The Better Modesto Show

Zach Drivon joins Chris and discusses the challenges facing Cannabis in California from business, to local taxes, to the black market.

Join Ulisses Vasquez, co-host of the Better Modesto show on KFIV 1360 & live on the iHeartRadio app, as he welcomes a very special guest, Brittany Welch, The Climb West-Coast regional manager for Postpartum Support International (PSI). While co-host Chris Ricci is away in Japan, Ulisses engages in a heartfelt conversation with Brittany about her journey through perinatal mental health challeng...

In the latest episode of the Better Modesto show, listeners are treated to an insightful conversation with special guest Trish Christensen from the Modesto Chamber of Commerce. Hosted by Ulisses Vasquez & co-host Chris Ricci, City Council Member for District 3, the episode delves into Trish's journey from Santa Clara to Modesto in 1988, showcasing her initial challenges & eventual embr...

In this new episode of The Better Modesto Show we tune in on a discussion about the heart of community issues & governance, hosted by Ulisses Vasquez & Chris Ricci, & joined by their very special guest, City Council Member for District 4, Nick Bavaro. Additionally, discussion on the complexities of city planning & community engagement is included. Furthermore, there is discussion p...

Cohosts Ulisses Vasquez & Chris Ricci invite listeners to tune in to a discussion regarding the pulse of community initiatives & the power of collective action. This podcast delves into the journey from grassroots efforts to city-wide impact. Listeners will discover how small actions can lead to significant changes, drawing from Chris Ricci's experiences in fostering successful communi...

In this episode of Better Modesto, Chris interviews Todd Aaronson from Visit Modesto! They delve into the recent attention Modesto has received from the New York Times about our community's spectacular Almond Blossom Cruise. The conversation then shifts to the growing need for new hotels in Modesto to accommodate the increasing number of visitors drawn by the city's burgeoning attractions....

In this illuminating episode of the Better Modesto Show, co-hosts Ulisses Vasquez & Chris Ricci delve into the crucial topic of financial literacy alongside esteemed guest Ana M. Andrade. Ana, a transformative leader with a diverse background in criminal justice, leadership studies, community advocacy, & brings a wealth of insight to the table. As the discussion unfolds, Ana shares her dee...

Join co-hosts Ulisses and Chris as they delve into a thought-provoking discussion on the impact of Debrief Methodologies in Modesto with co-founder Emmanuel Escamilla. Emmanuel shares his personal journey, growing up in the Southside of Modesto and his passion for supporting marginalized communities. Through Debrief, Emmanuel and his team work tirelessly to amplify the voices of underprivileged co...

Join hosts Ulisses Vasquez, & City Council Member Chris Ricci navigate an eclectic conversation that ranges from general city updates to the nostalgia of movies!

Join co-host Chris Ricci & Ulisses Vasquez in this dynamic episode of The Better Modesto Show. Join us as we delve into the vibrant cruising culture of Modesto with our special guest, Jerry Thompson. As a dedicated member of the cruising community, Jerry brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for this iconic aspect of Modesto's heritage. Through four engaging segments, we explore Jerry&#...

Embark on a captivating journey with co-hosts Ulisses Vasquez and City Councilperson Chris Ricci as they delve into the enchanting world of Modesto Children's Museum with special guest CEO Chelsie Webster. In this engaging episode, discover Chelsie's personal joys in the Modesto community and the exhilarating experience of leading the museum in its initial months. Uncover Chelsie's pas...

In this heartfelt episode of The Better Modesto Show, join host Ulisses Vasquez in a deeply moving conversation with Erin Nelson, the Founding Executive Director of Jessica's House. Erin shares her personal journey that led her to establish Jessica's House and the profound significance of providing grief support for children, teens, and families. As Children's Grief Awareness Day is on...

In an insightful dialogue, co-hosts Ulisses Vasquez and city council member Chris Ricci engage in a compelling conversation with Amanda Hughes, the dedicated Executive Director of Stanislaus 2030. This interview delves into the journey, vision, and goals that define the trajectory of Stanislaus 2030, addressing ambitious objectives that aim to transform the local landscape for a better future.

In this captivating episode of the Better Modesto Show, co-hosted by Ulisses Vasquez and City Council Member Chris Ricci, we delve into the future of sustainability with Karen Warner, the visionary CEO of BEAM Circular. BEAM Circular, a groundbreaking initiative that launched in January 2023 with a lead investment from Stanislaus County, is poised to revolutionize the way we view waste and sustain...

Chris talks the future of Digital in Modesto with Monica Escamilla and Digital Nest

Join hosts Ulisses Vasquez, City Council Member Chris Ricci and Nico Solorio, in an insightful conversation with Stanislaus County Supervisor, District 3, Terry Withrow. Supervisor Withrow shares his journey into local government and his commitment to public service, shedding light on the vital responsibilities of a county supervisor and their profound impact on the lives of our community's re...

In this spirited episode of the Better Modesto Show, host Ulisses Vasquez and co-host, City Council Member Chris Ricci, sit down with Modesto Advocate and the founder/publisher of Modesto View, Chris Murphy. This passionate conversation delves into the shared vision of individuals dedicated to ensuring that Modesto thrives for generations to come. The discussion covers a wide array of topics, incl...

Join Nico and Chris talking about the challenges of dealing with homelessness to things we've been doing on nights out in Modesto!

What kinds of things do we need to do to develop Modesto into a better place? What do the industries of the future look like? How do we improve our quality of life? Where are the jobs of the future in Stanislaus County.

Join host Ulisses Vasquez in a captivating conversation with Meriam Jacobs, the Education Coordinator at East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District (RCD). Meriam shares her journey growing up in Stanislaus County and how she found her path to joining East Stan RCD, a hub of innovative programs like Jr. Chef. In this episode, we delve into the significance of nutritious foods in food pantries a...

Join hosts Nico and Ulisses in a heartfelt conversation about the challenges that both individuals and youth face in Modesto. In this episode, we delve into the profound impact that each person can have on the young minds in our community. Through inspiring stories and insightful discussions, we're reminded of the incredible power we all possess to make a positive difference. Tune in to discov...

Join hosts Chris and Ulisses as they sit down with special guest, Rachel Hernandez, Riverbank's Vice-Mayor & City Councilmember District 2. In this enlightening episode, Rachel shares her journey into politics, the unique challenges she's faced as a woman in leadership, and her proudest accomplishments during her tenure as a council member. Gain valuable insights into the biggest chall...

Join hosts Chris and Ulisses as they welcome special guest Frank Silva, SOR Patient Navigator at Aegis Treatment Centers and Substance Abuse Counselor, to the Better Modesto Show. In this heartfelt episode, Frank shares his personal journey and passion for our community. Learn more about his vital work at Aegis Treatment Centers, raising awareness about the fentanyl crisis, and his experiences in...

Join hosts Ulisses Vasquez and Christian Fletcher as they sit down with George Gardner, the Band Director, and Brad Hart, the Band Manager and Assistant Director, of the Modesto Band of Stanislaus County (MoBand). In this special episode, they discuss the rich history and legacy of MoBand, from its humble beginnings as the Modesto Boys' Band to becoming one of the oldest continuously performin...

Soccer is growing in Modesto. In this week's pod we talk with Coach Steve Aristolelous about coaching soccer in town, his journey as a coach and his philosophy on developing players.