What does it mean to be born in America—and can a president take that away? In this episode of Waxing Confidential, Steve Wax unpacks the Supreme Court’s ruling in Trump v. CASA, a case that may gut the power of federal courts and put birthright citizenship at risk. We explore the dangerous legal gamesmanship at play, the rise of a patchwork nation, and why this decision may be a turning point for American democracy.

The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.

What happens when a prison reform panel becomes a performative stall tactic? In this episode, we break down why the Oregon Justice Resource Center made the difficult decision to step away from Governor Kotek’s advisory panel on women’s prison reform. After two years of ignored recommendations, performative meetings, and worsening conditions inside Coffee Creek, we ask: is Oregon really serious about change—or just managing the optics?

The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.

Bobbin and Steve Wax unpack Trump’s federalization of the National Guard and the deployment of the Marines to LA, exposing the legal overreach, historical echoes, and chilling consequences of this show of force.

The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.

Steve's journey through the South! This week on Trail Blazing Justice, we catch up with Steve Wax on the road, as part of our Waxing Confidential series.

Steve shares his recent tour through the South, reflecting on powerful visits to the Legacy Museum, Rosa Parks Museum, and other historical sites. We hear his vivid memories from the 1960s alongside sharp insights into how the past connects to today’s battles over history, education, and justice. It’s a moving, personal journey through a landscape still shaped by resistance, trauma, and resilience.

The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.

What happens when drone surveillance and DNA collection laws quietly expand under the radar? In this episode of Trailblazing Justice, we break down two alarming bills in the Oregon legislature—one that loosens restrictions on warrantless drone use, and another that allows police to collect DNA from people merely arrested, not convicted. With bipartisan support pushing these bills forward, Bobbin and Zach expose the troubling implications for civil rights, transparency, and government overreach.

The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.

Is it possible to meaningfully challenge solitary? In this episode, Bobbin, Mark, Julia, and Zach peel back the layers of Oregon’s opaque grievance processes, Supreme Court rulings, and procedural roadblocks that leave those incarcerated with almost no recourse to contest their placement in isolation. Tune in as we trace the history, legal hurdles, and ongoing reform efforts aimed at shining a spotlight on—and ultimately curbing (abolishing!!)—the use of solitary confinement in Oregon.

The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.

What should you do if you are engaged by law enforcement when you are on the street? In this episode of Trail Blazing Justice, co-director of the Oregon Innocence Project Kenneth Kreuscher explains the rules for safely asserting your rights and understanding your risks with these three rules: don't trust, don't talk, don't consent. Whether you're a protester, non-citizen, or just someone who wants to understand how to navigate law enforcement interactions, this conversation breaks it down.

The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.

What if your right to challenge an unjust imprisonment was the last line of defense against authoritarian rule? In this episode, we trace the ancient roots and modern battles over habeas corpus—from medieval England to Guantanamo Bay, to present-day America—uncovering how this vital legal safeguard is under renewed threat. As political leaders hint at suspending it under dubious claims of “invasion” or “insurrection,” this episode raises an urgent warning: democracy may hinge on whether we protect this fundamental right.

The Trail Blazing Justice podcast is a production of the Oregon Justice Resource Center.