Community Builders - A Chico Podcast

n this episode of Community Builders, we sit down with Mike Wolcott, editor of the Enterprise-Record, for a conversation about local journalism, community connection, and the role storytelling plays in helping people better understand the place they call home. Mike reflects on his longtime career in journalism, his connection to the North State, and what it means to be part of a newspaper with dee...

In this episode of Community Builders, we sit down with Bonnie Pipkin, creator of Bonfire Storytelling, for a conversation about connection, vulnerability, and the power of sharing real stories in community. Bonnie shares how Bonfire Storytelling began as a simple idea inspired by live storytelling events like The Moth and has since grown into one of Chico’s most meaningful and engaging community...

In Episode #9 – Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with Janice Walker of Chico Project SAVE for a moving conversation about service, purpose, and what it means to truly show up for your community. Janice shares how Chico Project Save has grown from a small effort to gather unused medical supplies into a life-changing organization serving people both locally and around the world. From hosp...

In Season 2 - Episode #8 of Community Builders, we sit down with Keith Jouganatos for a powerful conversation about storytelling, local news, and the responsibility of keeping a community informed. Keith shares what it really means to be a reporter, from early morning prep to going live on air, and breaks down the full process of turning a story idea into a finished broadcast. He talks about the i...

In Season 2 - Episode #7 of Community Builders, we sit down with Chief Billy Aldridge of the Chico Police Department for an in-depth conversation about leadership, public safety, and what it really takes to serve a growing and evolving community. Chief Aldridge breaks down the structure of a modern police department, from patrol officers to captains, and explains how over 200 staff members work to...

In Season 2, Episode #6 of Community Builders, we sit down with Katrina Woodcox, Executive Director of The ARC of Butte County, for a heartfelt conversation about advocacy, inclusion, and what it really takes to support people with developmental disabilities and their families. Katrina shares the powerful story behind the ARC’s founding, how a small parent-led movement grew into one of the region’...

In Episode #5 of Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with Mike Ramsey, Butte County’s longtime District Attorney and one of the most influential figures in the region’s criminal justice system. Mike shares what it really means to “do justice,” breaking down the often misunderstood role of the District Attorney as the filter between law enforcement and the courts. He walks us through how ch...

In Episode #4 of Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with Muir Hughes, the longtime owner of Chico’s beloved downtown bookstore and one of the creative forces behind Chikoko. Muir shares why bookstores still matter in a world built for speed and convenience, and how simply walking through the door can reconnect people to curiosity, empathy, and each other. She reflects on what she has seen...

In Episode #3 of Season 2 of Community Builders, We sit down with Brandon Slater of Slater & Son Construction, a third generation Chico builder whose family has helped shape the city since 1948.  Brandon reflects on returning to Chico after working in the Bay Area, why his company prioritizes people over growth, and how a family business mindset influences the way they treat employees, clients...

In Episode #2 of Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with creator and community organizer Lucia Mercado, the force behind Lunar Market, Divine Sundays, and several of Chico’s most vibrant cultural events. Lucia shares her journey from growing up in Riverside to building a life in Chico centered around creativity, inclusion, and community connection. Lucia talks about how her early experien...

In Episode #1 of Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with Chico State President Steve Perez for a thoughtful and grounded conversation about leadership, education, and what it truly means to build community in Chico. President Perez walks us through his journey into higher education, the values that guide his leadership, and why he believes Chico State plays a vital role far beyond the cam...

In Episode #13 of Community Builders, we sit down with Bryce Goldstein, Chico City Council member representing District 7 and a longtime transportation planner, for an in-depth conversation about civic engagement, housing, and what it really takes to make change at the local level. Bryce shares her journey from attending council meetings as a concerned resident to becoming an elected official. She...

