In the latest episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with John Kish, founder of "Somewhere That's Green" and "The Greenhouse Cabaret." John shares his unique journey from growing up in small-town Philomath, Oregon, to pursuing passions in plants and musical theater in Seattle and New York City. Now one of Bend’s most prominent queer business owners, John has created a space that blends his love for horticulture and theater, offering one of the most distinctive retail experienc...
Sep 20, 2024•36 min
Grand Craft Bend podcast talks to Courtney Stevens, co-owner of Bend's Craft Kitchen & Brewery about launching the brewpub with her husband, Mark, and hosting tons of events including open-mic stand-up comedy, where Courtney sometimes performs her own material.
Sep 07, 2024•33 min
On this week's episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer, Publisher of The Source Weekly, sits down with Clifford Evelyn, Redmond City Councilor, to explore the dynamic evolution of Redmond. They delve into the city's past, its rapid growth, and the ripple effects this expansion has on all of Central Oregon. The conversation also touches on the cultural differences within the region and how they sometimes lead to clashes as Redmond continues to grow and change. Tune in for a thoughtful dis...
Aug 28, 2024•28 min
On this episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Lexie Park, the Outreach Coordinator at Locavore, to explore her extensive work in food access and education. With over eight years of experience in the NGO sector, Lexie has worked both domestically and internationally, dedicating herself to addressing food insecurity and promoting a just and sustainable food system.
Aug 26, 2024•37 min
In this episode of Bend Don't Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Bill Lynch, the Board President of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA). Bill, who has been an integral part of COTA since 2021 and a full-time Bend resident since 2020, shares his journey from Iowa to the trails of Central Oregon. With a deep passion for mountain biking that started in 2009, Bill brings a wealth of experience from his time on the boards of various non-profits and a successful career in software startups.
Aug 14, 2024•36 min
In this episode of the "Bend Don't Break" podcast, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Matt Muchna, the Executive Director of Envision Bend. Envision Bend is a nonprofit organization focused on shaping Bend’s future through community engagement and strategic planning. Matt discusses his background in sustainability and community development, sharing insights from his work at Northern Arizona University and the National Center for Women & Information Technology.
Aug 08, 2024•31 min
In this episode of the Bend Don't Break podcast, Aaron Switzer sits down with Dave Clemens, a well-known radio personality in Central Oregon. Dave shares insights about his long-standing history in Bend and what it's like to be a familiar face in a tight-knit community.
Aug 05, 2024•30 min
Grand Craft Bend podcast talks to Bend's best beer hunters (as in, they're on the hunt for Bend's best brewery)--Adam, Joe, Justin, and Matt--as we discuss launching their second round of their hunt for the best brewery in Central Oregon based on a largely scientific/entirely fun method of tasting through local beers to determine which is the best local brewery.
Aug 01, 2024•40 min
In this episode of "Bend Don't Break," host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dr. Laurie Chesley, the esteemed President of Central Oregon Community College (COCC). As she prepares to retire in June 2025, Dr. Chesley reflects on her distinguished career in higher education, spanning nearly four decades.
Jul 25, 2024•29 min
In this episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Katy Brooks, the dynamic CEO and President of the Bend Chamber of Commerce. Katy shares her fascinating journey from working in economic development for the Port Authority of Vancouver, Washington, to her current role in Bend, Oregon.
Jul 19, 2024•32 min
In this episode of the Bend Don't Break podcast, Ami Formica, co-founder of Well Wired, joins Aaron to discuss the profound impact of technology on children. They explore how smartphones and social media affect kids' development, social skills, and mental health, highlighting the unique challenges faced by the first generation growing up with these technologies. The conversation also delves into the role of technology in schools, emphasizing the need to balance its educational benefits with the ...
Jun 28, 2024•34 min
Full Summary: In this episode, Aaron sits down with Lisa Birk, the newly appointed Deputy Superintendent of Bend-La Pine Schools. Lisa shares insights into her career trajectory, highlighting her extensive experience and dedication to education within the district.
Jun 27, 2024•35 min
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Ryan Houston, the executive director of the Oregon Natural Desert Association (ONDA), as he chats with Aaron about his extensive history in Central Oregon's conservation efforts and his work in the nonprofit sector. In this episode, Ryan shares his journey of protecting natural spaces, highlights ONDA's recent successes in safeguarding the Owyhee Desert, and discusses their ambitious goals for the future. Whether you're passionate about environmental...
Jun 19, 2024•28 min
Grand Craft Bend podcast returns with Bevel Craft Brewing's co-owners Nate and Valerie Doss as we discuss Bevel's 5th anniversary party this weekend, their segue from professional disc golfers to pro brewers, and something called a "tropical cold IPA" from one of Bend's most hop-forward breweries that will debut at the Bend Bands & Brewers Bash on June 28.
Jun 13, 2024•37 min
In this episode, Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer sits down with Joe Franco, owner of The Americana food truck and recent recipient of the Best Food Cart of the Year award. They discuss Joe's journey with The Americana, from its humble beginnings to becoming a beloved local favorite. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of running a food truck. They also explore Joe's ambitious plans for the future, including his recent purchase of a brick-and-mortar location to expand o...
