“Dying for a Fight,” the new season of investigative podcast series “The Fault Line” from Somethin’ Else, in partnership with OPB and Sony Music Entertainment, premieres today.

Hosted by investigative journalist Sergio Olmos, “The Fault Line: Dying for a Fight” examines the still unsolved 2019 homicide of Sean Kealiher, a prominent face of the anti-fascist movement in Portland. As Kealiher’s mother Laura pursues answers in what has become a cold case, Olmos brings his deep knowledge of political extremism and on the ground reporting to present the harrowing accounts and detail that led up to last year’s Portland uprising and Sean’s death. The first episode is available now.

Featuring raw audio captured from the streets of Portland and exclusive interviews with key members of Portland’s political melting pot, “Dying for a Fight” presents an ‘on the ground’ feeling from the various protests and rallies leading up to several pivotal encounters between groups at the political extremes. Olmos explores how Sean’s killing, which is still unsolved, foreshadows the anti-police uprising that came just a few months later and why Portland continues to be a hotbed for political violence. He dives deep into Sean’s world, including talking to Sean’s unlikely friends Gregory and Kat McKelvey, prominent activists in the city’s Black Lives Matter movement, as they join Sean’s mother in her search for justice. “The Fault Line: Dying for a Fight” takes listeners inside the world of political protests through the people who’ve lived through these conflicts, and asks how do you get justice when you stop believing in the system?

Sergio Olmos said, “Political violence is now part of the language of American politics, whether it’s street fights between proud boys and anti-fascists or the storming of the U.S. Capitol. Heated debates are no longer confined to social media, but bleed into the streets. Extremism lives in the void of American life, a void that is growing.”

Episode 1 - The Death of Armeno Lewis - Host Sergio Olmos takes us to Portland, the epicenter of America’s culture war, and learns about the life and death of anarchist activist Sean Keahiler, led through the journey by Sean’s mom, Laura. Laura, along with many of Sean’s close friends — including an unlikely friend, Greg McKelvey, a political insider and former prominent Black Lives Matter activist — are out for justice.

The series is executive produced by Lizzie Jacobs and Grant Irving from Somethin’ Else, as well as Anna Griffin and Ryan Haas from Oregon Public Broadcasting.

Listeners can subscribe to “The Fault Line: Dying for a Fight” on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Stitcher. For more information on “Fault Line Dying for a Fight” and all other Sony Podcast shows, follow @SonyPodcasts on Twitter and Instagram.


About Sergio Olmos:

Sergio Olmos is a journalist who covers conflict and extremism. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Reuters, NPR and others.

About OPB

OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures; business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available at opb.org, on OPB Radio and OPB TV.

About Somethin’ Else:

Somethin’ Else is a leading global podcast and audio producer releasing its own podcasts as well as shows for companies such as the BBC, Netflix, Audible and Spotify. Its hit shows include David Tennant Does A Podcast With…, Cheat!, How Did We Get Here?, Something Rhymes With Purple and Power: The Maxwells. In 2020, Somethin’ Else were awarded ‘Best Network’ at the British Podcast Awards. Somethin’ Else is a Sony Music Entertainment company.

About Sony Music Podcasts

Sony Music Podcasts is a division of Sony Music Entertainment, a global leader in audio at the intersection of music, podcasting, entertainment and technology. Through our diverse global partnerships with leading creators and our team of sales, marketing and business development professionals, Sony Music Podcasts uses our core strengths to help the podcast community achieve greater levels of success. In alignment with our creator-first philosophy, we drive impactful storytelling through compelling content everywhere.