In 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.

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In 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.

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In 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.

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In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Shanan Kelley, writer, emcee, auctioneer, and comedian whose heart‑centered humor has made her a cornerstone of Central Oregon’s nonprofit and creative communities. Shanan shares how she built a unique career blending storytelling, performance, and purpose—from launching The Nightlight Show in Bend’s early creative days to becoming a sought‑after host for fundraising events across the region.

Together, Aaron and Shanan explore the evolving world of nonprofit events, the craft of connecting with live audiences, and the responsibility that comes with using humor to bring people together. They also reflect on creativity, community, and what it takes to keep showing up for the work you care about. It’s a candid and uplifting conversation about resilience, reinvention, and making a life that feels both meaningful and uniquely your own.

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In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Peter Franc, executive director of Ballet Bend, to talk about his journey from a young dancer in Atlanta to performing and leading at the highest levels of professional ballet. Peter shares how his early training, international career, and time with Oregon Ballet Theatre shaped both his artistic perspective and his approach to leadership in the arts.

Together, Aaron and Peter explore what it takes to build a cultural organization from the ground up and why Bend is ready for a broader arts scene. They discuss the vision behind Ballet Bend, the balance between classical and contemporary performance, and the role the arts can play in a growing community. It is a thoughtful conversation about creativity, discipline, and the opportunity to shape the future of Central Oregon’s cultural identity.

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In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Keith Witcosky, City Manager of Redmond, to talk about what it really means to guide a fast growing Central Oregon city through change. From overseeing a 150 million dollar budget and a regional airport to navigating water constraints, housing pressure, and cultural shifts, Keith offers a grounded look at how Redmond has evolved and where it is headed.

Aaron and Keith discuss Redmond’s rapid population growth, the economic impact of the airport, long term water planning in the high desert, and the importance of trust between city staff and elected leaders. It is a thoughtful conversation about growth without losing identity and the steady work of keeping a community resilient.

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In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Meagan Iverson, Executive Director of the Sunriver Music Festival, to talk about music as a vehicle for community, connection, and care in Central Oregon. Meagan shares her path from growing up in Southern Oregon to leading one of the region’s most enduring cultural institutions, and how her background as a musician and arts administrator shapes her approach to leadership and collaboration.

Meagan and Aaron explore the festival’s year‑round impact, from nurturing young musicians through scholarships, to bringing mindful music moments into local schools, to celebrating American composers during the festival’s 49th season. It’s a thoughtful conversation about why the arts matter, how community organizations thrive through cooperation, and what it means to create shared experiences in Central Oregon.

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In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with David Bermudez, executive director and founder of Bend Science Station, to talk about curiosity, critical thinking, and what it really means to learn science. David shares his journey from teaching at Sunriver Prep to launching a nonprofit that has spent more than two decades expanding access to hands‑on STEM education for students across Central Oregon.

David and Aaron explore how Bend Science Station grew from a borrowed lab space into a Net Zero facility on the OSU‑Cascades campus, serving more than 5,000 students and 200 educators each year. The conversation dives into why science education often falls short in elementary schools, how experiential learning builds lifelong skills, and why being “wrong” is one of the most important parts of the scientific process. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion about education, democracy, and helping kids (and adults) learn how to question, test, and think critically.

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In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Jason Stein, Executive Director of Opera Bend, to talk about building and sustaining an opera company in Central Oregon. Jason shares his journey from studying acting in New York City and performing on major stages to putting down roots in Bend and helping fill the void left when Obsidian Opera closed. Along the way, he reflects on what drew him to opera, how his voice shaped his career, and why Bend became home.

Jason and Aaron explore the role of opera in a growing community, the balance between local talent and visiting performers, and Opera Bend’s mission to make opera welcoming and accessible. They discuss the “Fear No Opera” philosophy, the realities of producing large-scale performances, and what audiences can expect from upcoming productions—including Die Fledermaus, performed in English with supertitles. It’s a thoughtful conversation about art, risk, legacy, and why live performance still matters in Central Oregon.

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In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Clayton Franke, reporter for the Lay It Out Foundation and The Source, to talk about local journalism, community accountability, and what it means to report from the inside of a rapidly changing city. Clayton shares his path from growing up in Missoula to studying journalism at the University of Oregon, then building his reporting experience at small newspapers across Oregon and Washington before landing in Bend.

Clayton and Aaron explore the realities of reporting on local government, housing, transportation, and urban planning in Central Oregon. They discuss the responsibility that comes with telling people’s stories, the challenges facing modern journalism, and why local reporting still matters deeply to the health of a community.

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In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer sits down with Casey Andrews, Executive Director of Central Oregon Trail Alliance, to talk about stewardship, public lands, and the people who make Central Oregon’s trail system possible. Casey shares her path from working in national parks and forests across the country to leading one of the region’s most impactful outdoor nonprofits.

Casey and Aaron explore the realities of trail maintenance in a high use and fragile environment, the growing role of nonprofit partners as federal staffing declines, and why Central Oregon’s volunteer culture is so unique. The conversation highlights how trails are more than recreation infrastructure. They are economic drivers, community connectors, and shared responsibilities that require long term care and collaboration.

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