Area Code: Batavia

Area Code Audio
  • 4.5 (17)
  • 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. 4d ago

    What Gambling Costs Batavia (And TAP Talks Back)

    This week, Alexa and Richard spend time talking about gambling in Batavia - how it helps small business - and how it hurts. Then, they revisit what has become quite the hot topic in Batavia: the proposed TAP Text A Physician service. Richard sits down with TAP Telehealth's VP of Business Development, Brian Davis to ask some of the questions on his mind. PLUS: The debut of our brand new theme song, by Graham Swidenbank! This Week: Neighborhood Watch - Gambling in BataviaBatavia In Tune (Brought to you by Rae of Sunshine Music)Downstream - Revisiting TAP, with a conversation with TAP Telehealth's VP of Business Development For more information on things discussed in this episode: The House Always Wins: Inside Batavia’s $214 Million in Bets Since 2021City of Batavia TAP Information PageListen to our previous discussion about TAP Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to find out when new episodes are available. Join The 630 to support this podcast and our mission to create a stronger sense of belonging in our community. Members will receive: Free access to quarterly live shows.Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.Regular opportunities to meet up in person with fellow Batavians who share your passion for our town and want to build stronger bonds. 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark. Theme song by Graham Swidenbank.

    What Gambling Costs Batavia (And TAP Talks Back)

  2. 5d ago

    KIDS THESE DAYS - Shae and Pam: Fostering Lifelong Connections Through Education

    Here is the latest episode of Kids These Days, a podcast made in collaboration with Batavia Public Schools that I think listeners to this podcast will love. New episodes will release every month on this feed, but to get them the day they drop, subscribe to the podcast here. Enjoy! ------- What happens when a 4th grader sits down with her former preschool teacher to talk about growing up in Batavia? In this episode of Kids These Days, Superintendent Tom Kim introduces us to Shae (a 4th grader at J.B. Nelson Elementary) and Pam Foelske (director of Batavia Nursery School). Shae and Pam share how much the town has grown, debate whether "old Batavia" or "new Batavia" is better, and explore why Batavia's sense of close-knit community hasn't changed. Ultimately, this conversation shows us how education, extracurriculars, and district investments exist to foster the lifelong connections we find in Batavia.

  3. Sep 30

    For Distraction-Free Batavia, Belonging Means Speaking Up

    It was only two years ago when Megan McDermott moved to Batavia. But when she saw a need, she didn't hesitate to get involved. All it took was a conversation with a fellow parent to inspire her to co-found Distraction-Free Batavia, a parent advocacy group seeking to reduce screen time in schools. Not only did McDermott and her friend and co-founder Megan Kouba's efforts succeed in creating change - they opened the door to a deeper sense of belonging, for both Megans and the other parents who were inspired to speak up themselves. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with Megan McDermott about intentional technology use, the realities of advocating in a tight-knit town, and why true belonging means having the courage to "move the furniture" in your community. PLUS: Richard shares a stunning statistic about who lives and works in Batavia, and Alexa processes her mouse trauma. Read the BPS statement about technology shifts at BPS101View the Distraction-Free Batavia PetitionView the presentation to the City Council that includes the statistics about who lives and works in Batavia.For 630 Members This Week: Richard and Alexa rank their top 5 downtown Batavia strip malls. This is important! Disclosure: Area Code Audio also produces Kids These Days, the official podcast for Batavia Public Schools. While the district is a production client, this conversation was conducted independently. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by 212° Construction Group. Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to find out when new episodes are available. Join The 630 to support this podcast and our mission to create a stronger sense of belonging in our community. Members will receive: Free access to quarterly live shows.Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.Regular opportunities to meet up in person with fellow Batavians who share your passion for our town and want to build stronger bonds. 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark. Theme song by Graham Swidenbank.

    For Distraction-Free Batavia, Belonging Means Speaking Up

  4. Sep 23

    No One Was Asking for TAP. Is It A Good Idea Anyway?

    If it seems like we're in your feed a little early, you'd be right. Starting now, Area Code: Batavia is going weekly! Every other week, in between the same one on one conversations you know and love, we're exploring what it means to belong in Batavia through the a more timely lens. Through regular segments like Neighborhood Watch, Complaint of the Week, and Good Energy, we're exploring the hot topics of the moment, the stuff that people are annoyed by, and the things that make Batavians happy. Plus: a few surprise segments every week. This Week: Neighborhood Watch - Thinking through what the proposed "Text A Physician" plan means for BataviaSmall Pleasures - The most satisfying place to ride your bikeBatavia In Tune (Brought to you by Rae of Sunshine Music)Complaint of the Week - Parade frustrationThis Week in Batavia History - Welcoming home war veteransGood Energy - Batavians make lemons out of Daddio's lemonade For more information on things discussed in this episode: City of Batavia TAP Information PageDolly Parton DayKaraoke For A CauseOktoberfest: Hoss in the GardenHistoric WW1 Parade PhotosDaddio's GoFundMe This episode of Area Code: Batavia and our special segment, "Batavia in Tune" is brought to you by Rae of Sunshine Music. If you're looking to get your child started with Violin, Viola, or Piano lessons, visit raeofsunshinemusic.com. Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to find out when new episodes are available. Join The 630 to support this podcast and our mission to create a stronger sense of belonging in our community. Members will receive: Free access to quarterly live shows.Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.Regular opportunities to meet up in person with fellow Batavians who share your passion for our town and want to build stronger bonds. 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark. Theme song by Graham Swidenbank.

    No One Was Asking for TAP. Is It A Good Idea Anyway?

