The PNW Podcast

34 Episodes
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By: Drew Tydeman

A daily podcast covering the stories that matter most across the Pacific Northwest, with a primary focus on Oregon and Washington. Each episode delivers a concise roundup of the day's biggest headlines, local news, sports, current events, and the conversations shaping the region—keeping listeners informed, engaged, and connected to what's happening close to home.

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Ducks Drama, Beavers Dominance & Blazers Buzz
Today at 7:00 AM

The Ducks survive a scare against Nebraska, but what does it mean for Oregon moving forward? Drew breaks down the hard-fought win, the questions surrounding the offense, and the late-night DUI arrest of Evan Stewart that could leave the Ducks searching for new ways to put points on the board.

Meanwhile, the Oregon State Beavers continue to turn heads with a dynamic offense, putting together a dominant performance against Washington State and making their case as a team to watch.

Plus, the Portland Trail Blazers tip off a new season with plenty of optimism, the...


A Voice for Rip City & The Price of Pushing Your Limits
Last Monday at 7:00 AM

On this episode of The PNW Podcast, Drew and Marcus celebrate Drew’s friend Travis Demers being named the television voice of the Portland Trail Blazers. After years of hard work and dedication, Travis is finally getting the opportunity he deserves, and it’s exciting to see a friend reach such a major milestone in his broadcasting career.

The conversation also takes a more serious turn as they discuss the tragic death of a man who went into cardiac arrest while running the Portland Marathon. The heartbreaking incident sparks a larger conversation about the risks associated with endu...


Is the Party Over? The Decline of Northwest Wine & Craft Beer
#32
Last Thursday at 7:00 AM

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its wine country and craft beer scene, but both industries are facing some serious challenges. Drew and Marcus take a closer look at what’s behind the decline, from rising alcohol prices and changing consumer habits to fewer people heading out to bars, breweries, and tasting rooms.

Younger generations are finding new ways to spend their time and money, and in a world where nearly everything can be delivered to your doorstep, the traditional night out is competing with a whole new set of options. So what does that mean for tw...


Ducks in Trouble, Beavers on the Rise
#31
10/14/2026

Drew and Marcus break down a brutal weekend for Oregon football after the Ducks fell apart against UCLA in a shocking 17-15 loss at Autzen Stadium. With seven turnovers, offensive struggles, and more questions than answers, what does the future hold for Dan Lanning and the Ducks? Is the season slipping away, and can Oregon get back on track?

Meanwhile, the Oregon State Beavers are heading in the opposite direction. After dominating San Diego State 66-14, the Beavers have won four straight and are making a serious case as the most dominant football team in the state...


Timeshare Traps, Tough Blazers & Ducks Drama
10/12/2026

Drew and Marcus are covering a wild mix of stories on the PNW Podcast! They kick things off with the crazy things that can happen in Mexico’s resort towns, from aggressive timeshare pitches and sketchy massage experiences to the highs and lows of lounging by the pool. Then it’s back to the Pacific Northwest for a look at the new-look Portland Trail Blazers, who have opened the preseason looking deep, physical, and ready to surprise some people. Finally, the guys dive into the future of the Oregon Ducks offense and the buzz surrounding quarterback Dylan Raiola, including a re...


Idaho Bear Attack, Hungry Cubs & Northwest Football
10/08/2026

Drew and Marcus are covering a wild mix of stories from around the Pacific Northwest! We start in Idaho, where a family was forced to fight off a black bear trying to get inside their home. Both residents were injured, with one suffering life-threatening injuries and being flown by helicopter to a hospital.

Then we head to Washington, where ten hungry bear cubs at the PAWS Wildlife Rehabilitation Center are eating a combined 175 pounds of food every day—and the center is turning to the public for help with vegetables, whole fish and even Costco an...


