Bend Magazine's The Circling Podcast with Adam Short

Send us Fan Mail We’re recording outdoors at Smith Rock State Park in a coproduction with StoryBooth, and the setting fits the story: Oregon Outdoor Alliance was built by people who wanted the outdoor industry to feel as connected as the places we all love to be. We talk with founders Gary Bracelin and Van Schoessler about what Bend looked like when industry talent felt scattered, the recession ma...

Send us Fan Mail We sit down with Mike Ranquet in Bend, Oregon and trace the whole arc, from that first childhood feeling of rolling on four wheels to moving to Bend in 1987 with Craig Kelly and the responsibility Craig modeled behind the scenes. Mike tells the truth about addiction patterns that “turn a corner,” why rock bottom can have a trapdoor, and what it’s like to face emotions you never le...

Send us Fan Mail A snowboarding contest that runs like a surf heat shouldn’t work this well, but the Gerry Lopez Big Wave Challenge at Mt Bachelor has become a Bend, Oregon staple for a reason. The stoke is real, the course is custom every year, and the whole thing feels more like a skatepark jam than a rulebook competition. When you add Hawaiian food, reggae on the deck, and a lift line full of g...

Send us Fan Mail Join host Adam Short as he sits down with Gerry Lopez and Anne DosPassos to tell the origin story of the  Gerry Lopez Big Wave Challenge and how Aloha isn't just something you say; it's something you practice.  From naming wind lips after beloved breaks to shaping courses that move with rhythm and flow, the tradition holds tight to family, fun, and creativity over result...

Send us Fan Mail A lot of development has happened since this episode was recorded, but what if the most valuable thing you make isn’t content or code—but trust? We open the door to Storybooth’s origin story, from a chance conversation at hot springs to a sold‑out Seattle wedding where a glass-walled “podcast booth” became the night’s most crowded corner. This is a founder’s-eye view of creating a...

Send us Fan Mail Your eyes know when your brain is fading—and that tiny lag can cost a run, a rep, or a line of code. We sit down with Jak and Sanjay Green, the father–son team behind Eyeonize, a caffeinated, mentholated under‑eye balm built to cool, hydrate, and wake you up without another cup or can. What started with a gaming industry shock, grew into a product designed for anyone who stares, r...

Send us Fan Mail What if convenience food didn’t feel like a compromise? We sit down with Howl at the Spoon founder Melanie Jenkinson, a former creative director who traded pitch decks for real ingredients, to unpack how healthy convenient options can change the way we eat. From backcountry meals to office lunches, Melanie shows why right-sized portions beat the clutter and waste of old-school bot...

Send us Fan Mail What if extra sleep at the trailhead didn’t cost thousands or require a rooftop crane? We sit down with Kai Nevers and Kate Raber, the duo behind Wanderhut, to tell the story of a hatchback tent that deploys the moment you open your rear door—adding headroom, real ventilation, and bug-proof comfort without the hassle of pitching a tent in the dark. Born as a taped-up class project...

Send us Fan Mail When cold hands meet cold beverages in the outdoor community of Bend, Oregon, something magical happens – the Giddy Up Glove is born. Sherrise Erlandson's entrepreneurial journey bridges her past and present, weaving together childhood lessons from Minnesota flea markets with a passion for creativity and connection. "Connection is kind of my focus," Sherrise explain...

Send us Fan Mail From the punk rock days of Grenade Gloves to the mindful practices of Spiral Wax Company, Tim Karpinski's journey through the snowboarding industry is a masterclass in reinvention and redemption. Growing up as a competitive ski racer in New Jersey, Tim developed an early understanding of snow equipment maintenance that would later become foundational to his career. His world...

Send us Fan Mail What if your great-grandfather's formula from 1927 turned out to be exactly what today's sustainability movement is searching for? Tiffany Huey never planned to become an entrepreneur, but after 25 years climbing the corporate ladder at companies like Starbucks, PepsiCo, and Nestle, she found herself drawn back to her family's legacy: Snowshoe Leather Care. When COV...

Send us Fan Mail What makes a brand more than just a business? The answer lies in the deeply human stories behind the logos, products, and mission statements. Birth of the Brands takes you on an intimate journey with Central Oregon's most promising entrepreneurs as they navigate the thrilling, terrifying path from inspiration to launch. Host Adam Short sits down with eight founders from the 2...

