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. […]
Podcasts
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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 […]
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LISTEN: Grand Craft Bend: Matt Katakura 🎧
Head Brewer at Wild Ride Brewing
In this episode, we meet head brewer Matt “Kat” Katakura from Wild Ride Brewing in both Redmond and Prineville. We discuss some keys to experimental R&D brewing from working with delicate ingredients like tea to indelicate ones like chili peppers, as well as what it takes to brew the tried and true classics. LISTEN NOW:
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Cyrus Mooney 🎧
City of Bend Business Advocate
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron sits down with Cyrus Mooney, Business Development Manager for the City of Bend, whose path from student affairs to civic leadership reflects a deep commitment to service and connection. With roots in Sherwood and a decade in Corvallis, Cyrus brings a rare blend of empathy, adaptability, and […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Lace Thornberg 🎧
Central Oregon LandWatch Communications Director
This week on Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Lace Thornberg, Communications Director at Central Oregon LandWatch. Lace shares how her journey through conservation organizations across the West eventually led her to Bend, where she now channels her passion for land use, public lands, and ensuring equitable access to nature. Their conversation […]