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The Eastern Oregon Connection

The Eastern Oregon Connection

By Ryan Smith

Ryan Smith and Shannon Hartley host the Eastern Oregon Connection, a show celebrating small town community, and highlighting the people that make it great. They talk with local business owners, nonprofits, city leaders, farmers, and a host of other interesting people. Join them for some personal stories, laughs, local news and events, and an all-around good time.
Currently playing episode

Dean Fouquette

The Eastern Oregon ConnectionMar 08, 2022

00:00
01:03:36
#26 Cold Plunges

#26 Cold Plunges

Cold plunging is all the rage these days. Ryan, Blake, and Shannon talk through their thoughts on the physical and mental health benefits as well as the different approaches to get results. Thanks for joining us!

Feb 24, 202420:58
#25 - Book Recommendations

#25 - Book Recommendations

Blake and Ryan dive in to some of their favorite fiction and non-fiction books recommendations as well as answer how long you should give a book before you lose interest and put it down.

Feb 03, 202423:32
#24 - Diet and Exercise - ask a Physical Therapist
Jan 26, 202421:25
#23 - 2024 Goal Setting (mini)
Jan 17, 202420:34
#22 - Grit, Setting Your Aim, Posture, and Original Thought
Jan 10, 202458:26
#21 - Traditions, Values, Image, and a hot take on metabolism

#21 - Traditions, Values, Image, and a hot take on metabolism

Blake, Shannon and Ryan kick off the discussion with questions about traditions and their role in our lives. We explore values, habits, and more. Don't miss Blake's hot take on misconceptions surrounding metabolism.

Jan 04, 202450:53
#20 Rucking with Guest Alex Lorenz

#20 Rucking with Guest Alex Lorenz

This week Blake, Ryan, and Shannon are joined by guest Alex Lorenz who shares about his passion for rucking, a low-impact workout based on military training that includes walking while carrying extra weight.

Nov 25, 202301:09:17
#19 Born For Such a Time as This
Nov 08, 202301:29:57
Ellie McBride

Ellie McBride

Ellie McBride is an Oregon native that has traveled around Europe, among other adventures. She currently resides in Belfast, United Kingdom with her husband, a native to Ireland. We were fortunate enough to have a discussion during her most recent visit to Pendleton.

We highlight Ellie's business Calibrated Concepts, which can help business owners with a variety of online services including website builds, website improvements, and other services that help streamline processes, saving time and money. We encourage listeners to checkout Ellie's free quiz here, which we also discuss on the podcast.

Listeners will appreciate Ellie's candid discussions about mental health, traveling, passion in her work, and much more.


This podcast is supported by Blue Mountain Community College

Oct 18, 202301:20:41
#18 - Really heavy, then really light
Oct 07, 202301:19:11
Curran Holdman
Sep 15, 202302:03:09
#17 - The Great Resignation, and Other Workforce Topics
Sep 13, 202353:40
#16 - Carnivore Diet, House Projects and Hawaii
Sep 08, 202342:26
#15 - Field to table, Hunting, Asking for help, and More
Aug 30, 202358:15
#14 - Word associations, dreams, and a couple book recommendations
Aug 23, 202301:01:55
Bret Carter - Family, Faith, and Exploring What Matters
Aug 20, 202301:30:48
#13 - Relationships, mental health, and some fun with time travel

#13 - Relationships, mental health, and some fun with time travel

Ryan and Blaine pair up to bring a conversation that opens with time travel and physics, and segues into more tangible topics like relationships, mental health, and more.

Aug 09, 202301:15:30
#12 From Birth to Death, with Stops in-Between

#12 From Birth to Death, with Stops in-Between

The four of us record together as we celebrate the birth of Shannon and family's newest member. This conversation starts with infancy and living with a newborn and extends to end of life with thoughts on eulogies and what constitutes a life well lived. Blake shares thoughtful quotes along the way, and we touch on specialization vs. jack of all trades mentality.

Aug 02, 202359:49
#11 Turning Over the Label

#11 Turning Over the Label

Blaine, Ryan, and Blake discuss how money can heavily impact messaging to society, the importance of having common ground conversations and our addiction to screens and how to battle it. They also answer Blaine's question of whether or not there are conversations they are willing to have on the podcast now that they wouldn't have previously.

Jul 27, 202356:41
Jeff Hamilton - Pendleton Parks & Recreation
Jul 13, 202301:15:29
#10 Baby Names, Nighttime Routines, and "I'll Show You" motivation.

