Less Stupid with Thomas Hiura

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.  

Isiah Wagoner is a Black Lives Matter proponent and a write-in candidate for Eugene Mayor. He is a father and lifelong Eugenean whose actions have been met with both significant admiration and significant criticism this year.  We chat about being hit by a car (3:35), picking and choosing amendments (7:24), Blackness, masculinity and media (15:32), recognizing criticisms, gender and trans inclusion (22:16), terminology and self-education (33:33), Kamala Harris and Black leaders' scrutiny (47:22), mixed-race lineage (55:28), Isiah's music taste (1:01:21), Mayor Lucy Vinis, rap, and Kendrick Lamar (1:04:31), Mayoral platform ideas (1:07:48), qualifications and task force appointment (1:16:54), rehabilitation, opportunity and wages (1:19:20), ACAB (1:29:52), Justice in Policing Act of 2020 (1:36:38), and more. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/qnaGxjx319s. Isiah's campaign website: https://www.isiahwagoner.com

Eliza Kashinsky is running for Eugene City Council in Ward 1. In a rare feat against an incumbent seeking re-election, she advanced to the November general election in May. Eliza's deep knowledge and approachable nature demonstrate why 33% of voters chose her, amongst 6 candidates. We chat about homes and property regulations (1:02), Ward 1 politics (9:30), Lightning Round! Municipal Terms (17:15), Delayed solutions (22:24), Diversity and racial justice (26:35), Approachability (35:18), The Fibers of History mural (37:31), Secularism and non-theism in government (42:50), Eliza's music taste (48:43), and the inevitable hip-hop question (50:35), before my debut of some new bars (54:26).  The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/nYiPy4vv-LM. Eliza's campaign website: https://www.electeliza.com

Peter Feliciano took his musical and comedic talents from the Bay Area to the Big Apple in 2019. We thoroughly disagree on some social and political issues, but we love the hell out of each other. If Pete had not invited me on episode 51 of "Conservatish with Peter Feliciano," I doubt I would have started my own podcast at the time that I did. We share our differing views on identity politics, Asian jokes, responsibility, "If All Lives Matter, where's your mask?", his album, NYC life, and more. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/j2hpMDdWZSs. Pete's podcast (where I join him on Ep. 51 and 118): https://conservatish.libsyn.com. Pete's album: https://spoti.fi/37PhQym.  

Julian Outlaw is a hip-hop artist from Houston, Texas' Third Ward. Without Julian's voice, I would never have known about the late George Floyd's contributions to hip-hop, specifically through H-Town's chopped and screwed movement. RIP Big Floyd! We chat about bluegrass and commonalities (1:24), New York culture (4:18), racism in affluent spaces (9:57), a rare take on the 2016 election (13:13), Yang's sanity, #8CantWait, #8toAbolition, and policing (16:09), gangs and school funding (22:06), BIG FLOYD and the Screwed Up Click (28:16), Houston's slab lines (32:13), school board issues and teaching (40:41), officer Graveline and school cops (48:13), Asians and Black lives (58:45), good ally Dan Radcliffe and bad ally Drew Brees (1:03:21), basketball heroes (1:07:29), and more. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/WoA2szNfR4A. Support Julian Outlaw, and check out his work! http://smarturl.it/thelameoutlaw

Candice King is a tenant liaison with Homes for Good, as well as a recent City Council solidarity platform candidate with a background in economics. In the midst of the dual crises of violence against BLM protestors and the ongoing global pandemic, we chat about economic growth (2:17), food deserts (11:20), marketing and race (18:11), incrementalism (24:59), left/right dualism (33:12), a racially insensitive Democrat (34:28), our responsibility to George Floyd's daughter (46:49), having more than we need (53:21), elections as shallow enfranchisement (58:45), intergenerational community-making (1:05:43), white skin (1:11:23), loneliness origins and the rap album "Everything's Fine" (1:15:02), punk rock (1:20:37), drums from Africa (1:27:14), and more. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/gW62Ex68Qso. 

Brooklyn Wetzel brings wisdom on self-directed education, through her experiences as facilitator, a parent, and an activist. We start the episode talking about racial justice in the context of recent violent events. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/9ee5fDyPzFk.

