Viva Downtown's Downtown Discussion

Shop Around The Corner Books - Owner, Amber Treat joins the Downtown Discussion Podcast. In this episode, listen along to learn about the new location of Shop Around The Corner Books, 1244 California Street.  Shop Around the Corner Books is located in the heart of downtown Redding, CA.  They offer new books of all genres…new releases, fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books.  Email the shop wit...

Redding's Public Market - Market Manager, Erin Ross, joins the the Downtown Discussion Podcast. In this episode, we discuss the accomplishments, innovations, and learning lessons of the first six months of the Redding Public Market being open.  The Redding Public Market was a massive project to transform the first floor store front space in 1551 Market Center a mixed use housing revitilizatio...

On this episode of Downtown Discussion , we sit down with Schulyer Lane, owner of SKL Arcades, to talk about Bonus Round Redding, a new arcade bar that he opened in Downtown Redding at 1665 Pine Street. Bonus Round is a vintage and retro arcade space with games from the 1980s and 1990s, and every machine in the building has been restored by Schulyer himself. If you’ve played an arcade game anywher...

 Bailey Bethard opens Bailey’s Book Nook, a high-quality used bookstore located at 1330 Market Street in the historic Sherven Square building in Downtown Redding. A dynamic new business owner, Bailey has previously worked with several well-known downtown establishments, including Carousel, Ferris Wheel Kids, and the Cascade Theatre. In this episode, Bailey shares her journey to opening her own bri...

Nations Finest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been serving veterans and their families for over 50 years by providing a comprehensive range of services. Mike Dahl of Nations Finest joins the Viva Downtown Discussion to discuss restoring a house in Downtown Redding to become permanent housing for veterans. 

 Kirkwood Hale, co-founder of Plantable Nursery and Café , joins the Downtown Discussion Podcast to share the story behind Plantable Redding , the vibrant green space that transformed the once abandoned lot on the corner of California and Gold Street.  Kirkwood discusses how he and his team turned a neglected part of downtown into a community hub for small concerts, gatherings, gardening education...

 Dylan Mosshart, owner of Fridays Vintage , joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to celebrate three years in business and the grand re-opening at their new location at 1401 Market Street on the Market/Tehama Corner. Dylan discusses the growth of his mom-and-pop vintage shop and owning the business alongside his wife, Paige, his passion for timeless clothing, and the journey from...

Step inside the magic of Redding’s newest destination for kids! In this episode of The Viva Downtown’s Downtown Discussion , we are joined by Tara Faires and Suzanne Russell , and celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Ferris Wheel Kids — a vibrant new store designed with families in mind. Hear from the people who brought this dream to life, discover what makes Ferris Wheel Kids a uniqu...

Kelly Sepelyak is a Silicon Valley native driven by a passion for blending communications and technology to fuel innovation. As an Executive Assistant at RABA, she plays a key role in optimizing operations, leading impactful outreach efforts, and building meaningful connections within the community. Kelly is deeply committed to advancing accessibility and ensuring public services truly reflect the...

Local Theatre Director, Emma Richardson, Redding Cultural District Program Assistant, Gabe Newman, and Cascade Theatre Box Office Manager, Jacob Akana join Viva Downtown to talk about their participation and engagment for the next generation in downtown programming and arts and culture. From theatrical productions, live music and tabletop gaming our guests in this episode are building artistic and...

Redding Rodeo Week kicks off May 9–18, and the Asphalt Cowboys saddle up on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to share what’s in store! Dave Tappan and Mike Ursitti join us to talk about the history and tradition of the Asphalt Cowboys, what it takes to become one, and all the excitement around this year’s downtown events. From the return of the iconic Street Dance—featuring a special performance by...

Tyler Faires is back on the Viva Downtown Discussion Podcast to talk about the Sundial Film Festival's exciting return to the Cascade Theatre on Saturday March 22, 2025. He shares insights into the festival's revitalization, collaborating with filmmakers and artists to establish a dynamic local, regional, and international film event in Downtown Redding. Tyler also explores the future of...

