Bend Don't Break

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

Sample track Send us Fan Mail Support the show

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

This episode of Grand Craft Bend welcomes Crux Fermentation Project's assistant brewmaster, Grand, er, Grant McFarren. With a brewery, er, fermentation project like Crux that has so many plates spinning from new beers using new hops to new locations like its pub in Portland (and perhaps another new spot in Bend), to its surprising best-selling offerings, not to mention upcoming fermented beve...

Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer and Food Editor Donna Britt have a lively conversation with CCI Chef/Educator Thor Erickson. Winner of the 2013 International Association of Culinary Professionals Culinary Teacher of the Year award, Thor talks about his love of teaching, his trip to the White House, his television escapades on Little House on the Prairie and what his next culinary adventure i...

This episode of Grand Craft BEND welcomes Robin and Todd Clement, founders of Monkless Belgian Ales. The Clements personify a Hollywood love story, if Hollywood was a beer-soaked high desert town that focused on true and truly lovable characters. Whereas the Monkless Brasserie became the brewing company's sequel, we learn about the upcoming Monkless Abbey to complete the trilogy. Send us Fan...

February is Black History Month and in this episode, SW publisher Aaron Switzer visits with Marcus LeGrand, Afrocentric Program Coordinator at Central Oregon Community College. The college is hosting events throughout the month including a drum making class, a screening of Blend: On Being Black in Bend and an author event with Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggets among other happenings. Send us Fan...

In this episode, SW publisher Aaron Switzer chats with State Representative Jason Kropf as he's headed into the 82nd Oregon Legislative Assembly, which convened for the 2024 Legislative Session on Monday, February 5th. Jason represents House District 54 in the Legislature. Elected in November 2020, Jason is currently in his second term of office. Hear Aaron and Jason talk about the issues Jas...

In this episode, Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer hangs out with Marieka Greene, the new Events and Financial Development Director at Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF). She has served in this role since September 1st, 2023, but has been involved in the organization, primarily as a volunteer and event participant, since moving to Bend in 2005. Prior to her work with MBSEF, Marie...

This episode welcomes Mark and Dana Henion who make up two thirds of the owners--and one half of the name--of Van Henion Brewing. The Henions, along with John Van Duzer, launched Van Henion in early 2022 and have been making Bend's most celebrated lagers ever since. They brew on a large, 50-barrel system that could be called "Frankensteined" making it less nimble for small batches,...

This episode welcomes the Midtown Yacht Club's general manager and beer buyer, Alesha Goodman. This beer bar--which is increasingly a "beyond beer" bar for its non-beer inventory from cider to hard and soft seltzers and other non-alcoholic drinks--is centrally located on 4th Street. How convenient for a spot that aims to be the center of Bend Life with large menus at all seven food...

In this episode, Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer chats with the new Executive Director of Bend Film, Giancarlo Gatto. Gatto talks about his lifelong passion for film, how Bend Film contributes to our community's well-being and how you can be a part of this incredible community asset. He also talks about taking the advice he's been giving his kids! Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Grand Craft Beer: Vance Wirtz, Brewmaster McMenamins Old St. Francis by The Source - Bend, Oregon Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode of Grand Craft Beer, cicerone Brian Yaeger kicks off 2024 with Alesong Brewing and Blending’s Matt Van Wyk, whose many hats include owner, brewer, and runner-arounder to get Alesong’s award-winning barrel-aged beers all across Oregon including Bend. While Van Wyk is accustomed to fitting bungs in bungholes, his real specialty is fitting his quixotic, square peg beers (bourbon-aged...

Corie Harlan is Central Oregon LandWatch's Cities & Towns Program Director and the City of Bend's Core Area Advisory Board Chair. In this lively conversation with Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer, Corie talks about her passion to help create Complete Communities. They also talk about what's coming up sooner than later for Bend's Central District. Send us Fan Mail Suppo...

Following the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, two friends in Redmond began to explore a different side of their friendship. Karim Bouris is of Palestinian and Lebanese descent, and his friend Jordan Schiff is of Jewish descent. In this podcast, these two Central Oregonians talk about the challenges and opportunities that the most recent conflict in Israel and Gaza have introduced for them. Send us Fan Ma...