It's been years in the making but we finally got Lucky Backus, daughter of Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, into the podcast studio! (We finally asked and she immediately agreed and it was super fun). Lucky joins us all the way from Olympia, where she lives with her partner. She helps manage the Vans in the Capital Mall and when in Auburn, can be found just about anywhere the mayor is currently -- like City Hall, at city events. You name it, she's seen it. We reminisce about her days growing up here (getting in trouble for listening to the TV too loud in the back areas), moving away, starting her own life, and of course, what it's like to grow up the child of a politician. 

Chester and Jonathan are joined by Auburn Symphony Orchestra's Executive Director, Rachel Perry and Music Director & Conductor, Wes Schulz! The dynamic duo took a long walk down Main Street (2 blocks) to City Hall to discuss this season's upcoming shows, how the last few have gone, and things to get excited about that are on the horizon! Learn why you should be impressed by your friend who can play the trumpet, and learn how difficult it can be to join a symphony (it's no walk in the park). Stick around for the symphony versus graphic design trivia at the end.

Grace Abrams song titles aside, this episode is all about the BRAND STINKIN' NEW MISS AUBURN AND MISS AUBURN'S TEEN! Chandler Groce and Malia Watanabe-Collier are hot off the Miss Auburn circuit where they were recently crowned! Chandler has an amazing story of preserverance and determination, having been diagnosed with schizophrenia at just 17 years old (she's 22 now). She's writing a children's book all about it, and she'd love if you'll read it one day. Malia, on the other hand, is 14 and already smarter than you and I and everyone else. She's going to change the world one day, believe you me.

It's the Wednesday after the Super Bowl, a game between two teams we'd rather wax our entire back than ever watch play in the final game of the season. Again. Again. But there's business to talk about, so Chester, Jonathan and Angee get down and dirty about the second phase of the Postmark, set to finish up this spring, and how bees are TAKING OVER AUBURN!!!! OK, not really, but they are lovin' the wildflower beds are Parks, Arts and Recreation Department have put out, and they're gonna love them big time this spring. Stick around till the end to try your knowledge at Super Bowl trivia. We promise next episode will be better.

It's Chester, it's Jonathan, and it's Amanda Pantano, former Miss Auburn's Outstanding Teen and Miss Auburn -- that's right, she's done it all, and she did it well. Not only has she been competing in pageants for much of her life, she's one half of an amazing marketing duo with her husband. Hear about how Miss Auburn shaped her into the person she is today, and how the skills learned can translate to just about any job. Also, her dog is the chief fun officer. 

What's better than a big, beatufiul building of the arts? How about one that used to be a Post Office! Or a public health facility! We're talking about Postmark Center of the Arts, obviously, and it has so many amazing events and programs on the horizon that we just had to invite Arts Supervisor Allison Hyde on the show to yap it up. She shared some insights into how a class is made, what's coming up for creators of all shapes and sizes, and what's going on with the second phase of the Postmark Project (hint: it rhymes with masement). Tune, have a listen, and test your Post Office knowledge!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! How does a city get its look and feel? Who are the creatives who make it happen? How, exactly, does a banner get made? City of Auburn's lone Graphic Designer, Kevin McCoy, joins the Auburn on Main crew to chat about design work, making logos, how he moonlights as an illustrator, and everything in between. 

What's better than a series of Safe Auburn: Community Conversations meetings? How about a round two! That's exactly what's headed to schools across Auburn in January and February when the Safe Auburn series continues with the latest in greatest. We heard you, now we're ready to share. Keisha Taylor, Equity, Engagement and Outreach Coordinator, joins Jonathan, Chester, and Angee to talk about the meetings, further outreach efforts, and more! Plus, put your Christmas and holiday knowledge to the test.

Chester, Jonathan and Angee are joined this week by Amanda Valdez, one of City of Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation's Special Events Coordinators, to talk SANTA! OH MY GOD !!!!! It's Santa, we know him. The big red guy is coming to Auburn this Saturday for the Lighted Santa Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, which is a fun parade down Main Street, ending at City Hall for the lighting of the tree in the plaza! Come downtown around 4:30 p.m. to catch the fun, and stay for the music and dancing after it's all lit up! Listen to the end of the episode to test your knowledge on Santa trivia! 

*extremely Tim Allen voice* uhhhuaaahhh?!? Jonathan, Chester and Angee are joined by South King Tool Library Executive Director Amanda Miller to talk...tools! And how you don't have to own em -- that's right, you can check out just about anything your heart desires at the South King Tool Library at the Outlet Collection Seattle. They've got leaf blowers, chain saws, hammers, drills, air fryers, and more! They also hold classes on how to do-it-your-self and how to preserve. There's just one question -- do you need the nail hammers, or do you need the hammer? Probably the former. They round out the podcast with everyone's favorite, "Is it Tool lyrics, or is it gibberish?" Test your knowledge!