In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron sits down with Gabe Charalambides, founder of Odyssey—one of the first legal psilocybin retreat centers in the U.S. Gabe shares his unconventional journey from aerospace engineer to psychedelic wellness pioneer, driven by a long-standing passion for meditation, Buddhist philosophy, and mental health. The two dive into the […]
Podcast
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break, Maija Kellner-Rode 🎧
Co-Founder of The Open Arts Center
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Maija Kellner-Rode, a queer artist, dancer, and mentor who has made it her mission to foster healing and connection through creativity. Maija shares her journey from launching her nationally distributed art brand, Maija Rebecca Hand Drawn, to mentoring youth across Oregon through […]
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LISTEN: Grand Craft Bend with Abstrax
Barbara Stone and Nathan Smith from Abstrax
In this episode, we meet Barbara Stone and Nathan Smith from Abstrax, the cannabis and beer industry extract company, to discuss how terpenes are revolutionizing the cannabis, beer, and entire CPG (consumer packaged goods) industries and why Bend breweries get first crack at these innovations thanks to Smith, who’s a local. LISTEN NOW
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Katie Chipko 🎧
Executive Director of NatureConnect Central Oregon
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Katie Chipko, Executive Director of NatureConnect Central Oregon. Since joining the organization in 2012, Katie has been a champion for outdoor access, working to build partnerships and create inclusive nature-based programs for youth and families. She and Aaron discuss the vital role […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Deena Kamm 🎧
Voice Enthusiast and Composer
This week on Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Deena Kamm—longtime performer, vocal coach, and creative force behind Voiceless: A Musical. Deena shares her journey from the high-pressure entertainment industry in Los Angeles to building a voice-centered life and business in Bend, Oregon. They talk about the power of voice—how using it […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Brian Rankin 🎧
City of Bend Senior Strategist
In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Rankin, the City of Bend’s Senior Strategist and one of the key minds shaping how our city grows. From expanding the urban growth boundary to navigating the complexities of housing, transportation, and infrastructure, Brian’s work is all about guiding Bend’s long-term future with intention and care. Host Aaron […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break: Sherman H. Bloomer 🎧
Chancellor and Dean, Oregon State University – Cascades
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Sherman “Sherm” Bloomer, Chancellor and Dean of Oregon State University–Cascades. With a background in geology and decades of experience in higher education leadership, Sherm shares his journey from faculty roles at Boston University and Duke to his long tenure at OSU, where […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Joshua Savage 🎧
Author and Creator of Ultimate Scavenger
In this episode, Aaron chats with Joshua Savage—traveler, writer, educator, and scavenger hunt mastermind. Originally from the South, Josh shares the story of how his family sold everything to explore the world, eventually falling in love with Bend and making it their home. The conversation touches on his passion for travel, his love for the […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Amber Thacher 🎧
Interim Executive Director of City Club of Central Oregon
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Amber Thacher, Interim Executive Director of City Club of Central Oregon. Amber shares her inspiring journey from Boston to Bend—reflecting on her time as Senior Director of Executive Education at Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she developed programs on economic development, policy […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Johannah Johnson-Weinberg 🎧
Founder & Executive Director of CAMP
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Johannah Johnson-Weinberg, founder of CAMP (Companion Animal Medical Project), to discuss the vital intersection of animal welfare and housing insecurity in Central Oregon. Johannah shares how her early work at a local humane society and a low-cost spay/neuter clinic opened her eyes […]
