Best Amphitheater Podcasts (2025)

1
Bend Don't Break: Johannah Johnson-Weinberg, Founder & Executive Director of CAMP 36:55

3h ago36:55

36:55

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Johannah Johnson-Weinberg, founder of CAMP (Companion Animal Medical Project), to discuss the vital intersection of animal welfare and housing insecurity in Central Oregon. Johannah shares how her early work at a local humane society and a low-cost spay/neuter clinic opened her …

1
Auditing Your UX Resources: Making the Most of What You Have 3:23

6d ago3:23

3:23

In previous lessons, we've discussed aligning your UX role with organizational goals and understanding your current position. Today, let’s explore the tangible resources you already have. Many UX leaders instinctively request more people, budget, or time. While there’s a place for such requests (which we'll cover later), effective UX leadership beg…

1
Inside: EVMC 2025 50:29

7d ago50:29

50:29

BONUS EPISODE – Peace up ✌️ A-Town down 🅰️ – the 2025 Event & Venue Marketing Conference (EVMC) is just around the corner and we have everything you need to know as you pack and prepare for this year’s SOLD OUT conference in Atlanta, Georgia. Hosts Paul and Dave are joined by a trio of guests which help craft this podcast version of a KBYG: Kim All…

1
Baking UX into the DNA of Your Organization’s Strategy 6:28

13d ago6:28

6:28

In the previous lesson, I asked you to take an initial look at your role, your resources, and your reach. Now, over the next three lessons, we're going to dive into those three areas in more detail, starting with your role and how it aligns with something much bigger: your organization's goals. Because if you want UX to be seen as more than a suppo…

1
Before We Charge Ahead, Let’s See Where We’re Standing 4:17

20d ago4:17

4:17

Hi there, In Lesson 1 we travelled from Roman amphitheaters to modern apps and saw that user experience is not what many consider it to be and needs repositioning. In Lesson 2 I asked whether you’re ready to lead that charge inside your organization. Today we roll up our sleeves and start that journey. The UX Maturity Spectrum Organizations vary wi…

1
Bend Don't Break with Dr. Sarah Hellman 30:30

19d ago30:30

30:30

On this episode of Bend Don’t Break, Aaron sits down with Dr. Sarah Hellmann, a board-certified OB-GYN at St. Charles Health System and co-host of the podcast Wine with Your Gyn. From her journey from social work to women’s health, to creating a podcast that blends humor and honesty around often-taboo topics, Dr. Hellmann shares her passion for bui…

1
Joyce Leveston 46:25

12d ago46:25

46:25

We’re back in the city that’s so nice they named it twice, the financial capital of the world – New York City. On this episode we chat with Joyce Leveston, CEO of New York Convention Center Operation Corporation (NYCCOC), which oversees the Javits Center, one of the busiest convention centers in the world. Resting right on the Hudson River, on the …

1
Are You Ready to Become a UX leader? 6:03

19d ago6:03

6:03

Understanding Where You Fit If you're reading this, chances are you're passionate about user experience. But maybe UX isn't actually in your job title. Perhaps you're a marketer, project manager, developer, copywriter, or business analyst who deeply cares about making your products better for users. Or you might be a UX designer or researcher feeli…

1
Bend Don't Break: Sharon Maier Kennelly, Executive Director of High Desert Food and Farm Alliance 30:17

26d ago30:17

30:17

In this episode, Aaron sits down with Sharon Smith, a passionate nonprofit leader who brings decades of experience in community programming and the arts to her current role as Executive Director of the High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA). After relocating from Long Island to Bend in 2019, Sharon quickly immersed herself in the local nonprofit …

1
From Amphitheaters to Apps: The Evolution of User Experience 10:40

26d ago10:40

10:40

From Amphitheaters to Apps: The Evolution of User Experience Long before we had screens, scroll wheels, or skeuomorphism, we were already wrestling with what it meant to design for humans. Take the Roman Colosseum, for example. Built nearly two thousand years ago, this wasn’t just a feat of architecture—it was a carefully orchestrated user experien…

