision for Salem’s future

Welcome to this week's episode of What's Happening Salem!

What happens when a journalist, a real estate visionary, and a party-throwing podcaster get together to reimagine Salem's future? You get big ideas, bold plans, and a roadmap for Salem 2.0.

Join Jacob Espinoza at Metronome Recording Space for conversations with Rachel Alexander (Salem Reporter) and AJ Nash (Tradition Real Estate) covering:

✓ Breaking Salem news - Airport updates, Community Police Review Board controversy, and healthcare developments

✓ The Salem 2.0 vision - Connecting creative minds with capital to revitalize downtown

✓ Why parties will save the world - Building community through intentional gatherings (plus Jacob's book announcement!)

✓ Commercial real estate insights - How buildings shape culture and create third spaces

✓ Building a creator economy - Infrastructure to support local content creators and entrepreneurs

✓ Metronome's community impact - Salem's new hub for musicians and artists

Support quality local journalism by subscribing at https://www.salemreporter.com/

Timestamps:

00:03 - Welcome to the new studio space at Metronome

01:23 - Salem Reporter's 10-minute update: TSA, airport news, and local headlines

03:16 - Community Police Review Board controversy explained

05:55 - Salem Health and Medicaid contract update

07:11 - Balloon animals and gift ideas (the bit that never happened)

09:04 - AJ Nash on exploring sketchy buildings and shaping Salem

13:22 - Salem 2.0: Connecting energy with capital

17:14 - The importance of gathering and overcoming division

21:04 - Launching the women's collective at The Forge

24:07 - Building a platform for Salem creators

29:25 - Planning the first creator meetup and party throwers' happy hour

33:23 - "Parties Will Save the World" - Jacob's book launch discussion

40:06 - Creating infrastructure to make party planning easier

43:19 - Teaching kids to embrace failure (and dropping F-bombs at basketball)

51:11 - Creating ground rules for positive community discourse

54:58 - Metronome's role as Salem's new third space for musicians

59:22 - Live music collaboration and supporting local bands

01:03:33 - Salem 2.0 Monthly Update concept: weather, sports, mischief, and community

01:09:01 - The secret room philosophy and animal spirit guides

01:12:10 - From home recordings to professional studio: embracing imperfect action

💬 Join the conversation: What's your vision for Salem 2.0? Drop your ideas in the comments!

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