Podcasts about Rogue Valley

A Rogue Valley vineyard discusses its new orange wines, the federal labeling challenge that required a special disclaimer and the connection between wine and lavender farming.

The renowned classical pianist has performed in the Rogue Valley several times, but this time he dropped in to share some of the Flamenco-infused Spanish works planned for a solo show at the SOU Recital Hall.

Conspiracy Theory Thursday open phones then later a talk with Firefall Drummer SANDY FICCA, and his USE YOUR GIFT foundation helping get Rogue Valley kids into the music industry. Next Thursday fundraiser with the PURE PRARIE LEAGUE at the Craterian.

Oregon State University viticulturist Alec Levin explains bud break, spring frost risks, water concerns and why the Rogue Valley can grow more than 70 grape varieties.

This interview is with Rachael Martin of Red Lily Vineyards. In this interview, Rachael talks about growing up in the Rogue Valley before leaving to pursue a career in law.After deciding that wasn't her path and returning to the Rogue Valley with a desire to own some land and grow something, her dad's suggestion to try wine grapes launched her into a new career. She talks about her time honing her craft at RoxyAnn Winery under the mentorship of Sarah Powell.Later, she discusses starting Red Lily, first getting vineyards planted and later starting to make her own wine. She talks about how the wines have evolved and how she values using the tasting room and surrounding space as a community hub. And she talks about the growth in the local wine industry and what comes next.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Red Lily Vineyards in Jacksonville on March 17, 2026.Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our Southern Oregon 2026 tour!

Jeff McJunkin, Founder of Rogue Valley Information Security, joins Defender Fridays to talk AI-powered code scanning for vulnerabilities. Jeff walks through real examples including using AI to find privilege escalation bugs in the Linux kernel.Jeff McJunkin is the founder of Rogue Valley Information Security, a consulting firm specializing in penetration testing and red team engagements. Jeff found the offensive side of cyber security very alluring during one the first penetration tests of his career. Feeling the challenge of host defenses like AV and centralized logging, and, at the time, knowing nothing about AV evasion or avoiding events that are likely to cause alerts, it was all very exciting. The challenge of successfully accomplishing the goal of that pen test, using essentially only native tools, was addictive for Jeff. He was hooked. Since those first penetration tests, Jeff has gone on to become an expert in the field, doing assessments for Fortune 100 companies, architecting two major versions of Core NetWars Experience, and contributing a vast amount of material to SANS Penetration Testing.Register for Live SessionsJoin us every Friday at 10:30am PT for live, interactive discussions with industry experts. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just curious about the field, these sessions offer an engaging dialogue between our guests, hosts, and you – our audience.Register here: https://limacharlie.io/defender-fridaysSubscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notification bell to never miss a live session or catch up on past episodes!Sponsored by LimaCharlieThis episode is brought to you by LimaCharlie, a cloud-native SecOps platform where AI agents operate security infrastructure directly. Founded in 2018, LimaCharlie provides complete API coverage across detection, response, automation, and telemetry, with multi-tenant architecture designed for MSSPs and MDR providers managing thousands of unique client environments.Why LimaCharlie?Transparency: Complete visibility into every action and decision. No black boxes, no vendor lock-in.Scalability: Security operations that scale like infrastructure, not like procurement cycles. Move at cloud speed.Unopinionated Design: Integrate the tools you need, not just those contracts allow. Build security on your terms.Agentic SecOps Workspace (ASW): AI agents that operate alongside your team with observable, auditable actions through the same APIs human analysts use.Security Primitives: Composable building blocks that endure as tools come and go. Build once, evolve continuously.Try the Agentic SecOps Workspace free: https://limacharlie.ioLearn more: https://docs.limacharlie.io/Follow LimaCharlieSign up for free: https://limacharlie.io/LinkedIn: / limacharlieio X: https://x.com/limacharlieioCommunity Discourse: https://community.limacharlie.com/Host: Maxime Lamothe-Brassard - CEO / Co-founder at LimaCharlie

This interview is with Herb Quady of Quady North and Barrel 42. In this interview, Herb talks about his family starting a wine brand in California the same year he was born, and thus growing up in the industry. Despite initially not wanting to work in wine, he soon found himself working for Randall Grahm at Bonny Doon and launching his wine career.Later, Herb talks about coming to Southern Oregon and working at Troon, and the growth of the Rogue Valley wine industry while he was a part of it. He then talks about the decision to start Quady North with his parents, his wife, and her parents all playing a major role.He discusses the growth of Quady North, the custom crush operation Barrel 42, and his vineyard installation/management business as well. And he talks about the role he and his businesses have played in the growth of the local wine industry.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Quady North in Jacksonville on March 17, 2026.Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our Southern Oregon 2026 tour!

