U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley joins Mike for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of the Senate, institutional trust, and what comes next — plus the debut of a new segment, “In the News,” with first-ever Schmidt Show correspondent Elinor Jones!
In the News with Elinor Jones
A look back at three cultural giants lost this week — Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, and Peter Cullen (the voice of Optimus Prime) — including the surprisingly dark origin story of Dollywood, a brief history of celebrity theme parks, and a case for reviving the Rocky Horror midnight-screening tradition as an afternoon one.
Senator Jeff Merkley
His old nickname, “Smash,” and how he unwinds back home in Oregon
Favorite hidden-gem spots in Oregon, including the Oregon Treasure Quest
The Senate then and now: from a 30% approval rating in 2009 to a historic 10% low today
Ringing the alarm bells to recognize and fight the rise of fascism
Growing inequality, being locked out of power across all three branches, and the case for “fighting fire with fire”
The real mechanics of restoring trust: insider stock trading on Capitol Hill, Supreme Court ethics, and the influence of Citizens United
ICE and the record-setting 50,000+ arrests in July
Advice for the next generation of leaders following in the footsteps of Edith Green, Mark Hatfield, and Jeff Merkley himself
Lightning Round
Favorite Dolly Parton song, whether there’s a blue wave coming in November, election security, Mitch McConnell’s status, gardening, Reagan-era tax rates, and more — straight from listener-submitted questions.
Links mentioned
Ring the Alarm Bells: The Ten Rules of Trump’s Authoritarian Playbook
Crystal Crane Hot Springs (Burns, OR)
Carnivorous bog boardwalk (Florence, OR)
Elinor Jones’ “Trash Report” at the Portland Mercury