Giant Pumpkins, Second Chances & Beaver Fever
#28
10/07/2026

Drew sits down with Brad Bahns for a conversation that is about as Pacific Northwest as it gets—from giant pumpkins and unusual lake races to second chances at life and the resurgence of Oregon State football.

Brad gives us the inside scoop on the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta, coming to Tualatin on October 18, including his own quest to grow a championship-sized pumpkin and eventually turn one into a floating race machine. The annual Tualatin event features giant pumpkins being paddled across the Lake of the Commons, with this year's festival running from 10 a.m...


Portland's Broadcasting Mess, Beavers' Big Win & Halftime Firing
#27
10/05/2026

The Portland Trail Blazers have a new problem on their hands after firing newly hired broadcaster Braiden Bell over controversial tweets he posted when he was just 15 years old. Drew and Marcus break down the controversy, the team's decision, and the bigger question facing Rip City: Who will become the next television voice of the Portland Trail Blazers? Plus, are the Oregon State Beavers for real? Oregon State went absolutely wild against Colorado State, throwing the ball all over the field on the way to a dominant 56-26 victory. The Beavers were so explosive that Colorado State's defensive coordinator...


Saved by Siri! Boulder Rescue, Portland’s New Movie & Seattle Grocery Drama
#26
10/01/2026

It’s another wild ride through the Pacific Northwest on the PNW Podcast!

Drew and Marcus break down the incredible story of a man who became trapped under a boulder in Warrenton, Oregon, and somehow managed to get help using Siri on his phone. Even crazier? A police drone was able to locate him in just three minutes, helping rescuers find him and get him to safety.

Then Hollywood comes to the PNW! A new movie called “Egg Baby” is being filmed around the Portland area, and Drew and Marcus talk about what we kno...


Dante Moore, USC Controversy & Damian Lillard Returns to Portland
09/30/2026

The PNW Podcast is fired up this week as Drew and Marcus break down the aftermath of the controversial hit on Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore against USC and what his injury could mean for Oregon’s season moving forward.

The guys also let their frustrations with USC, the program, the coaching, the hit itself, and the reaction from some USC fans fly. It’s an emotional conversation about one of the most talked-about moments of the Ducks’ season — and what comes next for Oregon.

Then it’s time to talk Portland Trail Blazers basketball. The team p...


Chickens on I-5, Rabid Bats & the Floating Island That Got Away
09/28/2026

Rabid bats in Idaho, chickens spilling out onto I-5 in Washington, and a floating island that somehow moved nearly 30 kilometers through British Columbia — you can’t make this stuff up!

On this episode of the PNW Podcast, we’re diving into a warning about rabies after bats in Idaho tested positive for the virus, a bizarre traffic incident in Washington that had chickens running loose along I-5, and the incredible story of a massive floating island of vegetation that traveled nearly 30 kilometers through a B.C. lake.

Plus, we’ve got plenty more Pacific Northwest stories...


Seattle Cashes In, Portland Goes Robotic & Scientists Take on Fentanyl
09/24/2026

The Pacific Northwest is changing fast, and we’re covering some of the biggest stories making headlines. Seattle is looking at a massive economic boost from hosting World Cup matches, with the event expected to generate more than $800 million for the region. We also look at the exciting future of rail as new Amtrak trains are introduced on the Cascades route connecting British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and Eugene.

Then there’s the future of transportation in Portland, where Waymo is mapping the city as the company prepares for the potential arrival of r...


Sea Otters, Volcano Power & Northwest Football: Ducks, Beavers & Seahawks
09/23/2026

Football, Sea Otters & Power From Volcanoes — It’s All Happening in the Pacific Northwest!

This week on the PNW Podcast, we break down a huge weekend for Northwest football and look ahead to what’s next for the Oregon Ducks, Oregon State Beavers and Seattle Seahawks.

Then we dive into two fascinating stories happening right here in Oregon: the growing effort to bring sea otters back to the Oregon Coast and the surprising research into using hot rocks deep beneath an Oregon volcano to generate power for potent...


