In this episode of Spent the Rent Podcast, host Patty Rose sits down with Brandon Ferguson, a teacher at Springfield High School and member of the Springfield Education Association’s Community Engagement & Bargaining Team.
Brandon joins the show as himself — not officially representing Springfield Public Schools — to offer a grounded and passionate perspective on what it’s really like to be an educator today.
How things are going in education right now
→ Classroom realities, burnout, and the state of morale among teachers.
Why unions are good
→ The power of collective voice and what solidarity looks like in practice.
How bargaining is going
→ Inside the ongoing negotiations, priorities, and sticking points.
What we’re asking for
→ The goals of the Springfield bargaining team — fair pay, smaller class sizes, and respect.
What folks can do to help
→ How the community can show up for local educators and support public schools.
➡️ Visit the SEA Community Engagement page:
https://sites.google.com/view/seacommunityengagement/home
🎧 Listen now at STRPOD.com or wherever you stream podcasts.
Spent the Rent Podcast – Episode 244
Guest: Dana Petersen-Crabb, ShelterCare
Date: Sunday, September 28th
This week, Patty Rose sits down with Dana Petersen-Crabb from ShelterCare, a Lane County nonprofit providing housing, medical respite, and behavioral health services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Topics covered:
ShelterCare’s Medical Respite program becoming the first in the Pacific Northwest to earn certification from the National Institute for Medical Respite Care
How medical respite bridges the gap between hospital care and stable housing
The reality of funding reductions and their impact on local programs
ShelterCare’s behavioral health program and the intersection of housing + mental health
Future goals, obstacles, and how the community can support ShelterCare
🎧 Listen now at STRPOD.com or on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
💡 Support Spent the Rent:
Website: STRPOD.com
GoFundMe: Help Patrick Stay Under a Roof
Venmo: @PattyRose541
CashApp: $PattyRose541
Joined by Eugene Mayor Kaarin Knudson for a deep conversation about where our city is headed. From housing goals and public safety to the city budget, transportation, and the shifting media landscape in Lane County, we cover the issues shaping Eugene’s future.
Topics include:
Reflections from her Sept 5 City Club of Eugene talk at the WOW Hall
Housing challenges and Eugene’s 5-year goal of 1,000 new units
The future of CAHOOTS and crisis response services
Policing, Flock cameras, privacy concerns, and immigrant protections
City budget shortfalls and the idea of a regional fire district
Record traffic fatalities and safer streets for all users
The decline of the Register-Guard and the role of independent outlets like Eugene Weekly, the Emerald, and KLCC
🎧 Stream the full episode at strpod.com or on your favorite podcast app.
📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/2rd
Support the podcast and my work: visit strpod.com and click the GoFundMe link on the homepage.
Blair Hickok returns to Spent the Rent Podcast.
A close friend, redemption story, and community organizer, Blair shares what it takes to stay focused through hard times, the stigma of struggling, and why advice isn’t always what people need. We also touch on AI job searches, online privacy, back-to-school energy in Lane County, and the national politics shaping local life.
I share an update on my own health journey with CSR and thank everyone who’s supported me. You can help by clicking the GoFundMe logo at strpod.com.
Patty Rose sits down with his friend Rebekah for a candid conversation about mental health in Lane County. They talk about access to care, the impact of Oregon’s Measure 110 changes, and the controversy around the proposed stabilization center in Springfield. Along the way, Patty shares a personal update about living with CSR and the challenges of being out of work, with a link to support through his GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/774572fa
Kayla Reynolds (Ledford) joins the podcast to discuss her brother, Kyle, losing his life to an “accidental” gunshot wound and the aftermath that affected the Cottage Grove community in many ways..
RIP Kyle Ledford 1993-2016
Kaz Zaidi is a lobbyist in Salem, Oregon in the area of housing and devopent and is a former University of Oregon graduate student. Hosted By Patty Rose
episodes @ strpod.com
Host Patty Rose talks to his friend Sammy about punk rock
Sammy Warm Hands
Spent the Rent Podcast
Host Patty Rose talks to LTD Board memer Pete Knox
Patric Miller returns for Volume 8 of 2 Pats in a Pod. As always, we’re cutting through the noise and digging into what’s really happening here in Lane County. From the Trump administration’s comeback to local pushback and federal overreach, we’re asking how all this is hitting regular folks in real time.
We’re not policy wonks—we’re observers with lived experience, deep roots, and unfiltered takes. From ICE raids to rising tension between local and federal power, we’re breaking it down, one blunt convo at a time.
If you’re trying to stay informed, stay grounded, and still laugh through the madness—this one’s for you.
In this episode:
• Why national politics are punching harder at the local level
• What “resistance” looks like in a post-2024 world
• How the feds clash with local leaders—and who’s caught in the middle
• Plus a few laughs, because why not?
Guest:
Patric Miller – media veteran, producer, and friend of the pod.
Host:
Patty Rose – barber, podcast host, and your favorite local loudmouth.
