28: Chomping Responsibly

She hasn’t drank out of a plastic bottle in 7 years to do her part in stopping the destruction of the environment.

Food is just food, until one day, it means more. And it was in this fashion that everything changed for Paige Parsons Roache when she took on the sustainability/veganism movement and balanced out the pleasures of her life to allow animals to have theirs. Now she is a full time vegan lifestyle advocate, connecting like minded foodies at Unchained TV and bringing vegan cooking content to the world.

Originally aired on February 22, 2022 on KPOV’s All Things Vegan

26: Born To Heal

Mystical traditions have unexplainable healing components, like angels, source energy, etc. which we are exposed to as children.

Anyone can do it, says Lisa Fulkerson, Reiki Master and Healing Practitioner, who herself from childhood, instinctively tapped into the mystical nature of energetic healing. This is exactly what is happening when a mother kisses the wound of her child to take the pain away. And when we shift our focus and give ourselves permission, it is possible to journey inward to clear unwanted energies in order to more deeply connect with our own life path.

Originally aired on May 24, 2022 on KPOV’s Curiosity Lab

24: Living Her Best Life

Anne and Frank Graham are a couple with an extraordinary love story.

Anne Graham began to transition at age 46, having always felt like a woman in a man’s body. The procedures brought joy, flavored with the unexpected fear of reentering society as a woman. After being honorably discharged from the military, Anne continued her high-tech career, met her wonderful husband, Frank… and continues to strongly support her Central Oregon community.

Originally aired on April 4, 2018 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

23: Everyone Has A Status

Knowing your and your partner’s HIV status is the best way to protect yourself and the community.

With a tiny fingertip poke, Bruce Morris is tested for HIV live on the air, joined by Jessica Terpstra, Regional Coordinator of HIV Early Prevention Services for Central Oregon. Taking an HIV test is fast, easy, free and confidential. Treatment is readily available to guide an individual to viral suppression, and this support is the best way to keep communities safe and healthy. Undetectable equals untransmittable; now, there is hope for living with HIV.

Originally aired on May 21, 2019 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

22: Property Of The Armed Forces

It takes one to know one; Veterans healing together at Central Oregon Veterans Ranch.

These women are strong, flexible, adventurous and have a passion for their country, yet share misogynistic stories from their time in the service that completely dismantle equal opportunity propaganda. Major Kara Kelly and Alison Perry, both military veterans with rank, never reported the sexual abuse they experienced out of fear of the wrath of over-powering male figures. It is out of these experiences that led Alison to open Central Oregon Veterans Ranch to heal and transmute emotions of retired soldiers who feel they have nowhere else to turn.

Originally aired on March 21, 2018 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

21: Save The Animals, Save Yourself

Even snails intuitively “board up” their shells with multiple layers of weather-proof slime in preparation of an incoming storm.

Animals are unmistakably intelligent in ways that humans are only beginning to understand, Ingrid Newkirk, President of PETA, expresses passionately. Humans, ultimately, could learn from the behaviors and emotional temperaments of all of Earth’s creatures, who are incredibly loyal to each other and are wonderful caretakers, nurturers and partners. Become aware of the immense effort working to preserve the entire orchestra of life and asking the tough questions.

Originally aired on July 23, 2020 on KPOV’s All Things Vegan

20: Anxiety, Friend or Foe?

Recognizing stressors and taking positive action boosts neurohormone production which helps you feel calm and safe in the world.

With her life-changing four-step process to quell anxiety, Shelley Maurice-Maier reminds us of our own innate abilities to decide to actively work with our issues and transform them for good. Generally a taboo topic, the causes of anxiety are unique to each individual and start during uncomfortable childhood moments. She shares compelling information about highly productive actions to take to increase emotional intelligence and truly help yourself through the most challenging times in life.

Originally aired on November 2, 2021 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

17: Poisoned Water

Flint's struggle for basic human rights became a mark in time for the concern of clean water supplies.

There is no easy way to swallow the harsh reality of what life was like for the people of Flint, Michigan when they experienced a sudden breakout of mysterious illnesses in 2014 and began their arduous fight for a clean water supply. Authors Candy Cooper and Marc Aronson encourage critical thinking and challenge everyone to question what they’re told, seek evidence and look for more information.

Originally aired on February 3, 2021 on KPOV’s Open Air

16: Life In Transition

Living life in alignment with one’s soul purpose emits an authentic sense of joy.

This open-hearted interview with Kata, a male to female transgender person, describes the feelings that surrounded her taking the first steps to transition, what it feels like to be misgendered at birth and, ultimately, to be who she feels she’s meant to be. Hear how the last two and half years went for Kata in such “an amazingly gentle place” to transition, working through the nerves and fully embracing the journey.