Jesse the Chicken Guy: Portland’s Best Wings, Hidden Gems & More
#21
09/21/2026

If you love chicken, wings, and finding the best food Portland has to offer, you’re going to want to hear this conversation with Jesse, aka the Chicken Guy.

From classic Buffalo wings and dry rubs to smoked wings and wild Asian-inspired sauces, Jesse has made it his mission to eat his way through Portland one piece of chicken at a time. And while wings are his specialty, his food obsession goes way beyond fried chicken. We dive into dumplings, sandwiches, hidden gems, local favorites, and the restaurants worth seeking out across the city.

Jesse al...


450,000 Dead Owls, a Fireball & $200K in LEGO?!
09/17/2026

Things are getting weird in the Pacific Northwest!

On this episode of the PNW Podcast, we dive into four stories that are guaranteed to get people talking. First, we break down the controversial federal plan that could result in the removal of up to 450,000 barred owls over 30 years in an effort to protect threatened spotted owls.

Then we get into Portland Weird Fest, happening September 19 at Oaks Park, featuring more than 60 vendors, bizarre competitions, live entertainment, and the return of the legendary Chicken Beauty Contest. Is Portland still weird? This might...


The Ducks Are Telegraphing Their Plays?! Plus HYROX & Fried Chicken
09/16/2026

On this episode of the PNW Podcast, we cover three very different stories from around the Northwest.

We start with the wild story of a woman who made headlines after pooping her pants during a HYROX event, leading to a conversation about just how far people are willing to push themselves in the world of fitness and competition.

Then it's all about food as Portland's Fried Chicken Week gets underway. More than 40 businesses are participating, with special dishes priced at just $10, giving us plenty to talk about—including which op...


Oregon Ducks SHOCKED by Oklahoma State — What Happens Now?
09/14/2026

The Oregon Ducks suffered a devastating and unexpected loss to Oklahoma State, falling 39-31 in Stillwater in one of the biggest upsets of the young college football season. On this episode of the PNW Podcast, we break down what went wrong for Oregon, from the struggles on both sides of the line to the Ducks’ inability to slow down the Cowboys when it mattered most.

But is Oregon’s season really in trouble? We look at the road ahead, the upcoming schedule, what the Ducks need to fix, and whether they can still put themselves in position to c...


Fantasy Football Punishments, Dead Fish & The PNW’s E-Bike Problem
09/10/2026

The NFL season is finally here! Drew and Marcus kick off the latest episode of the PNW Podcast by talking about the beginning of the football season, the teams and storylines they’re watching, and, of course, fantasy football. We also dive into the sometimes brutal—and occasionally hilarious—punishments that fantasy football losers have to endure.

Then we head around the Pacific Northwest for some truly bizarre and important stories. In Lake Washington, nearly 2,000 fish died after getting too close to a power line running along the bottom of the lake. In Central Oregon, there’s a plea f...


What Is Going On in Portland?! Ducks, Skunks & Women’s Sports Drama
09/09/2026

The Ducks survived! Drew and Marcus break down Oregon’s hard-fought win over Boise State at Autzen Stadium and what we learned about the Ducks along the way. Then things get a little wild as we talk about Portland’s growing skunk problem—yes, actual skunks—and what’s being done about the invasion.

Plus, we dive into the controversy surrounding fans at Providence Park and the Sports Bra after women wearing “Support Women’s Sports” shirts were reportedly asked to leave. What happened, why were the shirts considered offensive, and what does it say about the ongoing debate s...


The Ducks Are BACK, I-5 Is CLOSING & Costco Has Rules
#15
09/07/2026

College football is back, and Drew breaks down the opening weekend for both of Oregon’s biggest programs. The Ducks survived a tough Boise State team 34–27 behind a huge performance from Dante Moore, while also showing there’s plenty to clean up as the season moves forward.

