Sidewalk Talks

Riverfront Saginaw / Storyville
  • 5.0 (1)
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Random people, random topics, talking on random sidewalks in the City of Saginaw, Michigan.

  1. 10/07/2025

    Jeff Larsen talks Food and Imposter Syndrome

    In this episode of Sidewalk Talks, we chat with the handsome, charming, and always charismatic Jeff Larsen! We talk about Saginaw’s food scene, Jeff's role at Great Lake Bay Health Centers, and the importance of serving the underserved, and his battles with imposter syndrome. We also touch on Jeff's personal life, especially parenting and the unique joys and challenges it brings.  Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with humor, insights, and heartfelt advice! Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction and Jeff Larsen's Background 00:28 The Car Salesman Experience 02:42 Pizza Preferences: Detroit vs. New York vs. Chicago 05:22 Saginaw's Food Scene 09:59 Great Lakes Bay Health Centers and Community Impact 15:02 Serving the Underserved: Community Food Initiatives 16:01 Healthcare Access and Efficiency 17:39 Medicaid and Healthcare Costs 19:17 Imposter Syndrome: Personal Reflections 29:11 Fatherhood and Life Lessons 34:20 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

    35 min

  2. 09/22/2025

    Arshen Baldwin at Saginaw United

    In this episode of Sidewalk Talks, we sit down with Arshen Baldwin,  Assistant Principal at Saginaw United High School! Arshen shares her inspiring journey from generational poverty to becoming an educational leader, discusses the transformative power of education, the importance of building relationships with students, and her vision for the future of Saginaw United High School. She also talks about the impact of a new high school building, fostering a positive school culture, and the vital role of community support in shaping the future of our children. Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction and Congratulations 00:26 The Power of Education: A Personal Journey 01:28 Generational Impact of Education 03:37 New Beginnings at Saginaw United High School 06:40 Building Relationships and Community 08:58 Goals and Vision for the Future 11:57 Community Involvement and Support

    13 min

  3. 09/10/2025

    Brian Keenan-Lechel

    In this episode of Sidewalk Talks, we chat with Brian Keenan-Lechel, Director at Saginaw County Parks and Saginaw Community Foundation's Volunteer of the Year! Why are we sitting on a hill? Why does he have two last names? What's up with the outhouses and kickball?  AND HE CAN JUGGLE!? Check out the episode here or wherever you listen to podcasts!  Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction and Initial Banter 00:19 Exploring Saginaw's Newest County Park 02:21 History and Transformation of the Park 04:33 Community Involvement and Funding 07:44 Wildlife and Recreational Activities 10:35 Promoting Local Adventures 11:54 Kayaking and Canoeing in Saginaw 14:05 Juggling Interlude 15:15 Impressive Juggling Skills 15:42 High School Dreams and Spinal Fusion 17:33 The Story Behind a Hyphenated Last Name 20:40 Outhouse Races and ESPN Coverage 24:37 Keep Saginaw Kicking: A Charitable Kickball Tournament 25:58 Conclusion and Appreciation

    27 min

  4. 09/03/2025

    That's What She Said with Christiana Malacara

    In this episode of Sidewalk Talks, Christiana Malacara, journalist and creator of the podcast That's What She Said on WSGW! Christiana shares her journey of interviewing over 60 women from the Great Lakes Bay region, the inspiration behind her show, and the powerful lessons learned from amplifying women's voices. Key Topics & Highlights The Saginaw community and the power of local connectionsHow "That's What She Said" was born: from newsroom experiences to podcastingThe importance of connectors and building communityInterviewing women from all backgrounds: students, CEOs, founders, and moreChristiana’s “Circle Square Theory” on identity and personal growthThe concept of life chapters vs. seasons, and embracing changeThe “Three Checks Before Saying Yes” decision-making frameworkThe invisible ripple effect: unseen contributions of women in families, workplaces, and communitiesThe value of lifelong learning and creating content that empowers othersUpcoming projects: a book, workshops on financial literacy, affirmation building, and personal brandingShow Notes: "That's What She Said" with Christiana Malata 00:00 – Introduction & Saginaw Community 01:05 – Meet Christiana02:06 – The Birth of the Podcast 03:30 – The Role of Connectors 03:55 – Interviewing 60+ Women 04:40 – Lessons from 100+ Hours of Stories 04:44 – The Circle Square Theory 08:58 – Life as Chapters, Not Seasons. 10:52 – The Three Checks Before Saying Yes 14:00 – The Invisible Ripple Effect 17:13 – What Keeps Christiana Going 18:34 – Building Community & Upcoming Projects 21:35 – How to Connect 22:23 – Closing Thoughts Connect with Christiana Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn: That’s What She Said with Christiana MalacaraListen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, and WSGW.com

    22 min

  5. 09/03/2025

    Sidewalk Party!