1
Dustin Turner 47:46

29d ago47:46

47:46

Music City welcomes us back as we head to Nashville to chat with Dustin Turner, Music Marketing Executive at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Dustin walks us through his day to day, and explains how CAA often functions as a bridge between promoters and management teams, working with the artist teams to figure out what the creative is going to look li…

1
Bend Don't Break: Ed Fitch, Redmond Mayor 30:17

1M ago30:17

30:17

On this episode of Bend Don’t Break, we’re joined by Redmond Mayor, Ed Fitch, longtime Redmond resident and dedicated public servant. After growing up just outside of Chicago as the ninth of eleven children, he earned both a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in history from Marquette University, followed by a law degree from Willamette Law School in 1…

1
UX Leadership and Strategy: A New Direction 3:07

1M ago3:07

3:07

If LinkedIn is to be believed UX design is a hot mess right now. People are regularly announcing that death of UX, complaining they cannot get jobs and entire companies are abandoning the term UX for product design. Not to mention the fact that AI will supposedly be replacing us all. If you care at all about improving the user experience, this will…

1
Bend Don't Break: Crista Munro, Executive Director of SFF Presents 28:29

1M ago28:29

28:29

This week on Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Crista Munro, Executive Director of SFF Presents, to talk about the rich history and evolving mission of the Sisters Folk Festival. More than just a weekend event, SFF Presents now offers year-round programming designed to bring art, music, and creativity to the Central Oregon communi…

1
Chris Ng-Muk-Yuen 40:18

1M ago40:18

40:18

We’re headed to Edmonton for this episode, home of the Oilers, to catch up with Chris Ng-Muk-Yuen, Marketing Manager for Rogers Place and ICE District. Chris tells us about the venue and surrounding district, and its place in the city and approach to engaging with fans. Fresh off the Edmonton Oilers’ run to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, learn…

1
🚫 $5.3 Million Wasted: Long Beach’s Homeless Motel Plan Was a Complete Failure 10:01

2M ago10:01

10:01

Long Beach spent $5.3 million on a year-long motel program meant to help the unhoused — but only 9 people ended up in permanent housing. Stuart breaks down the numbers, the failures, and why it’s time for a better strategy. LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYER: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-in-long-beach/id1791687079 iH…

1
🎙️ Small Business Spotlight: Dabble & Dollop’s Journey from Long Beach Garge to Target Nationwide! 🎯 30:09

2M ago30:09

30:09

🎙️ Small Business Spotlight: Dabble & Dollop’s Journey from Long Beach to Target! 🎯 In this episode of All in Long Beach, we dive into an amazing success story from right here in the city. Tyler Lashney, co-founder of Dabble & Dollop, joins us to talk about how their children’s personal care brand went from a garage in Naples Island to being sold i…

1
Tax Hike Scandal? Long Beach Sued Over Questionable Sales Tax Increase 17:20

2M ago17:20

17:20

Is Long Beach’s city council trying to illegally raise your taxes? A new lawsuit is challenging a sales tax increase that many claim was not voter-approved and violates the ordinance’s timeline. We break down the confusing legal language and what this means for YOU as a Long Beach resident. 💬 Are you for or against this tax increase? Let us know in…

1
Congressman Garcia Admits There Is Government Waste In Long Beach 10:09

2M ago10:09

10:09

“Of course there is!” That’s what Congressman Robert Garcia said when asked if government waste and fraud exist. But what about right here in Long Beach? Shouldn’t we be demanding answers from our city council and mayor? In this episode, we break down: 🔹 The new subcommittee on government efficiency led by Elon Musk 🔹 Congressman Garcia’s viral mom…

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COVID Shutdowns: 5 Years Later 19:12

2M ago19:12

19:12

COVID Lockdowns: A 5-Year Retrospective on Long Beach’s Turning Point In this reflective episode of All in Long Beach, host Stuart Takahara revisits the COVID lockdowns that reshaped our community. Five years later, we explore what went right—and what didn’t—with local responses during those unprecedented days. Hear how businesses, from wine bars t…

