Adam Short moved to Bend in 1998 to pursue his dream of professional snowboarding. After several knee surgeries, he shifted paths, moved to Portland, and completed medical training in orthopedics at OHSU. In 2009, Short returned to Bend, where he practices as a physician assistant with a focus on sports medicine.
As a natural connector and listener, he started a community-focused podcast in 2021 to share the stories of local residents. Later he partnered with Bend Magazine to host “The Circling Podcast” where he continues to spotlight the voices and experiences that make up the soul of Central Oregon.
It was while learning the craft of podcasting that he and friend Dan Gummel founded StoryBooth, an event podcast-production company. StoryBooth offers an audio storytelling experience using an on-site podcast recording studio. Their proprietary process creates a custom podcast series built from the stories shared during weddings, family reunions, corporate events and legacy celebrations.
Recently, StoryBooth partnered with the Finnish brand Blocko to provide a sleek, modern structure for its pop-up podcasting space and an immersive experience that celebrates human connection.
So where did StoryBooth come from, given your background in medicine and professional sports?
Honestly, I’m not convinced StoryBooth was an idea I came up with as much as one that was waiting for someone to bring it to life. A few years ago, I read The Creative Act by Rick Rubin, and his belief that creative ideas are “in the air” really stuck with me—that they come to those who are open and paying attention.
During COVID, when my practice slowed, I finally had time to explore something new. I’d always loved podcasts, so I ordered some basic recording gear. Just as we were leaving for a family wedding, the UPS truck delivered the equipment. I tossed it in the car on a whim.
At the reception, I set up some mics on a table, thinking it might be fun to record a few messages for the couple—and learn how to use the software in the process. Within minutes, a line had formed. Fifteen people were waiting to share stories, toasts and memories. That night, I saw how naturally people are drawn to preserving a moment in time through voice. That spark became StoryBooth.
How has the response been since launching?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, especially in the wedding and legacy-celebration spaces. People immediately recognize the value and appreciate how fun and meaningful the experience is. We often hear, “I wish this existed at my wedding,” or “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
At weddings, StoryBooth captures something photography can’t: the voice of your loved ones. A grandfather’s insight, a sibling’s inside joke, a best friend’s story—all preserved in a warm, conversational format. It feels less like a product and more like a family heirloom in the making.
Our legacy-celebration offering has struck an especially deep chord. It’s not about memorializing someone after they’re gone: it’s about celebrating and preserving the essence of a life while it’s still being lived. There’s growing awareness that audio captures emotional truth in a way no other medium can.
There’s significant opportunity for growth in both of these spaces, and I feel more prepared for that challenge after recently completing the Bend Outdoor Worx 10th annual business development program. It was like getting a crash course MBA in brand development, sales, marketing, operations and finance.
As a podcast host, what have you learned from the experience?
Hosting The Circling Podcast has made me a better listener and a better learner. It’s taught me the importance of showing up prepared, doing the research, and being fully present. Podcasting isn’t about performing; it’s about creating space for someone to be heard.
What I love most is seeing people open up—laugh, reflect, and share something real. There’s no camera, no pressure—just voice, story, and connection. Every time someone steps into StoryBooth or I sit down for an interview, I’m reminded how powerful it is simply to be heard. That never gets old.
Lately, it seems like everyone has a podcast. Why do you think the format has exploded?
Podcasting has taken off because it fits into people’s lives so naturally. You can listen while you drive, cook, hike or exercise. It meets us where we are—multitasking, craving real connection and tired of overly curated content.
More importantly, people are hungry for authentic stories, ones that aren’t overly edited or filtered. Podcasting democratized storytelling. You don’t need a Hollywood studio. If you have a mic and a point of view, you can contribute.
What we’re doing at StoryBooth is taking that accessibility and transforming it into a premium experience. We’re making podcasting tangible, immersive and tied to life’s biggest moments. And I think that’s exactly where the medium is headed, more personal, more interactive, more meaningful.
Read more about StoryBooth and keep updated on the latest episodes here.
Stay tuned for the release of the “Birth of the Brands” podcast series this fall. Bend Magazine’s “The Circling Podcast” with Adam Short can be found on all major podcast platforms.
