Bend Don't Break

The Source
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Podcasts powered by The Source, a weekly newspaper in beautiful Bend, Oregon. 

  1. Dr. Sonja Halsey

    20h ago

    Dr. Sonja Halsey

    In this episode of Bend into Balance, Adriana Marino sits down with Dr. Sonja Halsey, a naturopathic physician, performance coach, and founder of Empower Her Health & Performance, to explore the powerful connection between hormones and athletic performance. Dr. Halsey shares how her work with young female athletes—from USA Hockey to international training camps—is helping shift the conversation around women’s health in sport, bringing long-overdue attention to menstrual cycles, recovery, nutrition, and performance. Together, they dive into the science behind hormone cycles, why female athletes need different training and fueling strategies, and how understanding the body can unlock both better performance and deeper self-confidence. From body image and teen athletics to stress, recovery, and resilience, this conversation highlights a growing movement to normalize and empower women’s health in athletics here in Central Oregon and beyond. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    46 min
  2. Bend Don’t Break: Emerson Levy, Oregon State Representative, House District 53

    21h ago ·  Video

    Bend Don’t Break: Emerson Levy, Oregon State Representative, House District 53

    In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Oregon State Representative Emerson Levy, an attorney, educator, and public servant representing House District 53. Emerson shares how her work is grounded in community input—from tackling lithium battery fires at local landfills to navigating complex legislation around liability, transportation funding, and environmental safety. She offers a candid look at how ideas become laws, and the role collaboration plays in moving policy forward. Together, Aaron and Emerson explore the realities behind Oregon’s budget challenges, the failed gas tax vote, and the growing urgency around education reform in a tech-heavy world. Emerson also reflects on bipartisan problem-solving, the personal toll of public service, and her vision for stronger, more accountable governance. It’s a thoughtful conversation about leadership, transparency, and what it means to show up for community in a moment of change. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    37 min
  3. Bend Don’t Break: Shanan Kelley, Writer, Emcee, Auctioneer, and Comedian

    Jun 3 ·  Video

    Bend Don’t Break: Shanan Kelley, Writer, Emcee, Auctioneer, and Comedian

    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 days to becoming a sought‑after host for fundraising events across the region. Together, Aaron and Shanan explore the evolving world of nonprofit events, the craft of connecting with live audiences, and the responsibility that comes with using humor to bring people together. They also reflect on creativity, community, and what it takes to keep showing up for the work you care about. It’s a candid and uplifting conversation about resilience, reinvention, and making a life that feels both meaningful and uniquely your own. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    32 min
  4. Bend Don’t Break: Peter Franc, Executive Director of Ballet Bend

    May 20 ·  Video

    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 shaped both his artistic perspective and his approach to leadership in the arts. Together, Aaron and Peter explore what it takes to build a cultural organization from the ground up and why Bend is ready for a broader arts scene. They discuss the vision behind Ballet Bend, the balance between classical and contemporary performance, and the role the arts can play in a growing community. It is a thoughtful conversation about creativity, discipline, and the opportunity to shape the future of Central Oregon’s cultural identity. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    31 min
  5. Bend Don’t Break: Keith Witcosky, Redmond City Manager

    May 13

    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, Keith offers a grounded look at how Redmond has evolved and where it is headed. Aaron and Keith discuss Redmond’s rapid population growth, the economic impact of the airport, long term water planning in the high desert, and the importance of trust between city staff and elected leaders. It is a thoughtful conversation about growth without losing identity and the steady work of keeping a community resilient. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    38 min
  6. Bend Don't Break: Meagan Iverson, Sunriver Music Festival Executive Director

    May 7

    Bend Don't Break: Meagan Iverson, Sunriver Music Festival Executive Director

    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 institutions, and how her background as a musician and arts administrator shapes her approach to leadership and collaboration. Meagan and Aaron explore the festival’s year‑round impact, from nurturing young musicians through scholarships, to bringing mindful music moments into local schools, to celebrating American composers during the festival’s 49th season. It’s a thoughtful conversation about why the arts matter, how community organizations thrive through cooperation, and what it means to create shared experiences in Central Oregon. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    40 min
  7. Bend Don’t Break: David Bermudez, Executive Director of Bend Science Station

    Apr 22

    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 decades expanding access to hands‑on STEM education for students across Central Oregon. David and Aaron explore how Bend Science Station grew from a borrowed lab space into a Net Zero facility on the OSU‑Cascades campus, serving more than 5,000 students and 200 educators each year. The conversation dives into why science education often falls short in elementary schools, how experiential learning builds lifelong skills, and why being “wrong” is one of the most important parts of the scientific process. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion about education, democracy, and helping kids (and adults) learn how to question, test, and think critically. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    33 min
  8. Bend Don’t Break: Jason Stein, Executive Director of Opera Bend

    Apr 15

    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 fill the void left when Obsidian Opera closed. Along the way, he reflects on what drew him to opera, how his voice shaped his career, and why Bend became home. Jason and Aaron explore the role of opera in a growing community, the balance between local talent and visiting performers, and Opera Bend’s mission to make opera welcoming and accessible. They discuss the “Fear No Opera” philosophy, the realities of producing large-scale performances, and what audiences can expect from upcoming productions—including Die Fledermaus, performed in English with supertitles. It’s a thoughtful conversation about art, risk, legacy, and why live performance still matters in Central Oregon. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

    32 min
See All (393)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Podcasts powered by The Source, a weekly newspaper in beautiful Bend, Oregon. 

Information

  • Creator
    The Source
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    393
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bend Don't Break
  • Show Website
    Bend Don't Break

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