In this episode, we meet Crux Fermentation Project’s head brewer, Ryan Atagi. While Japanese lagers (or rice lagers) are gaining steam, Atagi’s Japanese heritage brings something extra to Crux’s Bochi Bochi lager and an array of other beers including a new dark Japanese lager he created in conjunction with OSU called OSSU. LISTEN NOW:
Podcasts
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Holly McCown Harris 🎧
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Holly McCown Harris, Health Services Director for Deschutes County, to explore the realities of providing public and behavioral health care in a rapidly growing region. Holly shares her journey from juvenile probation work in rural Texas to leading one of Central Oregon’s most […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Peter Madsen🎧
Investigative and Features Reporter for the Lay It Out Foundation
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Peter Madsen, an investigative and features reporter supported by the Lay It Out Foundation. Peter shares his journey from writing for Vice and Thrasher in New York City to becoming one of Central Oregon’s most prolific storytellers. The conversation dives into Peter’s passion […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Melissa Steele🎧
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Melissa Steele, Deputy Fire Marshal of Wildfire Preparedness for Bend Fire & Rescue. Melissa brings more than two decades of experience in firefighting and prevention, including years with Cal Fire during the devastating Paradise fire, to her new role in Central Oregon. […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Kat Mastrangelo🎧
Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Kat Mastrangelo, Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine, a free clinic serving uninsured adults across Central Oregon. Kat shares her journey from a career in health policy and hospital administration to leading an organization that provides critical care for those who fall […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Greg Pereira🎧
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dr. Greg Pereira, the seventh president of Central Oregon Community College. Greg shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Clackamas to leading one of Oregon’s most respected colleges. His career path spans work in homeless shelters, nonprofit leadership, and higher education […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Todd Dunkelberg 🎧
Director of the Deschutes County Libraries
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Todd Dunkelberg, Director of the Deschutes Public Library and an unexpected TikTok sensation. Todd shares his journey from graduating in library science at the University of Texas to leading one of Oregon’s most dynamic library systems. He reflects on the evolution of […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Michael Gesme 🎧
Conductor of the Central Oregon Symphony and Professor at COCC
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Michael Gesme, conductor of the Central Oregon Symphony and longtime professor at COCC, as he prepares to retire after 30 years of shaping the region’s classical music scene. Michael reflects on his journey from the Midwest to Bend, the evolution of local […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Katy Brooks 🎧
City of Bend’s Economic Development Officer
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer reconnects with Katy Brooks, now serving as Bend’s Economic Development Officer, to talk about her shift from Chamber CEO to city strategist. Katy shares her vision for supporting small businesses, improving infrastructure, and making Bend more welcoming to new and growing industries. They explore urban renewal […]
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LISTEN: Grand Craft Bend: John Herman 🎧
Lazy Z Ranch Wines
In this episode, we meet the founder and head mead-maker, John Herman, from Lazy Z Ranch Wines in Sisters. Lazy Z’s meads, aka honey wine and “ranch wine,” aren’t just unique among Oregon meaderies for using exclusively Oregon honey, but the Lazy Z Ranch is a boon for local pollinators. What’s more, there’s no a […]