City Cast Portland

As we count down to the new year and brace for the cold, rainy weeks ahead, we’re revisiting a conversation with Ryan Hashegen about some of the best ways to keep moving and have fun while staying dry this season. They’re the founder of ⁠Icicle Tricycles⁠, the managing director of ⁠Better Block PDX⁠, and the director of the ⁠Steel Bridge Skatepark Coalition⁠.  This episode first aired on Jan. 6, 2...

Now that the holidays are almost over, it's time to think about staying active all winter long. In addition to experiencing our beautiful wilderness during one of its most magical seasons, cross-county skiing is also a pretty great workout. Today we're revisiting a conversation with Portland Monthly's Rebecca Jacobson. She published a beginner’s guide to the sport to help first-timers navigate get...

As 2025 comes to a close, we're reflecting on everything we’ve lived through this year. Today on City Cast Portland, producers John Notarianni, Giulia Fiaoni, and a few of our contributors join host Claudia Meza to discuss the biggest, wildest, and most surprising things that happened in our city this year.  Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition Hotline: 1(888) 622-1510    Become a member of City Ca...

This was a big year for Oregon writers. Some of the most talked-about books of 2025 came from authors living right here — including a couple of National Book Award finalists. Today, Portland Monthly senior associate editor Matthew Trueherz is here to walk us through a few standouts in fiction and nonfiction, featured on the magazine’s annual best books list.  Discussed in today's episode: Wolf Bel...

This week in Portland, we’re looking into why five city council members are lawyering up, the controversial multibillion-dollar idea to revitalize a coastal town, and a check-in on three local labor disputes. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are KBOO news director Althea Billings and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Law Firm Tha...

Today, we're talking about one unexpected activity that might stir your spirit for the outdoors this winter — snow camping. How do you even do it, and is it really worth it? Joining us is outdoor expert and Portland ambassador for Women Who Explore, Karrie Carnes. She has tips for how to pull off a safe winter camping trip this season that doesn’t involve getting frostbite. Become a member of City...

This week, we’re discussing our official new city administrator, the reason the state's new gas tax is now on hold, the latest local government declaring an emergency over Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity, and much more in our news lightning round. Joining executive producer John Notarianni on this midweek round-up is our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Ep...

One in six Oregon children lives in a food-insecure home, and now as we enter the holidays and brace for new cuts to federal food assistance, many families are wondering how they’ll get through the months ahead. Today we’re joined by Rachael Lucille Jackson-Davis of the Oregon Food Bank to talk about what hunger really looks like right now, how the safety net is shifting, and what kind of support...

This is the time of year when a quick, comforting breakfast feels especially appealing, so it's fortunate that Portland has plenty of options. Today we're revisiting a conversation about Portland's best breakfast sandwiches — from the tastiest sauce to the ultimate hangover cure. This episode first aired July 17, 2025 Some Places Discussed in Today's Episode: Pie Spot Great North Coffee Fried Egg...

This week in Portland, Mayor Wilson's next set of ambitious goals, an influencer suing the Portland Police Department for being biased against conservatives, and the uncertain future of a historically Black high school in North Portland. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Willamette Week reporter and author Brianna Wheeler and our very own executive producer, John Not...

Portland’s graphic novel and comic book arts scene is one of our most deep-seated and vibrant creative communities. Today on City Cast Portland, with the help of Katie Pryde (owner of Southeast Portland’s award-winning comic book shop, Books with Pictures) we’re putting together a must-read list of some of the best graphic novels and comic books, including from a few local artists and writers. Dis...

Today, we’re looking into how the Portland Housing Bureau director, a leading expert on affordable housing, was fired by our mayor and what the move says about the continuing power struggle in city government. Plus, we dive into our mailbag and hear from you, our listeners. Joining host Claudia Meza on this midweek round-up is Portland Mercury's housing and homelessness reporter, Jeremiah Hayden....

