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 explore everything […]
Video and Podcasts
LISTEN: Bend Into Balance: Christopher Russell & Kristofer McAllister๐ง
Christopher Russell, PA-C, is the co-founder and owner of Elevation Family Health in his hometown of Bend, Oregon. With over 25 years in healthcare, including eight years as a medical director, Chris brings extensive experience in internal, family, and community medicine. He is passionate about making healthcare more personal and helping patients find wholeness in […]
LISTEN: Nighttime Benders: Andy Hendrickson ๐ง
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 […]
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Sarah Peterson๐ง
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Sarah Peterson, Founder and Executive Director of Clear Morning. Sarah is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, educator, podcaster, and longtime Central Oregon resident whose work focuses on grief, self awareness, relationships, and healing after loss. She shares the story behind Clear Morning, a Bend based […]
LISTEN: Bend Into Balance: Jake Metolius Waits๐ง
A lifelong Oregonian, Jake Metolius Waits has called Bend home for many years. He has spent the past 14 years working as an emergency room doctor, a career that has given him a front-row seat to the humor, heartache, resilience, and occasional absurdity of being human. More recently, Jake has turned to creativity and writing […]
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Carly Colgan๐ง
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Carly Colgan, CEO of Bend Redmond Habitat for Humanity. Carly shares her path from studying biology in Illinois to serving in AmeriCorps after Hurricane Katrina, leading Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Colorado and Washington, and ultimately joining the organization in Central Oregon. She discusses her work […]
LISTEN: Nighttime Benders: Ren Q ๐ง
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 […]
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Keith Sherrill๐ง
In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Keith Sherrill, Small Business Management Coordinator at the COCC Small Business Development Center. A veteran, educator, entrepreneur, and former U.S. Army Ranger and special operations aviator, Keith shares his journey from military service and multiple deployments to business ownership, higher education, and community leadership in Central […]
LISTEN: Nighttime Benders: Tom Achilles๐ง
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 […]
LISTEN: The Lunchbucket Podcast, Betsy ๐ง
In this episode of the Lunchbucket Podcast, Gail has a compelling conversation with Betsy, who has a very important job at Mt. Bachelor in Central Oregon. Betsy has been working at the ski resort for 26 years and currently is the Mountain Operations Senior Manager and Snow Safety Manager. This is a fascinating, behind-the-scenes peak into what […]