Tyger Gruber (Ep. 158) returns to help me debrief the results of the May 2020 primary election. We talk throughout the show about Eugene's mayoral race (5:15), as well as brief recaps of City Council Ward 1 [Emily Semple, Eliza Kashinsky, Tim Morris, Candice King, Sean Dwyer, Liev Williams (18:13)], Ward 2 [Matt Keating, Kate Davidson (21:00)], Ward 7 [Claire Syrett, Douglas Barr, Cliff Gray (22:11)], Ward 8 [Randy Groves, Ryan Moore (23:51)], Democrats for Congress [Peter DeFazio, Doyle Canning (27:27)], County Commissioner for S. Eugene [Laurie Trieger, Joel Iboa, Sandra Bishop, Matt Moore (41:24)], for N. Eugene [Pat Farr, Andrew Ross (42:24)], District Attorney [Patty Perlow, James Cleavenger (43:58)], Eugene Mayor [Lucy Vinis, me, Stacey Westover, Zondie Zinke, Robert Patterson, Matthew Yook, Ben Ricker (44:10)], Republicans for Congress [Alek Skarlatos, Nelson Ijih, Art Robinson for OR Senate (51:23)], and we end discussing Tyger's excellent podcast, Talks with Tyger (58:42). This was recorded at the beautiful peak of Cham-o-tee, and the video is available in 4K quality at https://youtu.be/viXXJP6FZJM. Be sure to check out Tyger's podcast, Talks with Tyger: https://talkswithtyger.podbean.com/

For a live audience on Election Day eve, I recorded a town hall about all 64 policies in my Eugene mayoral platform. TRACKLIST: [SONG 1: You Don't Know Me At All (0:33)], [NEWS: First amendment & blocking critics (2:33)], [NEWS: Facebook banning a link to my opponents' website (7:29)], [SONG 2: Eugene Needs A Mayor Who's Competent (11:31)], [64 Policy Intro (13:14)], [PILLAR I: Education (14:02)], [PILLAR II: Mental Health (27:41)], [PILLAR III: Business (38:02)], [PILLAR IV: Housing and Homelessness (46:05)], [PILLAR V: Climate (Social) (52:45)], [SONG 3 & PILLAR VI: Art (55:14)], [PILLAR VII: Climate Again (Ecological) (1:02:26)], [Wrapping up -- onward to November! (1:07:47)] This is viewable on video (with slightly worse audio) at https://youtu.be/0HuI3iV602U?t=393 The policies are readable at http://hiura2020.org. Ballots are due 8pm TODAY!

Zondie Zinke is a writer, local government watchdog, and mother who is running for Mayor of Eugene. She has co-created the Solidarity Platform with four other grassroots candidates. We chat about climate policy (2:06), speaking tough truths (6:00), establishment thinking & endorsements (11:41), public breastfeeding in Eugene (23:21), economics & organizing (27:08), decolonization (31:18), activism with music & drum circles (43:32), tepid endorsements of the Mayor, even from establishment media (48:44), city staff proposing a CET tax limit on wealthy developers (53:22), dehumanization and violence against unhoused people (58:12), fairness in neighborhoods (1:02:59), classist subsidies for “affordable housing at every level” (1:05:49), great info on all city candidates (1:10:15), wisdom from English teacher Mrs. Downey (1:11:38), and the word “slave” (1:12:32). The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/TcU0EEGkKgwZondie has been such a team player in this effort for city leadership that I will promote the website of an “opponent” for the first time: http://solidarityplatformeugene.org 

Kitty Piercy served as Mayor of Eugene from 2005 to 2017. She was only the second woman to be elected Mayor, and she served the second-longest of any Mayor. We chat about being teachers (0:53), housing/sheltering (3:44), Oregon’s constitution (8:21), Peace Corps in the ‘60s throughout Africa (10:55), Eugene history between business and environmental interests (15:03), Council arguments devolving into sandwich-throwing (18:53), music we love (22:18), UO women’s basketball (24:20), her time at China’s 2nd climate summit (29:41), energizing the Council (33:33), the power/authority of Eugene’s Mayor (39:22), the West Eugene Parkway (40:11), our stories with the Obamas (53:02), appreciating candidates of all stripes (1:04:47), Facebook (1:06:40), and more. The discussion is on beautifully closed-captioned video at https://youtu.be/be9CdnodjSI.Subscribe, rate, review the show, all that. http://hiura2020.org exists. You are appreciated, just for being here.