Portland City Council approved a 6% increase to our water and sewer utility bills last summer, and they’re forecasting even higher rates in the next few years. Today we're talking to Portland Water Bureau Interim Director Quisha Light, about why our water bills are so expensive. She’s also sharing details on an ongoing project that aims to protect our water supply, and giving tips on what we can d...

East Portland's Russell neighborhood is quiet, safe, and totally under-the-radar. Today, we’re continuing our neighborhood guide series where we talk with Portlanders about the good, bad, and ugly of where they live with Russell neighborhood resident Danielle Mangone, a member of the Portland Creator Community who's on Instagram as pnwplanned. Discussed in Today's Episode: Jet Black Coffee  Food F...

This week, we’re talking about Mayor Keith Wilson declaring victory on reaching a pivotal goal in his plan to end unsheltered homelessness, and his pick for the new city administrator. Plus, why is Portland’s housing authority currently sitting on nearly a thousand empty affordable apartments? Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophi...

When most people think of Portland hip-hop, acclaimed rapper Aminé might be the only name that comes to mind. But Portland’s had a thriving hip-hop scene since the '80s. Our underrated scene helped shape West Coast hip-hop, with sounds and styles that don't fit into any particular box. Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking with veteran local DJ Grant Stolle, aka "Verbz," who’s also the co-fou...

Today, we’re looking into the latest actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that are affecting our region. Joining host Claudia Meza on this midweek roundup is our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: Where Things Stand 2 Months After Trump Ordered Troops to Portland [OPB]  Another Oregon City Declares State of Emergency in Response to Federal Immigra...

Portland and Seattle have always had a good-natured rivalry. As two of the Pacific Northwest's biggest cities, it's easy to compare ourselves with our neighbor to the north — we both have ample access to nature, thriving food scenes, and plenty of rain. But in honor of the recent launch of City Cast Seattle, host Jane C. Hu joins us to debate the merits of our respective cities. Today on City Cast...

Whether you’re trekking into the forest to cut down your own Christmas tree or seeking out the best holiday light displays in the area, December offers plenty of ways to feel festive. City Cast Portland has picked the best of the month’s food, entertainment, and community happenings to help you plan your month ahead. Plus, we have a few ways to help local teens enjoy a brighter holiday, too. Plus,...

Join City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza alongside fellow hosts from Austin, Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities for a special episode that’ll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that’ll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a must...

Today we're trying out recipes from three new cookbooks written by some of the Portland food scene’s biggest stars: Joshua McFadden of Ava Gene's, Cathy Whims of Nostrana, and Tyler Malek of Salt and Straw. Producers Giulia Fiaoni and John Notarianni join host Clauda Meza to discuss how easy (or difficult) their recipes are to follow, if they liked the results, and whether the books would make a g...

This time of year can be kind of stressful, with all the holiday potlucks and family dinners stacking up. Today, grocery-deal expert (and Stumptown Savings founder) Bryan M. Vance is here with tips for how to take advantage of premade meals from Portland-area grocery stores for upcoming holidays and potlucks, along with other easy dinner ideas to dodge some of the holiday hassle. Take advantage of...

This week, we’re looking at the three finalists for our next city administrator, the story behind the whale that washed ashore in Yachats, Ore., and the almost good news from our state’s economists. Joining host Claudia Meza on this week’s Friday news roundup are Oregonian business reporter Mike Rogoway and our very own senior producer, Giulia Fiaoni. Discussed in Today's Episode: City Narrows Sea...

Portland's rainy season can sometimes feel endless and draining. That's why today we're talking with our resident good-time expert, Eden Dawn. She’s the co-author of “The Portland Book of Dates” and has plenty of ideas to enjoy our city, even when it's raining all day. She's sharing her list of the best places to go and the most fun things to do — that don’t involve a ski pass.  This episode first...

In this sponsored episode, City Cast Content Director Andrea Silenzi chats with a resident of the Watermark at the Pearl, a senior living community in the Pearl District designed around connection, creativity and belonging. Andrea speaks with Willow, one of the residents, as well as her furry companion, Lizzie, to talk about what life at the Watermark really feels like — from the friendships to th...