BendBEAT

Hosted by Brian Ladd

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Oct 2026

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BeatBeat is a collection of unfiltered conversations led by Brian Ladd with the optimistic leaders of Bend, Oregon, who made this all possible, and those who are looking to the future to solve our current challenges. Sponsored by The Ladd Group.

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37 recent

October 12, 2026Episode 351 min

Bend, Oregon: History, Growth & Preservation with Kelly Cannon-Miller

How do we preserve what makes Bend special while planning for the community's future? In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Kelly Cannon-Miller, Executive Director of the Deschutes County Historical Society, to explore the stories, landmarks, and historical events that have shaped Bend and Central Oregon. Kelly shares her journey into public history and discusses why understanding the region's past is essential to making informed decisions about its future. From Indigenous history and the early development of Central Oregon to the preservation of historic buildings, the conversation reveals how the past continues to influence Bend's identity. Brian and Kelly also examine the challenges of balancing growth with preservation, the significance of local landmarks, and why community involvement matters as Bend continues to evolve. Brian and Kelly explore: Central Oregon's Indigenous history and early settlement The role of the Deschutes Historical Museum in preserving local heritage The stories behind Bend's historic buildings and neighborhoods Historic preservation and the pressures of modern development The importance of protecting downtown Bend and Greenwood Avenue How Bend's history of resilience has shaped its community The relationship between neighborhood planning, walkability, and community identity Why understanding history can help guide Bend's future As Bend continues to grow, this conversation is a reminder that preserving our history isn't simply about protecting old buildings. It's about understanding the people, experiences, and places that give a community its identity. BendBeat brings together the people helping shape Bend and Central Oregon through conversations about business, housing, community, growth, and the future of the region. Hosted by Brian Ladd Discover the Deschutes Historical Museum: https://www.deschuteshistory.org/ Learn more about BendBeat: https://bendbeat.com/ Presented by The Ladd Group, Bend's leading real estate team. https://www.laddgroupre.com/

October 6, 2026Episode 242 min

Can Bend Grow Without Losing What Makes It Special? | Sara Odendahl | BendBeat Podcast

What does Bend's next chapter look like as the community continues to grow? In this episode of BendBeat, Brian Ladd sits down with Sara Odendahl, CEO of the Bend Chamber of Commerce , for a wide-ranging conversation about Bend's evolving business community, population growth, housing affordability, workforce challenges, and the decisions shaping Central Oregon's future. Sara shares her path from political consulting and public policy in Colorado to entrepreneurship in Bend, including launching Work Collective just before the COVID-19 pandemic. She also discusses how that experience ultimately led to her work with the Bend Chamber and her perspective on the challenges facing local businesses today. Brian and Sara explore: • Bend's changing economy and business environment • Housing affordability and workforce recruitment • The rising cost of living in Central Oregon • Childcare and healthcare challenges • Why collaboration matters as Bend grows • The Chamber's role in regional policy and economic issues • Developing Bend's next generation of leaders • What an additional 30,000 residents could mean for the community • Why Sara remains optimistic about Bend's future BendBeat brings together the people helping shape Bend and Central Oregon through conversations about business, housing, community, growth, and the future of the region. Hosted by Brian Ladd Learn more about BendBeat: https://bendbeat.com/ Presented by The Ladd Group , Bend's leading real estate team. https://www.laddgroupre.com/ #BendOregon #CentralOregon #BendBeat #BendChamber #BendBusiness #CentralOregonBusiness #BendRealEstate Sponsored by: The Bulletin

October 5, 2026Episode 133 min

The Hidden Backbone of Central Oregon Healthcare | Mosaic Community Health

What does it really take to build a healthier community in Central Oregon? In this BendBeat episode, Brian sits down with Megan Haase, CEO of Mosaic Community Health, to unpack the vital role Mosaic plays across Bend, Redmond, Prineville, Madras, and Sisters—and why their work impacts nearly one out of every eight Central Oregonians. They explore: ⦁ What "whole-person care" actually means in practice ⦁ How Mosaic evolved from a single modular clinic to serving over 36,000 patients ⦁ Why community health centers are essential to prevention, not just crisis care ⦁ Mosaic's work with Medicaid, uninsured patients, and fixed-income families ⦁ School-based health centers and youth mental health access ⦁ Mobile and outreach medicine serving unhoused neighbors in forests and rural areas ⦁ The real consequences of losing insurance coverage and rising healthcare costs ⦁ Why affordability, access, and collaboration are the future of healthcare This conversation offers a clear, human look at how healthcare systems either strengthen or strain a community, and why Mosaic's model matters now more than ever. Follow Mosaic here: https://www.instagram.com/mosaiccommunityhealth https://www.facebook.com/MosaicCommunityHealth https://www.youtube.com/@QualityCareForAll Linkedin.com/company/mosaic-community-health/ Presented by The Ladd Group at Cascade Hasson Sotheby's International Realty. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply trying to understand where Bend and Central Oregon are headed, we're here as your trusted housing and community resource. Learn more at bendpropertysource.com

December 5, 2025Episode 942 min

Mount Bachelor, Community, and the Future of Outdoor Life in Central Oregon with John Merriman

What makes Mount Bachelor feel like Bend's home mountain instead of just another resort? In this BendBeat episode, Brian sits down with John Merriman, CEO of Mount Bachelor, for a wide ranging conversation about culture, community, and the future of outdoor recreation in Central Oregon. They dive into: • How Bachelor differs from Colorado's crowded mega resorts • Why 75 percent of visitors are locals and why that matters • Housing, employee challenges, and regional collaboration • Recreational immunity and the legal pressures on outdoor businesses • Road maintenance, transportation, and safe access to the mountain • The push to build a four season experience without losing the soul of the place • A new long term mountain development plan that invites community input If you care about skiing, riding, hiking, or simply the future of Bend and Central Oregon, this conversation offers an honest, hopeful look at what is ahead. 🎧 Presented by The Ladd Group at Cascade Hasson Sotheby's International Realty. Whether you are buying, selling, or just trying to understand where our community is headed, we are here as your housing resource. Learn more at bendpropertysource.com #BendBeat #MountBachelor #BendOregon #CentralOregon #OutdoorLifestyle #SkiOregon #CommunityMatters #HousingConversation #LaddGroup

November 7, 2025Episode 843 min

Why Engagement Matters: A Conversation with COCC's Zak Boone

Education, Engagement, and the Heart of Bend: A Conversation with COCC's Zak Boone In this episode of BendBeat , Brian Ladd sits down with Zak Boone , Vice President of College Advancement at Central Oregon Community College and Executive Director of the COCC Foundation , for a deep conversation about what keeps Central Oregon thriving—its people, its institutions, and its culture of giving back. From the origins of Bend's philanthropic spirit to the transformative role COCC plays across the region, Zak shares insight into: How education, equity, and access shape Bend's long-term resilience The vital connection between community colleges and local economies Why volunteerism and civic involvement remain Bend's superpower The optimism fueling Central Oregon's next chapter Discover how community, education, and engagement intersect to make Bend more than a destination—it's a place defined by people who care deeply about its future. Sponsored By:

September 26, 2025Episode 739 min

Work. Earn. Learn. Transforming Bend's Next Generation

Empowering Central Oregon's Youth: Heart of Oregon Corps on BendBeat What if the next generation held the key to solving some of Central Oregon's biggest challenges? In this episode of BendBeat , Brian Ladd sits down with Laura Handy , Executive Director of Heart of Oregon Corps , to explore how this locally founded nonprofit is transforming lives—and our community. For 25 years, Heart of Oregon has been engaging youth ages 16–24 in a " work, earn, learn " model: young people gain job skills, earn wages and scholarships, and give back through projects that protect public lands, reduce wildfire risk, and even build affordable housing. if you want to know more go visit them at: https://www.hoccampus.org/ Laura shares powerful stories of transformation, the organization's impact on wildfire prevention, housing affordability, and childcare, and the exciting next chapter: a new Workforce Development Campus in Redmond . If you care about youth opportunity, community resilience, and the future of Central Oregon , this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Sponsored By: The Bulletin

September 5, 2025Episode 632 min

Can Smart Design Solve Bend's Housing Crisis?

