Area Code: Batavia

Area Code Audio
  • 4.3 (12)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

On each episode of Area Code: Batavia, host Richard Clark explores the heart of Batavia, Illinois, and what it means to truly belong in Batavia, IL. Through one-on-one conversations with local small business owners, we uncover the essence of Batavia's community spirit. Produced by Area Code Audio. Tune in every two weeks for new episodes.

  1. It's a Wonderful Life in Batavia!

    2D AGO

    It's a Wonderful Life in Batavia!

    For this episode of Area Code: Batavia, former guests share their "George Baileys", people who have made a huge impact on them and their community just by existing. On this episode we hear from the following people in this order: Batavia Bulldogs Football Team Head Coach, Dennis PironBecoming Neighbors host, Claudia KabanyanaBeardsgaard's Natalie and Tyler AndersonBulldog Plumbing and Start Something's Jamie SaamMayor Jeff and Linda SheilkeChip In's Joanne SpitzArea Code: Batavia Producer, Jennifer ClarkThe Popcorn Depot's Talitha and Dave MuellerSturdy Shelter's Alexa SwidenbankBecoming Neighbors host, David FraccaroTri-Cities Central's Sam Kraft Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

    32 min
  2. How the Batavia Food Pantry Defines Our Town

    DEC 9

    How the Batavia Food Pantry Defines Our Town

    Take our listener survey to help shape the future of Area Code: Batavia. (and earn a chance to win $25 in Chamber Bucks!) Is Batavia actually special, or is that just something we tell ourselves? In this episode, I speak to Eileen Passero, Executive Director of the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry, to explore how their work relates to Batavia's character and aspirations for itself. We discuss why the old "box of mystery food" model is gone, how a "Client Choice" shopping experience restores dignity, and the incredible series of events—involving a stressed-out Eileen and a student driver—that led them to this specific building. Join The 630 Community Gain access to Batavia Favs segments, behind-the-scenes insights, free access for you and a friend to our live shows, and complimentary local perks from some of your favorite local businesses. Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

    45 min
  3. Paula Passes the Torch

    NOV 24

    Paula Passes the Torch

    Take our listener survey to help shape the future of Area Code: Batavia. (and earn a chance to win $25 in Chamber Bucks!) A few weeks ago, Paula Mueller, the owner of Paula’s Couture Consignment dropped a bombshell - she would be giving up ownership of Paula’s. But this announcement came with another announcement: Paula’s now has a new owner, long-time Paula’s employee, and entrepreneur herself, Amanda Mistretta.  I’ve talked to Paula before for this podcast, and I was struck by just how important Paula’s was to so many when it comes to their sense of belonging in Batavia. And not just to her customers, but to Paula herself.  So when I heard this news I knew I had to talk to Paula’s and Amanda about exactly how this came to be, how Paula prepared herself to give up her own creation, and how Amanda moved past the inevitable imposter syndrome to step into this new stage of her own life.  Join The 630 Community - Gain access to Batavia Favs segments, behind-the-scenes insights, free access for you and a friend to our live shows, and complimentary local perks (coming soon!). Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

    40 min

  4. NOV 12

    Two Local Icons Share Their Favorite Things About Batavia

    Take our listener survey to help shape the future of Area Code: Batavia. (and earn a chance to win $25 in Chamber Bucks!) This week, we're dropping a bonus episode to hold you over until our next main installment! We're sharing two segments from our exclusive bonus content series, Batavia Favs. This series is an ongoing feature for members of our official membership community, The 630, where guests share their favorite places, events, and activities in Batavia, Illinois. Featured in this episode: Talitha Mueller (The Popcorn Depot) shares her favorite seasonal activities, the one event she never misses, and the one quality about Batavia she hopes never changes.Brittany Sabatino (Arlo.Hendrix) shares her go-to advice for newcomers, the importance of shopping local, and the best place to find inspiration in Batavia. Join The 630 Community - Gain access to more Batavia Favs segments, behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive hangouts, and complimentary local perks (coming soon!). Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