1
Empty Lot Disaster? 🔥 Here's what REALLY Will Happen to These Properties! 9:18

2M ago9:18

9:18

🚧 Long Beach to Demolish 3 Vacant Properties – But What’s Next? Three city-owned properties in Long Beach are finally getting demolished after years of neglect, crime, and break-ins. But what happens next? The city had BIG plans for these lots – including a North Village redevelopment project – but now those dreams are dead. 💰 Now, under California…

1
From Homeless to Hero: How One Man Built Long Beach’s Best Delivery Service! 🚴‍♂️🔥 17:06

2M ago17:06

17:06

In this episode of All In Long Beach, we sit down with Robb Smith, founder of Alley Cat Deliveries—a local courier service that’s more than just deliveries. Rob shares his inspiring journey from struggling on a bicycle to running a thriving business that helps others. Plus, hear about the weirdest delivery requests he’s gotten! 🔗 Support Us & Get E…

1
Game Changer or City Blunder? Breaking Down the Long Beach Amphitheater 32:16

2M ago32:16

32:16

A major new amphitheater is coming to Long Beach—but at what cost? In this episode, we break down the controversy surrounding the Queen Mary Amphitheater, the funding concerns, and whether it will actually bring major artists to Long Beach. 💬 What do you think—will this project be a game-changer or a financial mess? Let us know! LISTEN ON YOUR FAVO…

1
Foodie Alert! You NEED to Try These Long Beach Restaurants 🍽️🔥 11:22

2M ago11:22

11:22

Long Beach was alive this weekend! In this episode, I take you through a perfect weekend itinerary—from scootering across the city to brunching at Madre’s, visiting the beach, and checking out Midnight Oil, Long Beach’s newest bar. 💬 What’s your go-to weekend spot in Long Beach? Drop a comment below! 🔗 Support Our Show & Get Exclusive Content: patr…

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Are Synthetic Personas Smart UX—or Just Clever Illusions? 6:09

2M ago6:09

6:09

Hello all. I admit, I didn't expect much. In fact, I was fully prepared to dismiss it as just another AI gimmick—a shiny distraction from real user research. But after experimenting with using AI-generated personas (or "synthetic personas," as they're being called), I found myself in a strange new territory: genuinely impressed. If you're skeptical…

1
Bend Don't Break: Gwenn Wysling, Executive Director of Bethlehem Inn 33:59

2M ago33:59

33:59

On this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Gwenn Wysling, Executive Director of Bethlehem Inn. Since 2010, Gwenn has been at the helm of the Central Oregon-based shelter, leading its mission to provide emergency housing and support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. With a background in hosp…

1
Michele Kajiwara 50:36

2M ago50:36

50:36

Let’s talk premium! On this episode of Adventures In Venueland we head back to California and chat with Michele Kajiwara, Senior Vice President, Premium Business & Events at Crypto.com Arena and AEG, and the 2024 WISE Woman of the Year. Michele oversees the sales and service of premium seats, suites, lounges, and hospitality spaces - supporting the…

1
Bend Don't Break: Kisky Holwerda, Co-Founder of Ponderosa Players 27:19

2M ago27:19

27:19

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, we sit down with Kisky Holwerda, the driving force behind Bend, Oregon’s Ponderosa Players. A passionate theater director and educator, Kisky shares how this innovative troupe is fostering creativity, building community, and bringing bold, original performances to life. From the joys of working with young actors…

1
Are You Obsessed With Usability? 3:18

2M ago3:18

3:18

I bet that subject line made you think this email was going to be about the importance of focusing on usability. But actually, we shouldn't be. Too many UX designers I meet are obsessed with making things as seamless and streamlined as possible. That’s great—up to a point. But usability isn't our entire job. In fact, focusing too much on usability …

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Grand Craft Bend: Trever Hawman, Owner + Brewer of Bridge 99 Brewery 19:19

