On episode 58 of Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast, I have the pleasure of chatting with Sarah Westhusing, the Founder and Owner of House of Milo, a distinguished interior design studio based here in Bend, Oregon.

Stay tuned as Sarah delves into how her exposure to her father's skilled woodworking and carpentry business at an early age influenced her unique design philosophy. From materials and colors to textures and scents, Sarah was immersed in the many facets of the design process, fostering an appreciation for how well-designed spaces can create meaningful connections between people.

Before founding House of Milo, Sarah worked as a global product line manager at Nike, specializing in product creation, branding, and merchandising. In 2016, she and her family relocated to Bend to be closer to family and find a better work-life balance. After a three-year stint at Hydro Flask, Sarah launched House of Milo Interior Design Studio in 2019, named in honor of her daughter.

Drawing from her experience at top brands like Nike, Sarah combines her keen observational skills with a critical eye for creating functional and beautiful spaces. Her goal is to design homes where vacations are rarely necessary, as the spaces themselves are a true reflection of the people living in them.Thank you for joining us on the podcast, Sarah. I'm a big fan of you, your work, and your family. Until next time, my friend.

The Circling Podcast is proud to be in partnership with Bend Magazine. Claim your five-dollar annual subscription when you visit www.bendmagazine.com and enter promo code: PODCAST at checkout. Your subscription includes 6 issues of our regions top publication celebrating mountain culture, and four bonus issues of Bend Home and Design, the leading home and building design magazine in Central Oregon.

Support The Circling Podcast:

Email us at: thecirclingpodcast@bendmagazine.com
Join the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast
Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazine
Cover Song by: @theerinsmusic on Instagram
Bend Magazine. Remember to enter promo code: Podcast at checkout for your five-dollar annual subscription. https://bendmagazine.com.
BOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.com
Back Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.com
Story Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#intro

Remember, the health of our community, relies on us!

Ever wondered how small acts of kindness can change lives? Rob McDonald, co-owner of Stand on Liquid Paddleboards and Latitude 44 Sports, takes us on an inspiring journey from his humble beginnings as an underachieving kid to making significant impacts at tech giants Amazon and Apple.

Delve into his professional evolution from a substitute teacher and copy editor to a key player in the audiobook segments at Amazon and Apple, learning fro industry titans like Jeff Bezos and Steve Jobs. Rob’s reflections on overcoming self-doubt and embracing new challenges provide a powerful testament to personal growth and resilience.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Rob's entrepreneurial ventures, including the upcoming Skyliner Club, a state-of-the-art health and wellness facility in Bend, Oregon. Learn about the highs and lows of managing a business during a pandemic, the rise of inflatable paddleboards, and the importance of community-focused retail. Rob's journey underscores the transformative power of outdoor experiences and the vital role of human connection in fostering emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

https://standonliquid.com/
https://www.latitude44sports.com/

Intro Music provided by:
Dim Shandy by Blue Dot Sessions

Jumbel by Blue Dot Sessions

The Circling Podcast is proud to be in partnership with Bend Magazine. Claim your five-dollar annual subscription when you visit www.bendmagazine.com and enter promo code: PODCAST at checkout. Your subscription includes 6 issues of our regions top publication celebrating mountain culture, and four bonus issues of Bend Home and Design, the leading home and building design magazine in Central Oregon.

Support The Circling Podcast:

Email us at: thecirclingpodcast@bendmagazine.com
Join the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast
Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazine
Cover Song by: @theerinsmusic on Instagram
Bend Magazine. Remember to enter promo code: Podcast at checkout for your five-dollar annual subscription. https://bendmagazine.com.
BOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.com
Back Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.com
Story Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#intro

Remember, the health of our community, relies on us!

Ever wondered what it takes to transition from a dreamer to a successful entrepreneur? I sit down with Emily Hoy and Emily LaPlume, two trailblazing entrepreneurs from Bend, Oregon, who have not only turned their passions into thriving businesses but also champion sustainability in the outdoor industry. Emily Hoy shares her remarkable journey from graphic designer and art director at Volxom to founding Ahoya, a brand poised to revolutionize river tubing with eco-friendly and durable designs. Simultaneously, Emily LaPlume unravels her evolution from a snowboarding enthusiast to the founder of Saturday Swimwear, a sustainable swimwear brand that has garnered a dedicated following through innovative designs, focus on quality and functionality.

Our conversation navigates the complexities of balancing full-time jobs while nurturing budding enterprises. Hear Emily Hoy's experiences at Volcom and Hydro Flask, and the why behind forming Ahoys. Emily LaPlume's narrative is equally inspiring, as she recounts her transition from a college student abroad to a savvy businesswoman who taught herself to sew and grow a brand organically. Both Emilys highlight the significance of mentorship, the intricacies of brand development, and the relentless persistence required to succeed in the competitive landscape of outdoor products.

Music used in the edit of this episode:
On The Move by Blue Dot Sessions

Dirtbike Lovers by Blue Dot Sessions

Pigpaddle Creek by Blue Dot Sessions

The Circling Podcast is proud to be in partnership with Bend Magazine. Claim your five-dollar annual subscription when you visit www.bendmagazine.com and enter promo code: PODCAST at checkout. Your subscription includes 6 issues of our regions top publication celebrating mountain culture, and four bonus issues of Bend Home and Design, the leading home and building design magazine in Central Oregon.

Support The Circling Podcast:

Email us at: thecirclingpodcast@bendmagazine.com
Join the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast
Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazine
Cover Song by: @theerinsmusic on Instagram
Bend Magazine. Remember to enter promo code: Podcast at checkout for your five-dollar annual subscription. https://bendmagazine.com.
BOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.com
Back Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.com
Story Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#intro

Remember, the health of our community, relies on us!

Join us for an episode that promises to inspire and thrill as we sit down with Lori Skiles, the passionate owner of Paddleboard Oregon. Lori takes us through her incredible journey from her first paddleboarding experience in San Diego to creating the Paddle Strong program that blends fitness and yoga. We explore the serene magic of stargazing paddles and Lori shares her involvement with the Bend Yoga Festival. Lori's story is more than just a personal journey; it’s a testament to the physical and mental benefits that stand-up paddleboarding can bring to anyone willing to try.

Ever wondered what it’s like to navigate the roaring rapids on a paddleboard? Meet Andy Worcester, Kevin Hanna, and Peter Wheary, three friends who have turned this adrenaline-pumping activity into an art form. They share their tales of navigating the McKenzie river, overcoming injuries, and the tight-knit camaraderie that only whitewater SUP can forge. This isn’t just about the thrill; it’s a narrative of personal growth, overcoming fear, and the value of friendship. Their stories will not only entertain but also offer invaluable insights into the whitewater SUP community.

As we wrap up, we delve into the essentials of whitewater safety and skill progression. Whether you’re curious about the latest gear, the importance of practice, or the camaraderie formed on the river, this episode covers it all. From the therapeutic nature of paddleboarding to the sheer joy of shared adventures, our discussion highlights both the serene and the exhilarating aspects of SUP. Tune in and discover how this versatile sport can enrich your life, offering both peace and adventure in equal measure.

The Circling Podcast is proud to be in partnership with Bend Magazine. Claim your five-dollar annual subscription when you visit www.bendmagazine.com and enter promo code: PODCAST at checkout. Your subscription includes 6 issues of our regions top publication celebrating mountain culture, and four bonus issues of Bend Home and Design, the leading home and building design magazine in Central Oregon.

Support The Circling Podcast:

Email us at: thecirclingpodcast@bendmagazine.com
Join the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast
Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazine
Cover Song by: @theerinsmusic on Instagram
Bend Magazine. Remember to enter promo code: Podcast at checkout for your five-dollar annual subscription. https://bendmagazine.com.
BOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.com
Back Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.com
Story Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#intro

Remember, the health of our community, relies on us!

It’s been said that music plays a unique role in the human experience. Music is often described as a universal language, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries, and for decades, studies have shown the emotional, cognitive, social, and physiological benefits of musical engagement, with the creation of music being one of the oldest forms of creativity and self-expression.

It’s also been said that only one thing is better than music….Live Music. On episode 54 of Bend Magazine’s The Circling Podcast, I have the privilege of sitting down with Stacy Koff, one of the original founding members of the 4 Peaks Music Festival. 4 peaks is Central Oregon’s longest-running and only multi-day music and family camping festival, held annually over the summer solstice weekend in Bend, Oregon.

Stacy shares her personal history with live music, the impact music festivals have had on her life, and her vision for keeping 4 Peaks intimate and family-friendly while continuing to attract top talent from across the country. With a passion for creating community around music, Stacy and her team of over 200 volunteers plan and execute one of the most authentic and enjoyable music festivals in Central Oregon.

The Circling Podcast is proud to be in partnership with Bend Magazine. Claim your five-dollar annual subscription when you visit www.bendmagazine.com and enter promo code: PODCAST at checkout. Your subscription includes 6 issues of our regions top publication celebrating mountain culture, and four bonus issues of Bend Home and Design, the leading home and building design magazine in Central Oregon.

Support The Circling Podcast:

Email us at: thecirclingpodcast@bendmagazine.com
Join the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast
Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazine
Cover Song by: @theerinsmusic on Instagram
Bend Magazine. Remember to enter promo code: Podcast at checkout for your five-dollar annual subscription. https://bendmagazine.com.
BOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.com
Back Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.com
Story Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#intro

Remember, the health of our community, relies on us!

