In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with a passionate Bend local who has turned a love for board sports into a mission to give back to the community. Born in the Pacific Northwest, this week’s guest was drawn to Bend from a young age, inspired by its mountains, rivers, […]
Podcast
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Aimee Snyder 🎧
Prevention and Health Promotion Supervisor – School-based Programs
In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer is joined by Dr. Aimee Snyder to discuss the transformative power of integrating public health programs into school systems. Dr. Snyder shares her journey from being a middle school teacher in coastal Georgia to earning her doctoral degree in Public Health and specializing in school-based […]
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LISTEN: Bend Don’t Break with Jeff Knapp 🎧
CEO of Visit Bend
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 […]
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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 […]
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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.