Community Builders - A Chico Podcast

In Episode #4 of Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with Muir Hughes, the longtime owner of Chico’s beloved downtown bookstore and one of the creative forces behind Chikoko.

Muir shares why bookstores still matter in a world built for speed and convenience, and how simply walking through the door can reconnect people to curiosity, empathy, and each other. She reflects on what she has seen from behind the counter over the years, including how browsing habits and our relationship with discovery have changed in the internet era.

We also dive into Chikoko’s 20 year legacy, including their recent show Beast, how the group built an experimental fashion show from the ground up, and why it resonates so deeply with Chico. Muir breaks down the audition process, the power of local models, and the permission the show gives people to be bold and expressive. She also highlights the Bizarre Bazaar, one of Chico’s most iconic local maker events.

The conversation expands into the bigger picture, exploring how loneliness, screens, and the loss of shared spaces have reshaped connection, and why acts of service may be the clearest path back to community.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen 

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen 

Segment jingles  licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

Instagram

YouTube (Full Video Episodes)

In Episode #3 of Season 2 of Community Builders, We sit down with Brandon Slater of Slater & Son Construction, a third generation Chico builder whose family has helped shape the city since 1948. 

Brandon reflects on returning to Chico after working in the Bay Area, why his company prioritizes people over growth, and how a family business mindset influences the way they treat employees, clients, and partners. He also talks about the importance of staying connected to the community that has supported their work for generations.

The conversation goes deeper into one of Chico’s biggest challenges: housing and homelessness. Brandon walks through his work with CHAT and local organizations, the thinking behind Hope Village, and the housing models he has built to create real paths toward stability. He also explains why affordable housing is so hard to build in California and how Chico can keep pushing for practical solutions without losing the human side of the issue.

If you care about Chico’s future and the people working to strengthen it, this episode offers a grounded look at how community is built through craft, collaboration, and long term care.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen 

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen 

Segment jingles  licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

Instagram

YouTube (Full Video Episodes)

In Episode #2 of Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with creator and community organizer Lucia Mercado, the force behind Lunar Market, Divine Sundays, and several of Chico’s most vibrant cultural events. Lucia shares her journey from growing up in Riverside to building a life in Chico centered around creativity, inclusion, and community connection.

Lucia talks about how her early experiences shaped her compassion for others and why she believes everyone deserves a place to belong. She walks us through the origins of Lunar Market, how it grew from a small pop-up into a Chico favorite, and why she is committed to keeping her events free, welcoming, and accessible to families of all backgrounds. We discuss the power of creative spaces, the importance of “the weird and alternative,” and how her vendors, musicians, and volunteers have become a community of their own.

Lucia also opens up about her work with Explore Butte County and how she helps highlight the events, organizers, and hidden gems across Butte County. Her story is a reminder of how much can change when someone believes in community, listens to people’s needs, and creates places where everyone is invited to show up as themselves.

Whether you love local events, are curious about Chico’s creative scene, or are someone looking for your own sense of belonging, this episode offers a heartfelt look at how meaningful spaces come to life through passion, courage, and collaboration.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen 

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen 

Segment jingles  licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

Instagram

YouTube (Full Video Episodes)

In Episode #1 of Season 2 of Community Builders, we sit down with Chico State President Steve Perez for a thoughtful and grounded conversation about leadership, education, and what it truly means to build community in Chico.

President Perez walks us through his journey into higher education, the values that guide his leadership, and why he believes Chico State plays a vital role far beyond the campus borders. We talk about student success, the importance of listening, and how the university is working to create a supportive environment for every student who steps onto campus.

He also shares his perspective on Chico’s future, the connection between local institutions and community wellbeing, and how collaboration between city partners, nonprofits, and the university can shape real change.

Whether you are a student, a Chico resident, or someone who cares about the future of higher education, this conversation offers an honest and inspiring look at how strong communities are built through trust, communication, and a commitment to people.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen 

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen 

Segment jingles  licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

Instagram

YouTube (Full Video Episodes)

In Episode #13 of Community Builders, we sit down with Bryce Goldstein, Chico City Council member representing District 7 and a longtime transportation planner, for an in-depth conversation about civic engagement, housing, and what it really takes to make change at the local level.

Bryce shares her journey from attending council meetings as a concerned resident to becoming an elected official. She talks about the importance of showing up, the realities of campaigning, and how she brings together her background in environmental science, her work in the arts, and her deep connection to local advocacy.

Throughout the episode, Bryce opens up about housing affordability, the role of service providers in addressing homelessness, and how the political landscape of the council has shifted toward more collaboration. She also shares her vision for public transportation in Chico, including bus rapid transit and improving access across neighborhoods.

