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Viva Downtown's Downtown Discussion
Viva Downtown's Downtown Discussion
Author: Viva Downtown
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© 2025 Viva Downtown's Downtown Discussion
Description
A podcast where we interview the people who enhance Downtown Redding, California through Social, Cultural and Economic Development. Viva Downtown Redding is a volunteer non-profit 501(c)3 accredited National Main Street America Organization and a California Main Street member. Viva Downtown encourages citizens, businesses and interested groups to enhance the vitality of Downtown Redding using the Main Street America Approach for community transformation.
50 Episodes
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Kirkwood Hale, co-founder of Plantable Nursery and Café, joins the Downtown Discussion Podcast to share the story behind Plantable Redding, the vibrant green space that transformed the once abandoned lot on the corner of California and Gold Street. Kirkwood discusses how he and his team turned a neglected part of downtown into a community hub for small concerts, gatherings, gardening education, plant sales, and the restoration of the Calaboose Creek in to a healthy eco system agai...
Dylan Mosshart, owner of Fridays Vintage, joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to celebrate three years in business and the grand re-opening at their new location at 1401 Market Street on the Market/Tehama Corner. Dylan discusses the growth of his mom-and-pop vintage shop and owning the business alongside his wife, Paige, his passion for timeless clothing, and the journey from pop-up events to a full brick-and-mortar storefront. He also shares advice for entrepreneurs ...
Step inside the magic of Redding’s newest destination for kids! In this episode of The Viva Downtown’s Downtown Discussion, we are joined by Tara Faires and Suzanne Russell, and celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Ferris Wheel Kids — a vibrant new store designed with families in mind. Hear from the people who brought this dream to life, discover what makes Ferris Wheel Kids a unique addition to our downtown, and join the excitement as the community comes together to welcome this...
Kelly Sepelyak is a Silicon Valley native driven by a passion for blending communications and technology to fuel innovation. As an Executive Assistant at RABA, she plays a key role in optimizing operations, leading impactful outreach efforts, and building meaningful connections within the community. Kelly is deeply committed to advancing accessibility and ensuring public services truly reflect the needs of those they serve. Tune in to discover how Kelly and other young changemakers are creati...
Local Theatre Director, Emma Richardson, Redding Cultural District Program Assistant, Gabe Newman, and Cascade Theatre Box Office Manager, Jacob Akana join Viva Downtown to talk about their participation and engagment for the next generation in downtown programming and arts and culture. From theatrical productions, live music and tabletop gaming our guests in this episode are building artistic and community-driven programs that bring new energy in Downtown Redding's historic buildings. Tune i...
Redding Rodeo Week kicks off May 9–18, and the Asphalt Cowboys saddle up on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to share what’s in store! Dave Tappan and Mike Ursitti join us to talk about the history and tradition of the Asphalt Cowboys, what it takes to become one, and all the excitement around this year’s downtown events. From the return of the iconic Street Dance—featuring a special performance by Ben Haggard, son of country legend Merle Haggard—to the beloved Pancake Breakfast where nearly 3...
Tyler Faires is back on the Viva Downtown Discussion Podcast to talk about the Sundial Film Festival's exciting return to the Cascade Theatre on Saturday March 22, 2025. He shares insights into the festival's revitalization, collaborating with filmmakers and artists to establish a dynamic local, regional, and international film event in Downtown Redding. Tyler also explores the future of filmmaking and the crucial role of investing in local film programs in Shasta County. Tune in to learn mor...
Ami and Bart Hauptman, local family brewers, join the Downtown Discussion podcast to discuss their new ownership of Woody's Brewing Company. Woody's Brewing Company celebrates 10 years of being established in Downtown Redding as a family business, learn about Ami and Bart who are excited to take on Woody's with their family and continue producing top quality beers, dining experiences, and community involvement. https://woodysbrewing.com/ Woody's Brewing Company 530-768-1034 1257 Oregon Stree...
Eddie McAllister, facilitator of the Shasta Beloved Community and recipient of the National Education Association's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award, joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast. Eddie discusses the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Downtown Redding on January 20, 2025, and the shifting cultural climate of Shasta County. He also shares ways to get involved in community organizing and breaking down cultural barriers. Monday, January 20, 2...
