This conversation is about racism and the need for an inclusive perspective on the history of the nation and the world, bridging the gap between races. Marcus LeGrand, School Board Member/Bend-LaPine School District and Advisor/Coordinator of the COCC Ethnocentric Program and Mark Montgomery explore healing the racial divide.
The Rainbow Bridge: Coping with Pet Loss
The hardest part of loving our pets is the day we have to say goodbye. Claire Merydith talks with Dr. Lauren Stayer of Paw Town Veterinary Care about how we can prepare and cope when this sad but inevitable day comes.
Not Crazy, Just Afraid: Destigmatizing Schizophrenia
Though it affects less than 1% of the world's population, schizophrenia is one of the most well-known brain disorders. It is also highly misunderstood. Claire Merydith talks with Dr. Sam Murray and Lindsay Hoffman of Central Oregon's EASA program. EASA helps young people and their families navigate schizophrenia and first episode psychosis. Hoffman and Murray provide insight into what it really means to live with schizophrenia, and how we can find support.
Bend City Update with Mike Riley and Ariel Mendez - April 2026
The April Bend City Update with City Councilors focused on upcoming road maintenance projects, automated enforcement of running red lights and speeding, and the challenge of meeting equity and fairness in City government.
Swapping our Cognitive Distortions for Healthy Thinking Habits
Some people call them thought distortions, others refer to them as thought loops, thought traps or cognitive distortions. These phrases refer to unhealthy thinking patterns, which most of us humans engage in from time to time. Most experts say there are around 13 common thought distortions, and therapist Scott Cypress walks us through them. We provide an example of each thought trap, and Scott provides some healthier thoughts to replace them.
Race, History, Education - A Conversation
This is a conversation about racism, the need for an inclusive perspective on the history of the nation and the world, justice and healing, and bridging the gap between races.
Surviving PTSD: What Is It, Who Experiences It, and How We Can Heal
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is caused by experiencing terrifying or particularly stressful events. Once known as "shell shock" due its prevalence among combat veterans, PTSD is not limited to war or violence. There are many treatment options for PTSD, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is said to be one of the most effective therapies. On this episode of The Point Podcast, Claire Merydith sits down with Licensed Professional Counselor Stephanie Stockham-Ronollo to learn more about PTSD, and how EMDR can help.
Bend City Update with Mike Riley and Ariel Mendez
This bi-monthly Bend City Update with city councilors Mike Riley and Ariel Mendez focuses on ICE and how the City addresses actions by the federal agency, as well as houselessness and affordable housing issues.
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do with Julian Pijuan
Most Americans experience a breakup during their lifetime. In fact, during the time it takes to watch a romantic comedy film (roughly two hours) over 172 couples get divorced! Breaking up is a part of life, and it's hard to do. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Julian Pijuan gives us some tips on how to cope when a relationship ends.
Conflict Resolution Services with Kyra Coke Duffy from Community Solutions
Kyra Coke Duffy, Executive Director of Community Solutions (formerly Central Oregon Mediation), talked about services and mediation training for volunteers. The offered services provide an alternative to going to court to resolve conflict.
"We can do anything you can do...we all need to dream big": Local College Student on Living With Down Syndrome
When her daughter Victoria was born with Down syndrome in 2003, Dianne Hanson was given outdated medical literature and few local resources. She joined forces with a few other moms to create Central Oregon Disability Support Network. At age 22, Victoria attends college, works at a restaurant and has big dreams for her future. Claire Merydith sits down with these women to learn more about Down syndrome, and of the opportunities CODSN provides.
Integrating our Trauma with Somatic Therapy
Claire Merydith learns about somatic therapy with mental health professional Taryn DuBose. We hear about how this body-based treatment can help us heal from past trauma, and other conditions.
Black History Month with Marcus LeGrand, COCC Afrocentric Program Coordinator
This discussion is about the value of "having knowledge" about the contributions of Black Americans during Black History Month and all year long. Guest Marcus LeGrand talked about the variety of activities available during the month of February through Central Oregon Community College and why celebration is important. More info can be found at cocc.edu/snv.
Coping with a Grieving Loved One
Experiencing a tragic loss can sometimes bring out the worst in us. While we see a lot of material on how to cope with our own grief, there's not much out there about how to cope when someone we love goes through it. Claire Merydith and her husband Chris sit down with counselor Sarah Peterson to talk about "grief induced psychosis." Chris tells us about his experience with Claire's depression after losing her mother in 2024, and Sarah gives us some tips and insights on grappling with grief.
Selin Sevinc on her film Homesounds
Local filmmaker Selin Sevinc tells us about Homesounds, a dark comedy about her personal experiences with depression.
Bend City Update with Ariel Mendez
This bi-monthly Bend City Update with City Councilor Ariel Mendez in December 2025 focuses on houselessness and services in winter; affordable housing and available federal and state funds; housing permits; and community projects. To contact City Council, email: council@bendoregon.gov.
Life Ain't Always Wonderful: How to Survive the Holiday Blues
Isn't it interesting how It's A Wonderful Life is still such a popular Christmas movie, despite being released before many of us were born? Maybe this is because the film's themes are timeless, and George Bailey's struggles are relatable. The holidays aren't merry and bright for everyone, and therapist Scott Cypress gives us some insight and tips on how to cope.
No Hazmat Suit Needed: How to Survive Toxic Positivity
The phrase "toxic positivity" gets thrown around a lot these days, but is it even a real thing? Therapist Scott Cypress gives us the lowdown on this well-intended but often misguided behavior.
Cascade Culinary Institute with Brian Kerr
This episode is a conversation with Program Director Brian Kerr about Cascade Culinary Institute’s holiday pie and side offerings available to the community, the available Associate of Applied Science Degree, the wide range of classes offered, and the value of serving on their Advisory Committee. cascadeculinary.com
Getting Creative With Bend's Open Arts Center
Founders of the Open Arts Center, Claire Brislin and Maija Kellner-Rhode, tell us how this organization provides a safe space for teens and adults to explore their creative sides.