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 bipartisan collaboration.

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 funding such a large-scale development, the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in sports, and the collaborative efforts needed to make this vision a reality.

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

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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!

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.

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 age group. Listen up and learn more about the Heart of Oregon Corps tremendous programs.

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.

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.

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!