This interview is with Dustin Andries of Naumes Crush and Fermentation. In this interview, Dustin talks about growing up around the Rogue Valley wine industry with an interest in science, then attending Oregon State University with the desire of being a winemaker.Next, Dustin talks about a variety of internships he did, including being part of a team at Gallo that was crushing 350,000 tons of grapes in a single harvest. He then discusses coming to Naumes Crush and Fermentation as it was just getting started and the roles he has held while the business has grown. He also discusses a brief sojourn back to the Willamette Valley to work for Jackson Family Wines before returning to Naumes, as well as talking about his work as a custom crush winemaker for a large number of clients.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Naumes Crush and Fermentaion in Medford on March 16, 2026.Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our Southern Oregon 2026 tour!

This interview is with Brian Gruber of Irvine & Roberts Vineyards. In this interview, Brian talks about growing up in Minnesota and then attending the Air Force Academy. He talks about his career in the military, including some of the specific projects he worked on.He then talks about his growing interest in wine, first as a consumer and then his desire to grow his own grapes and make his own wine. He talks about the decision to move to Oregon and the various places he has worked in the industry, including helping to found Barrel 42 and now making wine at Irvine & Roberts. He speaks about the growth of the industry, his own vineyard in the Rogue Valley, and what comes next.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Irvine & Roberts Vineyards in Grants Pass on March 16, 2026.Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our Southern Oregon 2026 tour!

This interview is with Bryan Wilson of Cuckoo's Nest Cellars. In this interview, Bryan talks about his winding path in wine, culminating in starting his own brand in Southern Oregon.Bryan talks about growing up interested in wine, and finding his way into the industry after attending the University of Oregon. He later talks about his coming-of-age work at Benzinger Family Winery in Glen Ellen, Calif., getting to be part of every process as the Benzinger brand was growing and taking off.Later, he talks about coming to Oregon and various winemaking roles he held in the Rogue Valley before starting Cuckoo's Nest with his wife. He talks about learning how to make wine and the evolution he's seen in the industry.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Plaisance Ranch in Williams on March 15, 2026. Thank you to Joe and Suzi Ginet for hosting us and providing an audience for the interview!Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our Southern Oregon 2026 tour!

This interview is with Rob Folin and Carole Stevens of Ryan Rose Wine. In this interview, Rob and Carole talk about their respective paths into wine and how that has culminated in their Ryan Rose brand.Carole talks about growing up in the Willamette Valley and finding a passion for working in value-added agriculture. She talks about her work at Willakenzie and Domaine Serene and traveling all over to sell Oregon wine.Rob talks about coming out of the military and being interested in working with his hands and creating something. He speaks about his time at Domaine Serene and asking all the questions in order to make himself a better winemaker.Later, the pair talk about their work with Folin Wines and now Ryan Rose, and about the types of wines they make as well as their work to sell those wines. They also talk about the Rogue Valley and how the wine industry has grown up.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Ryan Rose Wine tasting room in Central Point on March 14, 2026.Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our Southern Oregon 2026 tour!

Talent and Phoenix plan new biking routes linking the Bear Creek Greenway to farms, wineries and cultural sites to support economic recovery.