    It's a Sidewalk Party! Just as Christiana Malacara from That's What She Said! Radio Show on WSGW and I were sitting down for a Sidewalk Talk, Cassi Zimmerman from the City of Saginaw Government walked by. Then Hurley TJ Coleman III from Saginaw County Community Action Committee (CAC). Then Ben Wieland (also from the City), then co-owners of Old Town Wonder Dyann Fulgencio and Isobel Jarema, then Alesha Martin-Lane from SVRC Marketplace, then Scott Rittenberry (formerly of TempleArts, now Director of Studio 23/The Arts Center and Kenzie McLearn Furlo of 106.3 The Core. A  spontaneous crew of nine people all serving the Saginaw community in different ways, so I asked them all the same question, “Why do you do what you do for us?”

    15 min

  6. 08/26/2025

    The Art of Community: Nyesha Clark-Young

    Join us in an inspiring conversation with Nyesha Clark-Young as she discusses the impact of the environment on our perceptions, the essential role of art in society, and the intersection of STEM and creativity. Discover how Saginaw's unique gritty history shapes its vibrant artistic community and learn about the upcoming community event, 'The Last Splash,' aimed at transforming the local skate park into a beautiful public art space. This episode is a heartfelt call to embrace creativity, foster new artists, and build a stronger, united community. 00:00 Introduction and Initial Thoughts00:30 The Impact of Environment on Perception01:28 Art as a Reflection of Society02:48 The Intersection of Art and STEM05:26 The Role of Art in Saginaw's Community07:18 Creating Opportunities for Young Artists12:25 Upcoming Event: The Last Splash18:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    20 min

  7. 08/18/2025

    Ramont Roberts and Saginaw Public Schools

    Saginaw is starting a new school, and to help kick it off, Superintendent of Saginaw Public Schools, Dr. Ramont Roberts, joins us for a Sidewalk Talk!  We talk discuss everything from the transformative journey initiated by the 2020 bond to future strategic plans to how the entire community of Saginaw  can support the educatioan and future of our kids. Watch the episode here or listen to Sidewalk Talks on Apple and Spotify! Show Notes:  00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:35 The Impact of the 2020 Bond on Saginaw 04:01 Community Unity and School Transformation 07:09 Saginaw Public Schools: A Safe Haven for Students 09:40 Supporting and Celebrating Staff 12:32 Ongoing Efforts and Future Plans 15:39 Adapting Education for the Technological Age 16:26 The Importance of Adaptable Skills 17:43 Building a Foundation for Future Success 18:39 Community Support and Trust in Education 20:39 Raising Expectations and Accountability 24:34 Looking Forward to the New School Year

    28 min

  8. 08/12/2025

    Saginaw Community Food Club and Kitchen

    In this episode of Sidewalk Talks, Tina Dowe Swanton, CEO of the Saginaw Community Food Club and Kitchen,  gives us the scoop on this incredible project that will increase access to quality food in the City of Saginaw. The Food Club will feel and act like your favorite grocery store, but with a very different approach to pricing. Members will pay $12 to $16 a month—a sliding scale based on income and household size—and shop with points.  The Food Club will also accept cash or credit/debit card for payment. Member households can shop daily until all points are used. The membership fee also offers access to nutrition education opportunities. A primary goal of the Food Club is to support those in the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) population who often fall into the 'benefits cliff' whil also working in tandem with other amazing organizations addressing food insecurity like Hidden Harvest  and East Side Soup Kitchen.  Join us for a look at a community-driven initiative that's set to make a big impact in 2026!  Show Notes:  00:00 Let's Eat Some Baked Goods 00:45 Farm-to-Table Delights 03:08 The Saginaw Community Food Club and Kitchen 04:38 Addressing Food Insecurity 05:55 The Benefits Gap and ALICE Population 08:33 Community Efforts and Emergency Food Systems 13:54 Construction and Future Plans 15:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    16 min
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About

Random people, random topics, talking on random sidewalks in the City of Saginaw, Michigan.

Information

  • Creator
    Riverfront Saginaw / Storyville
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Riverfront Saginaw / Storyville