  5. Sep 16

    ArtBar Is Leading Batavia's Unpretentious Art Movement

    Every month, Lindsey Roussel and Chris Prunckle host a pop-up art show in downtown Batavia. Initially hosted at Sidecar Supper Club and now taking place monthly at Sturdy Shelter, ArtBar Batavia has helped to redefine the feel of Batavia simply by providing a space for creativity and self-expression. In this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I spoke to the founders of ArtBar Batavia what drew them to Batavia, why this town is ideal for a lowbrow art gallery, and why AI has no place in their shows. PLUS: Richard and Alexa mourn the closing of Daddio's. And Richard went kayaking at Clark Island! For 630 Members This Week: Richard and Alexa rank the elementary mascots from worst to best! Important! Also, find out some of Chris and Lindsey's favorite things in Batavia. Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to find out when new episodes are available. Join The 630 to support this podcast and our mission to create a stronger sense of belonging in our community. Members will receive: Free access to quarterly live shows.Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.Regular opportunities to meet up in person with fellow Batavians who share your passion for our town and want to build stronger bonds. 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark. Theme song by Graham Swidenbank.

    ArtBar Is Leading Batavia's Unpretentious Art Movement

  6. Sep 11

    ReVisiting: Daddio's Diner

    Recently, Daddio's Diner announced the sad news that they will be closing for good after Wednesday, September 23rd. "With rising costs of goods and an expiring lease, we had to make the very hard decision to close our doors at the end of next month." Daddio's is a long-standing fixture in Batavia, and one of the key locations that defines Batavia and its' downtown. We'll have more to say about Daddio's closing next week, but for now, we thought it would be a good time to look back on my conversation with Scott Beltran, first published in May of last year. In the meantime, make sure you stop by and have one more meal. And if you're able, show them support through this GoFundMe. ------- Some, who make grand claims of being self-made, might see their success as being a result of their own hard work. But Scott Beltran openly acknowledges the many people who have come alongside him to help make Daddio's a reality. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner of Daddio's Diner about those in his family and community who have helped make Daddio's the staple in Batavia it is today. Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to find out when new episodes are available. Join The 630 to support this podcast and our mission to create a stronger sense of belonging in our community. Members will receive: Free access to quarterly live shows.Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.Regular opportunities to meet up in person with fellow Batavians who share your passion for our town and want to build stronger bonds. 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark. Theme song by Graham Swidenbank.

    ReVisiting: Daddio's Diner

  7. Sep 3

    Live on the River!

    This week, a live episode of Area Code: Batavia recorded on the brand new Sturdy Shelter Deck. On this episode, our cohosts Richard Clark and Alexa Swidenbank are joined by the guys who helped build the deck itself (212° Construction Group), a local plant expert (Marcus Jansen), a conservation-minded gardener(Stephanie Gilbert of Meadowcrafters), and a city-council member and VP at the Conservation Foundation (Abby Beck, 5th-ward Alderperson). Also featuring: Sturdy Shelter's own Oliver Bulley as our special guest announcer! Join us and a live audience as we explore our favorite decks of all time, the local river ecosystem, how we can connect with the river as individuals, and what we need to do as a community to conserve the river. PLUS: Introducing our brand new special segment: Batavia In Tune, brought to you by our sponsor, Rae of Sunshine Music. For every segment of Batavia in Tune, Alexa and Richard give a run down of their most anticipated musical events in Batavia.For 630 Members this week: Our special guest announcer Oliver Bulley leads our live audience in a Batavia-themed round of Scattergories! Can our audience beat Richard and Alexa at their own game? Become a member to find out! This episode of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you in part by Alpha. Follow this link for more information. This episode of Area Code: Batavia and our special segment, "Batavia in Tune" is brought to you by Rae of Sunshine Music. If you're looking to get your child started with Violin, Viola, or Piano lessons, visit raeofsunshinemusic.com. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Meadowcrafters. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by 212° Construction Group. Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to find out when new episodes are available. Join The 630 to support this podcast and our mission to create a stronger sense of belonging in our community. Members will receive: Free access to quarterly live shows.Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.Regular opportunities to meet up in person with fellow Batavians who share your passion for our town and want to build stronger bonds. 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark. Theme song by Graham Swidenbank.

    Live on the River!

  8. Aug 19

    Sidecar Supper Club: A Home for Restless People

    Mark your calendars! Area Code: Batavia - Live on the River will take place Thursday, August 27th at 7pm. We'll be podcasting live from the Sturdy Shelter deck as we talk to special guests about what the river means to Batavia, how to make the most of it, and what we need to do to keep it around. 630 Members get free entry for themselves and a guest. For all others, tickets are available for $10 at the door via cash or Venmo. --- Ten years ago, almost on a whim, Melissa Monno bought herself a bar. Five years after that, she made it her own. For Melissa, Sidecar is more than just a business model. It's a direct expression of who she is and an acknowledgement of the people in her life that are most important to her. Established in the same location as a "long line of watering holes," Sidecar Supper Club has become a stable place for all kinds of people to find rest - especially restless people. In this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I sit down with the owner of Sidecar Supper Club and talk about how Sidecar Supper Club injects a sense of whimsy and energy into Batavia. PLUS: Richard and Alexa find relief at the end of the Great Electric Scooter Takeover of 2026, and discuss the recent string of storms in Batavia. For 630 Members This Week: Richard and Alexa discuss the future of Area Code: Batavia, and Melissa Monno shares her Batavia Favs. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you in part by Alpha. Follow this link for more information. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by 212° Construction Group. Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to find out when new episodes are available. Join The 630 to support this podcast and our mission to create a stronger sense of belonging in our community. Members will receive: Free access to quarterly live shows.Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.Regular opportunities to meet up in person with fellow Batavians who share your passion for our town and want to build stronger bonds. 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark. Theme song by Graham Swidenbank.

    Sidecar Supper Club: A Home for Restless People
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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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Area Code Audio
  • Show Website
    Area Code: Batavia

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