Podcast
Bend Don't Break
Hosted by The Source · EN
Podcasts powered by The Source, a weekly newspaper in beautiful Bend, Oregon.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Bend Don't Break: Fiona Noonan, Wildlands and Water Program Manager
5d ago00:33:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Fiona Noonan, Wildlands and Water Program Manager. Fiona works with Central Oregon LandWatch to protect forests, wildlife habitat, and water resources across Central Oregon. A landscape ecologist with experience in climate planning, land protection, and natural resource management, she discusses her educational path from Stanford University to Boise State University and the work that brought her back to Central Oregon.The conversation explores wildfire preparedness, forest management, water allocation, irrigation efficiency, and the long term challenges facing Central Oregon's public lands and rivers. Fiona explains how wildfire resilience, land use planning, and water policy are deeply connected, and why thoughtful management of these systems is essential to maintaining a livable future for communities across the region.Send us Fan MailSupport the show
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Bend Don't Break: Alisa Dunlap, Pacific Power's Regional Business Manager for Central Oregon
2w ago00:34:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Alisa Dunlap, Pacific Power's Regional Business Manager for Central Oregon. With a background in political science, government affairs, public policy, and utility planning, Dunlap shares how her career evolved from health care policy work at OHSU to helping guide energy infrastructure and customer growth planning across Central Oregon for Pacific Power.The conversation explores the realities of managing energy needs in one of Oregon's fastest growing regions, including long range utility planning, substation development, transmission projects, data center growth, and wildfire safety. Dunlap explains how Pacific Power works with communities, businesses, and local governments to prepare for future demand while balancing public concerns and the reliability needs of Central Oregon's expanding population.Send us Fan MailSupport the show
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Bend Don’t Break: Jeff Curtis, Executive Director of the Deschutes County Fair
4w ago00:28:53Tap to summarizeIn this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Jeff Curtis, Executive Director of the Deschutes County Fair. Curtis recently stepped into the role after leading the Alaska State Fair and spending nearly two decades as CEO of the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. With more than 30 years of experience producing fairs, festivals, and community events across the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, he brings a fresh perspective to one of Central Oregon’s longest running traditions.The conversation explores the evolving role of county fairs, the importance of preserving agricultural roots while expanding community appeal, and the lessons Curtis learned from managing large scale events through changing times. He also shares insights into this year's Deschutes County Fair, including entertainment, attractions, and what makes fairs such a meaningful gathering place for Central Oregon residents.Send us Fan MailSupport the show
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Bend Don't Break: Beau Eastes, Marketing Director at Old Mill District & Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Jul 1500:26:49Tap to summarizeIn this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Beau Eastes, Marketing Director at Old Mill District and Hayden Homes Amphitheater. Beau shares his journey from journalism in Kansas, Oregon, and Utah to marketing leadership in Central Oregon. He reflects on his years at The Bulletin, his transition into marketing, and how his background as a reporter continues to shape the way he connects with the community.The conversation explores the evolution of the Old Mill District, the growth of Hayden Homes Amphitheater, and the vision behind its next chapter. Beau discusses local business partnerships, new development plans, the amphitheater’s expanding concert season, and the importance of creating places that serve both residents and visitors in Central Oregon.Send us Fan MailSupport the show
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Bend Don't Break: Dr Travis Allen, Executive Director of the Central Oregon Symphony Association
Jul 900:31:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dr Travis Allen, Executive Director of the Central Oregon Symphony Association. A Bend native, cellist, educator, and arts leader, Dr Allen shares his journey from studying cello performance and musicology to returning home to build a career in Central Oregon’s classical music community. He discusses his work as a performer, teacher at Central Oregon Community College, and his leadership role guiding the symphony after years of involvement in local music education and performance.The conversation explores the role of a community orchestra, the challenges and opportunities of growing a classical music audience in Bend, and the importance of accessibility in the arts. Dr Allen highlights outreach efforts like Music in Public Places, youth engagement programs, and the symphony’s pay what you can model, all of which aim to make classical music more inclusive and relevant to Central Oregon’s evolving community.Send us Fan MailSupport the show
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Bend Don't Break: Scott Rowles, Founder and Lead Educational Therapist of Potentia Academics
Jul 100:33:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Scott Rowles, Founder and Lead Educational Therapist of Potentia Academics. Scott is a licensed teacher and certified professional educational therapist who has worked in local public schools and at Central Oregon Community College. Through his work, he supports students across a wide age range in building executive function skills, confidence, and the tools they need to succeed academically and personally.The conversation explores how today’s educational landscape is becoming more complex, from the lasting impacts of COVID to the growing role of technology in the classroom. Scott explains how educational therapy fills gaps for students experiencing stress, anxiety, and skill deficits, while offering practical insight into motivation, focus, and independence. This discussion highlights challenges and solutions that are especially relevant to families and educators navigating education in Central Oregon.Send us Fan MailSupport the show
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Bend Don’t Break: Phil Chang, Deschutes County Commissioner
Jun 2400:29:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Phil Chang, Deschutes County Commissioner, to explore a pivotal moment for local leadership as the county prepares to welcome a new wave of commissioners. Phil reflects on his role stepping into senior leadership, the outcomes of the recent election, and how Deschutes County’s political landscape is shifting alongside its rapid growth. He shares candid insights into the challenges of governing in an environment where national narratives increasingly shape local decision making.Together, Aaron and Phil dive into the region’s most pressing issues, including housing, land use, behavioral health, and homelessness, along with the importance of evidence driven policymaking and stronger collaboration between the county, cities, and community partners. Phil outlines his vision for a more pragmatic and solutions oriented approach to governance, emphasizing the need to support innovative staff, cut through ideological gridlock, and focus on outcomes that move the community forward. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, accountability, and the future of Central Oregon.Send us Fan MailSupport the show
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Kirk Schueler, President and CEO of Brooks Resources Corporation
Jun 1700:45:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Kirk Schueler, President and CEO of Brooks Resources Corporation, to explore the evolution of Bend through the lens of one of its most influential developers. Kirk shares his journey from a career in accounting and auditing to helping shape some of Central Oregon’s most recognizable communities, including Northwest Crossing. Along the way, he reflects on the collaborative efforts that defined Bend’s growth, from the West Side Traffic Consortium to early decisions that introduced roundabouts and walkable neighborhood design.Together, Aaron and Kirk dive into the realities of growth in a changing city—how land use policy, housing demand, and community values intersect, and what’s at stake as Bend continues to expand. They also discuss the shift away from large-scale master planned developments toward more urban, mixed-use projects, and the importance of maintaining “complete neighborhoods” that balance housing with services and livability. Tune in for a grounded conversation about leadership, long-term thinking, and what it means to build a community that lasts.Send us Fan MailSupport the show
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Dr. Sonja Halsey
Jun 1000:45:37Tap to summarizeIn 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 MailSupport the show
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Bend Don’t Break: Emerson Levy, Oregon State Representative, House District 53
Jun 1000:37:22Tap to summarizeIn 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 MailSupport the show
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