In this episode of Sidewalk Talks, we chat with the handsome, charming, and always charismatic Jeff Larsen! We talk about Saginaw’s food scene, Jeff's role at Great Lake Bay Health Centers, and the importance of serving the underserved, and his battles with imposter syndrome. We also touch on Jeff's personal life, especially parenting and the unique joys and challenges it brings.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with humor, insights, and heartfelt advice!

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Jeff Larsen's Background

00:28 The Car Salesman Experience

02:42 Pizza Preferences: Detroit vs. New York vs. Chicago

05:22 Saginaw's Food Scene

09:59 Great Lakes Bay Health Centers and Community Impact

15:02 Serving the Underserved: Community Food Initiatives

16:01 Healthcare Access and Efficiency

17:39 Medicaid and Healthcare Costs

19:17 Imposter Syndrome: Personal Reflections

29:11 Fatherhood and Life Lessons

34:20 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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

It's a Sidewalk Party! Just as Christiana Malacara from That's What She Said! Radio Show on WSGW and I were sitting down for a Sidewalk Talk, Cassi Zimmerman from the City of Saginaw Government walked by. Then Hurley TJ Coleman III from Saginaw County Community Action Committee (CAC). Then Ben Wieland (also from the City), then co-owners of Old Town Wonder Dyann Fulgencio and Isobel Jarema, then Alesha Martin-Lane from SVRC Marketplace, then Scott Rittenberry (formerly of TempleArts, now Director of Studio 23/The Arts Center and Kenzie McLearn Furlo of 106.3 The Core.

A spontaneous crew of nine people all serving the Saginaw community in different ways, so I asked them all the same question, “Why do you do what you do for us?”

Join us in an inspiring conversation with Nyesha Clark-Young as she discusses the impact of the environment on our perceptions, the essential role of art in society, and the intersection of STEM and creativity. Discover how Saginaw's unique gritty history shapes its vibrant artistic community and learn about the upcoming community event, 'The Last Splash,' aimed at transforming the local skate park into a beautiful public art space. This episode is a heartfelt call to embrace creativity, foster new artists, and build a stronger, united community.

00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts
00:30 The Impact of Environment on Perception
01:28 Art as a Reflection of Society
02:48 The Intersection of Art and STEM
05:26 The Role of Art in Saginaw's Community
07:18 Creating Opportunities for Young Artists
12:25 Upcoming Event: The Last Splash
18:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Saginaw is starting a new school, and to help kick it off, Superintendent of Saginaw Public Schools, Dr. Ramont Roberts, joins us for a Sidewalk Talk!

We talk discuss everything from the transformative journey initiated by the 2020 bond to future strategic plans to how the entire community of Saginaw can support the educatioan and future of our kids. Watch the episode here or listen to Sidewalk Talks on Apple and Spotify!

Show Notes:

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:35 The Impact of the 2020 Bond on Saginaw

04:01 Community Unity and School Transformation

07:09 Saginaw Public Schools: A Safe Haven for Students

09:40 Supporting and Celebrating Staff

12:32 Ongoing Efforts and Future Plans

15:39 Adapting Education for the Technological Age

16:26 The Importance of Adaptable Skills

17:43 Building a Foundation for Future Success

18:39 Community Support and Trust in Education

20:39 Raising Expectations and Accountability

24:34 Looking Forward to the New School Year

In this episode of Sidewalk Talks, Tina Dowe Swanton, CEO of the Saginaw Community Food Club and Kitchen, gives us the scoop on this incredible project that will increase access to quality food in the City of Saginaw. The Food Club will feel and act like your favorite grocery store, but with a very different approach to pricing. Members will pay $12 to $16 a month—a sliding scale based on income and household size—and shop with points. The Food Club will also accept cash or credit/debit card for payment. Member households can shop daily until all points are used. The membership fee also offers access to nutrition education opportunities.

A primary goal of the Food Club is to support those in the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population who often fall into the 'benefits cliff' whil also working in tandem with other amazing organizations addressing food insecurity like Hidden Harvest and East Side Soup Kitchen.

Join us for a look at a community-driven initiative that's set to make a big impact in 2026!

Show Notes:

00:00 Let's Eat Some Baked Goods

00:45 Farm-to-Table Delights

03:08 The Saginaw Community Food Club and Kitchen

04:38 Addressing Food Insecurity

05:55 The Benefits Gap and ALICE Population

08:33 Community Efforts and Emergency Food Systems

13:54 Construction and Future Plans

15:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts