In this episode of Sidewalk Talks, we sit down with Arshen Baldwin, Assistant Principal at Saginaw United High School! Arshen shares her inspiring journey from generational poverty to becoming an educational leader, discusses the transformative power of education, the importance of building relationships with students, and her vision for the future of Saginaw United High School. She also talks about the impact of a new high school building, fostering a positive school culture, and the vital role of community support in shaping the future of our children.

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Congratulations

00:26 The Power of Education: A Personal Journey

01:28 Generational Impact of Education

03:37 New Beginnings at Saginaw United High School

06:40 Building Relationships and Community

08:58 Goals and Vision for the Future

11:57 Community Involvement and Support

In this episode of Sidewalk Talks, we chat with Brian Keenan-Lechel, Director at Saginaw County Parks and Saginaw Community Foundation's Volunteer of the Year! Why are we sitting on a hill? Why does he have two last names? What's up with the outhouses and kickball?

AND HE CAN JUGGLE!?

Check out the episode here or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Initial Banter

00:19 Exploring Saginaw's Newest County Park

02:21 History and Transformation of the Park

04:33 Community Involvement and Funding

07:44 Wildlife and Recreational Activities

10:35 Promoting Local Adventures

11:54 Kayaking and Canoeing in Saginaw

14:05 Juggling Interlude

15:15 Impressive Juggling Skills

15:42 High School Dreams and Spinal Fusion

17:33 The Story Behind a Hyphenated Last Name

20:40 Outhouse Races and ESPN Coverage

24:37 Keep Saginaw Kicking: A Charitable Kickball Tournament

25:58 Conclusion and Appreciation

In this episode of Sidewalk Talks, Christiana Malacara, journalist and creator of the podcast That's What She Said on WSGW! Christiana shares her journey of interviewing over 60 women from the Great Lakes Bay region, the inspiration behind her show, and the powerful lessons learned from amplifying women's voices.

Key Topics & Highlights

• The Saginaw community and the power of local connections
• How "That's What She Said" was born: from newsroom experiences to podcasting
• The importance of connectors and building community
• Interviewing women from all backgrounds: students, CEOs, founders, and more
• Christiana’s “Circle Square Theory” on identity and personal growth
• The concept of life chapters vs. seasons, and embracing change
• The “Three Checks Before Saying Yes” decision-making framework
• The invisible ripple effect: unseen contributions of women in families, workplaces, and communities
• The value of lifelong learning and creating content that empowers others
• Upcoming projects: a book, workshops on financial literacy, affirmation building, and personal branding

Show Notes: "That's What She Said" with Christiana Malata

00:00 – Introduction & Saginaw Community

01:05 – Meet Christiana
02:06 – The Birth of the Podcast

03:30 – The Role of Connectors

03:55 – Interviewing 60+ Women

04:40 – Lessons from 100+ Hours of Stories

04:44 – The Circle Square Theory

08:58 – Life as Chapters, Not Seasons.

10:52 – The Three Checks Before Saying Yes

14:00 – The Invisible Ripple Effect

17:13 – What Keeps Christiana Going

18:34 – Building Community & Upcoming Projects

21:35 – How to Connect

22:23 – Closing Thoughts

Connect with Christiana

• Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn: That’s What She Said with Christiana Malacara
• Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and WSGW.com