In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Shanan Kelley, writer, emcee, auctioneer, and comedian whose heart‑centered humor has made her a cornerstone of Central Oregon’s nonprofit and creative communities. Shanan shares how she built a unique career blending storytelling, performance, and purpose—from launching The Nightlight Show in Bend’s early creative […]
Video
Posted inPodcasts
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Peter Franc🎧
Executive Director of Ballet Bend
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Peter Franc, executive director of Ballet Bend, to talk about his journey from a young dancer in Atlanta to performing and leading at the highest levels of professional ballet. Peter shares how his early training, international career, and time with Oregon Ballet Theatre […]
Posted inPodcasts
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Keith Witcosky🎧
Redmond City Manager
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Keith Witcosky, City Manager of Redmond, to talk about what it really means to guide a fast growing Central Oregon city through change. From overseeing a 150 million dollar budget and a regional airport to navigating water constraints, housing pressure, and cultural shifts, […]
Posted inPodcasts
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Meagan Iverson🎧
Executive Director of the Sunriver Music Festival
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Meagan Iverson, Executive Director of the Sunriver Music Festival, to talk about music as a vehicle for community, connection, and care in Central Oregon. Meagan shares her path from growing up in Southern Oregon to leading one of the region’s most enduring cultural […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, David Bermudez🎧
Executive Director of Bend Science Station
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with David Bermudez, executive director and founder of Bend Science Station, to talk about curiosity, critical thinking, and what it really means to learn science. David shares his journey from teaching at Sunriver Prep to launching a nonprofit that has spent more than two […]
Posted inElections
Vote Rick Russell for Deschutes County Commission, Pos. 4
Russell has a proven track record of action and leadership in Central Oregon
The race for Position 4 on the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners has seen a lot of candidates come and go, but two competent people remain. If either gets over 50% of the votes in the May election, they’ll win the seat and no additional voting will be necessary for the November election. Rick […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Jason Stein🎧
Executive Director of Opera Bend
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Jason Stein, Executive Director of Opera Bend, to talk about building and sustaining an opera company in Central Oregon. Jason shares his journey from studying acting in New York City and performing on major stages to putting down roots in Bend and helping […]
Posted inNews
Teacher Hero: Joe Craig
Craig received the Teacher Hero award for his extraordinary work passing knowledge about wildlife and the outdoors to future generations
Joe Craig can be described using many words, but if one were to pinpoint it to just three they would be humble, generous and inspired. These are some of the qualities that make Craig the teacher he is today and why he has been chosen for this year’s Teacher Hero. His passion for wildlife and outdoor stewardship, and his collaborative nature and generosity when it comes to sharing ideas and knowledge have […]
Posted inElections
Vote Morgan Schmidt for Deschutes County Commission, Pos. 5
With four candidates in this race, voters may very well get to vote again in November
Like a lot of the races for the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners this May, the one for Position 5 is a crowded field. Voters will see four names on their ballots for this seat — one of two seats that are being added after voters previously moved to expand the county commission. If […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Clayton Franke 🎧
Reporter for LIOF
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Clayton Franke, reporter for the Lay It Out Foundation and The Source, to talk about local journalism, community accountability, and what it means to report from the inside of a rapidly changing city. Clayton shares his path from growing up in Missoula to […]