3M ago19:19

19:19

We sit down with Trever Hawman, owner/brewer of Bridge 99 Brewery in northeast Bend's "Brewers District" to discuss Bridge 99 Taproom's recent 10-year anniversary and how the taplist has evolved over the past decade including how and why nearly every beer is now gluten free. (But you can't taste the difference!) And why there's a non-alcoholic beer…

1
Alex Hodges 54:13

2M ago54:13

54:13

Put on your shades and pull back that convertible top because we’re headed to Los Angeles for this episode where we chat with Alex Hodges, Chief Executive Officer of Nederlander Concerts. Alex, who is in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, recipient of the T.J. Martell Foundation’s “Spirit of Excellence” Award, and recipient of the SEVT Lifetime Achiev…

1
UX Is Bigger Than You Think: Beyond Websites and Apps 3:44

3M ago3:44

3:44

As UX advocates and practitioners, we tend to focus on the immediate project at hand—the website, the app, the product interface. But that’s only a fraction of the actual user experience. Every digital interaction a person has with an organization shapes their perception. The problem? Most companies treat these interactions in silos, leading to a f…

1
Bend Don't Break: Gregory Deffenbaugh, KTVZ News Director 29:44

3M ago29:44

29:44

In this episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Gregory Deffenbaugh, the new News Director at KTVZ-TV, to discuss his journey through the evolving world of news. From his early days in the newsroom to leading award-winning teams across multiple markets, Gregory shares insights into the changing landscape of journalism and how…

1
Bend Don't Break: Marney Smith, General Manager at Hayden Homes Amphitheater 28:38

3M ago28:38

28:38

In this episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Marney Smith, General Manager at Hayden Homes Amphitheater, to explore her remarkable journey in the live entertainment industry. Marney shares how she navigated her career path to eventually manage one of the most iconic outdoor venues in the Pacific Northwest.…

1
Bend Don't Break: Cate O’Hagan on Public Art and Cultural Advocacy 33:35

3M ago33:35

33:35

In this episode of Bend Don't Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with longtime arts advocate Cate O’Hagan to discuss the impact of public art in Central Oregon. Cate shares insights from her decades-long career in the cultural sector, from her work with the Portland Art Museum and Oregon Symphony to her leadership at Arts Central and beyond.…

1
Michelle McCarthy 44:07

3M ago44:07

44:07

We’re headed to the Garden State for this episode and talking with Michelle McCarthy, Founder & CEO of MCC Marketing Group. Michelle, who is based in Jersey City in the New York City market, tells us about her experience with launching her business and the excitement and challenges that come along with it. She emphasizes the importance of a strong …

1
Redefine Your UX Leadership: Crafting a Strategic Vision 7:43

3M ago7:43

7:43

Hello there, I’d like to share some thoughts on developing your UX strategy and redefining your role. It is a topic that feels particularly important at the moment, with UX leaders facing plenty of challenges—from under-resourced teams to the ongoing pressure of delivering measurable business benefits. By clarifying your role and articulating a cle…

1
Aly Katz 51:14

3M ago51:14

51:14

Right on the edge of the Chesapeake Bay, join us for a visit to wonderful Baltimore as we chat with Aly Katz, Brand Manager for CFG Bank Arena, an Oak View Group facility. Aly talks about her role at the venue, where she oversees three key areas: back of house (artist gifting, crew activities, promoter relations), front of house (fan activations, p…

1
It’s Time to Transform Software Procurement 3:01

4M ago3:01

3:01

One of the biggest mistakes I see organizations make when it comes to their internal user experience is how they procure software. Too often, companies buy platforms that are completely unfit for purpose or have been deployed straight out of the box with no configuration. The Problem with Poor Software Procurement This problem is more damaging than…

1
Bend Don't Break: Peter Hoover, Executive Director, Sisters Habitat for Humanity 28:05

4M ago28:05

28:05

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Peter Hoover, Executive Director of Sisters Habitat for Humanity. Peter shares his journey from a career in financial services and city management to leading a nonprofit dedicated to creating affordable housing in Sisters, Oregon.…

