Because It Matters
Latest Episodes
Peabody Award Winning Investigations into the Drug-prescribing Practices at VA Hospitals and the Fund-raising Practices of Charities
I take very seriously my duty to provide you with news, information and stories about things that matter. Every Friday morning, I’m responsible for 90 minutes of what we broadcast from this radio station. -
Why is ‘Tax Day’ on April 15?
Our least auspicious holiday has to be Tax Day – April 15. Many of you may object to Tax Day being called a holiday, but it’s certainly become a day that most of us “observe” and “commemorate,” even though it … Continue reading →
“The Rocket Girls†who put the Men on the Moon
President Kennedy’s charge to the nation – put a man on the moon – later became known was Project Apollo and became one of the country's greatest accomplishments. But it couldn’t and wouldn’t get done with the hard work and dedication of countl
Gallopin’ Gertie and the Tacoma Narrows
Thanks to our Radio Program’s association with the Public Radio Exchange, we were able to broadcast Roman Mars’ story of Galloping Gertie, the ill-fated bridge built across the Tacoma Narrows. And we especially want to acknowledge Roman’s radio pr
Saturday Night “Liveâ€
I recently got to pinch-hit for one of our program hosts. And as I thought about how to engage and entertain a different market – I’m usually broadcasting at 7:00 AM on Friday mornings, not 9:00 PM on Saturday night when I went on the air to pinch-
Ron interviews Governor Vic Atiyeh
Ron interviews Oregon's 32nd Governor, Victor Atiyeh, as he reminisces about his 28 years of public service, including two terms as Governor during an economic downturn that rivaled the Great Depression. He discusses his across the isle leadership and de
Ron interviews Dick Eutlain, historian
Ron interviews Dick Etulain, Pulitzer Prize nominated historian who has written and edited over 50 books, specializing in the American West and the life of President Lincoln. He discusses Lincoln's connections to and involvement in Oregon politics as the
Ron Johnson interviews Dennis Jenkins
Ron interviews Dennis Jenkins, a U of O archeologist, who won international acclaim when he discovered the oldest evidence of human settlement in North America. He discusses the moment of discovery in the Paisley Caves near Fort Rock in South Central Oreg
Ron Interviews Greg Nokes, journalist and historian
Ron interviews Greg Nokes, NW Historian, discussing Slavery and racial diversity as Oregon entered the Union. He describes a slave father's struggles to win freedom, despite overwhelming odd, for his children.
Because It Matters – Ron Interviews Linda Tamura
Ron chats with author Linda Tamura, author of "Hood River Nisei" about the treatment of Japanese Americans during WWII.