Ami and Bart Hauptman, local family brewers, join the Downtown Discussion podcast to discuss their new ownership of Woody's Brewing Company. Woody's Brewing Company celebrates 10 years of being established in Downtown Redding as a family business, learn about Ami and Bart who are excited to take on Woody's with their family and continue producing top quality beers, dining experience...

Eddie McAllister, facilitator of the Shasta Beloved Community and recipient of the National Education Association's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award, joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast.  Eddie discusses the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Downtown Redding on January 20, 2025, and the shifting cultural climate of Shasta County.  He also shares ways to get...

Danny Orloff, director of Paint the Town Redding and Karlo Henry founder of The Art Hunger/Viva Downtown Arts Director, joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to discuss Beyond the Box Art Project.  Beyond the Box coordinated by Orloff and Henry is a creative partnership between Redding Electric Utility and 20 local artists to paint 20 unique and diverse murals on City of Redding E...

The Shasta Historical Society joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast. Chairman of the Board, Jason Salter, and Development & Marketing Manager, Gabriel Leete discuss the ongoing renovations, improvements that are occurring after a flood damaged the interior of the Society. We also discuss the impact of Historical Societies for Main Streets and the benefits of becoming a member...

Redding Roots Revival, the two day music festival that takes place here in Downtown Redding returns September 27,28. Janelle Pierson and Donnie Red joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion to discuss the significant efforts to produce this music festival. Redding Roots Revival activates four stages in Downtown Redding with local, regional and national artists. Redding Roots Revival is going...

Local Film makers, Tyler Faires, Tyler Lochamy, and Tom Green, join Viva Downtown, on the Downtown Discussion. In this Downtown Discussion we discuss the success of the local documentary ACID Canal, directed by Tyler Faires, the return and reimagining of The Sundial Film Festival, and the importance of film and story telling in your Downtown. To learn more about their upcoming projects, Sundial Fi...

 Maggie Redmon, Cascade Theatre's interim director, joins us to discuss her role with the theatre. Cascade Theatre for the past 20 years since reopening has established itself as the beacon of arts and culture.  The historic theatre originally opened in 1935.  The theatre eventually shuttered with the original artwork and architecture being covered. Through community, private and public inves...

The Sundial Bridge celebrates 20 years since its completition in the Redding Cultural District. Shannon Philips, Chief Operating Officer of the McConnell Foundation, joins the Downtown Discussion to discuss the 20 year milestone celebration. The festivities will bring Bandaloop Wire Dancers, artists, recreational activities and culinary experiences together from June 28 through July 4. Check out t...

Sara Sundquist and Anna Blasco from Healthy Shasta, join Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion podcast to discuss Bike Month and Downtown Community Walking maps.  The month of May is Bike Month, learn how to participate in local biking events during the month: Information Here at Love to Ride Shasta County: https://www.lovetoride.net/shasta Healthy Shasta has partnered with Viva Downtown, the C...

Adam Yount, the business owner of AREA 151,  joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast.  Area 151, a full  immersion virtual reality gaming experience based business.   Learn about the Adam's process for developing Area 151, through renovations of a former office space, to how VR is transforming the way people experience immersion gaming and team building. Yount is a lifelong res...

Sharon Brisolara, of Inquiry that Matters, joins Blake Fisher on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to discuss Women's History Month and International Women's Day.  In coordination with Women's History Month, Viva Downtown and Sharon Brisolara will host presentations and open mic poetry programs that highlight and celebrate Women leadership and contributions. This programming is part o...

Todd Jones joins Blake Fisher on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to discuss his new roll as the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. The Downtown Discussion Podcast highlights people who enhance Downtown Redding through social, cultural and economic development.  The podcast is edited by Jacob Akana. 

John Truitt from Viva Downtown, an Accredited Main Street America organization, joins us on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to talk about positive development though art; civic engagement through art; and Upstate Creative Corps projects.  John discusses upcoming arts projects and how Downtown Redding creatives are actively engaging people to make a healthy, resilient and vibrant community. Learn m...