    20 min
  5. Area Code: Batavia LIVE - A Spooky Season Celebration

    OCT 24

    Area Code: Batavia LIVE - A Spooky Season Celebration

    Just in time for Bat Fest, it's the live recording of our Spooky Season Celebration hosted at Sturdy Shelter. This episode features: A conversation about Bat Fest with Kristen Desler and Beth Walker from Main StreetA True Crime Mystery featuring the Batavia Paranormal Investigation SquadA conversation with Zach Sage, the mastermind behind the Halloween display, Midnight on Morton. Every year, Zach pairs his Halloween display with a drive for Animal House Shelter. If you pay them a visit, consider making a donation. Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

    39 min
  6. A Therapist on the Human Cost of ICE in the Fox Valley

    OCT 22

    A Therapist on the Human Cost of ICE in the Fox Valley

    Jennifer Orta is on the front lines of a crisis of belonging. As the only Spanish speaking licensed mental health provider at Suicide Prevention Services of America, located here in Batavia, she's talking every day to people who are impacted directly by the dramatic increase of ICE activity in the Fox Valley. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, Jennifer, a psychotherapist, describes the hidden emotional impact she sees in her work: from parents too afraid to leave their homes to children quietly agonizing over whether their parents will be there when they get home. This is a necessary and candid conversation about humanity, dignity, and what it truly means to be a neighbor in the Fox Valley region right now. Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

    58 min
  7. How Change Happens in Ward 5

    OCT 6

    How Change Happens in Ward 5

    Don't forget! Our 2nd ever live episode, a Batavia Spooky Season Celebration, is happening October 9th, 7pm at Sturdy Shelter. We'll be featuring conversations with the people behind Batfest, the guy responsible for Midnight on Morton, and a special visit from the Batavia Paranormal Investigation Squad. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here, but members of our membership program, The 630 get in free! On this episode: a conversation with Ward 5 alderpersons Abby Beck and Jim Fahrenbach, the latest in our city council series, where we have joint conversations with current Batavia city council members from the same ward. We hear from Abby and Jim about what it's like serving on council, how they got into public service, and what makes Ward 5 special. Just as a note, because the previous day’s city council meeting is discussed, I wanted to flag that this conversation took place on September 3rd. The September 2nd meeting we discussed will be linked in the show notes. Here’s my conversation with Abby Beck and Jim Farenbach.  You can watch the September 2nd council meeting discussed at the top of the episode here. The rest of our City Council series can be found here. Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

    40 min
  8. Feeling Seen at the Batavia Popcorn Depot

    SEP 22

    Feeling Seen at the Batavia Popcorn Depot

    Heads Up! Our 2nd ever live episode, a Batavia Spooky Season Celebration, is happening October 9th, 7pm at Sturdy Shelter. We'll be featuring conversations with the people behind Batfest, the guy responsible for Midnight on Morton, and a special visit from the Batavia Paranormal Investigation Squad. Tickets are $10, but members of The 630 get in free! Subscribe to The 630 for free access to our October live show, our upcoming Batavia Favs segment featuring The Popcorn Depot's Talitha Mueller, and other exclusive members-only content and opportunities. It would be easy to miss the small building nestled in the parking lot between Batavia's new community center and Fifth Third Bank if it wasn’t for the crowds of patrons lined up most nights. But this small business has amassed a substantial following of regulars who stop by weekly or more to treat themselves and their family.  There’s a reason for this - It doesn’t take long for Talitha Mueller to remember who you are. The more you visit, the more you start to feel a part of things.  Was this feeling just a byproduct of Talitha’s personality, or was this something more intentional? And what does running a historic establishment that has an outsized influence on your town do for your own sense of belonging? Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

    42 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

On each episode of Area Code: Batavia, host Richard Clark explores the heart of Batavia, Illinois, and what it means to truly belong in Batavia, IL. Through one-on-one conversations with local small business owners, we uncover the essence of Batavia's community spirit. Produced by Area Code Audio. Tune in every two weeks for new episodes.

Information

  • Creator
    Area Code Audio
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Area Code Audio
  • Show Website
    Area Code: Batavia

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