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

11: Welcoming Civil Engagement

Growing up, he watched and learned from his grandmother who fought for racial justice in his midwestern hometown.

An eye-opening look at Oregon’s historic racism and the work that has been done locally to create a more culturally and racially welcoming community. Marcus LeGrand, mentor and teacher, tells how to effectively cooperate with organizations to offer mentoring, education opportunities and build outreach programs that provide for families, fight for restorative justice and change the narrative around inclusivity.

Originally aired on February 9, 2021 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

10: A Force Among Us

Moms Demand Action promotes gun safety, gun-sense laws and squashes myths to keep families safe.

The ripple effect of gun violence is wide and the discussion here brings awareness to and questions how our immediate culture shapes the way we view and process gun violence. Brandy Steelhammer and Juniper Rook, both gun safety advocates in Central Oregon, vulnerably give their own stories and many ways to take action against gun violence.

Originally aired on May 31, 2022 on KPOV’s Curiosity Lab

9: Transitioning "Indoors"

Providing safe spaces and a sense of belonging can empower the homeless to transition “indoors.”

The number of homeless is rising, and this very diverse population needs a safe space to build self-esteem, create a sense of belonging and be in control of their own transition “indoors.” To better understand the practicality and humanity of such a multi-faceted issue, we talk to Larry Kogovsek, of Sagewood Sanctuary, who is an important advocate for the homeless in Central Oregon.

Originally aired on February 26, 2020 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

8: The Life-Saving Question

Suicide reduction requires a complex community response, but it all starts with a simple question.

A crucial talk about how to approach someone who may be showing warning signs of committing suicide. Whitney Schumacher, Deschutes County Suicide Prevention Coordinator, works along side community organizations and members to reduce suicide attempts and provide essential support through outreach, awareness, education and policy change.

Originally aired on September 4, 2019 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

7: Bridging Past and Present

Myrlie Evers Williams, widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, continues the fight for justice today.

Wife of Medgar Evers, civil rights activist who died of political violence on June 12, 1963, Myrlie Evers Williams, uses wisdom and knowledge from past experiences to continue fighting for justice and equal opportunity today. She urges us not to forget the essence of Medgar’s fight for equal voting rights and the basic rights of each American individual.

Originally aired on January 20, 2021 on KPOV’s Open Air

5: Living History Now

Josie Stanfield outside the Crook County Courthouse on August 15, 2020.

An open, raw discussion with Josie Stanfield of Central Oregon Diversity Project linking the ties between the Black Lives Matter protest movement and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s cries for representation and equality. How MLK Jr’s words have been used to help and harm communities and people of color.

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

4: "Ghost Skins" Revealed

White supremacy is rampant in law enforcement communities across the US nation.

“Ghost skins” are infiltrating local law enforcement communities across the USA, reports the 2006 FBI Intelligence Assessment White Supremacist Infiltration of Law Enforcement. This enlightening conversation with Teryl Young, criminology major, aids in breaking down the hidden codes used to systematically marginalize BIPOC communities, as well as, spotlighting the mental and social health of law enforcement.

Originally aired on October 24, 2017 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

3: Nurturing BIPOC Youth

The Father’s Group creates vital community support systems for BIPOC youth in Central Oregon.

Kenny Adams of The Fathers Group is working to improve the lives of Central Oregon’s BIPOC youth by providing positive role models and an active support system. They continue to promote conversations between the black activist community and the public as a whole to break down racial barriers.

Originally aired on February 22, 2022 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

2: Students Staring Down The Barrel

High school student, Juniper Rook, leads a walkout and pleads for more local gun control.

Organizing student walkouts and protesting the desire for more gun control laws in Central Oregon, Redmond Proficiency Academy students, led by youth activist Juniper Rook, are not afraid to stand up for what they believe community leaders should prioritize; Their lives.

Originally aired on January 31, 2022 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

1: Burning Down The House

The burnt remains of Canyon Cannabis in Gates, Oregon after the devastating fires of 2020.

Multiple cannabis dispensaries were burned to the ground during the devastating 2020 fires in Oregon. Hear how it went for Thorin Thacker, owner of Canyon Cannabis, dealing with local and state assistance and the relocation to Mill City, Oregon.

Originally aired on March 28, 2022 on KPOV’s The High Desert Co-op