Hi friends, Richard here!

I can't wait to show you something I've been working on with Batavia Public Schools that I really think listeners to this podcast will love:

The new podcast, Kids These Days brings together long-time Batavia residents and current students for real, unscripted conversations.

Hosted by Superintendent Tom Kim and produced in partnership with Area Code: Batavia, the show aims to bridge the gap between generations. By sitting down to talk—about school, work, and life in Batavia—we’re moving past stereotypes to get to know our younger neighbors.

The gap between the Batavia we remember and the one students are navigating today might not be as wide as you think.

Subscribe to the podcast here, or listen every month on this feed.

On this episode, I'm talking to Patti Lackman and Tammy Caltagirone, Co-Presidents of the League of Women Voters of Central Kane County.

I'll be honest. I'm feeling antsy. I'm seeing what's happening nationally, in the chicagoland area, and online, and I've started to get a bit worried about the general state of democracy, and how that might be impacting our local community.

That's why I wanted to Patty and Tammy: Not only do we explore what drew them to their roles and how they've experienced local government in Batavia, but we also process all of my intense worries about democracy, and think through what a healthy local democracy looks like in practice.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by 212° Construction Group.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Meadowcrafters.

Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available.

Join The 630 to support this podcast and our mission to create a stronger sense of belonging in our community. Members will receive:

1. Free access to quarterly live shows.
2. Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
3. Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
4. Regular opportunities to meet up in person with fellow Batavians who share your passion for our town and want to build stronger bonds.

Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Mentioned in this episode:

212 Construction Group

On this episode, a live episode from Sturdy Shelter's Cozy-Fest featuring former writer, poet, and former Hearth & Hammer owner, Annie Scholl, and co-owners of Bocaditos, Juliana Cancelo and Silvia Sanchez.

In the first part, I talked to Annie about what it's like to cultivate a cozy aesthetic after the closing of Hearth & Hammer, and what she's been up to afterward.

Then, I spoke to Juliana and Silvia about the unique challenge of creative a place of safety and comfort while also managing complicated family history and dynamics.

Finally, we bring everyone together to discuss how best to experience emotional safety, comfort, and coziness in the context of our local community.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Meadowcrafters.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by 212° Construction Group.

Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available.

Join The 630 to support this podcast and our mission to create a stronger sense of belonging in our community. Members will receive:

1. Free access to quarterly live shows.
2. Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
3. Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
4. Regular opportunities to meet up in person with fellow Batavians who share your passion for our town and want to build stronger bonds.

Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Mentioned in this episode:

212 Construction Group