Bend Oregon’s local doctor with a world-changing vision: Dr. Marinus Koning
Release Date: 10/17/2019
Inside Bend: Innovation, AI & Community Impact with Stephanie Betteridge
BendBEAT
In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Stephanie Betteridge, Bend’s Chief Innovation Officer and Assistant City Manager, to explore how innovation, data, and a people-first mindset are shaping the future of Bend. From AI and public dashboards to snowplow tech and roundabout art, Stephanie reveals the behind-the-scenes work that makes Bend not just function—but thrive. If you’ve ever wondered how local government can be both high-tech and human-centered, this is a must-listen. 🔎 Topics Covered: What “innovation” really means for a city like Bend How AI is...
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What Happens When You Trade Comfort for Purpose? Thump Coffee Bend’s Favorite Coffee Spot
BendBEAT
In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Bobby Grover, founder of Thump Coffee, to explore his journey from high-pressure corporate life to crafting a purpose-driven coffee brand in Bend, Oregon. Bobby shares what inspired his bold move—from stepping away from a high-paying job to pursuing a slower, more intentional life centered around coffee, community, and personal values. Discover how Thump Coffee isn’t just about the brew—it’s about balance, creativity, and being deeply rooted in what matters most. Whether you’re a coffee lover, entrepreneur, or just someone...
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Transforming Lives Through Adaptive Sports
BendBEAT
In this episode of the BendBeat Podcast, we dive into the incredible work of Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS), an organization dedicated to making outdoor recreation accessible to individuals with disabilities. Hosts Colleen Dougherty and Pat Addabbo share the inspiring journey of OAS—from its grassroots beginnings to serving over 2,500 adaptive experiences annually. Join us as we discuss the impact of adaptive sports, the power of community support, and how OAS is breaking barriers to outdoor access. Whether it’s skiing at Mt. Bachelor, cycling, or paddling, this conversation highlights the...
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Inside St. Charles: 100 Years of Community-Centered Care in Bend, Oregon.
BendBEAT
In this episode of BendBeat podcast, Brian Ladd welcomes Kayley Mendenhall, Vice President of Strategic Communications, and Jenny O’Bryan, Executive Director of the St. Charles Foundation, for an inspiring conversation about the legacy, challenges, and future of St. Charles Health System, 100 years of community-centered care in Bend, Oregon. St. Charles has been a cornerstone of Central Oregon for over 100 years, beginning as a small hospital run by nuns and growing into a vital nonprofit health system serving over 250,000 people across four hospitals. Learn how St. Charles remains committed...
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Is Bend still growing? Economic outlook with State Economist, Damon Rundberg
BendBEAT
While it might be hard to believe, Bend's population growth has noticeably slowed over the past two years, with last year's increase falling to just under 1%. This marks one of the slowest growth rates Bend has seen since 2010-2012, a stark contrast to the rapid expansion of the previous five years. While this deceleration may be alarming to some, it's important to note that many communities in Oregon would welcome an annual population growth rate of around 1%. So why is Bend, a city that seems to be thriving, experiencing this slowdown? Taking a step back and understanding a bit more about...
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Deschute’s Children foundation and Their Mission in Bend
BendBEAT
Growing and thriving are part of our everyday lives, but there is always another side. In this episode, alongside Cassi MacQueen and Brian Ladd, we dive deeper into what Deschutte’s Children Foundation is doing and how it is promoting and helping other non-profit organizations to be successful, in order to keep the help going where it is needed. Deschute’s Children Foundation's mission is to provide the space and support where nonprofits succeed at helping children and families. Their vision is a community where all children and families have the resources they need to thrive. Get to know...
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Inside Tetherow: Growth & Impact in Bend with the van der Veldes | BendBeat Podcast
BendBEAT
Welcome to BendBeat Podcast! In today's episode, we had the opportunity to talk with Chris & Erin van der Velde, better known as Tetherow. Brian Ladd took this opportunity to dive deep into the impact that the Tetherow resort has had in Bend, Oregon. Tetherow encompasses 700 acres on Bend, Oregon’s west side. They boast a 50-room boutique hotel, pool, three restaurants, 40 vacation rental homes, event pavilion, an 18-hole golf course, golf academy and various residential neighborhoods. They ensure environmentally-sound philosophies and practices are integrated into nearly every aspect of...
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Crafting Affordable Living for All
BendBEAT
Welcome to our next episode of the BendBeat where Brian Ladd and Lynne McConnell delve deep into the heart of Bend, Oregon's evolving landscape of affordable housing. With a clear vision that housing forms the foundation of success, this episode explores the myriad of inventive strategies the city of Bend is working on to ensure everyone has a place to call home. From leveraging middle-income housing programs to pioneering safe parking initiatives and bolstering state and federally supported shelters, Bend is on a mission to shape growth in ways that genuinely benefit its residents.
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Standing at the crossroads of growth
BendBEAT
The subjects of Oregon land use laws, the urban growth boundary, and zoning all take center stage in this informative conversation between Brian Ladd and Deschutes County Commissioner, Phil Chang. Commissioner Chang is giving us an inside look at how Bend is a driving force in the decisions that are made for Deschutes County as a whole. Serving as one of Deschutes County Commissioners since 2019, Commissioner Chang shares how his history as a long-time resident and extensive education and experience working in natural resources management have shaped his ideas and perspective on...
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Building Trust and Making Voices Heard
BendBEAT
Bend’s city leaders are marching in the same direction and Mayor Melanie Kebler is at the front of the pack representing the voices of Bend’s residents. As a Bend native, Mayor Kebler returned to her hometown and is matching her love for the city with her passion for leadership. As the city’s Mayor, Kebler is hopeful that the city leader’s unified vision will help Bend grow into its new skin by creating more opportunities for residents to engage and build trust with city staff. Brian asks Mayor Kebler to address several hot topics and key issues Bend is facing today. Listen to...
info_outlineMarinus Koning | Founder, ReachAnother Foundation