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Food, Wine & Travel" Show with the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), we explore the culinary, wine, and outdoor adventures of Southern Oregon with Carole Skeeters-Stevens of Travel Medford. Located in the heart of the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon is home to a thriving wine region known for its remarkable diversity of grape varietals—more than 70 in total—thanks to the area's unique climate and agricultural landscape. Carole shares insider tips on exploring the region's wineries, planning a tasting route, and experiencing the highly anticipated Savor Southern Oregon event (June 12 & 13, 2026) that celebrates the area's food, wine, and artisan producers. Beyond the vineyards, Southern Oregon offers an abundance of outdoor experiences, from scenic hiking and river adventures to visiting nearby natural wonders like Crater Lake National Park. Carol also shares travel tips for lodging, pairing local wines with regional cheeses and cuisine, and making the most of a Rogue Valley getaway. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, foodie traveler, or outdoor adventurer, Southern Oregon offers a flavorful destination filled with unforgettable experiences. Plan Your Visit: https://www.travelmedford.org/  https://savorsouthernoregon.com/  Learn more about IFWTWA: https://www.ifwtwa.org/   Follow Big Blend Radio's Food, Wine & Travel Podcast: https://food-wine-travel.podbean.com/  Check out the new Big Blend Radio “Travel Food & Wine” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ekxy/#p=1 

SubtitleIn this Episode Enoch Graham shares practical strategies for growing abundant food in small urban spaces. Drawing on 15 years of gardening in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon, Enoch explains how to maximize production in patios, rooftops, and compact yards. He outlines his Nine Keys to Small Space Gardening, covering water systems, sunlight management, container growing, vertical gardening, soil health, and creative use of limited space. The conversation also explores soil biology, organic practices, and why patience, especially during the first year, is essential for long-term garden success.Our Guest: Enoch Graham is the host of the weekend Gardening Talk YouTube show 'Let's Get Growing'. He has interviewed hundreds of the world's top gardening communicators and shares his small space gardening practices on his YouTube channel, the Urban Gardener. He has been growing his urban food garden for 15 years in Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley, utilizing many different spaces from a cemented back patio and to a carport rooftop to grow peppers. He has learned a lot over the years and truly loves sharing his experience with other passionate growers in the gardening community.Key TopicsEnoch GrahamSmall space urban gardeningContainer gardeningDrip irrigation and drip tapeRainwater capture and alternative water sourcesSunlight management in urban environmentsVertical gardening and trellisingLayered planting systemsSoil health and organic soil buildingCompost and organic matterBiochar in soil mixesOMRI-certified organic soil productsNo-till container gardeningRogue Valley, Southern OregonQuestions AnsweredWhat are the most important factors for growing food in small urban spaces?Enoch outlines nine key principles that guide successful small-space gardening: reliable water access, adequate sunlight, containers, vertical growing, layered planting, soil management, and creative use of available spaces.How can urban gardeners secure a reliable water supply?Gardeners should start by identifying nearby water sources such as hose spigots, rain barrels, gray water systems, condensation capture, or stormwater runoff. Consistent watering is essential, especially in container gardens where soil dries quickly.What irrigation methods work best for small gardens?Hand watering allows gardeners to observe plant health closely. However, automated drip irrigation systems or drip tape with timers are helpful when gardeners are away or during hot summer months.How do buildings and urban structures affect sunlight?Walls, fences, and tall buildings can create heavy shade. Gardeners should observe how sunlight moves through the space during the day and select shade-tolerant crops when necessary.Why are containers essential in urban gardens?Containers allow gardening on patios, rooftops, and paved surfaces. Larger containers—typically five gallons or more—help maintain moisture and support stronger plant growth compared to smaller pots.How can vertical growing increase productivity?Trellising vining crops like tomatoes, peas, beans, cucumbers, and even melons allows gardeners to grow upward instead of outward, maximizing limited square footage.What does layering mean in a garden system?Layering involves growing plants at different heights—similar to a food forest—so taller plants capture sunlight above while shade-tolerant plants grow beneath them.Why is soil management especially important in container gardening?Container soil must provide structure, drainage, nutrients, and living biology. Good mixes often include compost, coco coir, vermiculite or perlite, and organic amendments.Why might a container garden struggle in its first year?New soil takes time to develop microbial life and balance. Gardeners should expect improvement in subsequent seasons as soil biology develops.How can gardeners maintain healthy container soil long-term?Instead of replacing soil each year, gardeners can treat containers like no-till systems by simply adding compost annually to replenish organic matter and nutrients.Episode HighlightsSuccessful small-space gardening starts with reliable water access and consistent irrigation.Urban shade patterns require careful observation before choosing crops.Five-gallon containers or larger help stabilize moisture and support plant growth.Vertical trellising dramatically increases yield per square foot.Layering plants mimics natural ecosystems and maximizes sunlight use.Healthy soil contains dirt, air space, water, organic matter, and living organisms.OMRI-certified products help maintain organic growing practices.Container soil improves over time as microbial life develops and compost is added annually.Calls to Action & ResourcesDrip Tape Class — Learn irrigation techniques taught each March by Urban FarmUrban Gardener YouTube Channel — Enoch Graham shares small-space gardening practices - https://www.youtube.com/@theUrbanGardenerOMRI Organic Certification — https://www.omri.orgVisit www.urbanfarm.org/TreasureYourGarden for the show notes on this episode, and access to our full podcast library! Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges. You can chat with Greg or choose one of the senior members of our Urban Farm team to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