Originally aired on June 14, 2022 on KPOV’s Curiosity Lab

15: For The Love Of Animals

A rational, calm and gentle approach is most effective for tempering the communication that resonates with people.

Animal rights activist and educator Vanessa Marsot brings her intriguing insights about the cruelties of animal consumption and how to approach the topic across cultures. She opens up about her real-world experience defending animal rights against cultural and religious tradition, her passion for the connectedness of all beings and a global vision for the vegan community.

Originally aired on June 14, 2022 on KPOV’s All Things Vegan

14: Grief Is A Gift

We can trust in the love of life that holds and connects us, even when times are tough.

Grief is a movement, a gift and an energy that when welcomed can open us up to life and a greater sense of well-being. Marci Wayman of Good Grief Guidance shares how when we tend to our grief we can shift, transcend and release it and in the process transform our entire lives. Hear how we can deepen bonds and our overall belonging with grace and compassion by allowing this moment to purely happen.

Originally aired on June 7, 2022 on KPOV’s Curiosity Lab

13: A Home Of Their Own

The proposed village would provide houseless community members a stepping stone to transition safely and securely.

We question the tender topic of houselessness here, where the focus is providing humane, safe and legal sheltering options for Central Oregon’s growing homeless population. James Cook and Bob Bohac, of Oasis Village, discuss in-depth what it takes to realistically support such a project and how funds can be dedicated in order to build a bridge for the houseless out of camps and into homes of their own.

Originally aired on October 20, 2021 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

12: A Horse Is A Healer

Horses help people find their innate sense of self, relieve anxiety and promote all-around equilibrium.

The research is growing about the physiological benefits of being around horses and is shown to steady the heart, calm the mind and relieve dis-ease. Founded upon her lifelong passion for horses and vast experience, Darcy Bedortha, owns and operates the equine therapy program Horses on the Ranch. Hear how these amazing creatures are helping people on their healing journey.

Originally aired on March 1, 2022 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

10: A Force Among Us

Moms Demand Action promotes gun safety, gun-sense laws and squashes myths to keep families safe.

The ripple effect of gun violence is wide and the discussion here brings awareness to and questions how our immediate culture shapes the way we view and process gun violence. Brandy Steelhammer and Juniper Rook, both gun safety advocates in Central Oregon, vulnerably give their own stories and many ways to take action against gun violence.

Originally aired on May 31, 2022 on KPOV’s Curiosity Lab

9: Transitioning "Indoors"

Providing safe spaces and a sense of belonging can empower the homeless to transition “indoors.”

The number of homeless is rising, and this very diverse population needs a safe space to build self-esteem, create a sense of belonging and be in control of their own transition “indoors.” To better understand the practicality and humanity of such a multi-faceted issue, we talk to Larry Kogovsek, of Sagewood Sanctuary, who is an important advocate for the homeless in Central Oregon.

Originally aired on February 26, 2020 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

8: The Life-Saving Question

Suicide reduction requires a complex community response, but it all starts with a simple question.

A crucial talk about how to approach someone who may be showing warning signs of committing suicide. Whitney Schumacher, Deschutes County Suicide Prevention Coordinator, works along side community organizations and members to reduce suicide attempts and provide essential support through outreach, awareness, education and policy change.

Originally aired on September 4, 2019 on KPOV’s The Wednesday Point

6: Fundamental Choices

Protestors outside Bend, Oregon's Planned Parenthood are an almost daily scene.

This topical discussion with Bend, Oregon’s Planned Parenthood Manager, Joanna Dennis-Cook, brings awareness to how important consistent and supportive reproductive and abortion care is for Oregonians. Also, what will happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned at the federal level and our communities response to continuing to offer this equal, fundamental care for all.

Originally aired on May 10, 2022 on KPOV’s Curiosity Lab

3: Nurturing BIPOC Youth

The Father’s Group creates vital community support systems for BIPOC youth in Central Oregon.

Kenny Adams of The Fathers Group is working to improve the lives of Central Oregon’s BIPOC youth by providing positive role models and an active support system. They continue to promote conversations between the black activist community and the public as a whole to break down racial barriers.

Originally aired on February 22, 2022 on KPOV’s The Tuesday Point

1: Burning Down The House

The burnt remains of Canyon Cannabis in Gates, Oregon after the devastating fires of 2020.

Multiple cannabis dispensaries were burned to the ground during the devastating 2020 fires in Oregon. Hear how it went for Thorin Thacker, owner of Canyon Cannabis, dealing with local and state assistance and the relocation to Mill City, Oregon.

Originally aired on March 28, 2022 on KPOV’s The High Desert Co-op