Doyle Canning is an organizer, a mother, and a climate law expert who is challenging Congressman DeFazio in the May 19th Democratic primary. She is a thoroughly impressive and capable candidate. We chat about parenting during crisis (2:28), her COVID-19 platform (4:49), foreign policy (7:37), Shaun King's endorsement and OR-4 voters (12:21), policies that excite people (17:20), progressive allies like Albert Lee (21:49), Doyle's musical taste/background (24:30), A Tribe Called Quest (29:19), education policy (32:11), her qualifications and climate law background (39:07), healthcare optimism over fear-mongering (45:05), crediting a Republican (53:20), and more. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/tODqVGE522w. Check out https://www.canningforcongress.com for more. Everyone in Lane County will have Doyle on your ballot... so long as you're registered as a Democrat by April 28th! Subscribe to be notified of next week's show -- over an hour with 3-term former Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy!

In this brief episode of Less Stupid, I provide evidence that the official campaign of Eugene, Oregon Mayor Lucy Vinis has violated the United States Constitution, by blocking dissenting views from engaging in a public forum. The video recording is at https://youtu.be/SSg0-n-QSeU. I am particularly energized to share this evidence because of how disappointed I was with the City of Eugene voter pamphlet, which was mailed out this week. Not only did city staff make unfair edits to multiple Mayoral candidates' statements (which we paid to have included), but Mayor Vinis listed several accomplishments that have not taken place yet, framing them as though they have already happened. In north Eugene where I come from, we call that lying. This behavior is beneath the dignity of the office of Eugene Mayor, or any public office, for that matter.  Subscribe somewhere for weekly episodes. Rate the show on Apple Podcasts. Toss in a dollar at patreon.com/hiura, maybe. The first 150 multimedia episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. You are appreciated, just for being here. 

Amber "Marvolo" Batey is a YouTuber and model. I guess she doesn't like potatoes. We chat about those potato feelings (2:32), Oregon’s border (4:01), government and education (6:30), her channel (12:00), mania (17:45), Ye, Kids See Ghosts and neurotransmitters (20:57), YouTube history (30:40), cannabis (34:10), sex work (38:10), emotion over talent in music (46:32), homeless culture (49:15), Eminem and hip-hop radio (55:49), NRQ & MCR (59:02), BIRDEMIC!!! (1:01:40), likes/comments/anxiety (1:08:50), hipness and one-upping (1:13:31), break-ups, Pokemon Go, and vulnerable videos (1:20:09), Trainer Tips (1:23:36), Weird Al parodies (1:28:38), living homeless with an ileostomy (1:31:27), reframing being objectified (1:35:51), Fantastic Beasts (1:41:34), and more. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/xk9LjGC9RVQ. Check out Marvolo’s channel at https://www.youtube.com/marvolo. Subscribe somewhere for weekly episodes! Rate the show on Apple Podcasts! Toss in a dollar at patreon.com/hiura, maybe. The first 150 multimedia episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. You are appreciated, just for being here. 

Kate Davidson has spent 18 years in Eugene's second ward, being represented by Betty Taylor. Kate helped Betty win re-election in 2008, and now that the longest-held seat in Eugene history will have a new occupant in 2021, Kate is stepping up to run. We chat about distributed energy (2:06), our three choices during climate chaos (4:26), privilege in Eugene (11:12), our age difference (14:05), establishment endorsements (18:38), Kate’s experience (20:29) fiscal responsibility (23:24), “treating posterity like dirt” (27:00), long-term thinking, communal living & Y2K (29:40), a Councilor Davidson priority (34:24), UBI and statewide ideas (38:37), founding Lane Library League and organizing in Creswell (41:12), home-schooling (48:55), the arts (52:35), human-centered economics (57:02), Biden & Bernie (1:03:34), Kate’s reading list (1:10:09), Kanye & other music (1:12:09), and more. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/IC4V72rHt1g. Check out Kate's impressive website at https://www.katedavidson.org. Subscribe somewhere for weekly episodes! Rate the show on Apple Podcasts! Toss in a dollar at patreon.com/hiura, maybe. The first 150 multimedia episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. You are appreciated, just for being here.

