The Better Modesto Show

#82 Nico, Chris, and Tom Helme Talk Zero Waste in Modesto. Should the incinerator in Stanislaus be closed? What kinds of things can we do to protect our local environment? Tom Helme from Valley Improvement Projects educates on what a better future can look like.

#81 Demitrius, Nico, and Chris talk about false narratives about California, the changes to local media and what we can do about it, and even illegal fireworks on the 4th of July

Join Ulisses Vasquez, Chris Ricci, and Demitrius Snaer as they talk about what it is like taking ideas, bringing them to life, and how we can work together to make Modesto better.

Join us on the Better Modesto show as we interview local filmmaker Parker Caston as he talks about his new short film called "cuffed" that will be showing at the State Theater in Modesto on June 18th, 2023.

Join us on the Better Modesto Show as we chat with Charlie Nguyen, the Chief Advocate for ChalkWild, about his inspiring journey in creating the world's first Wearable & Erasable Art Canvas. Through his company, Charlie has helped empower youth to express their individuality and creativity through art, while also addressing issues of self-esteem and vulnerability. As an American of Vietnam...

Join us on the Better Modesto Show as we sit down with Ukrainian mayors who are leading their cities through a time of crisis. Despite their country being in a state of war, these brave and courageous mayors have continued to serve and lead their communities with strength and resilience. In this episode, we'll hear firsthand about their experiences and the challenges they face as they navigate...

Join us on the Better Modesto Show as we sit down with California State Assemblymember Juan Alanis for a deep dive into the world of state politics. From navigating the complexities of government to representing our community with integrity, Juan shares his insights and experiences as a leader in the 22nd Assembly District. Tune in now for an episode packed with knowledge, inspiration, and meaning...

Get ready to be inspired and motivated with our latest episode featuring the one and only John Griffin III, a renowned Radio Talk Show Host for I-ON-MODESTO, Motivational Speaker, and Success Coach. Join us as we dive into his story and explore how he helps people achieve their dreams and goals. Our hosts, Ulisses Vasquez, Nico Solorio, and Demitrius Snaer, guide the conversation with great energy...

In this week's episode, we dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the future of Modesto. Our hosts, Ulisses Vasquez, Nico Solorio, Christian Fletcher, and Chris Ricci, explore the idea of building taller buildings in our city and the potential benefits and drawbacks. They also discuss the importance of providing afterschool services at our parks and how it can positively impact our com...

Local internships for teens & young adults 17-21 and you get paid! Sign me up!  We had the pleasure to be joined by our guest  Family Specialist at Stanislaus County Workforce Development, Dulce Piceno who talks about growing up in the county, the Stanislaus County Workforce Development services, and a summer youth program that provides positive work opportunities to youth in our com...

Water is vital part of the flourishing of our community! We had the pleasure to be joined by our guest Edgar Garibay , Central Valley Program Director for Tuolumne River Trust who talks about policy, new projects, and the impact TRT is having on our community. This episode was co-hosted by Nico Solorio, Chris Ricci, and Christian Fletcher. Great conversation with a wonderful guest, who we look for...

Black History Month celebrates not only the accomplishments of Black individuals from the past, but also the achievements of those in the present-day. We were honored to be joined by our guest Austin Grant, Black History Month Chair & Central Region President of the United Black Student Unions of California, who talks about Black Student Unions, HBCUs, and the importance of celebrating Black H...

Artificial Intelligence was part of our conversation this episode! We let the A.I. Program, Chat GPT guide our conversation and chime into our conversation. We were joined by guest host Hector Morales who got the conversation started about the importance of friendships. Co-host Ulisses Vasquez, Nico Solorio, and Christian Fletcher. We talk about the importance of friendships and practical tips to...

Listen to a bridge builder in our community! We sit down with CEO of City Ministry Network Marvin Jacobo and have a wonderful conversation hearing his story, the Latino Leadership Initiative origins, and developing leaders representative of our communities demographics. Host Chris Ricci is back, along with host Christian Fletcher, and Ulisses Vasquez. We have a new intro tune from our amazing soun...

Happy New Year to all our listeners! The team discusses new year, bomb cyclones, national politics, and much more.  Let us know what guests you want or thoughts about the show by emailing us at bettermodestoshow@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram: @bettermodestoshow

Housing is an important topic in our growing city! Executive Director at Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority, Jim Kruse joins host Coach Demitrius Snaer, City Councilperson Chris Ricci, and Producer Christian Fletcher to talk about housing projects & services that run through the Regional Housing Authority. Let us know what guest you wants or thought about the show by emailing us: bettermode...

Let's talk about mental health! Founder and owner of Lighthouse Psychological Services… A Beacon of Light Inc., Dr. Shontinese Huey joins the Better Modesto Show and talks with Ulisses Vasquez, Christian Fletcher and Chris Ricci about mental health, her story, and emotional dysregulation and so much more. This is right around FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which we touch on too! Check out: https://lig...

How do elections run in our county? Where does a person get a marriage license? Passport Services? Clerk Recorder & Registrar of Voters, Donna Linder joins host Ulisses Vasquez and City Councilperson Chris Ricci to talk about the vital role the Stanislaus County Clerk / Recorder / Registrar of Voters office has in our community! We had an studio live audience and fantastic question from our au...

"It's a good day in the neighborhood" Candidate for Modesto City Council District 5 Jeremiah Williams sits down with the Better Modesto Show and talks with City Councilperson Chris Ricci, MJC Instructor/Coach Demitrius Snaer, Producer Christian Fletcher and Community Advocate Nico Solorio about campaigning, connecting the dots, and policing, and so much more. Modesto just had some rain and we...

Candidate for Modesto City Council District 4 Nick Bavaro the Better Modesto Show and talks with Ulisses Vasquez, Demitrius Snaer, Christian Fletcher and Chris Ricci about campaigning, platform, Wisdom Teeth..., and so much more. This is right before Halloween, so we added some spooky music! 

Candidate for Modesto City Council District 2 Eric Alvarez returns to the Better Modesto Show and talks with Nico Solorio, Demitrius Snaer, and Chris Ricci about campaigning, platform, and so much more. 

Modesto City Schools Board of Trustee Chad Brown joins Chris, Demitrius, and Ulisses to discuss education and how Measure L will benefit the future of Modesto. 

Chris and Ulisses dive deep into the subject of youth empowerment with Wade Patton, a strong youth advocate, and the Alliance Manager for youth in the City Ministry Network.

Fallon Farris joins Jim and future host Nico Solorio to talk about her roles as a cofounder of YEP and Modesto City School's Equity, she also dives into her role as an Interventions specalist.

Yamilet Valladolid, Catherine Larson, and Derek Ayera join Chris and Jim to discuss Stanislaus 2030 and the project's goals moving forward.