Posted inOutside

Bend Into Balance: Interview with Tommy Ford

Central Oregon Olympic skier talks about learning to ski, injuries and more

Shortly after learning how to walk, Tommy Ford began skiing at the mere age of two. It was “on the backs of my parents going up the chair” at Mt. Bachelor where he first discovered his life’s passion and vocation that later led him to three Olympic Games, several World Cups and World Championships, and […]

Posted inOutside Features

Bend into Balance: Nathaniel Perullo & John O’Sullivan

A national boulder champ and founder of Changing the Game Project

Bend is not short of incredible athletes, nor amazing coaches and transformational leaders. Nathaniel Perullo, 2025 Under 19 National Boulder Champion of the U.S., and John O’Sullivan, founder of Changing the Game Project, are two top examples. Both shared profound reflections on the role of youth sports, intrinsic motivation and the value of a “multi-movement […]

Posted inNatural World

Bend into Balance: Willis Mitchell of the Loving Fungi

Mushrooms and humans share a lot more than one might think

Willis Mitchell’s passion for mushrooms does not go unnoticed. His eyes light up as he enthusiastically explains why he has devoted his life’s work to this remarkable kingdom. During our podcast conversation, he mentioned that fungi are more closely related to humans than to plants — a statement that immediately piqued my curiosity. Rather than […]

Posted inOutside Features

Bend into Balance: The Power of Water

An interview with Dr. Bruce Becker

As I was getting out of the Juniper pool after my regular swim, I couldn’t help noticing the lively masters team getting ready to start their “Fast Friday” session. While Coach Bob was writing the workout on the dry board, swimmers ranging from early thirties to mid-eighties were stretching on land, putting their swim googles […]

Posted inOutside Features

Bend into Balance: Alli Jorgensen and Dr. Matthew Ingrassia

Fitness supervisor at Bend Park & Rec and doctor of Central Oregon Internal Medicine

After every swim at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, I stop to fill my water bottle on my way out. This time, however, a flyer above the drinking fountain caught my eye. It was a week before Valentine’s Day and the flyer announced an upcoming free body composition analysis celebrating heart health week. I didn’t […]

Posted inOutside Features

The Butterfly Effect

Bend into Balance: Interviews with Petit Pinson, yoga instructor at Namaspa, and Kipp Wesslen, adaptive athlete and instructor with OAS

After listening attentively to the first episode with Cornelius Edison, my 10-year-old daughter said to me, “Mama, you forgot to say your name!” Even though it was her first time ever listening to a podcast, she was completely right. I had forgotten to present myself. I humbly nodded and she immediately asked me, “But, why?” […]

Posted inOutside Features

Bend Into Balance

An interview with Cornelius Edison, former NFL athlete and owner of Lift Fitness Studio

Perhaps drawn to the sheer natural beauty surrounding Bend and its endless trails and terrains for hiking, biking, running, rock climbing, kayaking, skiing and snowboarding (and so much more), the city has attracted many individuals who get out, play, compete and thrive in this vibrant outdoor playground. And along with them, so have a great […]

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