PODCAST · news
Bend Don't Break
by The Source
Podcasts powered by The Source, a weekly newspaper in beautiful Bend, Oregon.
Episodes
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Bend Don't Break: Dennis McGregor, Artist, Musician, and Children's Book Author
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dennis McGregor, Artist, Musician, and Children's Book Author. Dennis reflects on his journey from performing music in Southern California to building a creative life in Sisters, Oregon. He shares how an opportunity to create a poster for the...
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Bend Don't Break: Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon
In this episode The Point's Louise Kaplan and host Aaron Switzer sit down with Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon. Kotek reflects on nearly four years leading the state and discusses her administration's work on housing, homelessness, economic development, education, trade, and public services. The...
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Bend Don't Break: Dave Flier, Creator of The Rockin' Dave Experience
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dave Flier, Creator of The Rockin' Dave Experience. Known to many in Central Oregon as Rockin' Dave, Flier is a Midwest raised culinary school graduate and the former owner and operator of Rockin' Dave's Bistro and Backstage Lounge. He shares the...
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Bend Don't Break: Selin Sevinç, Bend Film Festival Programming Director
Aaron sits down with Selin Sevinç, Managing Director of Programming and Artistic Vision at the Bend Film Festival, for a special festival edition of Bend Don't Break. Selin shares what goes into building the festival, highlights this year's featured filmmakers, discusses new and returning venues,...
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Bend Don't Break: Sarah Peterson, Founder and Executive Director of Clear Morning
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Sarah Peterson, Founder and Executive Director of Clear Morning. Sarah is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, educator, podcaster, and longtime Central Oregon resident whose work focuses on grief, self awareness, relationships, and…
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Bend Don't Break: Carly Colgan, CEO of Bend Redmond Habitat for Humanity
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Carly Colgan, CEO of Bend Redmond Habitat for Humanity. Carly shares her path from studying biology in Illinois to serving in AmeriCorps after Hurricane Katrina, leading Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Colorado and Washington, and ultimately...
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Bend Don't Break: Keith Sherrill, Small Business Management Coordinator, COCC SBDC
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Keith Sherrill, Small Business Management Coordinator at the COCC Small Business Development Center. A veteran, educator, entrepreneur, and former U.S. Army Ranger and special operations aviator, Keith shares his journey from military service and...
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Bend Don't Break: Bree Beal, Executive Director of BEAT Children's Theatre
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Bree Beal, Executive Director of BEAT Children's Theatre. Bree shares her journey from a childhood immersed in theater to studying history, working in the title industry, and ultimately returning to her passion through nonprofit leadership. She...
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Bend Don't Break: Fiona Noonan, Wildlands and Water Program Manager
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Fiona Noonan, Wildlands and Water Program Manager. Fiona works with Central Oregon LandWatch to protect forests, wildlife habitat, and water resources across Central Oregon. A landscape ecologist with experience in climate planning, land…
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Bend Don't Break: Alisa Dunlap, Pacific Power's Regional Business Manager for Central Oregon
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Alisa Dunlap, Pacific Power's Regional Business Manager for Central Oregon. With a background in political science, government affairs, public policy, and utility planning, Dunlap shares how her career evolved from health care policy work at OHSU…
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Bend Don’t Break: Jeff Curtis, Executive Director of the Deschutes County Fair
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Jeff Curtis, Executive Director of the Deschutes County Fair. Curtis recently stepped into the role after leading the Alaska State Fair and spending nearly two decades as CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. With more than 30 years of...
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Bend Don't Break: Beau Eastes, Marketing Director at Old Mill District & Hayden Homes Amphitheater
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Beau Eastes, Marketing Director at Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater. Beau shares his journey from journalism in Kansas, Oregon, and Utah to marketing leadership in Central Oregon. He reflects on his years at The Bulletin, his...
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Bend Don't Break: Dr Travis Allen, Executive Director of the Central Oregon Symphony Association
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dr Travis Allen, Executive Director of the Central Oregon Symphony Association. A Bend native, cellist, educator, and arts leader, Dr Allen shares his journey from studying cello performance and musicology to returning home to build a career in...
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Bend Don't Break: Scott Rowles, Founder and Lead Educational Therapist of Potentia Academics
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Scott Rowles, Founder and Lead Educational Therapist of Potentia Academics. Scott is a licensed teacher and certified professional educational therapist who has worked in local public schools and at Central Oregon Community College. Through his...
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Bend Don’t Break: Phil Chang, Deschutes County Commissioner
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Phil Chang, Deschutes County Commissioner, to explore a pivotal moment for local leadership as the county prepares to welcome a new wave of commissioners. Phil reflects on his role stepping into senior leadership, the outcomes of…
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Kirk Schueler, President and CEO of Brooks Resources Corporation
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Kirk Schueler, President and CEO of Brooks Resources Corporation, to explore the evolution of Bend through the lens of one of its most influential developers. Kirk shares his journey from a career in accounting and auditing to...
