In the first interview session, conducted on May 11, 2011, Gutwig discusses his family background and early life in the Parkrose neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, including his father’s career as a drywall finisher and union involvement in Painters Local 10. He talks about his early journalism career, including his experiences working for his high school newspaper as a reporter and editor; and job shadowing with Gene Klare of the Oregon Labor Press, now the Northwest Labor Press.