All American Why

In this episode of All American Why , Michael asks why data centers are suddenly showing up everywhere and what communities should expect in return. From electricity, water, land, and tax incentives to jobs, infrastructure, and public participation, he looks at the physical systems behind “the cloud” and the growing demands being placed on the communities where data centers are built. Michael then...

In this episode of All American Why , Michael asks why the American Dream seems increasingly difficult to afford. From housing, wages, healthcare, and childcare to savings, wealth, and the cost of everyday life, he looks at a basic question: does the math still work? Michael then talks with Alejandro Queral about what Oregon jobs actually pay, what families need to live securely, and what it would...

In this episode of All American Why , Michael asks why American elections so often leave voters choosing between two major-party candidates. From primaries and independent voters to ranked-choice voting, third parties, and electoral systems around the world, the episode explores whether we could give voters more meaningful choices. Michael then talks with Tom Joseph about America’s Primary , his p...

Subtitle: And, How Can We Be More Like Dolly and Less Like Donald? In this episode of All American Why , Michael asks why America still organizes so much of working life around systems designed generations ago. From the 40-hour workweek and the decline of organized labor to remote work, employee ownership, burnout, healthcare, workplace flexibility, and the rise of artificial intelligence, Michael...

In this episode of All American Why , Michael begins by sharing why this question matters to him as a business attorney who believes business can be a powerful force for good. He then talks with Tom Hering and Kim Allchurch-Flick about the evolution of corporations, the purpose of business, and how different approaches to corporate governance can shape our economy and society. Together, they explo...

Michael sits down with former Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt for a thoughtful conversation about the purpose of prison, the prison industrial complex, public safety, rehabilitation, recidivism, race, addiction, and the difficult decisions prosecutors make every day. Together, they explore what justice is meant to accomplish, when prison is necessary, where rehabilitation works, an...

Nonprofits are expected to solve some of society's biggest challenges, yet we rarely support them like we do other businesses. Michael sits down with longtime nonprofit leader Scott Kerman to explore why one of Oregon's largest industries lacks the same infrastructure, technical assistance, and investment that entrepreneurs and for-profit businesses receive. Together, they discuss the growing role...

Episode Information Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. Guest Information  Stacy Brewster (He/Him) Author of What We Pick Up , screenwriter, creative coach, and workshop facilitator https://www.stacybrewster.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-brewster-1b0148/ https://www.instagram.com/stacybrew/ Recording and Production Recorded at: XRAY.FM Studios Original Music: Rai...

Climate change is no longer theoretical. The measurements are clear and the impacts are already here. So why are we still debating instead of acting? Michael talks with climate activist and comedian Brian Ettling about climate communication, political will, and how ordinary people can push real change.  Guest Information  Brian Ettling (He/Him) Climate Activist/Comedian https://www.linkedin.com/in...

Episode Information Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. Guest Information  Rhodes Perry (He/Him) Founder and CEO of Rhodes Perry Consulting Author of Belonging at Work and Imagine Belonging https://www.linkedin.com/company/rhodesperryconsulting Recording and Production Recorded at: XRAY.FM Studios Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Engineer/Edi...

Episode Information Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. And thank you to Black Americans, past and present, whose labor, creativity, leadership, and perseverance have shaped this country from its beginning. They did not just influence the United States. They helped build it and continue to move it forward. Featured Voices Kevin Cook/Poison Waters Deanna Smith  Milo Reed R...

Episode Information Huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. After we wrapped, I realized I forgot to shout out a few absolute legends like Carol Burnett and Mary Tyler Moore. I also didn’t get to name some of the incredible women in comedy I love and admire so much, including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Kristen Wiig. And Catherine O’Hara deserves special lov...

Thank you to everyone who helped bring this episode together. As of the episode’s release on January 20, 2026, Danny Quach remains detained in a facility in Houston, Texas. After four months, his family and advocates have received little to no information about his status or any timeline for release or deportation to Vietnam.  Guest Information  Al Nodarse, Friend of Danny Mary Quach, Wife of Dann...

All American Why is a podcast for people who care deeply about this country and are feeling a lot about it. Hosted by Michael Jonas, JD, MBA, the show explores politics, power, culture, and policy by asking one essential question again and again: why. Because you cannot fix what you refuse to understand. Anger, grief, hope, exhaustion, outrage, and love all coexist here. None of those feelings are...

Guest Information  Collin Stackhouse (He/They), Communications Coordinator, Health Care for All Oregon Website: https://www.hcao.org/ Instagram: @healthcareforalloregon BlueSky: @healthcareforallor.bsky.social Reddit: @healthcare4alloregon Recording and Production Production Studio:  Sasquatch Media Grounds @sasquatchmediagrounds Original Music: Rainezra @rainezra and Vews @pointofvews Audio Editi...

Guest Information Shari Dunn (She/Her/Hers), Author and CEO/Principal ITBOM LLC Website: https://thesharidunn.com/ Instagram: @thesharidunn.com6 Bluesky: @qualified-sharid.bsky.social LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharidunn/ Substack: https://sharidunn.substack.com/ Recording and Production Production Studio:  Sasquatch Media Grounds @sasquatchmediagrounds Original Music: Rainezra @rainezr...

Guest Information Michael Jonas, JD, MBA, Podcast Host/Producer, Owner/Attorney, Narwhal Law and Business Strategy  Websites: https://www.allamericanwhypodcast.com/ , https://www.narwhallawandbusinessstrategy.com/ Instagram: @allamericanwhy, @narwhallawandbizstrategy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelericjonas/ Email: michael@allamericanwhy.com Learn More/Sources The following materials...