Bend Into Balance

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, Adriana sits down with Willis, founder of The Loving Fungi, to explore his path toward understanding the deeper relationship between human health and the intelligence of plants and fungi. Willis shares how a lifetime of curiosity, experimentation, and lived experience has shaped his role as a self-described alchemist, dedicated to helping others reconnect with their bodies and the natural world.Together, Adriana and Willis talk about the origins of The Loving Fungi, the importance of both pain and joy in personal growth, and how community-centered healing can create lasting impact. From one-on-one sessions to thoughtfully crafted formulas, Willis offers a grounded yet expansive perspective on what it means to pursue balance, vitality, and a more conscious way of living in Bend and beyond.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend into Balance, Adriana Marino sits down with Dr. Sonja Halsey, a naturopathic physician, performance coach, and founder of EmpowerHer Health & Performance, to explore the powerful connection between hormones and athletic performance. Dr. Halsey shares how her work with young female athletes—from USA Hockey to international training camps—is helping shift the conversation around women’s health in sport, bringing long-overdue attention to menstrual cycles, recovery, nutrition, and performance.Together, they dive into the science behind hormone cycles, why female athletes need different training and fueling strategies, and how understanding the body can unlock both better performance and deeper self-confidence. From body image and teen athletics to stress, recovery, and resilience, this conversation highlights a growing movement to normalize and empower women’s health in athletics here in Central Oregon and beyond.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, Adriana Marino sits down with Steven Dobson, founder of Dobson Strength Rehab & Performance, to explore a smarter, more holistic approach to movement, recovery, and resilience. A doctor of physical therapy and strength coach based in Bend, Steven shares how his own injury journey led him to rethink traditional rehab—and ultimately build a practice centered on keeping people active, capable, and confident doing what they love.Together, they discuss the connection between pain, stress, and lifestyle, why strength training is essential for longevity, and how Bend’s “weekend warrior” culture can both inspire and challenge the body. Steven breaks down practical ways to build strength at any level, explains the role of consistency and gradual progress in injury prevention, and emphasizes a powerful message: your body is far more adaptable and capable than you think.Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, Adriana Marino sits down with Lisa Tynan, founder of Step Into Stillness, a certified sound healer and yoga teacher based in Bend. Lisa shares her personal journey from Montessori educator to sound practitioner, exploring how meditation, music, and mindfulness helped her navigate ADHD and ultimately led her to create a practice centered on stillness, self awareness, and healing through sound.Together, Adriana and Lisa explore the experience of sound baths, the science behind brainwave states and the nervous system, and the growing role of sound based practices in wellness. Grounded in both personal experience and emerging research, the conversation highlights how Bend’s evolving wellness community is embracing new ways to help people slow down, reconnect, and find moments of calm in an increasingly busy world.More at: stepintostillness.orgSend us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, Adriana Marino sits down with Dr Kevin Jones, Medical Director for Flow Wellness LLC, to explore the evolving intersection of medicine and wellness in Central Oregon. With a background in emergency medicine and years working at St Charles, Dr Jones shares how his experience in high stress clinical settings led him toward a more proactive approach to health through his work at Flow Wellness.Together, Adriana and Dr Jones discuss the growing role of GLP one therapies, peptides, and lifestyle interventions in supporting long term health, weight management, and overall wellbeing. The conversation moves beyond quick fixes to examine what it really means to feel better in your body and how Bend’s active outdoor culture shapes the way people approach their health, recovery, and longevity.www.flowwellness.comSend us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, Adriana Marino sits down with Dr. Bruce Becker, a nationally recognized physician and lifelong swimmer, to explore the profound physical and mental benefits of water. From rehabilitation and chronic illness to stress relief and longevity, Dr. Becker explains why aquatic movement is uniquely powerful across every stage of life.Drawing on decades of clinical experience and his own personal journey with polio, aging, and daily swimming, Dr. Becker shares how water supports joint health, cardiovascular efficiency, brain function, and nervous system regulation. Together, Adriana and Dr. Becker reflect on Central Oregon’s pools, natural waterways, and the simple ways people can begin integrating water into their routines to feel stronger, calmer, and more connected to their bodies. Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, Adriana Marino sits down with Beth Mishler, a Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor and founder of Tula Ayurveda, to explore the foundations of Ayurveda and what it means to live in rhythm with your body. Beth shares her personal journey into holistic health, how ancient Ayurvedic wisdom reshaped her own well‑being, and why balance, not restriction, is at the heart of sustainable wellness.Together, they unpack practical, accessible ideas around digestion, nutrition, and daily routines, including the concept of “building” versus “cleansing” foods, the importance of warm, freshly cooked meals, and how stress, sleep, and mindset all influence our health. Grounded in both tradition and real life, this conversation offers thoughtful takeaways for anyone looking to cultivate more balance, vitality, and awareness in everyday living, especially here in Central Oregon’s dry, high‑desert climate. Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, host Adriana Marino sits down with Loren Mahaffey, a longtime yoga educator and licensed massage and bodywork therapist whose work bridges eastern and western understandings of the body. Loren shares her journey from competitive athletics and early injury into a lifelong practice of yoga, bodywork, and anatomy-based teaching, shaped by decades of study and hands‑on experience.The conversation explores breath, posture, and movement as foundations for balance: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Loren breaks down complex ideas like the respiratory diaphragm, gravity, and the core canister in ways that are deeply accessible, emphasizing how awareness and efficiency in the body can support resilience, regulation, and overall well‑being. This episode offers a thoughtful look at how learning to inhabit the body with more ease can change how we live our lives, on and off the mat.https://www.tulaayurveda.org/ Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, host Adriana Mariño sits down with Alli Jorgensen, Fitness Supervisor at Bend Parks and Recreation, to explore the vital role public fitness spaces play in individual wellbeing and community health. With more than 30 years of service at Bend Parks and Recreation, Alli shares her personal journey into fitness and how movement, connection, and accessibility have shaped both her life and her work.Together, they discuss how parks, pools, fitness classes, and youth programs support physical health, mental health, and social connection across all ages. From water exercise and strength training to inclusive programming and community driven offerings, this conversation highlights how Bend Parks and Recreation serves as a hub for belonging, longevity, and everyday movement.This episode is a celebration of public wellness, lifelong activity, and the power of shared spaces to bring people together in meaningful ways. Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, host Adriana Mariño sits down with Dr. Matthew Ingrassia, an internal medicine physician and owner of a private primary care practice in Bend. Dr. Ingrassia shares his journey from hospital medicine to building a patient centered practice rooted in prevention, connection, and whole person care.Together, they explore a holistic approach to health that goes beyond prescriptions, touching on nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, mindset, and the importance of social connection. Drawing from his background in osteopathic medicine, Dr. Ingrassia reflects on how understanding a patient’s story and making small, sustainable lifestyle changes can play a powerful role in preventing chronic disease and supporting long term wellbeing.This conversation invites listeners to rethink what it means to be healthy and how simple, intentional habits can support both body and mind at every stage of life. Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, host Adriana Mariño sits down with Blair Nicol, co‑owner of StretchLab Bend, to explore the often‑overlooked role of stretching in long‑term health, mobility, and vitality. Blair shares how bringing StretchLab to Bend was inspired by the community’s active lifestyle and a desire to offer a simple, effective way for people of all ages to keep doing what they love longer and with less pain.Together, they discuss the benefits of one‑on‑one assisted stretching, injury prevention, recovery, and why mobility is foundational to healthy aging. From athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to older adults focused on longevity, this conversation highlights how intentional movement, consistency, and body awareness can dramatically improve quality of life.Find StretchLab at 2838 NW Crossing Dr, Ste 110, Bend, OR 97703 Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, host Adriana Mariño sits down with Kipp Wesslen, an adaptive athlete and instructor with Oregon Adaptive Sports, to explore how movement, access, and community can radically transform health and wellbeing. Living with a rare progressive neurological disease and multiple spinal cord injuries, Kipp shares how discovering adaptive sports later in life reshaped his relationship with his body, his mental health, and his sense of purpose.From mountain biking and alpine skiing to coaching others on the trail, Kipp reflects on the power of adaptive sports to build confidence, foster connection, and create a more inclusive outdoor culture in Central Oregon. This conversation highlights resilience, joy in movement, and the importance of designing spaces—and communities—where everyone belongs. Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, host Adriana Mariño sits down with Petit Pinson, a yoga instructor, movement guide, rhythm enthusiast, and human potentialist who has called Bend home for 15 years. Petit shares her winding path through oceans, mountains, and six continents, and how her life of adventure, devotion to movement, and deep curiosity ultimately led her to yoga.From training with world‑renowned teachers to leading classes and teacher trainings at Namaspa Yoga Community, Petit’s story is one of rhythm, reverence, and connection. She opens up about the power of small daily practices, the spiritual heart of yoga beyond the physical poses, and how humility, presence, and compassion shape her life both on and off the mat.A dancer, mother, musician, and lifelong adventurer, Petit brings a grounded, soulful perspective to what it means to live fully in the body, and fully in community.Find her at:Namaspa Yoga Community,1135 NW Galveston Ave, Bend, OR 97703 Send us Fan MailSupport the show

In this episode of Bend Into Balance, host Adriana Mariño sits down with Cornelius Edison, former NFL player and owner of The Lift Fitness Studio in Bend, Oregon. Cornelius shares his inspiring journey from professional football to building a wellness community grounded in connection, resilience, and heart.Together, they explore the role of faith, emotional intelligence, and authentic relationships in true wellbeing and how The Lift is reshaping what it means to pursue health in Bend. From overcoming career‑ending injury to fostering a space where every person belongs, Cornelius’ story is a powerful reminder that growth happens one small step at a time.Find The Lift Fitness Studio at:📍 514 NW Franklin Ave, Bend, OR 97703 Send us Fan MailSupport the show