In the second episode of our Latino Forestry Workforce series, guest host Gaby Eseverri speaks with Manuel Machado, who is the Natural Resource Workforce Program Coordinator for the Oregon State University Extension Program. This episode was made possible with support from Rivershed SPC, and we are immensely grateful for their help in making this series happen.  Manuel works with community-based organizations across the Pacific Northwest to develop bilingual learner-centric educational materials for H-2B and immigrant forestry sector workers, while developing programming that raises awareness of the labor-intensive forest workforce. His work aims to make this work safer and more equitable, particularly through engagement with the Latine forestry workforce in Oregon. Gaby Eseverri is a journalist based in Missoula, Montana, and originally from Miami. In addition to print journalism, she also helps produce Glacier National Park's Headwaters Podcast, which we highly recommend you check out.  In this episode, Gaby and Manuel spoke about the Latine forestry workforce in the Pacific Northwest, including the workforce's history, how H-2B and immigrant status contributes to a culture of exploitation rooted in a fear of deportation, as well as the nature of forestry and fire work. Gaby and Manuel also discuss the physical, economic and systemic risks faced by this workforce, and how the model and increasing demand for forest resilience work—which includes post-fire restoration, thinning/wildfire risk reduction, and other essential forestry tasks—relies heavily on often underpaid and easily-exploited H-2B and immigrant workers.  Please note that we will be releasing a third and final episode on this topic in a few days. This final episode—also hosted by Gaby with guest Manuel— will be published in Spanish, and will focus more on the resources, training and educational materials Manuel has created and made available for the Latine workforce on Oregon and beyond.  Another note: This episode was recorded in November 2025, just a few months after the incident in Washington State when two wildland firefighters were detained by Border Patrol on an active wildfire. More information about this incident can be found at the links below.  https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2025/08/30/immigration-raid-at-washington-blaze-stokes-fear-in-wildfire-crews-nationwide/ https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/federal-agents-arrest-fire-crew-members-washington-wildfire-rcna227797   A few highlights from the conversation (full transcript can be found here):  "So a lot of the work that the Latine workforce is involved in what land management agencies refer to as forestry services. So this includes everything from planting work, hazardous fuels reduction work, tree thinning, forest restoration, pesticide application. Also, increasingly they're doing more work in fire suppression. So working on the fire line, much of that labor intensive work." "Many of these contractors are based in Southern Oregon, and although they're based here in Medford, in the Rogue Valley, and they travel all over the Pacific Northwest and the US, the workers themselves are brought primarily from Mexico and increasingly from Guatemala and Central America as h-2b visa workers. So the amount of h-2b visa workers is increasing." "The way the forest service handles contracting often awards the lowest bidder, and although this does ensure a lower price per acre, often means that the workers don't get paid as much as I believe they deserve." "With undocumented workers, you know there's that added layer of vulnerability, because they face deportation, and although they can change employers because they have specified documents which allow them that flexibility to change employers, if the employer, at any time, finds out that they are documented, they face that added risk of using that as a threat against them. Given the policies that we're seeing, there's likely to be an increase in labor violations and just less enforcement due to these policies we're seeing under the Trump administration." "It's really just an entire system that's turned on them at a time when I think their work so important, right? They are literally the ones planting trees after fire, or the ones who are fighting fire, the ones who are implementing those treatments that reduce fire risk and restore our forests." "I think a good example (of something actionable) could be for firefighters. We often hear them advocating for better pay and working conditions…but it's important for them to understand that, you know, if an increasing portion of the firefighting workforce is reliant on h-2b visa workers that don't have the same rights, well, then what can they do to build solidarity with those H-2b visa workers? A rising tide will lift all boats, so they have to really consider all of these different segments of the workforce if they want to be more effective at actively bargaining for those working conditions and better pay." "So I always ask the workers themselves, what's something that you would like the general public or policymakers or decision makers to know? What would you tell them, if you had the opportunity to speak with them? The most common responses that I've gotten is that they just want more for the important work that they do." 