What does it take to build a better Bend? In this conversation, we sit down with Christopher Jones, COO & Partner at Project^, to talk about the architectural vision shaping some of Bend's most iconic spaces, from The Grove and Range Apartments to Basecamp and the ambitious Aretē project. A former professional cyclist and ski mountaineer, Chris brings a global perspective and a deeply personal connection to the outdoors into every community his firm designs. This episode dives into: - The intersection of outdoor lifestyle and architectural design - How modular construction could unlock affordability in Bend - Why thoughtful density matters more than ever The vision for Bend in 2040 and beyond Whether you're a community stakeholder, real estate pro, or just curious about where Bend is headed—this conversation is for you. 🎥 Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell for more local stories that matter. Sponsored By The Bulletin https://bendbulletin.com/

August 8, 2025Episode 544 min

From Landfill to Landmark: How OSU-Cascades Is helping Bend

What happens when a community rallies behind higher education—and decides to build a cutting-edge university on top of a former landfill and pumice mine? Welcome to OSU-Cascades in Bend, Oregon. In this powerful conversation, OSU leaders Christine Coffin and Jared Pantella share how Oregon State University–Cascades is not only transforming Central Oregon's built environment but also driving sustainable innovation, education, and community connection. Learn about their audacious vision for a triple net-zero campus , the inspiring story of student-led businesses like Snowblanks , and the creation of an Innovation District that bridges academia and industry. From campus origins to future goals, this is a must-watch for anyone who cares about the future of Bend. Topics covered: History and transformation of OSU-Cascades Capital planning & land remediation Net zero energy, water, and waste goals Community partnerships & industry integration The role of higher education in Bend's future 👉 Subscribe for more community-driven stories from Central Oregon.Subscribe for more conversations with leaders, changemakers, and local voices shaping Bend 📩 Contact our team at https://bendpropertysource.com 🏡 Have questions about real estate? We're here to help—whether you're looking to buy a home, sell your residential home, or explore homes for sale, we've got you covered! 📩 Email us at info@bendpropertysource.com or 📞 call 541-633-4569 Sponsored By: The Bulletin, visit https://bendbulletin.com/

June 19, 2025Episode 435 min

Building a Better Bend: Matt Muchna on Vision, Growth & Community Action

What does the future of Bend, Oregon look like—and who gets to help shape it? In this full episode of the BendBeat Podcast, host Brian Ladd sits down with Matt Muchna, Executive Director of Envision Bend, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing one of the fastest-growing communities in the Pacific Northwest. From urban planning and housing to social capital and cultural inclusion, Matt shares how everyday residents can get involved in guiding Bend's future. This conversation is for anyone who cares about Bend's growth, identity, and the collaborative spirit that defines our region. 👉 Want to make a difference in your community? Learn more or get involved at https://envisionbend.org 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with leaders, changemakers, and local voices shaping Bend 📩 Contact our team at https://bendpropertysource.com BendBeat #EnvisionBend #BendOregon #CommunityPlanning #CentralOregon #UrbanDevelopment #LocalVoices #CivicEngagement 🏡 Have questions about real estate? We're here to help—whether you're looking to buy a home, sell your residential home, or explore homes for sale, we've got you covered! 📩 Email us at info@bendpropertysource.com or 📞 call 541-633-4569 Sponsored By: The Bulletin visit: https://bendbulletin.com/

June 3, 2025Episode 326 min

Inside Bend: Innovation, AI & Community Impact with Stephanie Betteridge

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 responsibly improving local government operations The story behind Bend's snowplow and service-request dashboards Surprising facts about roundabouts and public art How YOU can get involved in shaping Bend's future 📲 Connect with Us: Visit https://bendpropertysource.com 🏡 Have questions about real estate? We're here to help—whether you're looking to buy a home, sell your residential home, or explore homes for sale, we've got you covered! 📩 Email us at info@bendpropertysource.com or 📞 call 541-633-45