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When her daughter Victoria was born with Down syndrome in 2003, Dianne Hanson was given outdated medical literature and few local resources.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.
Bend Burlesque Company with Ivy Devine
A conversation with Bend Burlesque Company owner and performer, Ivy Devine. Claire Merydith and Ms. Devine explore the history of burlesque including the beginning of the Company in Bend ten years ago. Burlesque offers unique and various avenues of creative expression and is appropriate for all - women, men, trans, gay, lesbian. Bend Burlesque offers shows, story interpretation, dance and song.
Transportation and Parking with Bend City Councilor Mike Riley
This general update on the issues currently facing the Bend City Council has a focus on parking and continuing construction, including road projects. Contact City Council at council@bendoregon.gov.
How to Experience Gratitude When Life Feels Bad
Therapist Scott Cypress tells us how practicing gratitude can improve our lives and our health. It's not easy to feel grateful for anything when times are tough, but Scott gives us some tips on training our brains to get in the habit!
Bend City Update with Mike Riley: Road Safety and Road Construction Projects
Bend City Councilor Mike Riley talks about current and future road construction projects in Bend, including a focus on safety for all community members including walkers and bikers. Contact City Council at council@bendoregon.gov.
Pollinator Pathway Bend with Gwen Bartonek
Gwen Bartonek is President of the Board for Pollinator Pathway Bend. She talks about the importance of creating a pesticide free corridor of native plants in urban settings to build pollinator pathways, to keep the balance of our native plant, insect, and bird world. She offers suggestions on what community members can do in their back yard to create a healthy space for pollinators.
Central Oregon's High Desert Music Collective
Claire Merydith sits down with Charlie Utter, founder of Central Oregon's High Desert Music Collective. He tells us about his organization and how they support local artists. He also fills us in on some of our local live music events.
Food Insecurity with Pat Nadon from SAGE and Linda Orcelletto from City Club of Central Oregon
Pat Nadon from SAGE (Senior Advocates for Generational Equity) and Linda Orcelletto (representating City Club of Central Oregon) talk about an upcoming Community Conversation on food insecurity in Central Oregon. SAGE matches individuals and businesses with volunteer opportunities that support personal and professional interests and skills.