Shows
Cumberland County PA ChatterKaren Dalton - a lifelong Republican telling it like it isI bet you've wondered if there were any Republicans willing to speak truth to power. I found one right here in Cumberland County Pennsylvania who is seeking to unseat US Congressman Scott Perry in the 10th Congressional District primary this May. Karen Dalton, at 5'1" is one tough, smart, experienced woman who spent 20 years as a lawyer working in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Republican Caucus. But maybe most of all she has compassion for the residents of the 10th District. Listen to this 49-minute interview and, if you're a registered Democrat or Independent voter, you just...
2026-01-3048 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterPrineville Oregon's "Prepper Up" store 2014-2025Prineville Oregon's "Prepper Up" store opened in 2014. Situated in the high desert of Central Oregon, Prineville is known for rugged individualism, outdoor recreation and conservative politics - a logical spot for the owners. What is a "Prepper?" It's a synonym for "survivalist" that came into common usage during the late 1990s. It's used interchangeably with survivalist much as retreater was in the 1970s. It refers to one who is prepared or making preparations. In popular culture, survivalism has been associated with paramilitary activities. Some survivalists do take active defensive preparations that have military roots and that involve firearms, and this aspe...
2025-11-2410 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterCarlisle PA's No Kings Rally Oct. 18, 2025Carlisle PA's No King's Protest on Saturday October 18th, 2025 was a massive demonstration orchestrated by Cumberland Valley Rising (an affiliate of Indivisible). Over 1,400 people (double the amount of the town's first rally in June 2025) peacefully packed the town square and showed their resistance to the Trump administration's authoritarian slide into fascism. Listen to the short interviews with protesters who answered the simple question Why are you here today? Total running time: 16:40
2025-10-2716 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterFlorence Oregon's Indivisible ChapterA beautiful Oregon coastal community, Florence Oregon's Indivisible Chapter is actively and consistently protesting the increasingly autocratic and fascist takeover of the U.S. government by the Trump administration. Listen to this 9 minute podcast to hear what members are demonstrating against as they stand on a busy intersection on a Saturday afternoon in August 2025.
2025-08-2808 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterIt's Russia calling!President Putin makes a surprise phone call to a US podcaster trying to gauge the growing resistance in the US to President Trump.
2025-08-1507 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterFlorence Oregon Climate Change ChallengeFlorence Oregon is a south central coastal community of about 9,800 people that swells during the summer months with tourist visits. The existential threat of climate change is on many peoples' minds as the weather gets warmer, more rain falls, and the threat of tsunamis is ever present. So why have city leaders not started any climate change plans? Listen to this 14-minute show and you'll see why climate change activists are frustrated -- but not defeated.
2025-08-0414 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterOchoco Restoration Collaborative Part 2In part 2 we travel into the Ochoco National Forest to view the site of recent wildfires and learn from experts how to prevent and mitigate wildfires in the future. There are lessons to be learned from the science presented in this episode. Now that it's the summer of 2025 -- have we learned anything....?
2025-08-0209 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterOchoco National Forest Collaborative Part 1The west continues to suffer through massive wildfires. Central Oregon is no stranger to the onslaught. Right now, summer 2025, the Cram Fire near Madras is the largest wildfire in the nation. There's a lesson to be learned from the Ochoco Forest Collaborative that was formed back in 2015 in Prineville. This first episode recalls how many local and regional agencies came together to combine their talents and resources to address the persistent problem.
2025-07-2908 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterRedemption House Ministries in Prineville OregonThis story from 2014 still resonates across Oregon. Unhoused, homeless populations have only grown as housing and food prices have escalated. And little has been done to help women, men, and families deal with homelessness. In fact the current administration is now suggesting that all homeless people be committed to institutions because they are all criminals living on the streets. This story about Prineville's efforts is a great example about how religious groups, in coordination with cities and counties, can compassionately help people in need. Sadly, Greg Sanders, featured in this story, passed away in 2019 - but his legacy lives on...
2025-07-2711 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterHomeless in Crook CountyWhat was it like to be homeless in Prineville Oregon in 2014? Or anywhere for that matter? This interview will take you into the life of one man experiencing it in Central Oregon. And now, in 2025, the number of homeless people has only increased across all of Oregon. Coming soon: what's it like in the coastal town of Florence Oregon during the summer of 2025?
2025-07-2508 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterMilitary Careers -- A smart choice in 2025?Given the massive cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), does a miltary career make sense for young men and women in 2025? And what about the attempts to "fire" transgender troops, and not allow women to be in combat roles? Listen to a 39 year-old female veteran who entered at 17 and deployed twice to combat zones.
2025-05-1222 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterTargeting LGBTQ+ people in 2025Today's show is all about the Trump administration's plans to diminish, erase, and demonize the LGBTQ+ community throughout the United States. My guest today is Judy (name changed to protect her from being targeted), a 20-something veteran who lives here in Cumberland County PA with her wife. We talk about the effect that Trump's plans are having both on Judy and the LGBTQ+ community here in south central Pennsylvania. (Note: for those who might be "triggered," there short interludes of both battle/war sounds and crowds yelling.)
2025-03-0523 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterSax in the MorningInspired by the "word jazz" of Ken Nordine, this short piece should brighten your day - especially if you like sax in the morning.....
2025-02-0802 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterCarlisle PA Fire PoliceFire Police organizations exist in thirteen US states but most people don't really know what they do or what authority they have. Captain Bob Wertz, Carlisle PA Regional Special Police, explains what his team does -- and why you might want to be part of a similar organization in your community.
2025-02-0614 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterSafronia Perry on how mass deportations could affect Cumberland County PADonald Trump has pledged to conduct the largest mass deportation in US history. How will this affect Cumberland County PA? We talk with Carlisle Borough City Councilor Safronia Perry a few days before the new administration takes control of the government.
2025-01-2114 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterMarie Kondo Ruined My LifeMarie Kondo is a Japanese organizing consultant, author, and TV presenter. In 2019 she starred in a Netflix special "Tidying Up with Marie Kondo" and in 2021 she had a follow-up special called "Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo." She became very popular (and I suspect wealthy) but I was not a fan.....
2024-12-3103 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterCelebrity EndorsementsWe're bombarded with celebrity endorsements and, maybe like you, I've had enough!
2024-12-3101 min
2023-03-2702 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterWill Newville PA get "wet?"Newville PA has essentially been a "dry" town since Prohibition back in 1933. This May 2021 residents will vote on whether to change the liquor law and become a "wet" borough. So what do residents think about this change? Listen to this 7-minute podcast and learn a little history about this quaint township - and how getting "wet" may change the borough. (This podcast is an extension of an article I wrote recently for Carlisle's Sentinel newspaper.)
2021-03-3006 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterA conversation with author Tana OsbornUntil Heaven Then My Friend; Life's Journey For Your Beloved Dog by Tana Osborn
Osborn lives in Montana, is an assisted living nurse, and author of a book called "Until Heaven Then My Friend: Life's Journey For Your Beloved Dog." Bill Mintiens talks with Osborn about why she wrote the book, how she dealt with her own grief, and why she believes that all dogs go to heaven. Total running time: 7:30
2021-03-1607 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterHomeless in Crook County Oregon - 20142014 - Homeless in Crook County Oregon
Ever Wonder What It's Like?
Somehow the message that the economy was improving never made it to the homeless population in Crook County. Numbers are increasing and services can't keep up with the need. Bill talks with two people in Prineville Oregon about how they came to be homeless, what it's like to live on the street, what challenges they have on a daily basis, and what resources they have tapped to help them get out of the cycle of homelessness, drug addiction, and jail. Listen to this podcast now (8:41 total time) and learn...
2021-03-1608 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterOchoco Forest (Oregon) Restoration Collaborative - Part 2June 2015 - Ochoco National Forest (Oregon) Restoration Collaborative - Part 2
The Collaborative tours the Bailey Butte Fire Site
In this episode the Collaborative takes a tour of the Bailey Butte Fire which burned 8,000 acres of Ochoco National Forest in 2014. Experts in fire behavior and forest restoration discuss, at various stops during the day, how fire affected the forest and how smart restoration practices may diminish the effects of future fires. 9:21 total time.
2021-03-1509 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterOchoco Forest (Oregon) Collaborative Part 12015 - Ochoco National Forest Restoration Collaborative - Part 1 -
Addressing and Resolving Impassioned Gridlock
The Ochoco National Forest Restoration Collaborative is a group of diverse stakeholders who started meeting in 2012 at the request of co-conveners, Prineville's Mayor at the time Betty Roppe and Crook County Commissioner Ken Fahlgren. The group works on forest and watershed restoration within the Ochoco National Forest in Central Oregon. Listen to this 8-minute podcast to hear how groups, seemingly at odds with each other over forest management issues, are working together for the common good of the forest and surrounding communities.
2021-03-1308 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterVoices of Millgrain Woodworks; Prineville OregonOctober 2015 - Woodgrain Millwork in Prineville Oregon recently closed its mill after a roof collapsed under the weight of heavy ice and snow. The company has no plans to reopen the facility meaning that upwards of 200 people are losing their jobs. This in a county with over 10.2% unemployment, high poverty and homelessness. Listen to this podcast and hear the voices of affected workers. Total time: 8:02
2021-03-1008 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterCumberland County PA Chatter - Jeanna SomJeanna Som is the Executive Director of Carlisle PA's Summer Program for Youth (SPY.) I recorded this podcast with Jeanna as part of the article I wrote for the (Carlisle) Sentinel newspaper's "Inspire" edition Feb. 28, 2021. A woman with a big heart, listen to this podcast and be inspired to help those kids that are less fortunate than you.
2021-02-2814 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterCumberland County PA Chatter - Sara AgertonThis is the first episode of Cumberland County Chatter, a new podcast show featuring interviews with inspirational, and sometimes controversial, people who live in Cumberland County Pennsylvania. Sara Agerton is the only woman, and only Democrat, on the Mechanicsburg Borough Council. At 41 Agerton is committed to making her voice, and others' voices, heard in order to make the community a better place to live. (about 15 minutes)
2021-02-1721 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterSteve Bloom InterviewSteve Bloom is the former Pennsylvania State House Representative (2010-2018)who then ran unsuccessfully for a US Congressional seat in 2019-20. A man who's life goal has always been to "make a difference" in peoples' lives, Steve is one of those people you can hold up as a role model. Listen to this 30-minute interview to learn more about Steve's life and what he's up to these days. (This interview was the basis for my profile article in The Sentinel Newspaper, Carlisle PA, December 2020.)
2020-12-2732 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterWorking at Walmart during the PandemicOf course you've been in a Walmart. And, of course, you have an impression of Walmart's target consumers. And you've likely heard both positive and negative media stories about the giant corporation. But have you ever worked in a Walmart store? I have a "temporary" job at one in Redmond Oregon. Listen to this short story (3:30) and learn about my experience.
2020-04-2700 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterNow I Get ItThis short poem is about playing catch with your Dad in your backyard - and how the body ages over time. Many men can relate to this memory. I hope you enjoy it.
2020-04-1000 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterCelebrity EndorsementsTired of celebrity endorsements on TV commercials? So am I. Listen to this 2-minute rant - and maybe it will keep you from screaming at the TV....
2020-03-3000 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterMad as HellIn this 2:00 minute dialogue I describe why I'm mad as hell -- and you should be too. But it's also motivated me to get involved and make a difference.
2020-03-0900 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterMarie Kondo Ruined My LifeMarie Kondo is a force of nature -- and an inspiration to many homeowners. Unfortunately she upended my household -- and I'm not thrilled. Listen to this short story and you'll understand why.
2020-02-1700 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterChuck Todd and MeI have something in common with NBC's Chuck Todd. We're likely both not proud of it -- but there it is. Listen to this three minute piece and see if, you too, have something in common with Chuck.
2020-01-2000 min
Cumberland County PA ChatterSax in the MorningInspired by the "word jazz" artistry (and now-deceased)Ken Nordine, this piece combines soft jazz with a short riff on morning routines.
2020-01-0102 min