The Beavers didn’t get the win, falling 33–20 to No. 23 Houston, but there were plenty of positives to take away from their first game of the season. New quarterback Braden Atkinson threw for 376 yards, while freshman Jesse Legree exploded onto the scene with 136 receiving yards and a touchdown. There may be some th...


Portland Traffic Nightmare, Tiger Woods & a Ducks Surprise!
09/03/2026

On this episode of the PNW Podcast, Drew and Marcus cover a little bit of everything happening around the Pacific Northwest! From Tiger Woods reportedly losing his license for five years following his latest DUI arrest, to the upcoming I-5 closure that could impact Portland traffic for the next five weeks, there’s plenty to talk about.

Plus, Marcus shares the story behind an exciting Oregon Ducks commercial he recently filmed that will be featured on the Jumbotron during Ducks games!

Catch the latest episode of the PNW Podcast and join us for the conversation ab...


Can the Ducks Win It All? Oregon Insider Weighs In
09/02/2026

Oregon Ducks football is more than just a game in the Pacific Northwest—it’s a legacy filled with unforgettable moments, legendary players, iconic coaches, and some of the most passionate fans in college football.

On this episode of the PNW Podcast, I sit down with The Oregonian/OregonLive Oregon Ducks insider Aaron Fentress for a deep dive into the upcoming Oregon football season and what Ducks fans can expect when the team takes the field.

But we don’t stop there.

Aaron and I also take a trip through the history of Oregon...


The Ultimate PNW Burger Hunt with Burger Boy Jon
08/31/2026

How many burgers would you have to eat to find the ultimate burger in the Pacific Northwest? Burger Boy Jon is well on his way.

On this episode of the PNW Podcast, we sit down with Jon, who has reviewed more than 200 burgers in Oregon, Washington, and around the world in his quest to find the best burger out there.

Jon takes us behind the scenes of burger reviewing, breaking down the good, the bad, and the ugly of burgers from bars, restaurants, and burger joints across...


Hunting, Fishing & Farming: Was Oregon About to Ban Them?
08/27/2026

This week on the PNW Podcast, we dive into some big issues impacting Oregon and Washington.

We break down the PEACE Act and the controversy surrounding a proposal that could have dramatically changed hunting, fishing, and farming in Oregon. What was actually at stake, and what could it have meant for people across the state?

We also talk about the wave of lightning strikes that sparked new wildfires across Oregon and Washington, putting even more pressure on already vulnerable forests and communities.

And with wildfire season getting...


Dolly Parton Is Gone, Shaedon Sharpe Is Hurt & Oregon State Has a QB
#10
08/26/2026

The PNW Podcast covers a big mix of stories this week. We celebrate the incredible life and career of Dolly Parton following her passing at 80, look back at the music, movies, and memories that made her an icon, and discuss her lasting impact.

On the sports side, the Portland Trail Blazers take a major hit with the news that Shaedon Sharpe will miss approximately six months with a torn meniscus. Plus, the Oregon State Beavers make an interesting quarterback decision, naming a starter from a small school and giving him a chance to make a big impact.<...


Would You Hang Upside Down for $275,000?
08/24/2026

Would you hang upside down for $250,000? On this episode of the PNW Podcast, we break down the story of two of the people who were stuck upside down on an Oaks Park ride and reportedly walked away with $275,000 each—and debate whether we’d do the same for that kind of payday. We also hear from Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson on the future of the Blazers, the Moda Center, and the importance of supporting Portland, its fans, and its teams. Plus, we fire off five speedy headlines from around the Pacific Northwest to get you caught up on what...


Portland Blows Up, Seattle Takes a Gamble & Oregon Makes History
08/20/2026

It was a big day around the Pacific Northwest. We talk about the dramatic controlled explosion that sent the water tower on top of Portland’s Centennial Mills crashing down, as crews continue the demolition of the fire-damaged landmark amid questions about whether human remains may have been inside the building.

