Brick by Brick Podcast

Explore the vibrant community of Albion through the lens of health and wellness. Cassidy Porter hosts an engaging conversation with Jessica Mitchell, Executive Director of the Albion Health Care Alliance, as they delve into the vital role the AHCA plays in advocating for accessible healthcare services. Learn about the AHCA's impactful programs like the Community Table of Albion, a food distributio...

Discover the inspiring journey of Cheryl Bell, a talented artist and small business owner who has been crafting her signature tote bags since 2020. With a passion for creativity and community, Cheryl's journey began with a simple sewing class and blossomed into a business that reflects personal expression through themed tote bags. Her involvement in the Albion community, from participating in craf...

Explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Ketwana Schoos, Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at the Community College of Allegheny County. Raised in Albion, Dr. Schoos reflects on her roots and the vibrant community that shaped her. With her return as the keynote speaker for Albion College's MLK Convocation, she shares heartfelt stories of growing up in a close-knit neigh...

Explore the journey of Scouting in Albion, Michigan, with Cassidy Porter and Sam Porter, a dedicated Scout Leader of Troop 158. Discover the rich history and evolution of Scouting in the community, from Sam's early days as the youngest Eagle Scout in Albion to the inclusion of girls in the Scouts BSA program. Learn about the core values of Scouting, including character building, leadership, and co...

Meet Kelly Rice, a dynamic force in the Albion community and co-owner of Albion Insurance Agency. With a background in kinesiology and a passion for sports, Kelly transitioned from being a sportswriter to a dedicated insurance agent, driven by her love for helping others. Her journey brought her to Albion, where she quickly immersed herself in community initiatives. From fundraising for downtown r...

Dive into the inspiring journey of Kyndall Lewis, an Albion College senior, as she shares her deep-rooted connection to the Albion community. Through candid reflections, Kyndall explores her family's unexpected ties to Albion, her unique experiences growing up on college campuses, and the challenges of rediscovering her hometown after years attended school in a different community. As a passionate...

Trisha Franzen, professor of Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies at Albion College, is impacting food access in Albion through Albion's Community Gardens. Discover Trisha's inspiring journey to Albion, her deep-rooted love for gardening, and her commitment to addressing food insecurity. Learn about the community's rich interconnectedness and the transformative power of the gardens in providing fr...

Romain LaNoe completed a month long internship in Albion, Michigan over the summer of 2024. While Romain was here he worked at the Greater Albion Area Chamber of Commerce, exploring what it means to be a visitor to Albion. Romain brings a unique perspective to the Albion community, as he is from Albion's Sister City, Noisy-le-Roi, France. In this episode learn about Albion's French connections, an...

Explore the journey of Jill Domingo, Albion's dedicated City Clerk, who has been working for the community for over two decades. Discover her personal story, her commitment to the electoral process, and the vital role she plays in ensuring secure and efficient elections. Learn about the comprehensive steps involved in voter registration, the responsibilities of a city clerk, and the importance of...

Explore the inspiring journey of two dedicated students from Albion College, Malena Solis and Breanna Ridley, as they share their experiences as Build Albion Fellows and Albion's Big Read College Volunteers. Rooted in the rich history of their community, Malena and Breanna discuss the deep connections and sense of family that Albion has cultivated in them. They delve into the significance of givin...

Celebrate the tenth anniversary of Albion's Big Read. Discover how this inspiring program brings together eighth through tenth grade students, Albion College Volunteers, and the entire Albion community through a shared love of reading. Meet KJ, Jess, and Nels, three passionate leaders who share their personal journeys and the profound impact the Big Read has had on their lives and the community. L...

Billy Beers is the Greater Albion Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, President and CEO. Billy oversees the daily functions of the organization including memberships, community engagements, and continued community growth in the Albion area. In this episode learn more about Billy's role, and the local events the Chamber is a part of.

Ian Barbour is life-long Albion resident and owner of Barbour Heating & Air. In this kick off to Season 3, hear about Ian's story back to Albion after the military, his career in heating & air, and why he loves Albion, Michigan.

As we conclude the second season of the Brick by Brick Podcast, we reflect on the amazing 17 guests we have had over this season. We are grateful for them, and you, our listeners! Never fear, this may be the end of Season 2, but it is not the end of the podcast. Brick by Brick will return at the end of summer 2024, with some exciting changes.

Caroline Hurteau is involved with countless events and organizations in the Albion community. As the Community Liaison for Caster Concepts her role involves Swingin' at the Shell, Run Albion, and INNOVATE Albion. In this episode, learn about INNOVATE Albion's most recent accomplishments.

Peg Turner worked in the Albion Public Schools District for over 40 years. Mrs. Turner is an alum of Albion College and implemented community/college relations within her career. In this episode, learn about Mrs. Turner's passion for education and Albion students.

Maddie Davis is a graduating senior at Albion College. She is studying English Secondary and Elementary Education. In this episode, Maddie shares her capstone project and plans for the future.

C.J. and Stacy Frost are new to the Albion, but have some interesting connections to the community. In this podcast, learn what brought C.J. and Stacy back to Albion. As well as the impact they are creating with Frost Historic Preservation. They share their love and passion for historic preservation, and the fun they have had working on some iconic Albion buildings.

Ramona Kidder has always held a passion for music. In this episode, learn how Kidder got involved with Dickerson Music Company, downtown Albion. As well as, all the great work that Dickerson's is doing.

Mae Ola Dunklin is a retired Albion Public Schools educator and principal. Originally from Louisiana, Dunklin has an interesting story about her path to Albion, and the passion she has for her second home. Even though Dunklin in retired she is very active in the community, from the Albion Branch NAACP, Albion College Board of Trustees, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Lewis Chapel AME Church, and the S...

Amanda Cheladyn is the current Coordinator for the Community Table of Albion. Listen to her story of coming to Albion, and the large impact she is making in her current role.

Nick VanAcker has been working at Kids 'N' Stuff Children's Museum for a little over a year and a half as the Director of Outreach. In this episode learn what it takes to work in a museum, and what goes into being the Director of Outreach.

Listen to Jim Whitehouse reflect on his families history with Albion College, and what made him move to Albion so many years ago. He recounts the naming of the Whitehouse Nature Center in Albion, Michigan, and shares his opinions on how to improve the town.

In this special episode of the Brick by Brick Podcast, listen to a few Albion community members and leaders share their hopes for 2024, and what they are looking forward to. This episode includes Juanita Solis Kidder, Luann Sommers, Shane Williamson, Tatiana Bridges, Joe Verbeke, Jenny Risner-Wade, Bradley Arndts, Ann Wade, Maddy Woods, Ramona Kidder, Denise Porter, and Octavia Turner.

Malena Solis is a current Albion College senior, studying Psychology and Sociology with a concentration in business and human services. Malena is also a part of the Build Albion Fellows program. Through this podcast, learn more about this program, the experiences Malena has had throughout her time at Albion College, and her perspectives from the Albion Public Schools annexation.