When Courtney Rebel and her husband Josiah were told that he had experienced a mini stoke or transient ischemic attack at the age of 32, they became interested in supplementing Josiah's recovery and channeled their love for nature into a family-run health supplement brand that offers more than just a product – it's a testament to the healing power of natural remedies. Their incredible story intertwines resilience with the meticulous art of fusing Manuka honey with a variety of functional mushroom extracts. The current Manuka Mana lineup of supplements captures the essence of innovation and dedication, and has proven to make quite a difference in the lives of many of their customers.

On episode 53 of Bend Magazine's the Circling Podcast, join me as Courtney and I discuss the story of the Manuka Mana brand and the unforeseen journey she and her family have found themselves on as they continue to improve the process of extracting functional adaptogens combined with Manuka honey in an effort to help your body with cognitive function, stress response, anxiety, fatigue and overall wellbeing.

The Circling Podcast is proud to be in partnership with Bend Magazine. Claim your five-dollar annual subscription when you visit www.bendmagazine.com and enter promo code: PODCAST at checkout. Your subscription includes 6 issues of our regions top publication celebrating mountain culture, and four bonus issues of Bend Home and Design, the leading home and building design magazine in Central Oregon.

Support The Circling Podcast:

Email us at: thecirclingpodcast@bendmagazine.com
Join the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast
Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazine
Cover Song by: @theerinsmusic on Instagram
Bend Magazine. Remember to enter promo code: Podcast at checkout for your five-dollar annual subscription. https://bendmagazine.com.
BOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.com
Back Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.com
Story Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#intro

Remember, the health of our community, relies on us!

In the latest installment of Bend Magazine's The Circling Podcast, episode 52 features a captivating conversation with Emily Gylling, the Owner and Founder of Ponderosa Planning. With over five years of dedicated effort, Emily and her team have transformed Ponderosa Planning into one of the most sought-after wedding planning agencies in our region. Their core mission? To unravel the complexities of the wedding industry and furnish couples with a clear pathway through the planning labyrinth, enabling them to fully enjoy their special day while making prudent investments.

Drawing from her diverse background, which includes stints as a National Park Ranger and Professional Ski Patroller, Emily elucidates how her journey, punctuated by lessons in self-trust and honed skills, intertwined with the entrepreneurial spirit instilled by her parents, has guided her to her current role. Amidst discussing the burgeoning wedding landscape in central Oregon, Emily delves into her unique approach to planning and underscores the significance she attaches to infusing every wedding decision with purpose. For Emily, it's not merely about orchestrating an event; it's about crafting an experience that resonates deeply, fostering memorable gatherings and exuberant celebrations.

The Circling Podcast is proud to be in partnership with Bend Magazine. Claim your five-dollar annual subscription when you visit www.bendmagazine.com and enter promo code: PODCAST at checkout. Your subscription includes 6 issues of our regions top publication celebrating mountain culture, and four bonus issues of Bend Home and Design, the leading home and building design magazine in Central Oregon.

Support The Circling Podcast:

Email us at: thecirclingpodcast@bendmagazine.com
Join the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast
Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazine
Cover Song by: @theerinsmusic on Instagram
Bend Magazine. Remember to enter promo code: Podcast at checkout for your five-dollar annual subscription. https://bendmagazine.com.
BOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.com
Back Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.com
Story Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#intro

Remember, the health of our community, relies on us!

When life long cyclist Don Leet and I sat down to discuss some of Bend's biking lore, Don shared stories and insights that make up much of the history of cycling in our region. From the birth of mountain biking in Central Oregon to the emergence of gravel cycling and e-bikes, our conversation is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the sport.

Throughout our discussion, the art and science of trail building take center stage, with a nod to the sweat and precision that have gone into sculpting Central Oregon's legendary single track network. The importance of volunteerism comes into sharp focus, particularly through the lens of organizations like COTA, which have been pivotal in teaching others the skills required to steward the trails that so many have come to love, fostering a sense of belonging and stewardship for the next generation of riders who will call these trails home.

The Circling Podcast is proud to be in partnership with Bend Magazine. Claim your five-dollar annual subscription when you visit www.bendmagazine.com and enter promo code: PODCAST at checkout. Your subscription includes 6 issues of our regions top publication celebrating mountain culture, and four bonus issues of Bend Home and Design, the leading home and building design magazine in Central Oregon.

Support The Circling Podcast:

Email us at: thecirclingpodcast@bendmagazine.com
Join the Circling membership: patreon.com/Thecirclingpodcast
Follow us on Instagram @thecirclingpodcast @bendmagazine
Cover Song by: @theerinsmusic on Instagram
Bend Magazine. Remember to enter promo code: Podcast at checkout for your five-dollar annual subscription. https://bendmagazine.com.
BOSS Sports Performance: https://www.bosssportsperformance.com
Back Porch Coffee: https://www.backporchcoffeeroasters.com
Story Booth: https://storyboothexperience.com/#intro

Remember, the health of our community, relies on us!