Back to Basics is the straight-shooting podcast where Oregon State Rep. Jeff Helfrich tells it like it is. No spin, no talking points—just the facts. From rising crime to the cost of living, Jeff breaks down the real issues Oregonians face and what’s actually happening in Salem.
Whether you're frustrated with politics or just want the truth without the noise, Jeff brings you honest conversations that get straight to the point.
Because in Oregon, it’s time we get back to basics.
Back to Basics Episode 19: Building What Works in Oregon
In this episode of Back to Basics, Oregon State Representative Jeff Helfrich talks with Dee Burch, President and CEO of Advanced American Construction and Gunderson Marine, about leadership, infrastructure, workforce development, and the realities facing Oregon’s construction and manufacturing industries.
Dee shares lessons from four decades in heavy construction, saving hundreds of skilled jobs, navigating regulation, and building training pipelines that give people real careers without debt. The conversation tackles ODOT, public safety, homelessness, infrastructure costs, and why common sense leadership still matters.
A candid, experience-driven discussion about what it will take to get Oregon back to work.
16 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back to Basics Ep 17: Larry Campbell Discusses How Republicans Took Back the Oregon House
On this episode of Back to Basics, Rep. Jeff Helfrich sits down with Larry Campbell, former Speaker of the Oregon House and one of the architects behind Republicans winning the majority after nearly two decades in the minority.
Larry shares how relationships, groundwork outside the Capitol, and showing up door-to-door made the difference in districts most people had already written off. They talk about what it really takes to build a governing majority, why credibility and trust still matter in politics, and the long game behind meaningful policy change.
From running competitive races against union money to balancing leadership with family, this is a candid conversation about what works, what lasts, and why getting Back to Basics is more important than ever.
2 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back to Basics Ep 16: Law, Order & Trust: Former FBI Special Agent Loren “Renn” Cannon on Policing That Works
Jeff sits down with Loren “Renn” Cannon, former FBI Special Agent in Charge of Portland, for a grounded look at what it really takes to balance constitutional rights, rising criminal behavior, and community trust. With decades investigating violent crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism, Renn brings a clear, no-nonsense perspective on how to keep communities safe while keeping accountability intact.
25 Nov 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back to Basics Ep 15: Unions, Overreach & Oregon’s Broken Systems: Jason Dudash on Restoring Balance in Oregon
Jeff is joined by Jason Dudash of the Freedom Foundation to break down how public-union overreach has shaped policy, slowed accountability, and made life harder for too many people across Oregon. It’s a grounded, honest look at how these systems got so tangled — and the common-sense steps needed to restore balance.
18 Nov 2025
Back to Basics Ep 14: Politics and Public Safety: Sheriff Matt English on Keeping Oregon Safe
In this episode of the Back to Basics Podcast, Jeff Helfrich sits down with Hood River County Sheriff Matt English for a wide-ranging look at what it truly takes to protect Oregon communities today. They talk through the politics of working across state lines with Washington, how the defund-the-police movement reshaped expectations, and the constant fight to stretch limited budgets without sacrificing public safety. Sheriff English also pulls back the curtain on the demanding world of search-and-rescue and the day-to-day challenges most people never see — from partnership building to navigating shifting priorities in Salem. It’s an honest, grounded conversation with one of Oregon’s most experienced law enforcement leaders.
8 Jul 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back to Basics Ep 13: Driving Oregon Forward: Jana Jarvis on Transportation That Delivers
Jeff Helfrich interviews Jana Jarvis, who highlights the importance of the trucking industry and data-driven policies for Oregon's transportation, ensuring efficient supply chains.
1 Jul 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back to Basics Ep 12: Hands-On Solutions: Cyrus Javadi on Supporting Rural Communities
Jeff Helfrich interviews Cyrus Javadi, Oregon State Representative, about his experiences as a dentist and pilot shape his approach to addressing the unique challenges facing rural Oregon communities.
24 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back to Basics Ep 11: Listening to Oregon: John Horvick on What Voters Really Want
Jeff Helfrich interviews John Horvick of DHM Research, who shares data-driven insights into Oregon voters' priorities, including housing, safety, and streamlined regulations, offering a clearer understanding of citizen needs.
17 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back to Basics Ep 10: Keeping It Safe and Simple: Kevin Barton on Law Enforcement That Works
District Attorney Kevin Barton discusses his data-driven approach to law enforcement with host Jeff Helfrich, emphasizing community safety and accountability in Washington County, Oregon in this interview.