Tanya Day from Community Works in Jackson County offers insight into the problem of domestic violence in the Rogue Valley among teens who are in dating relationships.

Dr. Geneva Craig and Tara Houston offer personal insights and an invitation to a community event at Southern Oregon University on Feb 18 at 6:30 pm.

Rob Griswell Lowry, Director of the Rogue Valley Peace Choir, describes the collaboration with three other Oregon peace choirs to perform on Feb 15 at SOU Music Recital Hall.

JR meteorologist Milt Radford explains the impact of air stagnation and other winter-related weather events.

Special Monday edition of Outdoor report and Greg from Rogue Weather digs into why it is concerning that the wolves are habituating with humans in the Rogue Valley.

Lorrie Kaplan, president and co-founder of the Ashland Climate Collective, offers insight into the lifestyle ethos of reducing climate pollution in Ashland.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Joe Chepolis, winemaker at Sound and Vision Wine Co. located in Oregon's Rogue Valley. Chepolis is drawn to lesser known varietals and loves to help people learn about flavors that may be new to them, with the terroir taking center stage. The winery is named after David Bowie's song, and Chepolis creates playlists to complement the growing season, harvest, and working in the cellar. Learn more at soundandvisionwine.com ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

Alison Sexauer and Rebecca Slossberg, organizers of the Rogue Valley Food Solutions Summit, discuss the summit and its impact on the regional food ecosystem.

Co-presenters at the convening are Tanya Day, Community Outreach Manager at Community Works of Jackson County, and Crystal Buhler, Justice Services Program Manager.

In this episode of the Wine Crush Podcast, we sit down with the team behind Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, one of Southern Oregon's standout producers known for their high-elevation sites and refined, expressive wines.We explore the inspiration behind the brand, the unique characteristics of the Rogue Valley AVA, and how thoughtful farming and winemaking decisions shape their elegant portfolio. From vineyard challenges to standout varietals, this conversation highlights the passion, precision, and sense of place that define Irvine & Roberts.Whether you're an Oregon wine fan or just discovering the region, this episode offers insight, heart, and plenty of wine crush-worthy moments.

In this episode of the Wine Crush Podcast, we sit down with the team behind Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, one of Southern Oregon's standout producers known for their high-elevation sites and refined, expressive wines.We explore the inspiration behind the brand, the unique characteristics of the Rogue Valley AVA, and how thoughtful farming and winemaking decisions shape their elegant portfolio. From vineyard challenges to standout varietals, this conversation highlights the passion, precision, and sense of place that define Irvine & Roberts.Whether you're an Oregon wine fan or just discovering the region, this episode offers insight, heart, and plenty of wine crush-worthy moments.

As part of our official DealFlow Discovery Conference Interview Series, produced by Mission Matters, along with our partner DealFlow Events, we're showcasing the innovative companies presenting at the DealFlow Discovery Conference and the executives behind them. --- In this episode, Adam Torres interviews Obie Strickler, Founder & CEO of Grown Rogue, ahead of the Deal Flow Discovery Conference (Jan 28–29 in Atlantic City). Obie shares how Grown Rogue built a cultivation-first strategy focused on delivering low-cost, high-quality cannabis while navigating state-by-state regulations. The conversation covers operational discipline, what differentiates Grown Rogue in a competitive market, considerations for investors evaluating cannabis companies, and the company's growth plans—highlighted by expansion into Minnesota in 2026. About Grown Rogue Grown Rogue International Inc. (CSE: GRIN | OTC: GRUSF) is a flower-forward cannabis company rooted in Oregon's Rogue Valley, a region known for its deep cannabis heritage and commitment to quality. With operations in Oregon, Michigan, and New Jersey—and expansion underway in Illinois— Grown Rogue specializes in producing designer-quality indoor flower. Known for exceptional consistency and care in cultivation, our products are valued by retailers, budtenders, and consumers alike. Watch Full Episode on Youtube. --- This interview is part of our effort to help investors discover compelling companies ahead of the event — and to help CEOs introduce their story to the 1500+ conference attendees. Learn more about the event and presenting companies: ⁠https://dealflowdiscoveryconference.com/ Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/ Visit our website: https://missionmatters.com/ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rogue Valley Symphony Music Director Martin Majkut discusses the unique holiday performance, featuring singer Joan Ellison in costume as Judy Garland.

