49: Achievable Housing For All

Homelessness is a symptom of larger societal issues and current services merely a safety net.

Homelessness has increased at an amazing rate in recent years in Central Oregon, and the available homeless services don’t come close to serving this incredibly under-counted population of struggling community members. It is going to take full commitment to engaging diverse perspectives, having open ears and focusing on a solution-oriented attitude to understand the vastness of this issue and offer housing to all. No complicated problem can be solved today, but we can all be warm tonight.

Originally aired on January 11, 2023 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

17: Poisoned Water

Flint's struggle for basic human rights became a mark in time for the concern of clean water supplies.

There is no easy way to swallow the harsh reality of what life was like for the people of Flint, Michigan when they experienced a sudden breakout of mysterious illnesses in 2014 and began their arduous fight for a clean water supply. Authors Candy Cooper and Marc Aronson encourage critical thinking and challenge everyone to question what they’re told, seek evidence and look for more information.

Originally aired on February 3, 2021 on KPOV’s Open Air

16: Life In Transition

Living life in alignment with one’s soul purpose emits an authentic sense of joy.

This open-hearted interview with Kata, a male to female transgender person, describes the feelings that surrounded her taking the first steps to transition, what it feels like to be misgendered at birth and, ultimately, to be who she feels she’s meant to be. Hear how the last two and half years went for Kata in such “an amazingly gentle place” to transition, working through the nerves and fully embracing the journey.

Originally aired on June 14, 2022 on KPOV’s Curiosity Lab

15: For The Love Of Animals

A rational, calm and gentle approach is most effective for tempering the communication that resonates with people.

Animal rights activist and educator Vanessa Marsot brings her intriguing insights about the cruelties of animal consumption and how to approach the topic across cultures. She opens up about her real-world experience defending animal rights against cultural and religious tradition, her passion for the connectedness of all beings and a global vision for the vegan community.

Originally aired on June 14, 2022 on KPOV’s All Things Vegan

14: Grief Is A Gift

We can trust in the love of life that holds and connects us, even when times are tough.

Grief is a movement, a gift and an energy that when welcomed can open us up to life and a greater sense of well-being. Marci Wayman of Good Grief Guidance shares how when we tend to our grief we can shift, transcend and release it and in the process transform our entire lives. Hear how we can deepen bonds and our overall belonging with grace and compassion by allowing this moment to purely happen.

Originally aired on June 7, 2022 on KPOV’s Curiosity Lab

13: A Home Of Their Own

The proposed village would provide houseless community members a stepping stone to transition safely and securely.

We question the tender topic of houselessness here, where the focus is providing humane, safe and legal sheltering options for Central Oregon’s growing homeless population. James Cook and Bob Bohac, of Oasis Village, discuss in-depth what it takes to realistically support such a project and how funds can be dedicated in order to build a bridge for the houseless out of camps and into homes of their own.

Originally aired on October 20, 2021 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

12: A Horse Is A Healer

Horses help people find their innate sense of self, relieve anxiety and promote all-around equilibrium.

The research is growing about the physiological benefits of being around horses and is shown to steady the heart, calm the mind and relieve dis-ease. Founded upon her lifelong passion for horses and vast experience, Darcy Bedortha, owns and operates the equine therapy program Horses on the Ranch. Hear how these amazing creatures are helping people on their healing journey.

Originally aired on March 1, 2022 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point