Area Code: Batavia

Area Code Audio

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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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

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.

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