Jun 13, 2024•36 min
In this week's episode of “Bend Don’t Break,” we sit down with Judy Stiegler, former Oregon House Representative for District 54 and current political science instructor at OSU - Cascades. Judy shares her extensive experience in Bend’s political landscape, having been actively involved for over 42 years. Join us as we explore Judy's unique perspective on the evolution of local and state politics, the challenges faced by incoming elected officials, and the lessons she has learned about effective ...
May 29, 2024•37 min
The Bend Don't Break Podcast returns! In this episode, Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer sits down with Derek Berry, President and CEO of the Central Oregon Sportsplex Alliance. They discuss Derek's ambitious plans for the Central Oregon Sportsplex, a proposed multi-sport facility set to transform the region's sports and recreation landscape. The conversation delves into the project's potential impact on local youth, community unity, and economic vitality. They also explore the challenges of...
May 21, 2024•29 min
Grand Craft Bend podcast returns with Silver Moon Brewing owner James Watts as we discuss the brewery/venue's upcoming BevFest and Bend Bands & Brewers Bash
May 15, 2024•39 min
Sample track
Mar 21, 2024•27 min
In this episode Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer spends time with Nate Wyeth, VP of Marketing & Communications at Visit Bend. They talk about Nate's long tenure with the organization and how it has evolved over the years. In the lively conversation the pair also talk about destination management, sustainability, AI, golden retrievers and wanderlust!
Mar 01, 2024•28 min
This episode of Grand Craft Bend welcomes Cascade Lakes Brewing's owner, Andy Rhine, and brewmaster, Ryan Schmiege. We discuss what's new with Central Oregon's second oldest brewery that's turning 30 years old, craft beer styles that have come, gone, and come back again during that time, and why the Rhine family recently converted it into Oregon's second-ever not-for-profit brewery.
Feb 27, 2024•44 min
In this Bend Don't Break episode, Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer converses with the Executive Director of the Heart of Oregon Corps, Laura Handy. Laura has served Heart of Oregon Corps for 16 years, led the organization for over 10 years, and has extensive experience networking in the community and building solid partnerships with local change-makers. She talks openly about what the young people (ages 16-24) the program serves bring to the community and her joy in interfacing with this ag...
Feb 27, 2024•23 min
Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer visits with the new executive director of the Center for Business, Industry and Professional Development at COCC, John J. Graham. John talks about his new position and why he was lured out of retirement to take it ... and also dives into AI and the exciting ways he thinks it can change our lives for the better.
Feb 20, 2024•25 min
This episode of Grand Craft Bend welcomes Crux Fermentation Project's assistant brewmaster, Grand, er, Grant McFarren. With a brewery, er, fermentation project like Crux that has so many plates spinning from new beers using new hops to new locations like its pub in Portland (and perhaps another new spot in Bend), to its surprising best-selling offerings, not to mention upcoming fermented beverages, we spend time covering it all.
Feb 13, 2024•50 min
Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer and Food Editor Donna Britt have a lively conversation with CCI Chef/Educator Thor Erickson. Winner of the 2013 International Association of Culinary Professionals Culinary Teacher of the Year award, Thor talks about his love of teaching, his trip to the White House, his television escapades on Little House on the Prairie and what his next culinary adventure is going to focus on - BBQ!
Feb 13, 2024•32 min
This episode of Grand Craft BEND welcomes Robin and Todd Clement, founders of Monkless Belgian Ales. The Clements personify a Hollywood love story, if Hollywood was a beer-soaked high desert town that focused on true and truly lovable characters. Whereas the Monkless Brasserie became the brewing company's sequel, we learn about the upcoming Monkless Abbey to complete the trilogy.
Feb 06, 2024•34 min
February is Black History Month and in this episode, SW publisher Aaron Switzer visits with Marcus LeGrand, Afrocentric Program Coordinator at Central Oregon Community College. The college is hosting events throughout the month including a drum making class, a screening of Blend: On Being Black in Bend and an author event with Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggets among other happenings.
Feb 06, 2024•24 min
In this episode, SW publisher Aaron Switzer chats with State Representative Jason Kropf as he's headed into the 82nd Oregon Legislative Assembly, which convened for the 2024 Legislative Session on Monday, February 5th. Jason represents House District 54 in the Legislature. Elected in November 2020, Jason is currently in his second term of office. Hear Aaron and Jason talk about the issues Jason is focused on and his hope for this current session.
Feb 06, 2024•24 min
In this episode, Source Weekly publisher Aaron Switzer hangs out with Marieka Greene, the new Events and Financial Development Director at Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF). She has served in this role since September 1st, 2023, but has been involved in the organization, primarily as a volunteer and event participant, since moving to Bend in 2005. Prior to her work with MBSEF, Marieka was a Bend La Pine educator for 17 years. Marieka talks about the legacy of MBSEF and their tentp...
Jan 30, 2024•29 min
This episode welcomes Mark and Dana Henion who make up two thirds of the owners--and one half of the name--of Van Henion Brewing. The Henions, along with John Van Duzer, launched Van Henion in early 2022 and have been making Bend's most celebrated lagers ever since. They brew on a large, 50-barrel system that could be called "Frankensteined" making it less nimble for small batches, but Van Henion's pedigree and affable owners makes them desirable collaboration partners.
Jan 23, 2024•55 min
