The Mining Vault is the official podcast of Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days, hosted by Matthew Hewlett and featuring voices from across Cottage Grove. This series digs deep into the town's legacy through history, storytelling, art, music, family, folklore, and the passionate people keeping tradition alive. Tune in as we explore the past—and what it means for our future.
Published: Monday, June 2, 2025
In this special episode of The Mining Vault, host Matthew Hewlett sits down with David DeRienzo, President of Community Television of Lane County (CTV) and longtime filmmaker. Together, they explore David's roots in cinema, his unexpected journey from Hollywood sets to Eugene’s local film scene, and how CTV is working to reignite Oregon’s filmmaking spirit. From behind-the-scenes stories on Dexter and Burn Notice to launching pre-production bootcamps and a future Eugene Film Festival, this conversation dives deep into the untapped potential of local film. If you care about storytelling, community, and reviving the region’s cinematic legacy, this is an episode you won't want to miss.To learn more about CTV, head over to: https://ctv29.org/
Published: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
In this heartwarming and humor-filled episode, Matthew Hewlett sits down with Tom Perkins, Program Director of South Valley Athletics, to discuss the deep roots of kids' sports in Cottage Grove and their vital role in developing confidence, leadership, and life skills. From childhood memories in Drain to building programs that get kids off devices and back into the community, Tom shares stories, laughs, and the passion that fuels SVA’s mission. Plus, hear about their upcoming summer programs and the basketball skills competition at Bohemia Mining Days!
Published: Friday, May 16, 2025
In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode, host Matthew Hewlett sits down with Cottage Grove native and entertainment coordinator Bradly Shepherd to explore the intersections of art, music, faith, evolution, and technology. From childhood memories and musical roots to reflections on dinosaurs, the flood, and where humanity might be headed, this conversation covers both the deep and the light-hearted — including a serious take on Barney the Dinosaur. Whether you're rooted in belief, science, or somewhere in between, this episode invites listeners to think, laugh, and engage with the big questions in a down-to-earth way.
Published: Friday, May 9, 2025
In this laugh-filled episode of The Mining Vault, Matthew Hewlett is joined by Steve Cross and Michael Brennan for a deep dive into the quirky, colorful, and sometimes criminal history of Cottage Grove. From Michael’s adventures playing music in Greece, to the 10-year legacy of the Poetry Peddler Project, to the unbelievable true (and slightly fictionalized) tales of Bohemia Johnson and Bohemia Sharp—this episode explores it all. The trio also revisits their comedic stage production, The Ballad of Bohemia, featuring a hilarious live reading of Bohemia Sharp’s ridiculous school board campaign speech. With local stories about Main Street being paved with gold and reflections on what makes Cottage Grove’s community truly special, this is one for the history books…and the fridge door.
Published: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
In Episode 4 of The Mining Vault, I sit down with my uncle Roger Leach—lifelong Metallica fan, founder of the Orion Trail fan club, and son of Don Leach, a key figure in the founding of the Fort Umpqua Muzzleloaders. We dive deep into the music that shaped a generation, the old-time skills that kept traditions alive, and the lessons passed from father to son. From heavy metal to black powder rifles, this episode is a journey through legacy, passion, and the enduring importance of guidance in raising the next generation.
Published: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
In this lively and heartfelt episode of The Mining Vault, host Matthew Hewlett welcomes back Dylan Fix for a creative dive into Cottage Grove’s artistic legacy. They chat about the return of the Bohemia Mining Days Art Show, the impact of Matthew’s great-great-grandmother Ruth Simmons—a beloved local painter and art teacher—and the everyday magic of making art, whether it’s with melted soap or a hair dryer-powered forge. From DIY metal casting and anime nostalgia to cryptids like Serpent Sam and Colossal Claude, this episode blends personal stories, Oregon folklore, and a passionate defense of art (and AI). Whether you're a painter, filmmaker, or just someone trying to keep your sanity with a hobby, this one's for you.
Published: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Matthew Hewlett and Dylan Fix dive into their long-standing friendship, exploring their shared passion for filmmaking, Star Wars, and creative arts. They discuss the importance of community events like Bohemia Mining Days, the value of cosplay and costume-making as a creative outlet for youth.
Published: Saturday, April 5, 2025
In the debut of The Mining Vault, hosts Matthew Hewlett and Paul Hale explore the roots of Bohemia Mining Days — from its 1935 beginnings to its revival in 1959 and the enduring traditions that followed. They share stories behind the Miners’ Breakfast, the history of the festival, plus their own memories of what makes BMD so special. Dive into the legacy, laughter, and local pride that keeps Cottage Grove’s favorite festival alive.
Published: Friday, March 28, 2025
In this teaser episode, get a first listen to The Mining Vault, a Spirit of Bohemia Mining Days podcast. Discover what’s in store as we dig into local history, celebrate community traditions, and share the voices of the people who shaped Cottage Grove — past and present. This is where the stories live.