Send us Fan Mail Ever found yourself captivated by stories from places you've never been? That's the magic we've discovered with The Circling Podcast. What started as a celebration of Central Oregon's unique character has evolved into something that transcends geography – authentic stories that offer meaning and perspective to listeners everywhere. As the natural rhythms of spr...

Send us Fan Mail When April Lawyer opened Vanilla in Bend's Old Mill District back in 2005, she was still racing professionally as a downhill mountain biker. Today, as her boutique celebrates nearly 20 years in business, her remarkable journey from action sports athlete to successful entrepreneur reveals how our past experiences shape unexpected futures. Growing up in Big Bear Lake, Californi...

Send us Fan Mail Cornelius and Hannah Edison share their inspiring journey from professional athletes to business owners and parents, discussing the challenges of moving through life transitions. They emphasize the core values of resilience, community building, and the importance of vulnerability while pursuing their passions. • Explore the transformation from pro sports to entrepreneurship • Navi...

Send us Fan Mail   Episode 62 of Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast brings together an inspiring conversation with Caitlin and Tryg Bjornstad, the visionary founders of the Board House Society. This nonprofit is on a mission to create not only the region’s only indoor skatepark—Buy also an inclusive multisue space that goes beyond skating. With plans for a multi-use venue that includes event spa...

Send us Fan Mail Bola Gbadebo, a journalist, poet, musician, and filmmaker, takes us on an inspiring journey of personal growth in the effort of redefining confidence. Through her unique lens, we explore how embracing vulnerability and understanding the power of community stories can transform our perception of self-belief. Bola's documentary, "Confidence," serves as a pivotal touch...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the inspiring journey behind Bend Outdoor Worx (BOW) from its founding members, Gary Bracelin, Will Blout, and Justin Rae. Learn how they turned a simple idea into a powerful startup accelerator that has been shaping the outdoor industry since 2014. Through personal stories and shared experiences, hear about the collaborative spirit and unique challenges the founders face...

Send us Fan Mail I recently came across the idea that photography is a universal language, one that transcends borders and can be understood by anyone, anywhere in the world. It's fascinating to think of the camera as an instrument that teaches us how to truly see the world, even when we're not actively using it. In episode 59 of Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast , I had the pleasure...

Send us Fan Mail On episode 58 of Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast , I have the pleasure of chatting with Sarah Westhusing, the Founder and Owner of House of Milo, a distinguished interior design studio based here in Bend, Oregon. Stay tuned as Sarah delves into how her exposure to her father's skilled woodworking and carpentry business at an early age influenced her unique design philoso...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how small acts of kindness can change lives? Rob McDonald, co-owner of Stand on Liquid Paddleboards and Latitude 44 Sports, takes us on an inspiring journey from his humble beginnings as an underachieving kid to making significant impacts at tech giants Amazon and Apple. Delve into his professional evolution from a substitute teacher and copy editor to a key player i...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered what it takes to transition from a dreamer to a successful entrepreneur? I sit down with Emily Hoy and Emily LaPlume, two trailblazing entrepreneurs from Bend, Oregon, who have not only turned their passions into thriving businesses but also champion sustainability in the outdoor industry. Emily Hoy shares her remarkable journey from graphic designer and art director...

Send us Fan Mail  Join us for an episode that promises to inspire and thrill as we sit down with Lori Skiles, the passionate owner of Paddleboard Oregon. Lori takes us through her incredible journey from her first paddleboarding experience in San Diego to creating the Paddle Strong program that blends fitness and yoga. We explore the serene magic of stargazing paddles and Lori shares her involveme...

Send us Fan Mail It’s been said that music plays a unique role in the human experience. Music is often described as a universal language, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries, and for decades, studies have shown the emotional, cognitive, social, and physiological benefits of musical engagement, with the creation of music being one of the oldest forms of creativity and self-expression. I...

Send us Fan Mail When Courtney Rebel and her husband Josiah were told that he had experienced a mini stoke or transient ischemic attack at the age of 32, they became interested in supplementing Josiah's recovery and channeled their love for nature into a family-run health supplement brand that offers more than just a product – it's a testament to the healing power of natural remedies. Th...