Sidewalk Talks

In this indoor episode of Sidewalk Talks, the host sits down with Alexandria Renee over coffee to talk about local coffee shops, the Healthier Me podcast, and her work in public relations. Alexandria explains how Healthier Me began through Be Well Saginaw coalition partners after Saginaw County learned in January 2024 that it ranked number one in Michigan for obesity, with the goal of encouraging...

Samantha Engel discusses the READ Association of Saginaw County, founded in 1966 to help children improve reading skills and discover the joy of reading. She shares her background as a historian at Dow Gardens and the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, then explains why she joined READ in January 2024. The episode outlines READ’s core mentor program—trained adult volunteers paired one-on-one...

In the podcast’s first father-son episode, Phil interviews Bishop Hurley Coleman Jr. and Hurley Coleman III about their life paths, careers, and leadership in Saginaw. Hurley Coleman Jr. shares his upbringing and education, how he discovered parks and recreation as a career at Eastern Michigan University, and his work with Washtenaw County Parks, Saginaw County Parks, the City of Saginaw (includin...

A conversation with Saginaw County health leader Christina Harrington about the chaos and controversy of navigating the pandemic and how Saginaw’s approach—humility, grace, and authentic collaboration—strengthened partnerships instead of breaking trust. The discussion explains how that collaboration led to Be Well, a community-wide initiative guided by a three-year community health assessment and...

Phil talks with Kristen Squires, Director of Marketing at the Dow Event Center, about parenting, frost quakes and trees exploding, identical twin mix-ups, coming events at The Dow and more! Kristen shares how she intentionally returned to event-space marketing and gives a sneak peek at what to expect this year,  from hockey and monster trucks to Broadway and Bob Dylan! 00:00 Meet Kristen Squires 0...

Join us as we welcome Jamie Forbes once again to talk about an extraordinary mutual aid initiative happening in Saginaw. Jamie shares the inspiring story of how this grassroots effort started with a simple Facebook post and has now raised $17,600 to help Saginaw neighbors in need. Jamie explains the concept of mutual aid, the power of social media in mobilizing support, and the importance of commu...

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 e...

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 ab...

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 Bante...

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...

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 A...

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 par...

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...

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...

We dive deep with Jimmy Green, discussing the essence of authenticity in life and marriage, the importance of being genuinely oneself, and the significance of honesty in personal growth and relationships. He also passionately talks about his recent initiative, 'Safety Around Water,' aimed at teaching kids essential swimming skills to ensure their safety, demonstrating how individual actions can sp...

Jamie Forbes joins the discussion about the significance of community organizing and its impact on making lasting positive changes. The conversation explores personal experiences, the art of communication, and practical tips for those looking to drive change in their communities. Jamie shares stories about the transformative power of phrases like 'tell me more,' the importance of building relation...

TERRY. REED. IS. THE. MAN. In this heartfelt conversation, Terry Reed, the owner of Community Auto, discusses the profound impact of community and personal connections in his life and business. Terry emphasizes the importance of giving back to the Saginaw community that has supported him, shares personal anecdotes about struggles with addiction, the significant role his supportive wife plays, and...