A mind-blowing conversation with Sen. Sara Gelser | Ep. 16

There is no one else in the Oregon legislature like Sen. Sara Gelser. Over the last decade, she has been at the center of some of the most important issues in Oregon politics. She has received national recognition (e.g. Time Person of the Year during the #MeToo movement) -- and she occasionally criticizes her own party and leadership. She has long been a legislative warrior on child welfare issues in Oregon, and this episode includes some wild stories.

This is a fascinating conversation that covers a lot of ground: the significant power vested in the House Speaker and Senate President, culture change and sexual harassment in the legislature, the urban-rural divide, and the dramatic failures and meaningful successes of Oregon's child welfare system. Pro tip for this episode: at the 30-minute mark, the discussion shifts to child welfare, and it is both remarkable and important. We highly recommend you listen to the last segment of the episode.