1
Bend Don't Break: Melissa Burr, Founding Winemaker at Stoller Wine 23:16

4M ago23:16

23:16

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer chats with Melissa Burr, Founding Winemaker of Stoller Family Estate, about her fascinating journey from studying naturopathic medicine to becoming a trailblazer in the Oregon wine industry. An Oregon native, Melissa discovered her passion for winemaking while pursuing her Bachelor of Science …

1
Bend Don't Break: Ellen Waterston, Author and Oregon Poet Laureate 29:17

4M ago29:17

29:17

n this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with award-winning author and poet Ellen Waterston, the 2024 Oregon Poet Laureate. With four poetry collections and four literary nonfiction titles to her name—including her most recent release, We Could Die Doing This (2024)—Waterston is a force in the literary world.…

1
Nina Jackson Returns 37:06

4M ago37:06

37:06

It’s Episode 100 and we’re running it all the way back to Episode 1 by having back on our first return guest – Nina Jackson, Director of Marketing & Public Relations at NRG Park, an ASM Global managed property in Houston, TX. Nina oversees marketing and PR at NRG Park, a 300 acre sports and entertainment complex that hosts over 500 events and over …

1
All In Long Beach Promo 1:58

4M ago1:58

1:58

Welcome to All In Long Beach, the podcast dedicated to the great city of Long Beach, California. LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYER: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-in-long-beach/id1791687079 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-all-in-long-beach-259795666/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LzHcURP5N0O…

1
Inside: New Years Eve in Times Square 43:50

4M ago43:50

43:50

Put on your party hat, grab some champagne, and meet us in The Big Apple! For this special episode we ring in 2025 by taking a look at the most viewed event worldwide – New Years Eve in Times Square, New York City. We talk with Damian Santucci, SVP of Production & Operations at Times Square Alliance, a non-profit business improvement district (BID)…

1
Make 2025 Your Year of Strategic UX Leadership 3:54

5M ago3:54

3:54

As we step into 2025, it's time for some honest reflection about our roles as design leaders. Despite our best intentions, too many of us still get caught up in the day-to-day minutiae of individual projects, leaving little time to demonstrate our strategic value to the organization. With UX teams under increasing pressure from economic uncertainty…

1
AIV Rewind: Episodes 1–99 38:19

5M ago38:19

38:19

Happy New Year Venuelanders! 🎊 As we kick off 2025 and look ahead to our official Episode 100, we decided to get our team together to look back at episodes one through ninety nine (as well as our variety of bonus episodes) and talk about some of our favorite movements. This isn’t your normal clip show though! Join us for some interesting behind the…

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Bend Don't Break: Sally Compton, Executive Director of Think Wild 28:32

5M ago28:32

28:32

In this week’s episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with Sally, Executive Director of Think Wild, a Bend-based wildlife conservation center. Sally shares her inspiring journey from working at the Newport Aquarium to leading a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to wildlife rescue, education, conservation, and habitat restoration acro…

1
Bend Don't Break: Trygve Bjornstad, Co-Founder of Board House Society 25:02

5M ago25:02

25:02

In this episode of Bend Don’t Break, host Aaron Switzer sits down with a passionate Bend local who has turned a love for board sports into a mission to give back to the community. Born in the Pacific Northwest, this week’s guest was drawn to Bend from a young age, inspired by its mountains, rivers, and endless adventures. After 14+ years of calling…

1
Jim Delaney 54:08

5M ago54:08

54:08

For Episode 99 we catch up with our friend and EVMC Hall of Famer, Jim Delaney, Founder/CEO of Activate Sports & Entertainment. Jim, who is a 30-year veteran sports and event marketer, talks to us about his latest adventure becoming what he calls a “digital nomad” – working on projects remotely as he visits venues and lives in different cities for …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Amphitheater Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen