The former Republican nominee for governor discusses public policy and his perceived economic threats of a Democratic state administration.

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Oregon's Republican gubernatorial nominee in 2016, Bud Pierce, has introduced a new podcast with a foreboding theme: Democrats' spending under the Gov. Kate Brown administration could contribute to an economic crisis.

Pierce, a physician in Salem, has dubbed the podcast, Oregon Crossroads, because he believes the state is at a crossroads in public policy.

"When government takes too much of the people's hard-earned money, there is not enough left for innovation and entrepreneurship," Pierce wrote in an introduction Jan. 16 on his website.

"In this forum, Oregon Crossroads, we will have honest discussions about the problems that we face and how we can solve them."

The first episode released on YouTube Jan. 21 is a conversation with Jim Bernau, chair and founder of Willamette Valley Vineyards, about how public policy affects the state's wine industry.

The interview takes place in front of a fireplace and a large stash of Pinot Noir. Pierce opens the conversation by disclosing his bias toward wine (He is a member of the Willamette Valley Vineyards wine club).

"Oregon is a great homegrown story, but it wouldn't have been possible without the policy to support it," Bernau said.