Nighttime Benders

Every good recording studio has a train going by. This week's Nighttime Benders has the train—and, for good measure, the whole of Route 66 behind it. A month into her cross-country tour, host Julia Reed Nichols records this week's episode from the historic El Rancho Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico. We talk about finding the best green chili in the middle of nowhere, stopping at the hot sprin...

Twenty-five episodes in, and this baby podcast is celebrating the only way a comedy show should: by raising a glass to the terrifying, glorious moment someone decides to try comedy for the very first time. Host Julia Reed Nichols dug through her favorite "first time on stage" stories for this one — and they're messy, human, and weirdly inspiring. If it's in you, it's for y...

This week, Caitlin Comeskey joins Nighttime Benders for a lively, wide-ranging conversation about comedy, poker, and everything in between. With roots in theater and burlesque, Caitlin has spent the past several years making her mark in poker—as a player, content creator, and behind-the-scenes force. She and Julia Reed Nichols talk about being a woman at the table, the different pulls of tournamen...

After a comedy show in Cottage Grove, Julia Reed Nichols pulls up a chair with comics Jake Woodmansee , Chris G and Terry Geil for a conversation that wanders—in the best possible way—from touring and dating to news fatigue, angry beavers, and the finer points of being a good tourist. The crew swaps stories about building a comedy scene in Central Oregon, navigating modern relationships, and tryin...

Recorded LIVE at The Coyote in Downtown Bend, this week’s episode brings together Creach , Courtney Stevens , Pat C, and Julia Reed Nichols (Along with some pop-in guests!) for a conversation about the strange, hilarious, and occasionally frustrating realities of life in Central Oregon. The crew dives into everything from e-bike-riding teens swiping solar lights to the bigger conversations around...

On this episode of NIGHTTIME BENDERS host Julia Reed Nichols is joined by comedians Katy Ipock and Jason Leonardo for a hilarious, wide-ranging conversation spanning cult-like environments, Rodeos, fat bear week, and the funny side of everyday human behavior. Plus, Tacoma-based comedian Jaci Terjeson shares her journey from growing up on stage to stand-up comedy, including her creative process, ba...

Julia Reed Nichols hosts Nighttime Benders live at Silver Moon Brewing, turning audience-submitted topics into an unpredictable night of comedy. Alongside Katy Ipock and Laura B. Wright, the comics riffs on everything from pumpkin spice and Fall Favorites to Bend roundabouts, dating, bodily functions,  and the strange realities of Central Oregon life. With plenty of off-the-cuff banter, this live...

Anthony Poponi joins Julia Reed Nichols for a conversation about why real fulfillment comes from something deeper: the contentment, creativity, and community we build while doing work that actually matters. On this episode of Nighttime Benders , Anthony shares insights from his unique journey as a comedy producer, performer, author, and positive psychology practitioner. Together, he and Julia expl...

Join comedians Brian Keister, Julia Reed Nichols , and a special guest as they dive into the vibrant and ever-evolving comedy scene in Bend, Oregon. From Bend's Gang of E-Bike Teens to the age-old debate of clean versus dirty comedy, the crew explores how local culture, community, and changing audiences shape what makes people laugh. The conversation also features comedian Andy Hendrickson ,...

In this episode, Julia Gilley is joined by Laura B. Wright , Fredo Pagliacci, and Christine Keefer for a lively conversation about the importance of community, why making friends as adults can feel surprisingly difficult, the quirks of life in Central Oregon, and the ever-changing role of technology in our daily lives.  The episode also features Bay Area comedian Phil Griffiths, who shares how a f...

In this episode, local comedians Ryan Traughber , Katy Ipock, and Julia Reed Nichols dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird worlds of magic, science, and personal belief. From tarot readings and zodiac signs to pondering the influence of the stars above, the trio tackles life's big questions with plenty of laughs along the way. They also celebrate the one and only Dolly Parton, reminisce a...

In this episode of Nighttime Benders , Julia Reed Nichols is joined by local comedian Laura B. Wright to chat about her comedy career, adventures on the Oregon Coast, and what it's like living in Sisters, Oregon. We also sit down with Tom Achilles , a Brooklyn-based comedian who will be bringing his unique brand of alternative comedy to Bend over Labor Day Weekend. Tom shares his journey from...

