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 Oregon
What it actually looks like to investigate possible federal misconduct at the state level
How fighting via press releases, and threats of investigation may fall flat without more.
Referenced links:
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) members
How impending federal funding shifts and cuts might show up at the local level
What this could mean for providers, hospitals, and families trying to stay insured
Where the political fights are happening—D.C. vs. Salem—and who actually has leverage
Referenced links:
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 long
How the show is designed to bring new, young artists onto the stage
The work behind the scenes to remove barriers to performing — cost, logistics, access, and gatekeeping
Why 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 next
Learn more / follow Thesis & MAC:
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