In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Melissa Steele, Deputy Fire Marshal for Wildfire Preparedness at Bend Fire and Rescue. Melissa brings more than two decades of experience in firefighting and prevention, including years with Cal Fire during the devastating Paradise fire, to her new role in Central Oregon.

Melissa shares her journey from the front lines of catastrophic wildfires to leading efforts that help homeowners reduce risk and protect their communities. The conversation explores the realities of urban wildfire, the importance of defensible space and home hardening, and why proactive planning matters more than ever. Melissa also offers practical tips for residents and insight into how Bend is preparing for the future. Tune in for an eye-opening discussion about resilience, responsibility, and what it takes to keep our neighborhoods safe.

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Kat Mastrangelo, Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine, a free clinic serving uninsured adults across Central Oregon. Kat shares her journey from a career in health policy and hospital administration to leading an organization that provides critical care for those who fall through the cracks of the healthcare system.

Together, they explore the challenges of rising insurance costs, the impact of expiring subsidies, and the growing need for accessible medical services in our community. Kat also highlights the power of volunteerism, the unique role of charitable pharmacies, and how her team is preparing for a surge in demand. Tune in for an insightful conversation about healthcare equity, community resilience, and the importance of local solutions.

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Dr. Greg Pereira, the seventh president of Central Oregon Community College. Greg shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Clackamas to leading one of Oregon’s most respected colleges. His career path spans work in homeless shelters, nonprofit leadership, and higher education administration, giving him a unique perspective on the power of education to transform lives.

The conversation explores Greg’s vision for COCC as a first-choice college, the challenges and opportunities in post-pandemic higher education, and the importance of accessibility and affordability for today’s students. Greg also reflects on meeting hundreds of faculty and staff to understand the heart of the institution and outlines goals for sustainability and innovation. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about leadership, community, and the future of education in Central Oregon.

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Todd Dunkelberg, Director of the Deschutes Public Library and unexpected TikTok sensation. Todd shares his journey from graduating in library science at the University of Texas to leading one of Oregon’s most dynamic library systems. He reflects on the evolution of libraries from traditional book lending to makerspaces, 3D printing, and digital literacy and how these changes are shaping community life in Central Oregon.The conversation explores the ambitious new library projects, the role of meeting spaces in fostering connection, and why libraries remain vital in a digital age. Todd also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the viral video that made him a social media star. Tune in for an engaging discussion about innovation, accessibility, and the future of public libraries.

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Michael Gesme, conductor of the Central Oregon Symphony and longtime professor at COCC, as he prepares to retire after 30 years of shaping the region’s classical music scene. Michael reflects on his journey from the Midwest to Bend, the evolution of local performance spaces, and the community partnerships that have sustained everything from chamber music to full symphonic productions.Together, they explore the therapeutic power of music, the challenges of arts funding, and the renewed momentum behind a Central Oregon Performing Arts Center. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about legacy, leadership, and the enduring joy of making music in—and for—your community.

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron Switzer reconnects with Katy Brooks, now serving as Bend’s Economic Development Officer, to talk about her shift from Chamber CEO to city strategist. Katy shares her vision for supporting small businesses, improving infrastructure, and making Bend more welcoming to new and growing industries. They explore urban renewal plans, housing challenges, and how Katy’s role connects departments to drive long-term economic vitality. Tune in for a thoughtful look at civic leadership and Bend’s evolving future.

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron sits down with Cyrus Mooney, Business Development Manager for the City of Bend, whose path from student affairs to civic leadership reflects a deep commitment to service and connection. With roots in Sherwood and a decade in Corvallis, Cyrus brings a rare blend of empathy, adaptability, and strategic insight to Bend’s evolving economic landscape.They talk about what it means to lead from the middle—liaising between city departments, business associations, and everyday residents—and how Cyrus balances policy work with human relationships. From his early days managing 70 student employees at OSU to his current role shaping Bend’s economic development strategy, Cyrus shares how he stays grounded in purpose while navigating the complexity of civic life.

This week on Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Lace Thornberg, Communications Director at Central Oregon LandWatch. Lace shares how her journey through conservation organizations across the West eventually led her to Bend, where she now channels her passion for land use, public lands, and ensuring equitable access to nature. Their conversation explores the importance of protecting Central Oregon’s landscapes in the face of rapid growth, the role of public engagement in shaping land use decisions, and the challenges of balancing development with ecological resilience.

Lace also highlights Central Oregon LandWatch’s Livable Future Forum—a dynamic lecture and community conversation series designed to spark dialogue around what it takes to create a just, sustainable, and ecologically vibrant future. Upcoming forums will feature voices like National Park Service Director Chuck Sams, author Michelle Nijhuis, and National Geographic Explorer Kiliii Yüyan. Learn more and purchase tickets here: 👉 centraloregonlandwatch.org/livable-future-forum

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Bend City Councilman Steve Platt, whose journey from fighter pilot to physics teacher to public servant reveals a deep commitment to community, resilience, and thoughtful leadership.Steve shares how his global military career and experience commanding squadrons shaped his approach to civic engagement and policy-making. Now serving on the Bend City Council, he discusses his passion for affordable housing, sustainable transportation, and environmental stewardship—issues he sees as interconnected in building a thriving future for Central Oregon. As a physics instructor at Summit High School, Steve also reflects on the importance of education and the evolving science curriculum aimed at empowering the next generation.Listeners will gain insight into the challenges of local governance, the weight of public responsibility, and the power of listening—whether to constituents, students, or fellow council members. It’s a conversation that blends data-driven decision-making with heartfelt dedication to Bend’s people and places.

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with journalist and author Lily Raff McCaulou. Lily’s writing has appeared in publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Guardian, Rolling Stone, and The Bulletin, and she is the author of Call of the Mild: Learning to Hunt My Own Dinner, named one of the best books of 2012 by The San Francisco Chronicle.

Aaron and Lily explore her winding path into journalism, what ultimately brought her to Bend, and the surprising journey that led her to write a book about learning to hunt. Lily also shares her perspective on teaching the next generation of reporters as an instructor at Central Oregon Community College and advisor for The Broadside, the college’s student newspaper. Along the way, listeners get a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of modern journalism, the intersection of personal growth and professional storytelling, and the importance of fostering curiosity in both students and readers.

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Brian K. August shares his journey to becoming the new Executive Director of the Tower Theatre Foundation. With more than twenty years of leadership experience across nonprofits, private enterprise, and global initiatives, Brian brings a thoughtful approach to strategic growth, operational excellence, and community impact. His work with CauseMic and the Oregon Humane Society reflects a deep commitment to service and a talent for guiding organizations through meaningful transformation.