Tune in for a grounded and thoughtful conversation about public service, city planning, and how local leadership can shape a better future for everyone.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen 

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen 

Segment jingles  licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

Instagram

YouTube (Full Video Episodes)

In Episode #12 of Community Builders, we sit down with Chico Fire Chief Steve Standridge to explore what it takes to lead a modern fire department and protect a growing city in the age of climate change, aging infrastructure, and evolving community needs.

Chief Standridge shares his personal path from the Army to the fire service, why he believes firefighting is a calling, and what makes Chico’s department uniquely connected to the community it serves. We talk about the impact of new fire behavior research, the critical importance of training and trust on the job, and the reality of fighting wildland and structure fires in Chico.

He also opens up about the pressures facing today’s firefighters, from arson investigations to wildland fire mitigation, and how community support and city resources play a vital role in public safety.

Whether you’re a resident, policymaker, or just someone who appreciates the work of first responders, this conversation will give you a deeper look at what it means to serve with heart, grit, and humility.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen 

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen 

Segment jingles  licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

Instagram

YouTube (Full Video Episodes)

In Episode #11 of Community Builders, we sit down with Wendy Fairon, Principal of Chico Country Day School, to talk about what it takes to build a learning environment that puts trust, curiosity, and connection at the center. Wendy shares the school’s roots as one of California’s first charter schools, explains their commitment to project-based learning, and reflects on what makes a school feel like a true community for both kids and adults.

We explore how CCDS partners with families, supports teachers, and inspires students to see themselves as capable, curious contributors. Wendy also opens up about her path from culinary school to education leadership, the importance of supporting teachers as learners, and what it means to stay hopeful and idealistic in the face of real challenges.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or community member, this episode is a reminder of how powerful education can be when it’s driven by people who care.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen 

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen 

Segment jingles  licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

Instagram

YouTube (Full Video Episodes)

In Episode #10 of Community Builders, we sit down with Emily Acevedo, Executive Director of Butte Humane Society, one of the longest-running nonprofits in Butte County. Emily shares her story of how she went from working in business development to leading an organization that helps thousands of animals each year through shelter services, vet care, and outreach programs.

Throughout the episode, Emily talks about the realities of running an animal shelter today, including rising costs, limited space, and a national shortage of veterinarians. She explains how her team works to prevent animals from entering the shelter system by supporting pet owners with food, medical care, and education. Emily also opens up about the emotional side of the job, touching on compassion fatigue and how her team stays focused on the wins.

Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about community care, animal welfare, and what it means to build a more compassionate Chico.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen 

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen 

Segment jingles  licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

Instagram

YouTube (Full Video Episodes)

In Episode #9 of Community Builders, we sit down with Bob Trausch, co-founder of Chico Housing Action Team (CHAT). Bob shares the story of how CHAT began in 2011 with a small group of volunteers responding to dangerously cold weather. What started as an emergency effort quickly grew into a long-term mission to provide stable housing and rebuild lives.

Bob explains how CHAT has expanded over the years, creating safe, supportive environments like Everhart Village—a community designed for individuals with mental illness that offers housing, food, and 24/7 staff support.

This episode explores Bob’s deep commitment to human connection, his experience growing up in poverty, and the values that drive his work. Tune in for a powerful conversation about community responsibility, second chances, and what it really means to be a helper in Chico.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen 

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen 

Segment jingles  licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

Instagram

YouTube (Full Video Episodes)

In Episode #8 of Community Builders, we feature Maitreya Badami, Associate Professor of CSU Chico's Department of Political Science and Director of Education at the Butte Defense Equity Project. Maitreya shares how she blends her passion for social justice with her academic and community roles, impacting both her students and the broader community.

During the episode, Maitreya explains her approach to teaching public policy and social equity, motivating students to move from theory to active engagement and advocacy. This educational philosophy prepares them to be future leaders capable of driving significant societal changes.

Maitreya also discusses her work with the Butte Defense Equity Project, where she extends her influence beyond the classroom, educating the public on legal rights and advocating for systemic reforms. Her efforts exemplify true community building, merging education, law, and direct community involvement.

Tune in to discover how Maitreya Badami shapes an informed and proactive generation, ready to address and solve the challenges of tomorrow.

Follow us on Instagram: @community.builders.chico

👉 Watch the live video recorded episode here

EPISODE CREDITS:

Hosted by Dorian Cohen 

Produced by Metric Studios

Edited by Michael Bone and Seth Ryan Trachtman

Audio mixed by Michael Bone

Artwork designed by Dorian Cohen 

Segment jingles  licensed through Music Bed

Be sure to follow Community Builders on YouTube and Instagram!

Instagram

YouTube (Full Video Episodes)