Support the show:
Want to help keep the mic hot and the lights on? Head to strpod.com/sponsors. Every dollar counts.
Ericka Thessen is running to keep her seat on the 4J School Board. Appointed in 2023, she brings years of experience as a physical therapist, a mother of three, and a longtime volunteer in 4J schools. She’s served on site councils at McCornack, Kennedy, and Churchill, and was on the 4J Budget Committee from 2021 to 2023.
She’s focused on equity, student mental health, and making sure families and educators are heard
donate to the podcast @ strpod.com
Patty Rose sits down with Heather Quaas-Annsa, the appointed Vice Chair of the Springfield School Board and current candidate for Position 2 in Springfield, Oregon. Heather shares her personal story, what she’s learned since joining the board in 2024, and her vision for the future of Springfield’s schools.
We talk about what it means to lead with lived experience, how to support students and staff in a time of burnout and budget cuts, and why this race matters more than most voters realize.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who simply cares about Springfield’s future—this is a conversation worth tuning into.
🌐 Support the show at strpod.com
Host Patty Rose sits down with Thomas Hiura — artist, educator, activist, and candidate for Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD) Board.Thomas brings a fresh, community-centered vision to the table, shaped by his lifelong connection to Lane County and his experience working directly with students and families. We dive into what motivated him to run, the critical role the ESD plays in shaping educational equity across our region, and how he plans to champion innovation, inclusion, and transparency.Whether you're a parent, educator, or just care about the future of our schools, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.📢 Learn more about Thomas and his campaign at thomashiura.com☘️ support the podcast @ strpod.com/sponsors
Patty Rose engages with Springfield City Councilor Alan Stout in a deep conversation about the intersection of faith, politics, and community. They reflect on the recent passing of Pope Francis, discussing his pastoral approach and the political ramifications of his leadership. The conversation shifts to local governance, the importance of community engagement, and the challenges faced by Springfield compared to Eugene. Stout emphasizes the need for a more walkable and bikeable city, advocating for local solutions to enhance community well-being. The discussion also touches on the complexities of national politics, particularly regarding Trump, and the importance of fostering local conversations to build a stronger Springfield identity.
Sponsored by Oregon Cash Flow Pro
support the podcast @ strpod.com
donations keep us going
Catch Lea Jones May 4th @ Tsunami Books in Eugene
host Patty Rose welcomes musician Lea Jones, who shares his journey through music and personal challenges, including his battle with cancer. They discuss Lea's re-recording of his song 'I Am Not a Stranger,' reflecting on its themes of connection and overcoming stereotypes. The conversation also touches on the importance of friendship, collaboration in music, and Lea's new podcast, 'Gathering Marbles,' which explores personal stories and memory.
Host Patty Rose engages in a deep conversation with Violet Van Horn, exploring themes of identity, transition, and the political landscape surrounding LGBTQ+ rights. They discuss Violet's journey through education, early career challenges, and the complexities of being a trans individual in today's society. The conversation also touches on the importance of community, activism, and the need for better urban planning to reduce car dependency. Violet shares insights on the significance of finding joy and connection in activism, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and understanding in political discourse.
Host Patty Rose interviews Devon Lawson, a candidate for the Lane Community College Board of Education. They discuss Devon's advocacy for lowering the voting age, his goals for the school board, and the importance of youth representation in politics. Devon shares insights on the role of the board, concerns about the Department of Education, and the significance of endorsements in local elections. The conversation highlights the challenges and responsibilities of running for office as a young candidate and the need for community engagement in the electoral process.
In this episode of the Spent the Rent podcast, Patty Rose interviews Jason Kellogg, the creator behind the YouTube channel Country Boy Gas Garage. They discuss Jason's journey of restoring a 1948 Ford F5 church bus found in the forest, his rise to YouTube fame, and his minimalist lifestyle living in a yurt. The conversation explores themes of passion, creativity, and the importance of documenting personal journeys, as well as the challenges and rewards of living off-grid. Jason shares insights into his unique approach to content creation and the community that has formed around his work.
In this episode host Patty Rose speaks with Blair Hickok about the nonprofit organization Neighbors Feeding Neighbors in Eugene, which provides meals to those in need. The conversation covers the challenges faced by the organization, including legal issues with the city, the impact of food insecurity, and the closure of the White Bird Clinic. Blair shares her personal journey from being unhoused to becoming a volunteer and advocate for the community, emphasizing the importance of compassion and support for those facing food insecurity.
In this episode of the Spent the Rent podcast, host Patty Rose engages in a candid conversation with Thomas Hiura, touching on various themes including the legacy of Pearl Harbor, the importance of multiculturalism, food insecurity in the community, and the dynamics surrounding local businesses like Chick-fil-A. They also delve into political violence, healthcare issues, and the challenges facing the Democratic Party. The discussion further explores cabinet picks and their implications for labor and community resilience, all while maintaining a light-hearted tone with references to sports and personal anecdotes.
more @ strpod.com