A Punk Icon on Portland’s Identity Crisis
A while back, a bumper sticker made its way around town: “Fred & Toody, Not Fred & Carrie!” In the most classic (passive-aggressive) Portland way, it pointed out the schism that Portlandia (with Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein) had created between some old Portlanders and the new ones. Fred and Toody Cole were the husband and wife duo behind the legendary Portland rock band Dead Moon, active in the Portland music scene since the 1960s. If anyone is able to give advice to a city going through another recalibration of what’s important, it’ll be Toody (Fred passed in 2017). She talks with host Claudia Meza about the golden days of DIY Portland and how she’s kept it all going.
Want more on Dead Moon? Check out this great PDX Monthly article.
Looking for more stories? Sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Portland and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
The County’s Tick Warning, and PGE Wants Data Centers to Pay More. Plus, Mailbag!
We're talking about the uptick in ticks in Portland, according to Multnomah County health officials, and a proposed 29% electricity rate...

Portland's $3.6M Pothole, Cuts to County Homelessness Programs, and Travel Oregon Gets a Cheaper Boss
Today, we're talking about a record-breaking payout for damage caused by a Portland pothole, the deep cuts in Multnomah County’s $4 billi...

Why TriMet Is Slashing $64.5 Million, Free Summer Bus to Forest Park, Plus Albina’s 94-Acre Resurrection
We're talking about the free shuttle bus service to the Zoo and Forest Park coming this summer, and the major cuts coming to TriMet servi...

'Your City Could Be Better': How Las Vegas Saves More Water Than Any Other City — Presented By City Cast Portland
Portland recycles some of its water, but not as much as Las Vegas, where the water there stays in the city. How else could a desert city...

The Portland Fire Is on Fire, Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against a Local Spiritual Leader, and Do You Doughnut?
In honor of National Donut Day, we're looking into Portland's reputation as a doughnut town and sharing our favorite — and least favorite...

Patagonia vs. a Bend Drag Queen, AI in School, and Utility Rates Go Up
Today, we're talking about Patagonia's fight with a Bend drag queen, Portland Public Schools' new AI handbook, and our utility bills risi...

Oregon Strawberry Varieties You Need To Eat This Season
We’re taste testing our way through some of Oregon’s sweetest strawberries, and learning some new fun facts along the way. Like, did you...

How to Get Free Drinks at PDX, Longview Paper Mill Disaster’s Local Impact, Surprising Data on SNAP Recipients
We're talking about a new business at PDX airport that's offering a pretty cool perk to investors, the local impact of the Longview chemi...

Your Guide to June 2026 in Portland
Whether you’re enjoying a full week of eating strawberry shortcake or joining in on an LCD Soundsystem–themed group bike ride, June is of...

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Portland
Where would Portland be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just t...