Dr. Alex Gonzalez is the Director of Bands for SOU and teaches courses in music pedagogy at Southern Oregon University.

Rabbi Avi Zweibel, Director of the Chabad Jewish Center of Southern Oregon, joins the Exchange to discuss the celebrations in Ashland across the Rogue Valley.

Joining the Exchange is Dr. Jerron Jorgensen, Director of Choral Studies at SOU and Music Director of the Rogue Valley Chorale.

Joining the Exchange is Dr. Jerron Jorgensen, Director of Choral Studies at SOU and Music Director of the Rogue Valley Chorale.

Joining the Exchange is Kendyl Kaplan, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Rogue Valley.

Duncan Machen joins the Exchange.

Duncan Machen joins the Exchange.

The use of breathalyzer tests are being paused statewide after errors were found that produced unreliable results in more than 100 DWI cases. The defense attorney who first flagged this issue will join us with his reaction to the suspension.Monday is Indigenous People's Day. We'll chat with author Janis Fairbanks about her new memoir that details her relationship with her Ojibwe grandmother. We'll also check in with Native News reporter Chandra Colvin, who has more on celebrations happening in the Twin Cities.Plus, we'll hear how a local nonprofit is helping new Latino immigrants connect to and enjoy the Twin Cities' park systems.And the Vikings had a break this week, but face a tough team ahead. That story from our sports contributors.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “If I Do My Own” by Black Market Brass and Obi Original and our Song of the Day was “Mountain Laurels” by Rogue Valley.

Laurie Cuddy and Megan Ayars join the Exchange.

Nearly five years ago, a combination of dry conditions and heavy winds starting on Labor Day quickly accelerated the spread of multiple wildfires that had broken out in Oregon’s Western Cascades. Eleven people died in the Labor Day fires, which burned more than 1 million acres and destroyed more than 4,000 homes, from Clackamas county to the California border.    As the fifth anniversary of the deadliest fires in the state’s history approaches, we hear from two survivors who lived in southern Oregon at the time. We first spoke with retiree Sue McMillan less than two weeks after she evacuated her home in Phoenix with her pets ad a few belongings to flee the Almeda fire, which broke out near Ashland on Sep. 8, 2020. The fire burned her home and her possessions and prompted McMillan to leave Oregon in March 2021.  Today, she lives in Santa Rosa in northern California to be close to her family, although she says she misses Oregon.    Misty Rose Muñoz was returning from an appointment in Ashland when the Almeda fire broke out. As the highway swelled with motorists, Muñoz was unable to return to her home in a mobile home park near Phoenix. She still managed to alert her neighbors and her daughter to evacuate. Even though Muñoz’s home didn’t burn down, the flames, smoke and ash caused irreparable damage and left it uninhabitable. After leaving the Rogue Valley in Sep. 2023, Muñoz moved to Portland where she eventually found work as a school bus driver. After years of housing instability, in March, she bought a home in Ashland through a grant she received from a federally funded, state administered program that helps wildfire victims repair or replace their homes.     McMillan and Muñoz join us to share their memories about surviving the Almeda fire, what they lost and their years-long journeys of recovery.  

MPR News is following the story of a nursing mother who is in ICE detention, even though a judge approved her bond. We got the latest on Tuesday's hearing in her case.Hennepin County commissioners voted Tuesday on whether to dissolve the board of the county hospital, which is in financial trouble. Times are tough for Target. The company's sales and stocks are down as it looks for a new CEO. We got the details from a Twin Cities Business reporter. Across the country, items that are important to tribal nations get sold at auction. A St. Paul auction house is working with the Association on American Indian Affairs to return those items to tribes.We talked with the author of a personal finance guide for Muslim women.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “by my side” by SoulFlower and our Song of the Day was “Fabric” by Rogue Valley.