In this episode, Damon Sumner shares his journey from Atlanta to stages around the world, including his time performing comedy in China and connecting with audiences across cultures. He talks about how he got his start in stand-up, the lessons he's learned from performing internationally, and what continues to inspire his work today. Plus, Damon gives listeners a preview of the comedy, energy...

Join us for an engaging episode as we delve into the backgrounds, uproarious stories, and distinctive viewpoints of the Tugboat Improv Troupe. This week, local comedians Dylan Grayson , Matt Stein , Tess Eddington , and Michele DiCio sit down with Julia Reed Nichols to unravel the intricacies of improv and stand-up comedy. They share personal anecdotes, family tales, and their reflections on the s...

In this episode, comedian Raj Suresh shares insights on starting in small markets, building a comedy festival, and navigating the industry from Arkansas to New York. Discover practical tips for comedians and festival organizers alike. 

Join Jon Brown, Creach, Jake Woodmansee, and Julia Reed Nichols as they dive into Bend's vibrant comedy scene, swap personal stories, and explore everything from fire safety and local history to the everyday absurdities of modern life. This episode features special guest Eeland Stribling , a comedian whose unique path from wildlife biologist to stand-up comic has given him a one-of-a-kind per...

In this BONUS episode, Jefferson McDonald  shares his journey from classical acting training to stand-up comedy, his experiences touring and performing in various venues, and his personal life including his engagement and his childhood growing up on a farm in rural New York. Tune in for a mix of humor, life stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at this multi-talented performer's life.

Join us for a lively discussion with Central Oregon comedians Katy Ipock , Julia Reed Nichols and Jason Leonardo as they share their journey into comedy, the local scene, and their thoughts on AI, self-driving cars, Jimothy the Raccoon and more. In this episode, meet Ty Colgate as he shares his journey from Florida to New York, his experiences performing comedy around the world, and the creative p...

Join us for a panel discussion with Central Oregon comedians Brian Keister, Laura B. Wright, Anthony Poponi, and Julia Reed Nichols as they swap hilarious stories, local insights, and sharp takes on everything from biking trauma to Odyssey ’s movie casts. This episode also features Nick Tilleli , a New York City–based comedian known for his sarcastic storytelling, offbeat observations, and razor-s...

Join Cody Parr (Beertown Comedy), Creach, Hopper & Julia Reed Nichols for a lively conversation on Central Oregon culture, where sports, community events, and delightfully quirky topics collide. From the World Cup to women’s sports bars and drone fireworks, we explore what’s happening locally—and what could be next. Also in this episode meet comedian Imani Denae  who shares her journey from Po...

Join us for a lively episode of Nighttime Benders as we celebrate America's 250th Birthday! This week, Fredo , Creach , Janelle Musson , and Julia Reed Nichols share hilarious historical facts and discuss AI's impact on the job market. We'll also share outrageous festival stories and camping mishaps.  Additionally, we’re thrilled to welcome powerhouse comedian Zarna Garg . She share...

Join us for a lively discussion with Central Oregon comedians Katy Ipock , Fredo , Christine Keefer , and Julia Reed Nichols as they dive into festivals, social media, local news, and more. In this episode, we also get to know comedian and Central Oregon native Eric Oren , who shares his journey from Second City to touring with his comedy group, his approach to stand-up, and how social media has t...

Join us as we chat with local comedians Jon Brown, Courtney Stevens and Julia Reed Nichols   in Bend, Oregon, exploring humor, local culture, and quirky stories. This episode offers laughs, insights, and a peek into the vibrant Bend comedy scene. Topics include parenting fails, Oregon’s New Water Permit Tax, and a warning for local dog owners.  Plus we are joined by comedian and college calculus i...

In this BONUS episode of Nighttime Benders , we sit down with headlining comedian Sam Miller , who’s coming to town later this month. We talk life on the road, touring stories, and how sobriety has shaped his comedy journey. 

Join local comedians Katy Ipock, Brian Keister, Hopper and Julia Reed Nichols for a lively panel discussion as they explore local culture, recent events, and the art of comedy. This episode offers insights into Bend's community, the comedy scene, and humorous takes on current topics.  Plus catch our engaging interview with comedian and teacher Rachel Aflleje as she shares her journey from tea...