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Bend Don’t Break: Emerson Levy, Oregon State Representative, House District 53
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Oregon State Representative Emerson Levy, an attorney, educator, and public servant representing House District 53. Emerson shares how her work is grounded in community input—from tackling lithium battery fires at local landfills…
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Bend Don’t Break: Shanan Kelley, Writer, Emcee, Auctioneer, and Comedian
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Shanan Kelley, writer, emcee, auctioneer, and comedian whose heart‑centered humor has made her a cornerstone of Central Oregon’s nonprofit and creative communities. Shanan shares how she built a unique career blending storytelling,...
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Bend Don’t Break: Peter Franc, Executive Director of Ballet Bend
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Peter Franc, executive director of Ballet Bend, to talk about his journey from a young dancer in Atlanta to performing and leading at the highest levels of professional ballet. Peter shares how his early training, international...
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Bend Don’t Break: Keith Witcosky, Redmond City Manager
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Keith Witcosky, City Manager of Redmond, to talk about what it really means to guide a fast growing Central Oregon city through change. From overseeing a 150 million dollar budget and a regional airport to navigating water...
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Bend Don't Break: Meagan Iverson, Sunriver Music Festival Executive Director
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Meagan Iverson, Executive Director of the Sunriver Music Festival, to talk about music as a vehicle for community, connection, and care in Central Oregon. Meagan shares her path from growing up in Southern Oregon to leading one of...
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Bend Don’t Break: David Bermudez, Executive Director of Bend Science Station
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with David Bermudez, executive director and founder of Bend Science Station, to talk about curiosity, critical thinking, and what it really means to learn science. David shares his journey from teaching at Sunriver Prep to launching a...
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Bend Don’t Break: Jason Stein, Executive Director of Opera Bend
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Jason Stein, Executive Director of Opera Bend, to talk about building and sustaining an opera company in Central Oregon. Jason shares his journey from studying acting in New York City and performing on major stages to putting down...
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Bend Don't Break: Clayton Franke, Reporter for LIOF
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Clayton Franke, reporter for the Lay It Out Foundation and The Source, to talk about local journalism, community accountability, and what it means to report from the inside of a rapidly changing city. Clayton shares his path from...
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Bend Don’t Break: Casey Andrews, Executive Director for COTA (Central Oregon Trail Alliance)
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Casey Andrews, Executive Director of Central Oregon Trail Alliance, to talk about stewardship, public lands, and the people who make Central Oregon’s trail system possible. Casey shares her path from working in national parks and...
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Bend Don’t Break: Selin Sevinç, Managing Director at Bend Film Festival
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Selin Sevinç, Managing Director of Programming and Artistic Vision at Bend Film Festival, to explore her journey from Istanbul to Bend and her lifelong devotion to storytelling. Selin shares how she moved through the film world as…
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PREVIEW: Bend Into Balance
In this special preview on the Bend Don’t Break feed, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Adriana Mariño to introduce Bend Into Balance, a new podcast exploring fitness, wellness, and the stories that shape a healthier Bend. In this short conversation, Aaron and Adriana talk about why this new…
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Casey Munck, Regional Director for NAMI Central Oregon
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Casey Munck, Regional Director of NAMI Central Oregon, to explore the evolving landscape of mental health support in our region. Casey shares her journey from a fast‑paced tech career to deeply meaningful grassroots work, guided by...
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Grand Craft Bend: Ryan Atagi, Head Brewer at Crux Fermentation Project
In this episode, we meet Crux Fermentation Project's head brewer, Ryan Atagi. While Japanese lagers (or rice lagers) are gaining steam, Atagi's Japanese heritage brings something extra to Crux's Bochi Bochi lager and an array of other beers including a new dark Japanese lager he created in...
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Bend Don't Break: Holly McCown Harris, Health Services Director for Deschutes County
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Holly McCown Harris, Health Services Director for Deschutes County, to explore the realities of providing public and behavioral health care in a rapidly growing region. Holly shares her journey from juvenile probation work in rural...
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Peter Madsen, Investigative and Features Reporter for the Lay It Out Foundation
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Peter Madsen, an investigative and features reporter supported by the Lay It Out Foundation. Peter shares his journey from writing for Vice and Thrasher in New York City to becoming one of Central Oregon’s most prolific…
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Bend Don't Break: Melissa Steele, Deputy Fire Marshal of Wildfire Preparedness for Bend Fire & Rescue
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Melissa Steele, Deputy Fire Marshal for Wildfire Preparedness at Bend Fire and Rescue. Melissa brings more than two decades of experience in firefighting and prevention, including years with Cal Fire during the devastating...
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Kat Mastrangelo, Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Kat Mastrangelo, Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine, a free clinic serving uninsured adults across Central Oregon. Kat shares her journey from a career in health policy and hospital administration to leading an...
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Bend Don't Break: Greg Pereira, President of COCC
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dr. Greg Pereira, the seventh president of Central Oregon Community College. Greg shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Clackamas to leading one of Oregon’s most respected colleges. His career path spans work in...
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Bend Don't Break: Todd Dunkelberg, Director of the Deschutes County Libraries
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Todd Dunkelberg, Director of the Deschutes Public Library and unexpected TikTok sensation. Todd shares his journey from graduating in library science at the University of Texas to leading one of Oregon’s most dynamic library...