Then we head north to Seattle, where the Seahawks made a controversial move by signing cornerback Terrion Arnold despite him facing eight felony charges stemming from a kidnapping and robbery case. And finally, there’s some very good news for Oregon football fans: the Ducks opened the...


The MODA Center Meltdown
#7
08/19/2026

Drew and Marcus revisit the fallout from their conversation about the MODA Center, including the discussion about the venue having to rent equipment for larger shows and how those additional costs can impact the bottom line. Things got surprisingly heated online, with plenty of strong opinions based on a one-minute clip taken from a much longer conversation.

We break down the reactions, the assumptions, and the sometimes-wild conclusions people can make when they hear a small piece of a bigger discussion. Because what if people actually listened to the full conversation before deciding what was...


Goats, Greats & The Blazers’ Big Question
08/17/2026

Drew and Marcus dive into the latest chapter of the Portland Trail Blazers saga after Portland City Council approved a $120 million contribution toward the planned Moda Center renovation. But while the vote was a major step forward, the future is far from settled. The city’s offer sheet still has to make it through negotiations with the Blazers, and several of the proposed provisions have already been viewed by the team as non-starters.

From there, the conversation turns to one of the biggest questions in Blazers history: Is LaMarcus Aldridge a Hall of Famer? That de...


Lucy, State Rankings & A Rescue Device That Could Save Your Life
08/13/2026

This week on The PNW Podcast, we have a very special guest—and according to the host, the real star of the show: Lucy Tydeman, just days away from celebrating her 11th birthday! Lucy joins us for a fun conversation about everything from growing up in the Pacific Northwest to what she loves most about the place she calls home. It’s a candid, funny, and entertaining conversation with one of the youngest guests to ever sit behind the PNW Podcast microphone.

Then Marcus joins us for a look at the highest- and lowest-rated states in the coun...


Heart Trouble, Blazers Drama & Portland’s Influence War
#4
08/12/2026

New episode of The PNW Podcast is here!

Drew and Marcus get personal this week as Drew shares the story of an unexpected trip to the hospital after a scary issue involving his heart — what happened, what he learned, and what comes next.

Then, we turn our attention to the latest developments surrounding the Moda Center and the Portland Trail Blazers, including reports of a group in Portland paying influencers to try to sway public opinion about the situation.

What’s really happening behind the scenes? Who is shaping the...


Burgers, Football Polls and a Blazers Speed Round
08/10/2026

New episode of The PNW Podcast is here!

Portland’s Burger Week is underway, and we’re talking about the best part — $10 burgers all over town! We also dive into the release of the college football coaches poll, with multiple Northwest teams cracking the Top 25.

And we’ve got a fun one with Portland Trail Blazers play-by-play voice Travis Demers, who takes on five rapid-fire questions — no time to overthink the answers!

Good food, college football, and a little Blazers personality — all in one episode.

🎙️ New episodes ev...


The Blazers Are in the Air… And So Is the Smoke
#2
08/06/2026

In this episode of The PNW Podcast, we dive into some of the biggest conversations happening around the Pacific Northwest. We talk about the reaction to the possibility of the Portland Trail Blazers leaving Portland, the emotions surrounding the future of the team, and what it could mean for the city and its fans.

We also tackle something far too familiar around here—wildfire smoke—and how it continues to impact life in the Pacific Northwest. Plus, Drew shares a personal story that has changed the way he looks at the little things that used to drive him...


A Fight For The Blazers and Tailgate Season Is Upon Us
#1
08/04/2026

Welcome to the Pacific Northwest Podcast, where we put the microscope on everything that makes this part of the country so special.

On this episode, I sit down with Marcus Bridges to talk about the ongoing drama surrounding the Portland Trail Blazers, the Moda Center, and their lease agreement with the City of Portland. We also look ahead to the home stretch before football season, talking tailgating, college football, and some of the Oregon Ducks games we've already got circled on the schedule.

And don't forget, the Pacific Northwest Podcast is coming your way three...