Sixteen years ago, Claudia Meza made waves as the lead singer of the punk band Explode Into Colors, which achieved the notable distinction of being named “Best New Band” in Willamette Week’s pages.
Fast forward to today, Meza has transitioned from music to media and is currently making a significant impact in Portland as the host of City Cast, a podcast dedicated to covering local news and interviewing influential figures in the community.
For the past three years, City Cast has positioned itself as a refreshing alternative to the often bleak headlines found in local publications like Willamette Week, The Oregonian, or on Oregon Public Broadcasting.
With a mission to present news in a more relatable and enjoyable manner, Meza’s podcast has garnered a dedicated following among local politicians and city officials, many of whom tune into episodes regularly.
City Cast is not just about presenting the news; it has become a platform where challenging topics are discussed with a touch of humor and warmth.
Producers John Notarianni and Giulia Fiaoni enhance the show with insightful commentary on local issues, while Meza invites politicians to engage directly with the public.
Her approach combines tough questioning with a light-hearted tone, balancing the serious nature of political discourse with comedic moments.
Meza’s journey from the world of music to radio began in 2018 when she joined OPB, where she co-hosted and produced various shows and podcasts.
Reflecting on her musical career, Meza mentioned, “At a certain point, I didn’t have anything to say musically anymore. What brings me joy is being involved in my community.”
She gained recognition by co-hosting State of Wonder at OPB and received an Edward R. Murrow Award in 2021 for her engaging feature titled “Battle Hymns: From Founders to Today, Protest Music Is American Music.”
In 2022, Meza accepted an offer from City Cast to host the show as it expanded into Portland.
“I knew it was exactly what Portland needed,” Meza stated, highlighting the division felt among residents during a tumultuous political climate.
She emphasized the importance of community connection, noting that despite political differences, individuals would still encounter each other in everyday life, such as on bike lanes.
Bringing a sense of levity to Portland’s media landscape, Meza’s blend of humor and thought-provoking questions resonates with listeners and guests alike.
Rather than seeking out politicians to appear on the show, City Cast has seen an influx of invitations from politicians eager to join the conversation.
Notable figures, including U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden and U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, have expressed interest in being featured on the podcast.
Meza credits this shift to the show’s reputation for fairness and its ability to portray guests as relatable individuals rather than merely political figures.
Her perspective on complex issues underscores the belief that problems often stem from interconnected factors rather than a single source.
“It’s never one person’s fault—except for maybe Nazi Germany,” she quipped, underscoring the importance of considering the broader context behind local and national issues.
image source from：wweek
