In this episode of Bend Donโt 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 Bendโreflecting on her time as Senior Director of Executive Education at Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she developed programs on economic development, policy […]
Podcast
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Johannah Johnson-Weinberg ๐ง
In this episode of Bend Donโt 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 […]
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Dr. Sarah Hellman ๐ง
On this episode of Bend Donโt Break, Aaron sits down with Dr. Sarah Hellmann, a board-certified OB-GYN at St. Charles Health System and co-host of the podcast Wine with Your Gyn. From her journey from social work to womenโs health, to creating a podcast that blends humor and honesty around often-taboo topics, Dr. Hellmann shares […]
LISTEN: Grand Craft Bend: Brett Thomas
We sit down with Sunriver Brewing’s director, Brett Thomas, to discuss Sunriver’s impressive tenure of quality and consistency that’s led to numerous awards locally (Oregon Beer Awards), nationally (Great American Beer Festival including being the reigning Brewery of the Year) and even globally (World Beer Cup). As Sunriver prepares to open its fifth tasting room […]
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Sharon Maier Kennelly ๐ง
In this episode, Aaron sits down with Sharon Smith, a passionate nonprofit leader who brings decades of experience in community programming and the arts to her current role as Executive Director of the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA). After relocating from Long Island to Bend in 2019, Sharon quickly immersed herself in the […]
LISTEN: Grand Craft Bend: Michelle Mitchell
We sit down with the OG Kombucha Mama, Michelle Mitchell, co-founder of Bend’s own Humm Kombucha, to learn about Humm’s humble beginnings in Mitchell’s kitchen experimenting with brewing kombucha, to how big the kombucha market has become and where it fits into today’s wellness drink landscape. Click here to LISTEN NOW
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Ed Fitch ๐ง
On this episode of Bend Donโt Break, weโre joined by Redmond Mayor, Ed Fitch, longtime Redmond resident and dedicated public servant. After growing up just outside of Chicago as the ninth of eleven children, he earned both a Bachelor’s and Masterโs degree in history from Marquette University, followed by a law degree from Willamette Law […]
LISTEN: Grand Craft Bend with Camille Cavan ๐ง
We sit down with mixologist Camille Cavanโ who specializes in mocktailsโto discuss all facets of the zero-proof movement from who the various customers are to the range of flavors, pricing, and benefits of going semi-sober, completely sober, or โCalifornia sober.โ LISTEN NOW Related Stories
LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Crista Munro ๐ง
This week on Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Crista Munro, Executive Director of SFF Presents, to talk about the rich history and evolving mission of the Sisters Folk Festival. More than just a weekend event, SFF Presents now offers year-round programming designed to bring art, music, and creativity to the Central […]
LISTEN: Grand Craft Bend, James Watts ๐ง
We sit down with Silver Moon Brewing co-owner James Watts to discuss Bendโs third oldest breweryโs upcoming 25th anniversary and how the brewery, and the industry, have grown including how beer itself is no longer the sole thirst-slaker at such pubs. Of course, Silver Moon, being a central hub for events and entertainment, has plenty […]

