Community Builders - A Chico Podcast

In this episode of Community Builders, we sit down with marriage and family therapist Morgan Szymczak for an honest conversation about mental health, burnout, and the importance of connection.

Morgan shares what led her to become a therapist, what makes marriage and family therapy unique, and why the relationship between a therapist and client matters so much. She also opens up about the isolation that can come with helping professions and how burnout can build slowly over time.

We talk about the local therapist network Morgan helped create, giving therapists a space to connect, support...

In this episode of Community Builders, we sit down with Gillian Hayne, Chico’s new City Manager, for a conversation about local government, thoughtful growth, and what it takes to help a community move forward.

Gillian shares the path that brought her from land-use planning to city leadership, the experiences that shaped her approach to problem-solving, and why returning to Chico feels so personal. With deep family ties to the area, she speaks about the small-town character, connection, and opportunity that make Chico special.

We discuss some of the community’s biggest priorities, including housing, econ...

In this episode of Community Builders, we sit down with Mike Wiltermood, CEO of Enloe Health, for a conversation about healthcare, leadership, and what it means to care for a community.

Mike shares Enloe’s history in Chico, its mission as an independent nonprofit health system, and the responsibility that comes with serving patients across Northern California. He also reflects on the thousands of employees, physicians, volunteers, and community members who help make that work possible.

We discuss the changing landscape of healthcare, the challenges facing rural communities, and the importance of keeping care accessible, su...

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 deep roots in the Chico community.

We talk about the changing landscape of local news, the importance of curiosity, and the responsibility that comes with telling stories that matter. Mike shares...

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 gatherings. Built around a multi-generational format, each event brings together storytellers from different decades of life to share personal experiences centered around a common theme.

We talk about the magic that happens wh...

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 hospital beds and wheelchairs to oxygen equipment and other essential items, their work has brought comfort, dignity, and hope to countless families.

One of the most powerful moments in th...

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 importance of accuracy over speed, why local news matters more than ever, and how social media is changing the way people consume information.

We dive into the role...

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 together to respond to more than 200,000 calls each year. He shares what his role looks like day to day, the importance of delegation, and how building trust within his team is essential to keeping Chico...

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’s largest service providers, and what it looks like today to serve over 1,700 individuals across Butte County and beyond. She explains programs like respite care, independent living skills, supported employment, and why human connection is just...

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 charging decisions are made, why discretion matters, and how the goal is not simply punishment, but fairness, accountability, and protection for the community. 

We also trace Mike’s unconvent...

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 from behind the counter over the years, including how browsing habits and our relationship with discovery have changed in the internet era.

We also dive into Ch...

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, and partners. He also talks about the importance of staying connected to the community that has supported their work for generations.

The conversation goes deeper into one of Chico’s biggest cha...

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 experiences shaped her compassion for others and why she believes everyone deserves a place to belong. She walks us through the origins of Lunar Market, how it grew from a small pop-up into a Ch...

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 campus borders. We talk about student success, the importance of listening, and how the university is working to create a supportive environment for every student who steps onto campus.

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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 talks about the importance of showing up, the realities of campaigning, and how she brings together her background in environmental science, her work in the arts, and her deep connection to local advocacy.

Throughout the...

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 department uniquely connected to the community it serves. We talk about the impact of new fire behavior research, the critical importance of training and trust on the job, and the re...

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 like a true community for both kids and adults.

We explore how CCDS partners with families, supports teachers, and inspires students to see themselves as capable, curious contributors. Wendy also opens up abou...

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, Emily talks about the realities of running an animal shelter today, including rising costs, limited space, and a national shortage of veterinarians. She explains how her team works to prevent animals from entering the shelter system by...

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 years, creating safe, supportive environments like Everhart Village—a community designed for individuals with mental illness that offers housing, food, and 24/7 staff support.

This episode explores Bob’s deep commitment to h...

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 approach to teaching public policy and social equity, motivating students to move from theory to active engagement and advocacy. This educational philosophy prepares them to be future leaders capable of driving significant societal changes.

Maitreya also discusses...

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.

Throughout the episode, Cathryn explores the balance between grassroots efforts and institutional social work, the challenges of affordable housing, and the role of nonprofits in addressing community needs. She also opens up about her personal motivations, the realities of nonprofit...

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 and Butte College.

Throughout the episode, Kristy discusses her dual role in fostering community engagement and support. As a leader at Hillel, she focuses on cultural engagement and professional development, while her work with S...

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 disasters.

Sheriff Honea discusses the weighty decisions he has faced, the importance of community safety, and his approach to leadership and public service. Tune in to learn about his commitment to safeguarding his community and the insights he's gained...

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 work in housing advocacy, tenant protections, and mutual aid efforts during the pandemic, as well as his deep dive into Chico’s urban planning and environmental policies. Addison also reflects on what it means to be...

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 homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. Amber reflects on the changes she’s seen in the community and the innovative approaches they’ve taken to offer support. She also opens up about her personal experiences, what driv...

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 journey into politics, her dedication to public service, and her vision for a more inclusive and well-managed Chico.

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