#10 Baby Names, Nighttime Routines, and "I'll Show You" motivation.

It's a duo this week as Blaine and Shannon have a 1-on-1 conversation surrounding selecting baby names, nighttime routines, and the importance of having "I'll show them" motivation. Listen in!

Jul 13, 202301:14:21
#9 Substance Dependency / Finding Middle Ground When Processing

#9 Substance Dependency / Finding Middle Ground When Processing

In episode 9 of ChapPDT the entire crew discusses dependency on substances and finding a balanced homeostasis. Blake then poses the question of finding middle ground in relationships through times of heavy processing. We finish with some fantastic poop stories that you won't want to miss!

Jun 29, 202301:04:23
#8 Work and the Role It Plays in Our Lives

#8 Work and the Role It Plays in Our Lives

In this episode of ChatPDT the entire crew (Blaine phones in) talks about the role work plays in our lives. We answer the question: If you could could go back in time and change anything about your educational path, would you and why? We also touch on our relationship with mentorship and its importance in our lives.

Jun 16, 202358:23
EO Think Tank #7

EO Think Tank #7

We're back for another edition of EO Think Tank. Highlights from this conversation include:

-Inheritance, transition of wealth, and relationships.

-Burnout and remedies to keep it at bay.

-Maintaining friendships in life's changing seasons.

May 22, 202356:47
EO Think Tank #6

EO Think Tank #6

In our sixth recording of "EO Think Tank," we take a deep dive. Topics include:

-Blaine's appreciation for civic duty, which is why Blake makes an early departure.

-Artificial Intelligence: why many are calling for a 6-month pause, and other potential concerns.

-Predicaments in government, including the inability to communicate and move the needle.

-Why term limits and removing money from politics would resolve many issues.

May 13, 202301:08:11
EO Think Tank #5

EO Think Tank #5

Shannon, Blake, and Blaine are in the studio for another edition of the EO Think Tank.

It's not investment advice, but money is a big piece of this week's discussion. Questions include:

What's the balance between "live your life" and frugality?

How to take the long view, and what forms of investment make the most sense?

What is the impact of inflation and other large-scale factors?

Finally, concluding with thoughts on the changing seasons and perspective.

May 05, 202356:48
EO Think Tank #4

EO Think Tank #4

Ryan, Blaine, and Blake are back in studio for another edition of the "EO Think Tank." Some highlights include:

Blake's RPE concept, and how it applies to fitness and life.

Our outsourcing of everything, food as one major example.

How Blaine is an expert forager in the grocery store.

Why Ryan believes that hunting and fishing is one of the greatest ways to combat our "outsource everything" lifestyle.


Apr 28, 202356:04
EO Think Tank #3
Apr 21, 202301:34:44
EO Think Tank #2

EO Think Tank #2

Shannon, Blaine, and Ryan get together for the second recording of the "EO Think Tank."

What begins with small talk weaves its way into meaningful and thought-provoking topics.

This recording ranges from coaching youth sports to greater dilemmas we face as a society.

Everything is up for discussion in our collective pursuit of the best path forward.

Apr 14, 202301:34:02
ChatPDT: an EO Think Tank #1

ChatPDT: an EO Think Tank #1

Born from the roots of The Eastern Oregon Connection podcast, this recording is a shift from our traditional interview style episodes.

Ryan, Shannon, Blaine and Blake get together regularly to learn, motivate, inspire, and grow. We cover a wide variety of topics in our collective pursuit of meaningful conversation.

We decided to fire up the mics and share with you, enjoy!

Apr 07, 202301:24:16
Karlee Wallace

Karlee Wallace

A longtime personal friend, Karlee Wallace is a "Recruitment and Retention Champion" for The Oregon Department of Human Services, Child Welfare.

For those who don't know Karlee, you'll be hard pressed to find a person with a bigger heart. We'll cover Resource Families, the Foster Care system, and much more!

Feb 06, 202301:09:23
Dwight Johnson - Pendleton Warming Station
Jan 09, 202301:20:33
Year 1 Recap with Ryan and Shannon

Year 1 Recap with Ryan and Shannon

Ryan and Shannon recall big conversations and inspirations from year 1 guests. They also paint a picture of The Eastern Oregon Connection's future. Happy Holidays friends!