SummaryIn this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Colin Johnson speaks with Don and Tiffiny Hurley about their journey from the Rogue Valley in Oregon to Johnson City, Tennessee. They discuss their love for the community, the transition from the mortgage industry to baking sourdough bread, and the growth of their business, Stella Sourdough. The conversation covers the intricacies of sourdough baking, the importance of community support, and their aspirations for the future, including potential expansion and new product development.TakeawaysThe supportive community in Johnson City is a major draw.Don and Tiffiny transitioned from the mortgage industry to baking.Sourdough starter is a living culture that requires care.Stella Sourdough produces around 2200 loaves per month.The couple emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients.Community connections have been vital for their business growth.They are exploring new product ideas based on customer feedback.The couple aims to open a brick-and-mortar location in the future.They prioritize customer satisfaction and product quality.Baking has become a passion for them, despite initial hesitations.

SummaryIn this episode of the Johnson City Living Podcast, host Colin Johnson speaks with Don and Tiffiny Hurley about their journey from the Rogue Valley in Oregon to Johnson City, Tennessee. They discuss their love for the community, the transition from the mortgage industry to baking sourdough bread, and the growth of their business, Stella Sourdough. The conversation covers the intricacies of sourdough baking, the importance of community support, and their aspirations for the future, including potential expansion and new product development.TakeawaysThe supportive community in Johnson City is a major draw.Don and Tiffiny transitioned from the mortgage industry to baking.Sourdough starter is a living culture that requires care.Stella Sourdough produces around 2200 loaves per month.The couple emphasizes the importance of quality ingredients.Community connections have been vital for their business growth.They are exploring new product ideas based on customer feedback.The couple aims to open a brick-and-mortar location in the future.They prioritize customer satisfaction and product quality.Baking has become a passion for them, despite initial hesitations.

Joining the Exchange are Ruth Swain, Director of RCC's SBDC and Tim Busald, SBDC Business Advisor.

Joining the Exchange are Ruth Swain, Director of RCC's SBDC and Tim Busald, SBDC Business Advisor.

In 2020, the Almeda Fire ripped through Jackson County, destroying homes and ecosystems. The “Think Out Loud” team traveled to Southern Oregon recently and talked to residents about how they’re thinking about fire in their communities now. Mountain View Estates, a manufactured home park in Talent, was destroyed by the Almeda Fire. Now, it’s a nationally recognized Firewise Neighborhood. Steve Thorpe lives there. Tucker Teutsch is the executive director of the Firebrand Resiliency Collective. It supports long-term natural disaster preparedness, recovery and resilience. Teutsch led us on a tour around Thorpe’s home, which is prepared to withstand ember attacks. Teutsch also took the team around his own property, which needs a lot more work to be prepared for wildfires. About four miles north of Talent, the team also spoke to Glenn Hill in Phoenix. He’s lived in the Rogue Valley for decades. Hill has triad asthma and the condition is affected by smoke. He told us more about living with both.

Ashland elementary school teacher, Molly McKissick traveled to Bangladesh to teach the small children of Rohingya refugees games to help them heal from the trauma in their lives.

Board member Elizabeth Bingham and Director Rob Griswell Lowry join the Exchange.

The Area Agency on Aging in the Rogue Valley manages a number of programs that support care for the region's most vulnerable elderly population.

Bob Wise, General Manager at KOBI-TV / NBC5 and Dee Anne Everson, CEO and Executive Director of United Way of Jackson County, join the Exchange.

Directors of the Ashland Food Bank and Rogue Food Unites join the Exchange.

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians recently purchased roughly 2,000 acres of land near the Table Rocks preserve north of Medford. The property is part of the ancestral homeland of several tribes that were forced out of the Rogue Valley in the mid-1850s. The tribes were relocated to the newly-created Siletz reservation on the coast, forcing them to adapt to an unfamiliar climate and way of life. The tribe plans to use the Table Rocks property for conservation and the cultivation of first foods going forward. Robert Kentta serves on the Siletz Tribal Council. He joins us to share more about the cultural, spiritual and historical significance of the site.