Matthew Yook has been an activist for various human rights issues in Eugene, and is also running to be our 40th Mayor. We dig into a lot of his extensive and enthusiastic platform. We chat about Asians onscreen (0:41), confrontation and alleging racism (5:20), grassroots strategies for challenging the incumbent (9:04), "the establishment" (11:20), American flags on pickup trucks (15:10), racism and privilege within activism (21:40), MUPTE (24:02), a lodging tax (28:50), Airbnb (30:35), "Housing: A Wish (A Hiss) 4 So Many Lips" (42:00), ADUs (44:22) limitations/violations of sanctuary city policy (48:47), opportunity zones (51:58), CAHOOTS (58:49), visibility of accomplishments (1:06:22), UBI (1:09:34), conservative dignity (1:12:56), feeling leaderless (1:16:41), tonkotsu vs. tonkatsu (1:23:29), Cybertrucks (1:28:47), live music (1:34:20), B.o.B (1:42:21), and more. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/HmYRoZaaw_g. Subscribe somewhere for weekly episodes! Rate the show on Apple Podcasts! Toss in a dollar at patreon.com/hiura, maybe. The first 150 multimedia episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. You are appreciated, just for being here.

Robert Patterson is an activist for unhoused rights around Oregon, and together we comprise 29% of Eugene's Mayoral ballot. Our chat begins at 10:14, after I respectfully lay out some concerns about how Robert treated me afterwards (3am Hitler image details at 4:34). Nonetheless, we have a friendly chat about homelessness (11:32), the limited power of one person like Obama (18:30), medicare for all (22:06), physical and mental health distinctions (25:33), being against suicide (28:44), blending in with Asians (35:08), fancy public universities (35:47), Robert's plan to win (38:58), non-selective door-knocking (40:40), politicians and whether Bernie's an outsider (45:39), great teachers being underpaid (50:44), "Less Stupid" (53:14), DPLC resolutions (55:00), legislator entitlement (56:38) and more. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/7mG7f5ReuoM. Subscribe somewhere for weekly episodes! Rate the show on Apple Podcasts! Toss in a dollar at patreon.com/hiura, maybe. The first 150 multimedia episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. You are appreciated, just for being here.

Dillon Hudson manages apartment properties and practices jiu-jitsu (53:41) in Eugene. Though our perspectives can differ on things like gentrification, social justice, and President #45, I have known Dillon to be a sharper, more disciplined, and more empathetic thinker than many of my "elite" college friends. We talk personal responsibility and opportunity (1:44), experience vs. book learning (14:19), VR (23:11), equality/equity and changing definitions (36:15), ADHD/phones/Twitter journalism (1:27:28), getting docked for making a legitimate penis-inclusive Japanese history project (2:23:22), and more. ONE OF THE BEST INFO-DRIVEN TOPICS: Dillon's inside knowledge on the RENTAL HOUSING MARKET (1:38:38), which remains Eugene's most urgently contentious local issue. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/-kpBOZSn0So.   Thanks for being here with me on a journey to become Less Stupid. In 2020, we're releasing a new episode every week, so please do subscribe somewhere. The first 150 multimedia episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. Support the show, if you want, at patreon.com/hiura. I appreciate ya, either way!

Katey Harvey (DJ Kalien) is an award-winning DJ and burgeoning fashion designer. She's lived in Eugene/Springfield her whole life, where she recently placed #1 in Best DJ Music from Eugene Weekly's Best of Eugene. As fellow North Eugene HS alums, we chat about diversity at our school, Straight Pride, same-sex couples on the street, the many ways to be a DJ, how to save a party, perspectives on the gun debate, bumper stickers, an award for Tech N9ne, semi-famous artists we love, and more. YouTube (pretty much audio-only...):  https://youtu.be/qj7uCGWigI8. Thanks for being here with me on a journey to become Less Stupid. In 2020, we're releasing a new episode every week, so please do subscribe somewhere. The first 150 multimedia episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. Support the show, if you want, at patreon.com/hiura. I appreciate ya, either way!

Amiia Nectar is a vocalist and a community radio co-host in Eugene. Alongside her peers in The Black Triad, she hosts dope conversations every Friday from 3-5pm on Fire Walker Radio, broadcast live via KEPW 97.3 FM (Eugene PeaceWorks' Homegrown Community Radio) and http://kepw.org. We have a great chat about sexuality, music genre, the "urban" label, getting hit in the eye with a plastic chair during youth sports, and more. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/kKWHF2WukJs. Thanks for being here with me on a journey to become Less Stupid. In 2020, we're releasing a new episode every week, so please do subscribe somewhere. The first 150 multimedia episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. Support the show, if you want, at patreon.com/hiura. I appreciate ya, either way!

