Bend Don't Break

In this episode of Bend Don't Break, Aaron Switzer chats with Kris, Program Director and On-Air Personality at 92/9FM, about her journey from working in record production to becoming a leading voice on Bend's radio scene. Kris shares her insights on the growing local music community, the excitement of discovering new bands, and her passion for bringing a wide variety of alternative and i...

In this episode of Bend Don't Break, Zak Boone, VP For College Advancement & Executive Director, COCC Foundation, shares his extensive experience working in Central Oregon’s nonprofit sector since 2007. Zak talks about his early leadership roles, including Executive Director of the Bend Ronald McDonald House and Associate Director of the Deschutes Land Trust, and how those experiences sha...

In the latest episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with John Kish, founder of "Somewhere That's Green" and "The Greenhouse Cabaret." John shares his unique journey from growing up in small-town Philomath, Oregon, to pursuing passions in plants and musical theater in Seattle and New York City. Now one of Bend’s most prominent queer business owners,...

Grand Craft Bend podcast talks to Courtney Stevens, co-owner of Bend's Craft Kitchen & Brewery about launching the brewpub with her husband, Mark, and hosting tons of events including open-mic stand-up comedy, where Courtney sometimes performs her own material. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

On this week's episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer, Publisher of The Source Weekly, sits down with Clifford Evelyn, Redmond City Councilor, to explore the dynamic evolution of Redmond. They delve into the city's past, its rapid growth, and the ripple effects this expansion has on all of Central Oregon. The conversation also touches on the cultural differences within the...

On this episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Lexie Park, the Outreach Coordinator at Locavore, to explore her extensive work in food access and education. With over eight years of experience in the NGO sector, Lexie has worked both domestically and internationally, dedicating herself to addressing food insecurity and promoting a just and sustainable food system. Send...

In this episode of Bend Don't Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Bill Lynch, the Board President of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA). Bill, who has been an integral part of COTA since 2021 and a full-time Bend resident since 2020, shares his journey from Iowa to the trails of Central Oregon. With a deep passion for mountain biking that started in 2009, Bill brings a wealth of experie...

In this episode of the "Bend Don't Break" podcast, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Matt Muchna, the Executive Director of Envision Bend. Envision Bend is a nonprofit organization focused on shaping Bend’s future through community engagement and strategic planning. Matt discusses his background in sustainability and community development, sharing insights from his work at Northern...

In this episode of the Bend Don't Break podcast, Aaron Switzer sits down with Dave Clemens, a well-known radio personality in Central Oregon. Dave shares insights about his long-standing history in Bend and what it's like to be a familiar face in a tight-knit community. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Grand Craft Bend podcast talks to Bend's best beer hunters (as in, they're on the hunt for Bend's best brewery)--Adam, Joe, Justin, and Matt--as we discuss launching their second round of their hunt for the best brewery in Central Oregon based on a largely scientific/entirely fun method of tasting through local beers to determine which is the best local brewery. Send us Fan Mail Sup...

In this episode of "Bend Don't Break," host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dr. Laurie Chesley, the esteemed President of Central Oregon Community College (COCC). As she prepares to retire in June 2025, Dr. Chesley reflects on her distinguished career in higher education, spanning nearly four decades. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Katy Brooks, the dynamic CEO and President of the Bend Chamber of Commerce. Katy shares her fascinating journey from working in economic development for the Port Authority of Vancouver, Washington, to her current role in Bend, Oregon. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode of the Bend Don't Break podcast, Ami Formica, co-founder of Well Wired, joins Aaron to discuss the profound impact of technology on children. They explore how smartphones and social media affect kids' development, social skills, and mental health, highlighting the unique challenges faced by the first generation growing up with these technologies. The conversation also del...

Full Summary: In this episode, Aaron sits down with Lisa Birk, the newly appointed Deputy Superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools. Lisa shares insights into her career trajectory, highlighting her extensive experience and dedication to education within the district. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Ryan Houston, the executive director of the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA), as he chats with Aaron about his extensive history in Central Oregon's conservation efforts and his work in the nonprofit sector. In this episode, Ryan shares his journey of protecting natural spaces, highlights ONDA's recent successes in safeguarding the Ow...

Grand Craft Bend podcast returns with Bevel Craft Brewing's co-owners Nate and Valerie Doss as we discuss Bevel's 5th anniversary party this weekend, their segue from professional disc golfers to pro brewers, and something called a "tropical cold IPA" from one of Bend's most hop-forward breweries that will debut at the Bend Bands & Brewers Bash on June 28. Send us Fan...

In this episode, Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer sits down with Joe Franco, owner of The Americana food truck and recent recipient of the Best Food Cart of the Year award. They discuss Joe's journey with The Americana, from its humble beginnings to becoming a beloved local favorite. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of running a food truck. They also explore Joe&a...

In this week's episode of “Bend Don’t Break,” we sit down with Judy Stiegler, former Oregon House Representative for District 54 and current political science instructor at OSU - Cascades. Judy shares her extensive experience in Bend’s political landscape, having been actively involved for over 42 years. Join us as we explore Judy's unique perspective on the evolution of local and state...

The Bend Don't Break Podcast returns! In this episode, Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer sits down with Derek Berry, President and CEO of the Central Oregon Sportsplex Alliance. They discuss Derek's ambitious plans for the Central Oregon Sportsplex, a proposed multi-sport facility set to transform the region's sports and recreation landscape. The conversation delves into the pro...

Grand Craft Bend podcast returns with Silver Moon Brewing owner James Watts as we discuss the brewery/venue's upcoming BevFest and Bend Bands & Brewers Bash Send us Fan Mail Support the show

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In this episode Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer spends time with Nate Wyeth, VP of Marketing & Communications at Visit Bend. They talk about Nate's long tenure with the organization and how it has evolved over the years. In the lively conversation the pair also talk about destination management, sustainability, AI, golden retrievers and wanderlust! Send us Fan Mail Support the show

This episode of Grand Craft Bend welcomes Cascade Lakes Brewing's owner, Andy Rhine, and brewmaster, Ryan Schmiege. We discuss what's new with Central Oregon's second oldest brewery that's turning 30 years old, craft beer styles that have come, gone, and come back again during that time, and why the Rhine family recently converted it into Oregon's second-ever not-for-profi...

In this Bend Don't Break episode, Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer converses with the Executive Director of the Heart of Oregon Corps, Laura Handy. Laura has served Heart of Oregon Corps for 16 years, led the organization for over 10 years, and has extensive experience networking in the community and building solid partnerships with local change-makers. She talks openly about what the yo...

Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer visits with the new executive director of the Center for Business, Industry and Professional Development at COCC, John J. Graham. John talks about his new position and why he was lured out of retirement to take it ... and also dives into AI and the exciting ways he thinks it can change our lives for the better. Send us Fan Mail Support the show