Dec 22, 202201:03:50
Jordan Hillmick

Jordan Hillmick

Jordan Hillmick is five years into the head coaching role for BMCC's Women's Soccer team (among other duties). A humble leader that has established a culture of hard work, team chemistry, and chasing more than wins on the Soccer field. Our hats are off in respect!

Dec 12, 202201:24:45
Jack Remillard

Jack Remillard

Jack Remillard is a true "Jack of all trades." Hear stories of his adventures as a Navy Seabee while stationed in remote Adak, Alaska, and earning bronze in the All-Navy shooting competition. Jack's roots are in Eastern Oregon and he talks about his involvement with the Old Iron Show and The Heritage Station Museum.

Old Iron Show link: https://travelpendleton.com/pendleton-events/old-iron-show/

Nov 28, 202201:54:00
Shannon Hartley

Shannon Hartley

Join our intimate conversation of life to this point, from our co-host Shannon's perspective.

Shannon talks about his experience growing up in Pendleton, dating his now wife, Jenny, long-distance for four years during college, and plenty more about life.

Nov 14, 202202:01:03
Shelby Matthews

Shelby Matthews

Don't miss Shelby's Buti Yoga fundraiser on Saturday, October 22nd at 5:30 PM. Wear your Halloween attire to the Jr. Jam Dance Studio at 435 SE 1st in Pendleton. Donation only in support of the Doherty family, whose son Ronan is battling Leukemia.

Shelby Matthews was born and raised in Pendleton, and aside from her rock n roll vibes, you'd recognize her as an athlete who helped lead Rhythmic Mode to several state titles throughout her tenure. You will enjoy hearing Shelby's passion for moving her body, and loving her family and community, which is now rooted in Heppner.

Oct 17, 202259:46
JJ Hill
Oct 10, 202202:12:33
Blake Franklin
Sep 12, 202258:31
John Pahlow
Aug 29, 202258:47
Ryan Manning

Ryan Manning

Recorded from the Umatilla County Fair, tune in for a great conversation with Ryan Manning. We'll cover family life, bull fighting, disc golf, and much more.

Aug 12, 202256:21
Chance Norquist

Chance Norquist

Born and raised in Pilot Rock, Chance Norquist is the founder of Goat Window Cleaning. We'll talk about his journey as a new entrepreneur. We'll also talk about sports, family, and more.

Aug 01, 202259:06
Kaley Cope

Kaley Cope

Kaley Cope is the Communications Coordinator for Pendleton Parks and Recreation. She loves horses, good food, and engaging with the local community. We'll talk about Kaley's path to Pendleton, some of the great events put on by Parks and Recreation, and some exciting ideas for the future.

Jul 18, 202201:02:24
Mitch Thompson
Jul 06, 202255:16
Tanner Carey

Tanner Carey

This episode contains language and adult content, please listen at your discretion.

Tanner Carey is a Firefighter/Paramedic for the City of Pendleton. He's also trying his hand at standup comedy. Tune in for stories that will take you through laughs, hardship, and the value of having the right people around you.

Jun 27, 202201:28:39
Marty Campbell

Marty Campbell

Marty Campbell's roles include Rodeo Announcer, Agriculture Teacher and Cowboy Church Minister, just to name a few. Join us in a conversation that includes chasing your passion, fun rodeo stories near and far, hard work and its great rewards.

Jun 13, 202201:21:47
Blaine Clooten

Blaine Clooten

Blaine Clooten is a local attorney at Clooten Law, LLC. He also hosts a podcast and YouTube channel, both titled "Ask a Lawyer." Join our conversation which covers some fun legal questions, work life balance, and what makes our community a great place to live.

May 30, 202201:39:59
Bob Stangier

Bob Stangier

Bob Stangier is a WWII veteran, pilot, entrepreneur, former Pendleton Roundup director, and lifetime Pendleton resident. We discuss his courageous military service, growing up in Pendleton, the Pendleton Air Museum and so much more.

May 15, 202201:25:52
Peter Wordelman

Peter Wordelman

Peter Wordelman is a music professor at Eastern Oregon University. Our discussion includes Peter's path to EOU, music, golf, and so much more. Join us for a conversation with a man who loves his students and community and has made a life from music.

May 02, 202201:21:01
Chris Thatcher

Chris Thatcher

Chris Thatcher is the area director for Young Life. He wears many hats including father, husband and track coach. We cover his experience living in Pendleton, the value of Young Life, and more.

Apr 18, 202233:15