Tyger Gruber (Talks With Tyger) is a prolific podcast host in Eugene. He labels himself as almost "alt-right" within the first two minutes, visibly worrying me! We discuss his knowledge in kinesiology/health, whether labels and identities are helpful, aphantasia, TikTok, Islam, and much more. Just like in my three appearances on his show, we deeply disagree and have deep love for one another. The discussion is on video (in 4K!) at https://youtu.be/DclNyjc3WiE. Thanks for being here with me on a journey to become Less Stupid. In 2020, we're releasing a new episode every week, so please do subscribe somewhere. The first 150 multimedia episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. Support the show, if you want, at patreon.com/hiura. I appreciate ya, either way!

Joey Iaquinto (Justjoey) is a rapper who just moved from Wisconsin to Veneta, Oregon. We have a great chat about music and mental health, the carceral state, whether our friends are alt-right Nazis or not, how math should be taught, his 2019 album "World Is Home," social media anxiety, roofing, and a lot more. The discussion is on video at https://youtu.be/AVk1n5UitTE. Thanks for being here with me on a journey to become Less Stupid. In 2020, we're releasing a new episode every week, so please do subscribe somewhere. The first 150 multimedia episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. Support the show, if you want, at patreon.com/hiura. I appreciate ya, either way!

Aaron Nash (ThatKidCry) is a beloved member of the Salem, Oregon hip-hop scene. We discuss 43 unique artists by name within the first 10 minutes, because we both love music so much. We also talk a lot about his desire to see accountability against pedophiles in music communities. The discussion is on video at on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwVLTq9sz_Y. Thanks for being here with me on a journey to become Less Stupid. In 2020, we're releasing a new episode every week, so please do subscribe somewhere. The first 150 multimedia episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. Support the show, if you want, at patreon.com/hiura. I appreciate ya, either way!

Crosby Kneale (Croz K, formerly Odar Beats) is a versatile musician who scores the hilarious animated series “Trash Planet.” A long-time member of the hip-hop and punk/hardcore communities in Eug/Spfld and Portland, Croz was the chief beatmaker for my 2014 Gradient album, “Ambition.” We talk about Motown, Beach House, JESUS IS KING, Talib Kweli, and much more between my incessant giggling. We’re joined briefly by Trash Planet’s creator, Danny, at 1:27:30. The discussion is on video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuPiGibHScs. Less Stupid is a multimedia show. In 2020, we're releasing a new episode every week, so please subscribe. The first 150 episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. Support the show, if you want, at patreon.com/hiura. I appreciate ya, either way!

Mandey Chappell is a homemaker and a fellow candidate for Mayor of Eugene [Edit: Mandey decided not to file for the race]. We hit it off right away while she made a roast chicken. A self-described Eisenhower Republican, Mandey spoke passionately about homeless veterans, her "Be About It" campaign, and her desire that Eugeneans rally around the most successful challenger on the May ballot. The discussion is on video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NJWSqbrDJE. Less Stupid is a multimedia show. In 2020, we're releasing a new episode every week, so please subscribe. The first 150 episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. Support the show, if you want, at patreon.com/hiura. I appreciate ya, either way!

Lukas Hanson is a journalism student at the University of Oregon. He reached out to interview me for a class project, so we turned it into a mutual interview podcast. We chat about model leadership, Presidents doing bribery, hip-hop as poetry, moving from Canada to Oregon, and learning history beyond monolithic leaders. The full discussion is on video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G9PYCFVot0. Less Stupid is a multimedia show. In 2020, we're releasing a new episode every week, so please subscribe. The first 150 episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. Support the show, if you want, at patreon.com/hiura. I appreciate ya, either way!

Kyran Johnson is a culinary and musical talent. We chat about his restaurant ambitions, hip-hop's god MCs, bodies as planets, and other stuff. Idk, you know what podcasts are like. Stay tuned next week for another episode thingy. The discussion is on video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2kAZMAQVVY. Less Stupid is a multimedia show. We are kicking off 2020 with Episode 152. The first 150 episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. Support the show, if you want, at patreon.com/hiura. I appreciate ya, either way!

Tyee Williams is an activist with Sunrise Eugene. We chat about a deal that's new and green. Other stuff, too. Idk, you know what podcasts are like. The discussion is on video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxKJXoTxkvk. Less Stupid is a multimedia show. We are kicking it off in 2019 with Episode 151. The first 150 episodes are at hiura2020.org/videos. Support the show, if you want, at patreon.com/hiura. I appreciate ya, either way!