Bend Don't Break

In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Sara Odendahl, CEO of the Bend Chamber. Sara shares her journey from journalism and public affairs to government relations, nonprofit leadership, and small business ownership. She discusses her experience in Colorado policy work, launching Work Collective in Bend, and ultimately stepping into leadership at one of Oregon's largest local chambers of commerce.

The conversation explores workforce housing, child care access, small business support, health insurance resources, and the evolving role of the Bend Chamber in Central Oregon. Sara explains how the Chamber is helping convene community partners around complex challenges and highlights efforts to advance attainable housing solutions, strengthen the local workforce, and support the region's growing business community.

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In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Claudia Hinz, author. A Bend based novelist and former television journalist, Hinz discusses her debut novel Safekeeping and the experiences that inspired its exploration of war, motherhood, activism, and the civilian military divide. Drawing from years of reporting on military bases and conversations with veterans, she shares how those experiences shaped both her storytelling and her understanding of service.

The conversation explores the realities of military service, the distance many civilians feel from modern conflicts, and the ways war impacts families far beyond the battlefield. Hinz reflects on motherhood, community responsibility, and the importance of meaningful conversations with veterans, offering Central Oregon listeners a thoughtful discussion about service, sacrifice, and connection.

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In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dennis McGregor, Artist, Musician, and Children's Book Author. Dennis reflects on his journey from performing music in Southern California to building a creative life in Sisters, Oregon. He shares how an opportunity to create a poster for the Sisters Quilt Show launched a decades long career in visual art, leading to celebrated festival posters, interpretive signage throughout Central Oregon, public artwork, and a series of children's books.

The conversation explores creativity, reinvention, and the lasting influence artists can have on a community. Dennis discusses his work with the Sisters Folk Festival, his contributions to public spaces across the region, and the inspiration behind his books and school performances. His story highlights the role of art, music, and local culture in shaping the identity of Central Oregon.

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In this episode The Point's Louise Kaplan and host Aaron Switzer sit down with Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon. Kotek reflects on nearly four years leading the state and discusses her administration's work on housing, homelessness, economic development, education, trade, and public services. The conversation also explores how state government is responding to changing federal policies and the challenges of governing a diverse and growing state.

The discussion focuses on issues that matter deeply to Central Oregon, including housing affordability, wildfire resilience, water resources, job growth, mental health services, education outcomes, and regional collaboration. Kotek shares her perspective on progress made so far and the priorities she believes will shape Oregon's future, with a particular emphasis on supporting communities across Central Oregon.

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In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dave Flier, Creator of The Rockin' Dave Experience. Known to many in Central Oregon as Rockin' Dave, Flier is a Midwest raised culinary school graduate and the former owner and operator of Rockin' Dave's Bistro and Backstage Lounge. He shares the story of his journey from culinary school in Chicago to Bend, the growth of his restaurant business, and the experiences that shaped his career in food and hospitality.

The conversation explores entrepreneurship, creativity, travel, and the evolution of Bend's food scene. Flier reflects on operating a restaurant for nearly two decades, adapting through changing market conditions, navigating the pandemic, and finding new inspiration through themed pop up dining experiences. His perspective offers insight into community building, small business ownership, and the ways food brings people together across Central Oregon.

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Aaron sits down with Selin Sevinç, Managing Director of Programming and Artistic Vision at the Bend Film Festival, for a special festival edition of Bend Don't Break. Selin shares what goes into building the festival, highlights this year's featured filmmakers, discusses new and returning venues, and offers a preview of the films, documentaries, shorts, and special events coming to Central Oregon.

The conversation explores the people behind Bend Film, the value of independent cinema, and how the festival brings filmmakers and audiences together. Selin also highlights several standout films, talks about the importance of filmmaker Q&As, and explains why Bend Film continues to be a unique cultural event for the region.

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In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Sarah Peterson, Founder and Executive Director of Clear Morning. Sarah is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, educator, podcaster, and longtime Central Oregon resident whose work focuses on grief, self awareness, relationships, and healing after loss. She shares the story behind Clear Morning, a Bend based nonprofit dedicated to changing the way people understand and experience grief.

The conversation explores how grief shapes personal identity, why support systems matter, and how Clear Morning helps children and adults navigate loss through community, connection, and practical resources. Sarah also discusses the importance of grief education, the challenges facing bereaved families, and why creating spaces for honest conversations about loss is essential for Central Oregon.

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In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Carly Colgan, CEO of Bend Redmond Habitat for Humanity. Carly shares her path from studying biology in Illinois to serving in AmeriCorps after Hurricane Katrina, leading Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Colorado and Washington, and ultimately joining the organization in Central Oregon. She discusses her work expanding access to affordable homeownership and her recent appointment to the Oregon Housing Stability Council.

The conversation explores the realities of the housing crisis in Central Oregon, the challenges facing working families who hope to become homeowners, and how Habitat for Humanity creates pathways to affordable ownership through education, partnerships, and community support. Carly also explains the scale of Habitat's current projects and why long term planning is essential to meeting the region's growing housing needs.

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In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Keith Sherrill, Small Business Management Coordinator at the COCC Small Business Development Center. A veteran, educator, entrepreneur, and former U.S. Army Ranger and special operations aviator, Keith shares his journey from military service and multiple deployments to business ownership, higher education, and community leadership in Central Oregon.

The conversation explores entrepreneurship, veteran support, the meaning of the American Dream, and the role small businesses play in strengthening local communities. Keith discusses the COCC SBDC programs he leads, including STRIVE, which helps veterans turn business ideas into reality, and explains how leadership lessons from military service continue to shape the way he mentors entrepreneurs across Central Oregon.

Questions? Contact Keith at [email protected]

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In this episode host Aaron Switzer sits down with Bree Beal, Executive Director of BEAT Children's Theatre. Bree shares her journey from a childhood immersed in theater to studying history, working in the title industry, and ultimately returning to her passion through nonprofit leadership. She discusses joining BEAT in 2014, helping guide the organization through leadership transition, growth, and the expansion of programs that connect young people throughout Central Oregon with theater and creative expression.

The conversation explores the value of children's theater as a place for creativity, confidence, and community rather than a pathway to professional acting alone. Bree talks about the importance of arts access, the challenges and opportunities facing local theater organizations, and BEAT's mission to help young people grow through storytelling, performance, and collaboration. The discussion highlights why arts education and creative spaces continue to matter for families and communities across Central Oregon.

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