Relaunched as Central Oregon Stories
We allow people to tell their stories, let them be heard, and give you a small glimpse into the lives of the unique and amazing people that live in the Central Oregon area.
Each of our guests were asked to share a hard or meaningful conversation that has stayed with them throughout their lives.
They've gotten to pick their stories, and some guests have partnered up to tell their stories with a friend.
Previously "The Heard Podcast"
Jessica Porter is telling her story and is joined in conversation with Anne Kizziar.
Being a Washington native, Jessica now settles in Sisters after living all throughout different Central Oregon cities.
Jessica shares about a hard conversation she had with her parents about leaving college to pursue a dream of joining a ministry and serving in various African countries.
6 Oct 2026
E6 - Anne Kizziar
Anne is a certified Trauma and Story Work Consultant who has been apart of the Sister’s community for over 25 years.
Anne shares her story about going past her physical limitations in a Costco food court and how she receives an unexpected reaction from her daughter.
This is the first of a two part conversation. Be sure to join us for part two where Anne and Jess switch places.
29 Sept 2026
E5 - Edna Parzybok
Edna Parzybok is a Seattle native who moved to Sisters about 4 years ago.
Edna shares a hard conversation she had with a friend about how her words and actions were being perceived poorly by others.
22 Sept 2026
E4 - Michael Preedin
Michael Preedin is a sitting City Council member and former Mayor of Sisters, OR.
Michael runs a home design firm and has lived in Sisters for over a decade.
Michael is joined by our co-producer Beth Chase, and shares about a time when a resident aggressively approached him after a city council meeting during his time as Mayor.
15 Sept 2026
E3 - Hannah Harrer
Hannah is a Sisters local, an active real estate agent, and a real estate investor. She's joined by Beth and shares a handful of life lessons she learned from her Dad, including her experience dealing with a life changing ACL tear.
8 Sept 2026
E2 - Owen Herzberg
Owen Herzberg is a Vietnam veteran sharing about his time in service and his experience navigating PTSD. He's joined by Podcast Alumni, David Chase.
Both talk about the challenges of opening up and the effect sustained trauma can have on a person's psyche.
2 Sept 2026
E1 - Naomi Stanton
Relaunching as Central Oregon Stories!
This season, each guest is asked to share a hard or meaningful conversation that has stayed with them throughout their lives.
Naomi Stanton joins us, along with her friend Beth Chase, and tells about the first time she's able to have a true back and forth conversation with her son.
Naomi has lived in various places throughout Central Oregon and currently lives in Bend with her husband and four year old son.
10 Nov 2025
E6 - Ken Ruettgers
As he transitions out of a life of playing football, Ken finds himself wanting more from those closest to him. Nervous and unsure how he will be received, Ken attempts to break cultural and generational norms by asking his Dad for a deeper relationship.
Ken breaks the mold by talking through the dynamics of father-son relationships and what it means to let go so they can flourish.
3 Nov 2025
E5 - David Chase
After a tough break-up, David is trying to transition into civilian life from the military. He struggles to find community while also diving back into the dating scene.
Expecting encouragement and support, David's friend Sam takes the conversation in a more serious direction. David experiences what an intentional friendship looks like.
27 Oct 2025
E4 - Beth Chase
As a Central Oregon native, Beth is establishing roots in Sisters, OR with her husband.
While having coffee with a friend, Beth remembers she needs to stop by pathology to pick up one of her removed organs. She is expecting shock, but instead her friend meets her with curiosity and understanding.
20 Oct 2025
E3 - Renee Reitmeier
Renee owns and operates Fika Sisters Coffeehouse in Sisters, OR.
She recounts preparing for a day at Disneyland with her niece. Renee is stuck trying to decide what to wear. Caught between trying out a new outfit and wondering if this new look is really her, she struggles to decide.
What do your clothes say about you? How does picking out an outfit change how you feel about yourself?
13 Oct 2025
E2 - Katherine Caballero
Katherine tells about a time when she served on a Board of Directors for a school in Bend, OR.
While fighting imposter syndrome and struggling to feel like she deserves her seat at the table, Katherine finds herself knowingly going against a board decision in order to get a project completed.
6 Oct 2025
E1 - Sheryl Ruettgers
As the wife of an NFL player for over a decade, Sheryl is worn out and done with this lifestyle. After voicing her exhaustion to her husband, she finds herself called into the Green Bay Packers main office to talk to none other than the head coach. Feeling ashamed, embarrassed, and second guessing her decision to speak candidly, she's met with a surprising reaction.
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
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