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Bend Don't Break: Michael Gesme, Conductor of the Central Oregon Symphony and Professor at COCC
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Michael Gesme, conductor of the Central Oregon Symphony and longtime professor at COCC, as he prepares to retire after 30 years of shaping the region’s classical music scene. Michael reflects on his journey from the Midwest to...
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Bend Don't Break: Katy Brooks, City of Bend’s Economic Development Officer
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer reconnects with Katy Brooks, now serving as Bend’s Economic Development Officer, to talk about her shift from Chamber CEO to city strategist. Katy shares her vision for supporting small businesses, improving infrastructure, and making Bend more...
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Bend Don't Break: Cyrus Mooney, City of Bend Business Advocate
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron sits down with Cyrus Mooney, Business Development Manager for the City of Bend, whose path from student affairs to civic leadership reflects a deep commitment to service and connection. With roots in Sherwood and a decade in Corvallis, Cyrus brings a…
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Bend Don't Break: Lace Thornberg, Central Oregon LandWatch Communications Director
This week on Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Lace Thornberg, Communications Director at Central Oregon LandWatch. Lace shares how her journey through conservation organizations across the West eventually led her to Bend, where she now channels her passion for land use, public...
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Bend Don't Break: Steve Platt, Bend City Councilman
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Bend City Councilman Steve Platt, whose journey from fighter pilot to physics teacher to public servant reveals a deep commitment to community, resilience, and thoughtful leadership.Steve shares how his global military career...
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Bend Don't Break: Lily Raff McCaulou
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with journalist and author Lily Raff McCaulou. Lily’s writing has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Guardian, Rolling Stone, and The Bulletin, and she is the author of Call of the Mild: Learning...
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Bend Don't Break: Brian August, Executive Director of the Tower Theatre Foundation
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Brian K. August shares his journey to becoming the new Executive Director of the Tower Theatre Foundation. With more than twenty years of leadership experience across nonprofits, private enterprise, and global initiatives, Brian brings a thoughtful approach to...
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Bend Don't Break: Scott Larson, President and CEO of Visit Central Oregon
We’re joined by Scott Larson, the new President and CEO of Visit Central Oregon, to talk about the future of tourism and community in our region. With more than a decade of experience promoting mountain towns and rural destinations across the West, Scott brings a passion for using tourism as a...
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Bend Don't Break: Gabe Charalambides, Founder of Odyssey
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron sits down with Gabe Charalambides, founder of Odyssey—one of the first legal psilocybin retreat centers in the U.S. Gabe shares his unconventional journey from aerospace engineer to psychedelic wellness pioneer, driven by a long-standing passion for...
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LISTEN: Bend Don't Break, Maija Kellner-Rode
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Maija Kellner-Rode, a queer artist, dancer, and mentor who has made it her mission to foster healing and connection through creativity. Maija shares her journey from launching her nationally distributed art brand, Maija…
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Bend Don't Break: Katie Chipko, Executive Director of NatureConnect Central Oregon
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Katie Chipko, Executive Director of NatureConnect Central Oregon. ‹Left Center RightResize Cancel Crop250 x 159✖i› SW Since joining the organization in 2012, Katie has been a champion for outdoor access, working to build...
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Bend Don't Break: Deena Kamm, Voice Enthusiast and Composer
This week on Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Deena Kamm—longtime performer, vocal coach, and creative force behind Voiceless: A Musical. Deena shares her journey from the high-pressure entertainment industry in Los Angeles to building a voice-centered life and business in…
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Bend Don't Break: Brian Rankin, City of Bend Senior Strategist
In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Rankin, the City of Bend’s Senior Strategist and one of the key minds shaping how our city grows. From expanding the urban growth boundary to navigating the complexities of housing, transportation, and infrastructure, Brian’s work is all about guiding Bend’s...
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Bend Don't Break: Sherman H. Bloomer, Chancellor and Dean, Oregon State University – Cascades
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Sherman “Sherm” Bloomer, Chancellor and Dean of Oregon State University–Cascades. With a background in geology and decades of experience in higher education leadership, Sherm shares his journey from faculty roles at Boston...
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Bend Don't Break: Joshua Savage, Author and Creator of Ultimate Scavenger
In this episode, Aaron chats with Joshua Savage—traveler, writer, educator, and scavenger hunt mastermind. Originally from the South, Josh shares the story of how his family sold everything to explore the world, eventually falling in love with Bend and making it their home. The conversation…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Podcasts powered by The Source, a weekly newspaper in beautiful Bend, Oregon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Bend Don't Break have?
Bend Don't Break currently has 408 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Bend Don't Break about?
Podcasts powered by The Source, a weekly newspaper in beautiful Bend, Oregon.
How often does Bend Don't Break release new episodes?
Bend Don't Break publishes regularly with 408 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Bend Don't Break?
You can listen to Bend Don't Break on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Bend Don't Break?
Bend Don't Break is created and hosted by The Source.
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