Danny Orloff, director of Paint the Town Redding and Karlo Henry founder of The Art Hunger/Viva Downtown Arts Director, joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to discuss Beyond the Box Art Project. Beyond the Box coordinated by Orloff and Henry is a creative partnership between Redding Electric Utility and 20 local artists to paint 20 unique and diverse murals on City of Redding Electric Boxes in Downtown. Danny and Karlo discuss the impact, process, and inspirat...
The Shasta Historical Society joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast. Chairman of the Board, Jason Salter, and Development & Marketing Manager, Gabriel Leete discuss the ongoing renovations, improvements that are occurring after a flood damaged the interior of the Society. We also discuss the impact of Historical Societies for Main Streets and the benefits of becoming a member with your local Historical Society. Since 1930 the Shasta Historical Society mission has been to ...
Redding Roots Revival, the two day music festival that takes place here in Downtown Redding returns September 27,28. Janelle Pierson and Donnie Red joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion to discuss the significant efforts to produce this music festival. Redding Roots Revival activates four stages in Downtown Redding with local, regional and national artists. Redding Roots Revival is going five years strong, in this podcast learn about the social, cultural, and economic development o...
Local Film makers, Tyler Faires, Tyler Lochamy, and Tom Green, join Viva Downtown, on the Downtown Discussion. In this Downtown Discussion we discuss the success of the local documentary ACID Canal, directed by Tyler Faires, the return and reimagining of The Sundial Film Festival, and the importance of film and story telling in your Downtown. To learn more about their upcoming projects, Sundial Film Festival, and local film making resources follow these links: ACID CANAL:https://faireswhee...
Maggie Redmon, Cascade Theatre's interim director, joins us to discuss her role with the theatre. Cascade Theatre for the past 20 years since reopening has established itself as the beacon of arts and culture. The historic theatre originally opened in 1935. The theatre eventually shuttered with the original artwork and architecture being covered. Through community, private and public investment and involvement the Cascade Theatre reopened in 2004 with the original art deco ...
The Sundial Bridge celebrates 20 years since its completition in the Redding Cultural District. Shannon Philips, Chief Operating Officer of the McConnell Foundation, joins the Downtown Discussion to discuss the 20 year milestone celebration. The festivities will bring Bandaloop Wire Dancers, artists, recreational activities and culinary experiences together from June 28 through July 4. Check out the list of activities Here The Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay, designed by international architect...
Sara Sundquist and Anna Blasco from Healthy Shasta, join Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion podcast to discuss Bike Month and Downtown Community Walking maps. The month of May is Bike Month, learn how to participate in local biking events during the month: Information Here at Love to Ride Shasta County: https://www.lovetoride.net/shasta Healthy Shasta has partnered with Viva Downtown, the City of Redding, Visit Redding, the Redding Cultural District, Shasta Historical Society, and...
Adam Yount, the business owner of AREA 151, joins Viva Downtown on the Downtown Discussion Podcast. Area 151, a full immersion virtual reality gaming experience based business. Learn about the Adam's process for developing Area 151, through renovations of a former office space, to how VR is transforming the way people experience immersion gaming and team building. Yount is a lifelong resident of Redding and has been proud to see the momentum and development of Do...
Sharon Brisolara, of Inquiry that Matters, joins Blake Fisher on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to discuss Women's History Month and International Women's Day. In coordination with Women's History Month, Viva Downtown and Sharon Brisolara will host presentations and open mic poetry programs that highlight and celebrate Women leadership and contributions. This programming is part of the Upstate California Creative Corp grant. Participate and attend the programs at the IOOF HALL ...
Todd Jones joins Blake Fisher on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to discuss his new roll as the Greater Redding Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. The Downtown Discussion Podcast highlights people who enhance Downtown Redding through social, cultural and economic development. The podcast is edited by Jacob Akana.
John Truitt from Viva Downtown, an Accredited Main Street America organization, joins us on the Downtown Discussion Podcast to talk about positive development though art; civic engagement through art; and Upstate Creative Corps projects. John discusses upcoming arts projects and how Downtown Redding creatives are actively engaging people to make a healthy, resilient and vibrant community. Learn more about Upstate Creative Corp here: https://www.upstatecreativecorps.org/