In Episode #12 of Community Builders, we sit down with Chico Fire Chief Steve Standridge to explore what it takes to lead a modern fire department and protect a growing city in the age of climate change, aging infrastructure, and evolving community needs. Chief Standridge shares his personal path from the Army to the fire service, why he believes firefighting is a calling, and what makes Chico’s d...

In Episode #11 of Community Builders, we sit down with Wendy Fairon, Principal of Chico Country Day School, to talk about what it takes to build a learning environment that puts trust, curiosity, and connection at the center. Wendy shares the school’s roots as one of California’s first charter schools, explains their commitment to project-based learning, and reflects on what makes a school feel li...

In Episode #10 of Community Builders, we sit down with Emily Acevedo, Executive Director of Butte Humane Society, one of the longest-running nonprofits in Butte County. Emily shares her story of how she went from working in business development to leading an organization that helps thousands of animals each year through shelter services, vet care, and outreach programs. Throughout the episode, Emi...

In Episode #9 of Community Builders, we sit down with Bob Trausch, co-founder of Chico Housing Action Team (CHAT). Bob shares the story of how CHAT began in 2011 with a small group of volunteers responding to dangerously cold weather. What started as an emergency effort quickly grew into a long-term mission to provide stable housing and rebuild lives. Bob explains how CHAT has expanded over the ye...

In Episode #8 of Community Builders, we feature Maitreya Badami, Associate Professor of CSU Chico's Department of Political Science and Director of Education at the Butte Defense Equity Project. Maitreya shares how she blends her passion for social justice with her academic and community roles, impacting both her students and the broader community. During the episode, Maitreya explains her ap...

In Episode #7 of Community Builders, we sit down with Cathryn Carkhuff, Executive Director of Home & Heart, a nonprofit that connects home seekers with home providers to create affordable and supportive living spaces. With a background in social work and education, Cathryn shares her journey from studying at Temple University to leading a community-focused housing initiative in Chico. Througho...

In Episode #6 of Community Builders,  we sit down with Kristy Collins, who serves as the Executive Director of Hillel of Chico and as a Program Coordinator for the Stop-The-Hate initiative. Kristy shares her journey from a background in food science to leading one of the largest student organizations at Chico State, which provides an inclusive community for Jewish students from both Chico State an...

In Episode # 5 of Community Builders, we speak with Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea. Sheriff Honea shares his journey from a young student interested in sports medicine to becoming deeply involved in law enforcement. He details his experiences with major crises like the 2017 Oroville Dam spillway emergency and the 2018 Camp Fire, highlighting the challenges and responsibilities of managing such di...

In this episode of Community Builders , we sit down with Addison Winslow, Chico City Council member and community organizer, recently voted Best Local Activist and Best Local City Official. Addison shares his journey from growing up in Chico to traveling across North America engaging in grassroots activism, and ultimately returning to his hometown to help shape its future. He discusses his early w...

In this episode of Community Builders , Amber Abney Bass, Executive Director of the Jesus Center in Chico, shares the inspiring story behind the organization and its impactful work. From its humble beginnings in the back of a thrift shop to its evolution into a crucial resource for the unhoused community, Amber discusses how the Jesus Center addresses the growing needs of individuals facing homele...

In this episode of Community Builders, Tami Ritter, District 3 - Butte County Supervisor of Chico, discusses her experiences and the impactful work she's doing in the community. From her hands-on efforts in various non-profits to her current role in setting policies that shape public health and safety, Tami shares insights into the challenges and rewards of local governance. Learn about her j...

District 6 City Council Member Tom van Overbeek discusses his work on improving Chico, from addressing homelessness to revitalizing infrastructure. Hear his thoughts on what it takes to create a thriving community and the importance of collaboration in local government. Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico 👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here EPISODE CREDITS: Hosted by Dorian...

EPISODE CREDITS: Hosted by Dorian Cohen  Produced by Metric Studios Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman Audio mixed by Michael Bone Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen  Segment jingles  licensed through Music Bed Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram! Instagram YouTube (Full Video Episodes)