In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Jeff Knapp, the newly appointed CEO of Visit Bend, to delve into his journey from a humble start in hospitality to leading one of Oregon’s most celebrated visitor bureaus. Jeff shares stories of his early days in the industry, moving from bussing tables […]
Podcasts
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Michelle Healy 🎧
Executive Director of Bend Park and Recreation
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer speaks with Michelle Healy, Executive Director of Bend Park and Recreation District, about what makes Bend’s parks and trails some of the most cherished community assets. Michelle shares insights from her extensive background in parks and recreation, which spans from lifeguarding and supervising recreation facilities to […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Paula Dreyer 🎧
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Paula Dreyer, a classically-trained pianist and composer based in Bend, Oregon, whose distinctive music draws from Romantic, Impressionistic, and Spanish influences. Paula shares her inspiring journey from early piano lessons to becoming an internationally recognized musician, educator, and author of the popular […]
Posted inNews
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Emily Kirk 🎧
Central Oregon Daily Morning News Anchor
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Emily Kirk, a familiar face on Central Oregon Daily News, to talk about her journey into local television and her deep connection to the Central Oregon community. Emily shares what drew her to journalism, her favorite parts of the job—like trying new foods […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Bill Kowalik 🎧
Founding Board Member of DarkSky Oregon
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer talks with Bill Kowalik, PhD, founding board member and Chairperson of DarkSky Oregon. Bill shares the mission behind DarkSky Oregon, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Oregon’s dark skies and combating light pollution for the health and well-being of all life. They discuss the importance of raising […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Abby Rowland 🎧
Executive Director of Saving Grace
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Abby Rowland, Executive Director of Saving Grace, to discuss Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the vital services Saving Grace provides to survivors. Abby shares her journey, explaining what drew her to Saving Grace and her passion for working in direct services. They explore […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Kris Metzdorf-Arnold 🎧
Program Director and On Air Personality at 92/9FM
In this Bend Don’t Break episode, Aaron Switzer chats with Kris, Program Director and On-Air Personality at 92/9FM, about her journey from working in record production to becoming a leading voice on Bend’s radio scene.
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Zak Boone 🎧
Zak Boone, VP For College Advancement & Executive Director, COCC Foundation
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Zak Boone, VP For College Advancement & Executive Director, COCC Foundation, discusses his extensive journey in nonprofit leadership, including roles at the Bend Ronald McDonald House and Deschutes Land Trust.
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with John Kish 🎧
John Kish, founder of, “Somewhere That’s Green” and “The Greenhouse Cabaret”
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, John Kish, founder of “Somewhere That’s Green” and “The Greenhouse Cabaret,” discusses his journey from small-town Oregon to Bend, where he’s merged his passions for plants and theater into two unique businesses. John also shares insights on Bend’s growing theater scene and his role in fostering creativity and acceptance within the community.
Posted inFood & Drink
Grand Craft Bend: Craft Kitchen & Brewery’s Funny Business
Come for the beer and BBQ, stay for the experimental comedy
G rand Craft Bend podcast talks to Courtney Stevens, co-owner of Bend’s Craft Kitchen & Brewery about launching the brewpub with her husband, Mark, and hosting tons of events including open-mic stand-up comedy, where Courtney sometimes performs her own material. Listen now: Source Weekly – Bend, Oregon · Grand Craft Bend: Craft Kitchen & Brewery