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FAQs about Bend Don't Break:How many episodes does Bend Don't Break have?The podcast currently has 407 episodes available.
May 07, 2025Bend Don't Break with Dr. Sarah HellmanOn this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron sits down with Dr. Sarah Hellmann, a board-certified OB-GYN at St. Charles Health System and co-host of the podcast Wine with Your Gyn. From her journey from social work to women’s health, to creating a podcast that blends humor and honesty around often-taboo topics, Dr. Hellmann shares her passion for building community through accessible, evidence-based care. Tune in as they discuss the importance of women’s health, breaking down barriers, and empowering women to take charge of their well-being.Send us Fan MailSupport the show...more31minPlay
April 24, 2025Bend Don't Break: Sharon Maier Kennelly, Executive Director of High Desert Food and Farm AllianceIn this episode, Aaron sits down with Sharon Smith, a passionate nonprofit leader who brings decades of experience in community programming and the arts to her current role as Executive Director of the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA). After relocating from Long Island to Bend in 2019, Sharon quickly immersed herself in the local nonprofit scene—most notably at the Tower Theatre Foundation—before joining HDFFA in 2023.Together, Aaron and Sharon dig into the realities of food insecurity in Central Oregon and explore the many ways HDFFA is working to ensure access to fresh, healthy produce for all. From connecting residents with local farmers to running nutrition incentive programs and education initiatives, Sharon shares how HDFFA is building a more equitable and resilient food system.They also discuss the potential impacts of looming federal budget cuts on these crucial programs—and how community support and advocacy are more important than ever.🌱 Tune in to learn how local food, strong partnerships, and a little creativity are feeding both bellies and hope across the region.Send us Fan MailSupport the show...more31minPlay
April 17, 2025Bend Don't Break: Ed Fitch, Redmond MayorOn this episode of Bend Don’t Break, we’re joined by Redmond Mayor, Ed Fitch, longtime Redmond resident and dedicated public servant. After growing up just outside of Chicago as the ninth of eleven children, he earned both a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in history from Marquette University, followed by a law degree from Willamette Law School in 1978.Send us Fan MailSupport the show...more31minPlay
April 10, 2025Bend Don't Break: Crista Munro, Executive Director of SFF PresentsThis week on Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Crista Munro, Executive Director of SFF Presents, to talk about the rich history and evolving mission of the Sisters Folk Festival. More than just a weekend event, SFF Presents now offers year-round programming designed to bring art, music, and creativity to the Central Oregon community.Send us Fan MailSupport the show...more29minPlay
March 27, 2025Bend Don't Break: Gwenn Wysling, Executive Director of Bethlehem InnOn this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Gwenn Wysling, Executive Director of Bethlehem Inn. Since 2010, Gwenn has been at the helm of the Central Oregon-based shelter, leading its mission to provide emergency housing and support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. With a background in hospitality and a 20-year career in human resources, Gwenn brings a unique perspective to the nonprofit world.Send us Fan MailSupport the show...more34minPlay
March 23, 2025Bend Don't Break: Kisky Holwerda, Co-Founder of Ponderosa PlayersIn this episode of Bend Don’t Break, we sit down with Kisky Holwerda, the driving force behind Bend, Oregon’s Ponderosa Players. A passionate theater director and educator, Kisky shares how this innovative troupe is fostering creativity, building community, and bringing bold, original performances to life. From the joys of working with young actors to the challenges of independent theater, this conversation dives deep into the power of storytelling and the resilience it takes to keep the arts thriving.Send us Fan MailSupport the show...more28minPlay
March 13, 2025Grand Craft Bend: Trever Hawman, Owner + Brewer of Bridge 99 BreweryWe sit down with Trever Hawman, owner/brewer of Bridge 99 Brewery in northeast Bend's "Brewers District" to discuss Bridge 99 Taproom's recent 10-year anniversary and how the taplist has evolved over the past decade including how and why nearly every beer is now gluten free. (But you can't taste the difference!) And why there's a non-alcoholic beer and an honest to goodness classic root beer made from scratch. We finish chatting about Shorty, Bridge 99's vintage Chevy snub nose tap truck that will be in operation at Bend Brews & Beyond over Memorial Day weekend.Send us Fan MailSupport the show...more20minPlay
March 06, 2025Bend Don't Break: Gregory Deffenbaugh, KTVZ News DirectorIn this episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Gregory Deffenbaugh, the new News Director at KTVZ-TV, to discuss his journey through the evolving world of news. From his early days in the newsroom to leading award-winning teams across multiple markets, Gregory shares insights into the changing landscape of journalism and how KTVZ’s rebrand reflects the reality that news is no longer just on TV—it’s everywhere. They also explore KTVZ’s rich history, its role as Central Oregon’s news leader for nearly 50 years, and what the future holds for the station. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about the past, present, and future of local news in an era of rapid transformation.Send us Fan MailSupport the show...more30minPlay
February 27, 2025Bend Don't Break: Cate O’Hagan on Public Art and Cultural AdvocacyIn this episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with longtime arts advocate Cate O’Hagan to discuss the impact of public art in Central Oregon. Cate shares insights from her decades-long career in the cultural sector, from her work with the Portland Art Museum and Oregon Symphony to her leadership at Arts Central and beyond.Send us Fan MailSupport the show...more34minPlay
February 27, 2025Bend Don't Break: Marney Smith, General Manager at Hayden Homes AmphitheaterIn this episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Marney Smith, General Manager at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, to explore her remarkable journey in the live entertainment industry. Marney shares how she navigated her career path to eventually manage one of the most iconic outdoor venues in the Pacific Northwest.Send us Fan MailSupport the show...more29minPlay
FAQs about Bend Don't Break:How many episodes does Bend Don't Break have?The podcast currently has 407 episodes available.