Some weeks feel louder than others, and this was one of them. We’re talking about what it means to cancel the noise, how we unplug, when we choose not to speak up, and why it’s okay to not always have a take. Then we get into fire season in Oregon and how much it’s changed since we were kids. And to round it all out, a few wild headlines, including a rogue zebra in Tennessee and a couple of Spidermen breaking into hotel rooms in Bend. Because of course.

This week we’re digging into how smartwatches and screen time are messing with our balance. Are we more connected, or just more exhausted? We talk about tech boundaries, the cult of busyness, and little ways we try to slow down.

We also cover a local law enforcement shake-up, the return of live music in Bend, and the rising conversation around homelessness. To close it out, we’ve got a guy sailing to Hawaii with his cat and a few totally made-up anniversaries you never knew you needed.

Meet your hosts and get a taste of what lies Beyond The Welcome Mat. From refrigerator staples to dream dinner guests, we're kicking things off with a little fun and a lot of heart. Welcome - let's do this!