10 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back to Basics Ep 9: Montana Roots to Oregon Results: Ed Diehl on Building a Simpler Future for District 17
Representative Ed Diehl discusses his journey from Montana roots to Oregon representative, sharing how his background shapes his approach to simpler government and voter-first solutions in an interview with Jeff Helfrich.
3 Jun 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back to Basics Ep 8: Oregon’s Outdoor Economy Is In Danger: Matthew Drake Reveals What’s Coming
Mount Hood Meadows CEO Matthew Drake informs Jeff Helfrich about the threats facing Oregon's outdoor recreation industry due to liability lawsuits and discusses a legislative solution in this interview.
27 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back to Basics Ep 7: Rural Roots, Relentless Fight: Rep. Greg Smith on Keeping Eastern Oregon Strong
Representative Greg Smith discusses his commitment to representing Eastern Oregon and simplifying government for small towns in a conversation with Jeff Helfrich.
20 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back to Basics Ep 6: From Train Hero to Salem: Rep. Alek Skarlatos on Grit and Simplicity for District 4
On this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich sits down with Rep. Alek Skarlatos of House District 4. A Douglas County native, Oregon National Guardsman, and the 2015 Paris train hero, Alek shares how his small-town roots and raw courage shape his fight for Southern Oregon—Canyonville and beyond. This episode is about community grit and simplifying government to deliver real results for Oregonians. Tune in for a down-to-earth, voter-first conversation!
13 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back To Basics Ep 5: Farm Roots, Real Solutions: Bruce Starr on Fighting for Small Towns
On this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich sits down with Senator Bruce Starr of District 12, covering rural Polk and Yamhill Counties. From his Hillsboro farm upbringing to building businesses and serving Oregon from ’99 to 2014, Bruce shares how he’s back in Salem to simplify government for small towns. This episode is about real, hands-on solutions for rural Oregonians, straight from the dirt to the Capitol. Tune in for a voter-first conversation!
6 May 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back To Basics Ep 4: From Global Roots to Oregon Results: Rep. Kevin Mannix on Cutting the Clutter
On this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich sits down with Rep. Kevin Mannix of House District 21. Kevin shares how his childhood in Ecuador, Panama, and Bolivia shaped his no-nonsense approach to public service, bringing clarity to government in Salem for communities like Keizer and North Salem. This episode is about simplifying the mess of government with real, voter-focused solutions that work for Oregonians. Tune in for a grounded conversation!
29 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back To Basics Ep 3: Community First: Mike Reese on Leading with Grit and Heart
On this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich sits down with his mentor, Mike Reese—former Multnomah Sheriff, Portland Police Chief, and now Oregon Corrections Director. From their shared days as deputies to Mike’s decades of service, hear how he’s kept communities at the heart of law enforcement through every challenge. This episode is about real leadership, simplifying solutions, and putting people first for a safer Oregon. Tune in for a grounded, voter-focused conversation!
21 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back To Basics Ep 2: Small-Town Grit, Big-Time Results: Virgle Osborne on Simplifying Government for District 2
Join Jeff Helfrich on Back to Basics as he sits down with Virgle Osborne, State Rep for House District 2. From his Roseburg roots to his business hustle and public service grind, Virgle shares how he fights for Southern Oregon—Roseburg, Sutherlin, and beyond—by cutting through government mess to deliver real, common-sense solutions. This episode is all about keeping it simple and voter-focused, showing how small-town grit gets big results for Oregonians. Tune in and join the conversation!
15 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
Back To Basics Ep 1: Duty, Law, and Leadership with Senator Mike McLane
In the very first episode of Back to Basics, host Jeff Helfrich sits down with Oregon State Senator Mike McLane for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about service, values, and leadership in today's America.
They dive into their shared small-town roots, military service, and how their lives shaped their view of government. Mike shares what it’s like being a Republican in a Democrat-majority state—and how he still finds ways to get things done.
Together, they tackle the erosion of trust during COVID, the rise of cancel culture, and why it’s time to return to the foundational principles of the rule of law and limited government. This episode sets the tone for the series: honest talk, real stories, and a focus on what matters most.
Inside a recent episode
Back to Basics Episode 19: Building What Works in Oregon
Published 19 Mar 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And they came up with an idea to take HDP pipe, which is basically plastic pipe and tether it to the rock on the bottom. And because it, it shrinks and expands with temperature dramatically, put it in kind of a, like a sinus wave configuration. And that it also had a very, they didn't want to put, they didn't want to pump the sewage they wanted to drain by gravity. So we had to put all this in within a, you know, like a quarter inch grade all the way through. So we had to drill into rock 200 feet and then tether the pipe and situate the pipe in there to do that. And so it was just a, it was kind of a signature job. […]
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