Back To Basics Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich sits down with Jana Jarvis, President and CEO of the Oregon Trucking Associations. With over two decades of public policy experience and deep Oregon roots, Jana shares how a respect for the trucking industry—and the people behind the wheel—drives smarter, more effective transportation policy. From keeping supply chains strong to advocating for common-sense solutions, this is a conversation about the roads that connect Oregon and the policies that keep them moving. Tune in!

On this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich sits down with HD 32 Representative, Cyrus Javadi. Cyrus is a practicing dentist and a licensed pilot who brings a hands-on perspective and common sense solutions to rural Oregon. Hear how his background and time in Salem has driven his fight for our state! 

On this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich sits down with John Horvick, a top pollster from DHM Research. John’s data reveals what Oregonians care about most—housing, safety, and less red tape—straight from small towns to big cities. Hear how his insights can help simplify government and deliver real results for voters across the state. Tune in for a grounded, voter-first conversation!

Join Jeff Helfrich on Back to Basics as he talks with Kevin Barton, Washington County DA. From tackling crime to rolling out smart reforms, Kevin shares how he’s kept Washington County one of Oregon’s safest places by focusing on the fundamentals—law enforcement that prioritizes community safety and accountability. This episode dives into real, voter-friendly solutions for a stronger Oregon. Tune in and join the conversation!

On this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich welcomes Rep. Ed Diehl of House District 17, covering rural Marion, Linn, and Benton Counties. From his sawmilling family in Plains, Montana, to founding a 100-employee tech company and serving Scio since his 2022 election, Ed shares how his engineering grit and rural values drive his fight for simpler government. This episode is about real solutions for small towns, straight from the heart of Oregon. Tune in for a voter-first conversation!

Oregon’s biggest industry is on the brink of collapse — not because of weather or demand, but because trial lawyers found a loophole. Now, outdoor rec businesses are being sued out of existence, and insurance companies are pulling out of the state. House Bill 3140 is a simple fix to stop the bleeding and save our $17 billion outdoor recreation industry. Jeff Helfrich sits down with Mount Hood Meadows CEO Matthew Drake to explain what’s going on — and why we need to act fast.

On this episode of Back to Basics, Jeff Helfrich sits down with Rep. Greg Smith of House District 57, Eastern Oregon’s voice and Oregon’s longest-serving legislator. From his Portland birth and Gresham upbringing to calling Heppner home, Greg shares how his small business grit and 24 years in Salem drive his fight for rural Oregon. This episode is about simplifying government and delivering real results for small towns. Tune in for a voter-first conversation!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.